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  1. #1
    Senior Member Salty's Avatar
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    Rock Jock Question - Linville Gorge

    Last week, I had planned a day trip to the gorge with my kids, but due to a little stomach bug making the rounds at my house, we passed. I like the sound of running water, but not that kind!

    So, this weekend, we're going to overnight on Saturday. I have the permit in hand and ready to go.

    My plan is to start at Conley and head out Rock Jock, double-back, and then pick up Conley down to the river and camp somewhere down there (thanks to Ken and Michael for the suggestion). I hope I can find a tree where I can attach the head end of two hammocks with the foot ends not too far apart. My youngest son is 9, so I think he will feel more comfortable if I'm hanging fairly close to him. Suggestions welcome. Then, the next day, probably go to Cathedral Falls and generally mess around the river and come back up Conley.

    I know I definitely want to get as far as Split Rock on Rock Jock, but not sure how much further I should plan to go. Since I have the boys, we'll splurge and do a nice sit-down, cooked lunch somewhere on Rock Jock before heading down to the river. I just don't want to run out of daylight before we make camp.

    Do you think I could get as far as Razor or is that pushing it? I'll be driving up Sat morning. The gorge is only a couple of hours from my house, so we'll probably be there around 9am.

    Also, I'm guessing with the recent rain, I shouldn't have any problem getting water for cooking at Blue Jay Falls. I don't remember anything about Zen Creek. Is that a good water source, too?

    Thanks for any and all help! Getting excited! Weather is supposed to be great. Lows of low 60's, highs in the upper 70's, lower humidity and clear skies.

    Salty

  2. #2
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
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    Razor might be pushing it for getting to Conley that night but could be done ... and I would think you could find water at BlueJay now ...

    Definitely get past Split and see Hacker and as much as you can ... worth it ... even if you get to the river late!

    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


    "A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
    Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." ... B.Franklin


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  3. #3
    Senior Member Ken's Avatar
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    Hey Salty. If you hit the trail about 9, I think Razor, or that area is doable.

    I've done trailwork to that area and back before and have been back to the parking area by 3 or 4 o'clock. Of course it depends on how much exploring you do. South of Razor you're going to hit the area where the canopy was lost to fire anyway, and will probably run into heavy weeds and hot sun.

    Bluejay falls almost always has at least a trickle of water, but the thunderstorms have been spotty. Zen creek is a trickle in the summer, but it cascades enough just above the trail that you can collect water there. If you find the turn down to Razor's Edge and follow the faint trail down to the creek above Razor's Edge Rock, that has been a good water source in dry weather.

    I would still carry 1 to 2 liters of water each, just in case. Water on Rockjock is very unpredictable in the summer time.

    Going south on the LGT from Conley will take you to a number of good campsites in the first 1200 feet or so, then it's about 3/4 mile to the next ones. There are a couple immediately north of Conley, then nothing until Spence.

    Have a great trip!

    Ken
    http://www.linvillegorge.net

    "You can't hem up a Rat!" Malcom Johnson, ca. 1970

  4. #4
    Senior Member Salty's Avatar
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    Thanks! I was trying not to bother you again, and you answered, anyway. You guys are all right!

    Salty

  5. #5
    Senior Member Ken's Avatar
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    Feel free to ask anything Salty. We love talking about the...............well, you know.

    Ken
    http://www.linvillegorge.net

    "You can't hem up a Rat!" Malcom Johnson, ca. 1970

  6. #6
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
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    Yeah Ken, Jim and I tend to be a bit obsessive about a certain "Big Ditch"
    Happy to help in anyway we can. Oh and a little plug here ... you won't find a better couple guys to venture into the ditch with ... than Ken and Jimbo.

    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


    "A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
    Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." ... B.Franklin


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  7. #7
    Senior Member Salty's Avatar
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    Thanks again, guys. If you happen to be able to get away, you are always welcome to join us.

    When you're camping down along the more active areas of the gorge, do you usually use a bear bag? I've never seen a bear in the gorge, but I guess anything is possible.

    Salty

  8. #8
    Senior Member Ken's Avatar
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    We have not done so while group camping Salty. I think it's a good idea to start though. It's not much trouble, and it will prevent the creation of problem bears.

    Ken
    http://www.linvillegorge.net

    "You can't hem up a Rat!" Malcom Johnson, ca. 1970

  9. #9
    Senior Member Hangin' Burrito's Avatar
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    We want pics, Salty.
    "Is this the best you've got?!!" (Shortoff Mtn., Linville Gorge 2010)

    "Life is tough.....it's even tougher if you're stupid!".....(John Wayne)

  10. #10
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Salty View Post
    ... When you're camping down along the more active areas of the gorge, do you usually use a bear bag? I've never seen a bear in the gorge, but I guess anything is possible.
    Salty
    I've heard rumors that Running Feather has eliminated the need for bear bags for his food by smearing a section of Hanging Burrito's hammock with bacon fat ... when they go to the gorge!


    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


    "A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
    Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." ... B.Franklin


    Home of the Gorge Rats: Linville Gorge
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