For Pacific NW members: This weekend (21/22nd) or the 28/29th?

[Adondo]

It's time to get OUT OF HERE!! For sure the 28th and 29th as that's the unlimited hydroplane races here on the Columbia River. I live by the river, and tens of thousands of people pour in here to watch the races, and I'm usually GONE when that happens! It's not easy getting out of the driveway during that crap. For all you hydro fans that love it: http://www.waterfollies.com/ http://www.tri-cityherald.com/hydros-racing/

So... I'm thinking maybe the Quilomene Wildlife Area. (Near Vantage WA) See an album here: https://picasaweb.google.com/cueltze...eat=directlink There's a billion acres of virgin sage brush out there, and the "roads" can almost tax your QDII system. And, if it's wet, we're talking getting out the winch cables. You travel from V-notch canyon to V-notch canyon when heading north/south, with switchback climbs and descents for every one. There's also a road that skirts the Columbia River near Rock Island, with nary another human around for 50 miles other than what's right across the river.

Or, Frenchman Coulee road, and/or the area above highway 12 and Windy Ridge? There's an old abandoned lookout tower up there, (about a half day run to reach) as well as a gazillion U.S.F.S. roads. An album here, with some of that area as well as around Mt. St. Helens. https://picasaweb.google.com/cueltze...eat=directlink

Or, somewhere in the U.S.F.S. roads around highway 12, 410, and 123? There's a whole lotta' forest land there.

Anyone up for it? Mike & I will be going regardless, but the more Jeeps the better instead of just one.

[pjmjr508]

I'm down. I can't do 21/22 but will know by next weekend about 28/29. I will also see if my brother will want to join us like last time.

[Adondo]

Another place we've been that's pretty cool is the Colockum Wildlife area. http://www.bentler.us/eastern-washin...dife-area.aspx

Here's an album for that area: https://picasaweb.google.com/cueltze...eat=directlink

Colockum is pretty much the entire area between Ellensburg and Wenatchee. It's a mixture of desert and woods. (Woods to the west, desert to the east) Also, supposedly, there's an abandoned ski lodge up there somewhere, although we didn't find it last time. The one shown in the album is an active one, and is accessed from Wenatchee.

[pjmjr508]

I will not be able to join in on this, will not have the XK ready by this weekend. Main reason I will not have my spare tire in time. I will be in touch with you for more trails later on for this summer.

[Adondo]

We'll have to do it soon.

I think we've about got it worked out. A big B'fast at Andy's. Head up highway 410. Stop and take photos at Reflection Lakes. Then, maybe on up to Sunrise. (On Mt. Rainier) Depending on how long that takes, the timing might be about right for dinner in Packwood. Then, it's down any of a gazillion U.S.F.S. roads to find a campsite.

The return loop will be to connect to 12 via 123, and head back past Rimrock lake.

[pjmjr508]

Wish I could have made it, take lots of pics