GGG 2023 Gathering of Gear Geeks

[Mark Verber]

I am hoping to make it.  any plans for a gear swap / PIF / swap?

[David Gardner]

Welcome Catherine! If you haven’t followed the GGG’s before we have a lot of fun meeting & greeting, showing new gear, taking a tour of the various shelters, “competitions” such as wood and alcohol stove burn-offs and “weigh offs” of various items of kit, and of course many tales of adventure.

Tyler: I hope you make it. I’d like to check those out. I checked out your gear list too. Hope you finish all those MYOG items in time! Would love to see those too.

[peter v]

late august in california, even in the coast range, can be hot. do we need a canopy ?? because having the bartender standing all day in the sun just seems so .. colonial.

i’ve drawn a solid bead on one of those folding canopies. but it might take some lead time to extract it from storage.

[David Gardner]

Shade is a great idea. Canopy, tarps, umbrellas, wide brim hats, all. I may even drag my UL hand-pumped water mister out.

Good opportunity to try out a couple of UL solar ovens I have somewhere too.

New weigh-off category: Lightest solar oven that can boil 500 ml of water in less than an hour!  (We may have to forgo a wood stove burn off this year)

[Slim L]

New to the community but excited to attend! I got into UL just before the pandemic and have mostly been active on Reddit, but looking forward to making new local friends :)

[David Gardner]

Hey Slim, glad you can make it!

You got into UL just before the pandemic…does that mean you were trapped playing with gear for a couple of years because campgrounds and parks were closed, or were you able to get out?

Where are you coming in from? Let me know if you need a ride from a Bay Area airport. My route to the venue can be arranged to go by any or all of them.

[Mark Verber]

I am mostly carless. I could bike from home, but it would be less hassle to catch a ride.  Anyone passing through/near Mountain View who would be able to give me a lift?

 

[Glen Van Peski]

I’m strongly considering it, if only to see Peter V. And to show my new sub-10 oz, Whisper tent.  It’s a days drive, and I have to be back Sunday night, so would likely drive down Friday, be there Saturday, drive back Sunday.

[David Gardner]

Mark, I’ll be heading down your way on Friday around noon and returning Sunday afternoon, so let me know.

Glen, I hope you can make it. I’d love to see your Whisper tent.

[David Gardner]

To add to the excitement of the annual GGG alcohol stove burn-off (first to boil 500 ml of water starting with 20 ml of fuel in real-world conditions), in addition to my usual unbeatable competition rigs I will be bringing not one, but TWO alcohol stoves with on/off valves. The quest for alcohol stoves that meet the requirements for fire-restricted and wilderness areas moves ever forward!

That’s all I’m going to say about them now. If you want to see them, “be there or be square.”

[David Gardner]

Hey Gear Geeks, I just received a package from Jon Fong at Flat Cat Gear with some great UL stove gear: 3 Epicurean Stoves, 5 Cheetah windscreens for JetBoil type mug, 1 Ocelot for the Pocket Rocket Deluxe, and 1 Ocelot 6 for the Pocket Rocket Stove. I have a few of Jon’s other items from last year as well.

These will be awarded to winners of the various burn-offs and weigh-offs, and in the discretion of the Event Manager (me):

Burn-offs: Wood (speed), alcohol (speed and efficiency), canister (speed and efficiency)

Weigh-offs: 1P full tent, 2P full tent, bivvy, alcohol stove, wood stove, canister stove, cooking system (500 ml minimum, includes stove, windscreen, pot, lid, fuel container, sack; categories by fuel) 3-season sleep system, knife (1.5″ blade minimum), saws (4″, 6″, 8″+ of teeth), backpack (categories by capacity), fishing system (tenkara and reel), trekking poles (fixed and adjustable), camp shoes/sandals, and anything else anyone cares to suggest.

It would also be interesting to do a timed event for shelter set up, from pack to fully pitched.

[David Gardner]

More good news: I heard from Russ Zandbergen at Trail Designs, and he plans to be there Saturday and Sunday.  In a personal capacity, but I’m pretty sure he’s got a cool cooking setup and I’ve invited him to participate in the burn-offs.

[David Gardner]

This just in: Tyler R is sending some of his super-cool new UL sleeping pad inflators and BeFree water filter back-flushers to be given away as well.

