more photos: Shenandoah November 2015

Shenandoah Catlett Mountain November 2015

9 intrepid women, 10.5 amazing miles, 2 chilly nights, 1 incredible uphill climb, 3 beautiful old stone chimneys, innumerable bear scat sightings, 3 crazy yoginis on a log, and a whole hell of a lot of love!!!!!

Backpacking Bitches

Only two more weeks! Anyone else super excited? 

I like the term "Backpacking Bitches" because the last (and first) time i did this, my kids were pretty young and with both Ben and I working out of the home life was crazy. Good, but crazy (it's still crazy but not TODDLER crazy) and at the time, taking a whole weekend for myself and hitting the trail with a bunch of other women who i admire and adore and hold me up felt selfish. In our culture (and in some ways i think, our gender especially), are taught that selfishness is bad. But, i am learning that sometimes, in order to be present for those around us, it is absolutely necessary. 

So let's be bitches. Let's say fuck you DISHES, LAUNDRY, PTA MEETINGS, FILTHY BATHROOM, HOMEWORK! We're hitting the trail, holding our own hearts, and howling at the moon. 

-----

I think we have most of the logistics worked out. A few folks might still need tent/stove buddies. If you need ideas for cheap good trail food, let me know. If your worried about how cold it will be, hit me up for some good sleeping in the cold tips. 

Also, PLEASE Don't forget to fill out the Emergency Contact section of the Google Doc!!!  I'm getting paranoid in my old age and want to make sure i have all bases  covered (i added another column for allergies or conditions we should be aware of).

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Dd7mLA-hZQsMWZtlCRYG_oleNhC3At2h9cc6H1GEJS4/edit#gid=159676772

-Lib

10 little indians... wait no... 10 strong, powerful, crazy she-wolves?

Hello Dahlings,

So our number is down to 10 (and Cecilia is still a maybe. Any definite answer Cec?).  

I still haven't mailed in our permit applications. Planning on doing that today, but i still need tag numbers from folks. I have two applications so we can park 4 cars down there (two on each permit). 

Here's what i think is happening, please correct me if i'm wrong:

Friday Early Arrivals (parking just below Jeremy's Overlook):

-- Steph Snyder, Steph Bliss (in SS's car) NEED TAG No. 

-- Brittney, Becky (?), Ceci (?) and Libby (in Libby's car)

Friday Late Arrivals (parking at Elkwallow Picnic Area):

-- Amy, Kelly, Steph Taras (in Kelly's car)  NEED TAG No. 

-- Jes Corey (in her own car)

Do i have this all correct? If not please let me know asap. I have just received my replacement phone today and am setting it up now. I can receive texts and phone calls again but have yet to restore my contacts as the phone is taking FOREVER to update. 

Here are some other logistical things: 

* Shenandoah is known for black bears. Black bears are pretty kindly and scared but i want you all to be aware. Here's an article about safety just in case the word "bear" has you skiddish: http://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/nature/bear_safety.htm

* It's going to be cold and maybe a little wet. Accuweather is showing periods of rain expected for the 22nd. And the route we're planning has 14 stream crossings. I don't expect the water to be high this time of year, but our boots will likely get wet... Bring a couple pairs of extra WOOL (yes i'm a bit of a wool whore) or Synthetic socks - when cotton is wet, it takes forever to dry out and it will not keep you warm when it's wet. When wool and synthetic material is wet it will dry more quickly and keep you warm while it's wet.  If you don't have a pack cover, line your pack with trash compactor bags (they're sturdier than regular trash bags). If the weather gets super cold at night, the trash compactor bags can double as a bivy sac for your sleeping bag. 

* It's going to be COLD at NIGHT especially. Accuweather is currently saying it will get down to 28 degrees friday night. Please Please Please make sure you have a warm sleeping bag (add 10-15 degrees to what your bag is rated as in order to be comfortable e.g. if your bag is rated at 20 degress, will likely only keep you warm to down to 30 degrees).  If you need to, go look at sleeping bag liners or make your own! You may also want to bring some handwarmers to go in the bottom of your sleeping bag for both nights!

