Alberta Land Rover Enthusiasts Club Forum

General => Events => Topic started by: Red90 on February 04, 2020, 09:16 AM

Title: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on February 04, 2020, 09:16 AM
Tentatively set for August 23 to 29 (Sunday to Saturday).

The general plan at the moment (subject to change) is to follow the same overall route as last year in the opposite direction.  Along the way, there are a variety of trails and trail options that we will try out that we did not have time to look at last year.  We will also visit backcountry hot springs as time permits.  There are three possible ones along the route.

The Sunday meetup will be at one of the BC provincial recreation areas along the Kootenay or White rivers south of Kootenay National Park.  This is three hours from Calgary.  We will then start the trip Monday morning with a plan to be able to have the following Saturday free for getting home from the Dutch Creek area (two hours south of Calgary). There will be options for people to leave the trip most days.  There should also be a resupply and refueling opportunity in the middle of the week.

You can read about last year's trip in this thread: http://alre.club/Forum/index.php?topic=1590.30

Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: binch on February 04, 2020, 08:54 PM
That was a great trip last year!   Will likely join again this year too.  Thanks John!!!! ;)
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Gardenome on February 21, 2020, 07:52 AM
I am planning to attend as well. My challenge is making it to the starting line on time. You mentioned leaving early if you can't stay the whole week. Will it be possible to join late or might you all be too difficult to track down?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Gardenome on February 21, 2020, 07:52 AM
I am planning to attend as well. My challenge is making it to the starting line on time. You mentioned leaving early if you can't stay the whole week. Will it be possible to join late or might you all be too difficult to track down?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on February 21, 2020, 01:21 PM
It might be difficult to meet part way. If it is later on the Monday it could be possible. After that it is hard to predict where we will be and there is zero cell coverage anywhere.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: pechanec on March 04, 2020, 08:58 PM
Last year was great ( challenges getting there aside) we'll see if this year is makable.

Sent from my XP7700 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: DBrands on March 06, 2020, 01:05 PM
I'm definitely interested in this trip again. I'll pencil myself in.

David
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: B-Red on March 06, 2020, 08:50 PM
Tigger is going through an engine rebuild revival. Hopefully it will be tuned and tweeted for this one. Been five years since it hit the trails.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on June 29, 2020, 11:37 AM
Just to give a brief update.  This trip is a definite go. There have been seven people show interest. If there is anyone else that might want to come, even tentatively, let me know. Discussion on details will be by email.

The dates and the general plan are in the first post.

Cheers,

John
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: B-Red on June 29, 2020, 09:33 PM
Just came out of organizing a big public event that had 87 plus cars participate. The committee prepared a COVID-19 plan to minimize the risk.
For this camping trip it's manageable. Simple things to consider:
1- Keep your distance
2- use the outhouse with disinfectant or bring your own porta potty.
3- don't share food or drinks or plates
4- check yourself in for testing to make sure your are fit for the trip.
As for the mask, your choice. It keeps the dust out on the trails.
Cheers
Emad
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Trevor on June 30, 2020, 09:58 PM
Just an fyi, the CCP-19 virus stupidity has ramped up vandalism against Alberta plated vehicles in BC. Before heading on a recent excursion to the Valemont area I was warned about it from some EPS members. They're getting the info through "official" channels.

My trip was mostly very enjoyable. However I did come across 3 idiots in Valemont while getting fuel that were yammering on about keying my vehicle  unless I go back to Alberta. They walked over to confront me but once they realized I was preparing to defend myself and going to stand my ground, they changed their minds and it amounted to nothing.

On a more positive note I did run into several locals while fishing that were extremely nice. I had some drinks with them and we brewed up a good camp dinner together. Twas a fun night. 

So nothing to get too concerned about, just be mindful. If you're camping remotely and away from people with a big group like you guys have, it shouldn't be a problem. From what I'm told the bulk of the vandalism seems to be happening at restaurants/motels etc while you're away from your vehicle. Vehicles being keyed, tires slashed, etc.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: binch on July 02, 2020, 12:15 AM
I've been hearing the same thing.......BC has been trying to discourage cross border movement in any direction.   It's unfortunate but a bit understandable I guess.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on July 02, 2020, 07:41 AM
Quote from: binch on July 02, 2020, 12:15 AMBC has been trying to discourage cross border movement in any direction.

