Front Royal to Pine Knob Shelter 4/19 - 4/26

[doggiebag]

An easy 75 miler over the course of 5 days. Starting at the Front Royal Trailhead off VA522 to terminate at the I-70 footbridge south of the Greenbrier State Park in Maryland. Easy hiking in which the following hostels and points of interests will be encoutered: Blackburn Trail Center, Bears Den Hostel, Harpers Ferry Hostel and the ever poplular ATC.
Just a heads up to anyone interested in treking along. This thread is to coordinate the details as they become finalized.

[wilconow]

No offense, but if you live in Baltimore and have a week, why not go to bigger mountains down south???

[doggiebag]

No offense, but if you live in Baltimore and have a week, why not go to bigger mountains down south???
I'm hiking with a friend from New York that's travelling down here to complete this section. This is a short hike. I've done the "big" mountains down south - they are nice. You should try them.

[Tipi Walter]

If it wasn't so far and I didn't have to be close to home when I go out backpacking, I'd join you. I've done the AT around Front Royal and spent several weeks camping in and around the town before heading south and home. If you're ever in my neck of the works(Nantahala/Cherokee NF/Citico-Slickrock), let me know.

[doggiebag]

If it wasn't so far and I didn't have to be close to home when I go out backpacking, I'd join you. I've done the AT around Front Royal and spent several weeks camping in and around the town before heading south and home. If you're ever in my neck of the works(Nantahala/Cherokee NF/Citico-Slickrock), let me know.
You've got a deal on that one. I like your philosophy of extended stays out. This will be a good little trip that's not rushed. No more winter gear and easy rolling terrain.

[doggiebag]

Attached below is the route NOBO from Front Royal. Plenty of shelters over the route - we'll be ahead of the NOBO pack so it should not be too crowded except for the weekend. Plenty of water in the area. Gentle terrain.
Sasquatch: I'll need to finalize drop off and pickup points so I'll need your exact arrival time and when you need to be at your vehicle. This should be perfect weather for hammocking.
http://209.200.85.146/trailjournals/photos/6537/tj6537_041008_202449_308479.jpg

[sasquatch2014]

I will be down in your area by the crack of dawn on the morning of the 19th. I simply need to be in my vehicle and heading home sometime on the 24th. I am all in all pretty flexible. I am just stoked to hit the trail and enjoy the time back in the woods. I am going to shoot for under 45 lbs this go round. New personal record. I just read on a few journals that I have been following a few NoBo's were just passing through this area but they were early starts and making some good time. I still place the majority of them down in the southern part of the state.

[doggiebag]

Good thing we cleared that up. I thought the schedule was a little relaxed. Since it's been almost 2 months since I've been out for anything extended we'll average 15 a day minimum. Good thing the terrain is kind in the area. I'll get a hold of the Bunny shuttle service :D.

[sasquatch2014]

Can you check and see what the in transit movie will be and since its an early trip will they be serving a continental breakfast as well?:-?

[doggiebag]

Dont go crazy with hauling too much food. Just bring 2 days worth until we reach the Bear's Den Hostel. Then we'll pick just enough to make it to Harpers Ferry where we'll resupply again till I-70. We'll be moving light. There will be no in-transit movie. The most food you'll carry is 2 days worth.

[sasquatch2014]

Cool that will bring me down to no more than a 9 lb food bag. You know if i unwrap my Little Debbie snacks I could get it down to 8.9999998 lbs. :D

Lean and mean baby! Lean and mean.

[fonsie]

dam wished I had more time so I could of taken off work...im doing a Waynsboro, Va to Harpers Ferry hike from May 22 to June 1. Hiking thru sheanadoah during a holiday weekand, what fun that would be. So much trail magic...LOL

[doggiebag]

dam wished I had more time so I could of taken off work...im doing a Waynsboro, Va to Harpers Ferry hike from May 22 to June 1. Hiking thru sheanadoah during a holiday weekand, what fun that would be. So much trail magic...LOL
That section's going to be crowded that weekend. Maybe not so much the AT but it does go through plenty of campsites that folks can drive up to ... it should still be fun for you. I used up some of my REI rebates today to get a couple of Mountain House Meals, stove fuel and bug spray. No more winter weight gear for this trip. :D

[doggiebag]

.......

