freeze
04-12-2010, 12:29 PM
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/4514526801_5e3f1e0ced.jpg
First thing in the morning I seek a Tim Horton's donut and wait for the whole group to arrive before leaving to the trail head. The Tacoma is getting a few tubes bent and the 81 is getting much needed alternator so it is a shotgun perspective for the whole day. David C. is first on the scene with his Voodoo blue FJC all the way from Medicine Hat, Blake D. follows soon after with his blue FJ with an ARB bumper and Jeff M. finished the pack with his Black FJC.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/4514522469_920d1cd931.jpg
Three FJ Cruiser's taking the more adventurous route to Waiparous Falls. With trails being closed for the winter and the winter trails also no longer, 4WD'ers are limited to the amount of trails they are able to access in Alberta. However, if you want to leave the city, grab some fresh air, and see some incredible views, this trail never gets old. Jeff lead the group for the day with Blake in the middle and David tail gunning with the radios set to channel 11 we were on our way.
There are a few obstacles on this trail which can vary the difficulty which consist of frozen water crossings, ruts and rocky hill climbs. The initial part of the trail is somewhat mundane, however, keeping an eye out for wildlife can be rewarding with fox, moose, deer, horses, and mountain goat. The group saw a fox, quite a few horses, and mountain goat throughout the trip. Keeping the engine revs low and the noise at a minimum ensures you're not scaring wildlife away and allows for some great sightings.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/4514523873_ee9133edcf.jpg
Once the trail reaches higher alpine, the terrain becomes rocky and a little more difficult which provides varying lines for easy to a little more challenging. Higher alpine terrain is really nice as there is little to no mud and the terrain isn't as susceptible to compaction or erosion. Sitting shotgun, it's amazing how different the experience is and what more you're able to see in the distance through the trees. It becomes a completely different trail from what is experienced in the driver's seat.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4515168236_1ebd6e0733.jpg
If you're looking to escape the city for a day and enjoy an amazing experience, views and adventure with some great people, this is the place to be! The most amazing part of the Waiparous Falls trail isn't really the falls itself, it is the massive rock faces on either side of you as you pilot your Toyota through the the rocky valley of sheer rock faces. Looking at these faces provide incredible colours and texture. Quite surreal!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/4515170854_460ecb6620.jpg
Once the group made it to the falls they were soon joined by a few members of the Rocky Mountain LandCruiser Association with a 60 Series and a 70 Series. Great to see the FJ Cruiser along side the LandCruisers. We hope we see them both on the trail again soon!
On the way down we did see some things which are troubling and are the reason why we are very focused on educating our members. There were a group of Jeep owners' covered to the roof with vegetation and mud, which there wasn't any on the open trails, and a group of Jeeps driving up the river messing around in the river bed. To their defence, they may not know the issues that surround motorized backcountry access and how to Tread Lightly. We did however, find a good share of garbage to pack out which consisted of cans, bottles, exhaust tubing, ice chest lid, etc... Nice work!
Overall.. excellent day, excellent people and amazing views.
Enough with the words and stuff...... here's the video!
LI78Ht1AFH8
First thing in the morning I seek a Tim Horton's donut and wait for the whole group to arrive before leaving to the trail head. The Tacoma is getting a few tubes bent and the 81 is getting much needed alternator so it is a shotgun perspective for the whole day. David C. is first on the scene with his Voodoo blue FJC all the way from Medicine Hat, Blake D. follows soon after with his blue FJ with an ARB bumper and Jeff M. finished the pack with his Black FJC.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/4514522469_920d1cd931.jpg
Three FJ Cruiser's taking the more adventurous route to Waiparous Falls. With trails being closed for the winter and the winter trails also no longer, 4WD'ers are limited to the amount of trails they are able to access in Alberta. However, if you want to leave the city, grab some fresh air, and see some incredible views, this trail never gets old. Jeff lead the group for the day with Blake in the middle and David tail gunning with the radios set to channel 11 we were on our way.
There are a few obstacles on this trail which can vary the difficulty which consist of frozen water crossings, ruts and rocky hill climbs. The initial part of the trail is somewhat mundane, however, keeping an eye out for wildlife can be rewarding with fox, moose, deer, horses, and mountain goat. The group saw a fox, quite a few horses, and mountain goat throughout the trip. Keeping the engine revs low and the noise at a minimum ensures you're not scaring wildlife away and allows for some great sightings.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/4514523873_ee9133edcf.jpg
Once the trail reaches higher alpine, the terrain becomes rocky and a little more difficult which provides varying lines for easy to a little more challenging. Higher alpine terrain is really nice as there is little to no mud and the terrain isn't as susceptible to compaction or erosion. Sitting shotgun, it's amazing how different the experience is and what more you're able to see in the distance through the trees. It becomes a completely different trail from what is experienced in the driver's seat.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4515168236_1ebd6e0733.jpg
If you're looking to escape the city for a day and enjoy an amazing experience, views and adventure with some great people, this is the place to be! The most amazing part of the Waiparous Falls trail isn't really the falls itself, it is the massive rock faces on either side of you as you pilot your Toyota through the the rocky valley of sheer rock faces. Looking at these faces provide incredible colours and texture. Quite surreal!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/4515170854_460ecb6620.jpg
Once the group made it to the falls they were soon joined by a few members of the Rocky Mountain LandCruiser Association with a 60 Series and a 70 Series. Great to see the FJ Cruiser along side the LandCruisers. We hope we see them both on the trail again soon!
On the way down we did see some things which are troubling and are the reason why we are very focused on educating our members. There were a group of Jeep owners' covered to the roof with vegetation and mud, which there wasn't any on the open trails, and a group of Jeeps driving up the river messing around in the river bed. To their defence, they may not know the issues that surround motorized backcountry access and how to Tread Lightly. We did however, find a good share of garbage to pack out which consisted of cans, bottles, exhaust tubing, ice chest lid, etc... Nice work!
Overall.. excellent day, excellent people and amazing views.
Enough with the words and stuff...... here's the video!
LI78Ht1AFH8