Range Cabin Intermediate Backpacking (no not the graduate rooms on the lawn)

OVERVIEW

What’s up y’all, I’m back to lead another PATC Cabin backpacking trip. Sadly my beloved Jones Mountain cabin is closed for renovations so I’ve been forced to close up shop and move somewhere else. I’ve decided to try out Range View cabin also in Shenandoah; I figured seeing as I’ll be applying to live on the Range on April 1 (the lawn but for graduate students), it only seemed fitting.

This will be an intermediate trip both because of the length and elevation but also because I’ll be expecting those on it to have some camping/backpacking knowledge but I’m still happy to share the wisdom I’ve gained in my time here (i.e. if you’re a complete beginner to backpacking, this is not quite the trip for you)

A little about the hike: I picked out a route of about 10.5 miles and 2500ft of elevation that’ll be split about 5.5-6 miles on Saturday and 4.5 on Sunday. Here’s a link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/sugarloaf-loop-via-piney-branch-and-appalachian-trails-8ce6fc7-2?u=i&sh=zcchyl

Here’s the rough plan:
Saturday 3/22
1:10 pm meet at echols
1:15 pm leave echols
2:35 pm arrive at the trailhead
2:45 pm depart for cabin
5:00 pm arrive at cabin
6:00ish sunset
?? dinner
?? games
?? star gazing
sleep

Sunday 3/23:
6:40ish sunrise (optional)
8:00-8:30 am leave the cabin
10:30 am back at the cars
10:40 am depart for cville
12:00 pm back on grounds

To Bring
– backpack
– sleeping bag
– water bottle
– headlamp
– toiletries
– weather appropriate clothing – it will still prob be somewhat cold (esp at elevation and at night)
– no cotton- think synthetic/athletic stuff
– hiking shoes
– sandals/camp shoes (optional)
– bowl/ utensils
– food: dinner(sat), breakfast(sun), lunch/snack(sun)
– water (2-3 liters)
– a book/ a journal/ playing cards or anything fun to share or play

You should be able to get all the above at the gear room (see weekly emails)

I will bring
– First Aid Kit
– camp stoves
– water filtration devices

We’ll need one more driver so:
For Drivers
– You get priority off the waitlist!!
– Gas is reimbursed and a tip of 50%!
– Please show up to echols with a full tank

Feel free to reach out with any questions, you can find my (Riley) number in my profile