Family Day Long Weekend Road Trip?

[Rob]

Another island run in the planning stages... anyone up for a "road-trip" run on the BC Family Day long weekend?

Something a few of us have talked about in the past is a road-trip type of run that would travel on maintained roads that are guaranteed to be open (no gates). While it wouldn't be a challenging off-road run it would still be scenic, have good access to washrooms along the way :D , some bumps and hills but no-scratch and no expected damage.

One option would be a Salt Spring Island run - meet at Ganges then venture up Mount Maxwell, Mount Tuam, maybe do the road around to Musgrave Landing, Burgoyne Bay and Ruckle Park. Lots of good view points, decent spots for lunch and maybe a little island shopping for those so inclined. This trip would be fewer miles but more stops along the way.

A second option would be a south island run, possibly Goldstream, Sooke, Shawnigan Lake. Shorter trip, lots of stops, all paved.

Option 3 would be a south Island Loop - Victoria to Jordan River and back over to Lake Cowichan. Again, no scratch but picturesque. This trip would be a longer haul, fewer stops, more miles.

I've added a poll to this post to get an idea of preferences for days and routes. Also, any alternate suggestions are welcome.

Cheers, Rob

[island dormy]

Hi Rob

A road trip might be nice this time of year. Our last bush trip we got lucky and had no snow who knows if those conditions will stay the same or not. Usually we do not get very far up the snowy roads.
Last year we did a trip out to Port Renfrew from Victoria and back via Lake Cowichan on gravol roads with a few stops along the way. It was a good day out but sadly only two rovers made the trip. I would maybe try that route again. Port Renfrew has a nice restaurant out at the end of the town wharf that might make a good lunch stop.
But I will go anywhere even just down to Victoria for a coffee meet.

Talk with you later Victor 1962 Dormobile

[Greg S]

I can't make it that weekend. I'm on fire department duty crew the whole weekend. Have to stick around the fire protection area.

[RobTheGob]

I'd like to do a drive - I'm open to most options. The Port Renfrew loop is long - I usually do it in one of the sports cars, rather than the Defender...

I get back from Hawaii Saturday morning - so I'll have to see if this works from a timing standpoint...

[Rob]

Looks like there is some interest in Saltspring. If we were to go there it would be a mix of paved and gravel roads. Some of the gravel is poorly maintained so it might be a bit rough but not likely a problem for any of our rovers.

One spot to go would be Mount Tuam which is on the south side of Saltspring overlooking Sidney and the Saanich Penninsula. According to locals, "The way to Mount Tuam lies along Musgrave Road: this is a very rough track so only venture up here if you have four wheel drive or little regard for your vehicle" - the trip wouldn't be a problem for our Rovers and from Mount Tuam we could continue around to Musgrave Landing and eventually Booth Bay.

Info about Mount Tuam http://www.flatearthphoto.com/SSI_Tuam.htm

Another sport we should visit is Mount Maxwell - about 4 km paved and 5 kms of gravel, some climbing and rough sections, rough for some cars but no problem for Rovers - scenic ride and lots of great views at the top.

Mount Maxwell Park viewpoint and road info - http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhot ... umbia.html

The Saturday Markets aren't open until April but all the shops and galleries are open so for those inclinded to shop (or window shop) there's lots of opportunity to frop-off the shoppers while the wheelers go out for a spin.

There is the cost of the Ferry but the island could offer an interesting day.

So, any thoughts on this one or maybe some alternate ideas?

Rob

[mepham55]

Sounds like a great idea, unfortunately I'll be in vancouver that weekend.

Matt

[mylrd90]

The Saltsrping trip sounds great. Count me in. My wife will likely come along as well.

Ron P.

[RobTheGob]

Saltspring sounds great.

I can likely make it if the drive is on Sunday.

[Rob]

Looks like there is enough interest for a Saltspring Run on Sunday Feb 9th.

I will be scouting the route on the weekend before and have a plan/report for everyone shortly after.

I've posted the Ferry Schedules to Salspring from Crofton and Sidney. Earliest ferry from Sidney is 9AM and from Crofton is 8:40 so we could plan to meet in Ganges for coffee and our pre-trip plan by 10.

Hope to see you there!

Rob

Vesuvius - Crofton Ferry Schedule http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/sout ... urrent.php
Sidney - Fulford Harbour Ferry Schedule http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/sout ... urrent.php

[mylrd90]

Let us know where we meet in Ganges and Christina and I will meet you there at 10:00 on Sunday, Feb 9th.

Ron P.

[island dormy]

Hi Rob

Marg and I will meet you at the Crofton ferry dock at 8:30 am. on Sunday. Are we bringing lunch to have at the top of the Island?

Victor 1962 Dormobile

[Rob]

Hey everyone!

So we are a go for the Saltspring run on Sunday. For those of you coming on the Crofton Ferry plan to be in Crofton around 8:30 to catch the 9AM ferry. For those joining us from other routes we will all meet in front of Centennial Park, downtown Ganges (by the old Firehall) 48.852N 123.499W by 10AM (coffee and such is available nearby if you are so inclined).

