Pontiac Solstice Forum banner
Cancel

WCKCC Sunday Brunch, Poppy Reserve, Faults & Dams (EVENT RAINED OUT! Will Reschedule)

3855 Views 19 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  scdyne, 
Crimson Avenger
WCKCC Sunday Brunch, Poppy Reserve, Faults & Dams (EVENT RAINED OUT! Will Reschedule)

Weather predicted to be very very bad:

We must reschedule the Poppy Reserve run.

The conditions predicted by NOAA have gone from acceptable to "I don't want to be out in that!" :(

Here's the current forecast:
  • Rain 0.25 inches
  • Winds in the canyons 30 MPH gusting to 41 MPH
  • Winds at the Poppy Reserve 41 MPH gusting to 54 MPH

Even for the most stout of us, that's just too much. This is a rip-roaring storm that's headed our way.


Sorry, we have to scrub the launch. :(

I will work on re-scheduling the event for a future date. Watch for the re-scheduling thread.


Crimson Avenger said:
Hi Folks,

The West Coast Kappa Car Club is pleased to open our 2009 season in Southern California with a back roads tour up to the California Poppy Reserve.


We start with...
SUNDAY BRUNCH at 10:45!! at IHOP

That means that even folks from as far as Oceanside, Ventura, Redlands, and Riverside can make it if they leave their house by 9:00... :thumbs:


We will head out of Newhall (Stevenson Ranch) and wind our way up San Francisquito Canyon, stopping at the site of the Saint Francis Dam ruins.

Here's what the dam looked like at completion:

Image courtesy Dr. J David Rogers

Here's the picture after the collapse showing a portion of the dam in the center still standing:

Image courtesy Dr. J David Rogers

From there, we head on up through Green valley, Elizabeth Lake, and out to Lancaster and the California Poppy reserve. We should be there in time for the guided tour at 2:00 PM.


Afterward, we'll spend some time driving right along the San Andreas fault as we head through Leona Valley. Then, we'll wind our way through Bouquet Canyon, stopping at the Bouquet Reservoir Dam, to see the replacement to the Saint Francis Dam we saw on the way out.

We'll end the day at Chilli's back in Stevenson Ranch.

Schedule:
  • 10:45 Brunch @ IHOP in Stevenson Ranch/Newhall
  • 12:00 Depart for Saint Francis Dam
  • 1:45 Arrive @ Poppy Reserve
  • 2:00 Guided Tour
  • 3:00 Depart for Bouquet Canyon Reservoir
  • 4:45 Arrive @ Chilli's for an early dinner

Starting Location:
Route Diagram and map:

If you're interested in going, post in this thread, and I'll get you into the list:
  1. Crimson Avenger
  2. Angelqute1
  3. Silversolstice
  4. Cpt_kludge
  5. Penny Mull (new WCKCC member from Solvang area)
  6. tolaiz
  7. Sky Martini
  8. CADREAMIN
  9. SCdyne
  10. Dot

At this event, as with all of our events:
Drivers must behave as Designated Drivers during all events. Failure to do so will result in immediate expulsion from the event.​
Click to expand...
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
Crimson Avenger
Post in the thread if you are thinking about going

Do post in this thread if you're considering going... We want to get a head count for IHOP for brunch...

Thanks! :cool:
Reply
Save
Like
Crimson Avenger
Cerberus returns...

Well, it looks like my old pal Cerberus will be joining us...

cerberus said:
I'm looking forward to an escape with this! That should make a nice drive. :)

edit: Hey C/A! Is this run just for Kappas or can I toss an invite to a few roadster folks?
Click to expand...
Crimson Avenger said:
Great! Glad to have you with us! :thumbs:

It's been a very long time since we saw each other, and I'm really looking forward to catching up on things.


Let me know if you have any questions about the run.
Click to expand...
Crimson Avenger said:
cerberus said:
edit: Hey C/A! Is this run just for Kappas or can I toss an invite to a few roadster folks?
Click to expand...
Wow, just saw the edit and inserted question.

Certainly! We're always glad to have fellow enthusiasts in any machine, open air, sun-roof, sedan... Heck, we even had a Volkswagen Beetle driven by Sal Orlando (who later became our Vice President) with us on our very first drive along the central coast in November 2005... even 2 wheeled machines would be welcome!

