Mount Pinos Star Gazing

MOUNT PINOS STAR GAZING NIGHT

Come join us for a hike to Mount Pinos, a potluck picnic, and stargazing. In that order, we'll do a casual 3-mile hike, return to the parking lot for the potluck, and star gaze the night away.

There will be several HUGE telescopes in the parking lot set up by a local astronomy club. If you have a telescope or a camera you can bring it too. There's no moon that night and no city lights... it should be a great night for stargazing.

You can arrive earlier and explore the pretty area. For the hike we'll start gathering at 1:30pm and at 1:45pm we'll start walking toward Mount Pinos. The hike should be about 1-1/2 hour. Sunset is at 4:55pm.

IMPORTANT things to remember:

1. Arrive early and before nightfall to secure a parking spot
   2)RED LED HEADLAMPS STRONGLY URGED!
2. Park your car facing out to minimize the reverse backup lights. The reverse backup lights are bright enough to disrupt the star gazers. Also set the inside car light to OFF so when you open the car door it does not light up the area
3. When you leave the parking lot it is strongly recommended that you only use the parking lights. It's your decision to use or not use your headlights in the parking are - safety first!
   Basically, use as little light as possible until you are out of the parking lot.
   5} It will be COLD at night. Wear warm clothes, gloves, beanie hats, socks, shoes, & bring extra clothes and blankets.
4. Its about a 1-1/2 hour drive from Sherman Oaks. Leave early, don't stress about being late, and enjoy the last 45-minutes of the scenic drive.

POTLUCK suggestion by BIRTHDAY:

Jan, Feb, March - Veggies / Salad
Apr, May, June - Protein
July, Aug, Sept - Pasta / Carb
Oct, Nov, Dec - Fruit / Desert

Everyone bring your own beverages, plates / glasses / utensils / napkins / CHAIRS, AIR MATTRESS and BLANKETS, etc.

I need a volunteer(s) to bring some foldable tables, can you help? A stove will be available to boil water for hot cocoa or other types of warm drink.

Directions (CLICK HERE) (http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Sherman+Oaks+Galleria+Shopping+Center,+Los+Angeles,+CA&daddr=Cuddy+Valley+Rd&hl=en&ll=34.504293,-118.797913&spn=1.061519,1.755066&sll=34.813504,-119.126344&sspn=0.004166,0.006856&geocode=FZMlCQIdIVjw-CHw8s7Uiso-CClxcAnIlJfCgDHw8s7Uiso-CA%3BFdw1EwIdb0bm-A&oq=sherman+oaks+&t=h&mra=ls&z=9)

1. Take the 405 Freeway north and merge with the 5 Freeway north.
2. Continue north on the 5 Freeway for about 46.1 miles.
3. Take the Frazier Mountain Park Road exit go LEFT toward Frazier Park.
4. Continue on road for about 21 miles following the signs to Mt. Pinos. (After about 7 miles along Frazier Mountain Road, the name of the road will change to Cuddy Valley road. About 4 miles past this point, the road will reach a fork. Stay to the left on Mt. Pinos Road (DO NOT go right on Mil Portrero Hwy) Continue on Mt. Pinos road for about 10 miles and you’ll reach the Mt. Pinos parking lot!
5. The potluck and stargazing will take place in the large open parking lot at the end of the road. As you enter the lot park along the Right hand side. Remember to park facing out.

Good carpool location is the Sepulveda Metro Station parking lot on 15430 Erwin St. just west of Selpuveda Blvd.