By Nadir, SCRC Secretary

One of the great things about camping with a vehicle versus backpacking is payload – you can carry a wonderful camp kitchen.  With some modest tools, you can enjoy a day of off-roading and an evening of fresh food, polished off with freshly-baked chocolate cake for dessert!  Yes, you could just stick a store-bought cake in your ‘fridge, but what’s the fun in that??

I’ve used this recipe both at home and on the trail, with very little changes between the two settings.  On the trail, the key is the Omnia Oven, which is an ingenious Swedish-designed oven that sits on any portable burner.  While I have used mine mainly for cake-baking and cornbread, it will bake anything you care to try.  It’s popular among overlanders, but also long-distance boaters who want baked stuff when you’re far from grocery stores, let alone bakeries.  The one feature they’ll all share, however, is the round “donut” shape of the Ominia’s bottom pan.

Chocolate Pound Cake / Loaf

You’ll need a spatula and 3 mixing “vessels” (large, medium, and small).  I use collapsing bowls but you can use whatever you have.  You’ll also want oven mits or at least a couple of tea towels – the oven gets hot!  I’ve only used mine with the JetBoil Genesis stove, but presumably any propane stove will work (I have no idea if it is usable over an open fire).

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup whole milk (don’t substitute with oat or almond milk – won’t turn out the same)
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons)
• 1-1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 & ¼ cup flour (I use all-purpose, nothing fancy)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ ounce baking chocolate
• 85g of dark chocolate chips (a large handful if you’re not measuring)
• ¾ teaspoon baking SODA (not baking powder)
• ¾ cup granular sugar (i.e. plain white sugar)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla (or more)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (for icing; optionally: just sprinkle some powdered sugar on the finished cake).

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine the milk and lemon juice in the small vessel and set aside.  Preheat the stainless portion of the Ominia oven so it’s ready when everything else is done.

Step 2:  Cream the butter and granular sugar in the large vessel.  The butter should be room temperature / soft so if you’ve got it in a fridge, you’ll want to take it out ahead of time to soften.  Worst case, you can poach with a bowl in a pan of boiling water.  Add the vanilla.  Add one egg at a time and mix thoroughly.  

Step 3:  Combine the dry ingredients in the medium vessel.

Step 4:  Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients and ½ of the milk to the butter/sugar/eggs, mix thoroughly.  Then add another third of the dry ingredients and the rest of the milk, mix thoroughly.  Next, add the last of the dry ingredients and mix until no dry components are visible.  

Step 5: Melt and add the baking chocolate (poaching as noted above work, or you can leave this part out of the recipe).  

Step 6:  Add the chocolate chips and transfer the mix to the oven pan (with the silicone liner in place).  Spread evenly.

Step 7:  Cover and bake.  In my experience with the Omina 40 minutes at 200-degrees-F works great (note that I have the added temperature gauge on the oven, which is a separate purchase, but highly recommended).  For some reason the cook time at home is longer and hotter, but I’ve successfully baked this several times on the trail with these values.  Avoid the temptation to check too often on the cake as taking the lid off the Omnia causes a lot of heat loss.  I do rotate the oven at least once during the process just in case there are hot spots forming as often happens in home ovens.  Use this time to clean up the dishes.

Step 8:  When the toothpick test tells you it’s done, remove from heat and allow to cool at least 10 minutes (if you’re only going to sprinkle with powdered sugar), or 30 minutes if you’re going to ice.  For the icing, mix ¾ cup of powdered sugar with another 3 TBS of cocoa powder and 1 TBS of milk.  You’ll be tempted to add a lot more milk, but avoid the temptation – add just enough to combine so the icing is thick and not runny.  

Enjoy!!  Makes 10 servings.

We are super happy to announce an in house HAM radio class and testing for our members.  

The Course is being presented with the explicit intent of getting the participants through the FCC’s Technician Class radio licensing examination to enable improved communication during Rover field exercises and any emergencies.  It is our hope that some of you will find it a useful vocation and will be interested in learning more in a follow-on class or classes.  

Our instructor has been a ham for 65 years and at times it has been his main hobby and at others an adjunct to other life and recreational activities.  He will use these experiences to explain relevant course materials.  The courseware used in the class will be from the ARRL which is the National Association for Amateur Radio.

Members can log in to our website to get more details and sign up. 

In the first adventure of the new year, with the invaluable support of Tim Cummings stepping in as our Group Leader, and Nadir Elfarra as our Sweep, our convoy of 11 vehicles embarked on a thrilling journey. Our destination: the enchanting "Hotel California."

As we set out, the overcast skies gradually yielded to gentle rain showers, creating a serene atmosphere as we crossed the Box Canyon 'Road to Mecca.' While two of our Club Members had to bid farewell at this point, our remaining nine continued on into Painted Canyon.

