Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

most action I've seen on this thread in a single day .. and it's arguing about the true definition of expedition and overland .. too funny!

 

Sorry but Scott Brady's opinion isn't the end all be all of overlanding, contrary to what some may think. He's got tons of experience and I respect the guy, but the above quote can hardly be taken as "expo gospel".

And why can't a vehicle with a spare tire on the back be considered "self-reliant"? Please refer to the photo I posted earlier of the sh*tbox Volvo and the guy from Spain. By all appearances there is nothing added to that vehicle but a spare tire on the roof. Who knows what's inside.

The point still remains, what YOU need to be self reliant may not be what I need to be self reliant. Just get out and see new places.

 

Two weeks, 4 people, a ton of climbing gear, food and water for all, and a front wheel drive mitsubishi lancer. Saw pavement 4 times in that entire journey and got stuck more times than we could count. Two of those times on pavement were the drive to/from Texas to California, too. We were in college and yeah, we had beans for dinner cause we spent all our money on gas. As far as culture, we got to climb with two topless french women.

Does this count?

 

pics of the french women or it didnt happen!

 

I agree, it's just one opinion and obviously its catered to the hardcore overlanders out there who are traveling the world or large parts of it at least. For most of us, a few days to a few weeks is the most action our vehicles will see in the forseeable future. That being said, I think its a good general outline of what overlanding is all about.

I'd like to think I've done a fair share of camping in my time. I've slept in the back of my truck in campsites, and wallmart parking lots. I've slept in tents in the heat of summer, and in the cold of winter. I've slept under bridges while traveling europe, and in golf courses with my backpack locked to a tree. Sometimes I go for a night, other times I'm not sure when I plan on heading back home. When the term "self-reliant" is thrown around, I belive that it should be sustainable. In other words, yes you could camp in your 2 person coleman tent for a night or two, but can you go longer if required for whatever reason? Maybe you check the weather before you head out, maybe you spend the whole time curled up in your tent trying not to touch the wet walls wondering what the hell you're doing out camping in the interior of BC in mid April. Or maybe you live in an area where rain is of no concern to you. To me being self reliant means that you can sustain yourself for periods of time and have the ability to do it with moderate comfort.

 

^

 

Car Camping: Traveling in a vehicle to an established campground. If there is a picnic table there, it is probably car camping.

 

let us know when you make your next expedition. I'm sure we'd love to hear about it.

 

By the time we met them our cameras were dead. Even if I had pics, you woudn't want to see them. Lets just say gravity wasn't too kind to them and shaving was an absurd idea to them as well. Our female friend had a long conversation about that with em using broken english.

 

I'll be traveling through BC, Alberta, Washington, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming next August, I'll be sure to pm you the tails.

 

ok, yeah, not sure I want to see hairy women with saggy tits. haha

 

Sounds like a great trip

 

haha, but there was no picnic table... unless you count the 3ft piece of 2x10 we carried and stacked on top of rocks when cooking.

Edit: ...and that was the secondary use for the plank of wood.

 

Ha, I'm just joshin ya

 

Id love to get some details on some trails in BC. Always looking to explore more of our province

 

What kind of trails are you looking for? What kind of destination are you looking for? What do you know about so far?

 

Ive been looking for some mountain pass trails. Preferably closer to the Kootenays. I know about Whipsaw and Crowsnest pass but thats about it. Ive been trying to get more info on the Crowsnest pass trails but it seems to be more word of mouth info.

I enjoy the multi-day trails that dont require 35" tires and dual lockers but its always nice to have some challenges along the way

 

You're living in the perfect spot. Have you ever checked out the town of New Denver BC? Its just north of you a couple hours. It has a whole network of old logging roads/trails and hikes. Lots of interesting mining history there dating back to the 1800's. If you enjoy fishing/hiking/mountain biking it is a paradise. Check out Idaho Peak, its a must do for that area. It's high altitute. I wouldn't recomment doing it any earlier than mid July, and even then there can be too much snow. The trail up to trail head of Gimli peak/mulvi basin is a lot of fun too. Tonnes of back country travel up the Wilson creek logging road too. Lots of forest service camp sites along the way and fishing spots.

 

Ive grown up in all those areas. Ive hiked the Valhallas and Kokanee parks for the last 10 years and ive lost count on how many times ive done Idaho haha. Wilson falls and the natural hotsprings are one of my favorite spots along the arrow lake. It is quite an area i live in

I was more thinking 4x4 trails that lead to specific locations or attractions.

 

Here are some pictures of gimli. Its a long steady drive up an old logging road. You'll find yourself asking when it ends. Its best to do it in a 4x4 as there are sections where low range are an advantage. However, I've seen all wheel subarus in the parking lot at the top too.

The hike at the end is as nice as the drive up. Most of the climbing is done by car, so the hike is not too tough to get to the base of Gimli Peak. You can also climb the back side of Gimli without ropes if you're in good shape and looking for a little adventure with moderate risks.