Hey, I was trying to come up with an original name ok?
5-7 February 2016.
OK Old Dominion Hangers let us sample the "Cold Dominion" this winter. We shall gather at Mt Pleasant, along US Route 60, above Buena Vista, Virgina. The actual trail head is near Oronco and here is a good site for information, http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/MountPleasant/
I will stress that the road up there is not paved and can be a bit...not nice. That said, I used to drive it, in the spring, summer and fall, in a Ford Escort. I never tried it in the winter in that car. I will be driving a GMC Envoy (2WD) up there.
Because of the road, I am decreeing that this hang is weather dependent. If it is snowing, we ain't going! I might be able to bounce us down to my 10 acres, in Goochland, in that case.
I will be adding a sign up sheet later today.
Some ground rules, this is National Forest land and we are trailhead camping. All pertinent rules apply. As for the group, please know your equipment and skills. If you are not prepared for winter camping, think carefully before coming. I used to teach Cold Weather Indoctrination (CWI) while I was with the Arctic Light division in Alaska, please feel free to ask me any questions but, because I cannot guarantee what you will bring or do, I cannot guarantee your safety. I will just freely share knowledge/experience.
I will be bringing a Teepee type tent and a tent heater for emergency warm up use. If anyone has a tent with a stove jack and stove, all the better.
Now, down to the good stuff. Mt Pleasant/ Mt Pompey/ Henry Lanum trail has some excellent hiking. They are near the AT but a bit off the beaten path so you do not get the herds of BRP sightseers. I have always enjoyed the views myself. Last Thanksgiving weekend, 2014, my recording thermometer, registered 1 degree where we are going to be at. There was also a pretty stiff wind. I spent 5 years in Alaska and I found it, "brisk." "Refreshing" might also be a good description!" LOL We should be able to "base camp" near the parking lot and day hike the trails.
There is a spring but it is hard to get to and, I doubt the flow is enough for everyone. I suggest bringing in plenty of water. I will bring two 5 gallon water cubes.
Meals? I am throwing it out to everyone. I am not really planning group meals on this one, I do not think we are going to have a large crowd. Let me know what you think.
That is pretty much it. Here is the link to the sign up sheet. Who is up for it?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
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