What:
- ~52K run along Blowdown Pass Traverse through the Stein Valley wilderness. Ridgeline or valley route TBD based on weather on morning of the run
- car pooling from North Vancouver early Friday afternoon. Camp at Blowdown Lake forest service (primitive) campground and party under the stars on Friday night
- group run. One to 3 groups based on ability:
- fast - must have a sub-7 hour KneeKnacker time or 50K trail run equivalent. (So far, there are 5 in this group.)
- medium - 7-9 hour KneeKnacker finish or equivalent. (So far, there is nobody in this group.)
- crew - anyone welcome. Out and back run/hike from Lytton with option of camping at Blowdown Lake on Friday night. (So far, there are 3 people in this group.)
- rain date the following weekend (21-22 September)
Gear needed:
- plenty of trail chow and fluids
- camping gear
- good running pack with at 2+ liters of water
- satellite phone?
- FRS radios
- first aid kit (1 per group)
- bear bangers. This is grizzly territory and dem bears like city folk!
- space blanket, gloves, toque. headlamp
- bivvy bag
- knife, compass, GPS
Other:
At this point, this is an idea hatched by Curb Ivanic and Ean Jackson. Neither Curb nor Jackson are familiar with the route. We'd like to speak to anyone who has hiked or run the route. (I think Kevin Valley has run it, so doubt there are first bagger bragging rights up for grabs.)
If you are interested or have information that might be helpful, please leave a comment. We aim to update this as we get closer to departure time.
We are particularly interested in knowing the condition of the road into Blowdown Lake campground. Is it passable with a city car?
There is no fee and you don't need to be a member of Club Fat Ass to participate in a Flash event, however whining is not allowed. You are responsible for your own well being and safety and should be self sufficient.
Please read the Release of All Claims. By participating in this event you agree to the terms of the Release of All Claims.
Comments
Stein Valley Adventure Run - Highlights
We conquered the Stein!
A cool adventure was had by one and all. Thanks to all of you who have flooded my InBox and called today for an update!
We have some spectacular photos to come and an adventure story that ranks right up there with some of the biggest adventures Colin, Geoff, Desmond, Bill or I have ever had. Hopefully, each of us will contribute a perspective... but be forewarned, some of what goes on the trail, stays on the trail. =;-)
Some highlights:
- we were on the roof of the world and saw many breath taking sights
- the weather was exceptionally good
- we will lay claim to being the first runners to ever conquer the ridge route from Blowdown Pass to the junction of Cottonwood Creek and the Stein River. (Boys, maybe one of you can confirm the distance and time? I think it took us 10.5 hours and we covered about 25K.)
- the first group arrived at the Lytton trail head at 01:30 on Sunday morning. The second group arrived around 10:00
- we all got scraped up from sharp rocks, blowdown, etc. and Colin could probably have taken a few stitches, but glued his wounds back togehter on the trail. I think everyone got at least a couple of blisters
- we survived bush parties at both the start and finish. Best to bring wood if you want a campfire
- both trucks made it to the Blowdown Pass trailhead and back again with a few pushes and no noticable damage. I wouldn't take my Subaru Forrester there.
- it gets dark early in the Stein at this time of year
- there are a lot of bears in the Stein, but we didn't "run" into any
- space blankets are useful things to have
- we won't do La Haute Route (the high trail that is not a trail along the ridge line of the Cottonwood Creek watershead). The record is 10.5 hours. Go beat it.
More to follow in a few days. We will post photos on the CFA Flickr group.
jealous
Everybody accounted for
No News is Good News - right?
Different scenarios why we haven't heard a beep...
Cottonwood Creek Reached
Just got a call from Tom and in turn called all the "waiting wifes" ;-)
The runners are all in good spirits and feeling well. They have arrived at Cottonwood Creek. The alpine traverse took much longer than they anticipated and the ETA at the Lytton trailhead is around 21:00. That's the official story...
My take is that from Cottonwood Creek to the trailhead they have to cover about 30km. They are loosing light fast and are getting tired (apparently, they are roaring to finally run after lots of tough trail finding sections in the alpine). I am hoping they be out by 21:00, but doubt it. Kirsten, Colin's wife, seems to have a hunch that Colin might not be back home tonight.
Tom, the good soul, has been waiting in Cache Creek all day, as there is no cell coverage in Lytton. The runners are carrying a satellite phone, headlamps and emergency gear. I trust they will be fine.
The Boys are Off!
Given the great weather and a good forecast for tomorrow the runners decided to take the more challenging alpine route. In on the fun are Colin Freeland, Geoff Palmer, Bill Dagg, Des Mott, Ean Jackson. Des, friend Pat and our friend, Tom Mills (of Sunshine Coast Run crew fame!) have been kind enough to offer their vehicles, time and support for the weekend.
