This year our Turkey Run took us to the San Gabriel Mountains via San Gabriel Canyon Road (SR39), East Fork Road and Glendora Mountain Road, AKA GMR.
The weather cooperated, sort of, as it was clear and crisp below 5000 ft.
However, our first stop was Crystal Lake, elevation 5959 feet, and it was wet, icy cold, and overcast. Well, let’s start at the beginning.
Our drivers met at the Arco Station on Azusa Avenue, seven cars, eleven members and cars with plenty of gas, except for George Merino who departed with a quarter tank. Our first 25 miles took us up Hwy 39 along Morris Dam and San Gabriel Dam on our way to Crystal Lake. As we gained elevation, we entered the clouds, cold air and drizzle. With the windshield wipers slapping we rolled into the Crystal Lake Café Parking Lot looking for warmth and the restrooms.
Needless to say, we did not stay long before heading down to East Fork Road and connecting with Glendora Mountain Road. The drive along East Fork Road was picturesque and well populated with homes, gun ranges, parks and the trail to The Bridge to Nowhere. After 10 miles or so we connected with GMR.
Glendora Mountain Road was a drivers treat with twisty turns and spectacular panoramic views of the San Gabriel mountains, valleys and Catalina and San Clemente Islands in the Channel. Spectacular! We finished our drive in Glendora at Casa Jimenez for lunch, small talk and Thanksgiving wishes.
Thank you to our attendees: Lou & Bonnie Fisher, Mike Biss & Anna Johansson, Jackie and Dave Deamer, Dan O’Neil, George Merino, Phil Caliva, Peter and Alexandra Roses.