New England hang 30-31 October

[attroll]

I will bring all three of them and you can decide. Grizz is right though. The best one of the three is the Snugfit but it is also the most expensive.

[srestrepo]

ok, so i'm leaving work today at 215. which means i should be getting to hanover sometime around 5 the latest. i'm almost packed except for food. quoddy i'll be calling you once i leave work for arrangements for the underquilt if thats ok... in any case hope to see you guys soon. by the way i'm almost positive i'll have the heaviest pack... i'm still new to all of this.

[attroll]

I had something unplanned happen and I will be leaving the house here at 10 now. That is about 20 minutes from now. I don't know if I will make it to hike with Quoddy or not. I will drive as fast as I dare and keep my fingers crossed.

[pineapplenewton]

hey i hope that you are all staying dry and having a great time.

[Quoddy]

The group had a great time this weekend. Richtl and Mike the Marine arrived earlier than we'd expected and did some hiking in the Velvet Rocks area until it was time to join Attroll and myself at the Velvet Rocks shelter. A shock to me was the fact that it was a mile round trip from the shelter, down and up significant climbs to reach water. Friday night we had enough water, but not an abundance.

I'd heard from srestrepo that he was arriving in Hanover by 5:00 PM, so I left my spare Yeti there for him to pick up before he came to join us. About a half hour after dark we became concerned, so I phoned him and learned that he'd only begun the hike to the shelter about 20 minutes prior. Attroll and I had enough problem following the blazes and trail in the daylight, but sure enough we eventually saw srestrepo coming into view with a headlamp and a flashlight showing the way.

The group gathered in the shelter for dinners of varying types. Richtl came prepared with some culinary delights which he shared throughout the weekend. I, personally, enjoyed the chocolate drinks the most... although the food was excellent, too.

Other than nearly knocking myself out on a beam supporting the very low shelter entrance roof, and having some rain during the night, all went extremely well.

Saturday morning we were all up early. After having breakfast and packing up, Attroll, richtl, and myself began hiking the 6+ miles to the planned Saturday overnight spot. Mike the Marine and srestrepo headed into Hanover for a tour of the town, and then would meet us at the campsite near Three Mile Road. It was a very enjoyable hike for me. I was glad to reach a water source and fill up my bottles for the remainder of the hike.

The group arrived simultaneously at the campsite and we chose unique spots to setup. There were 3 WB BlackBirds, 1 WB Traveler, and 1 Hennessy Explorer in the group. We were expecting mmmm Scotch and his GF, but unfortunately they didn't arrive.

After a fire was lit, richtl use the coals to cook another one of his gourmet meals, after which the fire was stoked up until the rains came. The usual campfire comraderie until a light rain began. About the time we'd all gotten into our hammocks the rain became heavier, but by the time we planned on sleeping it was torrential combined with a strong wind. The setups worked and we all stayed dry and warm. I think we were all awakened at about 2 AM when an owl did a fly past hooting loudly as he did so.

Up just after daylight cracked, we all packed up, hiked to the parking area and said out goodbyes. I think that the consensus was that another get together was going to happen in the not too distant future. I know I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and getting together with the group was very special.

I only took a couple of photos with my Blackberry, which I'll post below. Attroll in his WB, and Attroll, srestrepo by the fire with Mike the Marine in the background.

[attroll]

Here are some pictures.



Sebastian


Quoddy


Walking on the AT on Velvets Rocks


Crossing a bridge


Crossing a bridge


Remains near Trescott road


Remains near Trescott road


Bridge near Eta-Hanover Center rpad


AT going through a field


Attroll's setup


The New Hampshire crew, Richl and Mike


Richl and Mike


Richl


Looking down at Quoddy, Attroll and Sebastian


Sebastian


Quoddy

[slowhike]

Looks like a good time! I'm supprized to see from the way most people are dressed, that it must have been fairly warm up there.

[pineapplenewton]

was really warm this weekend Im sad i couldn't go.

[Chocolatier]

Nice trip report, Quoddy. That was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.