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Introduction to winter backpacking and snowshoeing at Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve (1/4/2014)

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, Jan 4 2014, Sun, Jan 5 2014 8:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Jan 3 2014 9:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Jessie
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:

8 (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. We will then do a few hours of snowshoeing/XC skiing on and off the trails till evening,returning to cook a common dinner and make a campfire.

Sunday morning we will again go for snowshoeing/XC skiing after breakfast.

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 on snowy / icy terrain. 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.

There will be no pre-meeting for this trip. All planning will be done by email.

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.

All checklists will be shared by email. Anyone who is not prepared with adequate gear for the cold weather will be turned away from the carpool location to ensure safety of all.

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

Backpack
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 - please indicate if you are fine with a common vegetarian meal or if you would prefer to make your own.

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):

350Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $90.30 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Saturday, April 27, 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!