Weak signal at the start, getting stronger everywhere else even at sealevel. Good steady direction toward all the mountains to the east including but not limited to: Santiago, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and Toro. Nothing from San Gorgonio, baldy or anything north of the 10 fwy. Went out the 91 to Green river, then east to the 215 then east to Indio and then south on 111 and into Brawley. Shudda got gas in Brawley, but didnt. West into the bombing range and onto a dirt road that turned to sand with whoops that kept the 4runner airborn about 20% 0f the time. 15 miles of this and I peaked and could see the off-road vehicle area, but didn't see any road in there. The presence of motor homes indicated that there was a road down there somewhere, They sure didn't come in my way.
 

Back out 15 miles of ups and downs...10 ft up 10 ft along and 10 ft down and 10 ft along and 10 ft up and on and on and on....still didn't get any gas. On south and found Wheeler/Wheel road (the name changes depending on which way you are going) and back in to the REC area. I could hear T0 overlaying T2 and T1 and T4 and a voice T. T0 was much louder so I went after it. It was at the radio site. There was no way to get to the site from the REC side. I went to the east of Superstition mountain and found a  powerline road and followed it assuming that the radio site needed power. The road ended in a sand dune. I tried to go north around the dune but it was posted (all this plase was a Naval bombing range and some of it is still full of unexploded ordinance.) Back out and down to Wheel road. Flailed around still trying to get over Supersition mountains, but now the gas was getting low. Headed out and found a talking T at the campsite and chatted with half of San Diego hams that seemed to come out to watch us make fools of ourselves. Got definite directions to Gas at Plaster city on the 80 road.
 

Wrong. No gas at Plaster City or anywhere on the 80. Went into Ocotillo which is another 12 miles and that made 62 miles with the GETGAS light on. Made it, but put 17.89 gallons in my 18 gallon tank. Back into the fire. Stopped at the campsite and chatted more and went out and went west and found T4. It is now dark and I am driving in the dark in the sand trying to find T2. T2 and T0 has now slipped apart so it is a little easier, but I can't find the road that goes to T2. After getting stuck twice and having to backout in 4WD to get a run and much frustration, I gave up and went back to the camp site. there was Wayne, Deryl and Steve  (in from their boat trip) and most of San Diego and we chatted for an hour or so. I left taking the 8 to the 15 to the 60 to home. Found three transmitters, logged a round trip from the house of 610 miles and pooped myself out.

Bob WB6JPI (Jippy)