Backpacking

**Women's Wellbeing and Leadership Weekend** Ever wanted a weekend away with your girls, a little adventure, a lot of fun, and space to talk business, ideas, and life. Join us for an inspiring winter escape combining wellbeing, leadership conversations, and time on the slopes. ***10 Places Available*** 📅 7th March – 9th March, 2026 📍 Andorra 💰 €245 per person **Included** * Welcome drink * Two-night accommodation (including tourist tax) * 2x Breakfast * Transportation from/to Barcelona - Andorra * Almas Libres team support on the slopes (for beginners) As we are a mixed group, from beginners to advanced, and want to keep the cost of our trips to a minimum, the following are not included but our team will be able to support you rent/find: **Excluded** * Forfait * Insurance * Equipment rental We have a partnership with Skiz. The store is located at the foot of the slopes, so you can pick up your equipment on your way/night before. They will also store it overnight for free if you decide to ski/snowboard both days. **First time on the slopes?** Don’t worry! Our team can help guide you, from what clothing you may need to helping you with the equipment on the day. 💶 **Deposit:** 100€ required\* Final payment: No later than 20th February, 2026 📢⁠ **Got more questions** no worries, fire away, one of the team will be happy to answer.

*BAQUEIRA BERET 6/8 MARZO '26* Infos: Arantxa *627448606* En esta ocasión salimos del valle de Benasque y nos cruzamos al valle de Aran, cambiamos de localidad y disfrutaremos de todo lo que Vielha nos ofrece en su après ski: vinos, tiendas, paseos... ESTE SERÁ NUESTRO PLAN: *DÍA 6 marzo VIERNES* Salida desde los puntos de origen, en coches compartidos (pregunta posibilidades) dirección Vielha. Acomodación en el hotel en habitaciones dobles a compartir. Cena en el hotel, incluida. Reunión informativa, para conocernos/reencontrarnos y entrega de forfaits. Y porqué no tomar una copita antes de acostarse? *DÍA 7 marzo SÁBADO* Desayuno en el hotel y subida a pistas. Indicaremos punto de encuentro de reunión en pistas, mediante el grupo WhatsApp que se crea para la salida. Haremos grupos de esquí según niveles y a la hora de comer nos encontraremos para compartir experiencias, y esquiar juntos! A la hora decidida bajaremos de pistas. Ducha y luegoo....cómo no! tomar unos vinitos por Vielha! Cena en el hotel incluida. Quien aún tenga energía, copita nocturna! *DÍA 8 de marzo, DOMINGO* Mismo plan que el sábado y a la hora convenida bajar para casa pero con las pilas bien cargadas! A esquiar se ha dicho....😍 *PRECIO* 315€ precio base en doble. Escasas plazas en individual, preguntame *QUÉ INCLUYE* - Alojamiento 3 días, 2 noches de hotel en Vielha - 2 días de Forfait para Baqueira Beret Bonaigua - Seguro de esquí para los 2 dias de forfait - Alojamiento y cena de viernes - Media pensión el sábado - Desayuno de domingo - Tasas turísticas - Esquí en grupo - Coordinación *Reservas e información, Arantxa 627448606* Te esperamos!! Recuerda: - *Sólo 25 plazas!* - Plaza por riguroso orden de inscripción mediante pago de reserva (contacta al 627448606 y te digo cómo). - Plazas limitadas. - Tiempo límite inscripciones: hasta finalizar plazas.