[doggiebag]

Ok we're squared away with the ride back to Harpers Ferry sometime on the 24th. It should take about an hour to drive from the trailhead near Greenbrier back to Harpers Ferry. The pickup time will be sometime in the evening. So that being the case ... and to make sure you're back on the road on the 24th, here's what I propose: Meet me at my place on the 19th (where you can leave your rig) and I'll either drive us both or get someone to drive us to Harpers Ferry (April 19) where we'll get shuttled to Front Royal, VA. Hike up to I-70 (April 24) and get a ride back down to my place. Where your rig is parked. Then again all good plans usually go to poo once the boots hit the ground. Stay flexible we may need to do a little night hiking to stay on schedule.

[sasquatch2014]

Today was a great day weather wise here really made me wish I was out on the Trail. I am counting the days. Just give me the address of where you want me to be and when and I'll make it happen. Anything after that is anybody's guess.

Was packing up the food bag today in prep and figuring which sleeping bag to bring.

[doggiebag]

Yesterday was in the high 70’s here in <ST1:pCentral Maryland</ST1:p, it was too nice a day not to spend the night outdoors. So I got my summer hammock and headed to<ST1:p</ST1:p where our section will end next week. It dropped by a good 35 degrees where I set up camp. It got a little chilly. Needless to say – spring is still spotty on the section we’re planning. I’m bringing the winter option for my HH (under-pad, wind block). The clothing I had was fine for the conditions: convertible pants, long underwear top, fleece top, synthetic tee, wet weather top and bottoms. I am planning on brining my balaclava and a light pair of gloves for our section.

[Tipi Walter]

Yesterday was in the high 70’s here in <ST1:pCentral Maryland</ST1:p, it was too nice a day not to spend the night outdoors. So I got my summer hammock and headed to<ST1:p</ST1:p where our section will end next week. It dropped by a good 35 degrees where I set up camp. It got a little chilly. Needless to say – spring is still spotty on the section we’re planning. I’m bringing the winter option for my HH (under-pad, wind block). The clothing I had was fine for the conditions: convertible pants, long underwear top, fleece top, synthetic tee, wet weather top and bottoms. I am planning on brining my balaclava and a light pair of gloves for our section.

I'm getting ready for another trip and I'm right on the line between bringing my winter gear and going with the 3 season load. Mid to late April can be sketchy, especially up around 5000 feet(not a concern for you), but I'll probably leave my down jacket, my winter pad, my subzero down bag, etc.

[doggiebag]

I'm getting ready for another trip and I'm right on the line between bringing my winter gear and going with the 3 season load. Mid to late April can be sketchy, especially up around 5000 feet(not a concern for you), but I'll probably leave my down jacket, my winter pad, my subzero down bag, etc.
I agree with leaving the down jacket. I should have known better than leaving the winter option out of my hammock this early in the spring. It's usually a good 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the mountains. That extra pound of insulation and wind protection for my Hennesey would have made a huge difference with my comfort last night.

[The Big J]

I to will be hiking Pa to W.V. April 19 - April 26. Pine Grove Furnace to Harpers Ferry Going South. I am trying to decide what gear for night time temps. I was planning on leaving my down jacket at home. plan on just brining my thermal top and bottoms. thought about hat and gloves just in case. Do you think I can get away with my 40 degree bag with a liner. Have a nice walk. Looking for suggestions.

