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Hike, Camp, Kayak- Outdoor adventures! Based out of Central Virginia!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- May 23rd FULL MOON HIKE – FLOWER MOON- 5.5 MODERATE MILESPocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, VA
- Please bring flashlight as we will be ending the hike in the dark.
We will be meeting in the front lot by the ranger station. It’s the building on the right as you drive past the contact station at the main entrance. As soon as you pass through the stop sign at the contact station, there is a road and beyond that a parking lot on your right with a portapotty, a big map sign, and vending machines.
Pocahontas state park has a $7 during the week and $10 on the weekend park entrance fee per car if you do not have a state park pass.
You can purchase a one year state parking pass that is good for all Virginia state parks for a full year for $85 at the link below.
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passesFurry Friends are always welcome!!!!
If you are stuck in traffic or running a few minutes behind, please message Debdeb or Bill and we will wait for you.
804-920-6340 – Debdeb
804-840-1857 – BillFLOWER MOON:
This year, the Flower Moon lunar eclipse is positioned as a full moon in Scorpio, an intense emotional and powerful sign that will only be amplified by the power of the lunar eclipse. This is a period of breakthroughs, endings, or facing fears.
Full moon lunar eclipses in Scorpio will bring great attention to our resources, like material wealth, said Thomas. Emotions will run high, so avoid impulsive or rebellious behavior.
Rituals and manifestations to try during the Flower Moon
Many ancient cultures and religions celebrate celestial cycles, including finding ways to honor and harness the power of the full moon.
To make the best use of this intense energy, many astrologers believe that a full moon is a great time to manifest your dreams. Moreover, astrologers also believe that major events are likely to happen near or during lunar eclipses.
Because Scoprio is a sign deeply focused on intimacy, vulnerability and rebirth, focus on feeling all of the feels.
Potential intentions, mantras or journal prompts to include:
I release myself from my fears, traumas and insecurities.
I open myself to true intimacy and vulnerability.
I will not let my past failures or fears in regards to love control me.
I am a phoenix, always ready to be reborn and renewed.
~~Info taken from an article online:
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/flower-moon - Ice Queen’s Redemption = Trail Magic + Car Camp + HikingHog Camp Gap, Virginia, VA
Ice Queen’s Redemption is back!!! SO MUCH FUN!!
Fabulous weekend to kick off your summer! Beautiful weather, sunsets/sunrises, eclectic food and drinks, trail magic for the thru-hikers, car camping, day hikes and campfire dance moves…with the most amazing group of people. This weekend is ALL yours – customize your own itinerary to do as much or as little as you like - whatever makes you happy. No pressure!!***************************************
CAVEAT – ONLY ONE REQUIRED ELEMENT FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS...
TRAIL MAGIC CONTRIBUTIONS of FOOD AND/OR DRINK.What is Trail Magic?
Acts of generosity in this wild and primitive setting of the Appalachian Trail – where basic amenities of civilization are intentionally absent – are often received in a heightened sense of wonder and gratitude by hikers. These acts of generosity are referred to as “trail magic”.When is Trail Magic? ALL DAY SATURDAY
40+ very hungry thru hikers served in 2023...What "trail magic" should I bring?
▪ Food that is fresh, cold, heavy...anything homemade...think beyond traditional, lightweight backpacking foods that are easily accessible via hiker resupply. Instead focus on items that might be hard to come by, spoil without refrigeration, or be too heavy to carry.
▪ Cold beverages, flavored beverages, soda, alcohol, water that is already filtered.
▪ Canopies, tables, camp chairs, coolers with ice – whatever you might have.Serving the Trail Magic
Once we are set up with food and gear, serving is pretty easy and just requires a few people. It is really fun to just hang out and visit with the thru hikers - some grab a quick bite and keep moving, others stay for hours, and a few might join us for an overnight. But no pressure to stay behind if you want to hike instead!!***************************************
HOG CAMP GAP AREA LAYOUTPARKING
***▪ Look for Cole Mountain loop Trailhead Parking on Google Maps ***where the AT crosses Wiggins Spring Rd...closest option to our camping/trail magic area. Additional parking available along the side of the road as you head east on Wiggins Springs Rd. Avoid parking at the Mt. Pleasant Trailhead – it is too far away from our camping area.CAMPSITE LOCATIONS/OPTIONS (from the Cole Mountain parking area)
▪ Main campsite (party zone), west of the AT – head north on AT, then turn left at the “water” sign...the most people, noise and activity.
