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October/November 2006 News |
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The new four lane stretch between Furry Creek and Comic Rocks is now partially complete. Concrete barrier dividers now prevent any southbound traffic from entering the future right-in & right-out planned entrance, or the current optimum parking spot of Britannia Forest Service Road several hundred meters to the south. Those traveling from the north wishing to climb at Comic Rocks need to drive south to Furry Creek and head back north. The best current parking, as mentioned, is at the Britannia FSR entrance (then walk north along the highway). There is a pull out now directly adjacent to the old entrance, but it is not an official parking option. The contractor states that the oncoming rains will delay paving of the new off and on ramp until spring 2007. |
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An article in the Chief newspaper, '20-year Smoke Bluffs Park odyssey almost a reality' speaks to the state of the Smoke Bluffs Park initiative to date. Much work is still continuing behind the scenes. |
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Several developments here. According to the contractor, it plans on having traffic moving through the newly designed four lanes approaching from the north by December. Some of the boulders with problems on them at the base of Nightmare are now very exposed to traffic. |
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We have received affirmation from our contacts at the contractor that no more incursion will occur at Nightmare. Here is what is left of the problem closest to the highway. Yes, it was on the road, but some of us had fun on it while it was there. |
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Furthermore, forest clearing has begun for the southbound slowdown lane into Murrin Park. This has left a buffer of about 20-30 feet between the Lost Boulders and the new clearing. We are seeking confirmation that the depth of forest cleared to date is at its maximum. There is still a visual buffer, but the undergrowth and canopy has been reduced substantially- it will seem the highway is closer. |
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Work at the Papoose has started in earnest now with blasting occurring regularly between the highway and the cliff. Here is a photo of the current situation (mid-October) on the site. As of late October, we understand significant work has started at the North end of the buttress in front of the Papoose. |
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As of mid-October, the contractors had posted two signs for climbers at the entrance of the trail heads, which denote blasting times. The most current information indicates this may have changed. Do not enter the trail head during any posted times of blasting. We are working on clarification of the large no entry signage which is presumed to mean vehicular traffic/casual pedestrian only, and on potential new developments which leave the area devoid of any signage (as of late October). Parking is still possible at modified Shannon Falls entrance or potentially across the highway. This work is ongoing until summer 2007. |
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