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Backpacking and Stargazing in Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve (7/5/2014)

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, Jul 5 2014, Sun, Jul 6 2014  11:00 AM  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 AM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Jun 29 2014 6:00:00 PM
Event Duration:Saturday July 5 to Sunday July 6
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): Charlene B
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:6
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 7 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
We will spend this weekend gazing at star-filled skies in the world's first permanent Dark Sky Reserve at Torrance Barrens, 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 spend the day hiking the trails, a total of about 8 kilometers. We'll 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. If we are lucky, we may get to see the Northern Lights. Sunday morning we'll have a common breakfast, perhaps a swim and head back to Toronto, stopping for lunch on the way back. We should be back in Toronto by mid to late afternoon, depending - as always - on traffic.
There will be no pre-meeting for this trip. All arrangements will be done by email so be sure to have regular access or you may be dropped from the trip.

If you do not have a history with the club and/or are new to backpacking you must indicate in the notes section your previous experience and/or that you have PROPER gear.

NOTE: This may be a short hike in terms of distance, but you must be able to carry a loaded pack on rocky, hilly and rugged terrain and maintain a good pace.

We need drivers for this trip. Anyone signing up and willing to drive will be moved from the waiting list to the event immediately.

< DRIVERS: WHEN YOU SIGN UP INDICATE HOW MANY PASSENGERS YOU CAN TAKE


Required Items to Bring:
You will carry what you bring, so PACK LIGHT.
  • Backpack 50-60L
  • Hiking Boots
  • Suitable clothing for weather + spare
  • Whistle
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Toiletries + Toilet Paper
  • Headlamp
  • Nalgene wide-mouth water bottles or hydration bladder (total capacity should be or exceed 2L)
  • Cup, Bowl, Eating Utensils
  • Shared gear TBA via e-mail
  • Snacks and one (cold) trail lunch. Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast will be common meals.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • First-aid Kit
  • Knife
  • Stove + Lighter
  • Pots + Cookware
  • Tent
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat + Bug Net
  • Water filter/treatment
  • Garbage Bag
  • Sandals
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Smile and sense of adventure

How to Get There:
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):334Km
Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 AM
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $86.17 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Friday, April 26, 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!