Difference between revisions of "2009-04-11 50 -119"
imported>Juventas (yes, juventas did a writeup for once) |
imported>Juventas (wrapping things up) |
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The exit off Highway 97 quickly changed into a single-lane switch-backing four-wheeler climb. I managed about 3km and gained 300m in altitude before there was enough wet snow to stop my overworked Subaru. | The exit off Highway 97 quickly changed into a single-lane switch-backing four-wheeler climb. I managed about 3km and gained 300m in altitude before there was enough wet snow to stop my overworked Subaru. | ||
| − | Then came the realization that I had likely put myself in the same bad situation as my last | + | Then came the realization that I had likely put myself in the same bad situation as my last [[2009-04-10_49_-11|two]] [[2009-04-04_50_-118|expeditions]]: lots of kilometers, lots of snow, little daylight, and only my two boots to get me there. Apparently I'm a slow learner. Not to be discouraged, I set out still thinking I could make it. |
The first kilometer was encouraging, with either shallow packed snow, or completely uncovered. This brought me up another 100m in altitude, deepening the snow. I zig-zagged around the road trying to avoid submerging my boots. The place was littered with deer tracks, and I soon learned that following them was wise. They really know the best way to go! The entire time I had also been following a set of days-old ATV tracks (discouraged that I didn't have such ideal transportation). As I turned yet another bend, the tracks ended, and upon stepping forward I realized why. The snow was very deep, too deep for the ATV, and probably too deep for me. I continued anyway, submerging my legs with every step. | The first kilometer was encouraging, with either shallow packed snow, or completely uncovered. This brought me up another 100m in altitude, deepening the snow. I zig-zagged around the road trying to avoid submerging my boots. The place was littered with deer tracks, and I soon learned that following them was wise. They really know the best way to go! The entire time I had also been following a set of days-old ATV tracks (discouraged that I didn't have such ideal transportation). As I turned yet another bend, the tracks ended, and upon stepping forward I realized why. The snow was very deep, too deep for the ATV, and probably too deep for me. I continued anyway, submerging my legs with every step. | ||
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[[Image:2009-04-11_common_juniper.jpg|thumb|none]] | [[Image:2009-04-11_common_juniper.jpg|thumb|none]] | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Despite ending 2.67km from the coordinates, I had actually accomplished all the climbing, half of it on foot. I was also much closer than any of the roads below. In the summer I could of driven like I originally had planned. In the winter, having left by noon, it would of been a nice day trip with skis, snowshoes, or a snowmobile. | ||
==Lessons Learned== | ==Lessons Learned== | ||
| Line 45: | Line 47: | ||
*I need waterproofing wax for my boots, packable snow pants, and snowshoes (in that order). | *I need waterproofing wax for my boots, packable snow pants, and snowshoes (in that order). | ||
*Google imagery ''may'' be enhancing roads, even without mapping. | *Google imagery ''may'' be enhancing roads, even without mapping. | ||
| + | [[Image:2009-04-11_ge_hike.jpg|400px]] | ||
| + | [[Image:2009-04-11_ge_3d.jpg|400px]] | ||
==Achievements== | ==Achievements== | ||
Revision as of 01:24, 20 April 2009
| Sat 11 Apr 2009 in Vernon, British Columbia: 50.5143502, -119.6418935 geohashing.info google osm bing/os kml crox |
Location
Next to the summit of Estekwalan Mountain outside of Falkland.
Planning
I figured I could drive Rob Roy Road to within a few hundred meters, then scramble up the slope. Google imagery showed it as a nice wide road, even Google mapping marked the road I would be using. Way easy! I slept in, dreaming of tomorrow's conquer.
Expeditions
The exit off Highway 97 quickly changed into a single-lane switch-backing four-wheeler climb. I managed about 3km and gained 300m in altitude before there was enough wet snow to stop my overworked Subaru.
Then came the realization that I had likely put myself in the same bad situation as my last two expeditions: lots of kilometers, lots of snow, little daylight, and only my two boots to get me there. Apparently I'm a slow learner. Not to be discouraged, I set out still thinking I could make it.
The first kilometer was encouraging, with either shallow packed snow, or completely uncovered. This brought me up another 100m in altitude, deepening the snow. I zig-zagged around the road trying to avoid submerging my boots. The place was littered with deer tracks, and I soon learned that following them was wise. They really know the best way to go! The entire time I had also been following a set of days-old ATV tracks (discouraged that I didn't have such ideal transportation). As I turned yet another bend, the tracks ended, and upon stepping forward I realized why. The snow was very deep, too deep for the ATV, and probably too deep for me. I continued anyway, submerging my legs with every step.
The progress was very slow, and I was getting very wet. A kilometer and a half later I found myself at a lookout 600m above where I had left the highway. The view was naturally spectacular. I could also see the path I would have to continue on, now flat, but also thigh-deep in snow. I had already realized I would not be able to make it to the coordinates and back before nightfall, so I made this my farthest point before turning back.
On the way down I found a second lookout hidden from the road. It had lots of sun exposure, making for a warm, dry place to sit and rest. It also provided the best scenic photo. The variance in climate was also enjoyed by a juniper bush, the subject of this expedition's flora photo.
Despite ending 2.67km from the coordinates, I had actually accomplished all the climbing, half of it on foot. I was also much closer than any of the roads below. In the summer I could of driven like I originally had planned. In the winter, having left by noon, it would of been a nice day trip with skis, snowshoes, or a snowmobile.
Lessons Learned
- Snow levels increase rapidly with small changes in altitude
- Using the 3D feature of Google Earth helps put things in perspective.
- I need waterproofing wax for my boots, packable snow pants, and snowshoes (in that order).
- Google imagery may be enhancing roads, even without mapping.
Achievements
- Gained a small fan club without having a write up.
