Sections 1 & 2 of WABDR 7/28-7/30/17

  • HTML tutorial
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

Completed sections 1 & 2 this weekend and man...I must say it was an awesome experience. Just hanging out with friends and exploring Washington together made this trip so worth it. We are excited to complete sections 3-6 next summer. This is the first time where any of us did an "overland" type of trip. Normally when we camp its just a backpacking trip or to a campsite for some glamping.

Day 1: 7/28/2017

Buddy and I didn't get to leave Seattle until 5. The two other rigs were already en route down to Carson, WA since they took a half day at work. Knowing how shitty I-5 traffic is during Friday rush hour I was estimating it would take about 4.5 hours to get down to the Bridge of Gods. Nope, dead wrong. Crashes, road work and an oil spill decided to occur at the same time we hit the road. It took 3.5 hours from Seattle to Dupont, WA(which normally takes 40 mins when clear). We didn't get to Carson until midnight. It took 7 hours total which would have been normally 3.5 hours.

3.5 hours from Seattle to Dupont, 5:00 pm -8:30 pm. Just horrible. Friday evening rush hour, collisions, road work and an oil spill. That's Washington for ya! Luckily my buddy and I kept things entertaining by talking smack through the traffic jam. (BTW, I'm a law breaker too for using an electronic device while driving)

OB #3007

DSC08822.JPG

20170728_184752.jpg

20170728_201635.jpg

Finally reached the Bridge of Gods on the OR/WA border that crosses the Columbia River. BTW, there is a $2 toll for those who are unaware. It's a pretty cool steel bridge.

IMG_20170731_105012_709.jpg

20170728_233804.jpg

To Stevenson/Carson, WA

20170728_233828.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Logan Johnson, Luis Merlo, Chadlyb and 8 others
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

Topped off fuel in Carson before searching for my friends who found a cool campsite on the WABDR. Drove about another 1 hour before I found their pin-drop on Gmaps.

We reached the campsite by 1 AM tired, hungry and just wanted to sleep. I unloaded the 4Runner, ditched the tent and just slept in the back. It was dark and we had no clue how the area really looked until day break.

IMG_20170731_110050_947.jpg

IMG_20170731_110155_051.jpg

P1000429.JPG
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Sarge368, Ronald Miranda, Luis Merlo and 7 others
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

Day 2: 7/29/17

Woke up to a spectacular sight with Mt. Hood in the background. My friends found this nifty spot that can fit all 3 vehicles plus space to set up our table and cooking station.

P1000443.JPG

20170729_071500.jpg

This Fiskers axe made easy work of that log we brought

20170729_091431.jpg

WADBR map which we never used. We relied on GAIA during the whole trip. The physical is useful to have just in case.

20170729_091045.jpg

Tembo skottle grill cooking up our unhealthy breakfast.

20170729_075616.jpg

and the skottle grill with Mt. Hood in the background.

IMG_20170729_094325_847.jpg

Jameson with Mt. Hood, ya know to warm up the body. We woke up at 6 AM so it was kind of chilly.

IMG_20170731_114819_990.jpg

Cheers!

20449194_10212127177448082_4098628713681843547_o.jpg

Journey begins!

DSC08815.JPG

DSC08823.JPG

DSC08819.JPG
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Ronald Miranda, Luis Merlo, Chadlyb and 7 others
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

Day 2: 7/29/17

After breakfast we followed the section 1 route and visited Gifford Pinchot National Forest Ice Cave.

Taco vs T4R

20170729_112946.jpg

Gifford Pinchot Ice Cave

DSC08825.JPG

20170729_105521.jpg

Shameless selfie as we descend down into the bat cave.

20170729_105639.jpg

Cave shots.

IMG_20170731_091811_818.jpg

IMG_20170731_135254_023.jpg

IMG_20170731_135216_864.jpg

Caught this cute little guy outside of the cave.

20170729_110407.jpg

Airing down for a more comfortable ride through section 1.

20170729_124712.jpg

20170729_125025.jpg

20 psi should do it for these C loads.

20170729_124010.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Slamson00, Luis Merlo, Chadlyb and 6 others
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

Day 2: 7/29/17

Taking a break from driving so somebody else can take the lead. Section 1 is all dirt and gravel roads, no 4WD necessary. Can be done in any 2wd passenger car. Dust kicks up so bad at times whoever is trailing needs to slow down for the dust to clear before proceeding.

20170729_142741.jpg

20170729_141338.jpg

Finished section 1 to Packwood to refill on fuel and water. Off to section 2!

20170729_154044.jpg

Section 2 Packwood to Ellensburg, WA:

Burnt forest

DSC08858.JPG

Airing up/down/up/down started becoming a routine by now.

DSC08857.JPG

DSC08853.JPG

Rimrock lake and Mt. Rainier in the background.

20170729_183204.jpg

20170729_174916.jpg

Off a basalt rock cliff.

IMG_20170731_084418_243.jpg

DSC08891.JPG

Group shot

20506911_10212127173287978_5520901870475167704_o.jpg

Section 2 is so much better than section 1 in every way. More scenic, tighter and more technical trails. Not difficult at all but just more entertaining. There is an easy bypass in section 2 but that would take all the fun away. Mos def stick with the route on Bethel Ridge.


20170729_185302.jpg

20170729_185431.jpg

Even the big tree can make it through the tight turns.

