Goat River unofficial beats snow and no cell

Langs Coocoos PXL_20220426_180336493

The ice cream shop of my childhood vacations

I had left Box Lake, heading south towards the US border. My next stop was planned to be near Creston, BC. But my choice of camp in the official recreation site was far up the river, past the cell service and possibly in the snow still. But I had checked Free Roam and found an ‘unofficial’ Goat River site on crown land much farther down the river, within cell service. There would be no snow down there, I hope. But in the meanwhile, I had a drive through some familiar territory from my childhood.
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Adapt to the situation

Wragge Beach SR601618

Islands just off of Wragge Beach

My aborted trip to Wragge Beach Campground on Slocan Lake had me waking up somewhat unlevel camped partway to the site. But my sleep had been fine, it seemed being slightly tilted head down did not affect me as much as I’d thought. I could hack this for one more night – that would give me a chance to hike into Wragge Beach Campground over the snow and see what I was missing. Continue reading

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I found snow, again

Vancouver Island receding PXL_20220419_210307392

Vancouver Island receding

I am really coming to dislike the actual process of getting to or from Vancouver Island. While I even managed to leave a little early, and get to the ferry an hour before its departure, I still managed a second time not get on that ferry. Now, I had considered this a possibility so getting the 1pm rather than the 10:40am ferry was not a disaster. I could still make it to Keremeos by about 7pm, a little later than I’d like, but I’d take it.
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Regrouping in a familiar spot before leaving the Island

Unusually late snow SR601548

Snow in Headquarters Woods

I had just been booted out of my great camping spot in the Headquarters forest. I needed a quick solution as to where I’d spend the night. Worst case, I could pay to stay in an RV park! But I had previously been in the forest near Merville. It was not ideal – too many people coming in, but I figured I could hack it for a few more days until I was ready to leave the island. Continue reading

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Locked in Headquarters Creek Woodlands

I haz old bucket SR601488

More junk in the forest

You might guess from the title of my post that I did end up trying another spot after my previous one had some unwanted visitors. You might also guess that things did not go exactly to plan in my new spot. You would be right on both counts. But the area I found was really nice, even with being locked in!
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Young enforcer near Merville

Macro flower PXL_20220408_221831910 After driving through snow, I leave the weather system as I travel south on Vancouver Island, from Woss. I’m going to do a resupply in Campbell River, then head a little further south to some of the last little bit of crown land between there and Courtenay. I’m not sure what I’ll get, but I am prepared for gates leaving me no choice but to pay for a campground. Continue reading

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Woss Lake Campground unincorperated

Woss Historical logging RR SR601359

Logging RR steam engine at Woss

I was on my way south to a new destination. Where? I can’t tell you that, it’s a secret. Even I don’t know the exact location yet, but I do know what State I’m going to. That’s all the clues you get for now. In the meanwhile, I’ll tell you about my first stop heading south on Vancouver Island. I was at the lightly maintained no rules Woss Lake Campground. Continue reading

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Georgie Lake at last

Georgie Lake sunset SR601300

Georgie Lake sunset

When I was starting to plan my journey to the north end of Vancouver Island, I had seen that Georgie Lake rec site was the farthest north site on Vancouver Island that was still fairly close to civilization and paved roads. I mentally had this location as a goal for how far north I would go at the minimum. But my previous attempt to visit had been thwarted by snow. This time, I was sure the snow would be gone, I would finally make my northern destination for my winter travels on Vancouver Island.

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Sointula, a village with European flavor

Pysähdy Finnish for stop PXL_20220309_231839881

Finnish translation on sign in Sointula

I saw from the forecast that the day was going to be sunny, perfect for heading into the village of Sointula and snapping a few, no, a lot of pictures along the way! I could do a little resupply run to the Sointula Coop, and see what services were available in town for me. If I could do a full resupply here, I might stay on Malcom Island a little longer. Continue reading

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Exploring Beautiful Bay

Beautiful Bay Trailhead PXL_20220307_233157405 I started my hiking in the Bere Point Campground by heading over to the Beautiful Bay trailhead, right across from my RV. Being this close was a minor negative to my campsite, as people going to walk the trail would be parking here close to my RV. But hey, internet signal where I am, and camper in the other direction. I decided for my first hike to just go to the viewing platform and to the beach access beyond that, coming back via the beach for a nice little loop. I planned to explore the rest of the trail when I had a full day to devote to it. Continue reading

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