Spring Camping Trip??

[kb&2dogs]

We sort of talked around this at the meet on Saturday, so I guess it's time to start talking about camping. (Well, for us, way past time, but....)

What do ye think??

Easter weekend (April 2 - 5th)

possible locations:

Heather campsite (Lk Cowichan)
Snow Creek (Sproat Lake - where we went a couple years ago for May Long weekend)
Pts north or west of Campbell River (lots to choose from there)

Other suggestions? - trying to avoid provincial parks if possible (sites are small, rules are many, cost is ridiculous)

[TardisDeli]

Hi Kathy, thanks for organizing this. We love going camping with you, everyone has such a great time. And you and Brian always carry so much "Just in Case" get that makes one never have to worry about forgetting something.

You always choose such great sites, especially ones that aren't so crowded! Loved the one beyond Sproat Lake, and the Campbell river one had so many extra roads to use for day trips. Have u any new sites that you have heard about?

Just checked the ferries, fare for April is $46. for car, and $14. for each person even for driver (how can u get a driverless vehicle on anyway, eh), so about $75 each way for us mainlandites.

I was wondering if there was something west of Victoria. My mind vaguely recalls something about the road past Sooke being extended further? Or joining into a loop now? But that probably means all the old memories of being able to 4x4 anywhere has dissappeared into housing developments, sigh.

Cheers, Christine.

[mararmeisto]

...I was wondering if there was something west of Victoria...

It's an island. Pretty much the only thing west is the ocean!

However, sarcasm aside, the road past Sooke to Port Renfrew is supposed to have had a bunch of paving done to it, and the road(s) from Port Renfrew to Duncan/Shawnigan Lake/Cowichan Lake are not much used by the loggers any more (so there's little fear of getting run down now). There are a bunch of camping 'areas' in back there, so that might be an option with plenty of off-road possibilities.

[kb&2dogs]

The forestry sites out at Port Renfrew are closed for the season (till May) except for San Juan Creek, which is a pretty small site (5 campsites). I'm checking into Heather (end of Lake Cowichan) and possibility of Nixon Creek Forestry site which is on Lake Cowichan side (as opposed to Youbou). I know Maple Grove and Pine Point are both closed till May.

Snow Creek (Sproat Lake - Port Alberni) is good, and there are always new places to find up Campbell River way. Depends on who wants to go and how far they're willing to travel. Waiting for someone other than our trusty mainlanders to respond if they're up for the trip or not. (Sorry....trusty mainlanders, and Paul)

[kb&2dogs]

Additional information available: Heather, Cayacuse and Nitinat campsites are all open, $10 per night per party. Nixon Creek is closed until May long weekend, so I guess that means points north (Port Alberni or Campbell River area) are our best bets.

[electrik_jester]

Usually up for a camping trip more or less. South Island works for me just cause I live there. I like central north island too don't get me wrong. Just a distance away for a weekend at 90kmh. However Paul and I have been threatening bocce for a couple of years now and have yet to have a decent pitch. (aside) not needing an excuse to sit around a fire, drink beer and sniff delicas. I would like to see a 400 up close having seen a couple wandering around the island. give it a poke and see what it sounds like. typically however for me it usually comes down to I am either there or not depending on the circumstance.

[Artacoma]

We are in ! I think .......much discussion going on.

[kb&2dogs]

We are in ! I think .......much discussion going on.

I think you should listen very closely to Zoey's opinion before making a decision!!

[kb&2dogs]

We were talking the other day about going to Great Central Lake (Scout Beach), which is near Port Alberni. It's a nice open spot for circling the delis, and generally not too busy this time of year (famous last words!)

From Port Alberni take Highway 4 toward Tofino, Cross the Sproat River and turn right onto Great Central Lake Road Toward the Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery. At the dam turn right onto the Ash River Main for 6.5 Km and then turn left on Branch 38 toward Browns Bay. Stay right at the fork and then turn left into the site at the cross road about 7 km further on. The campsite is about 1 km in, the road can be a bit rough especially early in the year.

Coordinate Position
UTM 10N: 345702, 5470189
BC Albers: 1063591, 483562
Geographic: 49° 21' 54" N, 125° 7' 31" W

As an alternative (if Scout Beach happens to be busy), there's Lowry Lake, which is just up the road a bit

At the dam turn right onto the Ash River Main for 6.5 Km and then turn left on Branch 38 toward Browns Bay. Stay right at the fork and then turn right at the cross road about 7 km further on. The site is on the left about a km from the cross road.

Coordinate Position
UTM 10N: 345355, 5472694
BC Albers: 1063142, 486049
Geographic: 49° 23' 14" N, 125° 7' 51" W

If no one else has a better idea, I'd say that would be as good a place as any, midway on the island for folks to travel and a reasonably good spot.

[mararmeisto]

Sounds good. Hopefully I'll have a trailer hitch and wiring harness installed into Monty by then.

[kb&2dogs]

Bump.....

less than 2 weeks till the long weekend!!

[kb&2dogs]

The weather isn't looking too delightful, but if there are any hearty campers in the crowd, this is where we'll be. Planning on arriving there late Friday afternoon.

Great Central Lake - Scout Camp

From Port Alberni take Highway 4 toward Tofino, Cross the Sproat River and turn right onto Great Central Lake Road Toward the Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery. At the dam turn right onto the Ash River Main for 6.5 Km and then turn left on Branch 38 toward Browns Bay. Stay right at the fork and then turn left into the site at the cross road about 7 km further on. The campsite is about 1 km in, the road can be a bit rough especially early in the year.

Coordinate Position
UTM 10N: 345702, 5470189
BC Albers: 1063591, 483562
Geographic: 49° 21' 54" N, 125° 7' 31" W

As an alternative (if Scout Beach happens to be busy), there's Lowry Lake, which is just up the road a bit

At the dam turn right onto the Ash River Main for 6.5 Km and then turn left on Branch 38 toward Browns Bay. Stay right at the fork and then turn right at the cross road about 7 km further on. The site is on the left about a km from the cross road.

Coordinate Position
UTM 10N: 345355, 5472694
BC Albers: 1063142, 486049
Geographic: 49° 23' 14" N, 125° 7' 51" W

[mararmeisto]

Camping/towing arrangement not yet complete on Monty, so we won't be attending. Still have to get a wiring harness and a clip-on point for the chains.

Maybe I'll be ready for next time...

[Artacoma]

Sorry guys I'm out , recovering from sudden passing of parental unit.

[jwfchase]

Condolences Rik, been there.