That is incorrect.  BC moved to Phase 3 and they are stating that non-essential travel is fine including from out of province.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: DBrands on July 02, 2020, 09:18 AM
Quote from: Red90 on July 02, 2020, 07:41 AM
Quote from: binch on July 02, 2020, 12:15 AMBC has been trying to discourage cross border movement in any direction.

That is incorrect.  BC moved to Phase 3 and they are stating that non-essential travel is fine including from out of province.

Yep, straight from BC Gov't Phase 3 page:
"If you are travelling to B.C. from another province or territory within Canada you are expected to follow the same travel guidelines as everyone else in B.C. and travel safely and respectfully. "

The BC park campground situation still seems a bit vague though...
"BC Parks campground and backcountry camping reservations opened for B.C. residents on June 1, 2020."
"Preferential access to camping will be given to B.C. residents"
Even more reason to avoid the campgrounds...
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on July 02, 2020, 11:13 AM
To be clear.  We will not be staying in any BC Parks campgrounds for this trip (the ones mentioned above). We will be staying at one or more BC Recreation Sites.  These are managed by a different government agency, are free, non reservable and not affected by any Covid restrictions.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: headdamage on August 08, 2020, 08:30 PM
Sounds like the Covid situation is deteriorating somewhat in BC. Don't think it will interfere with the trip yet. I think there are some fire bans incoming for the SW of Alberta as well.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 12, 2020, 08:39 PM
Quote from: headdamage on August 08, 2020, 08:30 PM
Sounds like the Covid situation is deteriorating somewhat in BC. Don't think it will interfere with the trip yet. I think there are some fire bans incoming for the SW of Alberta as well.
I've been in the Kootenays all week. More than half the cars are out of province. Nobody cares and nobody is practicing any social distancing. The amount of people is probably half of a normal year.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: B-Red on August 15, 2020, 08:49 AM
I decided to pull out of the trip this week. After a round trip in one day to Wabasca few days ago I realized that my body is saying stay home. It's important to be aware of your physical health and body stress tolerances. COVID-19 generated a significant amount of mental stress on us due to work, family, lockdowns and masks.
Enjoy the trip fellows
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: headdamage on August 15, 2020, 11:44 PM
Who all is still in? I'm good to go unless no one else is going.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 16, 2020, 06:42 AM
Quote from: headdamage on August 15, 2020, 11:44 PM
Who all is still in? I'm good to go unless no one else is going.
Everything is a go. Meet in one week.  The road to the meeting spot was freshly graded last week.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: headdamage on August 16, 2020, 08:55 AM
Good to hear that, I'll be there.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 28, 2020, 05:04 PM
We are back home. Finished early so headed out today. Will put together pictures and a report over the weekend.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: binch on August 28, 2020, 05:40 PM
Holy cow!!!   I thought you were leaving this weekend....not last.  ahahhah  good memory Bill   LOL

I look forward to hearing all about the trip John  ;)
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 28, 2020, 07:13 PM
A quick upload of my photos.  The other guys got a bunch and I'll try to get them all together in this album.

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmQoLQHy

Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Trevor on August 28, 2020, 09:21 PM
Looks like a great trip!
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: binch on August 28, 2020, 10:19 PM
Some great pics there John!    I particularly enjoyed the dogs....always bring a smile to my face ;-)

A good photo of Andrew's 90(?) from the back, showing some good articulation.

The springs....were they luke warm or pretty warm?

The area looked very dry too....was that the case?

Looking forward to the write up!   Looked like another great trip of yours ;)
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 05:19 AM
Ram springs was pretty warm and Wildhorse luke.

Dry in some areas, wet in others. It was sunny for most of the trip. Two short showers was it for the week.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: headdamage on August 29, 2020, 04:37 PM
Tried out a new option for small portable camping system when on an off road trip this past week. Not bad but the tent on the cot is a little small for me.

(https://scontent.fyyc5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/118286471_2721070084847675_6056006011637686100_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=moCVmYYLqRwAX8zb2Cu&_nc_ht=scontent.fyyc5-1.fna&tp=6&oh=5100cf91838a5459a6df809e564c3663&oe=5F7187FF)

(https://scontent.fyyc5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/118223136_2721070101514340_2497387407281761509_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=62gT4daj-tAAX_4UZnp&_nc_ht=scontent.fyyc5-1.fna&tp=6&oh=fab77125c49e6855a754a41c8631dd98&oe=5F714C79)
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 05:23 PM
I've added DBrands' photos to the Flickr album.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: binch on August 29, 2020, 06:33 PM
Yup...some great pics there guys!!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 06:45 PM
Trip Report...

