KICK OFF to SUMMER 2025

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:28 PM

Memorial Day Weekend is a time to remember the brave men and women who gave everything so that we can have the freedom we enjoy, here in the United States of America and for Cindy and I, it's also time that we try to spend with good friends and enjoy our freedom and in what we like to call, the kick off to summer. With that said, the following pics are from a last minute trip we were lucky enough to do with Tony and Steph, Mike and Robyn, Chris, Jen and Nick and for at least one of the days, Doug as well

With the plan of hitting dirt on Saturday, the plan was for everyone to meet up on Friday night but thanks to a fire out by Mono City, CA, the 395 was closed and anyone coming up from SoCal got detoured up the 95. Of course, once we realized and knowing that Tony and Steph would be coming up early, we decided to meet them at one of our favorite eateries, the Big Horn Crossing.

Of course, what would lunch be without a tasty local brew to wash it all down.

CHEERS

After lunch, we made our way over to the Edge of Pizen to continue in the quenching of our thirst and while we waited for everyone else to come.

Being that I had totally forgotten about this weekend coming up, I totally dropped the ball and had no plans for it. Fortunately, Cindy had been talking to Steph about getting together and then Mike reached out to me saying he and Robyn would be in the area and then Chris, someone who's always joined us to kick off summer was available and with Jen and his brother Nick and before I knew it, we had a crew of friends joining in on the fun!

Time to move the party over to a proper watering hole and for some dinner.

CHEERS to a great weekend ahead of us!

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:28 PM

Wasn't sure if he'd be able to make the trip but fortunately, we met up with this guy the next morning.

While he would be able to do the whole run, Doug said he could join us on Saturday.

After a nice breakfast in town, we all headed back to the Edge of Pizen to air down and get ready to hit the trails.

And we're off!! So happy to have all this wide open nothingness, right out the back gate

Pulling up to our first stop of the day, a mining district that was founded in 1866 and yielded $8 million over the next 20 years.

Here's a few shots of us checking out the old post office.

One of the locals stopped by to make sure we weren't up to no good.

Taking a short walk over to the old stamp mill.

One of the two original 5 stamp mills is still in place and fairly well preserved.

Leaving the old mill, we made our way up the canyon a bit and to the middle of the old ghost town.

It's hard to believe it's still standing, albeit with the first floor mostly buried in dirt now but at one point and time, this was a wonderful 2 story hotel.

Originally, all the walls of this hotel was covered in newspapers to help with insulation before being covered by wallpaper. Up until recently, much of the old clippings could still be seen and read. Unfortunately, most of them have been cut out and taken away by visitors but a few like this still remain and tell a story of what life was like back in the day.

Here's a small sample of what the old wallpaper once looked like.

Time to head up the hill and say hello to some of the residents that still remain.

I am of course talking about the cemetery and those who've become permanent residents of this once thriving town.

This is the grave of Alice Maria Robinson who was only 15 years old when she died. On her tombstone is the following last request, "...to be an angel. And with the angels stand. A crown upon my forehead. A harp within my hands."

Sadly, jackoffs have come through the cemetery and toppled this old headstone.

This is what it used to look like about 10 years ago - a fine example of how many pioneer headstones were intricately carved and shaped in a way to resembles slot machines during that time - a sign of success and wealth.

Most of the graves here are unmarked and the few that remain are crumbling away either from time and or vandalism.

Not that it'll do a whole lot of good but a barrier has recently been erected to help provide, a little more protection from all the assholes who would just wheel over everything.

Hopefully, this effort will help preserve our history for others to experience and learn from.

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:29 PM

Back on the move and on our way to more fun!

Making a quick stop to check out the nicely flowing river we've been paralleling.

Climbing up and out of the river valley and looking back at the awesome views.

Had to make a stop to really take the views in.

Came across this guy checking out the view too.

Taking a step back, it occurred to us that the little fella might be sitting on an old grave.

Further along the way, we came across a few other locals who live in the area.

Ahhh, nice to find a nice shady spot to enjoy some lunch on the trail.

One of the best parts about wheeling a Gladiator is that it comes with a nice tailgate to eat off of.

And, if all else fails, Doug came prepared with his Plan B.

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:29 PM

After a nice lunch, it was time to move on out again.

As luck would have it, the trail in this canyon was pretty washed out from the last few big winters and 4LO would be needed from here.

Chris making his way up the rocks.

Followed closely by Doug.

Shot of Mike and Tony picking up the rear.

Further along the way, the rocks kept coming.

It's been way too long since Doug has gone wheeling with us and as you can see, he's clearly disappointed to be back out in the trail.

Past the big rocks, the trail smoothed out a bit.

But there were still a few rocks to play on here and there.

Last set of optional big rocks down in the canyon you can play on and I wasn't about to pass them up.

Mike giving a go as well.

Tony deciding to hit them too.

Almost to our second destination for the day, there's a totally creaky sketch bridge that you need to cross.

And then there's a nice little muddy water crossing you need to make.

