DMV Hikers: Any December Plans?

[phillycheze]

Just wondering in anything is in the works for December near DC, MD, & VA.
I'm looking at a few hikes too.
Anyone heading out? Suggestions?

[link930]

Hey! I'm planning on hitting the trail from Chester Gap to Harpers Ferry mid-December. I put up a post outlining that for any tips on cold weather hiking.

[phillycheze]

i'm down, and i also replied to ur post...

[rampli]

I did the southern half of that section last week from VA605 to Chester Gap. Water was plentiful, the trail well maintained and not especially difficult. The shelters are close to together and near the trail. Judging from shelter logs I did the S half of the "roller coaster", I found it be much like the rest of the AT in VA, either uphill or downhill, never both . I am planning to complete the northern half (and Virginia!) the week before, or the week after Christmas. I'll try to firm up the schedule soon and post it here. Hopefully we can at least cross paths at some point.

MOST IMPORTANT It is hunting season and you will hike through a Wildlife Management Area (read as local's kill zone for deer, squirrel and other moving objects). Wear blaze orange and lots of it! Avoid hiking through this area in the early morning and late afternoons. Have fun and give the hunters plenty of space most will be appreciative of your consideration.

rampli-

[link930]

I'm thinking 12/25 to 12/28, some wiggle room in case weather slows down progress. Unfortunately I have a 9-5 (8-8, more like) otherwise I'd hike a lot more. Still need to get logistics down. Initially planned on going alone, but anyone free to come. I will probably be the weak link.

[rampli]

I'm going to hike from VA605 NOBO to Harpers Ferry. Starting on Saturday 12/20, ending on Monday 12/22. Will probably park at HF and arrange a paid shuttle.

Anyone want to share the cost of the shuttle or do our own?

[tuswm]

actualy I was planning on doing this exact hike with 3 other people on that exact date but we have not decided NOBO or SOBO

[phillycheze]

so then, when and where do we meet?

[tuswm]

So here are the things we are trying to work with........

Work
I have to work saturday monring 12/20 till 10:30 AM in frederick.
also I have to work on monday at 4 PM in frederick.
I am trying to get off saturday, to get an earlier start.
and my other 3 friends are trying to get off these 3 days aswell.
We think work will dictate where we will end up hiking.

Cars
we have 4 people already.....

PS. Its two couples. Just FYI if it bothers anyone but we are not big on PDA.

[rampli]

so then, when and where do we meet?

I'd like to start earlier on Saturday

Can Phillycheze and Arroniguana meet at HF by 10:00 am. I'm coming from Roanoke and could arrive a little earlier, but not much.

I checked the shuttle list on the ATC site, $40-140 bucks . We could park two cars at HFNHP for $6 each and shuttle south to VA605 in the third vehicle?

I'll be finishing my Virginia section so expect to see some celebration at the end.

[aaroniguana]

Did you mean Friday or Saturday? I don't hold much hope of making it from 605 to HF in two days. But yes, I can be at HF as early as 7 if needed.

[rampli]

Saturday. I was planning on finishing Monday.

[aaroniguana]

I can do that. Anybody got a minivan?

[rampli]

My ride is a Jeep Compass- small but seats 5

[tuswm]

so you are looking at doing about 27 miles over 3 days right?

[rampli]

That's my plan. As early a start as possible on Saturday. Dawn to Dusk on Sunday. Early out on Monday.

[tuswm]

One "issue" I noticed with your hike is that the first shelter on your hike will be about 7 miles in. kinda a short first day. The next shelter will be about 14 miles in kinda a long first day if you plan on starting hiknig around 11 you wont make it by dark. do you plan on pitching a tent somewhere the first night? Or am I missing a shelter?

[rampli]

I typically don't rely on shelters for sleeping, just for water and the privy!

I carry a tent and will thrown down wherever and whenever. Unless the weather is bad, in which case 7 miles to the relative comfort of a shelter may be about right.

[tuswm]

The first shelter past rt 7 or about 14 miles in to your hike is actaly more like a cabin, 2 bunk bed type things, sleeps 8 easily and has a wood burning stove for warmth. There is also a hostle there with running water on the outside.

[fonsie]

I'll get out there the 31rst and do some hiking till the 5th of Januanry. I would like to get a little group going from Dec. 18 thru the 21. I just got done doing a 4 day hike in the Smokie's so im a little anxcious to get back out there.