Ugh...anyone watch the news lately? Guess where the smoke is coming from? An out-of-control forest fire near Slocan, BC. Hmmm...where are we going? Just a few km from Slocan. Lets hope it's burned out or put out by then or it could be a smokey weekend...

SHIT, we are staying just 10 km south of Slocan, and will drive right through Slocan on the Saturday cruise.

We better keep a close eye on this and start working on a alternative plan

I've tried calling the place we're staying to see what the conditions are like but am getting no answer. I've left a message...

We are still a week away so it could be done with by then...

Last I heard, there were like 4 fires burning in the Kootenays. Geez.

there was a fire near where i am working, damn smokey one night/morning, couldn't see any of the mountains around us

i think it's out though now...hope this one doesn't keep burning for you guys!

ciao

Ugh...

So...time to make some serious plans...

Here's what I would like to do. I'd like to leave Calgary 8:00 Friday morning. Perhaps we can meet at Deerfoot Meadows somewhere and leave from there. We can head straight south on highway 2 and cut across to 22 somewhere along the way. We can either cut across on the Tongue Creek Road (just north of High River) or the road we took last fall, just south of High River. The south road misses Longview, which isn't a bad thing, although the first half is a little rough. Tongue Creek Rd is nice a smooth all the way across. Google Maps shows the closest being the road west of Nanton being the shortest so perhaps that is the best option.

We should/could meet the Lethbridge guys some where in the Crowsnest; maybe even where 22 comes out to highway 3. We'll likely be a couple of hours getting there so maybe around 10? Google maps shows it's about 200km.

From there I figure we could make it to Cranbrook before we need gas. That's another 190km down the road so total of about 400km. Most of us (even Ian) should be able to make 400km on a tank, no? We can stop for lunch in Cranbrook.

Google shows Crankbrook to Winlaw as 280km going the south route through Salmo, Castlegar and up. If we turn north at Salmo and go up through Nelson, it's 286km so really no difference other than being a bit slower going.

If we can keep on schedule and make reasonable time, we should be into Karibu around 5PM local time, possibly sooner...

So...8:00 Friday morning at Deerfoot Meadows. Everyone in?

Another thing...those of you camping or sleeping in your cars. You've got plans to feed yourselves, correct? There may be a total ban on fires so don't count on cooking on a fire. There are some bbq's at the camp but I wouldn't want to count on having access to one. On Friday night the meal will be provided and will be in the gazebo they have on site. After that you're kind of on your own...

And...don't forget to bring your bathing suit! We'll likely be stopping at Ainsworth Hot Springs Saturday and the river is just a stone's throw from the camp and is apparently quite nice to swim in these days...

400 km on a tank of gas? that's insane!!! how can we expect our volvo's to do that? it's not like they can do 100 hectares on a thimbleful of kerosine!

(on the bright side, i was forced to find out my car can make it up to cold lake on a lil under a single tank of gas...but good god was she thirsty after that!)

I managed 26mpg or something last trip wich is spectacular considering I get 14mpg in the city.

I can do 750!

I can do about 600 with mild highway spirited driving.

It really was Ian we were worried about, and not all you other jokers...

So everyone can meet at Deerfoot Meadows at 8:00 on Friday? If you're later than about 8:15, you'll have to catch up 'cause we'll be gone.

It's pretty well 2 hours door to door to Lundbreck Falls (bottom of highway 22). I'll vote for the connector at Nanton as it is a beautiful twisty road up through the porcupines and down to the chain lakes.

8 am beats the piss out of the early starts in previous years!

Uh?

Anytime is fine, I just follow you!

Just got back from the Crowsnest pass. Definitely take the 22 and avoid the 3 between Fort Macleod and Lundbreck....its all construction. The pass is completely closed to all forestry traffic, but the highway is still clear.

As stated earlier, I am waiting until Laura is off work on Friday....BUT it sounds as though she may be willing to take the whole day off. In which case I'll be at the 22 turnoff near Lundbreck at 10:00 am. WEEEEEE!!!

Craig, where are you man? Wanna install some fuel line today? My car is sitting different as well.....

EDIT: Laura is off work on Friday. I will meet all y'all at 10:00 at the corner of the 3 and 22.