The last in a series of local events leading up to the USA ARDF Championships takes place on July 16 at Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest. It is open to anyone of any age, with or without a ham radio license.

This ARDF course will be "advanced" level, about the same length as typical national championship courses, with five two-meter transmitters. Although it is intended as training for experienced radio-orienteers, it can be completed by newcomers who are capable of walking or running at high elevation for at least 5 kilometers. There will not be any short-range "beginner" transmitters, nor any 80-meter transmitters. Course-setter Marvin Johnston KE6HTS will be on hand to teach the basic techniques of on-foot direction-finding.

Mount Pinos terrain is mostly runable forest. The air is clear, and there is no poison oak. Be sure to bring your own water. Scoring will be electronic. If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it. There will be a $5 per person charge for the use of Los Angeles Orineteering Club's equipment.

Please be on time for this event. The radio-O group will meet at the McGill Campground day-use parking lot at 10:30 and carpool to the starting point at or near the Nordic Center (8300' elevation) three miles beyond the campground. We'll try to monitor 146.52 MHz simplex for ham operators, but may not be able to hear you if you're not close by.

Directions: Take Frazier Park exit and go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. Continue 8 miles, passing Frazier Park and Lockwood Valley Road (which is your last chance for supplies and water). Four miles beyond the Lockwood Valley turnoff, stay left at the fork onto Mt Pinos Road. (If you reach Pine Mountain Club, turn around.) Go another five climbing, winding, miles to McGill Camp on your right. As you enter the campground, the day parking lot is on your right just before the road goes out to the campsites.

Overnight camping is available for $12 per campsite on a first-come-first-served basis at McGill Campground. The campground is dry, so bring your own water.

As of June 2005, USFS Adventure Passes are no longer required at Mt. Pinos in the summer months.

Questions? Send e-mail to marvin@rain.org

73, Joe Moell K0OV www.homingin.com