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Backpacking and Stargazing in Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve (6/25/2011)

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, Jun 25 2011, Sun, Jun 26 2011 10:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 10:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Jun 23 2011 11:55:00 PM

Event Duration:

Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Event Coordinator(s):

Jessie
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:

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

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

We will spend this weekend gazing at star-filled skies in the world's first permanent Dark Sky Reserve at Torrance Barrens, one of Ontario's best kept secrets.

A combination of ancient rock outcrops, peaceful wilderness, rare plants and wildlife makes Muskoka’s Torrance Barrens a unique Conservation Reserve. In 1999, the Barrens’ nighttime star-filled darkness was designated by the Ontario government as the world’s first permanent Dark Sky Reserve – a move that recognized the region as a protected space free from intrusion by urban light pollution. On these ancient rocks, we will watch the stars behind telescopes, binoculars, cameras or, as I intend to do, just with our eyes. I don't know any astronomy but just love the stars. Anyone with knowledge to share is welcome.

We will leave Toronto on Saturday morning and set out to hike during the day in the trails around this area. We'll then 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. If we are lucky, we may get to see the Northern Lights.

There will be no pre-meeting for this trip. All arrangements will be done by email.

We need drivers for this trip. Anyone signing up and willing to drive will be moved from the waiting list to the event immediately.

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

Backpack 50-60L
Hiking Boots
Suitable clothing for weather + spare
Whistle
Sleeping Bag
Toiletries + Toilet Paper
Headlamp
Nalgene wide-mouth water bottles or hydration bladder (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
Knife
Stove + Lighter
Pots + Cookware
Tent
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat + Bug Net
Water filter/treatment
Garbage Bag
Sandals
Gloves
Camera

How to Get There:

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

334Km

Carpool Departure Time:

10:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $86.17 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Thursday, November 21, 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!