Mt Rogers, Virginia
Grayson Highlands State Park
September 24-28, 2020
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Since 1976 the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, Inc. and Grayson Highlands State Park have entertained tens of thousands of people each year with their live exhibits of Appalachian culture. We have participate in the festival by manning a hammock demonstration area for about 9 years. In return the state park has allowed us to camp for free in the group campground.
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This Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department's main fund raiser of the year.
But this year is different, as you know.
Because of the covid 19 virus, the Festival will be very different, if at all.
What we know so far according to our friend and GHSP head Ranger, Marceia Holland...
"Still no official word, but it’s not looking good for the festival, and rightfully so in my opinion. Don’t worry about paying for the site, we’ve already got it blocked off for you. And I’d recommend making the donation to Rugby since the Fall Festival is their main fundraiser."
There are some of us who very much still want to have our Group Hammock Hang and the raffle as well.
Because this will leave Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department struggling financially so the raffle proceeds will go to them (and maybe a load firewood).
Like all Fire and Rescue, Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department provides critical services to the community and they could use what support we can provide.
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We will be talking about following protocols for the virus--- social distancing, mask when needed, etc. Would just like to remind folks not to come if they are sick or have been tested positive for the virus unless they have a subsequent negative test.
We will have a no contact thermometer on site for check in just to be sure.
Please register on the Google spreadsheet. It helps greatly with planning. The sheet is setup so you can change your answers at any time if your plans change or if you need to add or delete information.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...R6c/edit#gid=0
If there is someone at the Park Entrance gate, you will just need to tell them that you are with the hammock group and you can enter at no cost.
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Don't forget to bring your camp chairs!
What goes on when..
Thurs, Sept 24... a few will arrive early to set up the Big Blue Tarp, SOB (Son Of blue) and picnic tables.
Some may go out for day hikes or overnight backpacking over the weekend.
Others just enjoy casual times around camp with friends.
Fri... more will show up. We do our own meals unless otherwise noted.
Often times someone will bring something to share with others but there is no guarantee on that.
Saturday... See Spread Sheet for Group Meal planning.
Group Breakfast
The Appalachian Trail runs through the park if you want to plan a backpacking trip or day hike but hopefully some will hang around to help clean up after breakfast first ;~)
Lots of other trails too.
Group Supper and Raffle, probably starting around 5pm.
Lots of fun during the raffle!
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Sunday
A few leave early but most stick around to eat breakfast, talk and clean up around the group camp.
Usually, some will go to the Corner Market & Cafe (about a 15 minute ride from camp) to eat breakfast/brunch/lunch.
From there some will head home while others will stay Sunday night and leave Monday.
Note: We always leave the group campsite cleaner than we find it.
Those that stay until the end always do a final policing of the area to collect anything missed.
Please help us by picking up during the camp time and as you leave.
Thank you!
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Q&A
Campground Quiet Time: 10 PM to 7 AM.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Dogs should be kept on leash at all times.
Is there water for camping?
There are two fresh water spigots at the edge of the group site.
Are there picnic tables in the camping area?
Yes. 8 tables.
What about bathrooms? I don’t poop good in the woods.
Group camping has flush toilets for both men and women.
Where can I get a showers?
There is a shower house a short walk or drive from our camp.
Will there be campfires? That's always the plan.
One year it was so dry that they issued a "Fire Ban" but we still had a great time!
We plan to have a fire in the large fire pit in the center of camp. We will look into having local firewood delivered to avoid bringing wood from areas that might be infested with the Emerald Ash Borer.
https://www.arborday.org/trees/healt...-ash-borer.cfm
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Are there grills?
There are at least two permanent charcoal grills. You will need to bring charcoal if you want to use it.
What happens if it rains?
We will have a 20' x 30' tarp strung high, under which we will assemble 6 picnic tables for food prep, eating & socializing.
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There is a large pavilion at the edge of group camp but we don't spend much time there during this event. They have a few park events at the pavilion during the weekend.
How can I find out about pre and post hikes?
We don’t keep track of them but feel free to start a separate hiking thread on HF.
Don't forget to bring your camp chairs!
Wild ponies! Did we mention there are wild ponies in this park?!
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Hammock Forum Contacts for Hang: Private message Slowhike, Hickery, or Rockdawg69.
General State Park Information
Park Link: Here - https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-p...yson-highlands
Park Weather - https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/gr...cast/28478_poi
Address: 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA, 24363
GPS: Latitude: 36.628322 Longitude: -81.496889
Park Phone: 276-579-7092
Email: [email protected]
Emergency: Dial 911
We do allow “ground dwellers” but you might get converted!!!
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