Great photos.  I think Mother Nature has done a great job of blocking a few of the spots.  Blocking on 1-6 especially 3 is going to be critical and the busiest as that road is accessed by lots of back country recreationlists.  Good news is there won't be any dust or mud to worry about.

Maps, Maps, Maps!

We have maps!  I received maps and location coordinates for the rally from CSCC today, so here they are in various formats.

1) If you have APRS software (APRSIS32, YAAC, APRSDROID...) and have connected with the Internet servers, then I have started beaconing the objects and you should see them appearing NW of Cochrane. The beaconing will be intermittent between now and Saturday, but I'll try to keep it running as much as possible. Note that I have not yet started beaconing the objects via RF, so you'll need an Internet connection for now.

2) This link will access a PDF with human readable maps. Note that GPS coordinates are not included for most locations at this time.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMRlZaS2RGdEIwdDQ/view?usp=sharing

3) This link will access a .kml file that should be loadable into most GPS devices. There is an online translation program (find it with Google) that can convert this to .gpx format if you want to load it into APRS software as an overlay.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMbzlnTVprRFpGQms/view?usp=sharing

We'll go over the maps at the training session on Thursday. See you there!

73,

Garry, VE6GDS 

Thanks, Harry. You make a good point about minimizing use of the Harold Creek Road on Saturday due to setup. Anyone who does use this road on Saturday should use extra care to watch for setup teams who may be present. Additionally, there will be limited access to this road on Sunday morning, once it is closed for the rally stages.

However, for anyone who is staying at Camp Kindle on Saturday night, the Harold Creek Rd. is likely to be the most straightforward route to the rally stages. (Going back through Water Valley, Cochrane, Waiparous Village, and up the Forestry Trunk Rd. would be a very long trip!)  Additionally, for those operators wanting to go back to Camp Kindle or exit via Water Valley after the rally is over, Harold Creek Rd. is likely the best option.

Despite the above, all operators are requested to take note of Harry's comments about the Harold Creek Rd. This route should be taken at slow speed and with extra care. Drivers who are not confident that their skill level and vehicle are up to the challenge may wish to plan alternate routes.

73,

Garry VE6GDS

Harold creek from 40 in the west to camp Kindle is a stage, they will be on that stage setting up on Saturday.  The road is very narrow and the rally wisely dictates that coming into camp Kindle stay off Harold creek and come in from Water Valley in the east.  From the way the snow and temps are I would not use Harold creek even if it was permitted.  Harold creek road with snow and ice is very tricky and extreme caution should be used when driving on it.

This is a clarification concerning the prior post about rally accommodations at Camp Kindle.

Some members have pointed out that the aforementioned post could be interpreted as implying that the Harold Creek Rd. (#579) between Camp Kindle and Forestry Truck Rd. (#40) is not passable. However, I drove out there yesterday, and was able to use the Harold Creek Rd. to get from Camp Kindle to the Forestry Trunk Rd.

Approaching from the East via Water Valley was also possible yesterday, and is an easier drive. So, while it is recommended that drivers approach Camp Kindle from the East, if possible; it seems feasible to approach from the West, if necessary.

Despite the above, all drivers are advised that reduced speed and extra caution should be applied if using Harold Creek Rd. Always bear in mind the weather and road conditions; and always drive within your own ability and the capability of your vehicle. Safety is top priority.