What we’re about
HELLO!! We are a fun, eclectic group of people who appreciate all that life has to offer, with a twist of lime and some kick-ass hikes for good measure. What began as a group of backpackers looking for a walk in the woods has evolved and expanded to embrace variety – call it spice, call it cross-training, call it just plain good times. Backpack, hike, and paddle with us…or embrace the “MORE” of life and you might find us doing yoga, car camping or urban hikes. Bonus points if food is involved!
Why the twist of lime? Because despite our obsession with base weight, life is short and occasionally we enjoy ditching the spreadsheet. Because ‘boujee’ is not a bad thing…a 10-year cheddar makes everything better. Because we all need a little crazy in our lives and some good karma to survive.
Test the waters as a ‘newbie’, brush off some dust after a hiatus, or just enjoy doing what you already know well. We welcome all skill levels and aim to offer varying degrees of difficulty - our event listings will clue you in to the overall vibe and experience level required.
If you are interested in hosting events for our group, please reach out via private message to the group owner Pam G aka “Boujee” to discuss further :)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Backpacking The Appalachian and Mau Har Trail Loop at Three RidgesNeeds location
Three Ridges Wilderness Backpacking Trip
> > June 28 - June 29
> > Last minute weekend backpacking trip to familiar stomping grounds with great camping, fantastic views and good water. Not familiar with the Three Ridges Wilderness area and the Appalachian Trail that runs through it then this is the trip for you and you have options. The basic trip I plan on leaving Williamsburg June 28 early Saturday morning at 6AM and head west on I-64 to exit at Crozet onto US 250 west then south at the traffic circle on 151 then west on 664 past the entrance to Wintergreen and park on the left at Reid's Gap where it intersects with the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Expect to arrive around 9AM and from here backpack south on the Appalachian Trail 1.7 miles to Maupin Field then another 6.2 miles and up a little over 1000 feet to the top of Three Ridges then down about 2000 feet to Harper's Creek where I plan to camp Saturday night. On Sunday June 29 will pack up and hike south on the Appalachian Trail to the intersection with the Mau Har Trail which I will take back north to Maupin Field and the Appalachian Trail north back to Reid's Gap parking area. The total distance is about 5.4 miles and an elevation gain of about 1500 feet. Keeping in mind all distances and elevations are approximate. From there back to Williamsburg maybe by way of the Devil's Backbone Brewery. Again great views from Three Ridges and beautiful trail and water and water features especially along the Mau Har. Did I say options? Of course you could come up Friday and hike the 1.7 miles in to Maupin Field and then on Saturday only 6.2 miles to Harper's Creek Shelter. Make it easier with prior arrangements could do a point to point by positioning your vehicle at the Tye River parking area so on Sunday an easy 2.7 miles down a 1000 feet from Harper's Creek. Want to make it more challenging? On Saturday backpack past Harper's Creek down a 1000 feet and 2.7 miles to the Tye River and back up the same elevation and distance and camp with the rest of us at Harper's Creek. What ever you do a great trip will be had by all.
> > Please note the following:
> >
> > * I am driving my truck and I can carry three people besides myself. Any more sign up they will have to have a driver
> > * I have maps and these trails are on various apps. I use the National Geographic map #789 and the PATC map #12.
> > * These trails do have shelters and privies but no place to resupply so pack accordingly. I do not mind sharing my water filter but you need to pack everything for meals as well as sleeping and hiking. Also it is summer so plan for sun, heat and bugs.
> > * Water is available at Maupin then not until Harper's Creek the first day so pack what you need to hike on Saturday. Sunday water is along both trails out.
> > * This is a good trip for first time backpackers as well as seasoned backpackers.
> > * I go regardless of weather. Check Wintergreen Virginia for weather.
> > * I practice Leave No Trace so pack out what you pack in.
> > * While this is a wilderness area the Appalachian Trail is well marked.
> > * Costs: I expect anyone riding with me to split equally the cost for gas
> > * You are responsible for making all arrangements if you have to leave the trail early.
