ETAV8R's build: Gini and some wanderings

Wanted to share a tip when stowing the awning: if you keep the guy lines in place the horizontal poles can be retracted and put in the storage tracks before rolling up the awning. This makes it much easier during one person use.

 

Shower update:

I believe it was two years ago when I decided to try my hand at building a ABS shower tube. With the transition from the FWC to the Tradesman I had to figure out a new way to mount the shower to the roof. On the FWC I used some foam blocks carved out to cradle the pipe and straps to tighten it to the crossbars. It worked well on the first trip I took it on. Using it wasn't that easy if the FWC top was popped up. It was quite stable though during the trip-highway and offroad.

During this years (2019) May-June trip I was using pipe hangers mounted to the Yakima tracks. Problem is the height of the crossbars I use to mount my lights and awning are higher than the base of the pipe hangers. I couldn't find any raised blocks of aluminum at the local hardware stores. So it's ghetto mounted using flat washers. I have four square nuts in each Yakima track. For some reason these are not easily moved along the track. They bind up at certain spots. On a different forum someone suggested using cam nuts. So on the May-June trip I had the shower tube mounted using the cam nuts. The shower tube was filled up prior to leaving a campsite near Bishop. I took a wrong turn onto a main dirt road and soon realized my error. Upon turning around I see my shower tube in the road. The tube was emptied back into a 4gal container I carry for shower water and a field repair took place. The failure occurred due to the cam nuts tearing out of the tracks.

The next trip in June to the Lee Flat area I did another field repair due to the mounting bars being loose. I moved the inboard square nuts from the crossbar mounts to the shower and used the cam nuts for two of the four mounts on the passenger side of the crossbars. Hopefully that makes sense. I did use the shower again on this trip but noticed the faucet mount leaking a bit, no doubt associated to the fall onto the road.




Once back at home I sawed off the cap with the Schrader valve and faucet. The faucet was able to be used again but due to the proximity of the glued pipe inside the cap, the Shrader was sacrificed. Good thing they come in a two pack. Another end cap was fabricated and glued up.

On my most recent trip to Owens Valley I was ready for an evening shower before dinner. I had filled the tube earlier in the day and the temp was good. Sorry I rarely record the temps but should try to do so in the future. With the compressor and water hose attached it was time to feel like a million bucks. I turned the compressor on and within a very short time the newly made end cap blew off and four gallons of water quickly flowed out of the shower tube. Well that sucks. It's always good to have extra water which I had on board. Having a back up shower system is also good and my MSR Hydromedary shower was filled and utilized with some water to spare.

The next day the remaining water in the shower bag was used before I left camp. It was very hot after sitting on the truck roof all morning.

After the last trip and shower malfunction I knew exactly why the end cap blew off. I had only put glue on the inner surface of the cap and not the outer surface of the tube itself. The inside of the end cap was cleaned out and prepped for remounting. Following 24 hours of cure time (more than necessary) I filled up the shower tube with 3 gals and went about hooking everything up to test it. I tested it before the recent failure but not with water. Air only. The can of ABS glue even says to pressure test but not only with air which is what I did before the last trip. With water the glue on one surface was not enough to hold the pressure.

Currently the shower tube is mounted and functional. The mount system will be reevaluated for any future trips this summer. School starts in late August and the next trip after that will most likely be a winter Saline/Death Valley trip where the shower tube may not be necessary. I will say that I'm still quite happy to have gone about making my own shower system. Being able to take a shower in the middle of nowhere is great! The ABS/PVC type of showers can be done anyway you want. There are tons of videos on YT showing various configurations people have come up with. It may not look as slick as a Roadshower but it works nonetheless.

Related links:
https://www.mcmaster.com/pipe-hangers

$60 MSR Dromedary Bag Water Reservoir, 10-Liter,Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSX7C6N/ref=twister_B07B6DGSWG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

Do you regulate the pressure on the tube?

 

The hose length allows me to shower near the compressor switch so I can turn it on and off as needed.

 

. Great. I never use pressure on mine, just allow air ingress and gravity does the rest. If I could somehow regulate air pressure I would I think around 10psi or so.

This reminds me on our last trip before bedtime my kids we're rolling around in the dirt. this was after dinner and they were wrestling. I warned them if they didn't stop I would give them cold showers.

They were having too much fun or didn't care so they got cold showers before being tossed into the tent.

Edit: how well does your pipe retain heat?

 

I've only used it in fairly good weather/temps so the heat retention of the tube has not been truly put to the test. When it has been out in the sun the previous day and I use some water the next morning it hasn't been cold, luke warm I'd guess.

 

This is on your Roadshower? Do you leave the filler cap open/off?

 

Yes.

What I do is put a tire deflator on the Schrader valve and that allows air ingress. The radiator cap is too much pain for anything but filling.

