Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Up the Hellevator to DeCosmos and the Gold Mine


Andy on his blog, The REAL Motorcycle Diaries , has just blogged our latest jaunt.  And it was a good great one.  I am not going to repeat the excellent job he has done - his maps and graphics are amazing - but am going to add some pictures and Vids to illustrate his description.  I have borrowed his map below to reference the pictures from the Coleman Conquest camera I am using.  It is set to take pictures every 30s, unfortunately, I need to remember to clean the damn lens before I head out.  

Above: Starting at Phantom, heading past Boomerang, Cottle and joining the hydrolines.  The Hellevator starts from there...

Above - 9.  This is the junction. Take the Left off of the power lines trail to meet with connector trail leading to Nanaimo Lakes area:    

Above and Below: This is the type of terrain you can expect along much of the connector to the Hellevator...
 

Above: 10.  This is the entrance to "The Hellevator" - a technical trail joining power lines area to the Nanaimo Lakes roads.  At this point you have a choice, right or left...they both join back up within a few metres, but the choice is yours.  We chose the right... This is an essential local trail to know if you want to get out to the Nanaimo Lakes area easily. Hellevator because it is a challenge and it climbs - big time.


Above: The right fork...?  Well it's the one we went with.  And it worked for us.

The left fork...A trials bike seems to have "enjoyed" this one.  
And  a video of the Hellevator...



Above: Between #10 and #11 en route up DeCosmos...Great roads and rides.
#11: The gate in the background was open...and the views below were spectacular.  iPhones don't do it justice.



#13 The gaping Maw of the Deadhorse Creek Gold Mine...Cool even on a 30+C day.  Wet, bug ridden but intriguing...


This working looks new...in the distance looks like a new excavation since we were here last...

Above: Getting down to the mine is courtesy of two nylon ropes.

The only spoiler...2nd Lake gate shut on a Sunday.  Again.  Has it been open this year?  No problem.  We have several routes back. 

1 comment:

  1. Both yours and Andy's blogs are great references for anyone using the logging roads in any capacity, i myself am an avid hiker and use the logging roads often with the kids in our SUV. The roads on the North side of Decosmos look great, i have been meaning to hike that mountain and now i just need to find the most suitable trailhead. Thanks for the report!

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