Exploring the Quilomene: Expedition II (08-25)

[Jerry]

Exploring the Quilomene: Expedition II
August 25, 2007

This trip, our second expedition of the Quilomene,
will start once again in the Whiskey Dick Wildlife
Area picking up where we left off on the first tour.
But, this time our point of entry will be through the
Ginkgo Petrified Forest by special permission.

The Ginkgo Petrified Forest is a state park and is
also a registered national natural landmark. It is
regarded as one of the most unusual fossil forests in
the world.

Our goal is to drive Green-Dot roads methodically
following one after the other until we finish all of
them in the Whiskey Dick. On our last trip we
explored a road that didn't show on the map and,
although it was a fun detour, it took us far off
course leaving a handful of roads to explore on this
trip.

Expect splendid views of the Columbia River, fantastic
territorial scenes, interesting basalt formations and
lots of shrub-steppe sagebrush country. The roads are
bumpy with shale bedrock, heavy pit run and sandy dirt
with ruts. There may be some places that are steep and
off camber. The roads are very rough and high ground
clearance four-wheel drive vehicles such as full and
mid-size SUV's and pickup trucks are required. All
vehicles should be dependable and equipped with a
minimum of six-ply aggressive tread tires, a full size
spare and front and rear tow points. Please do not
drive anything less.

Bring plenty of drinking water, snacks and lunch. We
also suggest sunscreen and insect repellent. Plan on
temperatures around 90 degrees and since the Quilomene
is the windiest spot in Washington, you had better be
prepared for that, too. And while you are preparing,
keep in mind that there are no facilities and no big
trees - just lots of brush. It worked fine last trip
and it should work fine this time, too.

If you are planning to attend let me know and I will
send you the time, meeting place and special
instructions for entry into the Ginkgo. If there is
enough interest to make this a two-day event we will
probably explore the Colockum Pass area on the second
day.

Here we go again!

Jerry

[Steve]

I wish I could attend, however most of the years vacation will be used up by then and I have to work that day.

The good thing, I'm off for three weeks beginning today.

[Jerry]

The good thing, I'm off for three weeks beginning today.

If you find time on a weekday (or two) and want company on a run, let me know. Perahaps across the Colockum or other similar places where it is wise to have at least two vehicles. This coming weekend is our only one not booked in August. Enjoy your time off, Steve.
Jerry

[Jerry]

If anybody is interested in attending Expedition II into the Quilomene, please let me know ASAP. We have to obtain permission from the Gingko to enter via their locked gate. Thanks.
Jerry
soggymountain@yahoo.com

[Jerry]

Exploring the Quilomene: Expedition II is just over a week away and we are set to go.

The folks at the Ginkgo Petrified Forest have given us permission to enter through the locked gate and drive the length of the park until the road joins with the Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area. We can enjoy the scenery and look at the petrified logs, but they don't want us taking any samples!

After the Ginkgo we will explore unimproved roads in the Whiskey Dick and hopefully finish the tour by mid-afternoon. Remember, 4-wheel drive vehicles with minimum 6-ply tires and tow points front and rear are required.

If you are planning to attend let me know and I will send you the time and meeting place. Hope to see you there.

Jerry
soggymountain@yahoo.com