VMO: W2: In the Cozy Confines of Corbin Cabin, ~30 Miles

Happy Holidays!

It's time for a cozy, winter weekend tucked away in Shenandoah National Park away from hunters, (most) of humanity, and ensconced in a winter wonderland of well-marked trails and notable SNP views.

I've rented PATC's Corbin Cabin from Friday, January 5 to Sunday, January 7. This is a call to Veteran Members who want to get away with friends for a cabin weekend while also hiking a challenging 20 mile day on Saturday to take in Old Rag, Hawksbill, and other amazing Shenandoah highlights. Friday and Sunday will be a bit easier hiking-wise, with only the 4ish miles in and out along Nicholson Hollow Trail for the day. The nights will be full of spirits, firelight, and tales of rustic glory -- though in keeping with DC UL VMO tradition this is still a bring your own stuff, including food and drink, and make sure you have what you need to be healthy, wealthy, and wise out there. We have no idea what the weather will actually be that weekend but I'm sure we'll all be eager to find out.

The Plan:

Friday: Assemble at Vienna Metro North Kiss and Ride at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5 to carpool to the Nicholson Hollow Parking Lot (about two hours). We will likely stop at a gas station en route but nothing larger, so plan ahead for food and fun.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Vienna+Metro+North+Garage,+Country+Creek+Road,+Vienna,+VA/Nicholoson+Hollow+Trail,+2093+Nethers+Rd,+Etlan,+VA+22719/@38.662622,-78.0626961,10z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64bf0f67d650b:0x6aabbe019b867226!2m2!1d-77.2730212!2d38.8785672!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b44803ad426c75:0xa36bf5a31d7baf34!2m2!1d-78.296102!2d38.5734279

Once we park, be prepared with a fully charged headlamp and winter layers to hike the 4 miles into the park and up the ridge. I expect the main group to arrive at the cabin around 11:00 p.m., give or take some time if it's snowy and rough out there.

*If you can't make the 4:00 p.m. rendezvous time in Vienna, feel free to drive separately at whatever time you want. It's a VMO trip, so you'll be expected to find your way to us in a time and manner you see fit, and that you coordinate with me in advance.

Saturday: We plan to be up with dawn to set out on an aggressive 20 mile winter journey to summit Old Rag and Hawksbill. Exact trail details to follow. While this sounds like a day hike (and it technically is since we'll group back at the cabin), I would like all backpackers to be prepared with all the gear necessary to overnight if necessary. This isn't our plan, it's just the contingency. And after all, we're backpackers, so why not?

Saturday Evening: Have as much as fun as possible. I intend to live up to my trail name. No coordination on food or drinks necessary, but bonus points for creative and delicious surprises.

Sunday: Sleep in, clean up, and hike out. Grab a nourishing meal on the way back.

Since I've rented the cabin in advance, I'll probably encourage a $10 donation or so for participants but don't feel too strongly about it. Please RSVP responsibly and clear your schedule since this isn't very far out. If you're a Member and would like to talk me into letting you join, please do so via message or email (evankmccarthy gmail com).

The Fine Print:

See DC UL's winter rankings here:

https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/10991232/Winter_Rankings/

You are required to bring maps on DC UL trips: PATC Map 10: (FYI: REI sells PATC maps) or the NatGeo Trails Illustrated Map for SNP.

• By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to DC UL's liability (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Liability_Waiver/) waiver.

• As per our carpool policy, riders should plan to pay drivers $0.10/mile. At 75 miles roundtrip, that's $7.5 or so.

• Don't forget to pay your annual dues. If you are a member and don't see '17 next to your name, that means we haven't received your dues. You can pay via PayPal by sending $10 to payments@dculbackpacking­.com. Use the friends and family option.