72 replies to this topic

[kmcintyre]

Since ATC does all the work on my FWC, I'd feel part of the group and I just saw Marty a few days ago!  Steens is awesome but the story about the snake is terrible and I would be a bit "gun shy" about going back.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Just a heads up about The Steens during early summer. We drove the loop in mid/late June last year and it was absolutely beautiful. They had just opened the road the day before so abundant snow. But down below on the west side of the range near Frenchglen...mosquitoes like I've never experienced! Our small group was staying in a campground there and the host told us that it takes until close to the end of July for them to clear out. I'm not familiar with the east side and the Alvord but I have to imagine that there would be less of a problem in the desert. It's either that or camp high unless you like being slathered in repellent 24/7.

[Smokecreek1]

Could be pretty wet out there for some time!  Lot's of rain, snow and mud-to go with lot's of new tall grass, ground squirrels, and yes a few more snakes!  I;'m still going to try and get out there late this spring as part of my usual NE Ca./NW Nevada and South Central Or. run-have not had a dip in the Virgin Springs CG hot spring for a few year   !

 

Smoke

[marty]

I am in for this if at all possible.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I am finally able to set a date for the ATC Get Together.   If you're interested in showing up, it's July 27-30 at the BLM Virgin Valley Campground near Denio, NV.  On highway 140, it's about 15 miles west of Denio Junction, and 2 miles south of the highway.   You'll see signs for the opal mines as well as the CG.  This is part of the Charles Sheldon National Antelope Refuge.

 

The CG is free, and there no reservations, so expect other groups/campers.   It's also going to be hot and dusty, but by going at this time, the Steens Mountain Loop should be completely open as well as areas in the Pine Forest Mountains.   Bring your birdoculars, cameras, fly rods, mountain bikes, hiking shoes, musical instruments and with the exception of drones... anything else that you can think of.   There are two vault toilets, a shower house and a swimming pool that you share with mosquito fish and bass.   Water is available near the shower house.

 

The get together is a no host affair, but it would be nice if we could have a pot luck or two, so let's put one on the agenda for the Saturday night..  When we were there last summer, the nearest fuel was at Adel and Fields Station, plus French Glen and The Narrows a bit farther away.   Both gas and diesel are available at those four locations.   Maybe with luck, the station at Denio Junction might reopen.  Because of the other attractions, I would expect that participants will come and go

 

In addition to the Sheldon Refuge, the Pine Forest Mts and Steens Mountain, we are reasonably close to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and some of the Central Oregon attractions like The Painted Hills.   It's not 'that' far from the Owyhee country as well.

 

Even though we are calling this an ATC Get Together, everyone is welcome to participate.  I hope to see you there.

 

 

 

 

[craig333]

Thats a busy time at work but if I can get the time off I'll make it. Also near the Black Rock country which I've been meaning to visit.

[allanb]

Just drove by Denio and the Sheldon refuge, in too much of a hurry unfortunately to get back home.

Just turning spring. Several good sized herds of antelope. 6! golden eagles hunting. Obviously lots of water this year.  Snow level in the pine forest range about 5000 feet. Severely overgrazed by cows where camped overnight just east of refuge.

Gas available in Denio, Paisley etc. 

The epitome of wide open spaces, look forward to getting back

[Wandering Sagebrush]

We are just about month and a half away <<July 27-30>> from the ATC (and everyone) get together at Virgin Valley.   Hopefully, the snow will have melted enough to let the Steens Mt loop road open completely.   I saw a report a couple of weeks back that said there was 52" of snow in the Jackman Park area.   That is in the 7,500' range.   Hart Mt should have all roads open by then as well.  The Alvord should be dry enough to go down on the playa.  In 2016, the sailplane meetup was around July 22, so there may be a chance to see them or get a flight.

 

If you are planning on going, please reply to the thread, and I will edit the first post to create a list of attendees.   If you're a maybe, let us know that as well.

 

Things to consider... There will be mosquitoes, heaviest in the Steens/Malhuer NWR area.   It will be hot at lower elevations, cold at night in the the higher elevations.  Fresh snow at elevation is always possible.   Bathing suits for the warm pool at Virgin Valley.  If you're a musician, feel free to bring an instrument.

 

I hope to see you there.

[XJINTX]

Darn I was hoping it might be later I'm heading to Oregon for a meetup with friends in September. Wife is not yet retired so flying in and out of Portland while I drive. Would have liked to met up with some of you. I'm watching thread so I can maybe pickup places to stop before heading back to Texas

[kmcintyre]

Put us on the "maybe" list :-)