NEW Planning Thread - Mt Rogers Hangout - January 20-23, 2011

[slowhike]

I'm hoping that's new kitty litter!

Yeah, the used stuff just makes it spin worse

[WV]

+1 - I'll use a bag of Kitty Litter instead of sand.

I'm hoping that's new kitty litter!

Nothing but the best, Walter.

[MacEntyre]

From Accuweather...

[PuckerFactor]

Maaaann, I'm so envious of y'all! Looks like things are shaping up to be another awesome year in the snow.

PF

[aBRG2far]

Wanted to go up tomorrow but still waiting on my TQ, supposed to be delivered by FedEx tomorrow sometime. Hope the snow holds off til I get there.

[slowhike]

I'm posting just a few notes from Ranger Holland's earlier posts as reminders on some things.
Note the underlined info on using the provided trash cans but not the dumpster (if it's still there).

Tim,
Normally, groups are confined to a smaller space due to other campers in the numbered sites, however, you will be able to spread out quite a bit. There is potable water available at the park office during regular business hours - generally 8-4:30 unless the ranger on duty is out on patrol or at lunch.

There are picnic tables at the group campsite and we will try to get them cleaned off before the event. The amphitheater is available for your group to use for gathering out of the weather. We just ask that any cooking be done outside the covered area. I'll see if we can get some trash cans brought up for you to use. I believe the dumpster has been picked up for the season, but if not, please don't use it. It won't be emptied again until May and trash in it might attract wildlife in an area we would like to keep primarily for the humans.

The best site for a weather forecast for the park is Intellicast, using Whitetop, VA as the location. The elevations are similar and you can get a good idea of what to expect.
Marceia

[/QUOTE]

The benches have been cleared. Snow depth varies up to about 8 inches under the shelter. The dimensions of the structure are approx 24X40 with the height starting at about 14 feet nearest the stage to about 8 feet at the back. The 40 foot side would be the priority for the tarps due to prevailing winds.

There are 6 picnic tables at the amphitheater. You are welcome to move some of them under the amphitheater, just move them back before you leave. Level spots are limited, but you can use the stage. There are 2 trash cans at the amphitheater and 5 at the country store.

[slowhike]

Wanted to go up tomorrow but still waiting on my TQ, supposed to be delivered by FedEx tomorrow sometime. Hope the snow holds off til I get there.

Are you still planning a hike in?

[aBRG2far]

Are you still planning a hike in?

No. I had hopes the TQ would come in so I could try it out first instead of backpacking and testing it in the backcountry. Even if it does come in tomorrow it will be after lunch and that wouldn't give me time for the drive up, hike in and set up camp before the weather set in or got dark. So it looks like I may try to get to the campground later tomorrow or early Friday depending on the roads.

[slowhike]

See any changes that need to be made to the list?

So far the ones who are coming are:
WHO / WHAT BRINGING
Peter Pan/ JRB Raffle Prizes & much more
Smee/ JRB Raffle Prizes & much more
Doctari / Duraflame log & hot dogs.
Firewalker / A grill with legs & Still undecided on a Potluck food item.
MacEntyre (& Thing 1) / "Grateful Bread: a few loaves of their breakfast bread"
bugman0914 / SW sausage and cheese dip to be heated on the fire.
WV / Homemade Hummus & Carrot sticks
slowhike / NA so far
rip waverly / I will bring a 5lb pack of tater's to cut up and foil-cook in the fire.
lazarus / NA so far
bonsaihiker / brownies and lots of cocoa
Darby / Brats
smithobx/
Dutch / cornbread for the chili, fruit tartlets, and a warped sense of humour
2Questions / reflector oven & a container of homemade Chili.
Tendertoe / "Something sweet"
NCPatrick / Cookies
angrysparrow/ venison bacon
Hickery/Pie Irons
aBRG2far/
Shane/
Mcgarry/
shutter_bug/
Pan and Smee are bringing the JRB Raffle prizes, Large shelter, 10x20,for Base of opns, and portable fire pit for base opns.


Maybe's:
fulminated / NA so far
greenlespaul / NA so far
McSpartan / NA so far
kmanclutch/
GroundHog/

[MLHolland]

Evening guys,

Due to warmer than expected temperatures for the past two days (and Thursday too) a decent amount of the snow has melted, so expect a little less than we thought before. Don't expect to see much ground, but maybe it won't get in your boots as you walk around.

Right now, NOAA is calling for 1-3 inches of additional snow Thursday night, but it is supposed to end by mid-day Friday. The big thing to prepare for on Friday is the expected low of 7.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...&FcstType=text

As of right now, the roads up to the park (16 & 58) are completely clear. VDOT does an excellent job of clearing when we have snow, but they are usually worst in the morning when they are focusing on the schools. I'd expect them to be in very good shape if not clear by 2pm if we get the predicted snowfall amounts.

Our maintenance rangers have cleared the two gravel lots at the campground entrance as well as the overnight backpackers lot at Massie Gap. As I mentioned before, I'll come up Friday morning and we'll do a head count to see how many sites need to be paid for Thursday night.

Safe travels!