Camping, Lower Mainland March 21/22 2009

[FalcoColumbarius]

Right on, Mark. I was thinking about bumping this thread to see what was happening and where we are actually going to go... smiles.

Falco.

[TardisDeli]

So, DECISION TIME ... trip is just 3 or 4 days from now .

Rain or shine, the camping is on.

DECISIONS ?? How many people are NOT meeting the convoy, but WILL definitely attend?? If none, then the convoy can drive to several sites and drive the entire chilliwack River Road (64 km each way) and decide that afternoon. (I know Sasquatch who can't join convoy).
Weather forecast Chilliwack Saturday Showers. Low plus 5, High 9.
Sunday Rain showers mixed with flurries. Low plus 2. High 9.

Good news is we should have a great choice of sites.

So... where to camp....

CHOICES: Last week TardisDeli checked area near Island 22, at "The Beach" on the Fraser River (wide open gravel and sand and ponds for yeehah 4 wheelin, and deciduous trees at the shoreline for camping in. No one else camping, area very tidy, 5 other vehicles quietly 4x4ing last sunday. Free camping on the beach for your Delica -- COOL PHOTOS, build your own beach fire (must bring own wood, deadwood has drifted downriver) (bring your own toilet), bright & open spaces, views of the mountain ranges, watch eagles etc in the trees. Might be a tad breezy if outflow winds.

CHOICES: Or those who prefer the gloomy dark & damp BC Forestry sites, NO VIEWS (can't see the forest for the trees), rain dripping off the tree branches, but with outhouses and premade firepits, along the Chilliwack River. Most are pay sites, patrolled regularly, we didnt find any free camping spaces because cliffs to North, river on south, road signs Prohibit parking at night. From Cottonwood Mall, head south, turn left just before the big bridge, drive along North side of River. MUST REFUEL prior, very long deadend road. Great road, paved most of way, lots of kayak put in points. AT the far end of the 64 kn road is the provincial site, gated till May (couldnt get the deli past the gates. Several nearby forestry sites have been decommisioned (with sturdy gates). Anyone locally got a key?

THE CONVOY:
2 hour from Burnaby to Chilliwack (driving at lower speeds to accomodate manual transmission Delicii) to Cottonwood Corners, refuel at the Husky Truck Stop (get points on your BCAA card)

Depart Saturday 9am Willingdon & Hwy 1 McDonalds east parking area, Proceed Hwy 1 to Cottonwood Mall (Cultus Lake Road). Exit to south side, go about 2 blocks south on the main downtown Chilliwack Street, left turn for Husky Truck Stop, Refill fuel, lots of fast foods & walmart & Real Cdn Superstore. Depart 11:15 for exploration. 20 minutes North to Fraser River beach, or 20 minutes south to start of Chilliwack River Road. Official sunset is 7:15 ish, but sun goes away about 5:15 behind the hills. So need to keep moving to have time to make campsite.

Cheers, Christine & Jay.

[Jaz]

You guys sold the first site pretty convincingly, as long as the soil behind the trees isn't too hardpacked, it could be good fun! Reminds me I need to pick up a suitable sized spade from Cambodian Tire...

Don't mind us, we'll be the Grey 4Runner skulking out of the way of the Delica photos

[tomanique]

About your fuel up in Chilliwack...you may want to exit at Lickman Rd Exit116 (1 exit before the malls) and go north to the Shell/Flying J truck stop. It's where I always go, cheapest diesel there, filled at $0.73/l the other day....and if you still want BCAA points there's a Mohawk right next door.

Cheers

[pedro]

I'm in, saturday 9 o'clock, beach sound good

[sasquatch-hunter]

Unfortunately, I have some electrical problems with my van. I have no tail/side/dash lights. It didn't blow any fuse. It could be the headlight warning chime thing burnt out? I don't think that I can go this time. Instead, I am heading to CVI try to what went wrong.


cheers,
sasquatch

[delicat]

I'm in as well, Sat. morning. Beach is always good. I've heard Christine talking about that place for ages so I think she deserve to get her spot this time...

[tomanique]

Hey Sasquatch

Same thing happened to me, as a temporary fix, I turn on my fog lights, and voila, my dash, side and tail lights all work.

As for the diesel at Lickman Rd, it was 71.1 this morning and with their cash back deal it works out to about 68 cents a litre.

Cheers
Tom

[TardisDeli]

OK, Confirmed by group decision, we "Beach Camp" on the Fraser River, north Chilliwack.

Sasquatch & Tomanique, I will PM location info, everyone else see you at the meeting spots, as previously written. To recap the meetings spots: 9 am Saturday, at McDonalds at Willingdon north of Hwy 1. Then 11:15 departure from Flying J Shell Fuel, north of exit 116 Lickman Road (west Chilliwack). We may have cell reception at campsite, if anyone wants to drop by.

Cookies, and FRESH homemade bread are my group share foods.

[Profister]

Christine, could you PM me the camp location info? Just in case.

[coaxial]

me too :) I've got a busy weekend for sure, but I'm still hoping to show up Sat afternoon or something and stick around for the night. We'll see.

I see island 22 on a map, and lots of sand, just point me in the direction of the correct sand (GPS coords?)

Hope to see everyone soon :)

[parkside]

Hey all :)
We are most probably in...but I have to warn you....we have 5 kids, lol. They are ALL die hard campers.

Jesse

[coaxial]

the more the merrier I'm sure :)

Christine or someone should send me the location and a phone number in case I manage to appear at some point

Josh

[TardisDeli]

Hi All, Get packing, let's go...

OK, healthy oatmeal raisin cookies made,5 dozen should suffice, and heaps of fresh bread baked. Maybe Jay will let you try some of his homemade Blackberry Jam ... hint, my bribe a wee drop of alcohol, his bribe Pepsi.

Parkside and Family, welcome, kids welcome, bring campfire chairs and raingear.

Now sending gps coordinates and road info via PM to all who replied. Bring a road map which includes the area east of Island 22, is a maze of farm roads and dyke roads not signposted.

I will check this email often, ending at 8am tomorrow (Saturday), if anyone else wants details.

Please do not post the location on any website, to prevent the area being spoiled by idiots (other 4x4 idiots, Delica owners are never idiots). As always, I only post locations which are public knowledge such government campgrounds & McDonalds, not locations which are privately held (such as YOUR your house address, or areas which will get gated off if too many idiots spoil them).

Meeting spots: same as previously written: Depart 9am Burnaby McDonalds on Willingdon just North of Highway 1. Then depart 11:15 am from Shell Flying J Diesel, chilliwack, exit 116 Lickman Road, go north of Hiqhway 1.

Cheers, Christine.

[coaxial]

I've got all the numbers and coordinates and the forecast for chilliwack tomorrow is SUN! hope to see everyone soon.