Come out to The Lawn this Sunday at 2pm to try your hand at slacklining. This is a great sport started by rock climbers, in principle similar to tightrope walking. Instead of a rope, 1 inch tubular webbing is used, and the rope bends and sways under your weight. Not only is it fun, but it’s a great way to …
Announcements
Intermediate-/Advanced Climbing at the Lake
The trip is for 5.8/5.99 climbers (first come first serve as usual). So, for those who practiced all the winter squeezing those ugly plastic holds, lets get out for some sunshine. The weather looks good for the weekend. I would like to go to the Summersville lake. the water level should be low enough that we check out some of …
Snowshoeing and Winter Camping in Dolly Sods
Gen is helping me lead this trip (and providing his back country culinary expertise as well). This is an adventure to the Dolly Sods Wilderness area in West Virginia, ~3.5hrs from C’ville. We’ll be snowshoeing, backpacking, and camping. You don’t need any snowshoeing experience – it’s easy to learn. But, you should have some backpacking and camping experience to come …
Alpine Rock Climbing
The level of this adventure is “frozen intermediate”. the weekend looks perfect for some fun. it is supposed to be uncomfortable but not too cold. we leave Sat morning, climb the west side with boots (sturdy boots). bivy at the top of seneca at the night. leave our gear up there and rappel down to the East side Sunday early …
Intro to Mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest
**Aarash is the real leader of this trip** – I’ll just be organizing some of the logistics. We’ll fly from Washington, DC to Portland, OR together and spend 5 days there (~2 days are for traveling). We’ll first camp low on a glacier to learn and practice alpine camping and climbing techniques for ~3 days. Some of the techniques will …
Trip Leader Workshop 3!
I’ve heard from several of you that you can’t come to the Thursday workshop, so here’s another chance! We’ll learn about trip-leading from 5-6ish, and we’ll finish in plenty of time to attend the Monday Night Gathering at Newcomb. At this workshop, we’ll talk about how to lead different types of trips, what to do about gear, how to handle …
Trip Leader Workshop!
Everyone is encouraged to lead trips, and it’s easier than you think! At this workshop, we’ll talk about how to lead different types of trips, what to do about gear, how to handle trip expenses, what types of trips are allowed, and how to set trips up online. As an incentive to lead, we’ll reimburse your dues after leading four …
Workshop – Leave No Trace
If you go on day hikes, backpacking trips, outdoor climbing trips or any other trips in the wilderness then you should familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace (LNT) techniques. If you lead trips this is especially important so that you can pass on the proper etiquette for backcountry living. I will cover why LNT is important, the basic principles behind …
Workshop – Ultralight Backpacking
Want to impress your friends by going on a multi-day backpacking trip carrying only [what looks like] a daypack? At this workshop I’ll teach you how to reduce your base weight to 7 or 8 lbs! This is the weight of your pack (including the pack) with everything but food, water and fuel. It’s the ultimate survivalist kit. In you’re …
Workshop – Stovemaking
Some of the best stoves in life are free. Come to the workshop and I’ll teach you how to make your very own ultralight backpacking stove from two aluminum cans! Usually weighing less than 1 oz, alcohol stoves are the top choice among ultralight backpackers and long-distance hikers. At the workshop I will teach you how to make a stove …
Trail Maintenance Weekend and Camping
Up for a weekend of trail maintenance and good eats? I hope so. My mom’s trail club could use some strapping college lads and lasses like us to help them do some maintenance on Saturday, October 21. They are responsible for a 10-mile stretch of the AT from Tye River to Reed’s Gap. Tasks range from the easy to the …
Backpacking: Tinker Cliffs and Mcafee Knob
Located near Roanoke, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs are two beautiful Blue Ridge Venues for some of the best views in Virginia! We will be hiking along the AT and staying in shelters. Be ready for some hardcore uphills to earn those majestic views I mentioned! We will hike about 2 miles Friday night by headlamp to Catawba Mountain Shelter, …
Fall Break Paddling Weekend (Dates Are Flexible)
For those of you brave enough to take a long car ride with me, I will offer you the best padding weekend of your life. I’m going home for fall break and want to take some good paddlers with me to hit up some rivers local to my home – Asheville, NC. I want to take some sweet movie footage, …
Outerbanks Beach Trip: Reading Holiday
In honor of the changing seasons and the coming of the delightful brisk fall air–I propose a camping trip to the outerbanks (an awesome area on the atlantic ocean, if you’ve never been) of North Carolina for some fresh ocean air and quality outdoor time in the fine company of fellow outdoors club members and a bountiful array of fall …
Aldha Gathering
Has the thought of thru-hiking one of the country’s long trails ever crossed your mind? If so, I’d suggest joining us at ‘The Gathering,’ an annual event held by ALDHA, the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association. This is a great opportunity to learn about long distance hiking and get a glimpse of what life is like on the trail. We’ll …
Trip Leader Workshop!
