Last Communication Before I Depart For The Redwoods

Getting ready to hit the road tomorrow... I just wanted to be sure everyone has a solid idea of where we will be camping, and backup plans in case that site is full. There should be cellphone reception up there, but just in case here are the options in descending order.

NOTE: The 128 (last part of the drive) is very winding and dangerous so take it at a reasonable speed. It passes through several small “towns” (one has a population of 69) where the speed limit drops down real low. Look out for cops because they have nothing better to do than pull over city slickers and give them shit. Locals will tailgate your ass, so if they get too close, I suggest pulling over to let them by. It’s a pretty scenic drive regardless.

ALSO NOTE: After 10 it is quiet time in the campgrounds so we will have to be conscious of the noise level unless we luck out and end up being the only people there, which is pretty unlikely. There will be a lot of us. After 10 pm, try to keep the volume and public drunkenness to a minimum. Don’t get us kicked out, because that would be a non-refundable pain in the ass.

Here goes:

PLAN A- Paul M. Demmick Campground. We should be here provided a hundred dirty hippies don’t show up on Friday afternoon. Sites are $25 a night and you can park 2 vehicles in each one

From the south: 101 to Cloverdale. This is the last spot to get stuff cheap at a Walgreens or a Ralphs and gas up. From Cloverdale take 128 West. Take that road all the way until it almost ends at the coast. The campground is about 8 miles into the Redwood Tunnel on the left. If you don't see us or any familiar cars, look for a sign that says either “Crapdogs” or “SPB” or “Squachelorparty”.

From the north, take 101 to Willits. Fill up on gas in Willits. Take 20 West towards Fort Bragg/ Noyo. Head south on the coast highway (1). Turn east onto the 128. Campground is on the right about 2 to 3 miles in.


PLAN B- Hendy Woods State Park: If Demmick is full, we’ll head back down the 128 toward Cloverdale. About 12 miles up you will come to Philo Greenwood Road. Hook a right and cross the single lane bridge. Immediately after the bridge the campground is on the left. Get a pass at the gate and proceed to the camping area. Look for Crapdogs and Silly Pink Bunnies. This place has quite a few sites so it is a good backup plan.

PLAN C- Indian Creek Park: This is the last ditch effort if the other two fail or there are too many idiots around. Get back on the 128, head east and you will see signs for this campground on the right. I know nothing about it except that it might be our only choice if the other two fall through.

Let's get our caveman on! Godspeed gentlemen

The Latest Reports From The Field

This past weekend, I helped out on a BFRO investigation of an area very close to where we will be hanging out in Mendo. I took an opportunity to scout out the campground and surrounding areas. Let me tell you that I was pleasantly suprised with what I found. Three words that spring to mind are "Tall", "Green" and "Prehistoric". The campground had just opened for the season, and there were only two tents in the place. I'm thinking it might get a bit more crowded by next weekend, but I will try to save as many sites as I can on Thursday. They allow two vehicles per-site, so hopefully I can get a solid head count by Wednesday. Tents and vehicles are dwarfed by these enormous Redwood giants. The location next to the river is prime and it is flowing cool, deep and clear. Still a bit cold for swimming, but I'm sure someone will jump in. The surrounding area is prime for hiking and exploring and the coast is two miles further down the road. I'll post some better directions before I leave. Gas up in Cloverdale as it's cheaper than the little spots after that. Also, Bring rain gear or lots of changes of clothes. Also, tarps and ropes to make overhangs for the campground just in case. I'm hoping for sun, but it's that time of year for rain...

Hello Brothers...

I have something to tell you all.

I'm getting married and I'm not allowed to be friends with you guys anymore.

Ok?

So, this is goodbye. It's been a good run. I'm sure you'll all get along fine without me...

In the mean time,

Please come help me celebrate a last weekend of freedom and friendship, of being an unkempt, hairy, dirty woodsman in the beautiful Northern California coastal forest of Mendocino County. Leave your girlfriends and wives behind and come be a free man on a skateboard in a dirty forest with no concrete anywhere.


Ok, there's a skatepark a short way off. But bring extra food because I have the munchies already.

