CHASING STORM | Overnight In Blue Ridge Campground | 4K

I thought that I was done with winter. Was I wrong. Another storm hit Southern California last Friday. So David and myself decided to hit the trail late afternoon after work. We started at Inspiration Point in Angeles Crest Highway taking the Blue Ridge truck trail head on with the storm. Our plan was to reach camp by sundown but we arrived there in the dark. It was already 25 degrees so we helped each other out to put up the shelters quickly. By 8:30PM we were already sheltered and having dinner. The wind was howling and relentless the whole night. Afterwards, the snow started falling. When we wake up the following morning, the camp had at least 12 inches of snow. The snow fall lingers on so by 12:30PM we decided to pack out and hit the trail again. We were breaking trail on our way out, post-holing into thick snow on the ground. It was more or less 3 miles along the PCT and truck trail altogether. By the time we reach the parking, it was fully covered with snow. Well, at least the highway was plowed that day. But the last obstacle was when we got to the Big Pines area and the gate was locked-up. Luckily we saw the Caltrans crew and they opened it for us.
Date of trip: March 29-30, 2024
Camera: iPhone 12 Pro Max
Musics: Epidemic Sounds
David's KZbin Channel:
/ @davidfeiler1279

[@christinerolle3876]

Sounds fun for snowshoeing .that is so cool kabayan.glad you and David were safe.

[@HuckOutdoors]

That was some strong wind there in the beginning and looked like one cold night! That was a lot of snow in the morning! What a fun time to test and use your winter gear.

[@20robertang]

We actually turned around at Blue Ridge trail near Big Pines. I was freaking out when my micros won’t stick in the icy slope and the drop was like 500 ft. We lost a great amount of time there and went ahead to Inspiration Point instead.. hence the super late start and yeah, it’s crazy cold and windy already.

[@lonnieyett5234]

This one was a lot of fun for me. I joined my son's scout group on an overnight trip to Blue Ridge around 2010. Some snow on the ground, but didn't snow on us while we were there. We did miss a turn on the PCT and ended up on the road and accidentally found our group crossing one of the ski runs that was planning to open the next day. They were none too happy with us that night! 2 dead-tired dads and a bunch of wore out kids when we finally arrived in the campground but had the place to ourselves. The hike back out in the daylight was a lot easier. Can't wait to show your video to my son who is now in his mid-30's. I wonder what he will recall from that trip.

[@20robertang]

That’s a trip your son will never forget. Without the GPS on our phones, we would have been lost in this condition. Actually, we hiked parallel to the boundary at one point since we didn’t want to take the PCT on the way out. A first aider who works for Mountain High Ski Resort helped us find the route back to PCT. In this kind of situation, one can develop survival skills, presence of mind and have fun at the same time. Thanks for watching, Lonnie! 👍

[@davidfeiler1279]

Great trip and video Robert! That was another one for the books. I don’t think our tents could have withstood any more snow before they collapsed. Tagay!

[@20robertang]

I thought we’re not gonna pull through, where we turned around was to me a sign already. But we persevered and now we have done it! How cool was this trip, eh! Tagay!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Awesome trip... awesome video. Loved it. David was trying to get a hold of me for this trip. The wind tunnel was overnight, better than in the morning. Blue Ridge Campground is a great place for camping/backpacking. You guys stepped up your game with gear, nice shell jackets. Enjoyed watching. Thank you for sharing. Take care Robert. 🇺🇲

[@20robertang]

Thanks, Jason! He was telling me that he invited you. You should’ve come, I know this is your kind of adventure. Hey, there’s another storm coming in!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

@@20robertang... I had no idea where you guys were going... or what day.

[@20robertang]

@@redwhiteblue7831 Oh sorry, I thought he gave you the info. We were supposed to hike Blue Ridge trail and we turned around when we hit the slope coz it’s too icy and I froze and started freaking out. So we moved to Inspiration Point that’s why we started so late.

[@BrosephRussell]

Wow, snow camp 🏕 😮 it sure snowed a lot 😳 looking like so much fun, you guys. What an adventure. It would be fun to do i just dont have winter gear . Hiking out in that deep snow man i bet that took some time , cool seeing them snowboarding guys out. Crazy seeing the car all iced up . How was it get the car out . That would been cool to see . Cheers guys

[@20robertang]

Thanks, Broseph! It was tougher hiking out, we got lost a few times. It’s really easy to lose the way out in this condition. We now understood what probably happened to all the hikers who perish during the storm. We dug up our cars in the parking lot and make a path to drive through. David drives first and then as I followed his car, my car got stuck in thick solid ice underneath. So I took my shovel and dig those ice out. But when we got to Big Pines junction, the gate was locked. So we went down and look for anyone who can help us. Luckily a Caltrans truck came in and the crew got the key.

[@BrosephRussell]

@20robertang oh yeah, it is easy to get lost in a white out situation. A plus is that you guys are prepared for that snow if you had to hunker down . Oh yeah, locked gate. i was also wondering about that. I'm glad you got someone to let you out . What an adventure ✨️

[@christinerolle3876]

Salamat kabayan for tagging us along. So cool.!! Im sick and glad to be watching you guys. Dapat bayaran k for naming all your stuff,lol. Would love to try my hyperlite dyneema 2 person tent out there. Come on down here in norcal mt.shasta and lassen national park.😊 2thumbs up.

[@20robertang]

Salamat, kabayan! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I never had a dyneema type shelter, di kaya ng budget ko, lol. But your dyneema should be great for this kind of weather. How I wish they accept my affiliation applications, I did some reviews for them already. Btw, we did Mt Shasta 2 years ago, love that one. Thanks for the invitation! 👍

[@NatureBoy711]

i camp there yesterday. it was beautiful ... just slight breeze, 27. 5 F .... but stayed warm next to the campfire 🙂

[@20robertang]

Sounds like a good time! I wish we had fire..

[@jimerhard4239]

That was cool . You guys could have had a fire . Oh well next time. You weren't kidding about the amount of snow fall . I bet that was the best soup you ever had . Great video my friend stay safe and God bless . TAGAY!🍺

[@20robertang]

Thanks, Jim! Only if we can find woods probably we can make fire plus it’s too windy. Oh yeah, that soup was the consolation. We were thinking of you to ask for help just in case we can’t get out due to closed gate at Big Pines junction. Luckily a Caltrans crew truck arrived and helped us. Tagay!

[@jimerhard4239]

@@20robertangwell I'm here for you amigo.

[@danpayan9468]

Snow Gaiters a must. Stay safe

[@20robertang]

Thanks! Gaiter and snow shoes would have suffice our ordeal on the way out.

[@danpayan9468]

I got a pair of Merrell shoes so comfortable

[@PHARRAOH]

did you need dig out your cars? I remember Jason in Icehouse, that would dock donkey shlong

[@20robertang]

Yeah, thanks to my shovel. It took me half an hour to dig it plus I got stuck before getting to the road. And by the time we get to Big Pines junction, it was closed already.. luckily we saw the Caltrans crew and they opened the gate.