MO: Hitting the Highlights of the Southern Shenandoah
- February 16 · 8:00 AM
***This is an updated trip description, with much more in the way of detail.***
Monday, February 18th, is George Washington's birthday, so we should celebrate the holiday by backpacking, of course!
We'll drive out Saturday morning, park our cars at the parking lot for Jones Run and begin the trip by visiting the waterfalls along this trail. After that, we'll cruise north on the AT until we reach the Brown Mountain Run Trail, which we'll take, descending till we reach Big Run. We should be to Big Run in plenty of time, so we can poke around for one of the beautiful campsites there (no camp fires, however).
Sunday, we'll awake to a very demanding day of walking. We'll ascend Rockytop, descend the Austin Mountain Trail, hook up with the Furnace Mountain Trail, follow the Trayfoot Mountain Trail to Paine Run. After one last climb to Blackrock Gap, we'll go south on the AT and do a last descent down the Riprap Trail to our campsite. I won't pretend that this is going to be easy. It's an extremely vertical day with three big climbs.
Monday morning, we'll awake to a much easier day. We'll climb the Wildcat Ridge Trail, turn north on the AT, visit Blackrock for its big views, and return to the cars. Then, we'll find a pub to celebrate and head home.
Our splits will look like 12.4 / 23 / 10.5, for a total of 46 miles. The real story is the climbing on the second day. I have us at almost 15,000 ft. of climbing for the trip ...
I know lots of you guys are training for various things, so you'll like that. ;) Given the proximity of the AT and Skyline Drive, we could probably make arrangements if someone needed to bail ... but that's not ideal.
I've uploaded four map files that describe our route in great detail: Map 1, Map 2, Map 3, and Map 4. If you're looking to buy a map, the relevant one is PATC Map 11 ($8). I have the NatGeo map, too. It's okay.
Obviously, this will be a demanding route--be sure you're ready. Write to me if you're unsure. If there's too much of the white stuff, we may have to scale back. If Skyline Drive is closed, I may have to work a variant--I have an idea that won't disrupt us much.
Please express interest and we'll go from there. I could take ten. Right now I have nine, but there may be some reshuffling as the date approaches.
It's going to be fun! Probably a little Class 2 fun!
U-Turn
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Carrie Graff
Unfortunately, thanks to Michael, I still have a vision of Max hiking in a cuben fiber thong.....other than that, class 1 fun all the way.
February 20
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Alan
Yeah, seems like we've been going through a rough patch of weather, cold temps and precip, on recent trips. Good thing this appears to be a robust and skilled group--capable of thriving in these conditions.
February 19
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Jen
This past winter has held my first interactions with backpacking in these cold temperatures. It's been an interesting and fun challenge to figure out what works (and what doesn't), and it will be equally interesting to continue to fine-tune. I guess my main lesson has been to have a warm sleeping bag -- when all else fails, just dive into the tent! Oh... and to have booties. :)
But I agree with Daniel. Catching that sunset from Rockytop was wonderful. Great weekend all around.
February 19
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Michael Martin
Trip report is up. Feel free to comment. Pictures and Google Earth data tonight.
February 19
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David Schrock
Highlight for me was Blackrock Summit; gazing over the Shenandoah Valley, seeing Massunutten Peak, remembering a moonlight hike up the peak 42 years earlier. I can only imagine what my gear was like then -- I think it all came from an Army-Navy Surplus store:
February 19
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Daniel
A fairly challenging yet fun circuit through a beautiful part of SNP (especially in winter). The views off the mountains were impressive all three days. Highlight was sunset from Rockytop Mtn.-- gorgeous. Thanks to everyone for the good-humored company.
February 19
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Jen
Another great trip with great company! I've enjoyed our forays into winter backpacking.
February 19
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Michael Martin
@MikeVW, Doug ... We walked 17.5 / 15 / 8.0 for a grand total of about 40.5 miles. It was wintery out there (snow and high winds up high), and my plan to walk 23 miles or more on Sunday was just not happening on a short day with winter gear, so we stopped a little short on Sunday for a nice campsite. Still a very good loop with big views. I *think* we were in the low teens Sunday night--we recorded 18 the next morning, but it was colder when we went to bed--water was freezing fast. Everybody hiked very well. Will get a full trip report up tomorrow. A little drowsy just now, despite the long night in the bag. (The more ambitious 50-mile loop I had planned is possible, but would be a lot more pleasant in 3-season gear and conditions.)