Unfortunately, I am still at home. The car is packed and we were all ready to go this morning, all but my daughter, who fell sick with a nasty stomach bug. She hasn't moved off the couch all day. Earlier I was still hopeful to be able to get to Lytton tomorrow morning, but as it stands now, I am having doubts that will happen :-(
declined
Travel to and From
Thanks for letting us know,
I'm out too - Group 2 - Len Soet
Thanks
Len
car pool
Final Roll Call
Several of the confirmed crew got together for a pint just after the Mountain Highway Madness today. There exists the possibility of two groups starting this epic next weekend. Anyone is welcome to join us for the bush party, but regrets that Group #1 is full. I'd like to suggest that anyone out there in cyberspace who is interested, identify themselves here so we can take care of details offline.
Group #1
- Curb Ivanic (may be out due to appendicitis!)
- Bill Dagg
- Geoff Palmer
- Desmond Mott
- Wade Repta
- Tracy Garneau
- Colin Freeland
- Ean Jackson
- Tom Mills (crew)
Group #2
- Ben?
- Rob Clark?
- Len Soet
- mspagnut?
- other?
Note: how this group gets to the start and from the finish to home needs to be determined within the group
Group #1 will make the go/no go call on Thursday evening based on weather and aims to leave my place in North Vancouver at 15:00 on Friday. Given the construction on the Sea-to-Sky highway and an obligatory beer stop in Pemberton, our ETA at the Blowdown Creek exit is around 17:00. Our aim is to camp at Blowdown Lake and leave camp at roughly 7:00 am on Saturday. The decision as to whether we take the alpine or valley route will be made by the campfire.
Any Other Slow Pokes Out There?
Hi Rob, I hope you'll find a
I'm Out
I'm out
Group 2- Ben's out
Planning Meeting
driver & crew
Stein Valley Run
Stein Valley Run
Stein Valley
Stein Valley
Hi guys,
I would very much like to participate also. But my guess on KneeKnacker time would be 7-9hr range. But not sure, shorter times are 1.5k 4:10, 10K 35:40. I was told I should be able to do 20K 1:45, marathon at 4:30 or better. I couldn't quite figure where the meeting is going to be but could I attend also?
Thanks
Ben
Stein Valley
Ok- I guess this is
meeting?
tagging along
Make the start Sept 1?
I'd love to join you if it was in late August maybe the first weekend in September? Sept 1-2.
Keep me posted.
I know that Rob McDonald has travelled in that area a lot and could probably give some very good advice. He also has wanted to pull off the whole route in one push.
Cheers,
Mike
Hey Mike
Stein Valley
Hi Curb and Ean,
Last August, myself, Randy Rankin and Pat Walsh ran/hiked the entire Stein Valley from the Lizzie Lake trailhead to Lytton in 27hrs travelling time with one night under the stars at Stein Lake. Therefore, we travelled about 40km the first day and 60km the next. We did it without crew support so carried all our needs with us. The blowdown section is extreme - it took us about 5.5hrs to travel 7km. However. all was not in vain as we had a chance encounter with a naked young lady at Cottonwood Flats! Our wives still think we were hallucinating! If you would like more information or to view some pics, Randy and I will be at the final KK training run this Sunday.
Neil
Yah Mon
Stein Valley
Brooklyn - the nymph - is to be seen at Cottonwood Flats! It sounds like this is where you will be joining the Stein Valley Trail. We did it from start to finish so why are you to starting half way into the trail! Randy and I believe we can do the full Stein trail (~100km) in sub 24hrs. So the challenge is out for those interested. How about next August, September is a bit late and you will more than likely encounter snow and/or storms. I tell you, the beer never tasted so good coming out of there! Carolyn had never seen me so done! P.S. Snow does not melt in your camelback!
Neil
Meeting July 4, 8 pm
I got back last night from 4 days of surfing in Tofino so couldn't reply sooner. Let's meet tomorrow (July 4) at Casa TJ in North Vancouver. 8 pm for a few beers in honour of our American neighbours and to nail down a date and route.
see you there. For those that want to join the run but can't make the meeting we'll post details on CFA.
cheers,
Curb
Site Updated
Can't make Wednesdays
I can't make Wednesdays right now due to my work schedule (I doubt you are interested in meeting up after midnight), but I'm still in for the run. Let me know what you decide.
Ryan
Meeting Wed July 4 or 11?
Jackson and I were thinking it would be good to get anyone interested together for a pow-wow to discuss possible dates, routes, etc. Looking at either next Wed. July 4 or possibly the week after July 11 at 8 pm. If the weather cooperates, Ean grasciously offered Casa Tinsel-Jackson, having a few cold ones on the deck. The Mosquito Bar & Grill is an alternate location. Contact myself or Jackson if you're interested.
cheers,
Curb
Stein logistics
des
Hi Des,Since we won't be
Since we won't be home on the 11th, it must be tomorrow. Our place at 20:00h. Just a small meeting to decide specifics that then will be posted.
Sibylle
Stein Trail Run - suggestion
Hey Curb
I have hiked the Stein from both Lizzie Lake and the eastern end many times, but never taken the blowdown pass route in. There is a 20K section in the middle I have never covered.
The road to Lizzie lake is a challenging old logging road with some harsh water bars that is best traveled in a four wheel drive vehicle with high clearance, but I have made it in a low riding 2 wheel drive Ford Ranger and have even seen lower clearance cars make it in, but would not recommend such a thing. One could make it in most of the way in a car then park and hike the last two miles or so to Lizzie Lake Camp. The campground is great and the mosquitoes are very friendly but a nice place to rest up for an early morning start on a run.
