For most of us living in
Northern California, November marks the appearance of the winter constellations
with spectacular eye candy. Novem ber also (usually) marks the beginning of
battle-ship gray skies, copious amounts of rain and a longing for one or two
clear nights.
When weather conditions are getting you down, don't fret. It's the perfect
opportunity to start planning and (my personal favorite) shopping for those
items you will need for that killer, perfect long weekend where it's you, your
telescope and a congenial friend. I mean, there's only so much television you
can watch and the devising of strategic attacks on the hordes of ants that
invade your house that you can do. (On the ant front, just sprinkle cayenne
pepper around their access holes and let the spiders catch the rest.) To those
of you who would rather do something fun and get away from the relatives who
have permanently attached themselves in front of your new wide-screen TV during
the holidays, lend an ear, er eye, to this month's stargazing getaway.
To begin with, dig out that old scout compass, familiarize yourself with the
art of reading a topographical map and fire up that computer! So what is this
preamble all leading to? A superb stargazing area. In fact, I'll wager that
with some quality planning time, you'll be amazed at what you come up with.
And, you'll have to do the planning because I am relying on my memory, notes
from my journal - sporadic at best and maps (some of which I can't remember
where I filed them - see first point). I'll give you the basics to this month's
site but the planning is up to you on this one. What can be more fun than
creating your own adventure? (OK, yes, I agree that watching the 49'ers stomp
their opponents can be more fun but when's that going to happen??)
Without any further ado, this month we turn north to Mendocino National Forest
in Mendocino County. This site, MNF, will require planning and maybe cashing in
of a vacation or personal day. Well worth it!
MNF is about a 3-4 hour drive from San Francisco. I happened upon MNF when the
1998 SFAA Yosemite trip slated for the 4th of July weekend was cancelled due to
a mire of mud that only a year previously was a lovely campground up by Glacier
Point in Yosemite National Park. (I have since found out it is still a lovely
campground.) Anyway, after lamenting the above to a friend, he suggested that
we go camping. At first, I thought he was yanking my chain but being the
sincere gentleman that he was (and still is), I found out that he was serious.
And, being the gentleman he was (and still is), left the choice of destination
up to me. I picked north after realizing swarms of nature-starved urban
dwellers would probably head west clogging every freeway, state highway and
county road leading up to the Sierras. I wanted to find a place that was
secluded, not too far of a drive, presented varying terrain, non-existent light
pollution and that had free campgrounds.
After deciding that MNF had all these requirements, (TIP: If you don't already
own a copy, I would strongly suggest picking up California Camping by Tom
Stienstra, published by FogHorn Press, ISBN 1-57354-005-6. This is the resource
every camping astronomer should own. Actually, you should stop reading right
now and go to your nearest bookseller and buy a copy. Really, I mean
it…well, go on, this will be waiting for you when you return.) Um, where
was I? Oh yes, after deciding that MNF had all the necessary requirements, my
next step was to purchase a map of MNF from the US Forest Service located at
630 Samson Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-705-2874. You should also get a
topographical map from the USGS, 650-853-8300. These maps are inexpensive and
quite handy in finding logging and fire roads. Now I must pause…my friend
has taught me the value of searching for a logging and/or fire road which will
usually lead to some great secluded viewing sites. You'll also want to gain
some altitude for clearer seeing. If this idea appeals to you, don't even think
of driving the family sedan or, gosh, the minivan. Borrow Cousin Bubba's truck!
Basically all you'll need up here is front-wheel drive but a truck will give
you extra undercarriage clearance to help you avoid high-centering yourself.
This creative off-road driving maneuver can put you in a pickle as cell phones
do not work well up here should you get stuck and need to call for help.
Safety, knowledge and common sense go a long way in a pleasurable outing. Also,
do not even entertain the idea of trespassing a locked fence or gate that lead
to your perfect viewing site. Not only is this illegal, but it's down right
rude. Miss Manners would not approve.