 

* No open fires in Shenandoah.  They do not allow open fires in Shenandoah. All our cooking will be done on tiny stoves and we will not have that added warmth at night. Please plan accordingly.

* We will likely be shitting in the woods. Sometimes the AT has privvy's but i have never been where we're going so i'm not sure what the set up is and it's good to know how to shit safely in the woods anyhow. I have a trowel but with 10 of us, i'm hoping someone else has a trowel too... Here is a good article on leave no trace shitting in the woods http://www.trailspace.com/articles/backcountry-waste-disposal.html

* I am a firm believer of Leave no Trace camping in general. However, they do require it in. Most of you are experienced, but for a couple of you are newbies. Here's a good article on LNT - https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

A couple other good infographics and articles:

How to layer to stay warm: http://www.lgsmash.com/2014/02/05/preparing-winter-camping-wear-edition/

HOw to sleep warm in the cold: http://scoutmastercg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/sleeping-warm.jpg

How to pack your backpack: http://dana.ucc.nau.edu/~hiking-p/Beta_packing_your_pack.htm

As always, if you have any questions or concerns or want more info or just want to send me goofy pictures of yourself, call/text/email me!

OH! And, i want to get emergency contact info for everyone. I'm going to add a spreadsheet to the google doc so folks can give me emergency contact info!!  

What's your trail name?

Wonderful Wilderness Wildest Womens,

   Just got back from an overnight on the AT with Esther. We put in at Dahlgren Chapel late afternoon on Saturday, hiked to Rocky Run shelter and stayed one night. 

We met a dad and two other young hikers and Esther made instant friends. One of the first things the dad said to me was "it's not just you two is it?..." when i told him it was he said "i don't think my wife would ever consider taking the kids backpacking by herself".  This simple statement (and the fact that i didn't see any other women alone or with other women or with their children) brought up the idea that maybe backpacking (like so much else) is a bit of a male heavy past time. You know what though? Esther didn't notice at all! She didn't seem to think it odd that just the two of us were out there or that there weren't any other moms about. I don't want my daughter to even notice when something doesn't necessarily include "her type".  I want her to be oblivious and go for whatever her heart wants. AND if it's something my heart is passionate about, then bully for me!

​

Ok. enough philosophy and parenting mumbo-jumbo. 

November is around the corner! I can't believe how quickly time is flying by. I did some preliminary research on Shenandoah and have narrowed down a route to a couple options. I'm trying to stick to the north end of the park to cut down on travel time for so many of us. I'm looking at routes that are about 15 miles max (about 7.5 miles per day). If that sounds like a lot to you, please let me know. I'm happy to look at less strenuous routes.

Friday?

Many folks can't take off work on Monday. Can any of you get out of work early on Friday? Do folks want to make it a friday night through Sunday afternoon weekend?  I can look for a route so that we can hike in a mile friday night (easy enough to do in the dark if we have to) and that way we get two nights in the woods. And if folks have to come down saturday am they can hike in that mile and meet us early. Thoughts??

Here are some other things that struck me that we should start thinking about:

- tent buddies (who has tents/shelters who doesn't? who needs to partner up with someone who does?)

- stove/meal buddies (who has stoves and who doesn't? who has special dietary needs? who is a vegetarian, etc?)

- carpooling (i'm leaving this one to all of you to figure out. if you want me to hook you up with others in your area, let me know)

If you are in need of gear and warm clothing keep these things in mind:

- those noisy track pants with the snaps on the sides are usually made of nylon and are good as an over pant layer. 

- ugly-ass wool dress pants are also a great over pant layer and WARM!

- Check out gabriel brothers for cheap athletic wear (there's one in york, pa and one in belair) they even have hiking boots and water bottles!

- Goodwill is rad. i've found patagonia half zips there before and some great wool sweaters

- oldnavy (though they may be questionable as far as decent labor goes) they do have cheap athletic wear

- and of course, craigslist

Other considerations:

- yes, i'll say it again - NO COTTON (not even jeans)

- consider buying hand and foot warmers (you can get them at hardware stores, walmart, amazon) - great to have in your sleeping bag especially if you tend to run cold like me.

