Canol Road 2009

Message

Doc Tari · #126 Post by **Doc Tari** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:00 pm

I've got perforated sand plates I'm planning to bring and still hunting for pontoons. No solid leads yet but have an inquiry in with a surplus outfit in California.

John · #127 Post by **John** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:31 pm

Pete it seems to me that the answer is right in your avatar!

Doc Tari · #128 Post by **Doc Tari** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:42 pm

John,
Could be but ferrying with the Mog can't be as much fun as building something that floats. I'm thinking Camel Trophy here... (or maybe Canol Trophy).

Pete

HeadDamage · #129 Post by **HeadDamage** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:46 pm

What do we what to bring for bridging gear? Not many trees up there. GRP gratings, alum decking, ladders... etc? Any ideas to keep it cheap but good?

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/s ... hp?t=17223

http://cgi.ebay.ca/TRACK-PADS-BRIDGING- ... 240%3A1318

Rob · #130 Post by **Rob** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:53 pm

I've been watching this thread with some interest having lived up north for quite a few years. Something I wanted to mention is the water crossings - I have seen evidence of how slow-healing the north country is by witnessing the damage done by oil patch work and if you notice the video and pictures of the Canol region it takes a very long time for nature to wear away the reside of our activity up there (look how long it is taking for the trucks and old camp materials to degredate).

If your rovers are anything like the one's I have had their undersides are usually carrying a pretty good layer of oil, grease, fuel oil and road guck all of which will become a toxic soup if immersed into those cold clear northern rivers and streams. In the spirit of tread lightly I hope that the river crossing plans consider carrying the trucks over the water rather than dragging them through the rivers and streams.

As far as your plans for the return trip - though cold and nasty at times driving a winter road is an adventure and would be the ultimate snowflake chase (and probably cheaper than barging out) but you better make sure you have your kodiak heaters and Long Johns with you!

Just my 2 cents... I look forward to seeing reports from the trip and wish those planning to travel that path good luck.

Regards, Rob

Doc Tari · #131 Post by **Doc Tari** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:50 pm

Rob,
If you read through the thread, you'll see that we've been talking about floating over the river crossings. This is similar to what I have in mind:

I'm thinking we would use inflatable pontoons instead of canoes to make them easier to transport.

craig · #132 Post by **craig** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:08 pm

This is a trip I've been yearning to do for a couple of years now. I've exchanged a few emails with Dave about it in the past, exchanged emails with the owners of the Dechenla Lodge, and done a fair amount of web surfing on the route. There is a guy on I h8mud with a BJ60 that did the 4x4 section of the trail 2 years ago, that will respond to emails. He didn't go all the way through.

If there is room, I can figure out the time off work, and can figure out how to get enough fuel onboard my 4.6l DII (or sell it and get a diesel truck) I'd be very interested in doing this trip with the idea of working hard to "go as far as possible".

Craig

HeadDamage · #133 Post by **HeadDamage** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:42 am

The easiest way to float a rover would likely be to attach to large inflatable boats together side by side with a platform on top of them for the rover to ride on. You could have two outboard motors for good control in moving water.

This boat is just big enough that two of them can safely carry 5700lbs together if properly rigged:

http://www.seabrightmarine.ca/sd500.html

http://www.seabrightmarine.ca/images/50 ... eature.jpg

HeadDamage · #134 Post by **HeadDamage** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 1:17 am

This is likely the best way to float a rover but it would be expensive and each truck would require modification:

http://capetocape.org.uk/Amphib%20Develop.htm

Dave_F · #135 Post by **Dave_F** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 9:07 am

Doc Tari wrote:Rob,
If you read through the thread, you'll see that we've been talking about floating over the river crossings. This is similar to what I have in mind:

I'm thinking we would use inflatable pontoons instead of canoes to make them easier to transport.

The best part of the video is watching the two guys in the closest boat bailing like mad....lol :lol:

DaveB · #136 Post by **DaveB** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 1:40 pm

Dave_F wrote: The best part of the video is watching the two guys in the closest boat bailing like mad....lol :lol:

That's you and me, Dave!

Dave_F · #137 Post by **Dave_F** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 4:34 pm

I think it must be the passengers of the truck...extra motivation :lol: :D

Doc Tari · #138 Post by **Doc Tari** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:17 pm

It looks like we're getting a pretty good size group together for this expedition. Additional participants are certainly welcome so anyone else who is interested, please post or PM me so you can be added to the list.

Doc Tari · #139 Post by **Doc Tari** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:25 pm

Earlier in the thread, there was discussion about how motivated we are to go as far as possible. It would be good to get an idea of how many in the group want to make a serious push and float their trucks across the deeper water, and how many prefer to stop when the fording becomes too deep.

We've got a few pontoon possibilities but before going too much further, we need to make some decisions such as how much money each person is willing to spend.

HeadDamage · #140 Post by **HeadDamage** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:50 pm

I guess my comfort level for floating the rover would be determined in large extent by the rig we where using to do it. What are we looking at for rafting the rovers at this time? Costs?

If is helps any I've got an old zodiac mk1 and 15hp motor... not big enough to have anything to do with floating a rover but it might be of some use. Could get a smaller trial bike over to rece the next section perhaps.

I'm temped to say we should make this a rece trip and shorten it to a week on the trial once we cross the boarder into the NWT on the old road, 3 to 4 days in and 3 to 4 out (this is off hwy time not getting up there and back). That should be enough time to tell us if it is worth going hog wild with expensive gear for the following year.

