As the other site is now "Full" of concerns & arrangements for the New home of the Mt Roger's Hang out, we will be closing that (Left open to view) & doing the final stuff here: Who is coming, what bringing for the pot luck, day hike plans & stuff like that there!
Link to original planning thread for history...
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=24043
A quick add on re the idea for this get together: This has always been a Hangout to "test your winter gear in real conditions but with an easy escape route if things go wrong!" And as a place to discuss & see what is available in hammocking gear specifically for winter use, with expert or at least experienced help nearby. Having the hang less than 300' from the access road will be a HUGE safety factor in case of emergency. We have the chance to build our skills in a near wilderness locale, but with very easy egress if need be!
The park people are allowing us to use the Group Campground which is behind the little camp store across from “Our” parking lot.
They are arranging for us to have a Privy (Aka Port-a-Potty). OR we can get our own (that seems like more work to me).
The cost will be about $2.63 per person based on 6 people per site / $15.75 per site cost. “Normally, groups are confined to a smaller space due to other campers in the numbered sites, however, you will be able to spread out quite a bit.”
Firewood will be available for purchase, [$4 per bundle (normally 9-12 sticks of seasoned locust) and you are welcome to bring your own in as well.] & we can gather our own “As for firewood, anything that is down is fair game, although with the snow that we have had so far, don't expect it to be dry.”
Water is available: There is potable water available at the park office during regular business hours - generally 8-4:30 unless the ranger on duty is out on patrol or at lunch. I will likely be getting my water at the first stream crossing on the way to the Wise, but that is just me, & I have walked further for water on the AT. I may even bring in a 3-gallon jug of water, but that may freeze in the Jeep. I’ll cover it with insulation.
We have been asked to not use the dumpster if it is there, Trash cans MAY be there, but if not: take your trash to your car please.
There is an amphitheater nearby for use as a gathering point “Out of the weather” but we have been asked to not cook there. I see no problem with that.
There will be picnic tables to enhance the dining experience.
This site is nearly at the road, but there is little to no traffic, after all who would be crazy enough to go camping in the winter?
There will be the same hiking opportunity as if 1.5 miles away at the Wise shelter & on Friday I will either be doing my planned trip to the Scales or maybe even go to the top of Mt Rogers.
Arial view of the campground shows a lot of trees, AND we will be to the lee of a large hill.
A flyer with a list of the park rules can be downloaded at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_pa...s/graysonh.pdf
Park weather can be found at
http://weather.graysonfriends.org/
A slide show of the park (camera atop the park HQ building) is at http://www.graysonfriends.org/pages/ww.html
Some have stated they are coming outright, some implied. If I missed some or what you are bringing please correct me. After all, I is only human(ish).Originally Posted by slowhike
We still need stuff for the Pot Luck dinner, so work up your best / favorite campfire foodstuff & bring it along. Do try to list it here so we don't have 15 pots of baked beans & nothing else.
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