- if you have never taken a shit in the woods before, read this article: http://www.trailspace.com/articles/backcountry-waste-disposal.html

As always, here to answer questions, psych you up, gear you out, and jump up and down with glee!

-Libs

She-nandoah!!!!

Hello Loves!

Esther's special birthday wish is to go backpacking with me. She and I are gearing up for a weekend jaunt on the AT this weekend. This will be her second time out and every time she gains more and more confidence and strength. She has her very own internal frame pack, first aid kit, compass, and map of the area!! As much as i doubt (hope) she'll ever NEED survival skills, i find so much joy in giving her the gifts my mother gave me such as how to build a shelter, set up camp, find water, wilderness first aid, start a fire without a match (um... still working on this one), find edible plants and fungi (um... still working on this one too)... 

I can't wait to spend time in the woods with all of you and learn even more wilderness wonderfulness that i get to pass on to Esther!  

So as of now, we are a group of 13 (possibly 14?). 

I think Stephanie Snyder has weighted down the vote for Shenandoah. Has anyone backpacked the Shenandoah before? Anyone interested in helping me plan?  We need to find a route that allows for an early out Sunday night (if you're planning on staying Sunday night through to Monday please e-mail me asap - most folks i think are leaving on Sunday) and set up the parking situation (if it's not a loop).  I think we need a permit for there too (and therefore need to apply asap). 

Anyone having trouble finding gear? Anyone super anxious and need a good pep talk?

I'll be here if you need me (researching shenandoah trails and permits and whatnot)

Giant Marmaduke Hugs!

Where oh where do we go?

Hello all you fierce ladies!

   I ran away this past weekend on a whirlwind adventure and found myself camping on the shores of Lake Ontario. With the winds arcing high, the lake thrashing about on the rocky shores, and the pattering and smattering of rain along the tent fly, i found myself reveling in utter delight. 

   Now returned home, i am champing at the bit to be out in it again with all of your gorgeous, fierce and fiery selves!

  With Google Reader now defunct (why oh why?), i know it's not easy for all of us to remember to check the blog. I'll still keep it up though but try to send out mass emails too -- which hopefully will allow everyone to pose questions and suggestions (or statements, or introductions) to the group as well. Also, if anyone wants access to post on the blog, just let me know, i'm happy to extend authorship to whomever....

  Ok. SO! the big question is still WHERE ARE WE GOING?  It currently sounds like its between AT in western MD and the Shenandoah.  I'm up for either. I only hiked old rag once a very long time ago so i'm not a great resource of info for that area but i've bounced around on the website and it looks fantastic and the outline some great routes.  I guess, it mostly comes down to how far folks want to drive and where folks are coming from...   Please e-mail me asap with your vote on where we should go. I'd like to have a placed picked as soon as possible so we can get to choosing a route. 

   Since we have all levels of experience and fitness, i want to keep it to fairly beginner level. If folks are super excited to do a harder route, you can always do your own thing and meet up with us where/when convenient -- my only suggestion/recommendation/comfort level is please don't go alone, if you're planning a separate route, please be sure to have a buddy.

  I also wanted to do a quick memo about gear. There is a packing list on the blog but you probably don't need all those things, some are just suggestions... and of course you'll figure out what works for you (if you haven't already) and come up with your own system and packing list. However, PLEASE don't feel like you have to go out and spend a ton of money on  gear. The first time i went backpacking, i wore a pair of old lady wool dress pants (so warm in all types of weather).  You can go to goodwill and get all kinds of woolly/fleecy/wind and waterproof warm wear (REMEMBER NO COTTON!!!).  You can make a bivvy sack (goes on the outside of your sleepbag for added warmth and waterproofing - can also be used in lieu of a tent) out of two trash compactor bags and duct tape. You can easily make your own sleeping bag liner (after all it's just a sack) with thin fleece or tech poly from the fabric store... And the plastic containers made by ziplock with the twist on lid make a perfect backpacking bowl. 

