GGG #8 Planning Survey

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I tried about a dozen times to post a map and links here. After making the entire post disappear for the umpteenth time, I gave up for a while. Again.

— Rex

Thanks for the effort Rex. 90% of those coming have been before. I have had a couple of messages from newbies. Since I can’t edit after a week anymore I will give a final update with links to maps and such the week of.

Water tanks at the park are nearly full and are operational. I will give a final update here this weekend on any changes and final details, instructions. Thanks everyone.

Anyone attending from southern Oregon, northern CA? I’m thinking of driving down from Arlington, WA, but am looking for a place to crash for a night, each way, as I don’t want to do the 900 miles all in one shot. Would be happy to give you a ride, of course.

Most up to date info here

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Prepare for wet weather….with Sunday looking good.

http://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/l/Henry+Coe+State+Park+5904:19:US

Plastic bags for your feet to wear inside your trail runners will go a long way to keeping your feet happy.

I like to use UPS plastic bags because they are extremely strong/difficult to tear and I have hiked in them before for many miles without them blowing out.

Fleece clothing will provide warmth even when damp.

Rain Mitts would be a nice thing to have on hand too.

This could be a great opportunity to weather test your shelter/clothing/gear….just considering carrying a back up of the same item, in case the test does not go well.

The key to happiness is going to be about staying warm and dry….with extra calories on hand to fuel your internal heat generation.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Tony

I think we should have people weigh their sleeping bags, then sleep in a fully zipped up and enclosed eVent/gore-tex bivy in the rain, then reweigh the sleeping gear and bags in the morning.

40F, short days, little sun, in the clouds, rain,  etc.   PERFECT chance to showcase eVent as a miracle fabric for moisture transportation.

Plastic bags and trail runners???

Since the hike in is more like a stroll….maybe rain boots are a better option. Unless one is testing their gear.

Kat….you and your LOGIC!

Come to think about it, I don’t have any rain boots….just trail runners and some old, 20 year old Vasque leather hiking boots that I only use for yard work.

Ken,

Hey, don’t you need any money from us to help cover the cost of reserving the camping sites???

Don’t want you going out of pocket for putting all of this together.

Tony

“Ken,

Hey, don’t you need any money from us to help cover the cost of reserving the camping sites???

Don’t want you going out of pocket for putting all of this together.”

Tony read below…

(Hint $5 payable to me in camp please. Please don’t make me need to make change.)

Advice: Pay for your parking and drop off your carpool buddies and gear at the car camping campground. Then park in the overflow lot that you passed on your way to the park HQ. Then walk the trail back to the HQ and meet up with your stuff and friends and hike to camp. Follow the black and white signs to the group camp. I’ll make it simple as I can to find us.

What: GGG 8

Who: All BPL. You need to let me know if you are intending to come so I can assure we have room for everyone.

When: January 22-24th 2016 Rain or shine, or snow it’s a go.

Where: Henry W. Coe State Park 9100 East Dunne Ave. Morgan Hill, CA 95037 Group sites G04&G05

Why: It’s a habit at this point. A great way to meet those who you only know online.

$$?: You’ll have to pay for parking at the park $8 a day. Pay me $5 a head in camp.

You can reach me at kenthompson2 (at) mac dot com David can be reached at goldgearlite (at) gmail dot com

Contest and prizes Bear bagging contest, Burn Off stoves contest, El Nino year pack weight contest, etc…

Parking lot Gear Swap on Sunday

Being an El Nino year anyone with a large tarp that they would be willing to share please bring it.

Two large tanks near camp are maintained with potable water now.

Marc will be bringing firewood for us all. We need a bit of a dry spell to be able to drive it into camp. Fingers crossed.

Edit: Does not look like we be able to get back there with the truck. Plan B or C

Ask your questions before Thurs. I’ll be leaving the house and will not respond once I am on the road.

Arriving after hours and parking

There is an iron ranger across from the park HQ building. Drive up, pay and then drive back down to the overflow lot. The gate might look like it is locked but in fact is not. Let yourself in, close the gate and take the trail back to the HQ and follow the Manzanita Point Rd. to camp. I’ll have some signage up (black and white squares) to help you along.

Ken,

Geez, you want me to READ?!

Thanks for the reminder….will make sure I have money for you.

Tony

Anyone heading out of the east bay Friday or Saturday with room for one more ?

I sent you a PM…..I can give you a ride.

Tony

Hi Everyone,

I tried to get some vendors to join us, but was unsuccessful. Most of them have little in the way of travel budgets (and free time), and though they wished they could come, it just isn’t possible. That being said, I have been able to secure a few cool things for this trip:

Zerogram Zero 1 Tent (a 630g single/double wall a-frame from a newer Korean manufacturer)

Big Sky Tents: Wisp, Chinook 1plus, Mirage 2, and Revolution 3p. I’ll be taking the 3p for my family, but PM me if you want to borrow the Wisp, Chinook or Mirage for the weekend. I’ll be coming in Saturday and leaving after breakfast Sunday.

Vargo Prizes and Stoves – Vargo sent us some cool items to be used as giveaways for whatever competitions that take place.

Various Wood Burning Stoves – I’ll have a smattering of stoves from Vargo, Toaks, Firebox, and maybe more, for you all to check out.

Klymit’s new Splash 25 waterproof pack with welded seams and integrated air-pad frame

Plus some random cool stuff from Borah Geah, Lukes Ultralite and maybe more.