Linville Gorge, NC Loop - May 14-16, 2010

[Running Feather]

Hey guys!!! Count me in! I've lost close to 30lbs ... Just in time can't wait this will be fun!!!!!

Excellent! Can't wait (weight) to see the new and improved Nooner

[Hangin' Burrito]

Nooner.........very cool! It's gonna be a great trip, looking forward to seeing ya' again!

[Ken]

Good deal Jason. It will be good to see you again. I hope to get out there for at least one night. Make sure you bring Glen along!

Ken

[Hawk-eye]

.... Make sure you bring Glen along!

Ken

Yeah drag him tied up if you have too! He's good people too!

[MacEntyre]

Hey guys!!! Count me in! I've lost close to 30lbs ... Just in time can't wait this will be fun!!!!!

Fantastic timing! Looking forward to seeing you & MtnCmpr again.

I lost a pound on 30 different days, and found it again every time!

- MacEntyre

[mtncmpr]

I plan on being there! Only thing that might hold me back is "bad wheels" (feet).

[slowhike]

Hey guys!!! Count me in! I've lost close to 30lbs ... Just in time can't wait this will be fun!!!!!

Cool! Good to hear man!

[Running Feather]

I plan on being there! Only thing that might hold me back is "bad wheels" (feet).

Look at it this way: Getting in is down hill all the way - easy.
Getting back out - survival.

Fear is a wonderful motivator

Looking forward to seeing you again

[Hawk-eye]

Hey Glen ... hope it doesn't flair up on you again this year ... but hey if you can hobble ... you know me ... slow walking old fart ... we can hobble together. I'll probably not make the 14th ... blonde's birthday but I'm planning to be there the 15th and 16th if at all possible. Might even get a few days off before and go up to do some trail work. After this trip I need some serious ditch time!

[JerryW]

Here's another updated re-post of the pertinent trip data. I'll do this every so often so newcomers won't have to sort through the entire thread:

I am planning to do a loop backpacking trip around Linville Gorge starting Friday May 14th and ending Sunday the 16th.

The trip will cover about 22-25 miles. I am planning an easy pace to allow for plenty of sightseeing and picture taking, but a lot of the trails are officially listed as "Most Difficult".

So far, MacEntyre has signed on to join me. Others would also be welcome. If anyone wants to join us for Saturday night, we will be on the Linville Gorge Trail, somewhere between Pinch-in and Conley Cove. Likely closer to Conley.

Tentative plans would be to meet at the Spence Ridge trailhead(time TBD), head south and pick up the Mountains to Sea Trail, camp Friday night in the vicinity of Shortoff Mountain, continue across the Linville River on the MST, turn north on the Leadmine Trail and pick up the Linville Gorge Trail. We'll make our Saturday camp along the river and welcome any overnighters. Sunday we'll continue north on the LGT, head across the river on the Spence Ridge Trail and make our way up to the trailhead.

Route map is attached below.

Linville Gorge Wilderness pamphlet from the Forest Service.

Ken's website - Linville Gorge Hiking and Trail Data

There's a good chance I might hang around(pun intended) for another night or two, either before or after these dates, based on the best weather.

Backcountry permits are required for weekend camping in the wilderness area, but they are free. Currently, I have a permit, Running Feather has one and Hawk-eye has one. These should cover everyone that shows up.

Confirmed:
_Tinker_
MacEntyre
skippy
Hangin' Burrito
Running Feather
Hedcase
Yuri
Nooner
Cookie

Maybe:
CapitalBill
hang um high
Hawk-eye
mtncmpr
slowhike
stormcrow
wisenber
bonsaihiker

Post or PM and I'll keep this list up to date.


Jerry