  The main things you'll want to make sure you have or can borrow are:

- a comfortable backpack with an internal frame

- a cold weather sleeping bag (sit in it outside at night or early morning to test) and get a liner if it's not warm enough

- comfortable worn in (don't try to hike in brand new boots) hiking boots

- sleeping pad 

- water bottles that don't leak (approx 2 liters worth)

The rest we can find you or you can find/make/finagle for cheap or free. If you have any questions, don't be shy.  I love talking about this stuff and have a whole host of stories of how i did without (ask me about when my spoon broke on day 2 of a 2 week trip in a canyon in Utah). 

Don't forget to put in your vote for where we're going!

-Libs

So who's in?

Hello all you amazing people, you!

So, i'd like to start getting close to a solid number. I had a couple definite yes's and no's but most folks are still in the "that sounds great... and cold... i don't know..." grey area.

If you're definitely planning on coming, please let me know. If you are waiting for some other plans to solidify to say yes or no, can you give me a time frame on when you think you'll have a definite answer for me?

So far, if everyone says yes, that's a total of 15 women (see the left margin for names).

I also think a fair number of people need to hike out Sunday evening. Can you tell me if you're one of those people? I want to get an idea of how many folks are hiking out too. Unless we plan on doing a loop, we'll need to organize drop off/pick up/car parking logistics around this.

Ok. i think that's all. With the weather cooling off so significantly in the last week or so, the call of the forest is getting stronger than ever. Can't wait to sit around a fire with all your wild and wonderful hearts and howl at the moon.

Places to go...?

Here are all the places i know about and some info on each... Please vote in the comment section below. We have all different skill and experience levels so wherever we go, i think we should stay away from super challenging routes.

Dolly Sods
- about 4 hours from baltimore
- moderate hiking
- beautiful views
- we did this last time and it worked out well for those who had to hike out early

Old Rag
- 3 hours from baltimore
- moderate hiking with a rocky scramble
- beautiful views
(i think backpacking/camping is allowed here but i'm having trouble finding info on this)

Moshannon
- 4+ hours from baltimore (northwest so even further for those coming from DCish area)
- ive never been there so i don't  know much about it...

Appalachian Trail (reno monument to harpers ferry?)
- 1 hr 15 min from baltimore
- easy-moderate hiking
- beautiful view at the top of the switchbacks to come down toward harpers ferry and foot bridge is cool
- this one would be super easy to plan an early hike out for those that had to get back sunday night
(my car was broken into when left at the trail head parking though and all my stuff was taken, so something to consider.)

Dates

I haven't heard from all of you, so this isn't set in stone. However, it looks like November 21, 22, and 23 (that's a Saturday through Monday, some of us will be taking the day off work) will work for those i have heard from. If this doesn't work for you, please speak up now! For those of you worried about taking a Monday off, we can also try to set the route in such a way that an early hike out is manageable Sunday evening.

Now, let's talk about where to go. I've had a couple of votes for Dolly Sods again. Is everyone happy with that? There are some other options too: Appalachian Trail (MD and/or WVA sections?), Moshannon (Allegheny Front Trail?), anyone else have anything?

Keep in mind, Dolly Sods is like a 4 hour drive...

Let me know what your vote is and if you have info on another good place to go. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Any place we go (within driving distance) will be cold by the end of November. Start thinking about the cold weather gear you may need now so you can keep an eye out for sales, goodwill finds, hand-me-downs, etc. Remember NO COTTON and layers, layers, layers! If you want more info on what you may need, shoot me any email or text.

2015 BB Trip!!!

Hello All,

I'm reinstating the backpacking bitches blog in an effort to get us all communicating in one spot without resorting to the evils of Facebook. Plus some of you don't have Facebook accounts. If anyone has a better coordination tool, let me know!

Ok. So we should probably pick dates first... I'm sure we all have family plans/obligations for thanksgiving but let the group know other types of restrictions like if you think you can only manage one night or you feel we should remain fairly close to home in case of emergencies, etc

Let's plan the dates first and then we can look at the rest of the planning stuff:
- where to go
- what to pack
- gear sharing and/or rental
- food

I also want to say, I'd like to keep our group fairly small but if you have a friend that you know would love to come, I'm open to inviting whoever...