An Information Letter for Future Guests of the Triple J Wagon Ride to Barkerville

Hi my name is Linda Morrison and I have been going on this trip for 4 years. Guess you can tell it is a lot of fun or I wouldn't keep doing it. You get to see some wonderful scenery, have great meals, laugh a lot and make new friends.

Since I have been doing it for so long, I have put some thought into what to bring. Ladies this year said they would like more information as to what to bring. It is a challenge as we have to keep the weight down to 45 lbs. I repacked my box four times till I got it right. What to bring depends on the weather of course. This year, we were very lucky and had great weather. Other years, we have worn our long coats most of the day. We are also wilderness camping and in the mountains, so it tends to be COOL and damp at night.

Suggestions as to what to bring

I like to ride in a short-sleeved cotton-type blouse with a bug shirt over it. To make a bug shirt, get a man's dress shirt, spray it with bug dope and put it in a zip lock bag. The shirt can be sprayed each night and put in the bag for the next day. I bring a couple of these bug shirts. The long-sleeve shirt also protects you from the sun. In the four years I have been doing this, the bugs have not been bad. Noseeums can be annoying, but the mosquitoes and black flies were not too bad. Bring sunscreen and Lypsil 30 or above. Make sure you have a wide-brimmed hat too.

Since it is mountain camping, I sleep in a jogging suit with a hooded top. Keep your head warm at night and your feet with wooly socks. If you have an Aussie long coat, you can put this over yourself at night. It makes a big difference to your comfort level. We usually go to bed with the sun and get up about 6:30 for breakfast about 7. Nights are sometimes very cool so bring a warm fleece or jacket.

Ibuprofen - we all know that laughter is the best medicine and we do a lot of that, but you might want to bring some. Even if you ride all the time, you still get a bit stiff and sore. ASA just doesn't do it. I want you to enjoy yourself, so even if you don't ever use IB, just bring some. We had two wagons this year, and if you do get sore, we encourage you to rest and enjoy a wagon ride. Rides can range from 3 to 7 hours with breaks of course. Some of us have sheep skin or gel seats for our saddles to ease discomfort.

Meals are good and usually on time. This is important to me as I am Type 2 diabetic. Other outfitters I have ridden with eat when we get to where we are going and that could be 2 p.m. for lunch and 8 p.m. for dinner.

Footwear is always my biggest concern. I have lace up riding boots that I can walk in if I have to. I also bring an old pair of runners for around camp. If it is a damp year, rubber boots are essential. They are heavy to pack, but good to have. Duck boots just don't do it. They get wet inside quickly. Check the long-range forecast before you come. Don't bring old boots that fall apart unless you have your own duct tape.

Leaving Stoney LakeAlong with a bathing suit, bring water socks or sandals you can wear in the water. Stoney Lake is not named for the sand at the bottom of the lake. Lovely sandy beach though. Bring a water bottle that can be tied on a saddle.


Tarps and tents are a good idea in a wet year. Try your tent out before you come. If you don't have a tarp, bring heavy plastic to cover it. You will be dry for sure. I use bulldog clips to clamp the plastic on. Works for me. Bring a copule of bungee cords just in case. Tent pegs have a rough time in the rocky ground so I bring 4 spikes. It has been suggested that you bring a foamy or self-inflating air mattress for comfort.

If the weather is on the damp side, make sure you bring gloves. I ride with gloves. Rain gear should include waterproof pants if you are wearing a short jacket. Bring a couple of pairs of jeans and save one for the last day into Barkerville. I save a nice blouse for the last day.

Bring your camera with lots of film and extra camera batteris. This year we had a generator, so batteries for video cameras could be charged, but don't count on it.

Facilities: Information for the Ladies- some campsites have an outhouse, others do not. There aren't any outhouses on the trail during the day. Toilet paper is supplied, but I like to take flushable wipes. I usually put 6 or so in a snack-size zip lock bag so you can slip it in your pocket for the day ride. This you can do ahead of time, as time is short in the morning. Think I got a refill package at Walmart for $1.77. Bring the rest of the package to wash hands or whatever. I usually wash off in the lakes or rivers we visit. They are very refreshing. A wash basin is available from the cook with a little warm water. That works too. I also use pantyliners. They stretch the use of underwear. Bring sanitary napkin stuff, because the stores are few and far between.

Here is a sample of our days on the trail.

*Day 1 - Leave from the Ranch and ride to Genevieve Lake. Short riding day. Lunch on the way.

*Day 2 - Breakfast about 7

*Day 3 - Breakfast about 7

*Day 4 - Breakfast about 7

*Day 5 - Breakfast at 7 *Day 6 - Breakfast *Day 7 - Breakfast, horse care, break camp Arriving in Barkerville *Day 8 - Breakfast later and we get to sleep in a bit.
This varies from year to year, but I think that gives you an idea of what the ride is like.