[DAKS]

I to will be hiking Pa to W.V. April 19 - April 26. Pine Grove Furnace to Harpers Ferry Going South. I am trying to decide what gear for night time temps. I was planning on leaving my down jacket at home. plan on just brining my thermal top and bottoms. thought about hat and gloves just in case. Do you think I can get away with my 40 degree bag with a liner. Have a nice walk. Looking for suggestions.

sorry if i'm hijacking yer' thread doggiebag?! i'm gonna' be up around front royal this coming weekend and can't decide on which bag to bring? seems to be a concern with all of us who will be in the northern va area. i think i am gonna' go with a 20* bag just to be safe? i'd like to go with a 40* bag also, but i don't think i'm gonna' risk it over a few oz.? hope everyone has a great time!

[sasquatch2014]

Now see if you guys winter well like me ( read this as yes i am still Fat :D) than you could bring pretty much what ever bag you want because short of a 60lb pack I am still under 25% of my body weight. Always have to find the positive in the situation. :sun

[Tipi Walter]

Now see if you guys winter well like me ( read this as yes i am still Fat :D) than you could bring pretty much what ever bag you want because short of a 60lb pack I am still under 25% of my body weight. Always have to find the positive in the situation. :sun

So, if I weighed 1,000 pounds I could carry a 250 pound pack? I'm a relative newb to the subject.

[doggiebag]

So, if I weighed 1,000 pounds I could carry a 250 pound pack? I'm a relative newb to the subject.
There's a thing called planning for any weather scenario and there's a thing called planning for doomsday. Is that a 250 lb pack?
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3832&d=1208211789
3832

[sasquatch2014]

That looks funny with the bear. The rest of it looks just about right. I am excited I hear Select comfort is coming out with an adjustable sleeping pad. Doggie this will allow you and Aldo each have your own comfort setting. Will make for a well rested pooch.

[doggiebag]

That looks funny with the bear. The rest of it looks just about right. I am excited I hear Select comfort is coming out with an adjustable sleeping pad. Doggie this will allow you and Aldo each have your own comfort setting. Will make for a well rested pooch.
We're going to be hurting after this trip is over. I know it. Disregard what I've said about lightening up on the food thingie ... I'm hauling as much good food as I can haul. When we're out there ... that's the few of my comforts. Resupplying at hostels and Harpers will only result in the usual crappy hiker food that's good for weight but not for our refined palate. Besides once camp is set up - that's all there is to do. I'm planning on eating well.

[Tipi Walter]

There's a thing called planning for any weather scenario and there's a thing called planning for doomsday. Is that a 250 lb pack?
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3832&d=1208211789
3832

It looks like I'm taking a Holideck trip on Star Trek. The happy bear is waiting for me to set up camp and hang my 100 pound food sac. In fact, I do have a pic of an old friend backpacking with me into Pisgah and it's all for real:

[sasquatch2014]

So in that pic of you in Pisgah is that a tree sticking out of your pack? I guess that is one way to make sure you have something to hang your food bag from but that had to add some weight.

On a somewhat related to big packs and limited resupply I am getting that thought in the back of my head to head out next summer back into the Bighorns for a week or two at least. I am talking of doing the Solitude loop and then adding some day trails on to that to make it about 2 wks figure just about should do it. Most of what I am talking about is from 7,500 ft to 11,000 and a climb up to the top of Cloud Pk at 13,000 and change. But it is a stroll up from the west side and a really short fast trip down if you head east, about 2,200 ft straight down. It would be a late july type of trip to make sure we have the best weather and the least snow. I can't wait to get back out there.

[doggiebag]

Warm as heck today 80+ in Central MD. Getting my gear packed up. Finalizing shuttle plans and found secure parking in Harpers Ferry for both vehicles. Will meet Sasquatch at around 8:30 tomorrow at Harpers Ferry so we can get shuttled to Front Royal. I may just head over to the Hostel this evening so I dont have to worry about driving tomorrow. The weather looks perfect. Time to get some food for the trip.

[The Big J]

Enjoy your walk, weather looks good. What degree bag are you bringing? I will be north of harpers and can't decide.

[dessertrat]

dam wished I had more time so I could of taken off work...im doing a Waynsboro, Va to Harpers Ferry hike from May 22 to June 1. Hiking thru sheanadoah during a holiday weekand, what fun that would be. So much trail magic...LOL

I'm doing the same trip, around the same time frame, but in the other direction, I think, and a bit slower (p[robably finish around June 3).