May 15th- 17th (I'll be up there on the 14th)

-Minton

Here's how to get there

From Los Angeles



From Portland


From Seattle

This is where we goin'

Supply and Demand

Don't get caught in the woods with your pants down. Poison Ivy is a bitch. You definately don't want to wipe with that stuff. This is a pretty thorough list of the supplies necessary to being a successful hobo. Of course, a true crapdog needs only his shred stick, some good skate shoes and a lighter to survive for weeks at a time, but introducing a few extra items will make you a bit more comfortable. A good pair of boots will make your day and a bad pair will ruin it. Always plan on needing more than you actually will. Sharing is cool, but mooches will be tarred and feathered. Of course, if you plan on chilling at camp, you don't need much. Here's a mega list of lots of unnecessary sounding things that have come in handy for me at one time or another. Did I ever tell you about the time we got rescued by hellicopter...?

Poncho
Waterproof tent
Tent stakes
Tarps (2)
Rope
Sleeping bag (2)
Pillows
Padding
Inflatable mattress
Pump
Inflatable pillow
Socks (wool)
Socks (regular)
Underwear
Waterproof hiking boots
T-shirts with heavy metal insignias
Flannel shirts
Fleece
Jacket (lined)
Jacket (unlined)
Baseball Hat
Knit hat
Gloves
Blankets (3)
Brass knuckles

Camp chair
Camp stove
Cooking & eating utensils
Plastic cups
Canteen
Soap
Bucket or pan
Rags
Day pack (for 2-4 hour hikes or outings).
Bags for trash
Knives

Soap
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Towels
First aid kit
Snakebite kit
Poison oak/poison ivy soaps
Poison oak/poison ivy ointments
Sun screen
Bug spray
Two Way Radios (2)
Digital Camera
35 Mil Camera
Long Lens
35 Mil film
Spare batteries AA
Spare batteries C
Spare batteries D
Flashlights
Headlamp
Red Tail Light tape
Walking Stick
Compass
Topographical maps of target area
Waterproof gaiters
Field or flagging tape
Water, spoon, and bowl for mixing casting material
Plastic gloves (for handling evidence)
Tweezers
Sterile small glass jar or vial
Plastic bags – large, gallon size (freezer Ziploc type) and small, sandwich size
Sterile gauze and swabs
Ruler (small)
fabric measuring tape
Sterile saline solution (normally used for contact lenses)
Notebook
Pencils
Sharpie markers
Binoculars
GPS unit
Anti-bear / pepper spray
Survival kits or gear

Food:

Tip Repackage as much as possible -use heavy-weight freezer bags or plastic containers to maximize space efficiency and to keep things dry.

Sandwich-type items
Instant food
Instant drinks
Ramen noodles
Trail mix
Nuts
Protein bars
Jerky
Canned foods

Water:
Bottles or hydration pouches for backpack

Bottled water for camp (1 gallon per person/per day)

Beer (lots)

Whiskey

Cigs

Weed

Pills

"If you wanna hang around here you hang around with Daggers!"

Ok.

So... there's a skatepark nearby, and since there are quite a few rip-riders coming on the trip, I fully expect us to barge in there and tear it a new asshole. Judging by the photos I've seen and a video Dave sent me, it doesn't seem to be too terrible. It's in the middle of la la land so even if it was a bad as El Dorado, it would still be fun. From all the non-skaters, I expect a full-blown/ heckling/ BBQ manning snack team, keeping beers cold and handling the local cougar population (Dan...? Paul...? Time to man-up.) It mentioned pads being required but I am requiring you to not wear them. Skate and die!

Stoner Skatepark Review (by some dude named Rodzilla):

"How wonderful the mountain air is! Especially in this area of the world because the fresh mountain air is mixed with the smell of pot cause everyone and there dog smokes weed in Willits. And you know what that's cool as fuck because it helps to be stoned when you skate this park because it will help you forget about the stuff they did wrong. Don't get me wrong, this place is fun as shit, especially since you get to skate with the Ukiah legend himself Justin Capri, but they did fuck up on the "u run". That could have been one of the sickest runs in any skate park but for some reason the builder decided to make a stupid hip in the middle of one part an it's just too small in a couple other spots. Other than that though if your in the area and you like to skate and bake this spot is worth it. Shaka bra!"

Stoner Directions:

To get to the Willits Skatepark from Hwy 101 Take the East Commercial Street Exit and go East. Follow about a mile up the road and the Skate Park will be on the left hand side.