Winter Holiday Romp - AKA - Bamfield Slushflake Chase

[Rob]

Well, we made it, Nanaimo to Bamfield and return, 4 Rovers, 6 Roverlanders, 85km of potholes (each way... ouch), bumps, slush and snow. Everyone behaved, rovers and people alike, nice drive, a bit long but scenic with some nice slushy, snowy and slippery sections to keep our interest. No real "off-roading" but a rough enough ride (about 2 hours each way on the gravel) that I'm sure a few Advil will be necessary in the aftermath :roll: Pictures prove that we were there:

https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/722/31142144923_0035508544_k.jpgIMG_5161 by green_rover_guy, on Flickr


More pics at https://www.flickr.com/photos/green_rov ... 4665587423

Thanks for coming out everyone! Rob

[island dormy]

Hi Rob

Mount Arrow smith might be okay, we did that once about 10 years ago as a day trip in March or April. We made it up to the ski hill area with maybe 8 or 9 rovers. The buildings had been burned down but some of the lift poles were still standing.

I am in as long as I can catch a ride with someone.

Victor 1962 Dormobile

[BlkP38]

Rob,
Sue and I are in. Lets keep in touch.
Eric.

[DrRangelove]

I should be able to make this, especially if you're heading up Port Alberni way...

What's the tire situation heading up the mountains this time of year. I'm a "flatlander" and noticed in the recent snow we had my well used Open Country A/Ts didn't exactly instill confidence, especially on the downhill greasy spots. Sorry for the silly question, but I don't want to be a liability out on the trail!

[andrewd]

Sounds like a great idea Rob. It will be nice to get a break from all the festivities. Count me in.

[obalme]

Hi Rob, we are available on the 27 & 28 only if this would work for everyone else.

Cheers Oliver

[Greg S]

I should be able to make it.

Dr. R. Chains help a lot. M&S but not All Season generally work pretty well. Some tire shops offer "siping" but generally prefer new tires. If your current tires have not little stones in the tread they'll probably do them for you.
Last I paid several years ago was $15 per tire at Big O tire in Duncan.

Some people take the time to cut their own tires for a homemade sipe job. Sharp razor knife and a chance of a wicked laceration to the forearm.Use a wet blade.

[Rob]

Looks like we have enough interest for a drive! Let's go on Wednesday the 28th. Because it is a week day we might not be able to get onto the Cameron Main to get to Mt. Arrowsmith but I will check the Island Timberlands Blog to see. I am wondering if everyone would be up for a drive out to Bamfield. It's about 3 1/2 hours from Nanaimo to Bamfield (one way) with the stretch from Port Alberni to Bamfield being logging road. There are a few spots to check0out including the Pachena Bay campground/park and there is a pub in Bamfield (though I will have to confirm that it is open). So, you game for a Bamfield trip? The route will be bumpy but any standard equipped rover should have not problem on this run. Possibility of dirt and rock chips but not scratching expected. The plan for the day would look like this:

Depart Nanaimo (north end Tim Horton's by Cabella's) at 0830
ETA Bamfield 1300 (to allow time for some stops along the way)
Depart Bamfield 1400
ETA Nanaimo 1800

I'm suggesting we stick to the Nanaimo-Port Alberni - Bamfield route as I'm not sure if the Lake Cowichan route is open.

Please RSVP Rob on the forum or email green_rover_guy@yahoo dot ca

[BlkP38]

Thanks Rob,
We will go with the flow. And Bamfield should be a leisurely day out.
Merry Christmas to all!
Eric & Sue.

[DrRangelove]

Bummer, I have to work on wednesday...
Thanks for the tire info Greg. I've got new rubber on the rear so i'll probably just bite the bullet and get the same for upfront.
Have fun on the run out to Bamfield!

[obalme]

We will see you at Cabela's for 8:30

[island dormy]

Hi Rob

I am in also, I will call Oliver and son and see if they can stop and pick me up at the Tim Hortons in Duncan (just before Beverly corners on the North side of the road out of town) maybe at 7:34 am. Maybe Sue and Eric will join up there also.

This could be a very snowy trip, bring the usual equipment, radios, tow strap, warm clothes, a shovel (or a co-driver who knows how to push)and a lunch just in case the Bam field Pub is not open for lunch.

Victor 1962 Dormobile

[andrewd]

I think Bamfield is too long a day for me unfortunately. I would get back to Victoria too late and I have dinner plans for Wednesday. I'm off till Jan 3rd if per chance a shorter run is contemplated on another day. I'll keep checking the forum just in case. Have fun and be careful. Best wishes too you all!

[Rob]

Hi Andrew

I totally understand, it would be a long haul from Vic. Unfortunately during the week the logging roads in this area are closed to the public so we have to go further afield fir a jaunt. Hopefully something will happen one of the upcoming weekends that you can join us. It would be cool to see that tricked-out Disco of yours in action :D

Regards, Rob

[island dormy]

Hi Rob

Sorry I can not make it, work did not get done today as planned because of the icy roads around Duncan this morning.
Have fun and please post some pictures of the rovers in action.

Victor

[Rob]

update info at the top... we made it :D

[Greg S]

Rob.

PM sent.

[BlkP38]

Ah, gentlemen that they are, failed to mention a surprise stay for me at the Bamfield medical station for a couple of hours which delayed their departure. Apparently everything else in town was closed but someone heated up pizza for the guys which they ate outside while the hung about waiting for me.
I was very well attended to at the clinic with a barrage of tests. Its good to know that these nurse outposts throughout BC exist and I was impressed with the care. The nurse also had a chilling collection of fish hooks that she has removed over the years.
So ended the day at Duncan ER for more tests. Some gut infection that triggered me fainting.

Thanks guys, your friendship made the day. And to Greg, who's first responder training and time of incident checks and data were appreciated by the nurse, and of course Sue and myself.

Eric.