[ARDF] Mount Pinos ARDF Saturday July 16

[Homingin at aol.com]

The last in a series of southern California events leading up to the USA ARDF 
Championships takes place on July 16 at Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National 
Forest.  It is open to anyone of any age, with or without a ham radio license.

This ARDF course will be "advanced" level, about the same length as typical 
national championship courses, with five two-meter transmitters.  Although it 
is intended as training for experienced radio-orienteers, it can be completed 
by newcomers who are capable of walking or running at high elevation for at 
least 5 kilometers.  There will not be any short-range "beginner" transmitters, 
nor any 80-meter transmitters.  Course-setter Marvin Johnston KE6HTS will be on 
hand to teach the basic techniques of on-foot direction-finding.

Mount Pinos terrain is mostly runable forest.  The air is clear, and there is 
no poison oak. Be sure to bring your own water.  Scoring will be electronic. 
If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it.  There will be a $5 per person 
charge for the use of Los Angeles Orineteering Club's equipment.

Please be on time for this event.  The radio-O group will meet at the McGill 
Campground day-use parking lot at 10:30 and carpool to the starting point at 
or near the Nordic Center (8300' elevation) three miles beyond the campground.  
We'll try to monitor 146.52 MHz simplex for ham operators, but may not be 
able to hear you if you're not close by.

Directions: Take Frazier Park exit and go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. 
 Continue 8 miles, passing Frazier Park and Lockwood Valley Road (which is 
your last chance for supplies and water).  Four miles beyond the Lockwood Valley 
turnoff, stay left at the fork onto Mt Pinos Road.  (If you reach Pine 
Mountain Club, turn around.)  Go another five climbing, winding, miles to McGill 
Camp on your right.  As you enter the campground, the day parking lot is on your 
right just before the road goes out to the campsites.

Overnight camping is available for $12 per campsite on a 
first-come-first-served basis at McGill Campground.  The campground is dry, so bring your own 
water.

As of June 2005, USFS Adventure Passes are no longer required at Mt. Pinos in 
the summer months.

Questions? Send e-mail to marvin at rain.org 

73,
Joe Moell K0OV
www.homingin.com