The Rover-Landers of BC

We need a few good people to work at this years chosen event. At 5 k from Lodestone Lake there is a ditch draining the wetlands that has become a problem. We generally do not like to remove challenges but this one is causing ATVs to drive around and is growing in size. We would like to open up the existing drainage ditch and install a new culvert. Then install some barriers to encourage drivers to stay on the trail. We are looking for anyone who can dig for a few hours to help or if you can't dig you could work on our B B Q back at Lodestone. You would need rubber boots gloves and a shovel. Expect winter weather although the long range forecast is for good weather. We are hoping to do this work on Saturday and have a B B Q that night then Sunday run the trail. Remember any truck can make it to Lodestone if you want to help. There is lots of room here to work so as many people the better. Please post your intentions and please consider coming it will be fun, seriously!

Our family is definitely coming. I will be digging and will bring shovel, pick, hoe, etc.

I can also carry wood, etc on the roof rack if you need help with that.

Ray, Marianne and the boys.

Hey Shawn,
Count me in for the chain gang.

Pete

Hi Guys,

Count me in the work party....

Sounds like fun!

Andy

Anyone camping out with us a Lodestone should be prepared for frost or snow, at 6000ft be prepared!

Yeah, we stopped at Mountain Equipment Co-op today and picked up another couple of -12 sleeping bags. When we were on Champion in May I nearly froze to death in my cheap polyester sleeping bag.

Hey Shawn,
I'll be there to help out.
Bill

I'll be there.

Due to being an idiot and breaking some ribs, the best I can do is perform the toughest job of all...that of a foreman! :lol:

I'm hoping that they (the ribs) will be OK by then to at least drive the trail, but if they are...and I'm there...I'll root you guys on like no one else could.

Dave_F

Dave you’re welcome to come but bare in mind we will put you to work in some capacity such as cook or water boy. Foreman is taken. Workers get really annoyed at people that stand around and watch .We can’t make you work but we can break the rest of your ribs.

Well I wouldn't just stand around and watch...I'd be encouraging y'all. :D

I'm sure you guys can find something for me to do given my wide range of talents. :lol: Whatever I can do to help I'll be there.

I was feeling quite good today...that is until I coughed :cry:

Dave_F

That’s great Dave but seriously , be carful with that type of injury, there is a lot of stress on your ribs driving that truck or moving about and it’s easy to push yourself too far.

Given the situation with his ribs, I'm thinking that Dave could help with BBQ. Just not sure how tasty Dave's ribs will be... or that I'm even interested in finding out!

Tentative yes on attending - I'll most likely be coming over from the Island on the Friday evening. Will anyone be at lodestone that night? Either way, how do I get there? Will have my dog with me (Rocky) and possibly one of my sons too. Cheers, David.

Hi David,

I'm sure departure times / places will be posted soon...

At the meeting on Thursday a few indicated they were leaving Friday lunch time so, yes there will be some of us camping out on Friday night as well as Saturday night.
Lodestone Lake is a little tricky to find at night if you have never been there before, best to meet up with some one or get detailed directions.

I have a couple of 25th badges for you, so i will bring them with me..

cheers,
Andy

Thanks Andy, I'll keep an eye out for departure places/times.

I am planning to come up with the kids on Saturday morning. We probably wouldn't get to Lodestone until after lunch sometime due to a morning soccer practice.

I'm not sure what's on the menu (hopefully not Dave's ribs), but we can bring some vegetarian options. Let me know if anyone else is interested.

Got shovels, pick axe, warm sleeping bags! Anything else?

Last year we almost froze, so make sure you bring your mittens, toques, down jackets, long johns and -10 sleeping bags! :)

Later,
Don

Hi Don,

I also will be leaving Saturday morning. We should convoy (that is if you don't mind driving with a Series). :D

What time are you leaving N.Van?

DAve

Hey Dave,

Given your condition, would you like to ride with us in the 110? I have a free seat up front.

I'd hate to see you have a problem with your ribs and not be able to drive home or something.

Let me know.

I'll be leaving Lynn Valley at 10:15 due to the soccer thing.

Later,
Don

It will have been 3 weeks since breaking them, and since I don't plan on beating myself or the truck too hard (slow and steady) I should be OK.

