Coastal Cruiser, ROB’S BACK!, Whipsaw Run August 4-7, 2006.
For this run, our club split into two groups, one going the traditional run up Whipsaw Creek, Cascade Wilderness, Wells Lake, and Lodestone Lake. The other group came in from Princeton, Coalmont, and up the switchbacks (shortcuts included) to Lodestone L., then explored up the trail to Wells Lake.
Members present: Steve T and son Tiernan, Craig E, Barry P, Chris H & sons Lachlan and Connor, Jan H, Mat R, Marcin C & Ania, Rob Millson, Drew & dog Winston, Bill W & grandson ShiKai, Rod McD, Mike N, Garry B, Gary T & nephew Geordie.
Guests: Traci D & Rojo, Lane & son Jake & dog Oscar, and Craig’s friend Behrouz, Justin.
What Did I Forget Department: Whenever you get going down Hwy 1 past Chilliwack, you always remember things you forgot. Here are a few worth mentioning:
Bill W – Camera, and tent (essential items!)
Steve T – Tent poles. Who wants a limp tent?
Mike N – Bum Wad (also essential item!) Use leafs but avoid Poison Ivy!
Jan H – Decent radiator, this one leaks, especially if you stick your finger into the fins!
Mat R – File for dull chainsaw for cutting firewood.
Rod McD – Airtight air mattress so you don’t wake up flat on ground.
Barry P – gas cap left in Chilliwack, dammit!
Ania – Towels will help after dip in frigid lake!
Pit stop in Manning Park to watch the gophers play pop-up games with visiting dumb-ass dogs.
Pit stop at East Gate where Jan H got lost in bathroom, used half a roll of TP, and was finally abandoned as a lost cause by Craig’s group. Traffic stopped by a motorcycle accident east of Sunday Summit.
Fuel stop in Princeton where two groups crossed paths and split for both ends of the trail.
One group headed up Whipsaw Creek FSR, surrounded by extreme dust. That damn dust gets in everywhere: ears, nose, body orifices, upholstery, rugs, cameras, radios, CD players, etc. Stopped along Whipsaw FSR to inspect abandoned gold mine with racks and racks of core samples and lots of pollution. Onward up to old cabin with graves. Made first campsite at small tranquil lake just past cabin, and enjoyed campfire in quiet solitude with brilliant star-filled Milky Way up above, shooting stars, and passing satellites. Lots of cut firewood from old cabin. No name of lake on map so we named it Cruiser Lake.
Saturday morning, joined at campsite by five more Cruisers and continued motoring on through meadows to uphill Smooth Rock challenge. Garry B broke two leaf springs at the top of the rock. Lots of pictures on Mud. Marcin had to tow Jan into Loadstone L.
On once again to stop at the hill climb area with the viewing area. We were joined by a quad ATV driven by a fellow named Luke S. He went up and attempted to take the hard way down. About one-third of the way down he lost control and bailed out, fortunately for him. Garry B caught it all in a digital camera sequence and hopefully the pics will be on www.coastalcruisers.ca . Luke only caught a lacerated elbow and cut finger, but was OK. The ATV rolled several times, broke an axle and the back wheel came off. We ran down and turned it over and it was a mess; bent handle bars, wrecked speedo and headlight, bent racks, etc. Luke was unfazed and pretty cool, even smiling. We administered rudimentary first-aid and strapped the wheel on to the forward opposite side of the ATV and off he went, heading on three wheels toward Lodestone. We caught up with him later on the trail and he was hustling pretty fast and leaning way way over like a windsurfer. He got stuck in a mud bog and Steve pulled him out. We never saw him again, who knows how far he made it on three wheels? That guy had more guts than Dick Tracey! Steve went through that mud hole first and found a culvert the hard way. Thanks to him we all made it through easier. Thanks Steve!
We spent Saturday night at Wells Lake and enjoyed the campfire shed and tall stories. Naturally the local Rednecks were there in force, blasting their tunes, shooting shotguns, fireworks, revving engines, and firing bear bangers. We’ve come to expect their ignorant behavior and almost enjoy hearing them demolish their vehicles, play Dumb & Dumber, and take stupidity to new lows. We would miss those idiots if they didn’t show. They are an ultra low reference point in the human gene pool. Our other group had a big laugh when passed by a Redneck blonde in a teeny-weeny iddy-biddy polka dot bikini and cowboy hat, absolutely covered head to toe with mud on an ATV, going back and forth, in and out of a deep messy mud bog.
