Setting up Camp Stratofox

This series of pictures show a fairly typical progression of the core of a Stratofox campsite at Black Rock. Extra pictures were taken to help new members know what to expect when we arrive out there. Although anyone else it welcome to take some ideas from it if they find them useful.

Some people have asked, "Why don't you just stay in the motel in Gerlach?" (Gerlach is the nearest town, about 10 miles from the launch site.) One reason is because we have to keep our options open to camp farther downrange in case of an extended search. Also, someone has to camp at the launch site for security. But probably most of all, we're familiar enough with Black Rock to be comfortable with camping on the playa (lakebed.)

(1536x1024 1137K) (500x333 23K)	My truck is now unpacked. Contruction of Camp Stratofox can now begin. This series of pictures was taken to help new Stratofox members know what to expect when we first arrive in the desert. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1173K) (500x333 22K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: We started by staking down two tarps. The one on the right will be a floor under the canopy and one will be a ground cover under the group area (food/social/wind shelter) tent. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1146K) (500x333 25K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: These 12-gallon "Tuff Crates" are very handy for transport and storage. Though these are all made by Contico, they come in varying quality at different stores. The red ones were bought at Home Depot - this hinges are all plastic and not as strong. The Blue ones were bought at Costco - metal bars in the hinges make them much more durable. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1109K) (500x333 21K)	Stratofox member Jay Lawson and his 4x4 pickup. Jay won't be camping here because he lives in Sparks. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1503K) (500x333 31K)	Camp Stratofox under construction. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1305K) (500x333 27K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: After the tarp floor is staked down, the first thing we put up is our shade. Later this will also be last to come down. Jay is standing back while Ian takes the photo to show new members. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1147K) (500x333 23K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: The EZ-UP canopy can easily be set up by two people. But it also needs to be staked down like everything else at Black Rock. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1125K) (500x333 24K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: Ian demostrates how to pull the canopy's leg outward while sliding the support arms up. (photo by Jay Lawson)
(1536x1024 1260K) (500x333 26K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: The canopy is up. So now we'll have shade during the rest of the construction. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1253K) (500x333 25K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: Next we'll put up the group tent. This provides shade to keep everyone's ice chests out of their personal tents. It also serves as a wind shelter and has room to set up several folding chairs for the group to socialize inside if the weather isn't good for that outside. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 927K) (500x333 21K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: The group tent is up. So we start moving the ice chests in it. These will also help weigh it down in case severe winds strike, which did happen on this trip. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1264K) (500x333 29K)	Setting up Camp Stratofox: Orange cones are placed on the ends of the guy lines that stake down the group tent, so people won't trip over them. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)

Back up to Stratofox's CSXT SpaceShot 2004 pictures