We have some serious swag lined up now. Thanks Tyler!

Semi-final show of hands for attendance, please?

[Bob Shuff]

I am planning to be there, driving up Friday from Carlsbad. Curious about parking and if it will be possible to bikepack to the site. Let me know. I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting other gear geeks!

[David Gardner]

Bob, overnight parking is in a dirt lot about 1/2 mile back down the road from where you check in at the ranger station. There have been numerous bikepackers over the years, so it’s absolutely doable. If I wasn’t coming in with group equipment and supplies in a car I would consider doing it myself. A lot of downhill going in, steep climbs coming back. Looking forward to seeing you there.

[peter v]

so ; who’s collecting for this, who gets the money ? i have money. it’s no good until you get rid of it, i’ve heard.

also, how is our body count coming along ?

can i add a guy from work ? he really smart, and very polite.

[David Gardner]

Bring a friend! Bring many friends!

We need a minimum of 9. So far I count 8. Hoping for more.

[David Gardner]

I put up the $150 to reserve the site for two nights. I figure $20 each is fair. People usually pay me cash at the event.

[Slim L]

Confirming attendance for me and a friend. We’ll be driving from San Francisco!

[David Gardner]

See you there Slim & friend!

Hey everybody, passing along information received from the Park:

GETTING THERE
The trailhead for the hike-in group camps is the Coe Ranch Entrance (traditionally known as “Coe Headquarters”) at 9000 E. Dunne Ave, east of Morgan Hill. Take US 101 to the city of Morgan Hill and use the E. Dunne Ave exit. Go east on E. Dunne Ave and follow it all the way to its end at the Coe Ranch Entrance. It is a steep, winding road, so the drive from the freeway should take 30-40 minutes. Please note that the Coe Ranch Entrance can only be accessed via E. Dunne Ave from Morgan Hill. There are NO access roads through the park, despite what your GPS might tell you.
Please carpool. Parking is VERY limited, and there is little to no parking outside the park.

Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Camps
Manzanita Point offers 10 primitive hike-in camps for groups of 9 or more who want to sample the backpacking experience without the need to hike in all their gear.

THE HIKE
Starting from the Coe Ranch Entrance, the hike is 2 to 2.75 miles to the campsites and mostly a gradual descent following the Corral Trail, Springs Trail, and Manzanita Point Rd. The return journey to the trailhead along Manzanita Point Rd, Forest Trail, and Corral Trail is approximately 300 to 400 feet of elevation gain.

Hikers should wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good traction for walking on dirt, gravel, or unlevel surfaces. Wear appropriate clothing and sun protection for the weather, and carry enough water to make the trip (at least 2 liters per person).

Mountain bikers use Manzanita Point Rd to access the group camps. There are a few more ups and downs than the hiking route, but it is still an easy to moderate ride.

You may download a park map here.

AMENITIES
Picnic tables
Space for backpacking tents
Vault toilets (NO flush toilets)
Parking for up to 2 equipment vehicles
Seasonal pond for fishing or swimming within 1/2 mile
Access to hiking trails (China Hole is a moderate 5-mile round-trip hike from Manzanita Point)

NO DRINKING WATER, FLUSH TOILETS, OR SHOWERS
There is NO potable water at Manzanita Point or anywhere within 2 miles. Plan to carry in enough drinking water, food, and other provisions to last your stay. You will NOT be able to drive out to get more water or supplies.

In addition, there are NO flush toilets, NO hot water, and NO showers.

The only water near Manzanita Point is available seasonally at Bass Pond. This water needs to be purified before consumed.

NO CAMPFIRES DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited during wildfire season (usually late May through mid-November) or when dry conditions warrant a fire ban. Ground fires are NEVER allowed. Gas stoves and gas grills are permitted. Call (408) 779-2728 for current campfire restrictions.

NO TRASH COLLECTION
There is no trash collection at Manzanita Point. Please carry out all of your garbage. There is a trash trailer near the Visitor Center.

WEATHER
Dress for the season and in layers. Late fall through spring can bring rain and freezing temperatures at night, therefore it’s a good idea to bring ponchos, rain flies for tents, tarps, and warm clothing. During summer and early fall, temperatures average in the high 80s and reach into the 100s during a heatwave. Carry plenty of water (at least 4 liters per person) for day hikes, and limit activities on the hottest days.

