2009 - February Fun Run

On February 21st, we kicked off the 2009 driving event schedule with a great fun run through the Far East. The Far East of San Diego, that is. This event is known as our Mountain and Desert run and its scenic, long, sometimes fast, and always fun. Did I mention it was long? We had to ask Bret to shorten it by 50 miles or so, but it still seemed like about 200 miles. Thanks go out to Bret Gann for planning and organizing a great run.

We started out in Rancho Bernardo, taking HVR out to Ramona, then on to Santa Ysabel, up Mesa Grande, past Lake Henshaw, through the bone shaking badlands of Borrego and then up the nausea inducing switchback of Banner Grade, on into tranquil (until we arrived) Julian, CA. Bret had arranged for our private use of an entire roped off parking lot behind the American Legion. Without this, parking would have been very tough for a busy Saturday Morning on a picture perfect day in this popular tourist destination.

There were 10 cars participating with 17 People: Bret Gann and Judy, Ralph and Pat Suarez, Ron and Carol Ketcham, Kerry Maguire, Klaus Schoenherr, Glen Chancellor, Mike and Leigha Becker, Marshall Smith and Christine Hall, Buzz and Fran Rehman and Leon and Arlan Rower

On the road...

Nothing like a quick rest stop after a long drive...

The stunning vistas from this lookout coming down the Montezuma Grade were breathtaking. I think there were some mountains and a valley in the background too.

Check out this great shot by Bret. Thanks for climbing all the way up there!

In the sandy paradise of the Anza Borrego desert, the ATV is king and dust is everywhere. But Panteras are thirsty too, so the ATV's, buggies and motorcycles parted to make way for several of the Panteras to suck down a few gallons of the precious petrol. After fueling up, Klaus' car refused to start, but it turned out to be nothing more than a simple loose batter cable. It was tightened up and we were off again.

Quaint Julian was very inviting...

Here's our private parking lot. Who is that suspicious guy breaking into Klaus' car?

After all that driving, we were starved. We had a great stop for lunch at Rong's in Julian...

On the way home, Marshall, Klaus and Mike stopped at the most famous intersection in this part of the great state of California. Take a close look at that street sign behind our cars. That's right, its Paseo Pantera. The street name was penned by local property owner who just happens to be a San Diego Panteras member.

What a day. I cant' wait for the next run.