> > * I encourage you to call me if you have any questions and you must call me if you plan to go on this trip.> > Mark J Wenger AIA
> > Mark J Wenger Architects
> > 105 Thorpe's Parish
> > Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
> > swfl1951@gmail.com
> > 948-529-0043 - Beach Trip!! Camp, hike, bike, kayak: Ocracoke Island, NPS CampgroundOcracoke Campground, Ocracoke , NC
DESCRIPTION: Beach trip!! This is a 5 day, 4 night, kayaking, biking, hiking, and camping trip on the scenic island of Ocracoke in the Outer Banks.
This trip features lots of remote, undeveloped coastal scenery, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, biking and hiking trails, both surf and smooth water around Ocracoke Island, where we'll enjoy bike riding, kayaking, swimming, moonlight beach walks and beach fires in the evenings.
Day 1 (Thursday 7/10):
1900: Arrive at Ocracoke Campground, Site A1, and set up camp.
2000: Drive down the road 5 minutes to the public lifeguard beach (2188 Irvin Garrish Hwy) to enjoy a beach fire with smores and hot chocolate and star gazing before turning in for the night at the campground. Tent camping (or bring hammock stand for hammock camping).Day 2 (Friday, 7/11):
0600 - Sunrise beach walk or bike ride (the beach is steps away from our campsite over the dune path, and the sand is perfect for riding bikes along the water on the beach)
0730 - breakfast at the campsite,
0830 - put in kayaks at Devils Shoal Boat ramp, (right across the road from the NPS campground, no permit needed); we'll paddle the smooth, shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound around Ocracoke island, enjoying beautiful marsh-lined estuaries that provide an excellent venue for birdwatching and exploring the diverse marine life in the shallows.
1130 - lunch at the campground
1230 - Bike ride the 3 mile bike trail along NC 12, turn left on Southpoint rd (Scenic unpaved road, 1.75 miles to a beach), then head to town (stop at the ice cream shop at the end of the bike trail for ice cream), then bike ride 4 miles (Sound and Marsh bike route), then past the Ocracoke Lighthouse over to Springer's Point (we'll bring hammocks, beach blankets and water/sandwiches) and enjoy hiking the nature trails and playing in the water, and stay for a gorgeous sunset swinging in our hammocks under the big oak trees (Springer's Point has the most spectacular sunset spot on the island). Springer's Point closes at dusk, so we'll bring headlamps and bike lights and ride by the Ocracoke Lighthouse on the way back to the campground via town and the bike path. If we feel up to it, we can go on a moonlight beach walk at the campground and see the ghost crabs before turning in for the night.Day 3 (Saturday, 7/12):
0600: Sunrise kayak paddle, Pamlico Sound (Drive across the road from the campground to put in kayaks at Devils Shoals boat launch)
0830 - breakfast at the campsite
1000 - pack coolers with drinks and sandwiches for a picnic lunch on the beach - load up our 4x4 vehicles with ocean/sit on top kayaks, beach shade, boogie boards and blankets and enjoy some afternoon boogie boarding, kayak surfing and picnic on the ORV beach access.
1530 - Pick up seafood/ice in town on way back to campsite for early dinner
1700- - Sunset kayak paddle from Silver Lake public boat launch to Springer's point (about 1.5 hours paddle time round trip)
2000 - beach fire and s'mores at public lifeguard beach (2188 Irvin Garrish Hwy)Day 4 (Sunday, 7/13):
0600 - Sunrise beach walk/bike ride
0800 - breakfast,
0930 - Silver Lake to Old Sloughs paddle: put in kayaks at Silver Lake public boat launch, at the very end of Highway 12 in Ocracoke village, where there is a parking lot/ boat launch across the street from the NPS visitor center. Paddle mile 0.9: At Springers Point, the island starts to curve southwest. Just past the point is Old Slough, a marshy area that is a good place to view birds and other wildlife. Mile 1.25: Continue following the shore as it bends to the right. Along the next mile, the shoreline is more woodsy, with secluded beaches. This is a great area to get out and explore, maybe pull our kayaks up on the beach and hike the short distance to the oceanside beaches for great shelling. Then, turn around and retrace our path back to Springers Point, pull our kayaks up on the beach and play in the water/hike the nature trails and have a picnic lunch under the shade of the oaks. Then, board our kayaks and retrace our path back to the launch site at Silver Lake.1530 - Stop at the seafood store for ice and buy fresh seafood to cook for dinner.
