Valentine’s Day Backpacking for Lonely Gays (beginner)

OVERVIEW

Look, I’m not saying you’re going to find the love of your life on this trip. But I’m not NOT saying you’re going to meet the love of your life. Might as well join the trip to find out. This is an lgbtq affinity trip, meant to create a safe space for our lgbtq club members!

Here’s the plan:
Meet at echols at 11am on Friday
3 hr drive (I know,,, yikes. But its worth it I promise)
Hike in 2 miles to Catawba Shelter
Set up camp, claim our spots
4 mile hike (without packs) to catch the sunset at McAfee Knob
Hang out, dinner, various shenanigans, sleep
Saturday:
Breakfast, pack up camp
Hike 2 miles back to cars
3 hr car back to grounds

To Pack:
Clothing (ideally non-cotton)– whatever you need for an overnight. Pack clothes you can hike in, pack layers. It might be chilly. Lows will be in the 30s and highs maybe in the 40s or 50s, tbd.
Rain gear
Fleece and/or puffy jacket
Hat
Good hiking shoes & socks
At least 2L water capacity
Meals– lunch for or before car on Fri, one dinner, one breakfast, snacks
Whatever u might need to cook your food (stove, pot, lighter, fuel)
Tent (u can also just sleep in the shelter but there’s no guarantee there won’t be random people there/that it won’t be full. I recommend bringing a tent. I’ll prob make a group text or email sometime before so that if people want to share a tent they can sort that out)
Sleeping bag (recommend a 20 deg bag or 30 deg + liner) & sleeping pad
Any toiletries you might need (toothbrush, toothpaste, prescription meds, toilet paper, menstrual products if needed)
Backpacking Backpack
Headlamp
I’ll bring:
Water filter
First Aid

**Drivers get priority off the waitlist, come w/ a full tank, you can get gas reimbursed

if you’re interested in joining the trip but don’t want to publicly sign up, text me!
Lmk if you have any questions or anything! I’m very excited!

-Carson (757-647-6745)