Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

May 12-18, 2008 has been proclaimed “Bear Awareness Week” by Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire.

As reported by the The Grizzly Bear Outreach Project (GBOP):

Governor Gregoire established Bear Awareness Week to encourage people to learn more about our ursine neighbors, how to avoid conflicts with them, and to appreciate these majestic creatures in Washington - one of just four states that is wild enough to still support both species of bear.

This is great information for all of us who spend time enjoying the outdoors. If you haven’t encountered a bear yet, you eventually will.

Read more about Bear Awareness Week Activities at Governor proclaims official Bear Awareness Week

With the price of gasoline approaching $4.00 per gallon, more and more people are trading in their “gas guzzling” SUV or truck for a more fuel efficient vehicle. Most people simply think about much it costs to fill up their tank without considering the actual costs.

The way I figure it, I own my Land Cruiser free and clear. If I was to go out and finance a new vehicle, the payments alone would probably exceed $500 (and probably be much more). That’s a lot of gas I could buy each month.

I found a post on pricewheels.com that lays out the true costs of replacing your old vehicle. You can read it at Dumping Gas Guzzler For Fuel Sipper May Cost More Than You Think

Here are some new discussions on the pnwadventures.com forums in the past week:

Pett Toilet - A discussion on the Pett Dry Toilet System and some related topics

Cot Tent - Discussion on using tent cots.

Ahtanum trails Clean-up (July 26th, 2008) - An invitation to participate in the clean up area of trails in the Ahtanum area including Sedge Ridge, Whites Ridge, and Foundation Ridge.

Portable Hitch Kitchen - Discussion on creating a portable kitchen that could be easily carried on a hitch and removed at a campsite for use.

And of course, there are many on-going discussions.

I just updated the forum to vBulletin 3.7 and installed the Search Engine Optimization plugin by vBSEO. You can read about the new features and updates at New Forum Features and Updates.

Steve

I found this freebie posted on another site and thought I would pass it along.

Right Channel Radios is giving away complete Uniden Off-Road CB Kit that includes everything you need to install a CB in your 4×4 vehicle.

All you have to do is submit your email HERE by June 15, 2008.

Good luck.

NOTE: I am in no way associated with this give-away or the site.

Here are some new discussions on the pnwadventures.com forums in the past week:

Trip Planning:

Scouting The Whiskey Dick - May 16, 2008 [Friday] - A weekday trip to explore the Whiskey Dick Road Management Area just east of Ellensburg, Washington.

Papa’s Toys Tour, 05-10-08 - the 6th annual trip to Papa’s Toy Collection in Cornelius, OR.

Completed Trips:

Tracking Ice Age Floods - April 19, 2008 - The trip report from the previous Saturday’s road trip through the coulee country of Eastern Washington.

And of course, there are many on-going discussions.

Here are a few photos from Saturday’s (April 19, 2008) road trip through the coulee country of Eastern Washington. Complete trip reports are posted on the forum at Tracking Ice Age Floods - April 19, 2008.

Read More »

Originally we had planned to meet in Montesano, Washington on Friday morning, however, because of a paving project on the Wynoochee Road from Montesano to Wynoochee Lake, the location of the meet up was changed to the Taylor Towne restaurant just South of Shelton.

Attending was Ray from Edgewood (driving his Toyota 4Runner), Kevin (riding with Ray), John in his Jeep YJ Wrangler, Dick (riding with John) and Randy from Shelton (riding with me in my Toyota FJ80 Land Cruiser).

Our goals for the this rainy spring day were to:

• Locate the train wreckage from the 1961 film titled “Ring of Fire”. During the filming of the movie they set an old railroad trestle and some passenger rail cars on fire and dropped them into the canyon. (See Brians site at Georgia-Pacific No. 9 and Ring of Fire Wreck Site for a great write up of the details of the movie and the wreckage site.)
• Visit the Wynoochee Dam and Lake.
• Visit the High Steel Bridge over the Skokomish River.

Read More »

Just released is the 2nd anniversary issue of the JPFreek Adventure Magazine. Content in this issue includes:

• 2008 CRD Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 Limited Test Review
• 7 Bar Grille Camp Cooking Video Series
• Arctic Excursion in a Jeep JK Wrangler
• On the Trail with Sedona Jeep School
• Splendor of America’s Hidden Treasures
• Lizardskin Ceramic Insulation Install
• and more

This issue also features integrated video footage.

Visit www.jpfreek.com

The second issue of the UK based digital 4×4 magazine Difflock has been released for downloading. You can download your own free copy HERE

Enjoy.