Sunrise over Shrum

We just got back from our annual road trip to Alberta for Thanksgiving and my birthday. I snapped this shot in the morning from my parents dock. 

So I got around to installing the suspension lift this weekend. Without further ado, here's some pics.


My little helper


This bolt caused much problems. Couldn't get it out. Tried heat and everything. I had to leave due to fire fighter obligations and my friend cut it out while I was away. However, in the process he nicked the boot! Had I known that tons of grease would gush out of it on the way home I would have tried harder to patch it at his house. Needless to say, it's now wrapped in duct tape.


Other side went a lot smoother.




I read somewhere that the All-pro leafs rust up pretty quick so I gave them a coat of rocker guard Saturday night.


Old broken leaf pack


New vs. Old




All done for this weekend. Still need to do the bvp relocate bracket, braided brake line, and now a new CV boot!

Big thanks to my little helper, Pat, and The Gear Shop.

Notes:
-Pre-install measurements were 37" in the front and 36.5" in the rear from floor to fender. Post-install measurements were 37" in the front (had a 2" leveling lift before) and 39" in the back. The truck has quite a bit of rake.
-The ride is VERY smooth . It doesn't feel like the same truck!
-Had to cut out one of the front spring eye bolts. Had purchased some knowing that it might come to this.
-Broke one of the grease nipples on the OME greasable shackles tightening it in. OD'OH!
-Found that the bottom bolt on the sway bar links was easier to remove than the top bolt

Eagle Pass Attempt #1

Last weekend a friend and I went up to Eagle Pass Mountain to snowshoe in the snow. We made it to within 4.5 km of the Eagle Pass Summit trail head by truck and decided to start snowshoeing from there as there was snow on the road. We made it to the trail head just after 12:00 pm (1500m). There was 56cm of snow there. We dropped our packs and went up the trail a bit to see what it was like but it was difficult walking as the alder was snow pressed. All in all it was a fun adventure and good excersize.

Here is a short time lapse video

And here is a GIF


This is where we turned around

Here is a pretty photo

Loki gets spooked!

Yesterday I convinced the family to go for a walk. Mica wanted to show Mommy the secret trail over the log. Loki came as well.

When we arrived at the trail head I noticed two horses with riders and a loose dog coming around the corner. I knew Loki would get spooked and he did of course. The horses passed up and it took awhile but Loki slowly cautiously started following me after I went back to get him. Just as I got him one of the two riders came galloping back! Loki disappeared and wouldn't come back.

We called and we called but he wasn't trusting us anymore. So, we headed back to the house hoping we'd seem him following us from a distance but he didn't. We then made supper, watched a movie, and put Mica to bed.Still no sign of Loki.

I decided to go back to the trail and look for him. I drove the car to the trail head and grabbed my trusty light. I got out the car completely scared stiff of walking into the forest in the dark, calling for Loki. After about 20 m in I heard a little squeak off into the really tall dark forest, then clawing on a tree as if an animal was climbing down a tree, I figured it must be Loki but the sound was coming from about 15 m off the trail. I actually walked towards him - terrified as hell of course - but alas he finally appeared sauntering towards me.

He had been there for about 3 hours. I picked him up by the scruff and carried him over to the car. He snuggled into Mica's car seat on the way home.

16 Acres on the Kettle

Spent 4 fabulous days at "16 acres" August long in part to celebrate our 3 year wedding aniversary (that's where we were married) and also just to relax, float down the river, and hang out with some great friends and family.

Things of note that happened:

- Scott lost his wedding ring and put out a 100 dollar bounty.

- I snorkelled extensively in pursuit of Scott's 100 bounty.

- We went to Collville, Washington where I tried on many cowboy boots.

- Simon found a rattle snake by the path to the beach.

- Went accross the line to the Danville store just to buy cheap beer.

- Jumped off a rock into the river from almost 30 feet up.

- Simon slept in a hammock.

- Emily and Alisa painted.

- Sammy swam all the way accross the river!

-Scott and Emily stood on either end of Scott's canoe and tried to see who would bail first. I then had to try against Emily and won.

- Dylan's friend made a home-made head lamp using duck tape.

This place is truly amazing and I feel very fortunate to have the privalge to visit. The whole weekend was pretty much awesome!