3rd Annual Mt Rogers Winter Hang Out, Jan 23-25. Planning and Discussion.

[slowhike]

Got a call from JD. He's at the park. Said there is a good 6 to 8 inches of snow right now. He also talked to park ranger and the ranger told him that there have been bear sign so people should definitely hang food.

The phone kept cutting out but "I think" he also said . . . The last open bathroom is at the ranger/park office. Roads are clear except last 2 miles to parking lot are snow covered and some ice where there is shade on this part of road.

He also said he thinks he's the first one in. He didn't see anyone else yet.

All right... the hang out has begun!!!

[fin]

24 hours, and I should be setting up as well! Looking forward to this SO MUCH! If there are 6-8 inches of snow today, should be some left when we get there, even if the temp gets in the upper 40's like they are talking about. Might be a little slushy/soggy. At least the creeks should be full!

[slowhike]

I just talked to a guy at the Log House Restauraunt (276) 579-4440.
He said that parking cars there would be fine, just park them around back at the fence.
Probably should go inside & confirm were they want you to park if anyone is doing that. That way they know who's car it is.

[stormcrow]

I was just out looking for a sled...yeah right, not a chance. I guess I will be hoofing it. No biggie. I am hoping some of the early guys break the trail a little....

I DID find a little igloo block maker at wally world that might be kind of fun to play with. Might be cool to make a some kind of mini wall along the bottom of a tarp or something. I need to go camping and quit buying dumb stuff at the store! LOL
Adam

[slowhike]

If anyone coming from a similar direction as I still needs the directions, here they are.

I40 to Hwy 421 north (in Winston-Salem).
Then take I77 north.

I believe it's about 10 miles up I77 to were you will see the 21 By Pass.
Don't be fooled by the many other signs you will see before then for old or business 21, which snakes back & forth across I77, as well as 421.
The 21 By Pass will be one of those less usual, double lane ramps that exit off to the LEFT (near Elkin).

Hwy 21 will take you directly through Sparta.
Might want to watch your speed & those orange lights. They have a reputation of increasing their revenue w/ the help of the "out of towners" that don't have time to slow down

A few miles on the north side of Sparta, you may notice that to stay on Hwy 21, you would need to take a right beside a gas station. But DO NOT.
Continue strait & you will then be on Hwy 221.

After another mile or so, take a right on Hwy 93.
This is a winding but scenic road through the mountain farm land.

After a while, you will come to a stop sign. Take a right to continue on Hwy 93.

Shortly after the signs say you have entered into Virginia, you will cross the New River & come to another stop sign.
Take a left onto Hwy 58.

Your next turn will be a left at a BP station which is also the Log House Restaurant.

About 20 minutes up the road, you will see the sign & entrance road for Greyson Highlands State Park on the right.

[mixinmaster]

I'm going to try to be there. Will be bringing some baked goodies from my wife, so if I don't make it no one will go hungry. I should come, since except for Fridge, I'm closest. Weather looks good. Looking forward.

Sorry, my man, but that closest award is a close call, I believe it may very well be me.

[Hoop Cheese]

my Speer winter tarp arrived today. Will be there Saturday mid morning some time and I assume someone can show me about set-up so I dont have to practice tonight

thanks

[Just Jeff]

I have a meeting Friday afternoon that I can't miss, but Jennifer is bringing Joker up to the base so I'm driving straight from the mtg to the hangout. Should be at the parking lot about sunset.

Not sure what time Erik+2 will be there but y'all be sure to welcome them if they beat me. I have his hammock stuff but they have pads and bags in case I don't make it for some reason.

[NotToWorry]

my Speer winter tarp arrived today. Will be there Saturday mid morning some time and I assume someone can show me about set-up so I dont have to practice tonight

noshootin, I'll gladly help--will bring some shock cord to make tensioners for your tarp....Ed

[Mule]

I will be leaving home in 5 1/2 hours, 3AM. Wish I was sleepy. Mule.