Late notice- AT overnight hang@ Bulls Bridge (South Kent CT) 12/19-12/20

**Quoddy** · 12-15-2009, 17:28

Well, it looks almost certain that I will be able to make it. Things worked out and I just received word that the biggest obstacle is no longer stopping me. It looks like a good chance to see just how warm some of the gear is.

What are the hiking plans, particularly on Saturday?

Anyone showing up earlier on Saturday, or even Friday afternoon?

Forecast for South Kent, CT

Friday Dec 18th
High: 30°F
A full day of sunshine. Winds from the WNW at 13 mph.

Night
Low: 11°F
Clear. Winds from the NW at 7 mph.

Saturday Dec 19th
High: 30°F
Cold with periods of clouds and sunshine. Winds from the NW at 8 mph.

Night
Low: 12°F
Clear to partly cloudy. Winds from the NW at 6 mph.

Sunday Dec 20th
High: 31°F
Cold with partial sunshine. Winds from the NW at 8 mph.

**Festus Hagen** · 12-15-2009, 18:05

Interesting, weather.com doesn't think it's going to get that cold. <shrugs> I reckon in the teens is in the teens, no need to split hairs.

@Quoddy, great news that it looks like you can make it! As far as hiking plans go, other than the hike out to the site, there really aren't any... but as this IS the AT, the limits are Maine and Georgia as far as I know

Suppose that those who wish to hike more can certainly do that, those who don't, don't have to. Limiting factor will likely be light, unless y'all are into headlamp-hiking.

I don't really want to camp out on Friday night, already have plans (date night with the Lady Wife)... but if anyone wanted to, I'd be more than happy to meet them at the parking lot and hike in to the planned camping spot with them! Just let me know.

Originally Posted by Quoddy

What are the hiking plans, particularly on Saturday?

Anyone showing up earlier on Saturday, or even Friday afternoon?

**srestrepo** · 12-15-2009, 18:23

well as quoddy can attest, i can headlamp hike... didn't think it was going to get that dark that fast the last time we had a meet up...

**Festus Hagen** · 12-15-2009, 18:31

Figure on a 4:30 pm sunset. 2pm start time gives us plenty of time to get to the site, get all our trees selected and get set up, kick tires on hammocks a bit... maybe even get dinner started all in daylight... but it doesn't allow much time for extra hiking unless people want to use headlamps for hiking, or setup, or both... Some, just not a lot.

Originally Posted by srestrepo

well as quoddy can attest, i can headlamp hike... didn't think it was going to get that dark that fast the last time we had a meet up...

**KMACK** · 12-17-2009, 07:42

There have been some local burglaries in the area, dont leave any thing in your cars.

**Quoddy** · 12-17-2009, 15:56

On the bright side the forecast now calls for a low of 15F, which is an improvement over the previously forecast of 12F. I'm packed and ready to go. I decided to bring the BlackBird and leave the Traveler at home this time. Since I hadn't used my MacCat Deluxe much lately, I'll be using that too. I even switched packs and will be using my McHale because lots of down is coming, and I didn't want to compress it too much. Besides the down pullover I'll be wearing, it'll be the winter Nunatak, winter Yeti, down pants and down booties. See everyone at the starting point.

**Festus Hagen** · 12-17-2009, 16:04

Cool beans.

Just a couple late thoughts.

I have a Nextel/Sprint phone and it seems to get good signal for the entire hike.

This will still be some chilly camping. I was outdoors earlier and it felt pretty cold. Hat and gloves will be indispensable, as will layers and a reliable way to boil water.

There is a bench at the campsite which was enough for three guys to sit on but not much more. I think I'll bring a camp chair, if you feel so inclined, do the same...

Originally Posted by Quoddy

See everyone at the starting point.

**Festus Hagen** · 12-18-2009, 17:42

The latest from weather.gov...

Saturday Night: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 17. Blustery, with a north wind between 14 and 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

It's got me thinking about strapping my snowshoes to my pack...

**Quoddy** · 12-18-2009, 17:44

So far, only 3.5" of snow is forecast for Saturday night. I think I'll throw a shovel in my car just in case the forecast is too optimistic and getting out Sunday is a problem. I've noticed that the potential for significant snow has been increasing over the past few hours.

Oopps...Posted at the same time as the previous post.