Camping on the beach is fun. Expect a huge Land Cruiser city near Pole 6. Beach camping at the Oceano Dunes State Off-Highway Vehicle Area is $10.00 per day per vehicle, you can make reservations at Reserve America. If you don't like camping get a room in Pismo Beach. Motels, restaurants and other "tourist" facilities are located minutes from the beach and sand dunes.

Friday - Arrive at the Oceano Dunes State Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Pick up an Oceano Dunes map when you enter the park. We'll be camping on the beach near Pole 6. Simply drive South on the beach and watch the numbered sign posts. It's about 3 miles down the beach from the Pier Avenue entrance ramp. The local cruiser crew will be there early staking out a big area for the Surf n Turf camp.

FYI - A local company rents 26' fully contained travel trailers AND they will deliver and set them up on the beach at the Surf N Turf camp! Just tell them you're going to Surf N Turf. More info at: www.luv2camp.com

Camping on the beach near Pole 6 allows motorhomes and trailers to reach the campsite during low tide. Expect sunny skies, warm temperatures and calm winds on most days but remember camping on the beach is exposed and primitive. Savvy campers will bring windscreens, camp tables, BBQs and firewood.

Saturday - morning free time, dune and beach driving and exploring. Look for groups of Land Cruisers around camp or along Sand Highway. If we're not exploring remote areas in the back dunes you'll likely find us watching the more aggressive drivers as they challenge the steep faces and sand bowls. It's a good time to get your "sand legs".

High Noon Poker Run - Join us for a poker run and tour of the 1,500 acre dunes complex. We'll start from the Surf N Turf camp at 12:00 PM. The poker run will NOT be guided! That's right, you'll be on your own to find the five checkpoints scattered through the back dunes. You'll use a map to guide you to the five checkpoints. Poker hand entries will be available for $5 prior to the run. The High and Low hands will split the jackpot at the completion of the run.

High Noon Poker Run - Checkpoints will be located on routes suitable for stock rigs and inexperienced drivers. This is not intended as a "challenge" run. Nonetheless, be prepared to drive up, down, over, and around soft and sometimes steep sand dunes. Prior to the run, please air down tires to maximum of 10-15 psi. Inexpereinced drivers are encouraged to ask for assistance and team up with experienced drivers. The Surf n Turf locals will be happy to lead you to the checkpoints.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening - more free time to explore the beach and dunes. Expect to see impromptu hill climbing competitions and big air dune jumping. It's a Surf n Turf tradition!

You're on your own for dinner, but the Surf N Turf crew will provide plenty of wood for an evening bonfire. Plus, there's always night wheeling in the dunes if you dare.

Sunday - Morning dune driving, inland trails and the Pozo Saloon Finale

Relax on the beach Sunday morning before heading inland to the Pozo Saloon Finale. The Big Falls Trail is still closed so we'll focus our attention on the Garcia Ridge and Las Chicas trails before socializing at the historic Pozo Saloon.

The Garcia Ridge trail is a narrow, one way in and one way out trail. The trail is a designated OHV trail in the Los Padres National Forest. The the best parts of this steep ridge route are near the beginning. The top of the 3,000 feet ridge trail offers panoramic views of the ocean, dunes and inland valleys. This trail is steep and narrow but still suitable for stock vehicles. Optional challenge bypasses and some rock ledges will give you a chance to test your lockers. Allow about 1-1/2 hours to run the trail. The trail branches off the main road to Pozo. Please break into smaller groups and spread out a bit before hitting this optional inland trail. This will be done informally. You're on your own, these are not guided trail rides.

The Las Chiches trail is a steep, loose and narrow ridge top loop trail. The trail is a designated OHV trail in the Los Padres National Forest. The trail follws a ridge top with interesting geologic formations and panoramic views of the inland valleys. This trail is steep and loose but still suitable for stock vehicles. Allow about 1-1/2 hours to run the trail. The Las Chiches trail is about 20 minutes East from Pozo. Remember, you're on your own, these are not guided trail rides.

Big Falls Trail - Unfortunately, heavy rains last year resulted in severe washouts on the Big Falls trail and it remains closed to the public above the Big Falls parking area. Please respect this temporary closure.

All groups should finish the day at the historic Pozo Saloon between 1:00 and 4:00 PM Sunday afternoon.

Pozo Saloon Finale

Everyone will converge in Pozo at the historic Pozo Saloon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM to review our weekend and say goodbye. The Pozo Saloon staff will provide a special BBQ for our group to ensure everyone gets served quickly. Watch for more details, we'll need to get a count for the food.

The Pozo Saloon circa 1858 is located under large sycamore trees in a relaxing park like setting. It's full of historic memorabilia and provides a casual family environment to enjoy a "Pozo Martini"(cold beer served in mason jars with olives) and some great food. Once taken over by the Surf N Turf cruiserheads it's reminiscent of the legendary Broken Birfield Bar.

Pozo is about 30 miles from the beach, about half of which is single lane dirt road. This is a fun and scenic drive through lush canyons and steep mountains. Along the way, you'll pass turnoffs for the optional Big Falls and Garcia Ridge trails as you climb from sea level over a 3,000 feet elevation ridge.

Allow about two hours for a leisurely pace to Pozo. From the beach, head East on Grand Avenue, cross over HWY 101 and follow the signs to Lopez Lake. At Lopez Lake take Pozo-Hi Mountain Road over the mountains to Pozo.

From Pozo, it's a 25 minute drive back to HWY 101 via the town of Santa Margarita (just North of San Luis Obispo).

Remember, there is no charge or formal registration for this event. Simply come out and enjoy yourself with other Land Cruiser friends. However, you can help us plan by telling us you plan to attend.

For more information Contact Jim Brantley

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