Date, Location of PNW Meet
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 4:40 pm
I am tentatively planning next year's Northwest meet for the Liberty, WA area. This area has a very large number of trails to run, ranging from dirt FS roads to some pretty tight, technical 4WD trails. There are some incredible views from some of the trails and lookouts, and a lot of old abandoned mines (as well as some that are still in use!). Most of these trails are interconnected, and are fairly short (1-2 miles for the 4WD trails). There are lots of places to go, even for the Carry's. As an added bonus, there's a BLM Cammpground that offers free camping right at the start of some trails, and has areas suitable for a large group. Elevation won't be an issue as it was this year, as these trails are all below 6,000', and I think they're all below 5,000'.
Liberty is located off Hwy 97, about 10 miles North of Cle Elum, WA. Cle Elum is right on I-90, about 80 miles East of Seattle, and about 25 miles West of Ellensburg, which make this an easy location for those coming both from Western Washington, as well as those coming over from Oregon or Idaho. Idahopaul was there with me last year with my local 4x4 club (Wazuks) and had a great time, despite some breakage!
Another great thing about this area is that it is on the Eastern slope of the Cascades, which means that even if it is raining in Seattle, it is usually warm and sunny in Cle Elum and Liberty.
Now for questions:
1. What dates work or do not work for everyone? Most people have not made any plans for next summer yet, but if anyone has certain dates they know will not work, speak up now. I'm thinking either the same time as this year's meet (late June) or Mid-July, thus avoiding any holiday weekends. If you have a preference, let me know!
2. Since we're doing regional meets, the assumption is that most people can get here in a day or two. For this reason, I'm thinking we could do a weekend meet, and people can take as much time before and after the meet as needed to get there or plan other things to do. Thus, someone who can get here in a day could drive here on Thursday or Friday, and leave Monday or Tuesday. Would anyone prefer a mid-week meet like this year? The advantage of a mid-week meet is that there could be less traffic on the trails, though this area doesn't have an overcrowding problem, except a little on holiday weekends. There would certainly be adequate space in the campground for us.
3. If you have other ideas for a location, let me know. I think this location is well suited for people on the west coast, Idaho/Montana/Utah, as well as those Canadians up in BC, but I am open to other suggestions.
We had a total of 11 rigs at the 2005 meet - I would like to double that number for htis 2006 meet if we can!!
Liberty is located off Hwy 97, about 10 miles North of Cle Elum, WA. Cle Elum is right on I-90, about 80 miles East of Seattle, and about 25 miles West of Ellensburg, which make this an easy location for those coming both from Western Washington, as well as those coming over from Oregon or Idaho. Idahopaul was there with me last year with my local 4x4 club (Wazuks) and had a great time, despite some breakage!
Another great thing about this area is that it is on the Eastern slope of the Cascades, which means that even if it is raining in Seattle, it is usually warm and sunny in Cle Elum and Liberty.
Now for questions:
1. What dates work or do not work for everyone? Most people have not made any plans for next summer yet, but if anyone has certain dates they know will not work, speak up now. I'm thinking either the same time as this year's meet (late June) or Mid-July, thus avoiding any holiday weekends. If you have a preference, let me know!
2. Since we're doing regional meets, the assumption is that most people can get here in a day or two. For this reason, I'm thinking we could do a weekend meet, and people can take as much time before and after the meet as needed to get there or plan other things to do. Thus, someone who can get here in a day could drive here on Thursday or Friday, and leave Monday or Tuesday. Would anyone prefer a mid-week meet like this year? The advantage of a mid-week meet is that there could be less traffic on the trails, though this area doesn't have an overcrowding problem, except a little on holiday weekends. There would certainly be adequate space in the campground for us.
3. If you have other ideas for a location, let me know. I think this location is well suited for people on the west coast, Idaho/Montana/Utah, as well as those Canadians up in BC, but I am open to other suggestions.
We had a total of 11 rigs at the 2005 meet - I would like to double that number for htis 2006 meet if we can!!