*BAQUEIRA BERET 6/8 MARZO '26* Infos: Arantxa *627448606* En esta ocasión salimos del valle de Benasque y nos cruzamos al valle de Aran, cambiamos de localidad y disfrutaremos de todo lo que Vielha nos ofrece en su après ski: vinos, tiendas, paseos... ESTE SERÁ NUESTRO PLAN: *DÍA 6 marzo VIERNES* Salida desde los puntos de origen, en coches compartidos (pregunta posibilidades) dirección Vielha. Acomodación en el hotel en habitaciones dobles a compartir. Cena en el hotel, incluida. Reunión informativa, para conocernos/reencontrarnos y entrega de forfaits. Y porqué no tomar una copita antes de acostarse? *DÍA 7 marzo SÁBADO* Desayuno en el hotel y subida a pistas. Indicaremos punto de encuentro de reunión en pistas, mediante el grupo WhatsApp que se crea para la salida. Haremos grupos de esquí según niveles y a la hora de comer nos encontraremos para compartir experiencias, y esquiar juntos! A la hora decidida bajaremos de pistas. Ducha y luegoo....cómo no! tomar unos vinitos por Vielha! Cena en el hotel incluida. Quien aún tenga energía, copita nocturna! *DÍA 8 de marzo, DOMINGO* Mismo plan que el sábado y a la hora convenida bajar para casa pero con las pilas bien cargadas! A esquiar se ha dicho....😍 *PRECIO* 315€ precio base en doble. Escasas plazas en individual, preguntame *QUÉ INCLUYE* - Alojamiento 3 días, 2 noches de hotel en Vielha - 2 días de Forfait para Baqueira Beret Bonaigua - Seguro de esquí para los 2 dias de forfait - Alojamiento y cena de viernes - Media pensión el sábado - Desayuno de domingo - Tasas turísticas - Esquí en grupo - Coordinación *Reservas e información, Arantxa 627448606* Te esperamos!! Recuerda: - *Sólo 25 plazas!* - Plaza por riguroso orden de inscripción mediante pago de reserva (contacta al 627448606 y te digo cómo). - Plazas limitadas. - Tiempo límite inscripciones: hasta finalizar plazas.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. **10.5 miles with 250 feet elevation gain.** ***Let's hike the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!*** This is a beautiful area along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as the roaring waters of Olmsted Island and the Great Falls overlook. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath. **Description:** We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to the Tavern visitor center for lunch break before we reconnect with the towpath. and make our way to Olmsted Island and the Great Falls Overlook. We'll then resume on the towpath until we cross over the canal onto Berma Road for a short distance where we reconnect to the towpath at Angler's Inn parking area. We're back on the towpath where we will connect to Billy Goat B trail. Note: There is one stream crossing on Billy Goat B which is fairly easily crossed by stone stepping. After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on both Billy Goat B & C. Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at the Tavern Visitor Center. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them. **Trailhead:** We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area. Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time. **Dogs are welcome.** Dog Policy [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) ***Please note: Dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so you will have to wait while the group completes the Olmsted Island walk***. **There are no fees.** Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland: [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf) **Directions to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:** From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot. **GPS 38.97122, -77.19874** Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

\*\*\* Zoom Meeting link will be posted in the comments ahead of the meeting \*\*\* **GRASP is going to visit Austin, TX, April 16-19, 2026, and we hope you'll join us!** This virtual/Zoom information meeting is the perfect opportunity to learn more, ask any questions you may have, and meet others who are going. (We already have 5 fully booked and expect 15-20!) [More information about the Austin trip is available here at this meetup event posting](https://www.meetup.com/grasp-md/events/312346150). While there, please RSVP, even if you're just interested, so we can keep you in the loop!

