Backpacking @ Dolly Sods (Overflow)

OVERVIEW

So I was talking to Gen the other day about backpacking at Dolly Sods and he suggested adding another trip in order to enable more people to enjoy the beautiful scenery up there. So here you go. I will be leading a trip to BEAUTIFUL Dolly Sods, starting on Friday, September 21 and returning Sunday, Sept. 23.

This trip will be very similar to Gen’s the following week and is intended to give people on the very looooonnnggg waitlist another chance to go. All will be waitlisted until I can work out transportation and gear issues, so please bear with until I can figure out who can drive and what gear issues we will face. I will copy Gen’s description verbatim because it is very good.

“Come explore rocky plains and upland bogs while catching some autumn vistas on the Allegheny Plateau during this two night backpacking trip. We will arrive Friday night and hike one to two miles by headlamp to our campsite. On Saturday we will explore wind swept plains and set up camp along a creek. On Sunday we will return to our cars and head back to Charlottesville, making the traditional pizza stop on the way back.

The colors change early at Dolly Sods and we’ll hope to hit the peak weekend. Expect to hike 7 to 12 miles on Saturday and slightly less on Sunday. The trails here are generally well graded (not too steep) but we will cover some rocky terrain. Walking through mud and muddy puddles [ankle deep or more!] is unavoidable. The climate at Dolly Sods is said to be more similar to that found 1600 miles further north than it is to the Virginias. Windy conditions and temperatures 10 – 20 degrees F below those in Charlottesville are the norm. It is a beautiful place.

Space is limited to 8 people but everyone goes to the waitlist until we have enough drivers and the gear/clothing list has been gone over. Beginners are encouraged to sign up.”

Ok, I have also scheduled the trip meeting for 4 Pm by Echols, but may have to push that back depending on when people can arrive.

“We are scheduled to be back by 7:00 PM on Sunday but there are no guarantees. If you have mandatory obligations later that night please do not sign up. [Also consider your homework load! e.g. Reports, papers, exams. You will be very tired when we get back!]

Club provides:

-transportation: a seat in a car, gas if you can drive
-food: saturday’s meals, sunday breakfast, some snacks
-Gear: backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, headlamps, water filter, cooking pots/stove

You bring:
-hiking boots or sneakers (they will get wet & muddy)
-jacket / rain gear
-appropriate clothing (i’ll go over clothing after you join)
-bowl (non breakable)?-cup (if you want hot chocolate / coffee / tea)
-fork / spoon / spork!
-water bottle (2 liter capacity)
-toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
-You are also encouraged to bring your own camping gear (tents, bags) if you have it.