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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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?
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!
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.
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 on March 22nd, if the weather’s passable? Here’s where it is (the circled ‘1’ on the map), on the MD side of the Potomac, outside the Beltway NW of DC.
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)
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.
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
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.
