Leaving cars overnight in the woods

[jkurek]

I find one of the most challenging aspects of planning a multi-day canoe trip is figuring out what to do with the cars and getting one to the take-out spot. I am hesitant to leave cars overnight in the woods because of past experiences (ie my car was treated like a tin can and opened w/ a crow bar near Fundy).

How do others generally feel about leaving cars for a few days, either on the side of road or in the woods, near the put-in or take-out spots?

Does anyone know of a shuttle service (or friend/family member) near Blackville/Doaktown that won't charge a ridiculous amount?

thanks...josh

[strainer]

I am not a fan of leaving my car over night. I hear way to many stories. I think your best bet when leaving a car over night is to have nothing of value in it and leave it unlocked. This way they will not smash the windows to get inside. Plus there is nothing worth taking if you empty it.

There is still the worry of them trashing the car or vandalizing it for fun. Just the other day, in Petitcodiac, we parked my friends car along side of the road so we could do a small run down the Petitcodiac. We parked where there was lots of traffic. When we came back to the car, two tires were flat! Luckily someone only let the air out for fun and did not slash them.

Let me know when you are going to take a trip down the river in Blackville or Doaktown. I have family there (I grew up on the Caines!). I should beable to arrange some transportation.

[Ken Corbett]

I find hiring a shuttle driver saves time and gas money. Sure, it costs, but you don't lose a half-day at both ends and a tank of gas driving there and back again.

Plus you don't have to worry about your car sitting unwatched on a woods road. My car hasn't been damaged, but we've all heard the horror stories.

I used to have a topic here where folks could check for shuttle drivers among us members, but no one showed any interest, so I closed it.

Should I start it up again?

[tickles]

I was think the same thing while reading your post ken. A fourm to post for shuttle drivers, probably a small chance of finding one, everyone wants to help but some times just can't.
I wonder what the general rate is, so much per K or hour?

As for leaving my car in the woods a 06 impreza I would not worry about it to much. Thats what insurance is for. I like to think a newer car in the woods would be safer than a old one, but It really depends if the said thugs are drunk or not I supose. I would worry more about leaving my 82 jeep scrambler in the woods than my car. I think I'm happy just leaving with most of my gear and my friends and life.
Joel

[mitchell]

Yes Ken I completely agree with you. I never have a problem paying for shuttle services. It is nice not to have to worry about having someone meet you at a specific time or waiting at the take out. You also don't have to worry about your vehicle. I never worried much though about leaving a vehicle until Kyle's vehicle was vandalized last summer. I use Tammy's services 3 or 4 times a year on the St. Criox. You can just leave after work Friday night and not worry about the shuttling issues.

As for prices, I think it is based more on remotness than kms or hours. Up north for instance can run $150 for a shuttle on a fairly close but remote river. My father and I gladly paid over $200 usd last year on the Allagash but it would have easily costs that to get someone to follow us and pick us up. Tammy's rates are quite reasonable at $60. Also, Riverrat, here on the board, shuttled us last year on the Miramichi half moon trip for $50 per vehicle and left them in a field behind his house before Norrads bridge. That was well worth not having to worry about transportation or leaving a vehicle unattended for a couple days. I just wish more shuttling services were offered in NB.