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Introduction to winter backpacking at Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve (2/25/2012)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Overnight

Event Location:

Torrance Barrens ( near Gravenhurst)

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Feb 25 2012, Sun, Feb 26 2012 10:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 10:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Tue, Feb 21 2012 9:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Jessie
Stefan A
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

6 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Torrance Barrens is the world's first permanent Dark Sky Reserve, one of Ontario's best kept secrets.

A combination of ancient rock outcrops, peaceful wilderness, rare plants and wildlife makes Muskoka’s Torrance Barrens a unique Conservation Reserve. In 1999, the Barrens’ nighttime star-filled darkness was designated by the Ontario government as the world’s first permanent Dark Sky Reserve – a move that recognized the region as a protected space free from intrusion by urban light pollution.

We will leave Toronto on Saturday morning and set out to hike / snowshoe less than 3K to where we will set up camp on this crownland, cook a common dinner, and get ready for the night skies to wrap us with their magic on Saturday night.

There may be an opportunity on Sunday morning after our common breakfast to go hiking / snowshoeing for about 8 km without our heavier equipment (which we can pick up on our way back from the camp).

This trip is a good introductory trip for those who would like to experience cold weather backcountry camping. You must have previous backpacking / camping experience and be able to hike /snowshoe the 3K distance on snowy / icy terrain with a heavy backpack (and the 8K without the backpack). Experienced backpackers are also very welcome! If you have not been on a backpacking trip with the TOC before, please mention your experience in the Notes section while signing up.

A pre-meeting for this trip will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 at 8:00pm to discuss car pooling arrangements, trip expectation, route, food planning and equipment at Chalkers Pub Billiards & Bistro, 247 Marlee Avenue, North York. If you are unable to make the pre-meeting you must contact me to make alternative arrangements, or you will be dropped from the trip.

We will need Carpool drivers for this trip - please confirm in the notes whether you have winter tires and how many people you can take in your vehicle. Those willing to drive will get priority on the waiting list.

Icers are mandatory on this trip. The icer is held to your boot with a set of Velcro straps, and helps provide traction on slippery ice.

This is Stefan`s first overnight event as a volunteer coordinator. Please direct all queries to him!

Required Items to Bring:
You will carry what you bring, so pack light.

Backpack 50-60L
Winter boots
Suitable clothing for weather + spare set
Sleeping Bag (rated for -20 C or better)
Thick insulating sleeping pad
Firesteel / lighter / matches and firestarter
Icers (to provide traction when hiking on ice)
Whistle
Toiletries + Toilet Paper
Headlamp
Wide-mouth water bottles (total capacity should be or exceed 2L)
Cup, Bowl, Eating Utensils
Food - will be discussed at pre-meeting

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

First-aid Kit
Snowshoes
Icepicks
Stove + Lighter
Pots + Cookware
Tent
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Water filter/treatment
Garbage Bag
Gloves
Camera
Alternate footwear to use when drying boots

How to Get There:

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

334Km

Carpool Departure Time:

10:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $86.17 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Sunday, April 28, 2024). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

Notes:

- We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.

Cost Includes:

Common food and carpool cost will be calculated separately. There is no cost for camping.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!