Despite the absence of bright sunlight, the remarkable geology of Painted Canyon lived up to its reputation, showcasing its awe-inspiring colors and unique formations.

Special 'shout out' to Alex T and his drone operator companion who joined us for their very first off-highway expedition. It was a journey filled with camaraderie, exploration, and unforgettable moments. 

Welcome to a new year with the Southern California Rover Club. As we enter the new year I wanted to thank all you for making this club so great.

We've just concluded a fantastic year, and we're rolling into 2024 with a jam-packed schedule of events and trips that promise even more thrills and memories. Our year always kicks off with our Annual Meeting of the Members, set to take place this upcoming weekend at Yorba Linda Park. This event is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to come together, mingle with old friends, and showcase our beloved Rovers. Plus, this year, we're spicing things up with a delicious taco lunch and the announcement of our 2024 voting results. So mark your calendars and be sure to join us for a fantastic time!

In 2024, we're focusing on adding in more educational opportunities for our members. We'll be introducing tech talks, off-road tips and tricks, and radio communications workshops, all hosted online so you can sit in your comfy chair at home and join in. We understand that not everyone can make it to every meetup location, so we're committed to getting everyone involved. Additionally, we're working on offering Ham Radio licensing in-house for our members, along with ongoing technical training for those eager to expand their knowledge. Communication is a critical tool, especially when you're off-road, and we're making it a priority this year.

Our trails are expertly led by our dedicated volunteer Trail Leaders and Tail Gunners, the unsung heroes of our club. Given the size of our club, we are always on the lookout for more trail leaders. If you're interested in taking a more active role, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jerry SanFilippo, our Trail Boss, and he'll help you get started. Becoming a trail leader or tail gunner is a rewarding way to get more involved and typically involves leading or following on just two trails a year – something you'd likely do anyway.

Last but not least, we'll soon be placing an order for our annual batch of club shirts. Stay tuned, and in the next couple of months, you can expect these stylish additions to your wardrobe. Please take a moment to ensure that your preferred shirt size is accurately listed on your club profile in Wild Apricot. And while you're logged in, make sure your Rover and social media details are listed, too.

Now, let's hit the trails together and make 2024 a year filled with unforgettable adventures and shared experiences. Here's to another incredible year with the Southern California Rover Club!

Ed Testa
President
So Cal Rover Club

Elections, Trail Runs, and All Things Rover Club!

Happy Thanksgiving week everyone, We hopw your week is filled with good food and great memories. While you're eating all that turkey, or tofu-key, we'd like to bring a couple important items to your attention. Elections Elections will be held in December, and we'd love to see some more members run for a seat. Our secretary seat is open so we definitely need some help there. And of course, any other position can be run for as well since terms are only one year. If you'd like to run, please complete our Intent to Run form by December 1st. 2024 Trail Runs In order to ensure trail runs are available to all members, we are modifying the sign up process for trail runs in 2024. Instead of releasing the entire calendar of events for registration at once, we'll be releasing events in 3-month increments. We're also increasing the number of trail runs that will be offered. These two shifts should allow for more members to hit the trails and enjoy the capabilities of their Rovers. On Dec 1, trail runs for Jan - March will be open for registration. In February, we'll release the next three months of events.  All Things Rover Our 2024 Annual Meeting of the Members is coming January 13th. Please save the date and look for details in the next few weeks. Have a great week, Laura Social Media Coordinator

Hello to all our SoCal Rover Club members!

As we approach the end of this incredible year, I wanted to touch base with all of our club members to share how awesome this year has been. Not only have we seen an unprecedented surge in membership, but we've also had more thrilling trails than ever before, and it's all thanks to the dedication of our exceptional team of trail leaders.

Our events have been so popular that we've had to introduce waitlists and even open up second groups for those with a keen interest. Diversity has been our focus this year, with monthly club meetups hosted at various locations across Southern California to ensure everyone can participate. We introduced women's events where the guys rode shotgun. We also held valuable training sessions and workshops covering essential topics like tire repairs, air suspension, and recovery gear. And let's not forget the unforgettable Rover Rendezvous!

As we wind down the year, we still have a jam-packed calendar with more exciting events, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

Our calendar, though not yet public for sign-ups, is brimming with thrilling events and expeditions. We're expanding our trail leader program to offer even more exciting experiences. Not to mention, we've joined ANARC (The Association of North American Rover Clubs) and are gearing up to host our very own ANARC event in Spring—a Rover Rendezvous on steroids! But that's not all; I'm personally working on launching a HAM radio program for all our members. The next year promises to be an adventure like no other, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.

Before I wrap up, a couple of important notes.

Our annual dues have been a steal at $60, but with rising costs, we are adjusting them to $85. Still, that's less than a tank of gas for your trusty Land Rover. Also, our club is in the capable hands of an incredible Board this year, but we need your participation at the Meeting of the Members in January. It's where we hold Board elections for the upcoming year, so if you're eager to get involved, whether as a volunteer or as a board member, don't hesitate to throw your hat in the ring when the call for board member elections goes out.

