Adventuring LGBTQ+ Outdoors Club

Summer is here, and the heat has truly arrived! Lucky for us, so has our annual summer indulgence of the blackberry ice cream in Shenandoah National Park. Today's adventure is another variation on our popular summertime series of treks that are focused not just on the hiking but also on the yummy treats we'll indulge in afterwards.

Today's itinerary will begin with a descent from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park just north of Stony Man Mountain down to the historic (and still frequently visited) Corbin Cabin. Then we'll follow the Nicholson Hollow Trail until we reach the point where the trail crosses the Hughes River. Here we shall Lollygag Dynamically (TM) a short while by cooling off in a pool more than suitable for sitting, wading, splashing, and maybe even swimming (but don't count on that).

After we Lollygag, we'll hike along different trails to get back to our cars. Then it's on to the Skyland Lodge Mountain Taproom for their better-than-ever blackberry ice cream or whatever else you fancy to chase away the summer heat.

The total length of our moderately strenuous semi-circuit will be about 7.7 miles, with 1600 feet of elevation gain on the return leg, none of it especially steep or rocky, but may be challenging for an unconditioned person.

Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, swimsuit and towel, about $26 ($13 for the carpool, $5 Adventuring fee, $8 for park admission++, and whatever you wish to spend at the Skyland Resort.) We'll also make our usual pitstop on the way to the trailhead to pick up any last minute snacking/lunch needs.

We'll carpool at 8:30 a.m. from the East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot (to your right as you walk out of the station) and might not be back before dark. The RSVPs will open 2 weeks ahead of the trip and close at 7 pm the day before the trip to allow for logistical coordination.

Trip Note: In case you're meeting our group at the trailhead, make sure you navigate to the parking lot at Stony Man Overlook at 10:30am. The overlook parking is located at milepost 38.5 on Skyline Drive and should not be confused to the similarly-named hiking trailhead.

Join us and experience the Class III-IV lower section of the mighty James River through downtown Richmond. This rafting adventure starts just above downtown Richmond in the beautiful urban forest of the James River Park System before turning the corner at Belle Isle to see the Richmond skyline in front of us.

We will meet in the Kiss & Ride lot of the East Falls Church Metro station at 8:45 AM to form our carpools. We will stop in Richmond for dinner and drinks (to be determined) after completing this exciting adventure.

The trip will be $73. If you choose to participate in the carpool, you will pay $17 to your driver to cover the cost of gas.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Drinking water
• Sunscreen
• Your most fabulous hat or visor for sun protection -- The winner will receive a prize. We're looking forward to seeing some creative and fun hats!
• Sunglasses with a retaining strap (if you want to keep them)
• Shoes with a good rubber sole that hook to your feet, such as water shoes, old sneakers, velcro sandals, Aqua Sox, etc. FLIP-FLOPS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
• Change of clothes and a towel (leave in the car)

You should consult a physician before participating if you have any concerns.

Everyone will initially be added to the waitlist. RSVPs open on Friday, June 27th, at noon. I will reach out to those on the waitlist in the order in which they RSVP, and once you have paid, you will be moved to the going list. Payment is due within 48 hours of my direct outreach. This event will happen rain or shine and will only be cancelled due to thunderstorms.

Note: The rafting company reserves the right to refuse anyone participating in their activities due to physical, mental or size limitations that, in their opinion, would expose that person or group to extreme risk.