So Cal GGG 2018

[Don A.]

Time to get the ball rolling.  I’m thinking May 4,5,6 for this years event.  Once again at Henninger Flats.  I know there are many lurking BPL members in this area and it would be great to see some new faces in attendance. Consider this a conversation initiating post.  I’m open to a change of date, location etc.

Here is a link to last years event.    2017 SoCal GGG

[BlackHatGuy]

Are you selling rain insurance this time?

[W I S N E R !]

That works for me.  I’ll plan on it Don, at least for one night.  Let me know if I can help with anything.

[Bob Shuff]

I was a no show last year due to a conflict of some kind.  This year looks wide open for me and my son.  It’s in our calendar.

I’ll spread the word at the SoCal Hang next weekend.  You can find that on Hammock Forums or Facebook to still register.  There’s usually plenty of campsites for ground dwellers – we won’t look down on you (figuratively).  Falcon group camp near BlueJay.

[Don A.]

“Are you selling rain insurance this time?”

Doug, the proverbial jokester strikes again.  I was trying to avoid mention of last years “moisture problem.”

All we can do is hope the weather Gods spare us.  Any prediction of a major weather system moving in may cause a change of plans.  Granted we all could survive gnarly weather but a GGG calls for gentler conditions allowing for social interaction, mild imbibing and……...

[Miner]

Well, I don’t see why I can’t show up, but we’ll see as we get closer.  It certainly can’t get any worse than last year; well unless it also snows. :p

[Michael B]

Have room for some Central coasters ?? Easy enough drive from Santa

Barbara area..

[Don A.]

Of course Michael, all are welcome including friends, family and heavy haulers.  We managed to survive Doug last year after all!

The gate at the trailhead appears to be wide open rather than being locked at sunset as it used to be.  Anyone wanting to night hike in can do it now without climbing the fence.

The water system rebuild project is still a work in progress.  I’ll have some water hauled in but it’s hard to predict how many will show up which would dictate the water needs. I’ll may have more info later. At this point I’d advise everyone to bring extra water assuming a possible semi-dry camp. There is a reliable water source 2.6 miles from camp. It’s a pleasant day hike destination to have lunch at.

 

[Matthew / BPL]

Sounds good to me!

[Don A.]

Everyone seems to be ok with the dates and location this year.  From my perspective it’s official. Here are the details:

<span style=”color: #808080;”><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>GGG/SOCAL 2018 </span> </span>

When: May 4, 5, 6 (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Where:  Henninger Flats in the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena.  This will be the 5th year for this gathering. Pit toilets and firewood provided. There are no fire rings but there are standing camp stoves with open fronts. The facility is operated by the County of Los Angeles Fire Dept. It’s about a 2.7 mile hike with a 1300′ elevation gain.

There is currently no water at Henninger as I mentioned in a previous post. See that post for more detailed water info.

I’ll reserve the entire Fuji Camp area which is uppermost camp.  There are three camping areas. Lower camp is the first area to the left of the road/trail past the sign. On your right will be a signed trail leading up the hill to Upper Camp. Past Upper Camp and higher up is Fuji Camp.

Map: http://tinyurl.com/ll5eagle

Parking: There is plenty of street parking a short walk from the trailhead.  Pay close attention to the signs since the parking closest to the trailhead is restricted to no overnight parking.

Cost: $0

Questions:  Ask

[W I S N E R !]

See you there, at least for one night.  Thanks Don.  Let me know if I can help with anything.

[Don A.]

WISNER! Glad to hear you can come again and thanks for the offer of help.  I think everything is covered but I’ll let you know.  If the weather starts to look sketchy your tarp might be called for.

[Don A.]

Just in case any one is thinking only the people who have posted here will be attending, there are a others who are on the GGG/SoCal email list that will be showing up. Any one who wants to be on email list just pm me your email address.  Trust me, I don’t sell email addresses.

I just got word today that the ranger will haul water for us. I hope to get a better handle on how many will be showing up by then to determine how much we might need, otherwise I’ll have to wing it. So to that end, if you’re planning to come, let me know.

The long range weather report indicates warm temps and no hint of a repeat of last years rain.  I don’t depend too much on long range reports but its something that gives me hope.  I’ll keep monitoring it of course.

As always there will be some freebies to hand out. Nothing of great value but always of use for the lightweight backpacker.  Who won’t hike a few miles for a freebie?

[Matthew / BPL]

I’m pretty interested.

[BlackHatGuy]

Matthew, you’re in Phoenix, right?

[Matthew / BPL]

Yes indeed

[Stephen Bing]

I’ll try to make it!

[Don A.]

If you want to add your name to the GGG/SoCal mailing list please pm me and include your email address in the message.  The pm system only send out no reply messages with no indication of the senders address.

[Don A.]

Nobody should have “weather” excuses for not coming.  The latest NOAA weather report is indicating sunny sky, highs is in the low 70’s and lows in the high 50’s. About perfect in my world.

Here are a couple of shots from the 2005 event. Just for fun some may want to try to do a SUL trip.  Take a look at Aaron Sorenson’s polycro shelter.  Not sure if his SUL kit weight included his dog or not.

[Miner]

Are you sure the gate is no longer locked?  If I showed up Friday night after 8pm, would I be able to hike up in the dark?  I’m assuming my 40F quilt will be warm enough.  Hopefully we don’t get a marine layer moving in at night, as I suspect the altitude of the camp is at the right or is it wrong altitude.

I’m crossing my fingers that Ron at MLD will ship my new bivy sack by Friday as my Borah Bivy’s zipper is giving out.  It’s already been 8 weeks, but the website now shows 8 to 12 weeks.

[Don A.]

The pedestrian gate was actually taken out the last time I was up there.  I’ll drive up to confirm that it’s still off in a day or two to confirm. I think they decided that having a resident responsible for locking and unlocking the gate wasn’t in the best interest of all concerned.

Hard to say about the any marine layer or cloud cover.  The report is for mostly clear sky.  By Wed there should be a more accurate report. Yes, Henninger is at the right and/or wrong altitude for clouds/marine layers but I’m not seeing it as a problem this year.

Hope your bivy arrives.  I’d like to see it.

 

 

 

[BlackHatGuy]

Since I’ll be in Phoenix the week of the 8th, I was thinking of coming down early to attend, but decided against it. So you can breathe easier now…. And it probably won’t rain too.

[Matthew / BPL]

I’m still undecided if I’m going to make the drive out but I’ll likely bring my bivy if I do!

Is there an RSVP list you can share?

[Don A.]

Sorry you won’t make it Doug.  If the “Dougster” gossip gets too intense I’ll try and put in a good word for you!!

Matthew–You don’t want to be saying later I wish I’d been there.  Come join us.  Regarding the RSVP list, the first year I did an online signup list. It wasn’t really an RSVP list since the camping area can accommodate lots of people and I just tell the Country Fire Dept. that runs the camp that the group is coming up.

As these things go there are people who say they’re coming and some don’t show up.  Then there are always a number of people who don’t say anything and do show up.  Plus, we always have a the assorted group that day hike in on Sat.

 

 

[Don A.]

Looks like a total 180 degree flip from last years weather.  Pack light and enjoy the warmth. :-)

Per NOAA

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84

Friday night:  Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86

Saturday night:  Partly cloudy with a low around 63.

Sunday:  Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
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