Let’s just stay in the “neighborhood” next month. I considered backpacking another segment of West Virginia’s Allegheny Trail, but it is too far to drive and set up a shuttle for an ordinary weekend. I’ll save it for Memorial Day weekend in May. But don’t let the “neighborhood" tag fool you. This 36 mile loop features 3,700 feet of climbing Saturday and 2,400 Sunday. If you’ve been getting soft during these cold winter weeks, you’ll feel this one! (I’ve given this trip the “neighborhood” title because it is in our “backyard” and because it goes over Neighbor Mountain. Ok. I’ve had funnier trip titles . . .) **FRIDAY**: We’ll meet at the Vienna Metro at 5:00 p.m. to park at Thornton Gap. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1wd8gzfJnYSXh2v87DC We’ll hike 1.5 miles north on the Appalachian Trail to camp at the Pass Mtn. Hut. It will be 1.5 miles. **SATURDAY**: We’ll hike north on the AT, turn left on the Neighbor Mtn Trail, turn right on the Jeremy’s Run Trail back to the AT, continuing north to the Gravel Springs Hut. It will be 22 miles. **SUNDAY:** We’ll hike south on the AT to Keyser Run Rd to Pole Link Bridge Trail to Piney Branch Trail to Hull School Trail to Rocky Branch Trail back to the AT south to Thornton Gap. It will be 15 miles. **DC ULers have maps!:** https://store.avenza.com/products/shenandoah-national-park-north-district-patc-map-9-edition-20-potomac-appalachian-trail-club-inc-map?queryID=undefined&objectID=44993907359900 I can also email you a .gpx track if you request. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-**THE IMPORTANT WARNINGS**\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I’ve been hiking with DCUL since 2017 but have no special training, such as organizational, medical, or navigational.
You are officially on the trip if you both RSVP on Meetup, we engage by email, text, or the app, and you meet me at the Metro. Otherwise, you are doing your own trip until you make physical contact with me and I recognize you as a co-participant. I’m open to questions. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/) COVID-19 policy: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/ Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DCUL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)

Classic Half Massanutten to run on the same weekend as the full. We'll setup a car shuttle on Friday night and camp near Waterfall mountain. Then Waterfall to Little Fort Campground near Woodstock Gap on Saturday (21m), and then back to the Signal Knob Parking lot (15m). All mileages are -ish. We'll need some cars to make the shuttle work. We'll meet on Friday at 7:30 PM at Vienna for carpooling since I want to avoid driving the beltway at rush hour. Probably 8:45 PM or so at Signal Knob Parking lot for the car shuttle. The trailhead on the south side is labeled "Massanutten Trailhead" in Google maps and it's located near Waterfall mountain. The parking lot on the south side is small vs the Signal Knob parking lot is pretty large. It's TBD if Chrisman Hollow Rd will be open. If not, we'll park just of US-211 again like last year. Due to the mileage, you should have already be at the member rank for the club. E.g., have done a LM trip with the club in good style. If you're new to the club, there might or might not be a mini-Massanutten the same weekend. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf ](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. **13 miles with 2000 ft. elevation gain for both sides.** **There will be an option for a B or C hike depending on your preference if you only want to do the main side.** **Description:** Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail which we will hike our way up to. Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails including the James Ball, Hadow, South Ridge, North Ridge Trails,, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. There a some nice scenic overlooks including the Paris, VA overlook where we will take a break before returning back down to the visitor center. At this point you will have the option to to complete the C level hike. Most of the elevation gain is when we ascend to the top of the ridge to the AT. After finishing the main side of the park we will make our way to the Lost Mountain side and complete that section before returning to the parking lot. B level hikers will have the option to return shortly after that point and before continuing on to Lost Mountain. The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower uphill. Completing both sides is very close to an A+ hike, so make sure you are physically up to it. Any questions, let me know. **Bring:** At least 2-3 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. Hiking poles if you normally use them. **Fee:** The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI. *Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope. If main entrance contact station is not staffed you must use the self-pay envelope provided at the gate and hang the stub on your rearview mirror.* **Dogs are welcome**. NVHC Dog policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **CARPOOLING:** For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 8:15am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am. **A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.** **GPS 38.801119, -77.589532** Sky Meadows trail map link: [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf) **NOTE: The hike starts at 9am at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Gainesville Park and Ride plan on leaving there by 8:15am.** **Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center where the hike starts GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120** This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. You may want to arrive early to secure a parking spot. *Optional post hike rehydration TBD😊* Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #1:** This trip will be in Northern Virginia and includes a **6.5 miles hike (each way)** with 2,000 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “moderate" * Weekend Option #2: April 18-19 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 9-10