
What we’re about
A sometime squirrely group of folks in the Greater Washington DC area bound by the belief that life is best taken one step at a time. Events are primarily day hikes (from easy to difficult), but include other outdoor activities, including multi-day adventure trips, and occasional social ones.
We use the "It's quite a feet" hike rating system:
- Easy, less than 2 blisters
- Moderate, 2 to 3.5 blisters
- Difficult, greater than 3.5 blisters
where 1 blister = about 5 mi., or about 2500' up or down.
CPRO).
For members used to Meetup groups: There are no stupid Meetup reminders (unless I forget to check the box); instead, you'll get one or two notices per month from me about upcoming events. I've been told this is much more annoying. There aren't that many events anyway because this is a Meetup for people who have better things to do.
Finally, RSVP'ing on Wandering Soles for events is nice, but does not imply a commitment. That is, it doesn't matter if you RSVP or not, only if you show up or not. Come to think of it, that doesn't matter much either. If an event is limited in participation or requires a registration, you'll be asked to email directly a (hopefully) live human being.
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COVID: To help reduce the odds of others getting sick, we prefer that you be fully vaccinated against COVID when you come, and that you bring a mask and mask up when you’re in a group or close to someone you don’t know.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Overnight kayak/camping: Upper James River, Buchanan to Snowden, Balcony FallsTwin River Outfitters, Buchanan, VA
DESCRIPTION: This is a 3 day, 2 night, 26.4 mile kayaking/camping trip on the scenic Upper James River, starting at the Twin River shop in Buchanan (640 Lowe St, Buchanan, VA 24066), VA, and ending at the Snowden public boat launch (river mile marker 63.7).
This trip features lots of remote wilderness scenery and fun class 1-2 rapids, with a white water section of class 2-3 rapids through the James River Gorge/Balcony falls on the last section (Glasgow to Snowden). Previous class 1-2 canoe/kayak experience required and there is an 8 person min to do this trip. An experienced guide will be available to pick up at Glasgow to guide us through the white water section if needed. If we have time Sunday afternoon, we could drive over to Natural Bridge (15 min away) and have lunch before heading home.
Day 1: Start at 1pm, paddle from Buchanan to Arcadia Campground (6 miles, mile #43.5)
Day 2: Start at 0800, paddle from Arcadia Campground to Back Run Campground (10 miles, mile #53.3)
Day 3: Start at 0800, paddle from Back Run Campground to take out spot, Snowden Boat Ramp (10 miles, mile #63.7)Planning to use Twin River Outfitters (contact info: 540-254-8012, contact person John, 540-261-7334 or twinriveroutfitter@gmail.com)
Note: A gear shuttle service is available for $15 to shuttle camping gear to/between campsites so you don't have to carry all your gear on your kayak!
Sit on top kayak $164
Sit inside kayak $164
Bring your own boat (shuttle service only) $126
I've booked the trip for our dates and reserved firewood/water jugs for our campsites. Please use the following link to sign up and pay individually for this trip:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/canoevirginia/items/37934/availability/1738649572/book/?full-items=yesPricing includes: Rental of boat, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, use of dry bags, 5-gallon water jugs, access to private land for camping, and all required shuttles.
Campground is primitive, hammock friendly, right on the river, and has a bathroom (portajohn).
TRAIL MAP:
Maps - The Upper James River Water TrailMulti-Day Trips - Twin River Outfitters
PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the Twin Rivers Shop, 640 Lowe St, Buchanan, VA 24066 15 minutes before the start of the paddle trip. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.
EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, river shoes plus dry bag containing change of clothes/sleeping bag/camping gear and your own boat, paddle and life jacket, or you can rent these at Twin River Outfitters. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. Water temperature in the river is in the mid 50s - wetsuit/synthetic clothing encouraged! If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the trip leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated event leaders for this activity.
SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.