California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
916-381-8300

Contact: Jack Raudy
(530) 389-9154 or jraudy@foothill.net

SACRAMENTO (Mar. 27, 2007) – Painted Canyon, Rabbit Hole Springs, and the Black Rock Desert will all come to life for sport utility vehicle (SUV) and other four-wheel drive owners registering to retrace the early pioneer Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail, Friday, July 20 through Monday, July 23.

According to Warner Anderson, trail boss and narrator for this historical trip, hosted by the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, participants will travel over many of the same roads and trails traveled by more than 8,000 early pioneers in 1,500 covered wagons during the 1849 to 1852 gold rush period.

Anderson said the journey is approximately 200 miles long and is especially designed for families. The trip begins in Lovelock, Nevada and ends in Surprise Valley, California, located near Cedarville in northern Modoc County.

"Whether you are history buff, life myself, or just want to take your family out into the backcountry and enjoy some beautiful scenery, great food and wonderful camaraderie, we will have it all," he said.

The trip follows the same route discovered by Peter Lassen in 1849. It is estimated that one-third of the 1849 gold rush emigrants used this particular trail.

"Warner Anderson was our trail narrator on a trip several years ago," said John Moreau, who made the trip from the Bay Area, "and if you have not done a trail with Warner as narrator, you have missed a walking and talking history book."

This year’s trail ride guests will gather at Sturgeon’s Inn and Casino in Lovelock for a wine and cheese get-together at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening, July 20. At that time, Anderson will provide his guests with an overview of the trip and each vehicle owner will receive a copy of the book entitled "Emigrant Trails West." After Saturday breakfast at Sturgeon’s, the group will begin its three-day journey.

"The emigrants wrote in their diaries such good descriptions of their trip that we can identify all of the key points of interest in the history of the route," Anderson said. "It is not a difficult trip, but there are places where four-wheel drive will be required or where trail committee instructions must be followed."

Camping the first night will be at Double Hot Springs, which was the camping area for all of the pioneer wagon trains, and the second night will be at Stevens Camp, which provides toilets, spring water and possible hot showers. Participants will need to bring their own tents and sleeping bags.

Cost for the trip is $250 per adult and $125 per child age 12 and under, which includes all meals from breakfast on Saturday through lunch on Monday. In addition to bringing tents and sleeping bags, participants are encouraged to bring a camera, folding chairs, snacks, refreshments and drinking water.

"I organize and narrate four-wheel drive trips throughout the year," said Anderson, "but clearly, this trip is my favorite. It is one thing to read about John C. Fremont and Kit Carson traveling this same trail, but it gives new meaning when you can be there and let your imagination run wild."

The Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride is fully insured and operates under a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. Proceeds from the event help support the Association’s Education & Conservation Foundation.

The trip is limited to the first 25 vehicles on a first-registered, first-served basis. To register for this exciting trip or for more information, contact Warner Anderson at (775) 629-9232 or wana7448@sbcglobal.net  or Ron Vance at (775) 246-4099 or vance63@charter.net .

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California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs Inc
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Conservation & Education Foundation

CA4WDC, INC.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
800 - 4x4-Funn (494-3866)
916 381-8300
916 381-8726 (Fax)
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