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September 17-19, 1999 we are planning to launch LV-1 from the Black Rock Desert. Truly the ultimate site to launch a rocket from. It's in the middle of absolutely nowhere, has no vegetation, insects, or life of any kind. There is no good reason to come to this place unless you want to launch a really BIG rocket, drive a car through the sound barrier, indulge in some pagan ritual of burning wooden effigies, or viewing unlimited stars from horizon to horizon. Which coincidentally covers just about all the good things in life.
We will probably be forming a large carpool for the trip down if you need a ride,.
See you all there !!
THE BLACK ROCK DESERT
A thoroughly flat 400 square mile hardpan alkali expanse,
ringed by majestic mountains. This environment is worlds
away from that to which most of us are accustomed and is
governed by physical laws which cannot be ignored.
- The area is prone to sever dust storms in the dusk and morning hours.
- By the end of the weekend everything you own will be covered with dust.
- Temperatures can reach well over 100 F during the day.
- Temperatures can be very cool in the evening.
- There is virtually no life in the center of the lake bed, at the edges of the lakebed
there is some life, including scorpions. - There may be dangerous regions of loose dirt and mud on the lakebed.
- There are no enforced driving rules on the playa, The possibility of someone driving
through the middle of your camp (or tent) at 2am without their lights on is a possibility.
So it would be a good idea to have a way to mark your site at night.
(i.e. Chemlight, small strobe)
WHAT YOU MUST BRING:
1. A vehicle in sound mechanical condition. Make sure you have a working
spare tire, jack, and highway flares. We also suggest you fill your gas
tank in Reno. (Alturas or Eagleville in our case)
2. IMPORTANT! Two gallons of water per person per day. Keep a supply of
water in your vehicle at all times.
3. Enough food/beverages and ice for 3 days.
4. Garbage bags.
5. Bedding and shelter of some type; the winds can reach 40 mph. A good
camp tent is recommended along with warm sleeping bags.
6. Any required prescriptions, contact lens supplies (disposables work
great), or whatever else you need to maintain your health and comfort in
a remote area with no services.
7. Dust mask or bandanna that can be tied around face.
WE STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU BRING:
1. Sunscreen/sunblock lotion.
2. Umbrellas, parasols, hats, sheets; something to break the midday sun -
You'll be glad you did!
3. A cooking stove if you expect to heat food or liquid.
4. Flashlights and spare batteries.
5. Compass.
6. First aid kit.
7. Bicycles (mountain bikes or "cruisers" with balloon tires are best).
8. Dog owners: poop scoop and extra ziplocs.
9. Smokers: portable ashtrays (an empty candy tin will serve).
10. Can opener, cookware, and utinsels
11. Earplugs! (not everyone is going to want to sleep when you do)
12. A set of warm clothes for cold desert nights.
13. Watertight protective bags (i.e. heavy Ziplocs) for any cameras or
electronic gear you may bring.
14. Two-way radio and GPS system would be a good thing to have
15. Common sense, an open mind, and a positive outlook.
Meet @ Matt Ruperts house : 5am (directions on web site)
Caravan Departs Matt Ruperts house : 6am (sharp)
Click to enlarge ( 4 maps)
The Black Rock Desert
How To Get There
The Black Rock Desert is 105 miles north of Reno, Nevada, up State Road 447. There are 2 small desert towns, Empire and Gerlach which are reached before you access the desert. We shall be using the two desert access points, 3 miles and 11 miles north of Gerlach on State Road 34.
FROM RENO, NEVADA
Take Highway I-80 North approximately 30 miles to the Wadsworth/Pyramid Lake exit (exit#43). From Exit #43, go North on Highway 447 for 1 mile to Wadsworth. In Wadsworth, turn left to Highway 447, and go North approximately 75 miles to Gerlach.
(((These are AeroPac's instructions, they usually host the launch in the same place every year. Sept 18th , 1999 should be the same)))
How we get to the launch site changes from launch to launch and year to year, some times one way out is muddy, in other years other ways out are difficult. You should always drop in at Bruno's 'Casino' in Gerlach to see if directions are posted also look out for our sign if you don't see the large "AeroPac" (///or "BALLS 9"/// )launch sign you are probably going the wrong way or too early to find a marked launch site. Once we are set up (usually by mid to late afternoon the day prior to the launch you should find a marked (with cones or other markers) (///don't count on this///) trail out to the launch site. Be especially careful if you are coming in after dark - it may be better to find a quiet spot to pitch a tent rather than getting lost on a playa that's muddy in patches.
Set your trip odometer at Bruno's Country Club and take the road west out of Gerlach. Bear north to the right on to State Route 34 just after leaving town.
There are two entrances to the playa - which one we use depends on the condition of the lake bed. The first can be found: about 3 1/2 miles from town look for a pair of rock columns on your right. Just beyond is the entrance on to the playa. The second is about 10 miles from town (/// use this one if possible///) - the road dips down almost to the lake bed level and then heads off inland - if you find yourself leaving the side of the lake bed you have gone too far. There are two entrances at the second entrance to the playa if you have something the size of a Winnebago you might check them both out before driving off the sealed road.
Most years we use the second exit - but it's always worthwhile checking in at Bruno's in Gerlach to see how to get out there - often there will be a map taped up on the window outside the bar.
It is about 17 miles on the track (/// worn dirt road on playa that is usually there, there sometimes is more than one sometimes///) to the launch site from the first road exit and 4-5 from the second. For those with a USGS detail map of the area, the launch site is 4 miles west-northwest of Trego Hot Springs. The approximate map coordinates are 40deg51'30"N/119deg3'30"W.