You just know Tony has a big smile on his face right about now LOL

Heading up and out toward epic clouds ahead.

And here we are - the old ghost town of Bodie.

With just half an hour before the park closed, we decided to save the $8 a person fee and save a walk around town for another day. Instead, we made our way down the mountain and to get a delicious blueberry milkshake. YUM

After saying goodbye to Doug and a short drive to our home for the night, it was time for Tony to make us some of his famous vodka tonics!

To a great day out on the trail - CHEERS!

And finally, after a very full day and night of play with everyone, Ripley was FINALLY ready for bed.

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:30 PM

Day 2 of our kick off to summer started off with a little bombing across the desert and making a stop over at an old mining camp.

A look on the inside of the main building, you can see the walls here were once covered in old newspapers and even magazine clippings.

Sadly, most of the good ones have since been cut out and removed by asshats and just in the last couple of years. Here are a few shots of what you could have see in the past. Again, this is why I hate social media and all the people who post up names and coordinates about places like this. They are the reason why so much of this precious history is disappearing or just getting trashed.

Man, it sure is hard not to want to give places like this a closer look LOL

On the move again, we made our way up to another one of the many mines in the area and check out what remains.

The residents here weren't too happy about us stopping by unannounced.

Love digging though the trash and finding old bottles like this one made by the American Bottle Company back in 1909.

Time to press on up and over the hill to see what else we can find.

This really was a fun part of the trail in that it felt like a slow motion roller coaster.

Lucky us, we found another cool mining camp to explore!

Hard to image that people actually drove cars like this up here. But then, maybe that's why what's left of it is still here LOL

So cool to find old tins and bottles with writing on them as it makes them feel more real.

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:30 PM

Further up the mountain side and working our way up some tight switch backs.

Of course, we had to stop and check this old mine out.

As luck would have it, the really old door was open. Guess that's an invitation to come in

Absolutely love the old blacksmithed door latch.

Here we go!

This mine clearly had multiple levels and with shoots everywhere.

Fortunately, there were vertical shafts as well and that allowed for a lot of cool and fresh air to get pipped into the mine.

It's not too often that you find a mine that hasn't been completely trashed by yahoos and much to our surprise, this was one of them. In fact, you can still see a lot of old writing on the wooden beams, shoots and even rock that was made with the oil wicks on carbide lamps.

Here's another vertical shaft that goes way way way down.

I have to say, this was one of the deeper shafts we've explored and definitely one of the most pristine as well. Definitely need to keep this one a secret.

Time to explore the remains of the old buildings outside.

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:31 PM

On the move again.

Looking for a route down the mountain, we came up to a fork and before choosing a direction, Cindy and I scouted ahead on foot and saw this down below.

Needless to say, we just had to stop and check it out.

Fortunately, there was a spot for the 4 of us to park and turn around.

Like the old mine before, this old cabin was in very good condition or at least, it wasn't covered in graffiti, trash, shot up and or burned down as is the case with so many others these days.

There were even some Plains Prickly Pears in bloom here.

Of course, we spent a lot of time dumpster diving here and there were some cool things to be found like this old china plate bit with a stamp on it.

Unfortunately, it was time to get back on the trail and find a way off this mountain.

Scouting ahead of foot a bit, I was able to find an old route that made its way down to addits and what looked like a path down to a main road but it clearly hadn't been used in a very long time. At least, there were no visible signs of tire tracks that I could see.

Further down, the trail started to get real faint and with nature doing what it does best and that's to reclaim it.

Close to the main road, the trail made its way through a narrow ravine and erosion from storms made it rocky and fun to navigate.

But, as soon as we hooked up with a more well used length of trail, it was full speed ahead again.

And I should note, it was a good thing too being that we had bellies to fill and maybe more importantly, thirsts to quench.

CHEERS to a great first half of our day!

As you can see, this is my kind of place!

After a great time at the Mina Club, Chris discovered the reason for why his Jeep was all over the place while bombing down the windy mountian.

While we weren't able to fix the sway bar link, he decided it would be a good idea to remove the whole thing before it got caught up in something and cause more harm.

Back out on dirt again, we boogied out into the middle of nowhere - just where we love to be.

Down in the playa, we had to make a stop to pose for a few shots.

On the other side of the valley, we came across yet another cool mining camp that begged to be checked out.

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:31 PM

And further up the mountain, we made a stop to explore even more cool mines.

Danger - Unsafe Mine - Stay Out - Stay Alive

More cool writing on the walls.

With the shadows starting to get long, we decided it was time to press on to our home for the night.

But, before getting back on pavement, there was one more place filled with cool rock formations that we just had to make a stop and check out.

And finally, it was time to celebrate another great day enjoying the freedom that we have in America and by exploring the vast northern Nevada desert with good friends - CHEERS!!

Okay, maybe the last pic wasn't exactly the final or even close to the final cheers LOL - so, CHEERS AGAIN!!

I hope you enjoyed the pics from our kick off to summer trip. I know that others in our group took a bunch of pics too and I'm hoping they'll share theirs here too.

