Whipsaw - End of the season run -Oct 18th & 19th 2014

[ANDYD]

Whipsaw Oct 2014

We will be having our Yearly Whipsaw end-of-season run and camp-out on Oct. 18th-19th. October can be one the most beautiful times of the year to run the Whipsaw and usually the last opportunity of the season before the snow shuts it down for the year.
Starting Saturday morning a group trucks will run the trail from the south performing light maintinance, collecting garbage & installing some signage on the way (meeting at 10am Saturday morning in the Whipsaw turn off lay-by a few Km's past manning Park on H-way #3). Upon reaching Lodestone lake (5pm ish) we will be having a dinner for Members and Members friends and family supplied by the club. A separate smaller group will head directly to Lodestone Lake via Princeton to set up the dinner . We will be camping overnight at Lodestone lake. Be aware the elevation is over 6000'. The forecast right now is for a mix of sun and cloud but beware, Mountain weather is unpredictable always expect snow and sleet ,rain ,cold and likely minus temperature at night. We will have some small shelters and a big fire at camp.
For those members not wanting to run the Whipsaw are more than welcome to head straight to Lodestone Lake via Princeton and help with camp set up and wood chopping etc ...
On Sunday around noon we will break camp and head out across to the Coquahalla

NOTE: If planning on coming out you need to register for this run by posting here by no later than this Thursday 16th please. This will enable the "chefs" to purchase the food and prep for a set amount.
Those will special food requirements will need to look after themselves... :wink:

You will need to give yourself 3 hrs from Chilliwack to the whipsaw turn off, which would mean departing the Valley no later than 7am or heading up the night before and camping out.
Cheers,
Andy
Here is a link to last years photos to give you an idea of the terrain / weather etc...
http://roverlanders.bc.ca/gallery/view_ ... e=album465

[99Disco2]

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag160/BCDisco2Lando/20140906_192148_RichtoneHDR_zps1eae07f7.jpghttp://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag160/BCDisco2Lando/20140907_112402_HDR_zps7aa98d1c.jpg


Hello Andy
The family is really interested in going and I have done the Whipsaw in a built J#*P YJ and was wondering what thoughts are about our off road trailer going with us.
Here it is and its designed for just this type of trip.

[sailor]

Looks like tons of fun- I would love to go along...

[Crs]

The Whipsaw is a pretty challenging go. There are a number of obstacles and twisty bits. A trailer would definite be an added challenge. I think a winch would be a definite asset when towing. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it would be a challenge. With a winch, lockers and really good tyres, go for it. Otherwise, it may be best to leave it behind.

[99Disco2]

The Whipsaw is a pretty challenging go. There are a number of obstacles and twisty bits. A trailer would definite be an added challenge. I think a winch would be a definite asset when towing. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it would be a challenge. With a winch, lockers and really good tyres, go for it. Otherwise, it may be best to leave it behind.

We are running new Bfg AT's and CDL currently.
We have done the Whipsaw before with the Jeeps we walked through it, careful route planning is key.

[ANDYD]

Hi Christopher, nice trailer, looks like a great set up. The trail can be very tough on trailers, we had a Sankey trailer flip over one year. (it was a lady driver ....just saying!) On saying that, like you say, if you pick your lines and take it easy it shouldn't be too much of a problem. If you do bring it along, make sure you have a spare tyre for the trailer with you.



Hi Graham, you know your always welcome, you will need to have a full bag of garbage by the time we arrive at Lodestone :wink:

[scottmb23]

This one I can make. Speaking of which, Ill have to get Mike to show me how he made his DIY CDL leaver for the D2 as I have a feeling ill need it.

Looking forward to it.

[pragsy]

I am in, I'l be at the turn-of for 10...ish. I'm bringing at guest. CB channel 4 otherwise.