On another tangent... how do we feel about firearms for bear protection and maybe small game hunting?

Doc Tari · #141 Post by **Doc Tari** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:26 am

Andrew,
The amount depends on how many people are in but I'm thinking maybe $200 per truck max. I'm waiting to hear back regarding military surplus collapsible water containers on Monday. They have the same dimensions as 55 gallon drums and are made of the same material as Zodiacs.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu19 ... 9667_1.jpg

One nice side benefit of the water containers (for those interested in them) is that each paying participant would get one or two when this is all over. If we collectively spend $ on large pontoons, after this trip, the only hope to recover any $ is in try to selling them.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu19 ... resize.jpg

I prefer going prepared now rather than to only recon, as who knows when or if we'll make it back up there with a group capable of doing such a trip. I'll do want ever the group decides, but I don't want to spend a lot of effort designing a raft and chasing down material if we decide not to spend the $.

Most importantly, I just want everyone to know what they will be getting into before we go too far.

As for firearms, IMO, I think it's a good idea for bear protection. From what I've read, it seems that anything less than a 12 gauge is pretty pointless so bring your heavy weapons.

HeadDamage · #142 Post by **HeadDamage** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:12 am

I don't see $200 being a problem... I assume we will test this floating device before we go up there ;)

For firearms, I usually keep a 12ga in the truck with slugs just in case of bear problems.

DaveB · #143 Post by **DaveB** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 8:28 am

Thanks, JD for suggesting we split the event into two packets. (several pages ago!)

I think its time to shuffle the trucks into the two groups, Logistics and Tactical. For this event (assuming things don't go sideways and I'm still able to attend -- things are looking up!) I will be in the Logistics group.

Since I was originally leading this event, and Pete has now taken over as de-facto leader, I'd like to propose that Pete should lead the Tactical group, as he's doing such a good job so far. And I'm willing to lead the Logistics group, if that works. This can be finalized at our February meeting, when we'll be finalizing other details as well.

As far as Logistics go, I don't envision this group sitting back in Ross River twiddling our thumbs. I would like to see us get reasonably far into the NWT, say around 50-80 KM, and establish a camp somewhere that can act as a fuel dump, first aid outpost and a communication point. Once that's set up, I don't think we'll want to just sit there, but the area has a fair number of offshoot roads to explore. Also, I envision regular ferrying of supplies, assuming the route has been opened ahead enough to make it passable. Time will tell.

Another advantage of the Logistics group is a more come-and-go schedule. If, for example you have commitments and need to show up a few days late or leave a few days early the road to this point should be well within the capabilities of any of our trucks. As an example, for someone that wants to explore other parts of the north while they're up there, they might be able to leave a couple of days early and do a circle trip from Ross River on the Campbell highway and end up at Dawson City, Whitehorse, etc.

So Pete, if you can split the two groups on your front page posting, put me down for Logistics. I believe Shawn indicated the same in his post.

cheers, Dave

Doc Tari · #144 Post by **Doc Tari** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:23 pm

Sounds good. If everyone on the list lets me know which group they would like to be in, I'll make the updates.

Doc Tari · #145 Post by **Doc Tari** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:34 pm

Now that I've got the picture posting deal sorted out, I thought I'd post a few images of what we're likely to encounter.

This washout doesn't look too bad but it's on level ground. Others are likely to be tougher to due the trail being sloped:

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu19 ... canol2.jpg

Early stage of the trail:
http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu19 ... C_0044.jpg

dfritter · #146 Post by **dfritter** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:41 pm

First off, I'm fully on board; sign me up. The journalist in me can't say no to a true expedition like this. I'll serve as recorder/photographer, and I'm sure I can get a story like this out to at least a few publications; get everyone a little well deserved recognition for exploring one of Canada's last few intact heritage trails.

Which brings up another point; has anyone thought about sponsorship? If so, I can start making calls and getting interesting outlets on board so that potential sponsors will have a better idea as to where their products/name will appear in print...

Now, if we do the two camp system, I'd love to take my SIII 88" up to the Logistics camp, and hop aboard someone else's ride for the trip beyond.... if that's possible?

kRiS · #147 Post by **kRiS** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 1:11 pm

I still haven't quite figured why our trips need to have such a formal setting......leaders. followers, limited number of trucks !

In the end aren't we just bunch of friends with common interests trying to have a great time ?
Just make this into everyone's trip and let anyone who is up for it come along.

:roll:

Doc Tari · #148 Post by **Doc Tari** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 1:55 pm

Hi dfritter,
I'll add you to the Logistics group list. Sorry I don't know your name so I'll just use dfritter, unless you prefer something else. Also, for purposes of fuel logistics, I've included everyone's engine, is yours a 2.25?

With regard to sponsorship, I certainly have no issue with it but I guess everyone will need to speak up for themselves. I was thinking we should discuss this at the this month's Rover-Landers meeting.

Regards,
Pete

dfritter · #149 Post by **dfritter** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 1:58 pm

Also, and oddly enough I may be acquiring an old M35 before this trip, in which case I will be going in the so-called "tactical" group. If I get my hands on one beforehand, it'd open up at least 5,000 lbs of cargo capacity for fuel and whatnot and a vehicle capable of fording almost 11 feet of water and a 10,000 lb PTO winch; could be useful for the ferry idea.

PS: The name's Dan... hahah

Doc Tari · #150 Post by **Doc Tari** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:13 pm

The Rover-Landers of BC

The Rover-Landers of BC

Canol Road 2009