20170729_185509.jpg

20170729_190001.jpg

IMG_20170731_092040_626.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Slamson00, Luis Merlo, RainGoat and 4 others
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

Day 2: 7/29/17

By 7 pm we decided to find a good spot to set up camp. Got to this nice clearing on Bethel Ridge to rest for the night. Time for dinner, we were hungry after hours of trail time.

IMG_20170731_083114_734.jpg

IMG_20170729_203623.jpg

Marketing shot for #YETI and #Scepter MWC

20170729_194108.jpg

Kevin putting in work on the skottle sauteing some mushrooms and onions.

20170729_203729.jpg

Cooking up some andouille sausage with mushrooms and onions.

20170729_204725.jpg

USDA choice Ribeyes on the charcoal grill. Sorry, but the Tembo skottle grill can't cook a steak right. We eating good tonight.

20170729_210817.jpg

Dinner is ready.

20170729_213239.jpg

Finished off the night by killing the bottle of Jameson by the camp fire.

20170729_221725.jpg

IMG_20170729_223253.jpg

P1000498.JPG
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Antonio, Smileyshaun, Luis Merlo and 7 others
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

Day 3: 7/30/17

Sunday, last day of our trip and to finish off section 2. We had a great nights sleep with surprising low wind. Cooked up breakfast, cleaned up our area and off to the Ellensburg.

IPA to start the morning.

IMG_20170730_092222.jpg

Shoooot...we are Asian after all so we made some fried rice with the skottle grill. This thing is quite versatile.

20170730_090112.jpg

Our view from camp before we say goodbye.

20170730_072717.jpg

Found a steep hill climb for fun. Too easy.

20170730_113608.jpg

20170801_085800.png

20170730_114759.jpg

Untitled.png

20170730_115406.jpg

On to our last stretch through Umtanum Ridge to Ellensburg.

20170730_140103.jpg

20170730_140320.jpg

DSC08902.JPG

DSC08895.JPG

DSC08899.JPG

20170730_145816.jpg

20449350_10212127174528009_8737083635431556292_o.jpg

DSC08911.JPG

20170730_160934.jpg

Finally put that Rotopax to use. First time using for an "offroad" adventure and the spout decided to break. I think this thing is better suited for filling up the lawn mower.

IMG_20170731_092553_727.jpg

Airing up before heading back to Seattle.

20170730_155002.jpg

And 2.5 hours later we make it back home to Seattle. This time the view of Mt. Rainier is on the other side. Rig is covered with dust inside and out. Going to spend several hours cleaning and wiping everything down and storing the gear away until next time.

20170730_185040.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: WrightRunner, Poncate, Silverback07 and 9 others
Seattle206

Seattle206

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

1,479
Seattle, WA
First Name
robert
Last Name
eng
Member #

3007

My buddy had originally traced the map out and we followed it. It was near 100% accurate maybe slight route variations here and there.
 
20DYNAMITE07

20DYNAMITE07

Rank IV

Pathfinder I

893
Seattle206 said:
Completed sections 1 & 2 this weekend and man...I must say it was an awesome experience. Just hanging out with friends and exploring Washington together made this trip so worth it. We are excited to complete sections 3-6 next summer. This is the first time where any of us did an "overland" type of trip. Normally when we camp its just a backpacking trip or to a campsite for some glamping.

Day 1: 7/28/2017

Buddy and I didn't get to leave Seattle until 5. The two other rigs were already en route down to Carson, WA since they took a half day at work. Knowing how shitty I-5 traffic is during Friday rush hour I was estimating it would take about 4.5 hours to get down to the Bridge of Gods. Nope, dead wrong. Crashes, road work and an oil spill decided to occur at the same time we hit the road. It took 3.5 hours from Seattle to Dupont, WA(which normally takes 40 mins when clear). We didn't get to Carson until midnight. It took 7 hours total which would have been normally 3.5 hours.

3.5 hours from Seattle to Dupont, 5:00 pm -8:30 pm. Just horrible. Friday evening rush hour, collisions, road work and an oil spill. That's Washington for ya! Luckily my buddy and I kept things entertaining by talking smack through the traffic jam. (BTW, I'm a law breaker too for using an electronic device while driving)

OB #3007

View attachment 30636

View attachment 30533

View attachment 30534

Finally reached the Bridge of Gods on the OR/WA border that crosses the Columbia River. BTW, there is a $2 toll for those who are unaware. It's a pretty cool steel bridge.

View attachment 30535

View attachment 30536

To Stevenson/Carson, WA

View attachment 30537
Click to expand...

Love your photos! What bumper are you running?
 
Ubiety

Ubiety

Rank VI
Member

Explorer I

5,221
Sammamish, WA, USA
First Name
Greg
Last Name
Ubiety
Member #

6193

Ham/GMRS Callsign
Ribs
Looks awesome! Thanks for the camp food shots! :)

Bridge of the Gods! Traveled over that a few times with my dad/grandpa as a child - I am still traumatized :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Seattle206
GXnGS

GXnGS

Rank V
Launch Member

Off-Road Ranger I

1,828
Mountain House, CA
First Name
Lee
Last Name
Hambly
Member #

3223

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KM6MVX
Great pics that really capture the experience! Wish I had been there especially for that incredible dinner. Damn you guys do it right.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Seattle206
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom