Queer Backpacking (3 ridges)

OVERVIEW

Fellow queer folks in ODC…LET’S GO BACKPACKING! Jenna and I want to take y’all to 3 ridges, a gorgeous loop only an hour from grounds. It’s got vibrant streams, stunning views, and an Appalachian Trail shelter we might be able to stay in. Also, I need to take a new picture at 3 ridges, the trip photo is almost 3 years old! Simply, I’m stoked.

Notes:
This is a beginner/ intermediate backpacking trip. The weather should be decent, but perhaps a little rainy. Anyone who feels up to hiking a total of 14 miles over 2 days is welcome. We will go slow and take plenty of breaks.

The first 5 items on the packing list can be picked up from the gear room, BUT we need to return them immediately after the trip so they can be available for the Moab spring break trip. If you are borrowing a backpack from the club bring another bag to leave in the car that you can carry your personal gear back home after the trip.

To bring:
backpacking backpack
sleeping bag (make sure to check temperature rating***)
sleeping pad
sleeping bag liner
headlamp
clothing to hike in (no cotton)
clothing to sleep in (no cotton!)
wool socks x2
good hiking shoes
*raincoat*
Rain cover for backpack if desired (trash bags work)
hat
layers (puffy, fleece, pants)
toiletries
at least 2L water carrying capacity
something to share- cards, book, art supplies, a painfully long but well-executed joke?

food (1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, snacks)
suggestions: ramen, instant mashed potatoes, peanut butter, oatmeal, bars, tuna packets, fruit snacks, pepperoni, mountain house(if you are fancy), apples, dining hall food in a tupperware

We will bring:
tents
Toilet paper and trowel
2 stoves + fuel to share
bear bagging supplies
water filter
first aid

Sched:
Friday 2/24
10am meet at echols dorm
11am arrive at reeds gap parking
hike in (7.5 miles) to AT shelter
3pm set up camp
5:30pm eat dinner/ hangout
9pm hiker midnight, GO TO SLEEP

Saturday 2/25
8am wake up early ish
9am pack-up and head out
hike 6 miles (less climbing)
12 back at parking lot
1pm back to cville
give all borrowed gear back to Ed to return to gear room

all trails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/three-ridges-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

**1 driver needed, driver gets priority off the waitlist, come w/ a full tank, you can get gas reimbursed + 50% tip
***This is an affinity trip, don’t sign up if you’re not queer or trans please (that being said, if you’re interested but don’t want to sign up publicly, text one of us!)
Ed Aten- 434-326-8868
Jenna Hauger – 540-259-9206