▪ Trail Magic area – somewhere between the main campsite and the AT “water” sign = canopies, tables, chairs, coolers.
▪ Campsites north of cars, east of the AT – head north on AT, then turn right at the “water” sign for quiet choices. Keep heading east along the water trail for more options.
▪ Campsites closest to the cars, east of the AT – quickest and easiest to get to, but the least private...frequent foot traffic and car noise from the road.
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OTHER STUFF▪ Arrive and set up camp ANYTIME. Tent and hammock friendly, no fees or reservations required.
▪ Primitive camping = NO amenities whatsoever. Other than being close to our cars, we are camping like crazy people in the woods, in the middle of nowhere. No electricity, bring your own water, and your bathroom is the woods.
▪ Car camping creature comforts are welcome…because life is short & sometimes you are just tired of using a spreadsheet to track the ounces in your pack. No shame, no judgement. Pam's trail name is "Boujee", so she has high standards and expectations to uphold!!!
▪ Set aside your own small stash of food and drinks that doesn’t get consumed by Trail Magic (speaking from experience lol).
▪ Firelogs and bundled firewood welcome.
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HIKE OPTIONS - ANYTIMETar Jacket Ridge out/back ** amazing at sunrise
1.7 miles, 367 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = EASY
▪ MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/tar-jacket-ridge-from-hog-camp-gap-9103820?u=iCole Mountain loop ** Cole Mountain bald is great for Sunset
5.9 miles, 1286 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = MODERATE
▪ MAP: https://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/coldmountain/Mount Pleasant loop
6.3 miles, 1322 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = MODERATE
▪ MAP: https://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/mountpleasant/Mount Pleasant + Cole Mountain
12.2 miles, 2608 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = STRENUOUS
▪ MAP: https://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/mountpleasant/ - Camp & Hike at Douthat State Park with optional 10-mile paddle trip14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA
DON’T DELAY IN MAKING CAMP RESERVATION AS THESE SITES FILL UP VERY QUICKLY!!!
This event is cross-posted with We Love To Camp Over 50 Meet-up Group.
Douthat State Park has been one of the favorite campsites with our group. Obviously because of its endless options of hiking trails and its beautiful lake. This year I thought why not add on an optional 10 mile paddle trip paddling the upper Jackson River in Alleghany County.
CAMPSITE + PADDLE COST’S AND LINKS
Please see links below to register for campsite and/or kayak trip.
Douthat State Park fills up very quickly once the sites are available to book 11 months prior. I would encourage you not to delay in booking a site. If you end up not being able to go you can always sale your spot to another member or switch it out for another day and/or campsite with any VA state park or get a refund with which they charge a $10 fee.
We will be booking at the White Oaks Campground but feel free to book at any site or cabin and meet up with us.- Each site on White Oaks has electricity and allows 6 people and 2 cars.
- Your Hosts will be staying at site W015.
Alleghany Outdoors is approximately 20 miles from Douthat state park. We will be booking the 9am session for Smith Bridge to Intervale for a 10 mile paddle. Prices are $46 for kayak or canoe and shuttle to and from. $25 for shuttle if you have your own kayak or canoe.
Douthat State Park:
https://reservevaparks.com/web/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx
Paddle Trip – Alleghany Outdoors
https://alleghanyoutdoors.com/paddle-trips/smith-bridge-to-intervale/
FRIDAY NIGHT POT LUCK AND SOCIAL
Since all the pot lucks in the past have been extremely successful let’s plan another. If you are open to sharing please bring a dish to share. We will hang out socialize, eat, drink and be merry.
Potluck will be held at 6:30 pm but arrive whenever you can.
Everyone should bring their own beverage, plate/bowl, eating utensil, and napkins
HIKING
Your hosts will have some coordinated hikes for anyone wanting to hike. Details to come on hike specifics.
