This is a continuation of the First Hammock Forums Winter Hang, in January of 2007, shortly after Hammock Forums was started in the fall of 06.
The first three winter hangs were at the Wise Shelter, about a mile and a half hike in.
After that, Grayson Highlands State Park agreed to let our group use the group camp area.
It works out well for the park and us too.
They receive a little revenue from the group raffle during a time when the campground isn't being used, and our group has a place to camp in varying winter weather, close enough to their cars to have a safety net or have extra gear.
And, of course, you can check out other people's winter gear!
They have always taken very good care of our group and we try to return the favor by respecting the park Rangers, staff and the park.
No need to stop at the ranger station or pay a parking fee. They know we're coming!
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The Mt. Rogers Winter Hang happens because people volunteer to do stuff!
It organizes itself on a Google Spreadsheet.
Please register on the Google Spreadsheet. It helps greatly with planning.
There are two parts to the spread sheet...
Attendees, general info
Potluck, raffle donations
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...WGc/edit#gid=0
The sheet is set up so you can change your answers at any time if your plans change or if you need to add or delete information. It is more or less self-explanatory, but don’t hesitate to ask questions. Expect it to change substantially, so check back shortly before the hang.
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All costs, the group site, fire wood and port-a-john are covered by the raffle.
Tickets to the gear raffle are sold in camp. Bring cash to buy as many tickets as you like!
$5 per ticket or 5 for $20
I don't believe that the raffle has ever failed to exceed (by far) what GHSP would have charged for the group site as well as take care of the port-a-john and firewood. In fact the raffle proceeds we have donated to the park through "Friends Of Grayson Highlands" have been generous.
We love giving back to such a beautiful state park, especially since they have treated our group so well.
In the event we were to fall short of a worthy donation to cover our event, we might ask if some would help add by an additional donation.
Some vendors make raffle donations and have been very generous, but they have been so overwhelmed in recent years by the growing number of group hangs that we try not to press them.
Also, adds a lot to the raffle when those making the trip to contribute new or gently used things to the raffle prizes.
There is always a pretty nice bunch of stuff on the raffle tables!
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A Ranger from GHSP has been selling us local firewood for several years now.
He even stacks it near the fire ring!
Please do not bring firewood from areas infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. http://emeraldashborer.info/
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Wonder what it's like to do a winter hang at Grayson Highlands State Park/ Mt. Rogers Area?
Mt. Rogers can be an interesting place in winter! Over the last few years, she's given us some eventful times...to say the least.
We have had a couple events were it was not so cold but rainy.
A few years ago the in coming blizzard was so intense, the powers that be over Virginia State Parks made the decision to close all Virginia State Parks, so our group dispersed.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...%3E%3C/font%3E
But for the most part, the conditions have been perfect for a "Winter Hang".
If you're looking for a challenge with a bit of a safety factor (because the cars are near by), pack your rig and join us Jan 18-21!
You're likely to leave with a story or two!
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