CELLPHONE RECEPTION
Cell reception is largely dependant upon your provider. AT&T usually works pretty well at Manzanita Point. Verizon’s service is intermittent. With other providers, your phone is essentially an expensive paper weight out at the group camps.

RULES & REGULATIONS
Dogs are NOT allowed at the group camps, nor anywhere else inside the backcountry.
NO weapons or firearms
NO fireworks
NO smoking
NO collecting or damaging of plants, animals, or natural or cultural features
No wood or charcoal campfires for the remainder of wildfire season. Gas stoves, gas grills, and portable gas fire pits are ok. NO wood collecting.
Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am. NO amplified music.
Store food securely. There are NO storage lockers in the campground. There are no bears in the park, but there are foxes, coyotes, wild boar, raccoons, birds, and other smaller critters. Please protect yourself and your family and help keep park wildlife wild by storing food and other scented items in sealable and sturdy containers or in your vehicle with windows rolled up when not under your direct control. Please do not leave trash out.
Carry out all garbage. There is no trash collection at Manzanita Point. There is a trash trailer near the Coe Ranch Visitor Center where you may deposit your garbage before leaving the park.
Minimum occupancy is 9 persons

Park rangers will enforce the rules to protect the park’s natural resources and to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience. Violators will be subject to fine, citation, and/or ejection from the park.

DRIVE-IN VEHICLE CHECK-IN
Only 2 vehicles may drive into the site, and those two spots are taken. Everyone else will have to park in the dirt overflow parking lot about a half mile back down the road from the Ranger Station. The earliest check-in time is 2 pm, though your campsite may be available earlier if it was unoccupied the previous night. Please check in with park staff at the Visitor Center during business hours and no later than ONE hour before sunset. Driving on Manzanita Point Rd after sunset is not permitted for safety reasons, and there is a locked gate blocking Manzanita Point Rd at all times. Staff need to be present to let you through.

During check-in, park staff will collect your license plate numbers and any additional vehicle fees owed and speak with your equipment vehicle drivers and leaders regarding rules for vehicle access. Staff may also request you park your additional vehicles in the Entrance Parking Lot, which is 1/2-mile from the Visitor Center and trailhead.

All of your group’s gear must be loaded on to equipment vehicles and ready to go before park staff let you in through the locked backcountry gate. If anyone in your group arrives after the equipment vehicles drive in, they will need to carry their gear in by hand. Your equipment vehicles cannot drive back to pick up their gear.

VEHICLE CHECKOUT
Last checkout time is 12 pm.
Leave no trace. Please carry all of your garbage, along with your gear and supplies in one trip. You will NOT be allowed to drive back to your campsite to pick up anything you left behind. There is a trash trailer near the Visitor Center, and staff can show you where it is located.
When you arrive at the backcountry gate, either call (408) 779-2728 or walk down to the Visitor Center and ask staff to open the locked gate.

ADDITIONAL PARKING
PLEASE CARPOOL! Parking availability is VERY limited.
5 total vehicles are included in your pre-paid fees (2 equipment vehicles + 3 vehicles parking in Visitor Center lot). Additional vehicles are $8 per vehicle, per night. We will attempt to hold parking spaces for your group, but we cannot guarantee parking availability. We cannot guarantee additional parking.

EMERGENCIES
Dial 9-1-1. You may have cell reception at Manzanita Point. If not, there is a pay phone next to the Visitor Center.

[Nick Gatel]

Since there are so many illustrious people attending, I must join in.

[David Gardner]

New weigh-off category inspired by Nick Gatel!

Lightest flashlight powerful enough to read a book from 36″ away.

[Mark Verber]

Picking real world test like reading makes great sense. Do we level the playing field and had a fixed set of judges, or each person is asked to read an unknown  text using their own light?

No matter how bright the light is, I would fail. In the partially cloudy midday here, I can’t distinguish words at 36″ :(  When I read, books are less than 4-12″ from my eyes.

[David Gardner]

Mark, I meant the light must be 3′ from the book, but your eyes don’t need to be. We can choose judges at the events.

[Jon Fong / Flat Cat Gear]

3′ doesn’t seem that far to me

[Author]

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