Everyone is encouraged to lead trips, and it’s easier than you think! At this workshop, we’ll talk about how to lead different types of trips, what to do about gear, how to handle trip expenses, what types of trips are allowed, and how to set trips up online. As an incentive to lead, we’ll reimburse your dues after leading four …
Whitewater Rafting: Upper Gualey!
Make the best of your “Reading Days” by rafting the Upper Gualey! This is going to be incredible! The Gualey River is located in West Virginia. Here’s what a former officer (Marc) had to say about it: “The upper Gauley is a world class white water mecca, and was home to the 2001 white water championships. For 23 days each …
Overnight Backpacking @ St Mary’s Wilderness
We’ll start from the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday and hike down to a waterfall and some swimming holes. I think it’s about a 3 – 4 mile hike. We’ll try to claim a good site to set up camp and spend the afternoon and night relaxing by / in the river. On Sunday we’ll escape the way we came. …
“Over the Falls Festival” at Ohiopyle Falls on the Yough
We’re going to head up to SW Pennsylvania for the “Over the Falls Festival”. You can read about it at www.fallsrace.com. If you want to run the falls you need to be a solid class III/IV paddler. The falls themselves are an 18 foot drop (Quintin and I did it about two weeks ago and it was awesome). Normally, this …
Intermediate/Advanced Sport Climbing
The weather should be beautiful for climbing this weekend – mid to upper 70s. We’ll be going to Bubba City and maybe taking a dip in the river afterwards. You should be able to climb 5.9 well to join this adventure. If you are interested in learning how to lead or clean we can do that. We may camp at …
Climbing Blowout Weekend – Intermediate/Advanced
Come out to the New with us for some awesome climbing! Since it’s summertime, then T-storms are expected every afternoon – we’ll get up early and get some good climbing in before the thunder clouds roll in. Probable destinations: Bubba (for sure!), Summersville, and the Meadow. We can also climb at Bridge Buttress in the rain. You should be able …
Intermediate Climbing at the New
Enjoy WV’s best climbing… To join this trip you should be able to climb 5.8+/5.9 without falling. We’ll be doing sport climbing and setting up top ropes – if you’re interested in learning how to lead, rappel, clean we’ll teach you. Please email me if you have questions. Depending on what level of climbers sign up we’ll either go to …
Leg 1 of Summer: Dolly Sods
CAUTION! Old mortar shells from military exercises during World War II are occasionally found in the Scenic Area. They should be considered extremely dangerous. If one is found, DO NOT TOUCH. They are unstable and may explode. Report it to the District Ranger in Petersburg at (304) 257-4488. That’s the kind of excitement that awaits us in the Dolly Sods …
Mammoth Cave
Lets go to explore the Mammoth Cave! It is the longest recorded cave system in the world with more than 360 miles. “After 4000 years of intermittent exploration, the full extent of this water-formed labyrinth still remains a mystery.” We will take the Wild Cave Tour with 5 1/2 miles caving distance and which supposed to be 6-6 1/2 h …
Leg 1 of Summer: Vancouver, Bc
I flew threw Vancouver last summer, and I’ve wanted to go back ever since. It’s a pretty spectacular city. Set on a sound, surrounded by the towering Pacific Rockies, to-be host of the 2010 Olympic games. Tickets from Dulles are about 440 right now, and I don’t know how long that will last. I want to get some and go …
Leg 1 of Summer: Hawaii?