1 · February 18
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MikeVW
Another cold weekend? I keep hoping for another weekend like our hike in January, but maybe temps will turn by the Massanutten trip :). This coming weekend is looking to be a little cold and rainy!
February 18
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Denise Murray
I'm so sorry guys. I've been laid up sick for some time. It's been weird. :(
February 18
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Michael Martin
We missed you, Twinkle Toes. Just got back after this trip. Trip report forthcoming. How are you doing? Going to be able to come with me next weekend? Call me ... Worried about you.
February 18
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Denise Murray
Since it's the waitlist, I'm going to add myself. Not sure, we'll see how I fair this weekend... :)
February 15
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Michael Martin
Is anyone able to give David a ride from the Silver Spring area to Vienna?
I'm coming from Old Town Alexandria, myself.
If people are taking the train to Vienna, I believe the first train arrives at 8:15am.
February 13
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Daniel
If anyone would like to borrow my 15-degree (Marmot Trestles)sleeping bag, just ask. Caveat: (1) it's really a 35-degree bag, 30-degrees at best, (2) it weighs ~ 3 lbs. 10 oz., and (3) it's not especially compressible. That said, if you need to 'double up' and put one bag inside another, the Trestles works fine. I've used it outside another sleeping bag before. Consider it another layer of insulation to keep heat in and moisture out. Also, I've got isobutane/propane fuel for 'Jetboil' stoves if anyone needs some.
February 15
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Denise Murray
Ummm, haven't been feeling too well for last 2 days. Just now recovering. Thoughts?? I should probably drop? Going out for a few things for the first time in 2 days now...
February 15
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MikeVW
Denise--Was just about to wish you the best in tackling another cold weekend! You know yourself best, but you're always welcome to tackle the trail next weekend with me, Brian and Doug if you're not up for making it out this time!
February 15
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Michael Martin
You should probably drop, Twinkle Toes. If you're recovering from something, this won't help. Rest up, and go with Mike next weekend.
February 15
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Daniel
I'd recommend bringing Microspikes or the like. Could be icy in places:
http://forecast.weather.gov/Map...
February 14
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Daniel
I've heard bad reviews of Yaktrax, by the way. Kahtoola Microspikes work well, in my experience. Again, traction devices may prove unnecessary, but it's better to have them and not need them than the reverse. (Assuming there's a decent chance of slick trail conditions.)
February 14
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Daniel
Posted my liability waiver on the Meetup page...let me know if there's another I need to turn in.
On another topic, does anyone have a warm (e.g., 0-degree) sleeping bag or quilt they will not be using on this trip? I've yet to buy a new (better) one for myself and would gratefully borrow somebody else's, if they could spare one.
February 11
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Michael Martin
... and Skyline Drive is now closed ... due to "snow and ice."
LOL ... It may be a game time decision of where we start, as in we drive up to the park, see that it's closed, and drive to my other point.
I'll add my spikes back to my gear, and make sure I have driving directions to both points.
And the adventure factor just went up a notch. ;)
MM
1 · February 14
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Carrie Graff
I think it wil depend on if it snows Saturday morning. Amy snow today will melt
February 14
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Michael Martin
I'm just not seeing much sign of precipitation in the Charlottesville area. A dusting, maybe.
February 14
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Michael Martin
Our driving route is likely to get revised to this:
We'll likely start at Paine Run and walk north.
MM
February 14
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Michael Martin
http://files.meetup.com/1502009...
So this is my anticipated gear list for this trip, probably my last real winter trip of the year. I'm not quite UL for winter, but not too far!
February 13
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Michael Martin
Sure, I'll bring an extra set of poles. Bring spikes if you want to ... I'm not bringing mine unless I get some data suggesting that I need them.
February 13
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Michael Martin
Skyline Drive is open, so that is good. No reason why it should close between now and Saturday.
February 12
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Michael Martin
I just added this to my car trunk's standard equipment, so we'll be able to measure everyone's final total loads:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/produc...
I'll also have a big box of handwarmers for people to grab and take with them.
MM
1 · February 11
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Michael Martin
I have quite a stockpile, and never use them myself, so you might as well!
February 11
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Michael Martin
Weather is looking cooler, but with less precipitation:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/u...
So, that's good.