Sunday, August 23 we meet at the Horseshoe Rapids Recreation Site just south of Kootenay National Park around 20 km down Settlers Road.  We have three 90s, all with 200TDIs.  Myself, headdamage and DBrands.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50279546483_5e56bcb40f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2Pst)Camp 1 - Horseshoe Rapids RS (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2Pst) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 07:14 PM
Day 1:

We head north with a plan to drive as far as the roads allow.  This takes us to the Marvel Pass Trailhead, which is the shortest route into the Assiniboine area. The road is in pretty good shape despite a sign at the beginning stating it is closed due to a washout.  There were half a dozen cars parked at the end, all with chicken wire enclosing the undersides.  Some lovely views of the divide.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280390107_e49271f440_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB79eH)Enjoying the view at the Marvel Pass Trailhead (https://flic.kr/p/2jB79eH) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280390407_db58e706f7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB79jT)Enjoying the view at the Marvel Pass Trailhead (https://flic.kr/p/2jB79jT) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283237373_3b96aaab46_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBmJCv)IMG_3109 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBmJCv) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

Our next objective is to try and get across Miller Pass to the south. It was a road through many years back and I had read an ATV trip report from 2009, so it seems worth a try.  We first head up the Cross River.  There is a road on both sides and the maps all show the southern one as the main route.  We head down there and find a missing bridge at the first creek. We cross and continue along and at the next one, it is clear that they do not want us going this way.  It is strange that there were no signs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283919851_4048e9c2d0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqevn)IMG_3124 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqevn) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

We turn around and head back and get on the northern road, which takes us through and we quickly get to the top of Miller Pass. We find the trail at the top of the pass and have a look.  There are fresh ATV tracks and fresh clearing, so that is encouraging and we head down. After around 2 km, we meet some side trails and the fresh tracks and fresh clearing disappear.  We are definitively on the right route, so we decide to give it our best effort.  The bush is pretty thick and we are stopping every few minutes to cut the bigger stuff.  We've decided that next time we need a trail clearing passenger.....  While using my Jedi mind powers to navigate along, I spot a washout to the left and decide to stop and look.  I almost had a heart attack when I saw I had stopped on the edge of a three foot vertical drop.  I've sure I would have put it on its side.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50279545988_d470eb8425_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2PiW)Start of Miller Pass Trail (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2PiW) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283239848_a46b6d341e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBmKnb)IMG_3129 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBmKnb) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280228781_8573340a2e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB6jhe)Needs a little clearing (https://flic.kr/p/2jB6jhe) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50284073192_c208e6cf7c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr26b)Red90 was within inches of driving off of this when he stopped. (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr26b) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

We clear the bush around the washout and continue on. A short while later we run into a creek crossing that requires digging out of the exit.  DBrands and I decide to walk 200 meters to the next crossing and look at it before deciding to push through.  It looks okay, so we head back and cross after a bit of digging.  We arrive at the next crossing and after I have another look and am about to drive across, I hear "you may want to look at this".  50 meters further on, the slope has slid and there is a 30 meter section with a walking path of flat ground left. We can't see a safe way to pass, so turn around and head back to start the long (65 km) drive around to the other end. We setup camp #2 at the Palliser-Albert Recreation site at the junction of those two rivers.  This puts us 12 km due south of where we ran out of trail. Many scratches and few small dents. I pulled off a flare, broke my snorkel top and a mirror, but not serious issues.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280387732_f782d732c0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB78wL)And it keeps going.... (https://flic.kr/p/2jB78wL) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280393387_20fdc8bfb7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB7adg)Camp 2 - Palliser/Albert RS (https://flic.kr/p/2jB7adg) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: binch on August 29, 2020, 07:26 PM
hhahahhahah   so what's the story to the spruce tree in the engine bay  ???
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 07:47 PM
Day 2:

We head north up the Albert River FSR to have a look for the southern end of the Miller Pass Trail, just to see how far we had been to the end.  A little ways in we find a washed out bridge.  They have simply floated it on concrete blocks with nothing to stop the ends from washing away. Quality engineering.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280387422_7ed48bb8cf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB78rq)Washed out bridge on Albert River FSR (https://flic.kr/p/2jB78rq) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