The unlying Internet tells me Hawaii beckons at the mere cost of a 680 dollar flight from Dulles. I’ve wanted to go for a while, so this May I think I might. My family has old friend out there – a cool and funny couple who are happy in the way of old people ironically satisfied with the turns of …
Caving at Grottoes
The Virginia Region of the NSS is having its spring caving extravaganza at Grottoes, just on the other side of SNP, in a couple of weekends. There will be a ton of experienced cavers there, and a bunch of caves to be explored. There will also be country-style baked chicken and camping. I want to take a few people to …
Canoe Camping on the James River!
Join me for two days on the James River! This is an overnight canoe-camping trip, covering 12 miles of river between Scottsville and Bremo Bluff. We’ll load up the cars on Friday night and then head out to Scottsville, Virginia on Saturday morning. After we set up a shuttle, we’ll mosey down the river, explore some islands, and pick a …
Dolly Sods Reconnaissance Mission
Who: A group of hearty souls ready for a beating. Where: Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods When: February 10th – 12th Goal: Gain access to Dolly Sods. I’ve been trying to find the best winter access to Dolly Soggy for backpacking trips. It’s time to test out some of the options. On Friday evening we will drive to Canaan Valley …
Beautiful Friday Camping
I wanted to go camping this weekend, but didn’t plan it because I expected it to be raining right now. It is certainly not raining. Rather, it is beautiful outside, and the air looking down from mountains might be clearer from last night’s a-cleansin. I’m going to go hike and camp in SNP as soon as possible. I’m not sure …
Spring Break in St. John
Come to St. John for Spring Break and do some scuba, paddling, hiking, or just enjoy the beach… and meet some new friends while you’re at it. We will be renting some sweet tents that are located beachfront in Cinnamon Bay. There’s something for everyone! ~~~~ www.cinnamonbay.com ~~~~ everything you need to know about where we are staying! with the …
Xc Skiing at White Grass, the Best Place on Earth
We’ll head out Friday evening for Cannan Valley and get in a full day of cross country skiing on Saturday at White Grass. It’s my favorite winter spot around with great trails – over 30km of them – and new snow on the way! They have a lots of trails to choose from, including several that are great for beginners. …
Grand Canyon Service and Backpacking
They canceled my freaking J-Term class. So I’m going to go do something I like more anyway. That is: go to the Grand Canyon, backpack, volunteer, and camp from Jan 4- Jan 10. Basically, I signed up for a program managed by the National Park Service, and Grand Canyon Volunteering specifically. They provide food, organization, and special gear. Volunteers provide …
Spring Break – Climbing at Red Rocks and Hiking the Canyons of Zion National Park
Join us for climbing and hiking out west over spring break! Short Itinerary: Day 1: Fly out to Las Vegas, NV from Washington D.C. Days 2-6: Climb at Red Rock Canyon Days 7-8: Hike, camp overnight at Zion Day 9: Flight from Las Vegas to DC Long Description: We’ll climb at Red Rock Canyon for the first 5 days. To …
Glade Creek Hiking
Located in the soutern part of the NRG, Glade Creek is a tributary to the New River. It is less commercialized than the rest of the gorge, but just as beautiful. It is also a slightly shorter drive than fayetteville. We’ll leave UVA Friday afternoon and set up camp at the northern trailhead, where Glade Creek flows into the New …
Intermediate Backpacking Trip to Mt. Rogers!
Looking for a way to spend Fall Break this year? Mount Rogers is the highest peak in Virginia, and we’ll be taking in the gorgeous views as we hike to the top. The area offers great opportunities for some creek splashing, bouldering, and wildlife sighting. You might get to hold a black and gold salamander, or perhaps even kiss one …
Fall Break at Old Rag- Later Trip
So…you’re not doing anything cool for “reading” break. Now you can! The hike to Old Rag Mountain offeres SPECTACULAR views. This is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia, and it’s a club favorite! There is another club trip to Old Rag that is leaving at 8:30 am, so this is your chance to still enjoy the outdoors if …
White Water Rafting: Upper Gauley!!
