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Introduction to backpacking at Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve (10/13/2012)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Overnight

Event Location:

Torrance Barrens ( near Gravenhurst)

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Oct 13 2012, Sun, Oct 14 2012 10:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 10:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Oct 4 2012 2:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Event Coordinator(s):

Stefan A
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

7 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Torrance Barrens is the world's first permanent Dark Sky Reserve, one of Ontario's best kept secrets. The gently rolling hills offer a 360 view of the horizon and an open sky dome above. This area is frequented by astronomers at night, so we might see people with telescopes observing the stars.

We will leave Toronto on Saturday morning and set out to hike less than 3K to where we will set up camp on this crownland, cook a common dinner, and get ready for the night skies to wrap us with their magic on Saturday night.

After dusk, we will let the fire die down and look up to the sky. There shouldn't be much moonlight in the sky that night. If there aren't any clouds either, we should be illuminated by very bright stars.

There may be an opportunity on both Saturday and Sunday morning to go hiking along the trails of torrance barrens for about 10 km without carrying our heavier equipment.

This trip is a good introductory trip for those who would like to experience cooler weather backcountry camping.

A pre-meeting for this trip will be held on Thursday, October 4th, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Coffee Time at 851 Danforth Avenue (near Donlands subway station) to discuss car pooling arrangements, trip expectations, route, food planning and equipment. If you are unable to make the pre-meeting you must contact me to make alternative arrangements, or you will be dropped from the trip.

We will need Carpool drivers for this trip - please confirm in the notes how many people you can take in your vehicle including yourself. Those willing to drive will get priority on the waiting list.

Required Items to Bring:
You will carry what you bring, so pack light.

Backpack 50-60L
Backpacking footwear
Suitable clothing for weather + spare set
Sleeping Bag (rated for -7 C or better)
Thick insulating sleeping pad
Firesteel / lighter / matches and firestarter
Whistle
Toiletries + Toilet Paper
Headlamp, preferably with red spectrum option so our eyes remain adjusted to low light levels during skywatching.
Wide-mouth water bottles (total capacity should be or exceed 2L)
Cup, Bowl, Eating Utensils
Food - will be discussed at pre-meeting

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

First-aid Kit
Stove + Lighter
Pots + Cookware
Tent
Sunglasses
Water filter/treatment
Garbage Bag
Gloves
Camera

How to Get There:

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

342Km

Carpool Departure Time:

10:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $88.24 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Wednesday, May 1, 2024). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

Notes:

- We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.

Cost Includes:

Common food and carpool cost will be calculated separately. There is no cost for camping.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!