GGG in Southern CA

I just looked at the shots of the 2.5. I'll be very interested to see it in person. Of course I'd really need to have one for 6 months or so to do a thorough evaluation.:-)

Thanks Stephen for doing the footwork to make this happen.

Looking forward to seeing the new MLD 2.5 Mid. For anyone who missed these on FB here are a few pxts:

Edited for pxts

Thanks Don!
"I'll be parking at the nearest legal street parking spot. :-) There is plenty of street parking near the trailhead."

I just signed up.

The weather report is very good for next weekend. There was some potential rain but that seems to have gone away. Maybe some clouds on Fri with Sat/Sun clear. Temps at around 70 during the day and low 50's at night. I love the CA weather.

For the Gear Swap I'll be bringing a single wall Tarptent Moment, a Jack's R Better Sierra Sniveler 25-30 degree (was advertised as 20 degrees when I bought it) quilt with the old 8" baffle design and a very lightly used MSR Sweetwater filter. I can provide pictures if necessary or you can see them in person.

I look forward to being there.

I have so much stuff for swap. Did everyone decide where and when the swap will take place?

I couldn't get anyone to donate the use of their parking lot for the swap. I guess they don't realize who we all are!
The plan is to have the swap at the Eaton Canyon equestrian parking area. I'll create a map showing where that is and post the link later. It's only a mile or so down the road from the trailhead.
I'm thinking we'll plan on gathering there about 12pm giving everyone time to have breakfast, break camp and head back to their cars. Other suggestions anyone?

Morning Don,

I can't remember, is anyone/someone bringing names tags?

Yes indeed I have the nametags made so everyone can tell who's who. The problem will be getting everyone to wear them. :-)

On second thought I've decided the Eaton Canyon parking is too much of a zoo on Sundays. I was up there about noon today and it was absolutely full to say nothing of the Sheriffs cruiser sitting there to keep people from parking where they shouldn't. I think some of you mentioned early on about it being crowded.
Further down the road is Victory Park where there was lots of activity but plenty of parking available to that's where we'll hold the swap.

Map link: http://goo.gl/maps/fkEQx

I read that water is available at Henninger flats. Can someone verify that for me? I would hate to lug a weekends worth of water uphill.

also I registered as coming in on saturday, but i think we decided to come up friday night instead. Not sure if it's important to let you know.

There is definitely water available up there. In the past the water at Henniger was treated by the County, but the last time I was up there they had a sign tell you to treat the water. They may have rectified the problem since then, but I would bring water treatment just in case.

Good to know! Thanks!

As I understand it there has been no change in the water at Henninger. They did post a sign about treating the water due to the system they've been using for years not meeting the regulatory agencies requirements. I asked the fire dept. personnel up there if they drank the water as is and the answer was yes. The county has budgeted for upgrades to the water system but who knows when that project will start.
I've never treated water up there but if anyone is concerned please do treat/filter/zap as needed.

I decided to fit in a movie or two. Showing for your pleasure and enjoyment will be the Muir Project's "Mile, Mile & A Half" about hiking the John Muir Trail and/or the PCT Class of 2011 film about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail during the epic snow year of 2011.

Sounds fun – who's bringing a microwave to make popcorn? ;)

Back on MLD mids: Does anyone want to see in person:

– A Duomid (silnylon or cuben)?
– A Cricket (silnylon or cuben)?
– a Trailstar (silnylon)?
– a Bigstar (Large sized Trailstar, silnylon)?

If so, please tell me, either here or via PM. Otherwise, I will just pack in the Prototype 2.5 mid to show and use. I'm not going to pack in the old favorite mids unless someone want to see them in person – just old and lazy, I guess!.

Hey Don, I also have "Six Million Steps-A Journey Inward" to contribute. It is a documentary about the PCT.

If I can only make it up for a day I'm assuming Saturday would be best?

Sure Lonna bring the CD maybe we'll do two nights of movies. I'll have to work on the popcorn issue.:-)

Yes Craig Sat. would be the day to come since most of the activity will be on that day.

If anyone is planning to come up very late on Friday the trailhead gate locked at night as far as I know. Does anyone have any personal experience about when the gate actually does get locked?

"Does anyone have any personal experience about when the gate actually does get locked?"

They lock the gate at sunset. The first and only time I used that gate I got locked in. I'm guessing I missed the cut off by less than 30 minutes. Anyway, unless you're very familiar with the area at night, the only other sensible way is to enter, on foot, through the Eaton Canyon Nature Center parking lot as marked on this map: http://goo.gl/TdiI5g Just take the main trail (it's a dirt road esentialy) to the Mt Wilson road. Make sure you go up to the bridge and not under.

I don't know about everyone else, but this is my plan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xyy5qqyZ4Q

Also, If I come up late Fri. night I won't be able to get in the gate, so I will need to enter at another entrance is that right?

I believe they lock the gate to the Eaton Canyon Nature Center parking area at sunset also. Does anyone have info to the contrary about this?

There is another trailhead entry and small parking area on Altadena Dr. south of the Pinecrest trailhead. I don't believe there is a gate there so that's about the only entry to go in after dark unless one wants to climb a fence.

This shot from Google Maps doesn't show a gate. http://goo.gl/maps/79wGx

What time does the gate open on Saturday morning?

The Pinecrest gate is supposed to be open at sunrise (approximately 6:30am).

If it's a positive that the other entry has no gate I'll probably do that Friday, is that location okay to leave the car all weekend without getting a ticket or towed?