Since my companion and I had planned on spending two nights in MNF, we had the
luxury of checking out the southern end of this wonderful area. It would
behoove you also to plan on spending at least two nights. One reason being the
drive time to get here and other being due to once you're here, it hard to
leave, figuratively speaking. (Literally if you get lost and don't have a map!)
It was our second night in MNF that we found the perfect spot. In fact, it was
so perfect that we almost drove right by it! After deciding to trek up a barely
visible dirt road, we were rewarded with a large field surrounded by stately
pine trees with nice level spots to compliment the gentle slopping terrain.
High on one of the many ridges in MNF, the expanse of sky was enormous.
I quickly pitched our tent in a protected area while my companion dug the fire
pit and built a fire to grill our dinner. (You must know gentle reader, that my
companion is the guru of campfires. The previously evening he had built one of
the best campfires I had ever seen. Of course, he used every pinecone in a
100-foot radius of our campsite, but it was, as stated, the best. It was truly
an honor watching a master practice his craft.) After dining on a scrumptious
meal - camping cuisine tips at the end - I quickly set up my new Orion 80mm
short tube refractor. I was not disappointed by the views. NO FOG, NO LIGHT
POLLUTION, just blissful peace, good conversation and lovely nighttime sky
sights. The moon was particularly stunning along with views of Cygnus, The Big
Dipper and the Milky Way. My friend was pleasantly surprised at the view of the
moon through his compact binoculars. He had never thought (up to that point) to
check out Earth's satellite through his binos before. (He now owns a 10"
Dobsonian and is very adept at finding gems in the sky.) Stargazing in MNF was
and is one of my fondest memories.
The nitty-gritty about MNF is that with all factors considered, it rates a 7.0.
Since it is a wilderness area, the dark sky rating is the anchor. During the
day you can explore vernal ponds by which to have lunch, trails for hiking,
biking and motorcross and hidden streams in which to go skinny-dipping. For
what it's worth, use a vacation/personal day or two to stretch out your time
here. You will not be disappointed!
Basic Directions: Take I-80 north to I -505 north to I-5 north to Maxwell, CA
(a small town) exit. Head west through Maxwell (see tips at end), through Sites
to Lodoga. Take a right in Lodoga at Lodoga-Stonyford Road and loop around East
Park Reservoir to reach Stonyford. From Stonyford, turn west on Fouts Springs
Road (Forest Service Road M10) and drive about 8 miles. Turn right (north) on
Forest Service Road 18N03. This will lead you to some of the lower elevation
campgrounds. To get higher, consult your forest service and USGS maps. It's
wide open for you from there.
TIPS
Plan on stopping in Maxwell, CA before heading into MNF. Top off you gas tank
at the gas station, pick up extra ice, water and perishables at the grocery
store and make a potty stop. Check your gear to make sure everything is secure,
especially your telescope gear, as the roads can be a little rough. And, check
your maps!
Leave early enough to give you time to explore what MNF has to offer and to get
your bearings. Some areas of MNF are open all year. Check your California
Camping book to see where these areas are located.
Camping Cuisine Ideas
Here are two sample dinner menus that are delicious, nutritious and easy to
prepare. Like anything else, it's all in the preparation before you head up.
1st Night
Precooked frozen shrimp with shrimp sauce
Tossed green salad in a bag. Dump dressing in bag, shake and serve.
Sweet French bread with an olive oil/white pepper mix drizzled over it.
Peeled carrots (in a bag)
Brownies
A nice zinfandel wine
2nd Night
Grilled marinated salmon steaks
Baked potatoes with herbs de Provence or crushed garlic (butter/sour
cream/non-fat plain yogurt optional)
Grilled asparagus spears lightly covered in olive oil
Cubed melons and berries
A nice Chardonnay
So you see, you don't have to exist on baked beans and Spam. (Though I would
keep those handy in case anything drastic happens!)
Other Tips
I put most of my camping/cooking gear together from garage sales, thrift stores
and checking out the Internet. The one area I won't skimp on is protection for
my telescope gear. Neither should you! Because the whole idea of this is to
have fun, enjoy the sky and relax.
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