Submitted by teagirl on 11 February, 2011 - 13:19.
hello again!
i'll be coming over from salt spring this afternoon, my cell phone will work once i'm near Tsawwassen (it hardly works on this island at all). i'd LOVE to get in touch with Eric, Chessa & Navid so we can try to figure out the carpooling thing a bit more efficiently :)
i'm also "ok" with hiking in from the start of the non-4x4 / snow chains accessible part, although it would sure be nice if we could all get all the way to the trailhead
i would definitely love to help get carpools set up at least to Squamish
my phone # is 250.415.7314; as i said it won't work 'til i'm close to Tsawwassen (should be ~5.30p) but if you leave me a message before then (or after then!) i'll call you back.
hope to talk to people tonight & see you tomorrow!
Submitted by Ryan Conroy on 11 February, 2011 - 16:22.
Hello:
I have space for 3-4, there were some people who are not club members humming and hawing I had offered rides to, but it seems most are not coming. If anyone wants to catch a ride with me, I can pick them up on Lonsdale at 12th Street by North Shore Ahtletics, at 7:15. Send a comment to the event host and I will respond to you tonight via email, I don't want to post my address in a comment because of potential spam.
As far as Eric's concerns about avalanche conditions, this is pretty safe, and the trail is flagged with poles where it could be an issue. There are dangerous areas all around though, so stick to the main trail, and if you encounter any areas where you don't feel you have control, turn back. You can have lots of fun playing in the snow in the meadows above Red Heather. The biggest risk would be sliding sideways off the trail into avy terrain. Also, do not continue beyond Elfin Lakes Hut under any circumstances. That is dangerous avalanche terrain at the best of times.
I am signed up and excited to come on this adventure however I am looking for a ride. Another friend is planning to come with as well. I live at Cambie and 12th but can bike/bus/ferry anywhere convienient. I can also rent a zipcar if anyone is interested in sharing the cost, I may be able to get a 4x4, I can check.
Submitted by Sibylle on 11 February, 2011 - 06:34.
Looks like you guys are working the car pooling out. As Ean said, so far it always worked out. From our experience, depending on road conditions, chains are the important part of equipment, not necessary high clearance or 4WD.
Submitted by Ean Jackson on 10 February, 2011 - 21:03.
Always an outside possibility that something crazy could happen, but the trail from the parking lot to the alpine (~6K) is in the trees and the trail from there to Elfin Cabin is along a ridge. Trail is well flagged. More likely probability that snow from above will fall on your head, as percipitation is forecast.
To my knowledge, nobody has completed the route during the winter in Vibram 5-fingers. Here's your chance to own a world record!
From this link and a look at the terrain map, it looks like relatively safe terrain. People with experience of the area should comment.
If needed, I'll be renting a car for the day (but I will be driving back early, aiming to be back in Burnaby around 5pm). I could pick up 3 people along the way. I wouldn't be able to drive the last part to the trail head, though.
But from the list of people that are registered, there should be enough 4x4 to take us all, I think.
Submitted by teagirl on 10 February, 2011 - 22:45.
Hey Eric! If you're thinking of renting a car ANYWAY, maybe you could rent something snow-capable? I mean, I'm sure "technically" you're not allowed to drive it "off road", but my husband and i rented a car in australia that said "no off road" and we had serious amounts of red dust leaking out of every crevice by the time we returned it and they didn't blink an eye. Well, that's not true exactly: the fact that my husband had backed it into a concrete mailbox stand, they did notice... but the point is, they DIDN'T notice that we had Most Definitely taken it Very Much Off Road...
if you pick up me and my fearless compatriot Lysanne i'm sure we will gladly contribute to the cost of the car rental. AND we will smile pretty at the rental dude when you return the car, so that they don't notice the Evidence of having been driven to the trail head... we will also be most happy to be returning on the early side of the evening (eg your desire to be back in Burnaby by 5p). We have to get back for all those fancy parties we've been invited to, and stuff.
