THURSDAY HUMPBACK SUNRISE HIKE!

OVERVIEW

Hello hello! I don’t know about you but I’ve been loving the weather since this weekend, and what’s a better way to start the day than enjoying beautiful weather on top of a mountain??

The plan is to hike up to the top of Humpback (～1 mile each way) in the dark under the Shenandoah Mountains’ beautiful starry sky, watch the sun rise over da pretty mountains, be filled with feelings of awe, peace and joy as we take in nature’s beauty, and then head down in time for most morning classes! I’ve also been wanting to get back into meditating so I was thinking of doing a lil 10-15 minute sesh while at the top so if there’s interest we could do it as a group, but nothing obligatory or set in stone there. About the return time: we’ll be back by 8:15ish, so plenty before 9:00am if everything goes to plan!

The schedule:
5:00- meet at the corner of Echols dorm, leave by 5:05 /at the latest
5:40- arrive at humpback, hike up rocks
6:20-summit and sit on da rocks, admire purty colors
6:50/7:00ish- start heading down
7:30ish- get back to car
back at grounds around 8/8:15ish (depending on when we start heading down; there should be more than enough wiggle room to make it back by 9)

Trail description: it’s a little under a mile to make it up to the top, but it is very steep! This hike can be for any level-hiker, just be aware that it’s challenging (and please keep in mind that doing this in the dark on the way up is an added challenge). However, we will take a slow-moderate pace and take breaks as we ascend because I like to stop and smell da roses and drink lots of water lol

What to bring:
*Headlamp and/or flashlight (important!!) A headlamp would be ideal and a flashlight as a second resort as it will be dark on the way up before the sunrise and hiking up a rocky trail in the dark with something in your hands is not fun)
Layers (another biggie! It’s windy and cold at the top !! )
Hiking shoes & comfy hiking clothes
Water
Snacks if desired
*You can check some out from the Gear Room (check announcements for hours)

I have my own car so I can drive us and drop off each person wherever on Grounds when we come back!