I hope you all have a great summer of wheeling ahead of you

Jsouder53 · Tuesday at 10:36 PM

wayoflife said:
Wasn't sure if he'd be able to make the trip but fortunately, we met up with this guy the next morning.

While he would be able to do the whole run, Doug said he could join us on Saturday.

After a nice breakfast in town, we all headed back to the Edge of Pizen to air down and get ready to hit the trails.

And we're off!! So happy to have all this wide open nothingness, right out the back gate

Pulling up to our first stop of the day, a mining district that was founded in 1866 and yielded $8 million over the next 20 years.

Here's a few shots of us checking out the old post office.

One of the locals stopped by to make sure we weren't up to no good.

Taking a short walk over to the old stamp mill.

One of the two original 5 stamp mills is still in place and fairly well preserved.

Leaving the old mill, we made our way up the canyon a bit and to the middle of the old ghost town.

It's hard to believe it's still standing, albeit with the first floor mostly buried in dirt now but at one point and time, this was a wonderful 2 story hotel.

Originally, all the walls of this hotel was covered in newspapers to help with insulation before being covered by wallpaper. Up until recently, much of the old clippings could still be seen and read. Unfortunately, most of them have been cut out and taken away by visitors but a few like this still remain and tell a story of what life was like back in the day.

Here's a small sample of what the old wallpaper once looked like.

Time to head up the hill and say hello to some of the residents that still remain.

I am of course talking about the cemetery and those who've become permanent residents of this once thriving town.

This is the grave of Alice Maria Robinson who was only 15 years old when she died. On her tombstone is the following last request, "...to be an angel. And with the angels stand. A crown upon my forehead. A harp within my hands."

Sadly, jackoffs have come through the cemetery and toppled this old headstone.

This is what it used to look like about 10 years ago - a fine example of how many pioneer headstones were intricately carved and shaped in a way to resembles slot machines during that time - a sign of success and wealth.

Most of the graves here are unmarked and the few that remain are crumbling away either from time and or vandalism.

Not that it'll do a whole lot of good but a barrier has recently been erected to help provide, a little more protection from all the assholes who would just wheel over everything.

Hopefully, this effort will help preserve our history for others to experience and learn from.

That is infuriating to see the amount of vandalism of history

benatc1 · Tuesday at 10:44 PM

Looks like it was an awesome weekend! Thanks for sharing!

AZVAJKU · Tuesday at 10:46 PM

Very cool! Looks like a great time!

wayoflife · Tuesday at 10:57 PM

Jsouder53 said:
That is infuriating to see the amount of vandalism of history

It really is and I don't think there's any stopping it. If anything, things have only gotten exponentially worse.

benatc1 said:
Looks like it was an awesome weekend! Thanks for sharing!

AZVAJKU said:
Very cool! Looks like a great time!

Glad you enjoyed the pics and you know it was a great time!

Jsouder53 · Tuesday at 10:59 PM

wayoflife said:
It really is and I don't think there's any stopping it. If anything, things have only gotten exponentially worse.

Gotta see it while you can! It looks like it was a great time! When my kids are old enough, we will definitely have to explore Nevada

DirtHeadDavis · Tuesday at 11:01 PM

Way cool pics of way cool places! Great group. Bandit and Chris's Gladiator make me want one built up similarly one day - simple, capable, yet still such useful trucks.

wayoflife · 2025-05-28T00:23:24+0100

Jsouder53 said:
Gotta see it while you can! It looks like it was a great time! When my kids are old enough, we will definitely have to explore Nevada

I think you and your family would enjoy it.

DirtHeadDavis said:
Way cool pics of way cool places! Great group. Bandit and Chris's Gladiator make me want one built up similarly one day - simple, capable, yet still such useful trucks.

Glad you liked the pics and yes, simple, capable and while still being useful is really nice to have.

jeeeep · 2025-05-28T00:24:10+0100

now that's the way to enjoy a weekend!

Staring down that mine shaft made my inner stupid say... yeah, let's go down there, it's safe'ish enough lol

All I could envision with those cool rock formations is some giant dinosaur after a hefty meal, definitely need a bigger bag to pick up after that pet.

great time!

wayoflife · 2025-05-28T00:35:23+0100

jeeeep said:
now that's the way to enjoy a weekend!

Staring down that mine shaft made my inner stupid say... yeah, let's go down there, it's safe'ish enough lol

All I could envision with those cool rock formations is some giant dinosaur after a hefty meal, definitely need a bigger bag to pick up after that pet.

great time!

Too funny

NPC 6060⁸42 · 2025-05-28T00:46:31+0100

Wow great shots. Looks like a perfect way to start summer.

OverlanderJK · 2025-05-28T01:27:43+0100

Is this AI? Piginajeep on dirt? Don’t believe it.

thrash66 · 2025-05-28T01:30:33+0100

Looks like a blast! I'm glad everyone had fun.

KICK OFF to SUMMER 2025

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