"Hale Creek Drop-in" Proposal for future club run

[Bill E.]

I thought I would throw this out for discussion (final decisions being made at a regular meeting of course). Under the "General Discussion/Happy Rover" string found on this web board it became obvious that at least a half dozen Roverlanders have camped this summer at Hale Creek on the West Harrison Forest Service Road. What is also interesting is that these visits were independent of each other. It struck me that this would be an excellent opportunity to have a casual club get together one weekend on this beautiful beach. No pre booking or committment, no organizing (except for notification of date), just show up if you want to camp, or not, stay one night or two, sit on the beach all day if you want, go exploring locally, sunrise etc. perhaps. Maybe a gig like this will appeal to those with kids or pets or spouses that are not kean on off-roading or potentially damaging their vehicle.
Comments?
Bill

[shawn doherty]

I think this is a great idea Bill. It is something that could appeal to all Rover owners.

[ANDYD]

Hey Billy,
Great idea, "drop in at the beach weekend"!

We have to keep in mind, last time we went there as a group we had bent steering rods, burnt out clutchs....only one Rover came out unscathed!! :wink: :wink: :wink:
Andy

[John]

Andy, is that something that you really want to remind the rest of the world? :oops:

[DaveB]

I think that steep uphill climb, basically up a dry wash, is optional. There is a main road that's not nearly so challenging. Typical of these things, the photos flattened it out though, as if it were a stroll in the park...

http://orca.bcnewsgroup.com/gallery-photos/albums/album153/10_Loose_Steep_rocky_lots_of_fun.sized.jpg

[96whitedisco]

The last time I was out with Steve dillian and the 4x4 guys he was talking about them adding this sit to the 4wdabc to take care and maintain,
I have not been to this site but if the Roverlanders can help im sure it will be sweet.
The weekend I was up with Steve and the gange he mention this area.

cheers
Andrew

[LR3invancouver]

I did the back road at Hale this spring without any trouble in my stock LR3.
It is definately slow going and some careful tire placement is all that separates you from damage but I made it with only a little pinstriping. If you guys go I will try to drop in and say hi!

[Bill E.]

Yeh Jeeze Andy, I had almost put that bent tie-rod out of my memory :oops: But seriously, the main road in is a piece of cake for anything. When we were there last there was a Subaru Legacy station wagon that got in unscathed. If the weather is right this beach is pretty much unbeatable for camping. As far as the Yahoo factor is concerned I know what John is saying but if your there with a group it is pretty easy to segregate off a chunk of beach and keep the yahoos at arms length. Actually my last three trips there have been pretty much yahoo-free :)

[John]

OK, so one new voice in the group so far (LR3invancouver). Come on, there must be more of you out there just itching to join a great group of people at a beautiful spot not too far from town. Don't worry, you can get in and out without the carnage that Andy has mentioned. Stock Rovers need apply!

Bill, are you thinking of some time this fall? Any specific dates in mind?

John

[Bill E.]

Hi John, no specific weekend, one this fall after the Moab gig could work but also I think a nice warm summer weekend drop-in next seasion would be nice. Kids and Dogs could spend hours goofing around in the water. :D

[sdillen]

The beach at Hale Creek is really nice. I've camped there with my kids a number of times -- I like it because I can pretty much see everywhere the kids are interested in playing, the kids like it because it's a beach! The main road in is ok for pretty much any 2wd vehicle -- there are some cross ditches, and in the winter some of these are small streams, but overall it's not a big problem. Last month a few of us headed down after the Sunrise run. My front axle was not operational, so I went down the "hard road" in 2L and then came back up the easy road in 2H. While I discourage some vehicles from going up to Sunrise (or at least encourage them to use a LOT of care and to park when they are uncomfortable) I have no issues with taking any 4wd vehicle down to Hale Creek.

I have added Hale Creek to the 4WDABC Fall Convention agenda. I've talked to the individual at the MTSA who is responsible for these sites and in general we're in agreement with the association "adopting" this site. Within the association, we have some concerns -- mostly that since the site is easy to access, it may be beyond our ability to collect the amount of garbage that tends to collect at Hale during the summer. My personal opinion is that since the site is such a great spot, I'd rather bite the bullet and do the work and keep it "free" access than have another organization step into the location and start charging $10 per night to camp there.

I expect that we'll head down to Hale during the September Sunrise run -- mostly because my truck is still 2 wheel drive!

Steve.

[kRiS]

So how about it this Saturday

Meet in MacDonald's parking lot at 264th exit, around 9:30,
drive down to Hale creek for a nice lunch by the lake
nice and easy trail for anyone who would like to come out .

so far we have four trucks, any one else??


Kris,