Hoppin’ Boulders, Bushwhackin’ & Hikin’ to One of VA’s Best Views

OVERVIEW

Come hike to a ginormous boulder field where each of us will choose our own path hopping up, around, inside, between, under and through boulders to the top with a pretty great view along the way. Then the adventure ain’t done yet, time to bushwhack carry on past the boulder field off-trail to meet up with a different trail, taking us to the “Helicopter Pad: one of the most spectacular 360 views in the state of Virginia.” – Hiking Upward

Hike ~8 miles
~2,500 to 3,000 feet elevation gain
Pace 7 to 8 (out of a 10-scale). Those of you who have hiked with me before: same pace (except slower in the boulder section).
This adventure starts out with everyone waitlisted, and then as drivers sign up, folks will get off the wait list.

WITHDRAW/CANCEL-PARTICIPATION DEADLINE is the same as the posted signup deadline for every club adventure unless otherwise noted. If you are on the wait list and make other plans, please withdraw ONLINE (otherwise if you get off the wait list last-minute and don’t show up, and someone else could have gone in your spot, that’s a problem).

Drivers needed and greatly appreciated (~166 miles total). Drivers please arrive with completely full tank of gas, then I’ll pay to fill up your tank upon return and give you a 50% tip! The more drivers, the bigger we can grow the size of this trip to let in any waitlistees. Thanks!

Wear non-cotton clothes, and pack: __ breakfast in-stomach or in-hand, GLOVES WITH GOOD GRIP else some will get hands scraped up / cut on the boulder-hopping section, __ consider long pants for the same scrape/cut reason, __ multiple layers of clothes to put on / peel off as needed – it will be much colder up there and the rock face is totally exposed, possibly windy, __ 2-3 L water, __ lunch, __ snacks, __ meds, __ extra corrective lenses if applicable, __ rain gear, __ whistle, __ FLASHLIGHT / HEADLAMP (required, and NOT JUST YOUR CELLPHONE LIGHT), __ hike poles? (collapse & pack ’em during the boulder-hopping section) __ camera? __ sunscreen and hat, __ sunglasses? __ t.p. & baggie?
Not a good idea for doggies to join us, putting doggie and owner at significant risk on the boulders.

Meeting / departure location is: on Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) at the Free Trolley bus stop just before that bus turns right onto Maury Avenue. If you’re on JPA facing Fry’s Spring Station restaurant (which is on the NE corner of JPA and Maury), we’re meeting at the bus stop / grassy area that’s on JPA to the right of that restaurant.

This trip’s leader is a Wilderness EMT and Geo Medic, is the instructor of the Wilderness First Aid & CPR courses posted in the club, and will be happy to help anyone in need.

~ poppa shred