Fall Break Backpacking: Mt. Rogers.

OVERVIEW

Mount Rogers is the highest point in the Virginia. I’ve been assured by many people that there is no view at the marker for the tippy-top, but that there are wide open fields and vistas around the area. Also, there are wild ponies. Who want to be your friend. Seriously…

So that’s the selling points, wild horsies and views; now for some details…

The Grayson Highland area is about 4 hours away, and we’ll be hiking in 8 miles the first day. That means that we need an early start on Saturday (8am, sorry folks). We will stop for lunch on the way (or you can have packed your own), and then we’ll hike into an AT shelter and camp at or near it. Time permitting, we’ll check off going to the-highest-point-in-Virginia on our list of highest points in US states.

On Sunday, we will hike a 12 mile loop back to see the landscapes and wildlife. Fred will be joining us and since VA Tech doesn’t have Monday off, he’ll be heading out on Sunday, so there is a way to make this a two-day trip if you need that. Unfortunately, Fred is going back to Blacksburg, so I’ll need another two-dayer driver to offer this option to other folks.

For the rest of us, we’ll amble out a different way on Monday (around 8 miles again), and drive home. On the way home, we’ll forage for a restaurant with tasty food.

Club provides:
-A ride there and back again. (Gas + 30% for drivers)
-Food. (Saturday dinner through MOnday lunch.)
-Gear. (Backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, headlamps, water filter, cooking stuff.)
(As a note, it’ll be cooler at night, so I’d recommend at least a 20 degree bag or some more clothes.)

You provide:
-Money for food on the way or a packed lunch and money for food on the return trip.
-Comfortable clothes for hiking and warm clothes for night. Say a jacket. And a hat, maybe some gloves… Except the weather to be cool at night. The highs will be in the 60s and the lows in the 30-40s.
-Shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Wool socks are a good thing. (It ain’t West Virginia, so I’m not going to promise anyone any mud, but there’s always a chance.)
-Rain gear. (We’ll double-check the weather; at the minute, it is clear skies.)
-Things to eat on and with. (Bowls, spoons, forks, mugs.)
-Water bottles/containers. (At least enough space for 2-3 liters.)
-Toiletries (Toothpaste, etc.)

As usual, drivers get off the wait list first. I’ll try and give some preference to folks who have been wait listed before. If you are interested in going for two days sign up, and I’ll see what I can do, etc. We’ll hit up the Thursday gear room for the goods…