[99Disco2]

Hi Christopher, nice trailer, looks like a great set up. The trail can be very tough on trailers, we had a Sankey trailer flip over one year. (it was a lady driver ....just saying!) On saying that, like you say, if you pick your lines and take it easy it shouldn't be too much of a problem. If you do bring it along, make sure you have a spare tyre for the trailer with you. :wink:

Hey Andy
I was just informed by my wife the trailer wasn't coming any ways, miscommunication again.
Hopefully we make it as long as there is no more communication issues. :roll:

[sailor]

Ok I will be there at the turn off as well...just me...

[DBrands]

I am in.

[ANDYD]

Ok, we confirmed a few details and a couple of the meeting spots at the club meeting tonight.

Option #1 - Meeting at Whatcom Road Tim Horton's off Highway #1 at 6.45am Sat morning, departing at 7am sharp.

Option #2 - Meeting at the Whipsaw Creek turn off Highway #3 at 10am, departing at 10.30am sharp.

Option #3 - Make your way straight to Lodestone Lake and assist Shawn with setting up base camp.

We have 7 trucks confirmed with a few still "sitting on the fence" .... let us know if you are coming out.

Cheers, Andy

[pragsy]

I'm good with the 10AM trail head off #3. i'll be there with Scott Murrey and my guest, Shane Hunter. 3 trucks.

[sailor]

0645 at Tim Hortons...

[ANDYD]

[quote][99disco2 Hey Andy
I was just informed by my wife the trailer wasn't coming any ways, miscommunication again.
Hopefully we make it as long as there is no more communication issues. :roll:/quote]

Hi Christopher, we waited an extra 20 mins for you at Whatcom road and an extra 30 minutes for you at the Whipsaw turn off.... Hope you didn't have any mechanical issues?

[99Disco2]

[99disco2 Hey Andy
I was just informed by my wife the trailer wasn't coming any ways, miscommunication again.
Hopefully we make it as long as there is no more communication issues. :roll:/quote]

Hi Christopher, we waited an extra 20 mins for you at Whatcom road and an extra 30 minutes for you at the Whipsaw turn off.... Hope you didn't have any mechanical issues?

Oh geez sorry Andy, I should have posted we were not able to come due to a mechanical issue. I had to change the headgaskets right at the last minute and I am just finishing now.

Sorry again
Christopher and Alison

[sailor]

Great trip! Thanks everyone... Made it home in record time too. A little bit of everything and some good laughs....

[ANDYD]

Post trip report .....

Nine trucks arrived for what is likely our last Whipsaw "End of the Season Camp Out and Dinner". We lucked out on the weather, mainly mild and sunny. Near perfect conditions for October and no bugs, no dust, no Ice or snow.
The Whipsaw was challenging as ususal, with some extra knarly sections, lots of mud and mogels to keep it interesting. It was also extra beautiful with lots of red and gold Fall colours along the route.
Along the way the group took time to clean up the trail, picking up enough bottles & cans that were carelessly discarded to fill two large garbage bags and we also installed another dozen or so Whipsaw trail markers.
We were a little delayed getting into our Lodestone camp due to a ripped tyre and a small electrical fire just past Falcon Hill. With tyre changed and one truck on-tow we continued onwards ...
We arrived into base camp just as it was getting dark, it was great to see Shawn had the tents and kitchen set up and the camp fire was ablaze. We were soon tucking into freshly made Ceasar Salad, Hot bowl of spicy Chilli with soft buns followed by Warm Apple Crisp and cream .... washed down by a few cold beverages and lots of chat about the days adventures...
The warm sun came up in the morning and we had a lazy breakfast, reluctantly packing up & leaving the lake around 11am and headed for home.

Awesome group and a beautiful weekend. BIG, BIG thankyou to Shawn for missing out on the run through the Whipsaw and choosing instead to set up camp ready for our arrival.

Photos coming soon ...
cheers,
Andy

[ANDYD]

If you have some Whipsaw photos to share, please send them in and we will post them in the Gallery.
The first batch have been posted here;
http://roverlanders.bc.ca/gallery/view_ ... e=album537