Let’s go get cold. I’ve never been to the Dolly Sods (which is apparently ultra-awesome), so I say let’s do the damn thing. Weather hasn’t been as cold as I’d like it, but next week’s supposed to drop some degrees (looks like lows in the 20s and highs in the mid to low 30s with possibilities of snow—ideally we’ll get …
Announcements
Pre-Homework Backpacking! Knob Mountain Snp
Come backpack before homework starts piling up! I haven’t worked out the exact hike details but if you are interested go ahead and sign up. This is not beginner backpacking but anyone will be able to make the hikes. We’ll head to Shenandoah on Saturday morning. Maybe at 9 like I scheduled it. Maybe a couple of hours later as …
Bouldering at Goshen Pass or Second Mountain
So heres the deal. We leave late at night and go camp at Goshen Pass (near Lexington) or Second Mountain (near Harrisonburg). We wake up in the morning boulder all day and arrive back in Charlottesville around 6ish. I originally thought we should go to goshen but after talking with others attending the trip thought about second mountain. Both are …
Finals at Peak (Thursday)
Hopefully you all have been studying for this climbing final. We’ll meet at 5:30 by Echols (earlier if you need gear). Expect for this final to take over 3 hours. Climbing ends at 10, so if you’re stuck on a problem, skip it and move on. Wait, who am I kidding! SEND THAT PROBLEM! As usual, we’ll plan on stopping …
Strickler Knob Day Hike
Let’s be real, studying is for the weak. This hike, is not. Leave the books at home, or carry them with you in defiance and jest of studying. For the adventurous at heart, this is not just your typical 7-9 mile stroll in the woods, for Strickler throws in a plethora of joys. Including, but not limited to, a slight …
Possibly the Last Chance to Go to Moorman’s
Moorman’s is a bouldering area about 20 minutes away from grounds. The club provides crash pads and driving arrangements. You need to bring: Water (a liter or two), athletic clothing that you can move in, short fingernails, tape. Preferably only experienced climbers (V1+ — unless you are okay with sitting around chilling) Currently only able to take 4 people unless …
Winter Break Backpacking in Ocala National Forest, Fl
Sooo, classes don’t start until Wednesday, January 18th, let’s go backpacking! Ocala National Forest in Central Florida has about 70 miles of continuous trails that run through a mix of pine and hardwood forests, prairies, lakes, and swamps. The plan is to backpack the the majority of the length of the forest over 6 days. Here is a great resource …
Peak Thursday Trip
This is the weekly trip to Peak rock gym. Let’s meet at the brick wall by echols at 5:30. We will drive down, hang out (pun intended) go to sheetz and come back. We will return around 12. This trip is open to everyone but belayers and drivers will get priority. I will expand the waitlist as more drivers sign …
Intermediate-Advanced Mountain Biking: Reddish Knob
The trails near Harrisonburg could be the best in the state! Sure, I say that about every place I go, but this time I really mean it. I’ve only done this ride twice, and many years ago, but I remember thinking, ‘This could be the best ride in the state!’ Reddish knob is a popular tourist site as you can …
Devil’s Marbleyard Rock Scramble Hike
All the cool kids are hiking Saturday– on the waitlist for Crockett/Tom’s trip? Join this one! It’s one of my favorite hikes in the Charlottesville vicinity! The drive to Devil’s Marbleyard will take around 1.5-2 hours, and we’ll start up with a moderately easy 1.5 mile hike through the woods. From there, the mountain opens up into a 100 acre …
Sunday Run-Day
Start off your Sunday morning with an unprecedented burst of motivation…let’s go for a trail run! For those who get tired of running on concrete and pavement, join me for a mid-morning run at our beloved Walnut Creek Park. Runners of all levels are welcome (although if you’re fast, you’ll probably be running by yourself…); if you aren’t a big …
Crabtree-Priest Autumn Jaunt
(in the words of Tom Daley because he forgot his password) Come stretch your legs as we ascend historic and scenic Crabtree Falls in the heart of the Mighty Blue Ridge. From there we’ll set out to the strange and beautiful rock structure known as The Priest. We’ll be enjoying scenic views and forecasted sunny weather. Make sure to pack …
Friday Peak Fun