The trail from Lizzie to the Gate to Shangri-La is easy going route, then a little scramble over some fallen rocks for1/2K (the Gate) then on to the cabin and an easy climb on soft moist ground for 10 minuets up to a wonderful green valley. Far end of the valley you will need to scramble up beside a water fall for 700M to Arrowhead and Heart lakes occasionally using your hands to balance you on the climb. Then an easy climb through alpine meadows and later open rock face that is not as well marked as I would like so help out by throwing a few rocks on the cairns as your go by, on your way to Iceberg Lake and Cherry Pitt Pass. You may find a few snow patches along the way as this the highest point in the trail but you can always find your away around them. Hang on to your hat crossing cheery pit pass, as it’s a little narrow for a few feet and can be windy but will not be a problem for those traveling light, however don’t go wondering out on to the cornices.
Once through the pass you will have some fun skipping over a few boulders down to a great meadow and Caltha lake then head out around the back side of Caltha Peak to the mouth of Tundra lake. (This is a great trail with wonderful vistas). You may need to drop down to get around the finger of a glacier or two.
The next section is the part I have never covered so read this.
http://www.2steger.de/canada/40_Stein_Valley_Traverse.htm --scan 2/3 down the page to “the endless ridge down to Stein Lake”
The lower Stein is very easy going on a great trail that for the most part is wide and easy going and well marked ---but could have some blow downs, however from what I hear fewer on this trail than on the blowdown pass side.–“Have fun”
Randy
Other Trails
I might be interested in joining you guys. I am a slower runner/walker, so if anyone fits that category, I'd be interested in coming along. I may be away backpacking in the Chilcoltin at that time too, so it depends on when you all go.
Here are some other Trails that you might consider for future as well.
I've run/hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Manning Park to Harts Pass in the States. This is about 60 Km and took me a day and 1/2 the first time. The first time I did it I started off with a BCMC trip and then hitch hiked home from Hart's Pass. The Second time we did was over 2 1/2 days. We did it as a BCMC trip and I we had two vehicles and two parties and switched keys and cars before the trip so that you would be hiking back to your own vehicle. This trail is very good and very runnable.
I have also done the next section of trail from Harts passs to Rainy pass which is about 50 km. This time we locked up our bikes to some trees at Rainy Pass and drove to Hart's Pass. The loop took us two days.
Again another loop I did which is 52 km and took us two days is starting again in Manning Park, and heading south on the Pacific Crest trail then east on the Boundary Trail and then North on the Mounument 82 Trail. See the link below for more information.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/ecmaning/cascade.html
I have also run/hiked the 75 km West Coast Trail in 2 1/2 days. This time I hitch hiked there and back. I know some people have run this in a day.
I like to travel light with a sleeping bag, bivi sack, granola, peanuts, raisons etc. but no stove. I took a small light tent on the west coast trail as I was worried about rain. I find my pack is light enough that I can run with it, but of course any weight does slow you down.
Cheers,
Len
4th July?
Have you decided on a date? 4th would work better for me, if you have it at the Case T/J as I would like to be part of this...even though I won't be able to run it. Please feel free to post the planning meeting as an event, that way it's accessible on the main page of the website (because the date of this calendar entry is in September this is not yet visible on the main page)
Cheers
Sibylle
Stein Valley Run
stein valley
des
Meeting with Murray Comley
Ryan Conroy and I met with Murray Comley of Ecospirit last night. Over a few cool ones we discussed the feasibility of doing (note I did not say "running") the Indian Arm Trail. As the night wore on, I learned that Murray had fast packed the Stein Valley. Murray proved to be a wealth of information.
Feedback regarding our plans to run the Stein:
1. Taking the route from Lizzie Lake and the Gates of Shangra-La now seems like a bad idea. It's apparently very technical at the start and quite slow going. Given that it is over 70K, Murray discouraged me from even thinking of running it in a day.
2. Blowdown Pass. Even at 50-odd kilometers, it wouldn't be a lark. There could be a lot of blowdown to deal with. Given that there's no crew access, if anyone gets hurt, they are looking at a helicopter ride home. Murray recommended we have someone with emergency gear sweep so that if any of the faster, light-traveling runners comes to grief, someone with a sleeping bag and emergency gear will be there in hours rather than days.
Murray mentioned that he had snow in August! Yikes.
Looks like we should rally the troops and crew for a beer and a logistics discussion sometime in early July.
2 more cents worth
des
Wow, how tempting. If there
Wow, how tempting. If there are others my speed interested in doing this run please let me know as I'd love to do it. What time do you guys anticipate doing it in?
When?
Stein Valley
Thanks Desmond, sounds like you'll be the navigator![Wink Wink](/hm/profiles/standard/modules/tinymce/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif)
Anyone have any idea as to an approximate time it would take to run this? I think the west to east route is best since there's a net elevation loss but I'm open to anything.
Official Date TBD
I'm in if I'm off