Trip Report: 3rd Anuual Mt. Rogers Hang Out

A couple of clips from Saturday, 6-ish......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-Y4ZZMAiM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-2YKp12GA8

I learned a lot from Mt. Rogers.

...HF folks are characters, but also most pleasant, helpful and generous!
...Frog Sac + poncho liner top quilt can keep you warm at 10 degF
...garda hitch on Omega Pacific rings works w/ HH suspension line
...Mt Rogers ridges look more like wild west terrain than Virginia
...I can still hike with people a bit older than half my age
...pulk sleds capsize often when overloaded.
...port is an exceptional trail drink
...the AT is still a bear highway
...coyote pups whine like foxes
...wild horses beg like dogs
...Ed Speer snores

- MacEntyre

Ahh yes the what I learned portion of the trip.

The short list would be how to properly set up my triglides thanks to compass and doctari's hiking partner.

The best places for Trout fishing and on tap beer from dave from carolina.

Happy Camper showed me how put my JRB STLs on correctly which made Friday night so much better.

Hooch for the tips on staying warm and layering the pads.

Compass for help with using my WM bag as a quilt instead of a bag and the lesson on compressing loft and loss of insulation.

Grizz and all those friday night involved in the RO water treatment discussion and the effects of flouride on the body.

So many other great people and a hell of a time all around.

Personally I learned that
1. I packed way to many clothers.
2. I need a JRB Nest to get rid of all the pads and such
3. Trying to use a sleeping bag as an under overquilt doesnt work when the bag has a huge hood without a draw string.
4. Russian tea ie Tang, Lemonade, Cinnamon, and Cloves is a great way to warm up in the mornings.
5. Always look for mp3 players in the jacket I don't end up wearing the entire trip.
6. Packs are much lighter without water and that Jeff from MRO was right about not needing to carry water in.
7. If you bring enough water for 3 days dont bring a filter and iodine.
8. Pick bigger trees to hang from because mine flexed during the night and kept slamming my back into the ground.
9. When its cold hang your tarp in a tight A frame to prevent the wind from annihalating your face.

The list goes on. Next Winter I'll be ready with another WM bag for an overquilt and a JRB winter nest.

See ya'll in Hot Springs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Iafte

So, can anyone say if my son's won anything? Pan had 2 tickets for them...

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Iafte,

No luck for you... usual group of winners.... two or three folks.... NCP..... 5or 6 others ....NCP...... 7-8 more .... then, yup, NCP..

Skskinner won the quilt and there were two lucky winners of the Speer Winter Tarps....

Pan

Oh well. Glad you had fun.

Well I sure had a great time. Met lots of folks, finally got to see the ponies, tested some new gear, and oh yeah, I won 9 oz. of 900 fp down from Ed Speer (there just aren't enough smileys ! :D). I hope everyone made it down safely. That ice was treacherous. Here are some pics.Attachment 2996Attachment 2997Attachment 2998Attachment 2999Attachment 3000
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The April hammock campout is usually the 3rd weekend in April, but this year the dates are still not set. We try & make it the same weekend as the AT TrailFest in Hot Springs, but I've checked with the Madison Co folks who sponser TrailFest & they haven't settled on the exact dates yet--their website gives April 3-6 but that doesn't jive with the past festivals & no one at the county courthouse seems to know what's going on. I'll let everyone know as soon as I know. Anyway, it should be a bit warmer than the Mt Rogers Hang with low teens Sat nite! Hope everyone made it home OK.

Darby, don't forget to send me your address so I can send your down winnings. If I'd been smart I would have had the down in the car to give you when we made it back to the parking lot--but I packed too fast to think everything through. Will mail your down as soon as I get your address. Congrats & let us know what you make with it.

A few pictures can be seen by clicking "My Gallery" below my name.

Oh yeah, you can add your own comments below pictures. Check out the one of Grizz & the pony... it needs a caption.

WOW! What a good time!!
I think 3 days isn't enough. Can we change it to 3 weeks next year?!?!???

My guest Rob is a total convert. Says it was the best weekend ever!

I do believe that next year I'm not bringing nearly as much STUFF. Just my stuff, one extra set up, & whatever food for Sat.

My pulk / sled was wonderful. AND, I came up with a few improvements to try, so will keep you posted as to how that works out.