I'll be taking my Wagon out, I'll gladly carry it all back for you buddy.

Also, in case someone breaks, I'm putting my car dolly on the roof for the trip out there, and knock on wood, for the trip back to calgary the dolly with be on my roof again, but JUST IN CASE someone breaks down out there, they will be able to come back to calgary without paying 500 dollars in towing fees

- R

Okay, down to brass tacks, folks:

You've got this coming weekend and next weekend before the cruise. Better have all your ducks in a row before then, 'cause we all know what happens when you leave it all for the last minute, right Andy? Unless you're dealing with smaller modifications, I'd concentrate on getting your car reliable and being certain that it's ready for a highway trip with MUCH emphasis on cornering and braking.

Make sure you've got plenty of money for emergencies and gas: though Raz's offer of bringing the tow dolly is very generous, I sure wouldn't want to drive this cruise with a couple hundred pounds of dolly on MY roof. Try to bring whatever spare parts you think you can anticipate using: belts, hoses, water & coolant, fuses, spare bits of wire & maybe even some spare bolts & nuts. Load up your tool box, pack your coveralls, and try to plan for anything. Check your spare tire pressure, make sure your jack works and your lug wrench fits your wheel lock tool as well as all your normal lug nuts.

Change or check all your fluids, tire pressures, and tire condition. Look for anything rubbing or dragging or about to fall off. Make sure your u-joints are in good shape, check your wheel bearings for tightness, and generally give your suspension a good once-over.

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What route is everyone planning on taking, and what time were you all planning on meeting? The “easy” way will be to travel along the Trans-Canada until Revelstoke, and then head south on the 23 to Nakusp, and then along the 6 to Slocan. That’s about 7.5 hours according to Google Maps. The “fun” way will be to head down to highway 3, which you’ll take through Fernie, Sparwood, Cranbrook, Creston, and then up the 6 through Salmo and Castlegar, and up to Slocan. Google Maps says this is another hour, but I suspect it’ll be a bit more as its slower going.

I think Roberta and I will be avoiding the fun route, at least on the way out there. We haven’t done much mountain driving with Amber, so I don’t know how well she’ll handle the long road trip, let alone twists and turns. I don’t want a car-sick baby! Plus we’ll have to stop for 20 minutes every couple-few hours to feed her, and we don’t want to be holding up the group. Just TRY suggesting to Roberta that she feed Amber on the road... I dare you. We’ll probably leave sometime around 9:00 on Friday morning.

I recommend that those of you who want to do the “fun” and definitely more scenic route get started EARLY on Friday. You’ll want to take lots of pictures, I’m sure, and there are a ton of small-ish towns to travel through. At least you won’t have a ferry to deal with, like you do if you come through Revelstoke.

Thanks big daddy.

Just a thought, but between the 90 zone through the parks and the really tight sections before golden, combined with RV traffic and ferry waits, I'm not sure the #1 is that much quicker (or less car sick). All the same, you know which works for you, so we'll see you there!

I certainly plan on going the southern route having done the #1 about a zillion times anyway. 22 south to 3 is the way for me!

Make sure your drive shafts have 4 bolts in them...


I'm pending right now, aim more on no though.

Saying that then there would be 2 spots open in leivon and geoff's cabin.

Matt, I'm glad you brought up the route question. I was about to ask everyone how they were getting there.

I regularly drive from my from doorstep to our friends place in Nelson in well under 6 hours, including stops, doing maybe 10 over the limit. That's in the Golf, which requires more prodding to go up the pass. I would have to say that I'm with Athal in that the #1 likely won't be quicker. Calgary to the #3 is an hour and a quarter. From Fort Macleod (or near Coleman in Athal's case) would be around 5 hours to Nelson, and a hair more to Slocan. So figure on 7 hours from Calgary. The #3 isn't super twisty, only in bits, and traffic is light, especially at night. The Ferry can add quite a bit if you've got a wait going the other way. Plus, is there still nasty construction near Golden? Yeah, Matt, you know what works for you obviously, but I just wanted to give everyone a heads up in terms of time requirements.

Athal, when are you heading out? For that matter, when is everyone heading out? Laura and I will be leaving late afternoon on Friday. It would be great to travel with someone if possible.

Another route which Joan I took recently was highway 1 to 93, down through Invermere, Cranbrook to #3 then across. It is a LITTLE BIT shorter than 22 to 3 but not very much, but still a nice route.

... and by the way, Roberta, why don't you just feed Amber on the road

I've recently been to kamloops to pick up robs dead car and back a couple weeks ago and the construction wasn't all that bad near golden. It didn't stop and just flowed the entire time.

Plus, it's not a long weekend.

I would like to drive the 3 - we'll see what happens. Good advice, folks.

You know what Matt? I often do long trip without thinking too mauch about reliability and everytime you speak, you make me worry!

Anyone have a free couch for my brother the night before the trip? Be nice for a tourist!

I don't think I'll have any family around at that time Steph, so you and your bro can take the guest bed and couch, or air mattress in the basement.

For those interested in the #3 route, there's Chevron locations in Cranbrook and Castlegar (94 octane). Castlegar is a little out of the way, but the Cranbrook location is open 24 hours, and is right on the highway through town.

hi guys

i am at work (hey what else is new!? lol) and if all goes well i will be able to do an approx. 50 day straight stint until just after september long weekend or something

doesn't look like i will be making it this year

to those going...have a blast!

ciao

Holy crap! You must be racking up quite the total in the bank account...

I thought you booked those days off months ago? Booked time off not mean anything anymore?

We'll miss you buddy...

WOW Vik, you must be exhausted ... rich and exhausted.
We will miss you

yeah i sorta did book them off...the timing is really bad though...the thing is i am on a suncor job right now which will go until who knows when but i'll probably be pulled off of it to go directly to a higher profile shell job, it's harder to get on these type of jobs in the middle of them so i need to get on it at the start

and yeah kinda exhausted yes...rich, haha, not so much...clearing lots of debt though and such, also i might be buying a condo in crossfield here soon so i'll need the funds, in fact that's the only reason i will be seeing calgary in the next 6 weeks is if i need to come get that condo stuff in order, or if i get switched out work wise which i doubt will happen

also just got floor seats for an NBA game taking place in vancounver in october, phoenix suns vs. seattle supersonics...floor seats arn't the cheapest around but it beats flying to phoenix to see my team! (which was the original plan)

who knows, there is a chance something COULD change and i'll make the trip, but i doubt it

ciao