Friday peak for the rest of us…just like Festivus. We will be leaving echols dorm at 4:15. GET YOUR STUFF AT GEAR ROOM. Meet at Echols at 4:00. We’ll be back around 10pm. We will be stopping at sheetz before departure, so bring finances for such. Again, make sure to get the essentials from gear room (i.e. harness, shoes, chalk …
The Priest Backpacking
The Priest is part of the AT in George Washington National Forest. We’ll leave Saturday and hike to the top and camp in or near the shelter. Sunday we’ll either hike back down or make a loop around Crabtree Falls Trail (depending on if we get more than 1 driver). Its probly going to get really cold(below freezing), so bring …
Friday Afternoon Hike
Anyone want to go for a day hike at Cold Mountain? It sounds awesome, with great views and meadows (http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/ColdMountain/). The plan is to meet at the side wall of Echols dorm on Friday and leave around 1:15, get there around 2:45 and be back by 8pm. Its an easy to moderate hike that is 5.8 miles. We will be …
Sunday Morning Hike
It’s supposed to be 57 and sunny on Sunday here in Charlottesville, so let’s celebrate the beautiful fall weekend by heading out to Devil’s Marbleyard! Since we’ll have Daylight Saving’s Time providing us with an extra hour for sleep, we’re going to go ahead and meet at 8:30 a.m. (which will really feel like 9:30…bonus!). The drive will be somewhere …
Hike Old Rag Part 2
Saturday is looking nice and clear, so lets get out and enjoy some cool fall weather. Because of all the interest in the last Old Rag hike, I am leading a second one. So, if you didn’t get to go the first time, here’s your chance! Old Rag is one of the most popular hikes in our region. It is …
Intermediate to Advanced Mountain Biking: Braley Pond
Come explore with me fellow mountain bikers! I’ve never biked this section of the GW National Forest but have heard good things about it. A friend of mine who is a former professional racer tells me it is his favorite ride. There are several VA rides that I want to do but this one is on the top of my …
Peak Thursday
ok guys im switching it up a bit for peak this week. haha got you! it just gonna be your ol run o’ the mill peak thursday. by that i mean, we are gonna meet at the brick wall by echols at 5:30, drive to peak, pull on some plastic till they kick us out, head to sheetz for some …
Horse Pens 40, Triple Crown Bouldering Comp
The moment has finally arrived… The third and final leg of the bouldering triple crown. The comp organizers are slow in posting details, but I need to start a head count…. Plan is leave Friday afternoon, comp saturday (weather permitting), drive back sunday. Bring homework just in case the comp gets pushed back to sunday because we’ll be getting back …
Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – the James River Through Downtown Richmond
Richmond offers a unique white water run with its class 3 rapids and skyline in the background. We’ll run this section of the James as it flows alongside downtown Richmond with some class 2, 3 and 1 short rapid that some call a class 4 – area famous Hollywood Rapid. In order to be qualified for this trip you must …
Thursday Peak
I know there is a Friday trip going out and that this is a little last minute, but is there anyone who still wants to climb on Thursday? Peak Experiences is an indoor climbing gym an hour away in Richmond with climbing and bouldering of various levels. http://www.peakexperiences.com/ This will be the standard Peak trip: depart from Echols at 5:30, …
Friday Peak! for Those with An Unfortunately Timed Thursday Class…
For those climbing enthusiasts with an unfortunately timed Thursday discussion, here is your chance to make it up. Meet at Echols around 2:30, climb for a while, then make it back by 9:00 for those who still want to go out. Dinner at sheetz on the way home. Drivers get money for gas + 30% (What an awesome deal!) Drivers …
Bouldering at Mcafee Knob
Friday: Leave Charlottesville at around 6:30 drive two hours to McAfees Knob then hike 1.5 hours (3.5 miles) in the dark to 3000 feet elevation (lows in the upper 30s so dress warm!!!!) We should be getting to bed around 11. Saturday: Wake up to the beautiful fall leaves and sunrise then climb all day. Probably get back to Charlottesville …
Intermediate-Advanced Mountain Biking – Sherando Lake Area