[doggiebag]

Enjoy your walk, weather looks good. What degree bag are you bringing? I will be north of harpers and can't decide.
I'm bringing my old 30 degree down bag (weighs around a pound) it should be warm enough with my hammock and underpad. It looks great ... though a little too warm today. If it's too hot in the day time I'll probably end up doing some night hiking - moon should be just about full. Enjoy your hike as well.

[The Big J]

Can not decide between my 25 down bag, or my 40 degree pirmaloft bag. I want to bring my 40 degree bag, but just not sure. I will have my down jacket and thermal bottoms just in case. What is your opinion? This is my first extended section hike going solo, guess i am just looking for advice. What day are you finishing in Harpers Ferry? I will be finishing there on the 26th. It does look like we will have some warm days.

[Tipi Walter]

I hope you're able to file a full trip report with pertinent pictures when you get back. Maybe you could add it to Other Trails here in addition to your TJs. I'd like the see the crew in action. It looks like we'll be taking parallel trips but separated by several hundred miles.

[doggiebag]

Can not decide between my 25 down bag, or my 40 degree pirmaloft bag. I want to bring my 40 degree bag, but just not sure. I will have my down jacket and thermal bottoms just in case. What is your opinion? This is my first extended section hike going solo, guess i am just looking for advice. What day are you finishing in Harpers Ferry? I will be finishing there on the 26th. It does look like we will have some warm days.

I'm leaving my down jacket behind ... it will probably be a little too warm for that. With a 30 degree bag ... even if it dips below 30 (unlikely this time of year in the area). I can easily put every piece of layering clothing on and hop in the bag. long undearwear top and bottom, fleece top and balacava and gloves. That'll keep me quite warm all the way to below freezing. It's warm now ... the only thing I ensure is having something dry to put on ... in case I get wet. It's all about the weight. We're not finishing at Harpers. We're going to the I-70 foot bridge near Greenbrier. That's where we'll get picked up ... sometime on the 24th.


I hope you're able to file a full trip report with pertinent pictures when you get back. Maybe you could add it to Other Trails here in addition to your TJs. I'd like the see the crew in action. It looks like we'll be taking parallel trips but separated by several hundred miles.

That's a great idea - all I have to do is do a cut and paste from the TJ to the trip report thread. Hope you have a great trip. Regards.

[doggiebag]

The series should play automatically after clicking the play button.

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[peanuts]

i enjoyed it immensely!!! aldo is one cool dog:)

[doggiebag]

Thanks Peanuts - I think the soundtrack fit in well. :D

[river1]

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Doggiebag, cool video as usual..:cool: Your technical skills are amazing.. Looks like you guys had a good time.. I see that Sasquatch was keeping you well fed with natures bounty, what exactly did that fiddlehead taste like again..:eek::D

[Two Speed]

Yep, enjoyed that. Thanks, db.

[doggiebag]

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Doggiebag, cool video as usual..:cool: Your technical skills are amazing.. Looks like you guys had a good time.. I see that Sasquatch was keeping you well fed with natures bounty, what exactly did that fiddlehead taste like again..:eek::D


Yep, enjoyed that. Thanks, db.

Thanks guys it was a lot of fun. The fiddleheads were not good raw ... and I think there was something odd about those morels :D.

[Two Speed]

Thanks guys it was a lot of fun. The fiddleheads were not good raw ... and I think there was something odd about those morels :D.Ummm, I'm gonna bet the odd one in that scene wasn't the morels.

Just sayin'.

Of course there is a fair amount of video to back me up. ;)

[doggiebag]

Ummm, I'm gonna bet the odd one in that scene wasn't the morels.

Just sayin'.