Gravity works well for us cause the shower is mounted pretty high.

 

Typical summer load out

 

Alabama Hills night before last.

 

For a flat earth we need a flat telescope.

 

Nice telescopes. The company I work for actually ended up with a few of the 6m dishes that used to be sitting up on Cedar Flat in the White Mountains as part of the CARMA array (actually exactly like the ones in the lower foreground of your photo).

 

The scientist who does the tours mentioned most of the CARMA scopes went to Arizona or New Mexico. The group/school which bought them wanted them all but couldn't afford it. This was my second time doing the tour. It's really interesting. I think you and your family would enjoy it.

 

What a great summer to explore Owens Valley and the surrounding areas. I did five trips covering areas from Mono Lake down to Panamint Valley. School has started and I'm already looking forward to one/some winter DV trips. Next year at this time I will be starting on new goals after completing nursing school. Stay tuned...here's a few from the last trip.

 

2019 Carrier Bearing update

This is the 2nd carrier bearing I've put on since new so 3 including stock from factory. Many know this can be a problematic part on our trucks. There are two Spicer options to replace the factory version. One of which is used by Toyota. There are some polyurethane options out there too. I ordered the bearing and sought out a reputable shop to do the exchange, replace the u-joints, and balance the drive shaft.

Driveshafts Incorporated in Mission Viejo is an outstanding shop and @HBMurphy recommended them to me. The owner is a former Marine and may provide a discount to veterans and other former Marines. The service averages about $400 and the work was done by noon on the same day I dropped off the truck. The owner also shared that it was good I came in when I did because there weren't many miles left on the bearing/joints. Grateful not to be stuck on a road in the middle of nowhere due to a malfunction which could have been prevented.

Attached are photos of the new/old carrier bearing, old u-joints, and the freshly painted and balanced drive shaft.

 

The first trip post nursing school is in the books. It was well needed after so much uncertainty due to the pandemic. My nursing program stopped, then restarted with the hope that the board of registered nursing would approve our hours. My cohort and professors rolled the dice and we won. My application to take the national board exam is in process.

During my study breaks I would look at Googlemaps for potential places to explore and put pins on the map. Glad I did. Another suggestion I've often noted to take that unknown road, at least a short bit. This has lead me to many great locations. This time I did almost get stuck in some loose sand and tight spots once on this trip. Glad to have 4Lo and locker. One main goal of this trip was to finally hike up to the Champion Spark Plug Mine, AKA Jeffery Mine, in the White Mountains. The Whites may be my 2nd favorite to explore after the Inyos. The two ranges are connected and mark the eastern boundary of Owens Valley. Many miles from home I realized I had left my point and shoot camera at home. It is my mainstay for photography on trips.

The hike to the mine has two options and routes are easily found online. It is an amazing piece of history which needs more TLC. Driving up the road, 3-4 vehicles gave way and I passed two other parked vehicles. One was an older Forester with a flat tire. I arrived at the lower trailhead to set up camp in the later afternoon with a lot of sunlight left to set up camp and enjoy the peace and quiet. The first sunset of this trip was wonderful and typical of many I've enjoyed in the region.

Hiking to the Spark Plug Mine isn't hard but not easy either. There is an elevation gain but the trip itself is short. Looking at the terrain the first time confused me as to where the gap from one side of the canyon to the next would occur. It happens at a stream crossing. So if you need to get water and have a filter this is the place to do it. Videos and documentation exist of water flowing at camp but the taps weren't working on this trip. On the way up there were four backpackers on the way down. They had spent at least one evening at the camp and went to the upper camp and also attempted to summit White Mountain Peak but did not find the right route. These four were the ones with the Forester mentioned above.







I spent about an hour the the Black Eagle Camp documenting my trip and enjoying the view. The hike back down was much quicker and I contemplated trying to find the other route but I'll leave that for a future trip.



Looking up towards the camp and the mine




Interesting variety of flora. This canyon is the only to have Jeffrey Pine according to one Mitchell's Inyo-Mono SUV Trails book.




The first view of the Black Eagle Camp


There are photos online of this sign in much better condition












One of very few photos I took in Red Rock Canyon


The rest of the day was spent traversing the Volcanic Tablelands towards Lake Crowley. I've been out on the Tablelands before but never this far on Casa Diablo Road. If you haven't driven through Red Rock Canyon it is well worth the trip. There are many places which share the name "Red Rock Canyon" so make sure you know which you're seeking out.

It was a long day trying to find a campsite. The area southwest of Lake Crowley has many spots but I wanted something with a bit of elevation since temps were increasing. The first location I found was amazing with spots for several vehicles but the more level spot already had two vehicles. I spent an hour trying to figure out how to level the truck. It is imperative for sleeping in the back and having water flow for my shower tube. No luck. I gave up the spot to seek out something else. So glad I did. Late in the day it was windy but another fantastic sunset manifested for all to enjoy. This campsite was actually better than the first. Always try out that other road!