This ride is one of my favorites in VA and is considered one of the best climbs in the state, and because it’s a loop it also has an excellent down hill section. This 21 mile loop starts on FS road 42 at 1,595′ elevation, and takes you up to the top of Bald Mountain (3,587′) via a mile long …
Pre-Creekathon Beginner Mountain Biking Shred Sesh
Hey guys, let’s revel in the Glory of Nature by ripping through it at mach velocities whilst sitting atop iron steeds. Bootiful Walnut Creek Park is a mere 20 minute jaunt to the South so excessive school work is no excuse not to come. This trip is for bikers who have had little to no experience on a mountain bike …
Pre-Crickathon Three Ridges Backpacking
The title says it all. Three Ridges is a stellar 12 mile loop off the AT that, naturally, summits and traverses three ridges. We’ll leave Saturday morning after a sleepless night of stoke from the sick ski film showing friday night (which you all should be attending, see upcoming adventures) and hike in and set up camp for the night, …
Thursday Peak
You know the drill! this thursday we will be heading to Peak Experiences in Midloathian, Va (near richmond). We’ll leave from echols at 5:30, drive to peak, climb till they kick us out, grab some food at sheetz, and head home. we should be back around midnight or so. For those of you who don’t know, Peak is a Climbing …
Pre-Creekathon Intro to White Water Kayaking
Join me on the water before the 204th Walnut Creekathon this Sunday to learn the basic skills of white water kayaking. This class is designed to prepare you for future river trips. We’ll spend ~2 hours on the lake at Walnut Creek Park (~10 miles south of town) learning such skills as the wet exit, how to paddle a white …
Humpback Sunset Hike
Foliage is just peaking on top of the blue ridge! This will be a short mile-up mile-back hike to humpback rocks to see the leaves and sunset. The highs will be in the 70s, but bring warm layers, the temperature is about 10 degrees cooler on the mountain and will drop in the evening. Also bring a flashlight/headlamp, water, snacks …
Intermediate-Advanced Kayakin: Paddle the Lower Yough
Let’s head to PA for some camping and kayaking on the Youghiogheny River. We’ll leave Friday evening, returning Sunday evening. The tentative plan is to meetup with the Coastal Canoeists (and whoever else might be up there) and run the Lower Yough (7 miles of Solid Class III) river both Saturday/Sunday. REQUIRED SKILLZ: Obviously the ability to wet exit, and …
Pre-Creekathon Intro to Fly Fishing
If you missed (or were waitlisted) on the previous intro to fly fishing trip, here is another chance! While you will have to buy a fishing license for this trip, I’ll also see if we can bring a canoe along. Let’s plan to meet at Echols at 12:30 and head over to Walnut Creek Park. I’ll probably fish until 3 …
Beginner Climbing: Movement Lessons
This trip is just for beginner climbers who already know how to belay and tie their knots. I’m willing to refresh you quickly if you’ve learned it before but have just forgotten, but I’m not willing to teach someone who’s never climbed before on this particular trip. I want to use the maximum amount of our time to make you …
Hike Old Rag
It may be raining at the moment, but this weekend looks like the perfect time to get out and do some hiking! Old Rag is one of the most popular hikes in our region. It is an 8 mile loop with a spectacular rock scramble and views at the top. I think we can cover the distance in about 4 …
Intro to Fly Fishing!
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to fly fish, here is a great opportunity! First and foremost, the club has 3 sets of equipment to be borrowed. Second, for the intro part, no fishing license is required! My plan is for there to be two cars such that after fishing at the pond on Roland’s land, one car can leave …
Beginner Climbing!
If you haven’t been climbing in a long time and you need a refresher on how to belay and tie a figure eight OR if you’ve never been climbing at all, but you’ve always wanted to try it: this trip’s for you! I love climbing and I love teaching new people how to climb. So, come with me to the …
Peak Thursday
It’s that time of week again…time to climb till we drop (literally)! Peak Experiences is an indoor climbing gym an hour away in Richmond with climbing and bouldering of various levels. http://www.peakexperiences.com/ This will be the standard Peak trip: depart from Echols at 5:30, climb at Peak till 10:00 closing, then head home (optional stop at Sheetz before heading home). …
Pre-Break Peak!
