January Meet and/or excursion anyone?

[jaggedfish]

Hey all!

We are now well into 2011 and I think it is time we had a get-together somewhere so we can meet new and old members alike and check out each others' rides. I suggest at least having an evening meet during the week at least and even would be great to go on a little weekend daytrip for some fun in the snow. Lets at least try to have an evening meet either next week or the following one.

Would be great to get as many members out as possible so if you can note availability, we can plan something around as many peoples plans as possible.

Cheers!
Ian

[JHelzer]

I'm hopefully heading out to Vancouver to look at a couple buses this weekend so if all goes well I'll be there with...something.

Looking forward to meeting some more Calgary folks!

[White Mule]

Sounds good Jag!

Lets kick some tires and light them fires!!

Yee Haw! (QUE BANJO...NOW)

[naterade]

I'm in, but my schedule is always busy.

I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how things are shaping up, and hopefully I can join in the fun!

[Carp]

I will try to make it as it will be my first meet. I have had my Delica L400 since late October. I've had her out in the ghost several times and she is fabulous! I call her "Lurch" . (that's her reaction to my driving skills). I would love to get some info from the group so count me in.

[jaggedfish]

Yee Haw! (QUE BANJO...NOW)

That made me giggle as I remembered our trip to McLean Creek
Good luck to JHelzer! Hope your search is successful!
Carp, looking forward to hearing about Ghost as I've not yet explored out there. Seen some good vids from out that way tho.
Anyway, will give a bit more time for repsonses then will attempt to set a date this weekend. Hopefully we can get lots of members out this time! I think the record is 8 or 9 vans...
Cheers!
Ian

[madmazda]

i'm in we need to get out winter exploring...... yee haw

[Jungle Jon]

Sounds like fun, but will have to do some bashing/grinding on my fenders before then - my new winter tires are a bit bigger than my all-seasons and they rub on the bottom edge if I hit a bump while turned.
Carp, are you near to MRU? I often drive by a van that looks like lurch on my way home. If you're heading out to Ghost via the TransAlta road - a winter trip a few of us took a couple years ago - I have a score to settle with a certain hill there.
Will have to work out kid-care, as my wife heads to work in the afternoon on the weekends, but should be able to get gramma or auntie to fill in for me so I can go out and play.

[madmazda]

Ghost lake area ????? hmmmm this sounds like it might be a great idea I'm not familiar with these trails you speak of.....

[Carp]

Hi J.J.
That would be mine, I work at MRU and live close. I make it out to the Ghost quite a few times each year. Ice climbing in the winter and rock in the summer. Beautiful place with all those frozen waterfalls but it can be hard on a vehicle. I spent a half hour with an axe, chopping down some ice shelves at a couple of stream crossings this past weekend to get back there. Climbed in 'The Valley of the Birds' and camped at the bottom of Big Hill on Sat. night. I love my Van! Ran into a fellow with an L300 who was camping as well. Nice setup with a tent attached to the side of his van. His name escapes me at the moment.

This picture was taken a couple of weeks earlier.

[madmazda]

i hear that place is an awesome place to climb.... I've got a buddy whos been trying to get me to ice climb but all i have is my summer kit..... looks like a great place....

[CloudMountain]

I sold my tools years ago. Too cold!

[Carp]

Madmazda, rent some tools and crampons from MEC or U of C and give it a try. Send me a note and I will take you out. I have some experience taking out new climbers with the alpine club and would enjoy showing you 'the ropes' so to speak. I think it is a great place just for a drive and with a high clearance 4x4 it is usually quite accessable. I am going to go out there next weekend to cruise, climb, and camp, if time and temperature allows.
Dennis.

[madmazda]

hmmmm that sounds like it would be fun..... possibly a trip then.... I'll see what my schedule says and get back to you....

[jaggedfish]

I am curious what the trails in Ghost are like right now... are they relatively passable Delica style? Never been out there and would like to get out for a day trip to test the van out.

Can I suggest a meet say middle of this week (Wednesday evening?) or the middle of next week at a place where we can get warm if necessary? We could then chat about a trek to Ghost with those familiar with the trails. Am open to suggestions on location as I am relatively new to Calgary and don't know the areas well enough. I will PM Erebus as he has a good list of Calgary members and try to get as many informed as possible.