Francis Lake camping march 24/25th

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Old smokey's picture

Andrew
Victoria
Francis Lake camping march 24/25th

So rather than have everybody dig through all the comments on an old thread I'll provide the details here in one easy to find place!

This camping trip is for everybody who wants to get out and meet some new people, maybe learn more about the area and explore some new places, enjoy some beers around the fire with like-minded adventurers and swap stories. We'll be camping the one night at Francis Lake which is easily accessed off the Carmanah Main Line and can be found on google maps or with your backroad mapbook. Potholed logging roads and then a short drive through a creek (yes your truck can make it) to get to a nice little camping area that has a real live outhouse! Some people are bringing their dogs and it looks like the fishing would be good there too.

This camping trip is NOT for people who want to chainsaw down random trees, leave piles of garbage behind, or generally be rude and shitty.

My wife and I will be leaving from Victoria on the Saturday morning and cruising through Cowichan and Youbou to get there. We would be happy to meet up along the way and convoy our way there. I think we'll stop just outside one of the campsites on the north shore of Cowichan Lake to let the dog out for a little while. Might do a bit of Sunday wheeling on the way home in the Hillcrest/Hill 60 area, but honestly I don't know that many trails and would like to go with others who do.

So, who's in?

Beer-n-Meat's picture

Beer-n-Meat
Nanaimo

This is still up in the air for me, but would really like to attend, should know more in a couple of days.

I'm scrambling a little to get my Jeep put back together after some upgrades.

I will let you know as soon as I can.

BTW, I fucking love this.
"This camping trip is NOT for people who want to chainsaw down random trees, leave piles of garbage behind, or generally be rude and shitty."

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4x4
Victoria

Would love to.. however I'm in Tofino that weekend.. nex time !

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jas

Jas
Shawnigan

Would be happy to come out and join you depending if I am on call that weekend or not.
I'd take my truck and a quad.

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Rob
Victoria

I would definitely like to go, but I'm stuck working until closing that Saturday.
I'll have to take a rain check until I can luck out and actually get a whole weekend off when there's an overnight event.
I'll probably be camping at French Beach for a night earlier that week anyway though.

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Shane
Alberni Valley

I'll be coming and bringing my gf and dog - should we set up a time and place for people to meet somewhere around Duncan or Cowichan? What time are you guys planning on heading out Sat morning?

Ryno's picture

Nanaimo

I'm in so long as I have a chance of a decent sleep. Not interested if I'm going to be listening to drunk hollering, quads, loud music (etc) all night long.

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Andrew
Victoria

I imagine you'll have a fine sleep, I don't think a handful of people around one campfire would be too crazy to sleep through. In theory i'd like to leave Victoria early, but in real life I bet we wouldn't be leaving til 9 or so. Could aim to meet up outside of Heather campground maybe? I've gotta let the dog out of the truck for a while after the drive and it's a beautiful spot to wander around

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fx4

Jonathan
Victoria

It's a fairly large place to camp. You can set up your camp away from the camp fire and you'll be able to sleep fine.

Theres also a reslly cool waterfall if you hike an hour or so up the little river you take down to the lake. You'll need water shoes though

Ryno's picture

Nanaimo

Sounds good guys. I plan to stop by the Tim Hortons in Lake Cowichan by 10:30 then carry on to Heather.

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Cody
Victoria

If I wasn’t working that weekend, I’d be there. Rotten luck for me.

Old smokey's picture

Andrew
Victoria

Hey everybody,
Just a final update about this weekend trip. We'll be up around Heather campground about 10:30-11 am to meet up with anybody else and let the dog(s) take a break. Then onwards to Francis Lake. Yes this is basically a stock friendly trip but we could figure out some Sunday wheeling for the way home based on who wants to come and the capabilities of our trucks.

Hope to see you out there!

Beer-n-Meat's picture

Beer-n-Meat
Nanaimo

I'm out....I think I have the plague.

Ryno's picture

Nanaimo

Gotta work on Saturday, might still run out there early Sunday morning!

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Admin

Shane
Alberni Valley

Not sure what my timing is like but if you don't see me at Heather by 11 then head out and I'll see you at the lake.

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Andrew
Victoria

No worries. I also hope to be on time but hope to see some folks there before we cruise on out to Francis

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Shane
Alberni Valley

Hey we're heading out there a day early, just about to leave so we'll see you guys at the lake tomorrow!

Old smokey's picture

Andrew
Victoria

So late! Held up in Duncan for a bit. I hope nobody is waiting for me at Heather

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Admin

Shane
Alberni Valley

Well it was a small turnout but good times none the less! Here are a couple shots from our first day there solo - brought the off road trailer on her maiden voyage.

Old smokey's picture

Andrew
Victoria

Small turnout and I was late nonetheless! What a great camping spot and it was great to spend a night around the fire with you two. Too bad this trip didn't work out for a lot of people but hopefully we'll organize another one soon and can meet some more great people!

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Nanaimo

Nice looking spot, I don't normally work weekends so making the next one shouldn't be an issue!

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Lance
Ladysmith

Wish I coulda made it just didn't end up working for me hopefully there will be another one soon before the fireman starts!

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