Of course there is a fair amount of video to back me up. ;)
Sasquatch is a cool dude. In all fairness his little daughter painted those toenails of his - though looking back at the footage and the way he was talking about the preparations of the fiddleheads - I got the sense that he's never eaten them before either. :D

[sasquatch2014]

I told you don't panic:eek: it's organic! I think I also told you that normal people cook these before they try to eat them. I am still a bit dissapointed that you didn't try the skunk cabbage I am sure it would have made for some very intresting video. We will have to shoot that scene the same night as the " Road Flare" in the tent episode.:D

[doggiebag]

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I told you don't panic:eek: it's organic! I think I also told you that normal people cook these before they try to eat them. I am still a bit dissapointed that you didn't try the skunk cabbage I am sure it would have made for some very intresting video. We will have to shoot that scene the same night as the " Road Flare" in the tent episode.:D

That explains the Aquarius psychedelia. Guess what ... I aced the interview. I'll be playin the role of a corporate tool. However, I may have enough free time for one more adventure. I'm thinking about tracking down our elusive friend Wrongway down in central Virginia ... sorta make a game out of it. I bet you he looks like a real short Yeti these days. :D

[sasquatch2014]

Hey that great about the job thing I guess. Now I will need to find a new slacker friend. As far as the Yeti thing as a not so distant cousin of the Yeti I resent that remark. I am sure that he looks more like a bear with Mange

[doggiebag]

Hey that great about the job thing I guess. Now I will need to find a new slacker friend. As far as the Yeti thing as a not so distant cousin of the Yeti I resent that remark. I am sure that he looks more like a bear with Mange
Let's not go crazy here ... I enjoy the hipster/slacker lifestyle. I'll always be one ... but I can still hike dammit despite of the handicap of employment! Don't write me off ya jackass!

[sasquatch2014]

Let's not go crazy here ... I enjoy the hipster/slacker lifestyle. I'll always be one ... but I can still hike dammit despite of the handicap of employment! Don't write me off ya jackass!

Don't kid yourself.:mad: I freed myself from the Corprate prision I know what its like. "Just when you think your out they Pull you back in" :(You are going to be a puppet for the man, a stoolie, a drone in the machince, a cog in the wheel, a slave to the companys bottom line. You'll be getting a regurlar pay check:-?.......oh Wait that sounds good...... no i won't be sucked in again I won't cross to the darkside and give up my hopes and dreams of being an independently weathly slacker. :)

[doggiebag]

Don't kid yourself.:mad: I freed myself from the Corprate prision I know what its like. "Just when you think your out they Pull you back in" :(You are going to be a puppet for the man, a stoolie, a drone in the machince, a cog in the wheel, a slave to the companys bottom line. You'll be getting a regurlar pay check:-?.......oh Wait that sounds good...... no i won't be sucked in again I won't cross to the darkside and give up my hopes and dreams of being an independently weathly slacker. :)
This isn't my fist time into the dark side. But the allure of steady employment does have it's attaction. I will play the tool - but a nice tool with the detachment of a long-distance hiker. What they consider a Armageddon size problem or situation pales in comparison to what a real crisis is experienced by the typical soloist. This will be fun. Until they can simulate a work environment like the Whites in late fall or a rattle snake infested crag in PA - they won't be able to phase me :D. Plus I need to get Bunny something nice.

[fonsie]

Dam looks like you all had a good time. Im prepring for Pittsburg to DC cycling tour and camping trip in a couple of weeks. Make sure you post something for the hiking trip in Va. sometime. I might beable to pull off a few days for that one. I been getting ready for College next year so been busy. I need to get out more often.

[sasquatch2014]

This isn't my fist time into the dark side. But the allure of steady employment does have it's attaction. I will play the tool - but a nice tool with the detachment of a long-distance hiker. What they consider a Armageddon size problem or situation pales in comparison to what a real crisis is experienced by the typical soloist. This will be fun. Until they can simulate a work environment like the Whites in late fall or a rattle snake infested crag in PA - they won't be able to phase me :D. Plus I need to get Bunny something nice.

Oh see now that made it all much clearer to me. You are doing it so you can keep the Bunny Shuttle in full swing. That's taking one for the team and I applaud you for that.:banana