# The MAD Outdoors Club **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 3, 2003, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685 "2003-03-03T00:49:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![birdgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/51bf81/32.png) [@birdgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/birdgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2003, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/21 "2003-03-10T22:39:28Z")
Hey RTFirefly, I love the outdoors too! I live in Northern Virginia, very close to D.C. I went to college in West Virginia and that is where I developed my love for the outdoors (“wild and wonderful!”. I went camping/hiking/backbacking/rafting almost everywhere in the Monogahelia National Forest during my time in WV. I have discovered now that I live in suburban hell, it’s really hard to find anyone to “play outside” with. All my suburbanite friends’ ideas of “roughing it” is car camping for one night. So needless to say I have really been itching to get outside! I’m with madmonk that the less-populated places are better. Shenandoah is way to crowded for my tastes! But the GW National Forest is always great. Even the AT is to crowded for my tastes too. There are also a lot of opportunities out on the eastern shore of Maryland that could involve kayaking too. I am up for anything!!! p.s. Geocaching is great fun too for any outdoor person. ---
**Author:** ![TeleTronOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4af34b/32.png) [@TeleTronOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeleTronOne)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/22 "2003-03-11T02:16:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by birdgirl \* > \*\* > p.s. Geocaching is great fun too for any outdoor person. \*\* Ever since I heard about geocaching I thought it sounded cool. One of these days I’ll have to go out and get me a GPS unit. Depending on when this little shindig happens, maybe I’ll be able to pick one up beforehand… there’s bound to be some caches somewhere around wherever it takes place. ---
**Author:** ![Theios](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e8c25b/32.png) [@Theios](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theios)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/23 "2003-03-11T10:51:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by TeleTronOne \* > \*\*Ever since I heard about geocaching I thought it sounded cool. One of these days I’ll have to go out and get me a GPS unit. \*\* You don’t have to go out and buy one just yet. I own two units. Maybe we could have a little Geocaching Hike one day. That way you could try it out before you invest in one. (Unless you’re like me and buy everything with an LCD display that beeps and has a belt clip. Then by all means, don’t let me spoil your addiction.) March 29th is out for me though. Gotta work that weekend. I hate my schedule. ---
**Author:** ![TeleTronOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4af34b/32.png) [@TeleTronOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeleTronOne)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/24 "2003-03-11T14:42:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Theios \* > \*\*You don’t have to go out and buy one just yet. I own two units. Maybe we could have a little Geocaching Hike one day. That way you could try it out before you invest in one. (Unless you’re like me and buy everything with an LCD display that beeps and has a belt clip. Then by all means, don’t let me spoil your addiction.) > \*\* I’m a sucker for anything that beeps and has flashing lights - LCDs a big plus, belt clips not so important 🙂 So yeah, if you can make it on whatever the final date ends up being and bring along an extra unit, that would be incredibly cool. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/25 "2003-03-11T14:52:56Z")
I would argure that the Shenandoah NP isn’t too crowded unless you go to the major attractions like Old Rag, White Oak Canyon, Dark Hollow Falls, etc. I know lots of hikes where you’ll hardly see another soul. Plus, I like the GWNF fine, but it’s forests are less mature and its multiuse status results in the hand of man being a bit too easily visible for my tastes… ---
**Author:** ![Emilio\_Lizardo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@Emilio\_Lizardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emilio_Lizardo)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/26 "2003-03-11T15:22:27Z")
I’m more of a MAL (Mid-Atlantic Lurker) but I am a reasonably avid outdoorsman, and I really need to get out of the house more often. So pencil me in for almost anything except caving. Come spring I will be kayaking in the Potomac near Georgetown almost every weekend; all are welcome to join me there. If you’re hardcore, climbing Old Rag at night is a lot of fun, too. ---
**Author:** ![Emilio\_Lizardo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@Emilio\_Lizardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emilio_Lizardo)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/27 "2003-03-11T15:24:35Z")
I am also planning to bike the whole of the C & O canal this summer; some company would be welcome. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/28 "2003-03-11T15:25:31Z")