So ask'em and let me know so we have a head count for Brunch.
Click to expand...
I thought it important to mention over here that anyone else who wants to come along can do so, even if they don't have a Solstice or Sky. :cool:
Reply
Save
Like
silversolstice
Crimson Avenger,

I'm down, this sounds like a really cool drive. I'll bring all my allergy medication!

Oh and there better be plenty of Saturn S series talk.:yesnod:
Reply
Save
Like
Crimson Avenger
silversolstice said:
Crimson Avenger,

I'm down, this sounds like a really cool drive. I'll bring all my allergy medication!

Oh and there better be plenty of Saturn S series talk.:yesnod:
Click to expand...
GREAT! Yup, still have the S series, so we can definitely talk about the S.

This trip is one I've been looking forward to, because it's been 2 years since our previous visit to the Saint Francis Dam. I'm also really glad we get to stop at Bouquet Canyon Dam, so we can see the replacement dam that was built a few years later.

The hotline says that the poppys are just getting started, and there are also many other colors of desert wild flowers currently in bloom.

It should be a great drive! Glad to have you with us. :thumbs:
Reply
Save
Like
Cpt_kludge
Sounds like a kewl run.
I'll see if I can make it:)
Reply
Save
Like
Crimson Avenger
Cpt_kludge said:
Sounds like a kewl run.
I'll see if I can make it:)
Click to expand...
Excellent! It's many miles of beautiful roads, and definitely far off the beaten path.

See you Sunday! :cool:
Reply
Save
Like
Cpt_kludge
Hoping to make it but it looks like Rain/snow in the daytime on Sunday:(
Daily Weather Forecast for Green Valley Lake, CA - weather.com
Reply
Save
Like
Crimson Avenger
That was not the right weather report...

Cpt_kludge said:
Hoping to make it but it looks like Rain/snow in the daytime on Sunday:(
Daily Weather Forecast for Green Valley Lake, CA - weather.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for checking on this.

Hmmm... That's weird, Green Valley Lake is up by Lake Arrowhead... That's not the right location... No wonder they're expecting snow and cold temps! THAT'S NOT WHERE WE'RE GOING!!! :lol:

We're going to an area called Grass Valley Mountain.... Near Quartz Hill...

Here's the forecast links from the NOAA for where we're going:
Quick summary as of Wednesday Night:
  • 20% chance of rain in the Canyons
  • 20% chance of rain at the Poppy Fields

As far as I can tell, the weather should be OK, and the clouds will make for awesome photos.

It's like anything else, you can't predict the weather on any given weekend months ahead of time, so we'll keep an eye on it this week, but I am not too worried at this point. :thumbs:
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Crimson Avenger
Sky Martini joins the gang...

Just got an email from Sky Martini. They'll be joining us! :cool:
Reply
Save
Like
Cpt_kludge
Crimson Avenger said:
Thanks for checking on this.

Hmmm... That's weird, Green Valley Lake is up by Lake Arrowhead... That's not the right location... No wonder they're expecting snow and cold temps! THAT'S NOT WHERE WE'RE GOING!!! :lol:

We're going to an area called Grass Valley Mountain.... Near Quartz Hill...

Here's the forecast links from the NOAA for where we're going:
Quick summary as of Wednesday Night:
  • 20% chance of rain in the Canyons
  • 20% chance of rain at the Poppy Fields

As far as I can tell, the weather should be OK, and the clouds will make for awesome photos.

It's like anything else, you can't predict the weather on any given weekend months ahead of time, so we'll keep an eye on it this week, but I am not too worried at this point. :thumbs:
Click to expand...
Thanks Crimson:)
looks like it is still going up for Sun Morning.
Still might be a nice ride, even with the top up:(
Cya
Reply
Save
Like
Crimson Avenger
Weather will be VERY BAD Sunday--We will reschedule

Hi folks,

The conditions predicted by NOAA have gone from acceptable to "I don't want to be out in that!" :(

Here's the current forcast:
  • Rain 0.25 inches
  • Winds in the canyons 30 MPH gusting to 41 MPH
  • Winds at the Poppy Reserve 41 MPH gusting to 54 MPH

Even for the most stout of us, that's just too much. This is a rip roaring storm that's headed our way.

I will work on re-scheduling the event for a future date. Watch for the re-scheduling thread.

