Scouting: The trip that inspired WC-000

[row] [col_6] [H]ere’s a collection of photos that I took while scouting for WC-000 last May. At that point the trip was just an idea “I wonder if there’s a  way from LA to Yosemite all off-road?” After over 1000 miles of solo driving I found that while there isn’t a route directly from LA, you can get from Lake Isabella to Yosemite with about 80% off-road routes.

Along the way I dead-ended at many locked Forest Service gates, had to cross a river, and found my faithful Isuzu Trooper high-centered in snow above 6500′ and a 4 hours walk from anything. After 2 hours of digging out with a frying pan, chopping pine boughs and using my flimsy jack I was able to drive out.

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I learned the hard way that I next time I should bring a shovel, hi-lift, and a winch…

The thing that was the most amazing aside from the spectacular scenery and massive waterfalls was the absolute peace of being totally alone hundreds of miles from anyone. I wanted to go alone so I could reflect and have some solitude but I didn’t expect the solitude to feel so foreign to me. After taking this brief 3 day solo trip I know I’ll be doing more of these, but will be better prepared next time in case I run into any real trouble.

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