**DIRECTIONS to the campground:
FROM INTERSTATE 8: EAST ON I-8 EXIT AT OCOTILLO, THEN 22 MILES NORTH ON HIGHWAY S2 TO THE PARK ENTRANCE. For map quest use Long -116.305 and Lat 32.95
**DIRECTIONS TO THE LAUNCH SITE ON SATURDAY from San Diego:
For a more visual map, please visit: http://www.plasterblaster.com/launch_site.html
PLASTER CITY is located about midway between San Diego, CA and Yuma, AZ north of I-8. Plaster City is not a city, but is a drywall factory operated by US Gypsum. There are no houses, stores, gas stations in Plaster City. Coming from the West: Drive east on I-8 from San Diego about 80 miles, after you drop down to the desert you will pass by Ocotillo. Go about 8-9 miles and watch for the Dunaway exit, it’s the first exit past Ocotillo. The exit sign will also say “State Prison.” Go 1.5 miles north on Dunaway Road and turn left(west) on S-80. Go 1.7 miles until you see a sign on your right that says “Plaster City East Staging Area.” There is a bridge just past this sign, if you go over the bridge you’ve gone too far west. Turn right(north) at the sign and go about 0.2 m lies on a dirt road. Watch to your right for a nondescript road which heads up a low hill to the Northeast. Follow that road to the top of the hill, you should see a group of rocketeers on the flat area straight ahead of
you. You’re there!
PLEASE NOTE: you can take S-80 east from Ocotillo. However this highway has a stretch of very rough pavement and may be hard on an RV. If you’re driving a car or pickup this road is fine. If
you drive this way watch for the launch site turnoff after you pass through Plaster City(the factory).
(From the campsite, we’ll take S2 back to Ocotillo, then to the S-80.)
For hydration, canteens or camelbacks work well (although they tend to leak!). For food, snacks, camera, etc. bring a daypack or a combined hydration daypack. Finally, prepare for the possibility of cold weather in the evening. “A Scout is always prepared.”
Besides having hiking gear, already filled water bottle, food/snack, also consider the following: CHEMICALS (sunscreen (on already!), bug repellent, chapstick), CLOTHING (sunglasses, sweatshirt, and rain gear/poncho),TOILETRIES (ziplock bag with plastic trowel, toilet paper, small bottle of hand cleaner), and other trail essentials – F.S.N. (first aid kit, fire-a few matches, small flashlight or headlamp; signal-whistle, shelter-foil blanket; navigation-map and compass, optional- k(N)ife).
FOR SATURDAY NIGHT: Swimming trunks, towel and sandals for the pool. Don’t forget!!!
Things to consider for your rocket: BRING YOUR ROCKET! Safe construction, fins are securely attached, recovery mechanism is in place, nose cone fits properly, engine bay has a hold for the motor, rocket has a proper center of gravity, launch lug is present and securely attached and there are no biological occupied cargo bays.
We will provide several motors, ignitors and wadding. Additional launch materials should be available at the site trailor at hobby store prices.
Bring everything you would need for a good hike, plus a head lamp for the mud caves, it frees your hands up.
Due to the long drive, WE WILL permit electronics (ipods, electronic games, etc.), small games, magazines, etc. for the commute to and from the desert only. These need to stay in the car once you arrive, and should only be used while traveling from and back to San Diego.