If you've not yet paid your dues, please do so! (Carrie, John, and David.) I'll get signed liability waivers from Carrie, David, Denise, and Dan at the trailhead. MM
February 11
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Carrie Graff
FYI I'll have the RAV (or Jeep) and can fit 3 other people comfortably and up to 4 additional if someone want's the middle back.
February 10
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Michael Martin
That sounds great. Between you and me, we should have the DC crowd covered. No need for Jen's car.
February 10
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Denise Murray
@U-Turn, is there any way Pat can come along since a few have dropped out?? He would really like to come. I think he's realized that he's missing out on great adventures!!
February 9
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Michael Martin
Of course, Pat is welcome, especially since we hiked together at Leading Ridge (and I know how fit he is). But he needs to join the group, etc., etc.
February 9
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Denise Murray
I am so looking forward to this one!! My head is spinning from all the activity here lately. So many awesome adventures, yet only one body with which to enjoy them. Decisions. I've ALWAYS been terrible at them. Most definitely have my mind made up on these next two though... ;)
February 8
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Michael Martin
Hey guys, just a note that I'm off to the Grand Cayman in a few hours and, given how AT&T is acting, I may not be online much. When I get back next weekend, we'll throw the organizing of logistics into high gear. We should have a great trip. Long-term weather forecast looks good:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/u...February 2
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Douglas
Per the PATC map and guidebook, here are the splits based on your planned camps:
17/26/11.7January 27
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Michael Martin
Thanks, Doug, for doing all that work for a trip you don't even plan to attend! I'm going to adjust the trip a little, I think, to make Paine Run the campsite, but have us walk some up Big Run so that we will get 20 on day 2, but just 20. Then, on day 3, we can add Riprap and Wildcat, if we want. Very important that the members can get veteran status on these trips so that they can do our other trips.
January 30
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Douglas
I've thought of doing this same route, even extending it to include more of the trail south of Wildcat Ridge.
January 30
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Michael Martin
Hmmm ... I hope you guys are feeling ambitious. I'm plotting out my "dream list" of trails for this trip and it comes off as pretty challenging. We'd see almost everything, though ... I'll post some more details tomorrow, and we can chat about it. I'm happy to say that I've managed to route it with two nice back country sites on Big Run and Riprap Hollow.
1 · January 24
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Michael Martin
LOL ... I like the attitude, Booty-Less. I've got a lot more detail up on the route! Check it out!
January 25
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Carrie Graff
This looks AWESOME! Yes, challenging. But hey, the reason I joined this group was to challenge myself. Hitting some of my favorite trails in Southern SNP with some I have yet to do but always wanted to. Need to get some new shoes!
January 25
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Shelby Peterson
Hey Everyone! Sorry for the delay, I am in Vegas for CES this week. I am hiking Kilimanjaro that weekend (and the next) wahoo! Have so much fun!! I hope p hike with you all again VERY soon! Cheers!
1 · January 8
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Michael Martin
So you'd rather climb Kili than hang out with us, huh!? LOL ... Have a great trip, take lots of pictures, and do a trip report. We'll catch up on the trail later.
January 8
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Sarah W
Can't wait to see photos! Have fun Shelby. We will have to do a UL hike together with the group soon
January 8
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Michael Martin
@ Denise ... I really am going to try to keep these to 10 people. However, I am quite confident that Shelby is planning to drop so that she can go climb Kili, so the last spot will almost certainly open up.
January 8
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Denise Murray
Yes, I sort of figured that 10 is a good max, & I really want to see how I fair this weekend. I expect a good challenge, but I'm excited & just want to try to keep my momentum going if I can. No matter. I can still day hike & run to keep in shape! :)
January 8
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Michael Martin
I think you'll get a spot. Shelby is traveling for work right now, but she bought her ticket for Africa for that period of time.
January 8
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Denise Murray
Since it's the waitlist, I'm going to add myself. Not sure, we'll see how I fair this weekend... :)
January 8
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Michael Martin
Apparently, we're going to have to let Shelby off the hook for this one so she can go climb Kilimanjaro!
January 4
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Michael Martin
@John ... You are approved for this trip, contingent upon your completing the January hike, or otherwise earning your membership. MM
December 19
5 attended
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David Schrock
Veteran Member
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Carrie Graff
Veteran Member (Booty-Less), Co-Organizer
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Daniel
Veteran Member (2) (Casserole)
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Jen
Veteran Member (Shuttle), Assistant Organizer
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