Exploring Some of the WaBDR

Over Memorial Day weekend, several TW members got together to explore from
Ellensburg, north to Lake Chelan. About 200 miles on mostly dirt. Present were JDAM, Greddy, Speedytech7, m3bassman and myself.

Here are some photographs from that adventure.

We followed the FS35 out of Ellensburg up to Lion Rock

IMG_9374 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9375 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9378 by mike digirat, on Flickr

After Lion Rock we continued up 35 to where it meets FS9712, not far from Blewett Pass.

IMG_9397 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9383 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9390 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9393 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9385 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9387 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Unfortunately, some of the original WaBDR route is closed due to a washout so we did a detour that took is into the outskirts of Wenatchee and then up Number 2 Canyon where we found a campsite in the canyon.

 

Day 2 began by heading to Cashmere to top off the fuel tanks.

North of Cashmere, looking back towards the south.

IMG_9398 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9400 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9404 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9405 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9408 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Some spectacular views up this way. Also some burned areas from last years fires.

IMG_9414 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Approaching Lake Chelan from the west. Close to 6,000 feet in elevation here and had some interesting atmospheric conditions I guess. Because we were talking on the CB with another group of guys wheeling up above Cle Elum which has to be 40-50 miles away. Pretty amazing for a CB.

First views of the lake.

IMG_9416 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9417 by mike digirat, on Flickr

.

 

For the most part we stayed on the main WaBDR route throughout the weekend but we did deviate in a couple of spots. These shot are from a spur name 233. Starts out with some interesting views.

IMG_9419 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9424 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9420 by mike digirat, on Flickr

After that this little spur turned into the 'jungle trail'. Way over grown. Lots and lots of pinstriping and no photographs to show it. We were way to busing keeping the branches off of us.

Found this great campsite nearby tho. with great views of the lake.

IMG_9442 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9447 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Some of the guys messing around on a nearby berm.

IMG_9430 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9431 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9437 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Beautiful evening light for the photography buff.

IMG_9448 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9455 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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The last day, got an early start. Great view with that first cup of coffee.

IMG_9471 by mike digirat, on Flickr

It was a windy night and there was the only real carnage of the entire weekend. A colapsed tent from a shattered support pole. Time for an RTT.

IMG_9467 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_9461 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Headed to the town of Chelan for some breakfast and to fuel up. After sharing a nice breakfast with a three legged dog with decided to explore up the east side of the lake to see how far we could get before we had to head home.

Looking back towards the lake and the town of Chelan.

IMG_9475 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Looking back to the ridge we had camped on the night before. Looks like we just missed the rain.

IMG_9476 by mike digirat, on Flickr

A special thanks to Jerrad, Cam, Zane and Ben for joining me in this adventure. It was a blast.

 

Thanks for posting these up Mike, that was a great weekend. Hopefully I'll get to wheel with you guys again

 

Thanks guys.

 

Nice trip and good pictures.

 

Sweet pics Mike!! brings the memories back haha

 

Looks like a fun trip in some of my favorite country, I flew in a helicopter over Ellensburg Cook Canyon road yesterday and down into Wenatchee and it is so beautiful when everything is green

 

Thanks Cam. It was a good time.

Hey Phil, how are things going. Haven't seen you around much lately.

 

Sometimes, I miss being single.

 

haha. The grass is always greener on the other side!

 

I don't like any grass...

 

ahhhahaha, touche!

 

here is a picture from when we stopped and were studying the map for a while. i decided to do this hill climb that I saw by myself. Well half way up the hill it turned to single track and I couldn't turn around until the top. I ended up getting off camber and leaning towards the cliff of death. Just scary enough to get an adrenaline rush. When I was finally able to turn around I was rewarded with this view.



and this one is just the first night camp spot.




I will also try to edit a short video including two vehicle recoveries.

 

Going good Mike! Just about done with my first year of work haven't had too much free time. How you been buddy?

 

Reviving an old thread, but looks like you guys had a blast! I know a lot of these roads pretty well. I'll have to join in next time! I'm right around Cashmere

 

I'm game for another trip like this. It was one of the highlights of the year!

 

How is access up the entiat drainage these days. In particular, access to lake chelan from Ardenvior. Have you been up that way lately?

 

Awesome pictures, I fucking love Washington. Can't wait to retire so I can go back. Wish I knew about places like that when I lived there.