The two-day ARDF training camp at Mount Pinos, west of Frazier Park, will take place this Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17, as a mix-in with a meet of the Los Angeles Orienteering Club (LAOC). Remember that this is the weekend of the big closure of the 405 freeway, so plan your driving route carefully and allow extra time.

A representative of Scarborough Orienteering Supply will be present, giving you an opportunity to purchase supplies such as e-sticks, orienteering clothes, and so forth.

Host and course-setter is Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. There will be a full 2-meter course Saturday morning, a sprint course Saturday afternoon (where the goal is to catch each transmitter on its first cycle) and a Santa Barbara style tri-tip BBQ supper Saturday evening. Sunday morning's schedule has a full 80-meter course followed by transmitter pickup and departure.

This two-day session is open to all radio-orienteers, but please understand that these are advanced courses. You must be capable of walking or running at high elevation for at least 5 kilometers. A ham radio license is not required. An excellent map by Los Angeles Orienteering Club will be provided each day. There will be a nominal charge of $5/day to cover the maps and e-punch. The cost for the optional barbecue will be about $8 per person.

If you plan to attend, please send e-mail to Marvin to help him make plans and to insure that you'll be expected at start time. (marvin@west.net) He will reply to tell you the starting locations and times for each day.

Mount Pinos terrain is mostly runable forest. The air is clear and there is no poison oak. There will be a 3-hour time limit for both the 2m and 80m courses. Scoring will be electronic. If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it.

Please be on time for this event. The starts for all courses will only be open long enough to get everyone going (about 30 minutes). We will try to monitor 146.52 MHz simplex for incoming ham operators, but may not be able to hear you if you're not close by.

Directions: Take the Frazier Park exit from Interstate 5 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, you went the wrong way, so turn around and go back to the fork.) Go another five climbing, winding miles to McGill Campground on your right or continue to the announced gathering point. Forest Service Adventure Passes are not required for this area, but there is a day-use fee for vehicle parking at McGill Campground.

Overnight camping is available for $12 per campsite on a first-come-first-served basis at McGill Campground. The campgrounds are dry, so bring your own water. If you don't want to camp, you can stay at the Holiday Inn Express or the Motel 6 (formerly the BestRest Inn), both at the Frazier Park exit of I-5. There is also an Econolodge at the Gorman exit of I-5. Links to these motels are at www.homingin.com.

73, Joe Moell K0OV