Things to bring - FRS/GRS radios, cameras (should be some good view points along the way) lunch, something to share at lunch (We will stop along the way for lunch), back roads atlas. NO winch or recovery equipment is expected to be needed but who knows what might happen so gear-up as you see fit. Gas on the island is pricey so I'd recommend a full tank prior to catching the ferry.

The trip will likely be in "loops" so there is ample opportunity to drop-off from the run to do a little in-town exploring if you are so inclined.

See you Sunday (the 9th)

Rob

[island dormy]

Hi Everyone

I just talked with Rob who spent all day today (he even missed the super bowl) driving around Saltspring to find us some good trails. He found lots so the trip is on 100% for Sunday Febuary 9th.
See you all over there and if anyone wants to post this on the Van Isle Rover yahoo site or the Van Isle Rover face book site or Used Victoria go ahead but please keep checking back here for any last minute changes.
This will be a very muddy run but also a no scratch run , however there will be steep hills and series trucks will need to use low range.

Victor 1962 dormobile

[Rob]

Hi Everyone

There's talk of snow for the Family Day Weekend... I'll keep an eye on the weather but unless there is a big dump snow shouldn't be a problem for us (might make some of the hills more interesting). I'll keep an eye on the conditions but for now the plan is to carry-on with the trip. Best plan to dress warmly!

On my scouting run the Range Rover had no trouble with mildly aggressive AT-type tires and only a few sections did I drop into Low Range (a shirt but steep climb and descent if we decide to branch off Musgrave Road to go up Mt. Bruce... awesome views from there).

Cheers, Rob

[Janet]

Hi everyone,
I am interested in getting involved in your drives. I have a 59 sII. Some of you may remember it at The Valley Rallies around 2007, it looked like a yellow cab.
I don't think it will be ready for tomorrow but was wondering if I could ride along. I could meet someone on the ferry from Swartz Bay if someone is going that route.
I'll be working on putting my clutch slave in today and will check the forum periodically.
Sorry for the last minute request, but I was scheduled to play soccer tomorrow morning, Looks like it will be cancelled.
Cheers,
Sean.

[Janet]

No reply, so I guess I'll catch you guys next time. Clutch slave in and almost all good. Anyone interested in an SIII clutch slave? I ordered the wrong one first time round.

[Rob]

Sorry to hear that no one got back to you from the Victoria side.... we are heading over from Crofton so unfortunately we can't help out. I remember that yellow rover, it is the one that had the custom square frontfenders on it at one time and you had a fun little mini "tribute" rover as well :D . Hopefully you'll be able to join us on future trips.

Cheers, Rob

[RobTheGob]

I was out of town until Saturday - and it wasn't decided ya/nay until late in the evening...

it sounds like there will be three of us in the D90 (meaning it will be somewhat crowded!). Otherwise - I would have dropped Sean a msg!

Heading to the ferry soon...

[mylrd90]

Hi guys,

We made it home OK. Thanks again for the escort to the ferry. I picked up some DOT 3 once I got onto Vancouver Island but I didn't need it. Got home with the brake fluid reservoir at 3/4 full.

The Defender will go back to Land Rover Victoria on Tuesday.

Hope you had a great and safe day on the trails.

Ron and Christina.

[island dormy]

Hi Ron

Glad you made it home okay . We carried on exploring Saltspring till 4:00pm. Rob showed us a bunch more very scenic lookouts. We did not hit much more ice so no more jeeps were injured. I must say this was a great day out I have never been on these trails before, very nice scenery.
After you and Christina left the group we had a 50/50 split of landrovers and jeeps again. We may have to change the name of our group if more rovers do not start coming on these drives.

Sorry Janet maybe your Rover will be running for the next trip. We did have lots of extra seats but you would have had to come up to Crofton to use one of them. I do remember your bright yellow Rover from The Rally in the Valley a few years ago, I think you had just repainted it.

Hopefully we will do a Victoria coffee or Pub meet in March sometime. Weekend afternoons are better for us guys coming from Duncan and further north rather than evenings.

Bye for now Victor 1962 Dormobile

[Rob]

Well another one for the record book. A little cold, some nasty icy patches but overall a good day. Many thanks to the crew for coming out. We had 2 Defender 90s (V8s), a P38 and two J##p Tjs, not a leaf spring or diesel in sight! Didn't make Mt. Maxwell (iced-out at about KM 5) with a couple of loop-de-loops from the short wheelbase crowd... No major disasters, one of the D90s suffered a brake failure and one of the TJs dented its pride :oops: (and rear fender). Long, winding roads, a few nice views, some creepy and gloomy forests, fogged and snowed out at the top of Mt. Bruce but still a good time and everyone made it back off the island in one piece. A few pics can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/green_rove ... 760121373/

(note a few are from my scouting trip last week so you can see what the views "would" have been like if not for the snow and clouds... also thanks to Victor for some of the shots included in the group)

Thanks everyone for coming out!

Cheers, Rob