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SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:15 pm
by adventurer
I woke up this morning wondering why, despite the fact that a bunch of us live in the Northern VA, and DC Metro area, we've never managed to get together for a get acquainted hike.

So, I decided to start the ball rolling! How about a day hike in the Shenandoah Natl Park? Plenty of great hikes in the northern section between Front Royal and Thornton Gap from which we can choose. Most are about a 90 minute drive from the beltway.

How about doing something in February or March? We can work out the hike plan, drive sharing for anyone interested, specific date, etc. once we get an interested group together.

Who's In??

Regards,
John

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:39 pm
by CheesySciFi
Sounds good to me!

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:39 pm
by Tools_Incoming
Definitely in! March sounds perfect....

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:01 pm
by adventurer
Hey Jaskic....I read your blog, atoptherox. What alpine climb is it that you're training to do this summer?

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:34 pm
by Hotoven
If I wasn't so busy I would join yall, maybe another time. Sounds like a blast!

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:15 pm
by blazin
I'm game!

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 2:51 am
by ebkolb
Just moved to DC, and would love to get out!

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 8:00 pm
by Tools_Incoming
@adventurer - I'm climbing Mt. Adams in Washington State with the Northwest Mountain School. After lots of reading, discussion (here), and searching I decided that Adams was a good "starter" mountain for my first foray into alpine.

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:06 pm
by adventurer
Jaskic,

Good for you. You'll enjoy Adams and learn a lot. Before you know it, you'll be doing Rainier.

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 11:18 pm
by Bob Sihler
March is probably better for weather, though I do prefer February, which is probably my favorite month in the park. If we did February, though, I'd suggest something outside the park on the east side in case Skyline Drive is closed.

An idea for either month, if we have enough cars, is to ascend Old Rag via the Ridge Trail and descend the Saddle Trail to Berry Hollow, and then shuttle.

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:50 am
by Inday
Sounds good, count me in.

Also, as local climbers, you all might want to consider joining the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and its Mountaineering subsection (www.potomacmountainclub.org/).

They are a great local resource and hold regular hikes and climbs.

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:58 pm
by adventurer
All,

Thanks for the responses so far.

My "plan" is to give this thread another week or so to make sure all who may be interested have a chance to see it. Right around 1 Feb, I'll start trying to coordinate a date and specific hike ideas with the group.

Regards,
John

Follow Up to SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:19 pm
by adventurer
Ok, for those interested how about doing a hike on Saturday, 10 March??

Here are three possible hike plans. Opinions/comments/ other proposals welcome.

1) An out and back on the AT starting at Thornton Gap (MP 31) and heading south to the summit of Stony Man (near MP 40) and returning to Thornton Gap. This hike is about 19 miles and includes 4K plus feet of elev gain. Nice ridge views along the way as well as views from Marys Rock and Stony Man. This usually takes me nearly 8 hours.

2) Circuit hike that combines the Knob Mtn, Jeremy's Run and Neighbor Mtn trails. Hike begins/ends at the Elkwallow Picnic Area near MP 24 on Skyline Drive. This hike is about 16 miles and usually takes me 7 hours. Includes a couple of large stream crossings. Not much on views but it gets you way out in the SNP backcountry.

3) Bluff Trail circuit hike. Begins/ends at parking lot between MP 12 and MP 13 across from Jenkins Gap Overlook. This hike is 13.5 miles and usually takes me 5 hrs, 30 mins. Good elevation gain and some nice ridge views. I almost always see at least one black bear when I'm solo on this one.

Regards,
John

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 4:15 am
by silversummit
Finally a chance to get together with SPers in the area. Where are the other Marylanders???

Sounds like a great idea!

But I'll have to wait to see if I can come and hike with the group this winter or spring. I might have to have spinal surgery since I herniated my C6 pretty badly right around Christmas and am still in PT.

Kathy

Re: SPer's in VA/MD/DC Metro area

PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 1:25 pm
by hightinerary
I just discovered the Eastern US Forum! So far, it appears I'm free on 10 March. I prefer hikes that include one or more summits, so your first idea appeals to me most. I also don't mind bushwhacking, or visiting less popular parts of SNP or GWNF...