We find the trail end around 2.5 km from where we turned around and it is clear it has not been traveled on in years. We turn around and head towards our next objective.  This is an unnamed pass to the south at the head of Schofield Creek, so I will call it Schofield Pass.  For this pass, there are forestry roads coming up to both sides, with a clear, but short gap in the current roads.  The original road looks to have been deactivated.  From a review of the aerial photos, there is a clear track just on the west side of the pass and we had that set as the route to try.  We arrive and find fresh tracks and head the short distance to a fresh cut block.  I'm sure this is the right way, but the tracks are vague and I always hate driving through these due to the chances of staking.  We walk the path and find the other road around 200 meters away.  We clear a track and walk the trucks through.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283924251_1beff09e13_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqfPe)IMG_3187 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqfPe) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

We get to the other side and head off down the road. Just as headdamage says on the radio "this looks like a good road", I drive up to the first creek with not only a missing bridge, but a lot of piled rubble quite clearly put there to stop traffic.  We look at it and decide the only way would mean we would need to rely on the winches for the first part of the climb and I was not overly enthusiastic about that option.  After some debate, we decided to search out another route.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283924866_a70aab729c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqfZQ)IMG_3193 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqfZQ) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283925021_7c5c0af613_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqg3v)IMG_3194 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqg3v) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

We head back and drive up the road on the west side of the valley. It does not go through, but it gives us a great view of the east side.  There are three roads.  The lower looks to have been filled in.  The middle looks like it might go through and the upper looks to have a gap.  We drive over and the lower (which is the original road) has been filled with logs.  We park at the middle and decide to split up.  DBrands heads up the middle road and headdamage to the top.  The middle road was first a steep road where they put in very deep drainage ditches every 50 meters.  At the top of this road, DBrands finds a trail that he follows.  All the while, headdamage is high above on the high trail and can clearly see all of the trails, so gives us all a play by play on the radio.  After getting through, DBrands heads down the road a bit to make sure it continues.  Once we get the all clear we follow him through and head out down south.

With all of the extra travel, DBrands is concerned about having enough fuel to make it to Fort Steele.  We decide that headdamage and I will find a camp and he will head off to Canal Flats for a refill.  We part ways at Whiteswan Lake and head down the White-Lussier FSR to the turn off to the Ram Creek Warmsprings.  headamage spotted a good camp spot a few km back on the Lussier River and we setup camp.  DBrands shows up half an hour later and we enjoy a nice evening around the fire.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50279552233_f4f6f21e9b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2RaB)Camp 3 - Lussier River (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2RaB) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 07:49 PM
Quote from: binch on August 29, 2020, 07:26 PM
hhahahhahah   so what's the story to the spruce tree in the engine bay  ???

David caught it somewhere on the return trip back up to Miller Pass.  It went in between the steering damper and the front cross member, past the power steering pump, through the intercooler hoses, beside the heater ending at the bonnet....  All with no damage!!!!
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 08:15 PM
Day 3:

First thing we head into the Ram Creek Warmsprings.  You used to be able to drive through to the springs, but at some point (2014?) they have closed access within the boundaries of the ecological reserve to motorized users. We drove in from the east.  The road was fine, albeit a bit rough through the center section. The road ends 650 meters from the springs.  Strangely, they did not simply add barriers, but completely filled the road bed for the entire 650 meter to the springs!

A short walk brought us to these nice springs.  They were just the right temperature to let you stay in all day.  Being there in the morning, before the sun hit, worked out really well.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50284077332_34748c3e3a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr3jy)IMG_3206 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr3jy) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

After a nice soak, we headed back and continued south and retraced our steps from last year.  This includes a 7 km long off road section to join the forestry roads across a pass separating the Nicole Creek and Wildhorse River Valleys.  Our first goal was to find the Wildhorse Warmsprings.  We had tried to locate them last year, but had incorrect information.  After some research, I had found that last year we camped 200 meters from the springs without knowing....

We arrived at last year's camp and I went ahead to see if a driving trail went through to the springs.  We found and followed it.  It is quite a rough trail and I would suggest walking instead!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280396582_5c12e039fa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB7bam)Wildhorse Warm Springs (https://flic.kr/p/2jB7bam) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50284077622_6736c6ecd9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr3py)IMG_3214 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr3py) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

After having a lunch break, we headed back out to the road.  On the way, headdamage had his steering wheel move 90 degrees and stay there.  We spent an hour looking over his truck and we are still not sure what happened. Another mystery for the ages.

Just south there is a house next to a bridge with a "bridge closed" sign only on the "bush" side and not the "civilization" side.  The deck was in bad shape, but there seemed to be two at the right spacing that were safe....

