DC UL Backpacking

Somehow I got conned into hosting this year's Four State Challenge, despite not yet having completed it myself! (False, Jen politely asked if I would host it, and I freely accepted.) Fortunately I have some help from Brian, who did it last year, and lots of other venerable DCULers adding their two cents.

The annual Four State Challenge is a DCUL rite of passage/feat of insanity that I'm told was an idea conceived when DCULers of old were drunk in a bar somewhere. Accordingly, it tests your mettle over 44 glorious miles. Join us if you want to undertake this challenge - or if you want to do trail magic and enjoy watching the challengers suffer. Trail Angels - we would love to have you support us!

How the normal 44 mile version works:
● Start in Harper's Ferry on Friday, and hike up to Loudoun Heights (maybe 4ish miles). Set up camp near the Virginia/West Virginia border.
● On Saturday, wake up when you want (traditionally we do a 3 am start, but that's up to you). Walk north on the AT, cross into Maryland, and keep going until you hit Pennsylvania. Regroup with your fellow backpackers at Pen Mar Park for a pizza celebration, and camp at a spot about one mile past the park.
● Enjoy a victory breakfast on Sunday. Receive your (@) symbol for walking a 40 mile day.

Before saying “Yes, I’m in!” there are a few caveats and challenges to note.
● If you haven't been doing regular 20+ mile days recently, consider your ability to do this mileage. Like any other event, training will go a long way to make sure you can do this safely and successfully. We do this every year--better to wait and prepare for next year’s event, than to rush in and injure yourself.
● This is a LONG day. 16 hours is a solid time. 20 hours isn't uncommon.
● There is no shame whatsoever in bailing. Even making it to I-70 is a big day. Better to end early than to finish with an injury.
● Water is not plentiful along this route. Maintaining good hydration and nutrition is paramount.
● It is the AT, but navigation can be a challenge in the dark. Be confident in your ability to follow a trail. There’s a chance you could hike all day without seeing another DCUL'er so be mentally ready to go the whole 44 solo if needed.
● This is a backpacking challenge. You must sleep out Friday and Saturday night, and carry all your gear to be self-sufficient just like any other DCUL backpacking weekend.
The logistics are also...complex. Traditionally we have emergency bail-out vehicles stationed at I-70 (27mi) and Wolfsville Road (34ish mi). You must check-in at those points to be listed on the DCUL Hall of Fame (https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/hall-of-fame/ ) for a successful completion--we do this as a safety precaution so we know where you’ve been and at what time.
We will need quite a few people who are willing to drive to help us set-up the shuttle and all those bailout wagons.

By RSVPing for this trip, you acknowledge that you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.

YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM *Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697

Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.

WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.

WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise ~50% of class.

TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.

Fee: $295 (Earlybird)

Hi everyone! I'm going to be giving a talk at the DC Public Library, as our friend Shawn has invited me to speak about my summer language trip to Ukraine. As always, after the talk, we'll retire to a local watering hole, where we can talk about hiking and other big trips.