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 …
Announcements
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 …
Lunar Eclipse and S’Mores: Party at the Farm!
There is a total lunar eclipse coming up. Details: http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2004Oct28/TLE2004Oct28.html And here’s an image of what we’ll see when: http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2004Oct28/image/TLE2004Oct-EDT.GIF We are going to be staying at a farm that my friend works at. We will build a big fire, roast smores and party down with hot chocolate. There will probably be some other people (not from the club) too, …
Hiking/Camping in Shenandoah
If you still haven’t got plans for reading break, why don’t you take a couple of days out of your 4-day weekend and soak up some pretty scenery at our local national park? This trip will include a moderate (6-8 mile) hike on Sat. and camping out at Big Meadows campsite on Sat. night. Should leave plenty of time for …
Intermediate/Advanced/Multipitch Climbing at Seneca Rocks
The Seneca Rocks is one of the Trad climbing and Multi pitch mecca of the East coast. we leave Friday evening and will be back sunday night late.it’s a 3 hours drive. two full days of climbing and two nights of camping.The trip can range from Top rope (5.8+) to trad climbing and multi pitch upto 3 pitches. -If you …
Incredible Southeast Climbing!
Areas around Chattanooga boast tons of awesome climbing. Come see why Chattanooga was ranked in Outside Magazine’s top 10 places to live! This is where I’m from and where I learned to climb, and I’m in love with the place. There are many different places we can go (we’ll probably pick a different one each day). Sunset and Tennessee Wall …
Climbing at the New/Summersville
(If you’re already signed up for the rafting trip for this weekend and want to climb, you don’t need to sign up on this also!). We’ll get in some awesome climbing up at either the New River Gorge or nearby Summersville (little over 3 hours from C’Ville in good ole WV). We’ll be doing sport routes that people can toprope …
Tents Workshop, Backpacking Series
Ever wondered How to pitch a tent, pack it, clean it, find a good location for it and things like this? Come join us on the Lawn on Thursday for a quick workshop about this. You can bring your food and eat dinner there. we will quickly go over tents and differences like 2/3/4..pole, symmetric/unsymmetric, light tents/ 3 season/ 4 …
Gauley Fest 2004!
Gauley Fest is a boating entusiasts festival that is put on by American Whitewater. I’ve never been before, but I’ve always heard that it is an AMAZING time. Its a great place to buy/sell used gear (I’ll be selling my kayak and hopefully picking up a new one). So bring your gear, bring some money, and meet some of the …
White Water Rafting the Upper Gauley
*Those of you who replied to my email earlier still have to officially join the trip.* 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 …
Backpacking At Dolly Sods
Dolly Sods is a wilderness area in the mountains of West Virginia. It offers spectacular views, some wildlife, waterfalls to play in, and a satisfying hike. I haven’t yet chosen a route, but I’ll announce that as the date approaches. I estimate we’ll do between 12 and 20 miles; Dave Clark led a trip last year where we did around …
Sport Climbing
This trip is mainly for people who have had some experience climbing (know how to belay and have gone a few times) just since there are not a ton of beginner routes. We’ll be doing a lot of sport routes that people can climb on toprope. On Friday we’ll head up to the New River Gorge in West Virginia and …
Waterfall Hiking & Camping
This is one of my two favorite hikes in all of Shenandoah National Park! We’ll see lots of beautiful waterfalls up close, and even get to go on a natural waterslide (so please wear a bathing suit!)! The hike is 9.6 miles long and will take about 8 hours. This is not a backpacking trip so you won’t have to …
Backpacking for Beginners & More Experienced As Well
This backpacking adventure is a chance for people with little or no experience to see what backpacking (hiking with camping gear on your back) is like, on a relatively short course. We strongly encourage more experienced backpackers to come as well, so that we can learn from each other. The pace will accommodate those who would prefer not to hike …
The Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Extravaganza
We’re going to be going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, for some fantastic hiking. Expect to see gorgeous foliage, crisp, cool streams, lots of wildlife, and incredible vistas that will amaze you!!! We will drive down on Saturday, do day hikes on Sunday and Monday, and drive back on Tuesday. Outdoors …
Class V White Water Rafting
Rafting on the Upper Gauley river, location of the 2001 World Class Championships. You need to be comfortable swimming because flipping is likely. On Sat. we’ll be watching people do base jumps off a bridge over the new river, camping that night and rafting on sunday. Outdoors at UVa provides: Rafting fee and equipment, dinner on Sat. and breakfast and …
Overnight Backpacking Trip to Saint Mary’s Wilderness
This will be an overnight backpacking trip to “Saint Mary’s Wilderness.” This is a 17.5 mile overnight loop hike rated. On a scale of easy, moderate, and strenous, it is rated that “even with the considerable change in elevation, it is a trip of only moderate difficulty.” I’m trying to gear this trip towards beginners or intermediates (because that’s where …
New River Gorge Climbing
We will be toproping (suitable for both 5.12 climbers and most beginners) and sport climbing at the New River Gorge. We will also hold a rappelling workshop for those interested in learning lots of neat ways to rappel. Outdoors at UVa provides: All climbing and camping equipment. Camping fee for Roger’s Campground (where the real climbers are!). We will eat …