Who wants to go to Peak this week? In case you haven’t heard, Peak is a great indoor rock climbing gym outside of Richmond. Come for some finger-hurting good times. This trip is open to anyone, but drivers and belayers get priority. We will meet at Echols dorm at 5:30, drive to richmond, climb for hours, and stop at sheetz …
Stone Fort- Triple Crown Part Ii- Extended Climbing Weekend!
Long story short: Drive out friday Oct 7, Bouldering Comp saturday, climb sunday (sport climbing obed and/or return to stone fort for more, discussion below), leave monday morning to return. Lots of info below… email me if you have questions or concerns. Details are being coordinated, but I wanted to get this info out asap. For those of you who …
Beginner-Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking
Let’s go kayaking! This will be a beginner friendly trip. The minimum prerequisite to come on this trip is to have taken an “intro to whitewater kayaking” class with Dave Clark or someone else. The ability to “wet exit” the kayak is essential, oh yeah – and you MUST know how to swim! A roll is NOT required to come …
Beginner Mountain Biking – Preddy Creek Trail Park
Come explore some relatively new trails with me! Preddy Creek Trail Park is a recent addition to the excellent list of Albemarle County parks, and I’ve never been. It contains 571 acres with “8.6 miles of trails for hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding.” Lets take some bikes and head on out (we’ll save the hiking, running, and horseback …
Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – the James River Through Downtown Richmond
Richmond offers a unique white water run with its class 3/4 rapids and skyline in the background. We’ll run this section of the James as it flows alongside downtown Richmond with some class 2, 3 and 1 class 4 rapid – area famous Hollywood Rapid. In order to be qualified for this trip you must have taken the intro trip …
Hound Ears – Triple Crown Bouldering Series Part I
For those of you who don’t know what the triple crown is… “The goal of the Triple Crown is twofold. First and foremost, the mission is to raise funds for two organizations dedicated to maintaining climbers’ access: the Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition and The Carolina Climbers’ Coalition. These two organizations have been instrumental in the acquisition of land for the climbing …
Thursday Peak Adventure
I know this is the highlight of everyone’s week, so here’s the deal. This thursday we will voyage to peak climbing gym for some indoor rock climbing. This trip is open to anyone, but drivers and belayers get priority. We will meet at Echols dorm at 5:30, drive to richmond, climb till our fingers shake, and stop at sheetz on …
Intro to White Water Kayaking – Learning the Basics on a Lake
This class is designed to teach you the very basics of white water kayaking, to prepare you for future river trips. We’ll spend ~2.5 hours on the lake at Walnut Creek Park (~10 miles south of town) learning such skills as the wet exit, how to paddle a white water kayak, T-rescues, and the Eskimo roll. Since I will need …
Thursday Peak
You know the drill. this thursday we will travel to peak experiences gym in midlothian, va for some gym rock climbing. This trip is open to anyone but drivers and belayers get priority. If you can not belay, i recommend coming on my upcoming intro climbing course (next friday maybe???). We will meet at Echols dorm at 5:30, drive to …
Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – the James River Through Downtown Richmond
Richmond offers a unique white water run with its class 3/4 rapids and skyline in the background. We’ll run this section of the James as it flows alongside downtown Richmond with some class 2, 3 and 1 class 4 rapid – area famous Hollywood Rapid. In order to be qualified for this trip you must have taken the intro trip …
Climbing at the New!
Hey Climbers! Who wants to climb at the New!?! And possibly stop by the festivities at Gauley Fest Saturday night? Here’s the plan: We’ll be leaving Friday afternoon, grabbing dinner somewhere on the way, setting up camp, climbing all day Saturday, stopping over at the Gauley Fest, climbing Sunday then heading home. Trip Requirements: Know how to tie in, lead …
Thursday Peak
Many of you know the routine, and if you don’t perhaps it’s time to see what Peak has to offer. Peak is one of the largest indoor climbing gym on the east coast with over hundred routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.13 and bouldering problems from VB to V8. There are variety of features such as roof, arch, chimney, slab, …
Mount Pleasant Hiking and Camping
The weather this weekend is looking to be stellar, so come spend it at Mount Pleasant instead of sitting around dreading the first batch of exams coming up. Besides, are you really going to enjoy the library as much as you would enjoy spending your weekend outside? Nah. We’ll head up to Mount Pleasant Saturday morning, hike around 5 miles …