Exciting times lie ahead, and we can't wait to embark on this journey with all of you. Stay tuned for more details and get ready for an unforgettable year of adventure with the SoCal Rover Club.

Ed Testa
President

This months adventure to Johnson Valley was both longer and more exciting that anticipated than the "Scenic" label in the description. We had 17 rigs head out around 9AM after the leaders finally made it to the trail head.

The club members had an easy run through the King of Hammers site to the Chocolate Thunder where we grouped up for a photo. Then we headed south to Jackhammer. It was an optional “play area” Noah managed to get high centered and needed a winch to get his Discovery free. A couple other members ran less difficult routes without trouble while others were spectating.

The next segment Noah led us wide around Chocolate Thunder and north for some hill tracks. Here the club encountered a brief stretch of deep sand. Two of the early rigs bogged down, while the rest managed to skate around the edge through the rocks. One managed to get out with the help of sand tracks and the other rig was too deeply embedded and a tug from a dynamic rope set her free. Now we were all ready to move on again.

2.5 hours into our trip, Noah led us across to the Mines. The trail had suffered through the 2023 rainy season. We had some Intermediate obstacles to traverse and ran bypasses around two difficult obstacles to prevent body damage. We finally made it to the Mines for lunch around 1:30PM. We checked out the mines and ate whatever vittles each of us had brought.

Our intrepid Rovers then continued over the ridge and headed down to the desert floor navigating through more challenging features on the trail we were following. One involved a steep drop of about 12 feet where the rigs did some fancy two-wheeled balancing acts followed by tight turns through a rocky escarpment. Noah was there through it all guiding everyone safely past each challenge.

It was near 4PM when we finished skirting the Military bomb site and the group filed into the Giant Rock site at Landers.

It was a very enjoyable trip. Scenic, challenging and fun. Cudos to Noah on leading the club on another great adventure!

Well we had another amazing Rover Rendezvous up in Big Bear this year. I was glad to see all the new members and hang out with some awesome Land Rover friends. If you missed it we had Great catered BBQ, trails for all levels and a raffle that was just full packed with cool goodies. We had a Guest speaker Cody from Expedition America come talk about his passion for Land Rovers and his travels. Did i mention trails? Memories were made on and off the trails and stories of your adventures keep pouring in from the weekend. Another epic Rover Rendezvous in the books for Southern California Rver Club. 

Thanks to all who attended! There were a dozen of us who met at Eddie world under breezy conditions. After a few words between friends we were off to the Phillips loop trailhead. The day was nice and clear and very few people on the trail. About halfway up the loop we took a small detour to the famous Kramer Arch.  Everyone threaded the needle like champs. We had a small amount of carnage, upper quarter panel on Davids LR3 and Chuck busted out one of his windows! Don't sweat it guys! It will buff right out! We then headed to a flat space on the trail to regain composure and lick some wounds, but then we were off again with smiles all around. Further down the trail we came upon some fun little rocky waterfalls to crawl up. David and Seth spotted everyone through with no issues! Nice job guys! Having gotten over the obstacles we decided it was lunch time (my favorite time of the day). After lunch we proceeded to Wall Street Overlook to find a place to camp, but no such luck. We went back to Phillips Loop and found a nice protected area to pitch camp. We sat around the fire with minimal wind and reminisced about the day's events. Everyone enjoyed a nice meal together and a libation or 2? The night was crisp but not too cold, didn't hear a peep from anyone until 8 AM. We got packed up and took quick visit to the ghost town the next day. I highly recommend this trail to all members. It has a little something for everyone. See everyone at the next one! 

Jerry Sanfilippo, SCRC Trailmaster   

                                                                                              

The January Annual member meetup was a total blast. Over 70 members showed up, and there were rows of Land Rovers in the parking lot. We elected the  board members for 2022. Adam stepped down from President position. We are grateful for all the work he put into the club this year.  Ed Testa was voted in as President and Nick Torina was elected in as Vice President. The rest of the incumbent board members retained their positions. The voting was performed on-line using our legacy website.

New Board of Directors of 2022
  President: Ed Testa
  Vice President: Nick Torina
  Treasurer: Ray Borzone
  Secretary: Diana Landais
  Trail Master: Jerry Sanfilippo
  Social: Eddie Mah
  Sponsor Ambassador: Stephen Beres

We had a taco truck to feed those who turned out, and as always Val was brewing up his amazing coffee on the tailgate. MMmmmmmm. All the while, the kids ran around and played in the park.  Stephen Beres  brought a 'Camel Trophy kids car'  for them to off-road in and about the only pile of dirt in the parking lot. Great times with the club. 

See ya'all next month. Stay tuned.