Anyone from Virginia or West Virginia?

[DWinVA]

Unless something changes I'm up for it.

God Bless.

 

[SDC]

Can't do the last weekend in March, but I'm potentially game. Living near Fredericksburg, but I know the SW and central VA mountains fairly well. St. Mary's, The Priest, Three Ridges, and the surrounding areas are favorites.

 

[Finch]

Alright fellas, when and where? Tomorrow I'm assuming but where. Mcaffees or ???

 

[DWinVA]

Mcaffees is fine with me. The earlier the better as far as crowds go.

God Bless.

 

[ArrowForester]

McAffee Knob works. I just came by there an hour ago and there is a small crowd now even with the light mist hanging around. I imagine that tomorrow's crowd will be significant with sunshine on the first Saturday of spring. That's not a problem though. It's a good equal distance for each of us.

Early is good but I'd prefer no too early because I'm running a little behind. Anybody have a time preference? How long does a an out-and-back normally take there?

 

[Finch]

The last time the wife and I did McAfees, it took about 4.5 hours and that was with a good hour up at the top for lunch. We came back down the fire trail too which probably made it that much quicker.

Is everyone good with 9AM? We don't want to be too late because parking can be a pain when it gets busy. I'll be in a silver tacoma.

 

[DWinVA]

I'll be there in a silver FJ. I hope it's not too packed by 9:00. I did it Memorial Day last year, starting at daylight and it was a zoo when I came out.

God Bless.

 

[ArrowForester]

9:00 works for me. In the off chance that it's too crowded by then we can bail out to Carvin's Cove or Dragons Tooth. You guys just have to promise to take it easy on me.

I'll be in a gray Silverado with a basket.

 

[Finch]

Alright, good deal. See you fellas in the morning.

 

[ArrowForester]

If either of you has the Catawba 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Topo sheet (or other map of McAfee Knob) bring it along. I was going to print pocket maps to play with but my printer just locked up out of ink. Bring a compass if you have one.

 

[ArrowForester]

SDC - Sorry, I didn't notice your post earlier. We're not trying to leave you out. The areas you mentioned would be great hikes also.
Looks like we are set up for a short hike to McAfee Knob outside of Roanoke on Saturday, 3/21. It's awfully late notice but you are welcome if you want to make an early morning road trip.

 

[Ghost]

New Martinsville...up along the Ohio River not far south of Wheeling? Nice area.

Yep, thats the place.

 

[Ghost]

Ghost, I work near New Martinsville....shoot me a PM if you are in the area and want to talk western hunting.

Sounds like a plan, Ill be down during spring turkey hunting.

 

[Finch]

Where were you trying to print maps from? I was going to print one but not sure of the best place.

 

[ArrowForester]

I was using my GIS for a basic topo. Don't get too involved with it. I managed to get two copies that we can refer to and I have a quad sheet.

 

[Finch]

Ok, cool because I was having problems getting them to print too.

 

[SDC]

SDC - Sorry, I didn't notice your post earlier. We're not trying to leave you out. The areas you mentioned would be great hikes also.
Looks like we are set up for a short hike to McAfee Knob outside of Roanoke on Saturday, 3/21. It's awfully late notice but you are welcome if you want to make an early morning road trip.

Not feeling left out at all. Y'all will have a great one, and there are plenty of places for later.

 

[DWinVA]

Great hike today. Thanks guys.

 

[ArrowForester]

Yes, today was a good day. Nice to meet you guys in person and good to get out for a casual hike. Well, casual on my part since I was carrying half the weight you were.

Thanks for letting me check out your packs. I hope they work well for you in the elk woods. I'm jealous and will have to settle for your stories this year.

Also, I was wrong about Dragon's Tooth. The first sunny Saturday of spring had people out everywhere. There was a 1/4 mile of cars parked bumper to bumper along the road because the trailhead lot was full.

We'll have to do it again

 

[Finch]

Yep, I had a good time as well. Thanks again for helping with the pack adjustments. Definitely have to do again!