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280386617_025d070ae6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB78cx)VERY sketchy bridge south of Wildhorse Warm Springs (https://flic.kr/p/2jB78cx) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

Despite the poorly maintained bridge, the rest of the road has clearly been maintained since last year.  We continued the long drive to Fort Steele and then across to the Bull River FSR.  We then headed back north and setup camp at the Summer Lake Recreation Site. This 105 km drive put us 7 km from the Wildhorse Springs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283926176_64f237028b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqgoq)IMG_3233 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqgoq) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/50283917506_609b4b25ea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqdNW)IMG_3241 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqdNW) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: binch on August 29, 2020, 11:38 PM
Quote from: Red90 on August 29, 2020, 07:49 PM
Quote from: binch on August 29, 2020, 07:26 PM
hhahahhahah   so what's the story to the spruce tree in the engine bay  ???

David caught it somewhere on the return trip back up to Miller Pass.  It went in between the steering damper and the front cross member, past the power steering pump, through the intercooler hoses, beside the heater ending at the bonnet....  All with no damage!!!!

Oh, now there's a serious case of Horse Shoes!!!!!
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Trevor on August 30, 2020, 12:10 PM
Great write-up John, sounds like you guys had an excellent trip! Very good to hear!
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 30, 2020, 12:38 PM
Quote from: Trevor on August 30, 2020, 12:10 PM
Great write-up John, sounds like you guys had an excellent trip! Very good to hear!

Two more days left!!!  Got stopped writing by a desire to get up at 3 am and go hiking by the boss.
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 30, 2020, 01:35 PM
Day 4:

Today's goal was to get over the Koko Claims / Crossing Creek trail from west to east.  We ran the trail in the other direction last year. After another long stretch of forestry road, we arrived at a trail sign that was a bit south of where we came out last year.  Apparently there is a short section of off road track that we did not try.  We headed up and found a rough section with a climb up a boulder sized marble hill.  Once past this section, there is a stretch of road before the climb to the summit.  On this side, there are two steep hill with loose dirt and rocks. It was only about half an hour to get to the summit, so this is much easier than the other direction.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50279554383_caf2401e00_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2RNF)Koko Claims / Crossing Creel Trail Summit (https://flic.kr/p/2jB2RNF) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280398467_69800e08b1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB7bHR)Koko Claims / Crossing Creel Trail Summit Cabin (https://flic.kr/p/2jB7bHR) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

The run down the very rough eastern side took around an hour and we headed into Elkford for refueling.  After leaving Elkford, we decided to go down the Sulfur Springs FSR instead of the highway.  We were greeted with a sign saying the road was closed due to a washout.  Headdamage was in the lead and took that as a challenge.  We found the washout close to the southern end and they were not kidding.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283927271_84728339dc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqgHi)IMG_3253 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqgHi) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50284070592_447411bbbe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr1jm)Washout on Sulfur Springs FSR (https://flic.kr/p/2jBr1jm) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

A route was spotted that crossed the river and back over and we went out to try it out and were back on the road a short while later.  We then headed towards Northfork pass in search of a campsite.  We did not find anything perfect and settled on a large flat area near the bottom of the trail.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283237128_b157425004_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBmJyh)IMG_3259 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBmJyh) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/50283917386_98c58df7c0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqdLS)IMG_3258 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqdLS) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Red90 on August 31, 2020, 08:06 AM
Day 5:

We decided to call this our last day and stayed later than normal waiting for the sun to dry the tents. We headed up Northfork Pass and made it to the top in half an hour.  The ledges at the top of the Alberta side seem to be a bit more beaten up than in the past. Within an hour of starting the day we were back to the road in Alberta and heading out.  We passed a group of Jeeps and a group of Land Cruisers on the road that were heading up the pass.

We headed out to highway 22 and home.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280226041_748151767f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB6isZ)Rocks at top of Northfork Pass Trail (https://flic.kr/p/2jB6isZ) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50280385707_855991ef6e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jB77VR)Rocks at top of Northfork Pass Trail (https://flic.kr/p/2jB77VR) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283947976_7005739464_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqnSh)IMG_3264 (https://flic.kr/p/2jBqnSh) by ALRE Club (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alre_club/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Southern Rockies Exploration Week - 2020 Edition
Post by: Matt H on September 04, 2020, 11:50 AM
Looks like it was a very fun trip! 👍🏻