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/
* 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.
* 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-
A couple other good infographics and articles:
How to layer to stay warm: http://www.lgsmash.com/
HOw to sleep warm in the cold: http://scoutmastercg.
How to pack your backpack: http://dana.ucc.nau.
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!!
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