Petites Gap Beginner Backpacking, Post-fire Reflection, & SWIM

OVERVIEW

Hello nitty gritty dirty little freaks,

For those who do not know, a wildfire hit Matts Creek, near Big Island, VA back in November. Around 11,000 acres were affected, and as you could imagine, the area has dramatically changed. But in what ways?? Join us on this backpacking adventure of re-entering the area with respect and curiosity to see how this fire has affected the area, and to see what new beauty has grown.

Hike Details:
-Matts Creek WildFire Info (vid from November):
www.nbc29.com/2023/11/17/matts-creek-wildfire-burns-5148-acres-2-contained/
– Alltrails Link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/appalachian-trail-petites-gap-to-james-river?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map
– Length: 9.8 miles (point to point)
–Around 4 Miles the first day and 6 on the second
– Elevation: 1,322 feet

You Should Bring:
–Tent (We will coordinate once people sign up)
–sleeping bag (should be around 40 degrees at night)
–sleeping pad
–backpacking backpack
–pack cover OR better yet a trash bag to line pack (can be found in gear room)
–3-4 liters of water
–headlamp
–hiking shoes/boots
–camp shoes
–layers (avoid cotton. It’s supposed to be nicer weather but still bring some base layers, puffy jacket, fleece, hat and gloves if you wish)
–toiletries (and hand sani)
–bowls and utensils
–FOOD: dinner for first night, breakfast and lunch for second day, and snacks
–towel/ something to swim in for Jimmy James River @ the end
– A curiosity to explore the new growth that has spawned after the wildfire

We will bring:
–First Aid Kit
–stove
–Toilet paper and trowel
–bear bagging supplies
–water filter and aquamira

you can get your gear from the gear room! see the weekly email for the times! reach out to Ed or Charlotte with any questions: Ed– (434) 326-8868 Charlotte–(540) 816-6429

The Plan:
Friday (3/29)
2:15 PM meet outside echols and depart by 2:20PM
3:45 PM arrive at the James River Foot Bridge and start shuttling people to Petites Gap Parking lot.
4:00 PM Start our adventure (4ish miles to the ridge where we’ll set up our campsite)

Saturday (3/30)
8 AM wake up, eat breakfast, and pack up
8:45 AM head out (6ish miles to the end)
12:00 ish PM Arrive at the James River Foot Bridge
-Hang around/Swim from 12-1:00
1:00 (ish) PM Head back to Cville
2:30-3:00 Arrive Back on Grounds

**drivers needed, drivers get priority off the waitlist, come w/ a full tank, you can get gas reimbursed + 50% tip up to $20 !!