In the morning we headed up the infamous Falcon Hill which was pretty slippery with flying shale and loose gravel; fortunately we got up there before the Rednecks clogged up the hill with their Found On Road Dead wrecks. Once again the FG Cruiser proved its capability by towing a BJ60 up with bald tires. At this point I have to say that the FJ Cruiser is a very capable vehicle especially when driven by Drew E. Drew is a generous, outgoing guy and is always there to lend a hand to anyone who needs it. A Ford pickup, driven by a local Redneck no-mind went up to his doors in the Wells L. mud hole and Drew was right there to winch him out. On top of it all, he’s got every electronic gadget in existence, including a photo printer in his vehicle! We are lucky to have Drew in our club.
Another valuable member is Gary T who as well as being an expert driver, is also always willing to lend a hand to anyone in trouble. He pulled another Ford pickup out of a mud hole along the trail. He is great with kids too, often horsing around chasing them with swim noodles and showing them how to cast a fishing line. Let’s face it, we’ve got a superb bunch of people in the Coastal Cruisers. While we’re at it, Rob Millson looked happier this weekend then I’ve ever seen him, he was glowing from ear to ear.
Our last night was spent at Lodestone Lake which was too cold this year to swim in, although Marcin tried it. Around the campfire we heard stories of jumping coal mine dunes down the road. Traci has new 4:11 gears and a 2 ½ “ Rubicon Express lift, so watch it boys! Steve’s folding chair finally packed in, time to lose a few kilos Steve! The Rednecks were there too, shooting & hooting as usual.
Monday morning Traci had a humungous hangover and was heard barking at a German Shepard dog that was climbing into her tent. We need Gravol and Excedrin in our first aid kits for these trips! We also need way more CB radios, since not enough people are willing to get their Ham License.
Finally, Monday mid morning, our own clattering, rusting hulks of recycled Japanese beer cans began to drift away, in a haze of smoke, down the trail towards Coalmont, leaving behind the drunken, puking Redneck tree-beaters alone to fire their guns into hapless road signs and sink into oblivion in the eternal forest bogs. Jan H was last seen being dragged by tow strap down the mountain by Marcin, Mat, and Craig. Thanks guys; another great trip!
~Bill
For this run, our club split into two groups, one going the traditional run up Whipsaw Creek, Cascade Wilderness, Wells Lake, and Lodestone Lake. The other group came in from Princeton, Coalmont, and up the switchbacks (shortcuts included) to Lodestone L., then explored up the trail to Wells Lake.
Members present: Steve T and son Tiernan, Craig E, Barry P, Chris H & sons Lachlan and Connor, Jan H, Mat R, Marcin C & Ania, Rob Millson, Drew & dog Winston, Bill W & grandson ShiKai, Rod McD, Mike N, Garry B, Gary T & nephew Geordie.
Guests: Traci D & Rojo, Lane & son Jake & dog Oscar, and Craig’s friend Behrouz, Justin.
What Did I Forget Department: Whenever you get going down Hwy 1 past Chilliwack, you always remember things you forgot. Here are a few worth mentioning:
Bill W – Camera, and tent (essential items!)
Steve T – Tent poles. Who wants a limp tent?
Mike N – Bum Wad (also essential item!) Use leafs but avoid Poison Ivy!
Jan H – Decent radiator, this one leaks, especially if you stick your finger into the fins!
Mat R – File for dull chainsaw for cutting firewood.
Rod McD – Airtight air mattress so you don’t wake up flat on ground.
Barry P – gas cap left in Chilliwack, dammit!
Ania – Towels will help after dip in frigid lake!
Pit stop in Manning Park to watch the gophers play pop-up games with visiting dumb-ass dogs.
Pit stop at East Gate where Jan H got lost in bathroom, used half a roll of TP, and was finally abandoned as a lost cause by Craig’s group. Traffic stopped by a motorcycle accident east of Sunday Summit.
Fuel stop in Princeton where two groups crossed paths and split for both ends of the trail.
One group headed up Whipsaw Creek FSR, surrounded by extreme dust. That damn dust gets in everywhere: ears, nose, body orifices, upholstery, rugs, cameras, radios, CD players, etc. Stopped along Whipsaw FSR to inspect abandoned gold mine with racks and racks of core samples and lots of pollution. Onward up to old cabin with graves. Made first campsite at small tranquil lake just past cabin, and enjoyed campfire in quiet solitude with brilliant star-filled Milky Way up above, shooting stars, and passing satellites. Lots of cut firewood from old cabin. No name of lake on map so we named it Cruiser Lake.