The upper Gauley is a world class white water mecca, and was home to the 2001 white water championships. For 23 days each fall the water level is controlled by the release from the Summersville Dam, bringing the flow to around 4,000 CuFt./Sec. (that’s fast!) and making this section ranked 2nd in the nation, 7th in the world for white …
Sport Climbing (Advanced)
It’s the New’s Turn. This trip is for you if: -you lead bolted routes, or, -on Top rope you flash most of 5.9s (outdoors) AND you belay a lead climber. ************** Flashing a route: means climbing it on the first try without falling. ************** You are welcome to ask me if you had any doubts about signing up. The plan …
Hiking/Backpacking Extravaganza
We will be hiking the AT/Mau Har Trail Loop. This is a strenuous circuit hike that follows along the Appalachian Trail and then returns via the Mah- Har Trail, but split up over two days it should not be too bad. Total miles for this hike is about 13-14 miles. Three Ridges is a beautiful mountain that towers three thousand …
Biking & Camping on the Va Creeper Trail
Ever wish that the trail was all downhill? Well, the Virginia Creeper Trail can make that wish come true! We will cover half of the converted rail trail on Saturday. This section is a gently graded downhill lasting about 17 miles. After completing the ride we will grab our packs and head back out onto the trail to camp for …
Hike’n’camp in Lovely Snp
I own a topo map of Virginia; it has a little blue circle that represents Charlottesville reservoir, which is fed by a pair of fresh mountain streams in SNP. I’d like to follow these streams down the mountain, (or follow the nearest path) and try to discover the water for myself, if at all possible. Who wants to come? After …
Spelunking at Marshall’s Cave
Want to get out of the blistering heat? Why not go underground for awhile where it is a cool 60-some degrees all year long! Marshall’s cave is an excellent place for some fine spelunking. Incredible rock formations and expansive caverns wait for those that dare to enter! The plan is to leave on Friday the 29th of July and hike …
Extremely Chill Backpacking Trip
We’ll be heading out to Lake Moomaw on Saturday for a nice relaxing trip. We’ll hike 3.3 miles to “the primitive campsites at Greenwood Point on Lake Moomaw” (the hike is “moderately strenuous”). We will be “rewarded with a quieter camp of much less human activity where we can enjoy golden sunrises, and pink sunsets reflected in the lake and …
Intermediate/Advanced Climbing at Seneca Rocks
In order to join to this trip you should be solid at 5.9 indoors, means you can climb most of 5.9s you try in rocky top or Peak without falling. if you have trouble on 5.9 or below ask me before signing up, please. there are not many easy routes in the place we plan to go. The plan is …
Stove Workshop
When you are wet, hungry, exhausted, and out in the middle of nowhere, there is truly nothing better than hearing the comforting roar of a camp stove. (The presence of a beautiful woman is a close second…) If you have any aspirations for leading/joining overnight outdoors trips, then this is your chance to learn all about backcountry stoves. In this …
Outdoors Climbing, Intermediate/Advanced
This trip is for 5.9 and better climbers ( indoors). If you have climbed 5.8 outdoors you are also advised to sign up. If you are solid at 5.8 at gym, which means you can complete 5.8s without falling, go ahead and sign up. Sorry it is late but I had to wait for the weather forecast and sort out …
Cross Country Skiing!
We’ll head out Friday afternoon for Cannan Valley and get in a full day of cross country skiing on Saturday. I’ve never been there, but the trails are supposed to be great – over 30km of them. They have a lots of trails to choose from, including several that are great for beginners. You don’t need any skiing experience at …
Multipitch Climbing at Seneca
This trip is for you if -You have done multipitch before (either followed or led) Or -You lead trad but haven’t done multipitch ever Or -you top rope 5.9+ and you enjoy cold hands and numb fingers. We sleep at the Seneca campsite (the one right after the right turn at stop sign at the “climb and eat” restaurant). Then …
Winterbreak in California!!
There has been a large interest among club members to get to California at some point in their life to experience all the beauty it has to offer. How does this winterbreak sound?! If you have never experienced California before, then this is a great opportunity. I’ll be setting up this trip for 5 club members between December 27 and …