Thanks for the offer though.

I'll call you and we'll figure out a meeting place for the morning run up to Lodestone.

Cheers,
Dave

There are a few of us that are heading up on friday morning. We are meeting at Tim Hortons on whatcom road at 10:00 am. Our plan is to head to lodestone set up camp and to proceed to the work site to drop off supplies and plan the work. We will be driving slowly to Princeton as we have at lot of equipment and supplies so we won't be hard to catch up to. If you are unsure of the way please copy the following.
Drive to Princeton. Turn north at the Petro Can station off highway 3 in Princeton and drive though town. Drive over the one lane bridge, turn left and follow the direction sign to Coalmont about 15 minutes. Turn left onto Main St. at the 4 way stop in Coalmont. Turn right onto Bettes St. and follow it over another one lane bridge. Turn left onto Blakeburn road and follow it approx 1.5 k to the next intersection. Zero odometer here. At this intersection there is the ghost town of Granite City. Once one of the largest gold rush cities in B.C. Turn right and drive up the hill. At the first corner up the hill is the site of the Granite City grave yard an interesting site to see. Follow the road up. At 6k stay right at Y intersection.Continue up the road.At 9 k you will reach the mine site stay left follow signs to Lodestone lake.at 10 k stay right. at 11 k owels head trail go straight. at 11.3 k go right.at 12k go right. at 12.3 k small trappers cabin on right abandoned.At 12.6k turn left at y intersection. Keep on the main road and at approx 15.5 k proceed up the hill all roads on the hill go to the same place. At 17k go right. At 20.6 k you reach Lodestone lake. See you there. If you posted your intentions and don't show up we will come looking for you.

I just bought a new shovel at the beginning of summer, but it the eta on the new tires is at least 2 weeks away. Next time though.

You don't need new tires or even good tires to reach our goal so you are welcome anytime. Don you should bring vegetarion food ,we will have some but not much variation. Everyone should bring a chain saw if they have access to one and related safty gear assocated with it's use. We also need a couple more small portable B B Q s and if you have a lantern please bring it.

Shawn,

Ok, plan is to catch an early ferry on Friday Morning and meet up with you chaps 10:00 at Timmies - I'm assuming it's the one at 2054 Whatcom Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2K8, correct?

However, if I'm not there, don't hang around, I'll catch you up.

I can bring a chain saw (plus safety gear) and a shovel. I have two propane lanterns, but they're in my house (now known as my wife's house) and it's not clear if I'll be able to get access to them before Friday. I also have a portable grill, but the same question mark over access exists for that.

Assuming the ferry runs to schedule, I'll have plenty of time to get to Abbortsford on Friday morning, but if you need to get hold of me my cell is 250-589-3110 (yes, the last four digits are D110, pretty sad actually).

Looking forward to the trip - see you on Friday.

Cheers, David

we will be leaving Sunshine Valley (near Hope) around 9am on Saturday morning if anyone wants to convoy up with us. We will have a friend coming along with his new Jeep as well. We usually run at about 80-90kmh on the highway.

Ray

Yes David that is the correct Tim Hortons. Bring what you can and don't stress yourself out. Looking forward to seeing you for coffee and a crumpet.

Hi All,

London and I will also be meeting at 10am at Tim Hortons on Friday.

I will be in the Work party and London will be in the wrecking party :shock:

cheers,
Andy

Hey Andy,
Maybe London can be trained to throw sandbags as well as he throws rocks and sticks :wink:

Hi Bill,

That's a great idea! We just need someone to stand in the ditch (thanks Shawn) to act as the "target".... it will keep London busy for hours!

You wait 'til he starts driving Land Rovers :shock: Look out then! :shock:

Andy

PS. When is your departure time Billy?

I'm aiming for mid day Friday if I can get my sinus drained enough to breathe. I know Pete will call me a varm doucher if I don't spend both nights freezing my arse off, so I'm doing my best to shake this cold. Definitely Saturday morning early after a nice varm douche at the latest. I'll let you know which it will be. :drunken:

I'd like to join you guys. Definitely count me in for the work party. I can also haul supplies in the 1300L. If there is anything to pick up please let me know.