**panache** - sorry for missing you on my last post. By all means, combining “Great outdoors” and “great beer” is a plus in my book. **birdgirl** , **av8rmike** , **TTO** - join the party! Another thought that has crossed my mind is that, at least as far as non-overnight outings are concerned, a lot of small outings might make more sense than doing a relative handful of large-group outings. If we rent a PATC cabin, or go camping somewhere for the weekend, we should try to plan it for a weekend when most people can make it. But with day hikes/kayaking trips/geocaching expeditions, etc., I think the main thing is to get out there as often as we’d like, with as many people as are able and motivated to make it on a given weekend, rather than wait for a time when everyone can go. Anyhow, what is the interest in going on a hike on 3/22 or 3/29 or 4/5? I’m itching to put my boots on, folks - who can go, when? ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/29 "2003-03-11T15:27:24Z")
I’m a definate maybe for all three dates… ---
**Author:** ![heresiarch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/278dde/32.png) [@heresiarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heresiarch)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/30 "2003-03-11T15:27:49Z")
If I’m not working on the weekend in question, I’d be interested. Those PATC cabins _do_ have broadband internet, right? ---
**Author:** ![TeleTronOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4af34b/32.png) [@TeleTronOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeleTronOne)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/31 "2003-03-11T15:44:05Z")
I don’t have issues with any of those dates. I’ll be itching to get outside the next time the weather is nice. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/32 "2003-03-11T15:53:49Z")
**Emilio** , I’d be interested in riding with you for at least part of the C&O Towpath this summer. ---
**Author:** ![Anita\_Vacation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Anita\_Vacation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anita_Vacation)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/33 "2003-03-11T16:07:46Z")
I’m free most any weekend, and I can volunteer to drive. My van will hold 7 people (three must be either skinny or very friendly) or 4 people and lots of gear. I vote to save camping and/or PATC cabin for summertime when we won’t freeze at night. But there’s no need to wait for a day trip. Next time the weather’s good, let’s get out there! ---
**Author:** ![panache](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c77e96/32.png) [@panache](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2003, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/34 "2003-03-11T17:18:04Z")
Looks like I’ll be in town all 3 of those weekends, and it sounds like we have some excellent bargain-dope experiences lined up. Count me in, and I can give DC area folks a lift if necessary. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2003, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/35 "2003-03-12T18:12:55Z")
**Jonathan Chance** doesn’t have a free weekend until April, and I’d hate to do the hike in his backyard at a time when he can’t make it. So who’s up for the [Billy Goat Trail](http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=entertainment/profile&id=1025763&typeId=6) on March 22nd, if the weather’s passable? Here’s [where](http://eg.washingtonpost.com/map?mode=geo&lat=390010&lon=-772399&pan=E&id=1025763¢erlat=389889¢erlon=-772398&level=7) it is (the circled ‘1’ on the map), on the MD side of the Potomac, outside the Beltway NW of DC. ---
**Author:** ![Theios](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e8c25b/32.png) [@Theios](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theios)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/36 "2003-03-13T01:07:27Z")
I’d be up for a hike on the 22nd. Just don’t laugh too loud when I die. I normally smoke in the winter months, and haven’t quit yet. (yes, I know I’m weird) ---
**Author:** ![TeleTronOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4af34b/32.png) [@TeleTronOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeleTronOne)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/37 "2003-03-13T01:14:28Z")
Oh, I saw this post earlier and forgot to respond. I’m in for the 22nd, here’s to hoping the weather is nice. I can also give rides if there is anybody in need who lives somewhere off of the virginia section of the beltway. I can fit another 3 people comfortably, 4 if you’re into mimicking a can of sardines. ---
**Author:** ![petcat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5fc32e/32.png) [@petcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/petcat)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/38 "2003-03-13T01:30:59Z")
I’m up for Sat 4/5. A day hike? I can fit three in the pathy. Bring it on. I was out in the Potomac at Bellehaven in the kayak last weekend. Air temps were fine but I stood in the water and am in awe of geese feet. The haiku thread made me write: The cold Potomac Coots, grebes, osprey, mergansers belted kingfishers It was good to be out on the water again muscle memory Drying the boat now in the living room upstairs skin and frame rejoice ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/39 "2003-03-13T19:02:12Z")
**Theios** and **TTO** - great! Anyone else interested? FWIW, the Billy Goat Trail is about 4 miles long, and it’s the sort of trail you don’t go at in a big hurry, because in places it’s as much of a clamber as it is a hike. I figure an easy hike is best, for the first hike of the spring. So hopefully we shouldn’t wind you _too_ terribly, Theios! I’ll be coming from southern MD, and I can go around the Beltway in either direction on my way there and back, if someone needs a ride. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685/40 "2003-03-13T19:07:38Z")
Hey! Count me in. Sounds like fun. Be prepared for some muddy conditions on part of the trail, too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mad-outdoors-club/158685.md?page=3)