Sorry, we have to scrub the launch. :(
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Cpt_kludge
Crimson Avenger said:
Hi folks,

The conditions predicted by NOAA have gone from acceptable to "I don't want to be out in that!" :(

Here's the current forcast:
  • Rain 0.25 inches
  • Winds in the canyons 30 MPH gusting to 41 MPH
  • Winds at the Poppy Reserve 41 MPH gusting to 54 MPH

Even for the most stout of us, that's just too much. This is a rip roaring storm that's headed our way.

I will work on re-scheduling the event for a future date. Watch for the re-scheduling thread.

Sorry, we have to scrub the launch. :(
Click to expand...
Thanks Crimson,
We appriciate what you do.
Reply
Save
Like
silversolstice
probably a good call. I was getting worried about winding roads and rain, i hate driving in rain if I don't have to(RSA impaired).
Reply
Save
Like
CADREAMIN
Oh no!

Finally got an open weekend and signed on Thursday night. Then the weather had to change it all. Planned to shine and show Dreamin on Saturday and be ready to take on the canyons Sunday. Woke up this morning and had a PM from Crimson, we are cancelled. Fortunately I need the weather to complete my project at work and this storm may do it early next week. Hopefully I will be free the next time it is scheduled. Till then keep the rubber on the road and the sun on the horizon. :cool::cool::cool:
Reply
Save
Like
scdyne
CADREAMIN,
If the weather turns out not to be so bad on tomorrow and you still want to go out cruising let me know and we'll go up and down Boquet Canyon with you.

Everyone, The wind is NASTY here and the poppys aren't really out much yet either. (they close up when it's windy anyhow) A few weeks more and everything will be much better for viewing poppys. Especially if it rains again today/tomorrow.

Matter of fact the California poppy festival will be April 25th and 26th and while it will be VERY crowded at both the Lancaster city park and the Poppy reserve it may be a nice gathering event for everyone.
Reply
Save
Like
CADREAMIN
Good Idea

That's a great idea to work it with the poppy festival, bad thing is if the poppies are in bloom you will never get near them or the reserve. If this is a nogo for several weeks maybe we should look at doing Thunder on the lot at the fair grounds, believe its in May. We could join the low riders and bikes (which I have one) for some great rides and shows. This is a 2 day event, with the ride on Sunday. Raises money for some well deserving kids in the AV.
It is looking bad up here so far for the weekend, the winds are crazy in Lancaster, would hate to be in the canyon. :cool::cool::cool::yesnod:
Reply
Save
Like
scdyne
Dude! It showed, Hailed and the wind blew like a MoFo Sunday.

Good call to cancel the drive.

CADREAMIN has a very good idea that we should start planning now.
Thunder on the Lot 2009.
June 13 and 14 2009 with a poker run and car show at the antelope Valley Fairgrounds.

They get around 5000 bikes at the event, but cars are welcome and it's all for Kids charities.
Reply
Save
Like
CADREAMIN
Poppies are few

Drove up to the reserve this afternoon, nice day to just cruise the valley after work. The poppies at the reserve were very light, just to the East there is a dirt road that goes up and over a hill. Drive thru some desert dumping dummies mess and the poppies are a poppin. Hopefully by time this gets rescheduled they will be abundant. Of coarse we need a little rain to help us out.
If we get off road we can get some photos that look like we are surrounded by flowers. Regardless of flowers it will be a nice ride for many.
I have a photo of this area if you would like to see a great year for poppies send me a pm, with your email and I will send one to you. :cool::cool::cool:
Reply
Save
Like
scdyne
2
I went out on Saturday and like CADREAMIN said you can find them on areas outside of the reserve, but they are few are far between within the reserve.
The best spot on paved road was on 170th past the reserve in the open fields where there were a couple dozen cars around looking at the poppies.



I also tried to track down Sheas Castle and it's a ways down a dirt road and not really visable from the gates.

FWIW taking Ave G from the 14 freeway to the Poppy reserve runs you over the relocated musical road. It's on the Left most lane traveling West.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Pontiac Solstice Forum
A forum community dedicated to Pontiac Solstice owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, trade parts, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Solstice Discussion General Tech, Platform Common Issues & Solutions Mods - Interior/Exterior Functional/Appearance Solstice GXP Discussion Solstices and Parts for Sale/Want to Buy
Top