Saturday morning, joined at campsite by five more Cruisers and continued motoring on through meadows to uphill Smooth Rock challenge. Garry B broke two leaf springs at the top of the rock. Lots of pictures on Mud. Marcin had to tow Jan into Loadstone L.
On once again to stop at the hill climb area with the viewing area. We were joined by a quad ATV driven by a fellow named Luke S. He went up and attempted to take the hard way down. About one-third of the way down he lost control and bailed out, fortunately for him. Garry B caught it all in a digital camera sequence and hopefully the pics will be on www.coastalcruisers.ca . Luke only caught a lacerated elbow and cut finger, but was OK. The ATV rolled several times, broke an axle and the back wheel came off. We ran down and turned it over and it was a mess; bent handle bars, wrecked speedo and headlight, bent racks, etc. Luke was unfazed and pretty cool, even smiling. We administered rudimentary first-aid and strapped the wheel on to the forward opposite side of the ATV and off he went, heading on three wheels toward Lodestone. We caught up with him later on the trail and he was hustling pretty fast and leaning way way over like a windsurfer. He got stuck in a mud bog and Steve pulled him out. We never saw him again, who knows how far he made it on three wheels? That guy had more guts than Dick Tracey! Steve went through that mud hole first and found a culvert the hard way. Thanks to him we all made it through easier. Thanks Steve!
We spent Saturday night at Wells Lake and enjoyed the campfire shed and tall stories. Naturally the local Rednecks were there in force, blasting their tunes, shooting shotguns, fireworks, revving engines, and firing bear bangers. We’ve come to expect their ignorant behavior and almost enjoy hearing them demolish their vehicles, play Dumb & Dumber, and take stupidity to new lows. We would miss those idiots if they didn’t show. They are an ultra low reference point in the human gene pool. Our other group had a big laugh when passed by a Redneck blonde in a teeny-weeny iddy-biddy polka dot bikini and cowboy hat, absolutely covered head to toe with mud on an ATV, going back and forth, in and out of a deep messy mud bog.
In the morning we headed up the infamous Falcon Hill which was pretty slippery with flying shale and loose gravel; fortunately we got up there before the Rednecks clogged up the hill with their Found On Road Dead wrecks. Once again the FG Cruiser proved its capability by towing a BJ60 up with bald tires. At this point I have to say that the FJ Cruiser is a very capable vehicle especially when driven by Drew E. Drew is a generous, outgoing guy and is always there to lend a hand to anyone who needs it. A Ford pickup, driven by a local Redneck no-mind went up to his doors in the Wells L. mud hole and Drew was right there to winch him out. On top of it all, he’s got every electronic gadget in existence, including a photo printer in his vehicle! We are lucky to have Drew in our club.
Another valuable member is Gary T who as well as being an expert driver, is also always willing to lend a hand to anyone in trouble. He pulled another Ford pickup out of a mud hole along the trail. He is great with kids too, often horsing around chasing them with swim noodles and showing them how to cast a fishing line. Let’s face it, we’ve got a superb bunch of people in the Coastal Cruisers. While we’re at it, Rob Millson looked happier this weekend then I’ve ever seen him, he was glowing from ear to ear.
Our last night was spent at Lodestone Lake which was too cold this year to swim in, although Marcin tried it. Around the campfire we heard stories of jumping coal mine dunes down the road. Traci has new 4:11 gears and a 2 ½ “ Rubicon Express lift, so watch it boys! Steve’s folding chair finally packed in, time to lose a few kilos Steve! The Rednecks were there too, shooting & hooting as usual.
Monday morning Traci had a humungous hangover and was heard barking at a German Shepard dog that was climbing into her tent. We need Gravol and Excedrin in our first aid kits for these trips! We also need way more CB radios, since not enough people are willing to get their Ham License.
Finally, Monday mid morning, our own clattering, rusting hulks of recycled Japanese beer cans began to drift away, in a haze of smoke, down the trail towards Coalmont, leaving behind the drunken, puking Redneck tree-beaters alone to fire their guns into hapless road signs and sink into oblivion in the eternal forest bogs. Jan H was last seen being dragged by tow strap down the mountain by Marcin, Mat, and Craig. Thanks guys; another great trip!
~Bill
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