Lots of ants in this spot. Keeping things off the ground during set up.

 

Part 2-White Mountains and Mazourka Canyon Road

Monday, Memorial Day, dawned with more views to soothe the soul. But the bugs weren't being mellow. A quick breakfast and packing the truck for southern traverse. Goals of the day were Mahogany Smoked Meats, Schats, and Great Basin Bakery before wandering up the 168 Eastward. Only Schats was a miss as it is still closed due to the pandemic with opening date of June 1st.

I did some exploring around the area of camp and found even more out of the way spots for future campsites. Always take that other road! At least a little bit.




Casa Diablo Road is fairly well graded but I had wanted to see what the pole line road, 3V04, is like heading southwest towards the Pleasant Valley Dam on the Owens River. This road is standard fare for the Tablelands and not as smooth as Casa Diablo. No worries, took it slow. Came around a turn and startled a bird of prey, pretty sure it was a juvenile hawk. I also saw a deer and a red with white stripe SH-3 Sea King headed northbound through the valley near Pine Creek. Sorry no pics of these things.

I arrived at Big Pine to top off the fuel and get water for the shower tube. The tube holds just under five gallons and I have another five gallon container I use to top off the tube and fill the solar shower bag. The bag is used for quick washing of dishes, hands, face, etc. Temps were warming up and altitude was the goal. The turn off to Death Valley is always hard to pass up if continuing to the White Mountains. Bitter sweet but I had a goal to check out some map pins I had in the White Mountain Region.




I found a new spot near a place I was only able to camp at once back when I had the FWC. There are many roads in the area near the turn off to Grandview Campground which can provide secluded camping. Be sure to "leave no trace" and tread lightly. Maybe "post lightly" is also in order to ensure these special locations aren't over-run due to ego serving social media postings. Places are closed too easily due to overuse.

I spent one night in the White Mountains and it was close to perfect. I had views to the west of the Sierra and east to Deep Springs. Some bugs but had a head net and long sleeves for protection from the flies and midges. Slight breezes, good temps, and clear skies. The afternoon and evening were wonderful. I woke up at 230 to see the Milky Way. It was a bit cool, probably in the mid 50s. In the morning some single engine prop buzzed my camp at a very low altitude but I was too lazy to get out to see what it was. It did loiter a bit too.






In the evening found this interesting spider. It is a ground dweller which hunts ants. Euryopis formosa.






I wasn't sure if I would spend another day/night at this spot but I decided to head home. On the way I'd check out some spots in and around Mazourka Canyon. I've only been up Mazourka one other time with a group trip to Papoose Flats. On that trip there were two flat tires, me being one of them. There was also a post dinner musical treat by banjo and guitar from special friends. Great memories.

In the past I hadn't traveled off Mazourka Canyon Road. Since then I've put many pins on the map to explore. This trip checked a few of those pins off. One of which was to check out a local cabin. It has seen better days but could still provide warmth and shelter in cooler temperatures. I'll be back to attempt this hike: http://inyoportal.blogspot.com/2012/10/seep-hole-spring-inyo-mts.html




Not sure how I feel about these wind chimes. Kinda an eye sore and creates noise when it isn't necessary. Plus it can be detrimental to the tree which provides much needed shade.




After visiting the cabin I wanted to do more exploration. While it is far, and has few campsites, the Santa Rita Flat is pretty neat. Lots of rocks, views, and an old cattle pen are the main points of interest in this area.






On the way back down I checked out a few mining areas off the road. These are quite interesting and post trip I couldn't find out too much information. One is an obvious property with heavy locks on the two main buildings and a running spring. Lots of flies in this spot near the fire ring. It is associated with a nearby claim and is probably worked often enough to maintain said mining claim. I walked around but didn't bother the area. If you visit it please respect it.


Recent earthquake effect?




It was a fantastic few days in the region and I'm already wanting to return.

 

Just wow! Killer you got out, and congrats on the Nursing program.

I need to take a page outta your book and plan, plan, plan. thanks for the post

 

Thank you Nick. It was half a plan...or parts of many plans put into one. Maybe even organized chaos.

 

Great news on finishing nursing school during all this! Congrats!

Thanks for the trip report. Brings back a lot of memories as I've been about half those places a few times over the years. And of course now I have some ideas for some more places to visit!

I really miss the Owens Valley area. It was so close when I lived in Ridgecrest and was up and down the 395 countless times visiting either the Sierras or Inyos. Now that my truck is based in Vegas there is much less incentive to get over there since I'd have to cross so many other places begging to be explored on the way!

With no school, summer camps or sensible means to get to the truck I'm cut off from all my haunts at least into the fall . Will have to survive vicariously through reports like yours.