Field Trip Planning: Cheam Ridge

[Gord]

Let's see how much interest there is and on what days.

I am planning on the first half of the month of August. Dave, an integral part of the plans is away chasing albino headed woodpeckers in Oregon, but we can start to throw some ideas around. I think the best dates for him might be between Aug 4-11.

Currently, we'll have two suitable vehicles (4x4 with decent clearance). I can fit 3 and Im sure Dave will have a similar number but we will let him confirm.

Now, the nicest option would be a week day. The park will be more quiet. However, if this just cannot work for enough people, a Saturday can be made to be ok. Also, a somewhat (but comfortable) early start is preferable. It's nice to be the first people on the trail.

A couple of details to help with planning. About 1 hour is needed to drive to the parking lot if we meet at the Chilliwack River. It takes birders looking for ptarmigan and other birds, wildlife and plants, about 3.5 hours to get to the top. Usually it takes about 2 hours to get back down. The trail is 4.5 km in length and is fairly steep in sections. However, it's beautiful up there and worth every drop of sweat and the resulting sore legs the following day.

So, the question is, to get things rolling:

1) Are you interested? If yes, how many?
2) Do you have a truck and dont mind driving a rough road? If yes, how much room do you have and do you mind giving a ride?
3) What days could work best? (weekdays, weekend)
4) What is a reasonable 'early' start time for you?

In addition to this hike, it would be great to plan something perhaps to the east of the region or maybe up at the northern part. If there's Veery up there, what else can be seen among beautiful scenery? Also Id still like to organize a few local birding outings. Hitting a good movement of migrating birds at Island 22 during August and early September is exciting business especially when they contain Blackpoll Warblers, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Philadelphia Vireos and the likes. ;D

[tmanson]

Hi Gord: I am always up for a good hike.
As you know, I have an old, mucho milo ( 500,000 km ), SUV that could be used in a pinch. It runs fine with all its rattles, and shakes, but I wouldn't want to take more than one person, as I have dragged the rear end a few times on that road.
Weekdays are great for me, but weekends are okay too. Early starts are also good to be the first on the trail.
Looking at hikes north and east of here, there is a relatively short non-alpine hike just east of Lytton in the Skihist Prov. Park. I think Brent and Carolynn got Dusky Grouse there either last year or the year before. I'm also pretty familiar with the backroads around Boston Bar/North Bend, where you were recently. I don't think there is much hiking there, other than walking along the road. Cheers, Thor

[deb&tony]

Hi Gord
As far as local hikes, I might suggest Landstrom Bar, Riparian zone and Ridge hike on the west side of Hope which is about a 5 km round trip with a 300m elevation gain. It would be about a one hour+/- climb with nice views of the Fraser R. and local mtns.
Here is the west view:



and south view:



Also, "bird's eye" view of Turkey Vultures and Eagles:



Warning: This is tick country so hikers should wear light-coloured clothing and tuck your pants in your socks.

Any day or time works for us.
Parking available at our place.

Deb and Tony

[Gord]

Deb, I am still looking for a good chance to join you guys on that hike. Thanks for suggesting we try to organize something if others would like to come too. Great idea!

Thor, let's see what works out. Good you're flexible. The road is a little rougher than usual. Id hate to see that truck of yours get too banged up. That old guy is something else. Amazing. Im awed every time I see it driving and feel honoured get a ride in it! ;D

[Gord]

Ok, this narrows it down a little bit. Actually quite a bit.

I think we might want to avoid the upcoming long weekend. I have found that the weekdays after the long weekend I wont be able to go.

This leaves for me Aug 9th. The middle of the following week through to Saturday (13th - 16th) would also work.

However, if another date works for other people, by all means, jump on the chance.

[sundset]

Hi
I would be interested in local hikes.
thanks

[Gord]

Ok, let's see if we can finalize something. Who is up for Saturday the 9th? I am thinking about meeting around 7:00 in Chilliwack unless all who confirm coming are keen for an even earlier start. It would be nice to be the first on the trail especially being on the weekend.

I have room for three persons.

[oldfulica]

Nice shots of the Sunshine Valley Gord. Thor was referring to me when he said someone got broken into at Sumallo after he and I and others returned from an unsuccessful Spotted Owl hunt.
Anyway-Dian and I interested in the Cheam hike next Saturday. We will take our 4x4 and have room for 2 if necessary. Don't know if we will get all the way up but the lower section is interesting. Keep in touch with the meeting place etc. If it's snowing we wont be there

[Dave]

Hello Birders,

Unfortunately August 9 does not work for me. . I would have loved to join the excursion though! My only Saturday available is August 16.

Dave.

[Gord]

Im very willing to postpone the outing until the 16th and make it into a little going away hike for Dave. With the later summer we had, I would not be surprised if things are about a month late up there too. When I was there in July, lots of birds were still busy defending territory and there was little sign of young birds never mind seeing adults feeding young birds. This leads me to wonder that the middle of the month might make for more ptarmigan to be seen. Ptarmigan are always a highlight. We'll also have the beginning of migration of songbirds too.

Len, you and your wife ok for the 16th?

How about anyone else?

[oldfulica]

The 16th should be ok for us but I won't commit until the final few days as we are expecting company some time around there.

[tmanson]

I'm okay for the 16th. Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[Gord]

Good to hear Thor.

Let's get the 'guest list' going. Of course, we'll try to car pool as much as possible, but for now, let's get all the assets known. Also, the start time should be discussed. Im game for a good early go to get up first. There has been mention of a 6am start to leave Chilliwack. How do people feel about that? I dont know if interested people are going to be coming from a distance and since this is an all inclusive outing, dont hesitate to speak up. That being said, I really think that anything later than 7 might be a little late. We usually end up back at the vehicles by about 4 at the latest.



Confirmed:
Gord (Truck + 3 seats)
Dave (Truck +? seats)
Thor

Possible:
Ziff

[ziff]

i'd like to join you, but i'm on another hike that weekend. if it gets rained out and you still go I'm in . Have a small 4x4. if not this time, perhaps some other.

[tmanson]

Anytime is okay for me. Thor