US Northwest June 2020 WABDR - Washington Backcountry Discovery Route

[Joshua Buss]

Really interest in this trip but wondering if I can bring kids along. Also no ham just starting out. I have a Tundra on 35s that need to get some PNW racing strips on it sooner or later.
Thnx Josh

 

[oldmopars]

Is anyone else bringing a dog? I have a medium size very friendly and submissive dog I'd like to bring. She loves other dogs and is very cautious around new people so she won't be a bother to anyone. We may have to stop to let her out from time to time though so if that's going to be a pain let me know.

Also, are we going to set up a plan for GMRS? Hope so as I now have a radio and license. No HAM still.

For those of you doing the whole trail, what day do you plan to arrive at the end?

Dogs are not a problem. I think several of us will have dogs along, I know I will. They are family and part of why we do this is to spend time with family. Just be sure to be respectful, clean up after them and keep them on a leash and all will be good.

 

[oldmopars]

Really interest in this trip but wondering if I can bring kids along. Also no ham just starting out. I have a Tundra on 35s that need to get some PNW racing strips on it sooner or later.
Thnx Josh

Of course kids are welcome. Overlanding is about FAMILY, we are out to have fun, spend time with family and as I said above, dogs are family.
As of right now for comms, it looks like GMRS is going to be the primary comms, I also have a CB and can relay if needed. I have a HAM, but due to CoVid all testing has been shut down and I have not be licensed, so I am able to listen, but not transmit.
FRS is also an option, the little "Walkie Talkies" that you can get at Walmart,Amazon, etc. If you have that, we may be able to relay that way also.
I think our best bet is the stick with GMRS and have anyone without GMRS to be in the middle of the convoy. Lead and tail-gunner will have GMRS and that way the group will not get lost or separated.
As for the itinerary, I think the plan was to start on Monday Morning and do one section per day. 6 Sections so the last day would be Saturday.
Keep in mind I am not the leader of this, so if I am speaking out of turn, let me know. I am just going off of the details that we have talked about in the past and general policies of the OB Community.

 

[mtn]

With regards to FRS handhelds being an option, strongly suggest getting a mobile GMRS radio - maybe something like the Midland MXT115. Handhelds won't reliably reach the whole group, and depending on others to relay will get old well before we reach Nighthawk... Having an antenna on top of your roof will make a world of difference for communications.

That said, the little FRS radios will be great for spotting, or when we're around camp.

 

[oldmopars]

With regards to FRS handhelds being an option, strongly suggest getting a mobile GMRS radio - maybe something like the Midland MXT115. Handhelds won't reliably reach the whole group, and depending on others to relay will get old well before we reach Nighthawk... Having an antenna on top of your roof will make a world of difference for communications.

That said, the little FRS radios will be great for spotting, or when we're around camp.

I agree. FRS is great for spotting, but they have a very limited range.
Even having a GMRS to listen would be better than nothing, however registering with the FCC is not a big deal, I just did it on Saturday. Should have both the radio and the license tomorrow.

 

[Joshua Buss]

Looks like it’s capped at 10 rights now are we expanding to 15 if so I’d love to come along. Just got approval from the Boss ( my wife) to head out for a few days.

 

[oldmopars]

Again, I am not in charge, but I don't see why not.

 

[armyRN]

I too hope they expand it to 15; I posted earlier (Saturday) asking if I could be added to the list and haven't heard back yet. I've got the time off from work and "have permission" to attend.

 

[M Rose]

Got room for one more? The Rally Point page says 15 vehicles, but the sign-up list is capped at 10.

I'm leading the Old-School Vehicle run up the WABDR in September (right after the NWOR - oh wait; the NWOR's been cancelled now), and it would be nice to pre-run it with an experienced group before I lead a group.

Cancelled - Old-School Vehicle Overlanding Trip - Running the WA Backcountry Discovery Route

EDIT: Unfortunately, this trip is being cancelled due to lack of participants (this COVID-19 thing is totally screwing things up). Thank-you to those who initially were contemplating going. We'll try and Old-School Vehicle Overlanding Trip next year sometime when things have settled down. I...

www.overlandbound.com

I've got my HAM license (KI7TSP) and GMRS license (WRAK591). I'd be taking the TJ on this one, and saving the Willys for September.

I've got the whole 3rd week of June off from work (actually d/t this COVID thing... I've got the whole month of June off), so I would able to do the whole route from start-to-finish.

View attachment 155362

There is plenty of room... when it gets about a week before the event, we are going to count rigs and break down into rotating groups for camps, and meet every morning for the trail rides...

 

[M Rose]

Really interest in this trip but wondering if I can bring kids along. Also no ham just starting out. I have a Tundra on 35s that need to get some PNW racing strips on it sooner or later.
Thnx Josh

Yes kids and dogs allowed

 

[M Rose]

Of course kids are welcome. Overlanding is about FAMILY, we are out to have fun, spend time with family and as I said above, dogs are family.
As of right now for comms, it looks like GMRS is going to be the primary comms, I also have a CB and can relay if needed. I have a HAM, but due to CoVid all testing has been shut down and I have not be licensed, so I am able to listen, but not transmit.
FRS is also an option, the little "Walkie Talkies" that you can get at Walmart,Amazon, etc. If you have that, we may be able to relay that way also.
I think our best bet is the stick with GMRS and have anyone without GMRS to be in the middle of the convoy. Lead and tail-gunner will have GMRS and that way the group will not get lost or separated.
As for the itinerary, I think the plan was to start on Monday Morning and do one section per day. 6 Sections so the last day would be Saturday.
Keep in mind I am not the leader of this, so if I am speaking out of turn, let me know. I am just going off of the details that we have talked about in the past and general policies of the OB Community.

