70 days until 2013 MKSP

REACHING FOR THE STARS

STAR PARTY LOCATION: 49 deg 06.78' N Latitude 119 deg 40.40' W Longtitude

REACHING THE MT. KOBAU FORESTRY ROAD

The Kobau access point (49 deg 05.04'N 119 deg 35.62' W) is about 400 km (250 miles) east of Vancouver, on Highway 3. The gate is always open and is marked by a sign labeled "Kobau Lookout Forest Road". Look for the turnoff on the north side of the highway at the crest of a hill about 35 km (22 miles) east of Keremeos , or 11 km (7 miles) west of Osoyoos, near the B.C. - U.S.A. border at Oroville, Washington. At highway speeds, the turnoff can easily be missed, slow down or be prepared to brake hard as you near the top of the hill especially approaching from Osoyoos.

ASCENDING THE SUMMIT

Once on the Mt. Kobau Forestry Road you can't get lost. There are many breathtaking views enroute. The road is actually good gravel but there may be some potholes or short sections of washboarding. So unless you like dust covered equipment or have a penchant for re-collimation, proceed SLOWLY up the mountain. It's only about 17km, but plan to take 30-45 minutes to reach the summit. Also be aware there are usually free-range cattle enroute which may occasionally be wandering on the road.