1730 - seafood dinner at campsite
1830 - After dinner sunset hike (Pamlico Sound views) at Hammock Hills trail (0.8 miles)
1930 - Drive 5 min to Public Lifeguard beach (2188 Irvin Garrish Hwy), build a beach fire and enjoy spectacular stargazing with s'mores and hot chocolate, and watch the ghost crabs with headlamps (walk the beach in the moonlight).Day 5 (Monday 7/14):
0600 - Sunrise beach walk/bike ride,
0830 - breakfast, then pack up and leave campground by 11am to travel home.Campground is primitive, right on the beach, and has bathrooms and showers, as well as potable water. We'll have coolers and a screened in gazebo for shade/shelter over our picnic table. Bring your bike, kayak, paddleboard, bug spray, sunscreen, hats/sun shirts, hammock (and hammock stand), and camping gear. We'll split the cost for campsites/firewood/ice and seafood for group dinners. I've reserved 4 adjacent campsites ($28/night per campsite, 6 people per site) near the beach access trail and will obtain permits for beach fires and ORV access. Bikes and kayaks/paddleboards are readily available on the island for rental if you need gear.
If you need to rent gear on Ocracoke Island, please reach out to the outfitters ASAP to make a reservation for this trip:
Ride the Wind Surf Shop (contact Rachael Chestnut)
252-928-6311
RentalsOcracoke Island Vacation Gear Rentals | Beach Outfitters
TRAIL MAP:
Silver Lake Harbor to Old Slough Paddle, North Carolina - 2 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Springer’s Point Nature Preserve, North Carolina - 208 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Hammock Hills Nature Trail, North Carolina - 114 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
OBX Beach Driving - Ocracoke Island Beach driving permit
Public Services Map - Ocracoke Navigatorhttps://www.visitocracokenc.com/getting-here/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/springers-point-nature-preserve
https://www.visitocracokenc.com/how-to-love-kayaking/PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the Ocracoke Island Campground, 4352 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960, accessible by the Hatteras vehicle ferry terminal (free) which leaves every hour from 0500 to midnight every day for a one hour ferry ride to Ocracoke Island. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.
EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes plus dry bag containing change of clothes/sleeping bag/camping gear and your own boat, paddle and life jacket, or you can rent these on the island. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. Water temperatures vary, recommend synthetic clothing! If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the trip leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this event, I acknowledge that outdoor adventures in nature carry the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated leaders for this event.
SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.
- July 18, 1PM: 2 NIGHT 3 DAY BACKPACKING TRIP WHITE ROCKS AND WASHINGTON MONUMENTTrailhead Parking, Myersville, MD
Backpacking 20ish miles 3/9/7 mile splits in 3 days & 2 nights we will see beautiful views to include Weverton Cliffs, White Rocks, Washington Monument!!!
New People Welcome if you do not have all your gear reach out to me as I have stuff to lend.
THIS TRIP IS CROSS-POSTED
FRIDAY:
We will drive up Friday and meet at 1pm at US40 Trailhead parking AT mile marker 1049.2 on the Appalachian Trail. Appalachian National Scenic Trail Myersville, MD 21773 – Coordinates: 39.53547 N, 77.60369 W
We will SELF shuttle to Weverton Cliffs Trailhead AT mile marker 1030.0 and hike in 3 miles to Ed Garvey Shelter AT mile marker 1033.0.Ed Garvey Shelter is a large 12-person shelter on a short side trail from the AT with a Privy near the shelter and a water source about a half mile away. It is a short hike in so you can carry your water in or make the half mile trek to the nearest water source.
SATURDAY:
We will hike to AT Mile Marker 1042.1 Rocky Run Shelter. Shelter is a large new shelter with space for about 15 people and lots of tent spots. Privy and Water Source near by. We will hike 9.1 miles.SUNDAY:
We will hike back to our cars on US40 Trailhead parking AT mile marker 1049.2 on the Appalachian Trail. Hiking 7.1 miles.OTHER:
Here is a link to a suggested backpacking list from REI:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
Inclement Weather
• If weather becomes an issue, we will make the call the night before. Be sure to text, call, DM, or check meetup for updates.
• Debdeb 804-920-6340