ALSO, of Supreme Utmost Importance: Howe Sound Brewing (in Squamish - yes, Squamish, where we will be on Saturday) has just released a new beer, called "Megadestroyer" (!!!!!) which is an Imperial Licorice Stout. Holy Cow. If we don't have enough cars to get us all to the trailhead, you can just drop me off there, where I will happily spend the day sinking into licorice-soaked oblivion. If we DO have enough cars, I'll go do the 22k and THEN imbibe. Apparently if you buy a 1L bottle, it comes with a commemorative leather coaster! That's some fancy beer...
(the above info courtesy of husband; the same husband who drove the australian rental car off road AND backed into a mailbox... his beer blog, for those who missed it in my earlier post: Yet Another Damn Beer Blog)
Submitted by Eric Rannaud on 8 February, 2011 - 15:23.
For my initiation to snowshoe running, I would need a ride to Squamish.
I live in Burnaby (near Metrotown), but I can easily get to anywhere along the Skytrain, or on the North shore, either the SeaBus terminal or the Phibbs bus exchange are the easiest for me. But I'll go anywhere transit can get me early on a Saturday morning.
Ideally I'd like to be back Downtown at 7:30pm... I may be asking too much here, though. I don't want to make anybody rush back home if the plan is to stay late in Squamish.
I was planning on renting snowshoes at MEC on Friday night.
What kind of shoes should I wear when running with snowhoes? Hiking boots? Runners?
um, are there actually people with snow-ready cars planning to drive up?? lysanne & i are also hoping to come, but not with a car. i *could* bring my car (hmm... potentially... it is currently on one island and i am on another...), but although it has 4WD & good winter tires it's still just a car (not a truck with higher clearance) and i haven't gone up to this trailhead before; would a car make it (subaru impreza wrx). it also seems slightly crazy to bring a car over from vancouver island to get to squamish :)
action jackson, are you coming?
re: shoes... i wear sheepskin-lined mukluks; i have somewhat "waterproofed" them (suede outers) with 'badger balm'. they let my feet be mobile enough to stay warm (previously when wearing runners which are much more rigid my feet got SUPER cold on the way down hills when you're not working as hard). the sheepskin & relatively waterproof suede keeps me warm without being heavy like hiking boots. i have "gaiters" made from the legs of old long johns (they got all holey in the crotch so i cut the legs off, they work well over my boots to keep the snow out). yes, i do look like a totally crazy person :)
so, hopefully there are people with cars actually planning to go so that the rest of us can come too! i'm super happy to contribute gas $. and i *could* bring my car (would certainly be nice to get contributions to the cost of the 2 ferry trips though!).
Submitted by Ean Jackson on 10 February, 2011 - 21:11.
Looks like it will be pissing with rain at lower altitudes... probably puking snow in the alpine. I'm in for sure!
So far, I have self and 1 confirmed passenger (Jason from Florida) in my AWD Subaru Forrester. I plan to bring chains, as one year I almost slid off the road and down a cliff.
I figure at worst, we get up Mamquam Road to the turnoff and have to park there and tromp 4-5K to the trailhead... at best, chain up and drive to the trailhead parking lot.
You and Lizette are welcome to stay the nite chez moi. Dunno how Ryan is planning to get folks from Tim Horton's to the start, but it has always worked out in the past.
Submitted by teagirl on 10 February, 2011 - 22:52.
Action, just because she's French-Canadian, doesn't mean her name is "whatever French-ish sounding name comes to mind"! :)
just bugging you. i have heard some serious mis-pronunciations of Lysanne's name all over the show. anyway: we don't need a place to stay (we'll be @ my parents' place on the north shore) BUT we'd love to take you up on the ride - if Eric *doesn't* end up renting an "all-the-way-to-the-trailhead" vehicle... we can come to you, or can meet you @ the salmon house or top of taylor way or whatever.
aanyway, i'm sure it will all work out. i'm just getting anxious b/c i need to organize ferry trips and house-hunting on sunday as well! and i'm hoping my snowshoes are still safe (i entrusted them to my parents and they have a sort of bad track record with sports equipment...).
btw, i'm excited to meet this "Jason" character. heard a lot about him, don't actually believe he exists :)
Submitted by Eric Rannaud on 10 February, 2011 - 23:53.
