F2H-4 Banshee Hike 2/22/09

[Douglas Green]

Hello all, I would like to make a hike back down to LTjg. James F Wyleys Banshee on Sunday February 22 2009. This will mark the 50th anniversary of that ill fated day. My plan is to meet at Hwy 9 and Hwy 35 at 0900 hrs. This was my 1st crashsite and was what got me started in Wreckchasing. I will also send out a broadcast message, but please post here if you plan to join us!
Doug

[SixbyFire]

My son and I will hopefully be there. Would we be hiking in from the intersection of 9 at 35 or just meeting there and driving to the area of Charcoal Road and hiking in that way?

Jeff

[Douglas Green]

I figure we can meet at 9 and 35 then carpool to the Charcoal rd. entrance.

SixbyFire said:

My son and I will hopefully be there. Would we be hiking in from the intersection of 9 at 35 or just meeting there and driving to the area of Charcoal Road and hiking in that way?

Jeff

[SixbyFire]

Ok, sounds good. Is there a parking lot there at 9 and 35? I've never driven down that far, I usually turn around to go back north at a turnout just south of Charcoal Road.

[Douglas Green]

Yes, there is a large parking area at the intersection at 9 and 35. It is about 3/4 of a mile south of Charcoal rd.

SixbyFire said:

Ok, sounds good. Is there a parking lot there at 9 and 35? I've never driven down that far, I usually turn around to go back north at a turnout just south of Charcoal Road.

[ChrisK]

Greetings to all-

It is interesting to note that I spoke to a person who has been to a wreck about a mile or two north of the 9/35 intersection. Access is via a parking lot that has a trail near it (it does not go to the wreck, however). His friend found it on a website w/crash info, etc., but he did not remember which site. He said it "looks like a corsair but has two seats" (!)
He also said they spent the night drinking beer around a campfire (great idea in a wooded canyon) and that he wanted to go back so he could RECYCLE THE ALUMINUM but that most of it was too heavy to haul out (and this is supposedly a NAVAIR fatal). I'm checking my records to see if I have anything in the area- will advise. Anyone else have possible info?

Chris

[Douglas Green]

Hey Chris, I do believe their is a small plane somewhere near this site, south of the Banshee. Also, a T-33 went down a few years earlier near Las Cumbres, perhaps he found the T-33, I know Don Jordon went looking for this aircraft and never found it!
ChrisK said:

Greetings to all-

It is interesting to note that I spoke to a person who has been to a wreck about a mile or two north of the 9/35 intersection. Access is via a parking lot that has a trail near it (it does not go to the wreck, however). His friend found it on a website w/crash info, etc., but he did not remember which site. He said it "looks like a corsair but has two seats" (!)
He also said they spent the night drinking beer around a campfire (great idea in a wooded canyon) and that he wanted to go back so he could RECYCLE THE ALUMINUM but that most of it was too heavy to haul out (and this is supposedly a NAVAIR fatal). I'm checking my records to see if I have anything in the area- will advise. Anyone else have possible info?

Chris

[ChrisK]

Interesting- I went to a map of trails around Saratoga Gap open space area and saw Charcoal Road- depending how far down that road you go to get to the site you may be walking right past the one the guy was talking about.

Oh, yeah- the guy seemed positive it was a prop-job, not a jet.

Chris

[Bill Calmes]

What is the hike like? How long? Thanks.

Bill

[SixbyFire]

My 8 year old son and I made it to the site in 45 minutes, and from what I hear, we might have taken the hard way there. Getting out is another matter. It took us just under 2 hours or so, but we took plenty of breaks and took our time, maybe stopping every 100' or so since he has asthma, and while it's normally under control, we don't risk it. The slopes are covered with leaves and such making it slippery going at times, but it's not all that bad. I think the average slope is maybe 30 degrees or so, sometimes more, sometimes less in parts.

Jeff

[Douglas Green]

As Jeff said, it's much easier in than out. I figure we have all day, so I don't mind taking a while to get back up to the main road.
Doug

SixbyFire said:

My 8 year old son and I made it to the site in 45 minutes, and from what I hear, we might have taken the hard way there. Getting out is another matter. It took us just under 2 hours or so, but we took plenty of breaks and took our time, maybe stopping every 100' or so since he has asthma, and while it's normally under control, we don't risk it. The slopes are covered with leaves and such making it slippery going at times, but it's not all that bad. I think the average slope is maybe 30 degrees or so, sometimes more, sometimes less in parts.

Jeff

[Bill Calmes]

Thanks for the replies. I don't know the area, and I'll be coming out of Sacramento, but now I've got an idea how much food and water I need to cart in.

I'll let Doug know closer to hike day if I'm coming or not, but I'd like to meet everybody.

Bill

[Douglas Green]

Sounds good Bill, If you would like to come down Saturday night, I can advise you on some local lodging.
Doug

Bill Calmes said:

Thanks for the replies. I don't know the area, and I'll be coming out of Sacramento, but now I've got an idea how much food and water I need to cart in.

I'll let Doug know closer to hike day if I'm coming or not, but I'd like to meet everybody.

Bill