Not all Ham testing is closed... I just upgraded to General last week... 2 new Techs, and an Extra also got their tickets in La Grande, 5 people tested in Lewiston, Idaho on the same day. All 5 for their tickets as well. KPR is holding a test in a week or two, Southern Idaho is also starting up testing sessions... then there is finding an online exam as well...

 

[oldmopars]

Not all Ham testing is closed... I just upgraded to General last week... 2 new Techs, and an Extra also got their tickets in La Grande, 5 people tested in Lewiston, Idaho on the same day. All 5 for their tickets as well. KPR is holding a test in a week or two, Southern Idaho is also starting up testing sessions... then there is finding an online exam as well...

Well, I guess I will have to check back. I asked them to contact me as soon as the testing was reopened, and I have not heard from them. To be fair, I have spent the last month driving back and forth the Southern California for work. I have done over 6000 miles in the last 4 weeks, so I have not had time to pester them about testing, or studying.

 

[Joshua Buss]

Getting a GMRS so I should be ready to roll. On the fence about brining the dog and two kids. The pup would love it but I don’t know about the extra work. Getting excited. Missed a few vacations the last few months so this should make up for it.

 

[Happy Buddha]

Thanks for putting this together but just received work clarity that no longer makes this feasible for me. Enjoy.

 

[Ubiety]

@Greg Eigsti does it look like we're converging on GMRS for comms? If yes, I need to go get licensed.

I'm so looking forward to getting out there...

I think GMRS would be a safe bet. I'll be running it and ham - cb if necessary.

 

[Ubiety]

@SCS I hope to answer several of your questions at once here. This is all up to the group so speak up!
BTW - I don't have a problem with bringing a well behaved dog along. We love dogs.

Back when it was uncertain if the NWOR would actually happen there was some consensus about just heading straight up to Canada if the NWOR fell through. @oldmopars sums up my feelings on the schedule:
As far as I know the plan is the whole week, and the whole BDR from Bridge of the Gods to Nighthawk. However anyone can feel free to exit at anytime as long as you let us know before you go so we don't go looking for you. In the same way, if you want to meet us part way and go to the end, that should be fine also.

There are six days/segments to the Touratech WABDR route and I think we should plan for 6 days and identify camping ASAP (@mtn thanks for the updates!). I have never done this route and appreciate any feedback/help in pulling this together!

1. Monday, June 15 - Meetup Stevenson WA area, end Packwood WA area (meetup OR side?)
2. Tuesday, June 16 - Depart Packwood WA area, end near Ellensburgh WA area
3. Wednesday, June 17 - Depart Ellensburgh WA area, end near Cashmere WA area
4. Thursday, June 18 - Depart Cashmere WA area, end near Chelan WA area
5. Friday, June 19 - Depart Chelan WA area, end near Conconully WA area
6. Saturday, June 20 - Conconully WA area, end at Canadian border

Greg's Unknowns

• Pandemic - everything is up in the air for everybody
• Forests/camping open?
• Snow - @mtn says there is still a lot of snow but that can be bypassed. Thanks!
• Dispersed camping near each day's end - or do we camp wherever we can?
• Group - am I missing anyone (below)? Looks like we are at 12 now. What should trail spacing look like for a group of this size?

Comms - anybody on the list not ham or GMRS capable? I may be able to loan a handheld or two.

Attendees that I know of - speak up if this list is in error!
@Bilbo
@Wakebaby1
@PNW EXPLR
@oldmopars
@4wheelspulling
@Greg Eigsti
@graham253
@SCS
@cevans2021
@mtn
@Joshua Buss
@armyRN

Once I get a little more clarity I'll update the shared google sheet. Here is the route that I have come up with (enhanced copy of Touratech data).

I hope that everybody is doing well and look forward to meeting up - even if that is for a modified trip.

 

[Joshua Buss]

Sounds great. As I’m still pretty green the kids and I hope to lean on the group for some education. I received GMRS and set it up in the truck today. My rig is still a work in progress so don’t have much in way of recovery gear but a strong willingness to learn. Not sure if we wanted to do any communal eating but cooking tends to be my strong suit. At this point I’ll probably duck out at cashmere and head back to seattle but depends on how the kids are holding up at that point. Thanx in advance for the adventure and opportunity.

 

[oldmopars]

For comms, I have GMRS and just got my license. However, I can only listen to HAM, no TX. The schedule looks great.

Dispersed camping will have to be something we look at day by day. I have done this route and where each day "ends" is in town. We will want to camp shortly before the end, or at the beginning of the next section. I don't think developed camp sites will reopen in time.
It is up to the group, but it may be safest for us to each cook for our own vehicle(Family) and we can come together around a communal camp fire if desired. This way we can still talk about the trail, but honor the social distancing requirement.
Any thoughts?

 

[Ubiety]

For comms, I have GMRS and just got my license. However, I can only listen to HAM, no TX. The schedule looks great.

Dispersed camping will have to be something we look at day by day. I have done this route and where each day "ends" is in town. We will want to camp shortly before the end, or at the beginning of the next section. I don't think developed camp sites will reopen in time.
It is up to the group, but it may be safest for us to each cook for our own vehicle(Family) and we can come together around a communal camp fire if desired. This way we can still talk about the trail, but honor the social distancing requirement.
Any thoughts?

I agree on separate meals and toilets and a communal campfire.

Can anybody who has done the route before point out likely open dispersed spots near each day's end? @mtn has send me some separately and I'll add those to the route.

 

[mtn]

Rallypoint has the start at 8am, any chance we can push that out to noon? I have a 3.5 hour drive to get there, would be nice if I didn't have to start from home at 4am...

Also not sure where every else is starting from, suspect I'm not the only one with a bit of a drive to get to Stevenson.