If we're looking at early / mid August, I have a few suggestions. Even at some elevation, it's going to be h-o-t. (Global warming, you know...)
This, to me, changes things quite a bit. Further, I'm sensing some trepidation on the whole "walk out in the middle of no where and spend a week not getting killed" approach. (It was a great way to meet a big cat in the panhandle of Florida in the middle of the night!)
I vote that we follow the river. (Which river? Any river...) Makes having a water-source a no brainer; and it's great for 'beating the heat.' Further, the valleys allow for cooler air and the tree-cover is protection from the sun. The sandy banks are also great for sleeping w/ bad backs; we are getting old you know. It's a win/win. (Can you tell I've done this a time or two?) West Virginia would be ideal (such as around the town of Beckley or somewhere that serves the New River, etc), as would a few places in NC and TN. (Of course, I'm only saying that because I'm already familiar w/ them; my vote still is for the most accessible place for all of us. Don't know much of the Va options, although I would suggest we seek elevation for the heat.)
And hiking (long distances) in that kind of heat may be a silly idea too. Not in August... (No, I'm not 20 anymore--and my butt is out-of-shape.) To be honest, *this* is the ideal time to really go out there; not too hot and the snakes aren't out in full force. If we wanted to do something rugged, the time to start training would be now...
Just throwing a few more ideas out there. Start giving me dates, and I can plug 'em in to my calendar.
And as an aside, there's a complete class-act in the WV area that might be of some help to us. I don't think they offer camp-sites, etc... but Court and I have used them in the past (as has my Mom) and we've been really impressed each and every time. They may be a good resource to point us in the right direction. (I used to go solo-camping out by the river when Court went white-water...)
This, to me, changes things quite a bit. Further, I'm sensing some trepidation on the whole "walk out in the middle of no where and spend a week not getting killed" approach. (It was a great way to meet a big cat in the panhandle of Florida in the middle of the night!)
I vote that we follow the river. (Which river? Any river...) Makes having a water-source a no brainer; and it's great for 'beating the heat.' Further, the valleys allow for cooler air and the tree-cover is protection from the sun. The sandy banks are also great for sleeping w/ bad backs; we are getting old you know. It's a win/win. (Can you tell I've done this a time or two?) West Virginia would be ideal (such as around the town of Beckley or somewhere that serves the New River, etc), as would a few places in NC and TN. (Of course, I'm only saying that because I'm already familiar w/ them; my vote still is for the most accessible place for all of us. Don't know much of the Va options, although I would suggest we seek elevation for the heat.)
And hiking (long distances) in that kind of heat may be a silly idea too. Not in August... (No, I'm not 20 anymore--and my butt is out-of-shape.) To be honest, *this* is the ideal time to really go out there; not too hot and the snakes aren't out in full force. If we wanted to do something rugged, the time to start training would be now...
Just throwing a few more ideas out there. Start giving me dates, and I can plug 'em in to my calendar.
And as an aside, there's a complete class-act in the WV area that might be of some help to us. I don't think they offer camp-sites, etc... but Court and I have used them in the past (as has my Mom) and we've been really impressed each and every time. They may be a good resource to point us in the right direction. (I used to go solo-camping out by the river when Court went white-water...)
posted by Greg | 5:07 PM
11 Comments:
Well, my next question was going to be, "How much moving from place to place do we want to do, versus staying put?" As much as I enjoy hiking, I have not done much in a long time, and I too am not in shape. And we haven't really talked about time length, but I'm thinking, like, maybe two nights at one location, then relocate, then two nights at a second location? I dunno, I'm totally just thinking "out loud" here. And there's nothing saying we all have to arrive or leave at the same time, either, right?
I'm down with the river idea. (Although you also talked about "seeking elevation for the heat", Greg, is it possible to do both?) Just briefly checked out New River Gorge (per Greg's mention), and they appear to have a few "primitive" campsite areas. I'm sure other river spots have similar arrangements.
Yeah--we're on the same wavelength... "Primitive" campsites are code for "about a mile or two" from the main parking lot. I think we can handle that.
And yeah--I can see us maybe moving from site to site at a very reasonable pace. Maybe a move every 24-48 hours. And nothing to say that we just can't figure it out when we're there. We can avoid much of the hiking w/o worry.
I've camped out by WV rivers that were at elevation, yet in the valley between two mountains. And it's really great. It's quite cooler, great shade, right on the water. Lotsa firewood nearby for easy picking (if that's what you're into...) One time, I even slept on a large rock in the middle of the river. 'Twas great. :)
Fayetteville is also a great part of WV as well... Not for camping; it's just cool.
Who Likes?
http://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Yeah I actually found that same page! I mean, looks good to me, but on the internet I have a feeling one place would look as good as another to me, so I will defer to someone who knows the area, has been there, etc.
I guess I should also say, at this point, that while Michelle knows that this idea has been floated, and has not expressed disapproval, we have not yet really talked about its feasibility for us. I probably ought to make that happen before too much longer.
What about you guys, are your better halves on board? I imagine it's a whole other ball game with kids in the picture...
Here's what I am thinking at the moment.
For most of us, this will take 12-14 hours of driving to get to WV. So that's two days right there. Figure we do three to four days of camping. That totals out to about six days away from family.
As for discussing it with our wives, Sarah and I have a standing arrangement whereby I take the kids for an extended period of time while she is free to get away and vice versa. So anything we do would fall under that category for me.
Court wants me to get the heck out'a dodge.
And as far as using camp-sites... I just kind of struck out on my own. So this will be a relatively new deal for me. But the times in which I have used a 'primitive' camping site, I've been quite pleased.
Just make sure you bring your ...er... entrenchment tool. Always good to have an organized campsite as well. So that you know the way the wind blows.
Regardless of how this works out--I'm doing something. Either in the south (for ease) or up there w/ you guys (if it pans out). So...
If I can chime in for a second?
I'm not sure if Tim is going to want to go, if he does, he can (even though the week that y'all seem to be discussing contains our anniversary), so that's totally up to him. The reason you haven't heard from him is that he can barely keep his head above water at work right now - the project is over in something like 20 days at which point he can breathe again. I mentioned the camping thing to him and he's got it percolating in his brain for when he has time to think.
Regardless, logistically, it seems that Scott and Matt might be better off flying to DC and driving out with Tim if he ends up going. New River looks to be about a 5 hour drive from here and there are flights from Chicago and Boston that end up in the $150 round trip range. Seeing as how Tim would have to drive anyway, he wouldn't expect any help with gas for that leg - so you might figure out what your expected gas costs would be for the longer drive and compare it to flying and see where you end up. Flying also can extend the time you have actually together vs. alone in a car.
Something to chew on.
Pray for Tim...he's at his wits end.
Beth--that's a really nifty idea.
Does the car seat fit in the camry?
16 Days of Death March remain. My "short" days are only 12 hours.... I'm interested, but have no time to think at the moment. Sorry guys, fighting for my sanity here!
Nope, car seat doesn't fit in the Solara...but I'm thinking 3 guys and camping gear will. :)
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