By Jesse “Stomp” May

Panimint Valley Day Pre Run

October 27, 2001

I agreed to help out with this year pre-run, so I got ready and left the house on Friday night at 6:00 pm .  On my way towards Kramer Junction, a truck convoy was heading the other way, what a sight, it was also being lead by a CHP.  Got my gas at Kramer Junction since I knew I would not make it to Trona by 10:00 pm .  I finally got to camp about 11:15 .  The traffic always kills me for my time getting to PVD.

Saturday, there were three groups heading out.  One was the historical tour, the next was the Stone Canyon , and the other run was Jackpot Canyon .  At the last minute I decided to run Jackpot. 

Jackpot Canyon starts out on the same road as Pleasant Canyon , but you turn off and continue towards Jackpot, but the trail only stays in Jackpot Canyon wash for a very short time before skirting over to another canyon.  The lower part of the trail is washed away and finding the road was hard. Finally, we found the road at the upper end of the canyon and climbed out.  This is where the trail gets interesting.  The road had some good size ruts but all was doable for any good clearance SUV. 

The trail crew on this trip all helped out and filled in ruts and flattened a few places so this SUV run wouldn’t have too many problems.  A lot of work was done.

Finally near the top, you drop down into Jackpot Canyon and go to the end where there is an old mining operation with the old equipment still around.  It is so neat to see the stuff around and not all shot up or torn apart.

Now that we are at the top, well it’s back down the same trail that we came up on.  After finally passing Ballarat, and on our way back, we heard a call on the radio that there was a problem.  Come to find out the centering pin had broken and we had to move the axle back into place and Bill M. was good to go again (without his front drive line).

The potluck was good around the fire.  We all got treated by Chef Andy’s cooking, which can feed an army. 

Sunday, the group had decided to run Isham Canyon ; well I didn’t take Blue because I wanted to keep my windows intact.  My son and I were able to get rides up to the top to watch the group tackle the canyon.  I am so glad that I had decided to keep Blue intact!  But for the person that doesn’t mind possible body scratches or damage, this canyon is for you!  The canyon did gain more awards for slicing two more tires and almost every vehicle got some type of scratch.

Hope to see you at PVD in November 2001.