Greetings all. So we had several really good outtings last year, and a couple really good meetings in the Fraser Valley in February and March, and now we want to step it up a notch and get back to doing some outtings. We are going on an outing up to Lindeman Lake in Chilliwack on Saturday March 22nd and spending the night. For those who don't know it is about a 45 minute hike up to the lake. The bush isn't very good there for shelter building however and campers have cleaned to immediate area out of all available firewood. So after a breather at the lake we will be crossing some rocks that surround the lake and setting up camp on the other side (roughly another 20-20mins).
This is a great opportunity to:
A) Check your physical fitness. Everybody talks about carrying around bug out bags, but how many actually carry it around in the bush part way up a mountain? Even if you are older, or know you are out of shape, come out anyways! It's not a race to the top, all that matters is you show up and push yourself to meet your goal.
B) Compare bug out bags. After our hike you may realize you are carrying too much, or during our camp you might wish you had packed something that you didn't think about before. What better way to learn then from experience in a controlled setting with like minded people around to give you tips? Once the SHTF you have lost all oppurtunity to practice and learn.
C) Practice shelter building. Ever build a debris hut? Wondering how best to utilize that tarp of yours? Well now is your chance to come out and give it a try. Or if you prefer to bring a tent, that works too!
D)Practice fire building. Always wanted to attempt to get a fire going with that flint of yours? Want to test that rocket stove you built? Ever wonder how hard it might be to get a good fire going while it's raining? Here's your chance! Being the end of March there is a pretty good chance we will see rain. This outting will be happening rain or shine. Come give it a try, it's only one night. We won't get to pick the season the SHTF will we?
E) Probably the biggest opportunity is to bond with like minded individuals. This is a good chance to see how each other can act in a group setting. A good chance to participate in some like minded conversation and most importantly this is a great chance to learn something you didn't know before.
All are welcome including kids. I myself will be bringing my son. All I ask is that everybody acts mature, as I'm sure a couple of us may have some brews stowed away in our bug out bags 🙂
I will post directions and a meet spot/time when the date gets closer. I hope some people are able to make this! Updates to come.
OK Im down!
To me this is the heart of YUK season,... I mean, if a guy can come out smelling like roses at this time of year there shouldn't be much you can't be comfortable in. Well OK i won't say that just yet. Ya just gotta come out the other side! The great thing about an overnighter is even if its so very bad you don't sleep, your cold, tired and more ,…. you DO get to go home. LOL Thats when the reflection takes place and the other half of the progression happens allowing you to make changes for the next time.
Im going to be working with my rocket stove for cooking. I have an idea,…. LOL Oh boy and the ideas already,.. but honestly you need to try it in the field because as I have said before I fail 75% of the time. I don't go for the MSR stoves, the hiking poles and all the gear. I go LOW BUDGET and OFF THE CUFF. I utilize wood for the most part and I do have a small gel fuel source that will work in the stove and you can bet its going to be wet out there. I have been able to use wood thus far this year, and the gel is back up in case I can't. I will not be bringing a tent so I will be encouraged to carry on past the Southern beach area to more wooded area at the top and beyond. The more bush the easier it is for shelter I think. Although the wood platforms boast of the water that comes down,... Hey wait a sec,… I got a few more weeks for a new hammock setup on posts. I can't do the swing thing 😳 I will also be going with the wool blanket again. Last time out at 0 degrees I could take it for about an hour and then bailed for the bag. Hopefully this will be slightly warmer so I can see what the temp cut off is for comfort. Thats the goal for me this time out. Hmmmmmm just thought of something else for the bag that weighs nothing but may be of assistance when on foot. Thermometer,……. 🙄
Hopefully we can get an early start to get up there with as much time to spare as possible. For me if its shitty then its a true test of a full day in it, and a full night in it, and will be a good run out. Id sooner do it now and know what to expect later than be slapped with it at the time. Lord have mercy LOL
Looking forward to it as always
Whatever tomorrow brings,… I will be there! 😉
Okay so good news and bad news. First the bad news, Lindeman lake is going to be a no go. It was scouted out today, and there is a ridiculous amount of snow up there. Not that that would stop me in a bugout situation, but we want to play it safe right now.
Good news is we are still going on an outing this weekend in the Chilliwack area. We are going to meet for brunch in Yarrow area then go from there to our location with full bellies. If you are interested in coming out for the night, or simply just want to meet for brunch before we head out, shoot me a PM and I'll give you the details. Hope to see some new faces.
Aaron
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Thanks to all who made it. Had a great time. It pissed rain almost the whole time and all the wood was soaked yet we still managed to get a fire so blazing hot that we were dry the whole time. Made an awesome shelter. Had a really great time. Hope to see some more new faces next time. Will plan another outing soon so keep checking back.
Aaron