The Avis location I'll be renting from is very convenient (2 blocks from home), but doesn't have 4x4s or fancy cars. And I won't have time to go pick up a car elsewhere.
I'm pretty sure Ryan has a 4WD. 11 people are registered so between Ean and Ryan that might be enough if there is some attrition.
Somebody else may still be coming with a car good enough for this. Otherwise, I'll be happy to get there earlier and start from the bottom of the road on foot. We'll figure something out.
Hope the carpooling works out. I probably won't be able to go as I don't want to leave my son alone all day - I was hoping he could join us, but has knee issues.
As for shoes, best scenario are Goretex runners/trail runners. Even when I am hiking in the snowshoes I prefer running shoes over hiking boots. It'll be hard to run if you wear hiking boots. If you have Goretex socks, wear those. I usually also wear gaiters because yo'llu kick up a lot of snow and gaiter keep the lower legs dry.
That makes two of us that would require transport from the North Shore ;) I can bike to anyone's home early Saturday morning and leave from there, provided it's no more than 15km from Kitsilano, or meet at the SeaBus Terminal as well.
I would say that shoe type comes down to personal preference when snowshoe running - if you prefer heavier, waterproof shoes or lighter, wet shoes, and whichever you feel confident running in for 22km.
Submitted by Ean Jackson on 10 February, 2011 - 21:17.
You forgot to sign the guest book last weekend, so you're welcome to ride over and stay the night in North Van.
Might be a bit tight in the happy bus for the drive up on Saturday but could likely fit you in the ski box. Could have folks meet at our place and we convoy up to the Tim's in Squamish as snow tires and chains won't likely be needed for that leg of the drive.
Comments
rides & rides & rides & stuff!
hello again!
i'll be coming over from salt spring this afternoon, my cell phone will work once i'm near Tsawwassen (it hardly works on this island at all). i'd LOVE to get in touch with Eric, Chessa & Navid so we can try to figure out the carpooling thing a bit more efficiently :)
i'm also "ok" with hiking in from the start of the non-4x4 / snow chains accessible part, although it would sure be nice if we could all get all the way to the trailhead
i would definitely love to help get carpools set up at least to Squamish
my phone # is 250.415.7314; as i said it won't work 'til i'm close to Tsawwassen (should be ~5.30p) but if you leave me a message before then (or after then!) i'll call you back.
hope to talk to people tonight & see you tomorrow!
k
Rides
Hello:
I have space for 3-4, there were some people who are not club members humming and hawing I had offered rides to, but it seems most are not coming. If anyone wants to catch a ride with me, I can pick them up on Lonsdale at 12th Street by North Shore Ahtletics, at 7:15. Send a comment to the event host and I will respond to you tonight via email, I don't want to post my address in a comment because of potential spam.
As far as Eric's concerns about avalanche conditions, this is pretty safe, and the trail is flagged with poles where it could be an issue. There are dangerous areas all around though, so stick to the main trail, and if you encounter any areas where you don't feel you have control, turn back. You can have lots of fun playing in the snow in the meadows above Red Heather. The biggest risk would be sliding sideways off the trail into avy terrain. Also, do not continue beyond Elfin Lakes Hut under any circumstances. That is dangerous avalanche terrain at the best of times.
Need a ride
Hello,
I am signed up and excited to come on this adventure however I am looking for a ride. Another friend is planning to come with as well. I live at Cambie and 12th but can bike/bus/ferry anywhere convienient. I can also rent a zipcar if anyone is interested in sharing the cost, I may be able to get a 4x4, I can check.
Looking forward to it!
-chessa
Looks like you guys are
Looks like you guys are working the car pooling out. As Ean said, so far it always worked out. From our experience, depending on road conditions, chains are the important part of equipment, not necessary high clearance or 4WD.
Have fun everybody and stay safe.
garibaldi website & most recent trail report
info for people wondering / thinking about coming:
Garibaldi Prov Park website (this event is in Garibaldi Prov Park)
Most recent trail report (when I posted this, the most recent report was from Jan 26: 125cm @ parking lot, 300cm @ Heather, 330cm @ Elfin)
looks good! :)
Avalanche report
The latest avalanche report doesn't sound very good for the area. I have no idea of the exposure of this particular trail though.
http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest/south-coast
Avalanche Danger
Always an outside possibility that something crazy could happen, but the trail from the parking lot to the alpine (~6K) is in the trees and the trail from there to Elfin Cabin is along a ridge. Trail is well flagged. More likely probability that snow from above will fall on your head, as percipitation is forecast.
To my knowledge, nobody has completed the route during the winter in Vibram 5-fingers. Here's your chance to own a world record!
Sounds great
Sounds good. I don't know about the Fivefingers for the whole thing.
I was thinking of bringing them though, it would be a lot of fun going downhill. As long as I have trees to stop me.
So I can pick up some people on my way up to Squamish. Somewhere easy to get to from Highway 1 would be best, at around 7:15am.
http://www.bivouac.com/ExpPg.
http://www.bivouac.com/ExpPg.asp?ExpId=2134
From this link and a look at the terrain map, it looks like relatively safe terrain. People with experience of the area should comment.
If needed, I'll be renting a car for the day (but I will be driving back early, aiming to be back in Burnaby around 5pm). I could pick up 3 people along the way. I wouldn't be able to drive the last part to the trail head, though.
But from the list of people that are registered, there should be enough 4x4 to take us all, I think.
can you rent a 4x4?!
Hey Eric! If you're thinking of renting a car ANYWAY, maybe you could rent something snow-capable? I mean, I'm sure "technically" you're not allowed to drive it "off road", but my husband and i rented a car in australia that said "no off road" and we had serious amounts of red dust leaking out of every crevice by the time we returned it and they didn't blink an eye. Well, that's not true exactly: the fact that my husband had backed it into a concrete mailbox stand, they did notice... but the point is, they DIDN'T notice that we had Most Definitely taken it Very Much Off Road...
if you pick up me and my fearless compatriot Lysanne i'm sure we will gladly contribute to the cost of the car rental. AND we will smile pretty at the rental dude when you return the car, so that they don't notice the Evidence of having been driven to the trail head... we will also be most happy to be returning on the early side of the evening (eg your desire to be back in Burnaby by 5p). We have to get back for all those fancy parties we've been invited to, and stuff.
ALSO, of Supreme Utmost Importance: Howe Sound Brewing (in Squamish - yes, Squamish, where we will be on Saturday) has just released a new beer, called "Megadestroyer" (!!!!!) which is an Imperial Licorice Stout. Holy Cow. If we don't have enough cars to get us all to the trailhead, you can just drop me off there, where I will happily spend the day sinking into licorice-soaked oblivion. If we DO have enough cars, I'll go do the 22k and THEN imbibe. Apparently if you buy a 1L bottle, it comes with a commemorative leather coaster! That's some fancy beer...
(the above info courtesy of husband; the same husband who drove the australian rental car off road AND backed into a mailbox... his beer blog, for those who missed it in my earlier post: Yet Another Damn Beer Blog)
See you all Saturday!
t (aka k)
Ride to Squamish and shoe question
For my initiation to snowshoe running, I would need a ride to Squamish.
I live in Burnaby (near Metrotown), but I can easily get to anywhere along the Skytrain, or on the North shore, either the SeaBus terminal or the Phibbs bus exchange are the easiest for me. But I'll go anywhere transit can get me early on a Saturday morning.
Ideally I'd like to be back Downtown at 7:30pm... I may be asking too much here, though. I don't want to make anybody rush back home if the plan is to stay late in Squamish.
I was planning on renting snowshoes at MEC on Friday night.
What kind of shoes should I wear when running with snowhoes? Hiking boots? Runners?
Thanks.
hmm, rides from the North Shore... problem?!
um, are there actually people with snow-ready cars planning to drive up?? lysanne & i are also hoping to come, but not with a car. i *could* bring my car (hmm... potentially... it is currently on one island and i am on another...), but although it has 4WD & good winter tires it's still just a car (not a truck with higher clearance) and i haven't gone up to this trailhead before; would a car make it (subaru impreza wrx). it also seems slightly crazy to bring a car over from vancouver island to get to squamish :)
action jackson, are you coming?
re: shoes... i wear sheepskin-lined mukluks; i have somewhat "waterproofed" them (suede outers) with 'badger balm'. they let my feet be mobile enough to stay warm (previously when wearing runners which are much more rigid my feet got SUPER cold on the way down hills when you're not working as hard). the sheepskin & relatively waterproof suede keeps me warm without being heavy like hiking boots. i have "gaiters" made from the legs of old long johns (they got all holey in the crotch so i cut the legs off, they work well over my boots to keep the snow out). yes, i do look like a totally crazy person :)
so, hopefully there are people with cars actually planning to go so that the rest of us can come too! i'm super happy to contribute gas $. and i *could* bring my car (would certainly be nice to get contributions to the cost of the 2 ferry trips though!).
hope to see y'all sat!
teagirl
In!
Looks like it will be pissing with rain at lower altitudes... probably puking snow in the alpine. I'm in for sure!
So far, I have self and 1 confirmed passenger (Jason from Florida) in my AWD Subaru Forrester. I plan to bring chains, as one year I almost slid off the road and down a cliff.
I figure at worst, we get up Mamquam Road to the turnoff and have to park there and tromp 4-5K to the trailhead... at best, chain up and drive to the trailhead parking lot.
You and Lizette are welcome to stay the nite chez moi. Dunno how Ryan is planning to get folks from Tim Horton's to the start, but it has always worked out in the past.
who the heck is Lizette? :)
Action, just because she's French-Canadian, doesn't mean her name is "whatever French-ish sounding name comes to mind"! :)
just bugging you. i have heard some serious mis-pronunciations of Lysanne's name all over the show. anyway: we don't need a place to stay (we'll be @ my parents' place on the north shore) BUT we'd love to take you up on the ride - if Eric *doesn't* end up renting an "all-the-way-to-the-trailhead" vehicle... we can come to you, or can meet you @ the salmon house or top of taylor way or whatever.
aanyway, i'm sure it will all work out. i'm just getting anxious b/c i need to organize ferry trips and house-hunting on sunday as well! and i'm hoping my snowshoes are still safe (i entrusted them to my parents and they have a sort of bad track record with sports equipment...).
btw, i'm excited to meet this "Jason" character. heard a lot about him, don't actually believe he exists :)
see you!
k-tea
Can't rent a 4x4
The Avis location I'll be renting from is very convenient (2 blocks from home), but doesn't have 4x4s or fancy cars. And I won't have time to go pick up a car elsewhere.
I'm pretty sure Ryan has a 4WD. 11 people are registered so between Ean and Ryan that might be enough if there is some attrition.
Somebody else may still be coming with a car good enough for this. Otherwise, I'll be happy to get there earlier and start from the bottom of the road on foot. We'll figure something out.
Hi Eric, Hope the
Hi Eric,
Hope the carpooling works out. I probably won't be able to go as I don't want to leave my son alone all day - I was hoping he could join us, but has knee issues.
As for shoes, best scenario are Goretex runners/trail runners. Even when I am hiking in the snowshoes I prefer running shoes over hiking boots. It'll be hard to run if you wear hiking boots. If you have Goretex socks, wear those. I usually also wear gaiters because yo'llu kick up a lot of snow and gaiter keep the lower legs dry.
Hope that helps.
That makes two of us that
That makes two of us that would require transport from the North Shore ;) I can bike to anyone's home early Saturday morning and leave from there, provided it's no more than 15km from Kitsilano, or meet at the SeaBus Terminal as well.
I would say that shoe type comes down to personal preference when snowshoe running - if you prefer heavier, waterproof shoes or lighter, wet shoes, and whichever you feel confident running in for 22km.
Sleepover?
You forgot to sign the guest book last weekend, so you're welcome to ride over and stay the night in North Van.
Might be a bit tight in the happy bus for the drive up on Saturday but could likely fit you in the ski box. Could have folks meet at our place and we convoy up to the Tim's in Squamish as snow tires and chains won't likely be needed for that leg of the drive.