I will be coming up on Friday after work. Anyone else going then?

Paul
87 Unimog 1300L

Bill E. wrote:I'm aiming for mid day Friday if I can get my sinus drained enough to breathe. I know Pete will call me a varm doucher if I don't spend both nights freezing my arse off, so I'm doing my best to shake this cold. Definitely Saturday morning early after a nice varm douche at the latest. I'll let you know which it will be. :drunken:

Hi Bill,

If you do leave on Saturday, Don and I will be meeting at Whatcom between 11:30-12. We'll be leaving the North Shore around 10:15-10:30am

My cell is 604-323-4288.

Call me if you can't do the Friday run up and you can join our little convoy.

Cheers,

Dave_F

Dave,
You guys are leaving Whatcom at noon on Friday or Saturday? If it's Saturday, is there much point in going given you won't be there until 4:00... Who's going to do the flag hag duties while the real work is going on? Varm freakin' douchers!

:violent1:

Well you see big P, that I had a previous commitment to drink copious amounts of scotch from the "HORN" on Friday night...couldn't be helped :wink: ...and seeing as Don has to wait for one of his mini-me's to finish soccer, we decided to convoy out then.

Better late than never they say....

Place a stick in the ground, put a saftey vest on it, and call it Dave till I arrive...who knows maybe I'll even bring the "HORN" so that the Whipsaw crew can experience a taste of the Canol.

Dave_F

I'd like to join you guys. Definitely count me in for the work party. I can also haul supplies in the 1300L. If there is anything to pick up please let me know.
Paul
87 Unimog 1300L

Hi Paul,
Pete mentioned you may be coming...
You are more than welcome to come and join the chain-gang! We have most of the supplies loaded and ready, but dont worry, we will make good use of you and your Mog for sure,
See you up there...
Cheers,
Andy

Sounds good, thanks!
Do I need any tools other than shovels and a pick?

Paul

Hi Paul,

A chainsaw if you have one and general hand tools.
Not sure if you have a a gazebo style shelter or even a big tarp?

We will think of a lot more things when we're up there and its too late!

cheers,
Andy

Just an update, the snail parade has arranged to meet at 10:00 am Friday at Whatcom Rd. Andy D., Shawn D. and David V. including most of the supplies

I'm leaving Burnaby now (11:30 am Friday) and will likely catch up with the earlier group somewhere along the road.

Hope to see you all either tonight or tommorrow morning.

Bill

Really wish I went

shawn doherty wrote:You don't need new tires or even good tires to reach our goal so you are welcome anytime.

Yea, it would probably make it but my 285/65/r18 toyo proxes that came with my truck are getting past the wear marker and cracking at the sidewalls.

Everyone should bring a chain saw if they have access to one and related safty gear assocated with it's use.

oh ... yea .. I have a brand new stihl 20" farm boss
Definitely next time.

So I hear it went well? What other supplies do we need to find laying around to help the cause? Hope to see pics soon.

Bern :1tonpull:

Great work everyone!! The new culvert and log bridge is looking awesome. Hope it keeps the ATV's out of the bog and on the trail.

6 trucks ran the trail together heading south today, went pretty smooth, stopped for lunch at Wells. Didn't hit pavement until 615pm. Rain and fog and dark all the way home on the highway, Yuk! I Hope everyone made it home safe and sound. We ripped home to get the kids in bed at about 9:45pm with one stop for drive through dinner.

Thanks again for the BBQ and great company.

See you next time.

Later,
Don

My compliments to Shawn for the eats and to the sand bagging crew for a job very well done!

Great trip everybody. We had great weather (although the family found it a bit cold at times) and driving the trail with a dusting of snow was really spectacular.

The barBQ was first class too.

Cheers

Ray and the gang

Just a quick thanks to all the guys for putting together another fantastic event.

The air was crisp, the company great (as usual), food was outstanding and met some new locals, as well as the Greg and Emma from the UK.

The trail was fun as usual, and I didn't break anything ( I think?).

Thanks again to all who worked so hard putting this together.

Dave_F

Pictures please!

