7th annual Mt Rogers hangout.

[BFGMofo]

OK, I do have my reasons for posting this:

The hangout is THIS weekend, as in I'm leaving for the hangout in about 24 hours or so.

Come to Mt Rogers to find out the rest of the story.

Hey Doctari, just sent you a pm, let me know what you think.

[USMCStang]

Weatherbug is forecasting another possible 6 inches on Thursday for Troutdale, which is the closest town to the park as the crow flies. It's about 2000 feet lower in elevation than the campground. There's still hope for pulk weather

There is Verizon data service at the group parking area. Maybe an early bird can post a scouting report.

[lazy river road]

I got word from ranger Marcia that there is a charge of $5.25/night per dog.
I've pretty much decided against taking my girls... not because of the fee but because it would be their first camping trip & they would be wearing their harness & leash for 3 days strait.
Besides, I don't think they are all that crazy about being out in the cold for very long at a time & it would quite a commitment for me to keep they safe & happy under the circumstances.

BTW... Marci said she's planning to drop by the group site for a visit Sat eve.

Thanks for looking into this for me slowhike however sadly enough as the week progresses its looking less likely that I am going to be able to make it. So have fun everyone one and keep warm.

[NCPatrick]

Just wanted to repost yet again Doctari's link to the weather cam /weather site outside of the Ranger station at Grayson Highlands:

This is a fun site for those going AND for those not going. It's the view from the camera atop the ranger's station / visitors center, updated about every 15 minutes or so. There is also a weather station on the site, just scroll down.
http://graysonfriends.org/pages/ww.html

[angrysparrow]

It's starting to sound like Thursday night will be a good time to be on the mountain.

NOAA Forecast -

Thursday - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 11am. The snow could be heavy at times. Temperature falling to around 27 by 5pm. Light north wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Thursday Night - A chance of snow before 1am. The snow could be heavy at times. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 19. West wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Forecast is clear after that, with highs in the low 40ºs.

See y'all soon.

[golfhiker]

The weather is looking good for hiking/hanging, but I reckon we all need to be careful in driving to Virginia. I already know I'll love those West Virginia mountain miles on Thurs morning.

Be safe all. See the Thursday arrivals in about 24 hours! yea daddy.

[slowhike]

I had thought I might be joining you guys Thurs but instead, I'll see you at base camp on Fri.
And yep, be careful on those mountain roads.

[USMCStang]

So, just to jog my memory, we pay at the gatehouse for a pass for the weekend, correct? The group site itself is just paid for by raffle proceeds? I seem to remember getting in free for the weekend of the fall festival because we were doing demos, but I would assume we need to pay this weekend, correct?

[angrysparrow]

No, we're paying for the whole site as a group from Friday onward with the raffle proceeds.

You only need to pay if you arrive on Thursday, and just whatever fees apply to you for the night.

[USMCStang]

No, we're paying for the whole site as a group from Friday onward with the raffle proceeds.

You only need to pay if you arrive on Thursday, and just whatever fees apply to you for the night.

Well...that's awesome So we just tell them "we're at the group site this weekend" when we arrive at the Gatehouse on Friday (or Saturday)?

On a side note...scrapple is officially on the menu for Saturday night.