James River, VA to Rockfish Gap, May '09

Note: I am cross-posting this Appalachian Trail query from WhiteBlaze, just fyi.

Another WBer and I plan to hike from the James River Foot Bridge (US Hwy 501) in Virginia to Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro, starting Memorial Day (next Monday evening). I plan to take my modified HH. Partner is taking a tent.

I am wondering if there are any trail alerts, water or bug conditions, or other local specific information we should know about before starting our section hike? Camping issues? Fire alerts? Hunting seasons? Also, any hostels to avoid, ... or any not to be missed? Same for places to eat?

Any really bad climbs, descents, or trail conditions? We plan to go slowly and do short days of 8-10 miles or so.

We have the latest ATC maps and the 2009 Appalachian Pages, but I like to ask anyway about any acute conditions. Thanks in advance for any pertinent, pithy, timely observations you'd like to bless us with!

Rain Man

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Sounds like it'll be fun. How long is the hike and how many days do you plan on completing it? I may be able to join... if you are looking for company that is. I'm doing the VA Triple Crown this week myself (Tinker Cliffs > McAfee's Knob > Dragon's Tooth).

-Bern

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Originally Posted by bernc3

Sounds like it'll be fun. How long is the hike and how many days do you plan on completing it? I may be able to join... if you are looking for company that is.

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It's 70 miles and I'm planning 7 days. My hiking partner is good for a 10-mile-per-day average, I think. (I usually do 15-miles-per-day).

You are welcome to contact me and let's talk. Shoot me an email. I have posted the hike in the Nashville Backpackers Meetup Group, though don't have any takers yet, so we don't mind having company at all.

Rain Man

LilRed and I are all set to leave Nashville on Memorial Day morning at 6:00. We plan a lunch stop in Damascus and hope to hit the AT at James River in the late afternoon/early evening. I am hoping to get to Rockfish Gap the next Monday. We'll see how those best-laid plans go! LOL

Anybody in the area? Feel free to give us a shout!

Rain Man

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rain Man

LilRed and I are all set to leave Nashville on Memorial Day morning at 6:00. We plan a lunch stop in Damascus and hope to hit the AT at James River in the late afternoon/early evening. I am hoping to get to Rockfish Gap the next Monday. We'll see how those best-laid plans go! LOL

Anybody in the area? Feel free to give us a shout!

Rain Man

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have fun rain man:cool:neo

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Originally Posted by neo

have fun rain man:cool:neo

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Will do. Will try to post some hammocking photos and give a little report. We leave in the morning bright and early!

Rain Man

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Well, been hiking with LilRed. Short mileage days. Got to the Dutch Haus today just in time for the free lunch. Awesome! Staying here tonight. Showered, fed, clothes washed! Will post photos on my return home.

Rain Man

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LilRed and I successfully completed our section hike! Virginia is NOT FLAT!!! LOL

I had a couple of my best night's sleep ever on the trail, in my HH.

I'll post some pics this week.

Rain Man

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glad to hear you two had a good hike. I have 36 miles in that area left to do... (Blueridge 57.1 to Tye River) Hope to get it done sometime this year... Next year I want to do Harpers Ferry to NY17A. I figure about 350 miles a year should have me done in 3 years.

I posted a bunch of photos in my gallery on WhiteBlaze.net. Not sure if I want to bother cross-posting photos. For time being at least, feel free to view them there.

Rain Man

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