I've posted my photos in the Photo Gallery, sorry I didn't get more but between the mud on my hands and my camera batteries complaining about the cold weather it wasn't very conducive for taking photos. Once others send me their shots I'll get them posted as well. Great effort by everyone and special thanks to Shawn for the BBQ and Dave V. for sacrificing his Bedford's canvas and hoops in the effort to deliver supplies. It was so nice to get home and have a varm douche. :wink:

:shock:

Sure wish we could have been there. Looks like a great time was had by all!

Dave

Dave V. just sent me the rest of his photos. There are some good work party shots and one of Dave himself taking culvert work very seriously. Check them out :roll:

Thanks to everyone who helped out, it was a lot of fun. For those who didn't make it we installed a culvert and bridge directly beside the road for use of ATVs only. A ditch was dug below the mud hole to let water out and debris was removed from the mud hole. Trucks driving the trail will still have the challenge of driving through. If you are heading south it’s not too difficult, if you are heading north it is quite difficult because the exit is steep and will require a winch (Unimogs will not find it difficult). The bridge still needs to be planked and curbed and natural barriers need to be installed throughout the wetland access points to discourage or eliminate ATVs and Jeep’s entering. The ditch below the mud hole will need some maintenance, possibly sandbagging the mouth and mucking out to a lower depth. It looks like the rest of this work will take place next mid June.

What happens, or is it even possible, when a truck decides to try driving across the new bridge rather than through the original mudhole?

Dave

As it stands now a truck can simply drive across. The bridge is structurally sound but only six feet wide. By installing curbs (trees) and limiting the outside wheel base to 4'-6" we should keep trucks off it. We are supplying a crossing for the ATVs simply because they cannot and will not drive through the water and mud hole, and choose the wetlands instead. Trucks can drive through the mud hole and we don't want to make it any easier for them. If they can't make it through the mud hole they have no business to be on this trail.

This sucks! To clarify, what sucks is that it looks like I missed out on a great weekend... Nice job, looks like you had a killer crew and lots of fun. I wish I could have been there, this working for a living bit needs to change!

Yes Dave, like Shawn said we will need to work on the size restriction to focus on ATV's. It is highly unlikely that anything beyond a Samurai will attempt to cross the bridge in its present state. I just posted Andy's photos which give a better sense of the bridge proportions. Strength wise the bridge will support the weight of anything that will fit on it. It would have been nice to have the extra materials and time to complete the job but we did our best with what we had.

Thanks again everyone, it was a great team effort, everyone from kids to Grandpa pitching in. (yes, Granpa, you know who you are!).

A couple of unusual sights to note this weekend...
- the newest Defender to ever run the Whipsaw! Greg and Emma's 2009 110 (visiting from the UK).
- Dave V's British Army Bedford doing his best to squeeze through the trees!
- A tent with a wood stove and chimney!
- and finally, Shawn showing us all his huge sausage! :shock:

.... BBQ was great (wine, cheese, garlic bread, chicken wings, huge sausage!, steak, cold cuts and much more...)
A scattering of snow mixed with some sunny days made it a little unpredictable, but not bad for nearly November!

cheers,
Andy

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KTFiSwCGSD4/SukUj ... cks-11.JPG

The night after we left Lodestone Lake :shock:

So Andy, are we still up for an attempt at Whipsaw in November? The snow doesn't look tooooo deep...

I am keen to try it on tracks in the snow so keep me posted if you want to try it.
Ray

Hi Pete / Ray,

I dont think I can swing another weekend trip for a couple of weeks, I'm sure by then it will be too late (too deep)!

Sure would be pretty up there though.... ummm maybe a sick day...
cough..cough.. I feel something coming on .... cough...cough!

SEMA show Las Vegas
This will work in the snow. No room for gear!!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c367/ ... RICA-W.jpg

Ha, so my 110 on those tracks is better, as it has room for gear.

Although, I bet you could finish Whipsaw by lunchtime in that car, so no need to pack any gear along...

:cry:

Link to Snow Vehicle 1924!!

http://www.flixxy.com/snow-vehicle-concept.htm

About 10 min.

Still no room for gear!! :shock: :mi7:

That has got to be one of the coolest things i have ever seen. what a great idea.