LUDLOW ADVENTURE 2008

[jeff]

LUDLOW ADVENTURE 2008

When: April 18-19-20 2008

Where: Just west of Ludlow, CA

What: Trackside camping event on the BNSF Needles Sub with the Fullerton Foamers & Foto Society (FF&FS) and others railfans from near and wide.

Accomodations: The trackside campsite is a dry camp with no modern convienences, other than what you bring with you. The Chevron gas station in downtown Ludlow provides the necessities... fuel, food, water, and toilet facilities. As long as there is not a Japanese tourist bus in town, you can get in and out rather quickly. Prices are not outragous, but are on the high side. It is a good ten minute drive from the camp to the gas station, so time your departures accordingly.

Each year there have been those that got accomodations in Barstow, at the Ramada Inn. Hopefully, a dedicated moteler will pass along the inside line on reservations and such. Additionally, there is a motor lodge in Ludlow. I haven't stayed there, but have heard that rooms meet minimum standards. Reservations can be made thru the Chevron Gas Station. I think I have the phone number. I will look for it.

EDIT: This is the number a google search gave me: (760) 733-4463 Ludlow Motel

Early Plans: I am taking Friday the 18th as a vacation day and will be heading out early to get some of the Roam-n-Foam in the first day at locations to the east. Camp is planned to be set-up at last year's location. Saturday will be the traditional FF&FS base camp with the shade canopy and ATCS deployed for a full day of railfanning near Ludlow. There is talk of a hike to one of the neighboring mtn tops for a new perspective.

This weekend was chosen due to the proximity of it to the full moon. The Ludlow area offers some excellent opportunities to flex your lunar photography skills. Several have come away with some pretty nice time exposures.

~ ~ ~

Satelite photos and maps to follow with details.

Last year's event can be re-lived by viewing this thread:
http://www.westcoastrailforums.com/view_topic.php?id=82

Feel free to chime in with comments/corrections/suggestions... We'd also like to get an RSVP list going so we know who is or isn't gonna make the trip to the Mojave.

Lastly, the desert floor should be covered with a blanket of wildflowers !!

~ jeff

[jeff]

First Aerial image shows downtown Ludlow and the planned locations.

[jeff]

And a zoomed in view of the camp and hut locations...

~ jeff

[mkstarks]

Myself, Mike and a couple of the Padres Staff members are in for all three days!

[InkyRail]

How accessible is it? Do you need 4WD or can a car get there?

[RTTractionKid]

I'm jealous I live waaay to far north to even think about it (and I don't have wheels)...anyway, to all have fun and be safe!

[chris_wlkr]

InkyRail wrote:

Quote:How accessible is it? Do you need 4WD or can a car get there?

As long as you follow the lined route in to camp or to the ez hut location you can make it in your Honda.

Chris

[John Z]

chris_wlkr wrote:

Quote:InkyRail wrote: How accessible is it? Do you need 4WD or can a car get there?
As long as you follow the lined route in to camp or to the ez hut location you can make it in your Honda.
Chris

Glad to hear that I'm able to drive into this area my self.

I Will be there, chances are my sister will be coming along for the meet too. Will show up some time friday, time of day on friday depends on when we leave Sonoma at, might leave either the Thursday and spend that in Tehcahapi, or Leave super early friday morning and shoot straight for the needles sub.

Look foward to see you all, a meet like this in my most favorite subdivision is what I have dreamed of being at.

[jeff]

I have made it the past two years in my Pontiac Vibe (GM's version of the Toyota Matrix). I had no problems getting to the campsite or the hut site. There aren't many stock vehicles with LESS ground clearance, so the Vibe should be a good ruler to judge your access by.

It was a little soft where you go under the tracks, but other than that it is hard pack desert road.

~ jeff

[InkyRail]

Good to know. I'll be doing my best to get out there- been wanting to fan the Needles Sub for a while.