Marshall Moutanin Loop Backpack 5/15 - 5 /16

“when we hiked Old Rag the other week we were trying to come up with a trail name. We thought of WannaHike. But that is kinda cliche. I'm sure we'll have one by the end of this trip.

I checked the weather, looks like some t-storms. Scattered though. It's going to be warm. I think we'll have some nice weather.”

“Pennsy it's $10 to get into the park. As far as camping I figured we'd go until we wanted to setup camp, Gravel Springs will probably be a crowded area so I was thinking of camping near the intersection of the Big Devil Stairs trail, or along that trail, about a 3.5 mile hike.
Overnight permits are required, I'm not sure if the entrance stations will be manned when we get there though, so I'll call tommorow and figure out what we need to do about a permit.”

“alright a 3.5 mile night hike.”

“are you coming on this trip?”

“I may be at Mathews Arm this weekend and dayhiking from there with my wife. If that doesn't work out, we may be spending the weekend a little closer to home.”

“Forecast for Front Royal, VA:

Friday 85/64 Iso Thunder Storms
Saturday 84/59 Scat Thunder Storms
Sunday 79/58 Partly Cloudy


Great Weather!”

“I got the northern section map today, haven't checked it out yet. Any idea the milege and elevation +/-?”

“outstanding!!”

“what will be our highest elevation?”

“I don't have the guidebook here with me, it's about 14 miles with 2000 ft elev. change, I think N. Marshall Mountain is 3200+ ft.”

“Friday 85/64 Iso Thunder Storms
Saturday 84/59 Scat Thunder Storms
Sunday 79/58 Partly Cloudy

Great Weather!"
Bison

So hurricanes and tornadoes would be considered FAIR weather? j/k

Did you find out about the permits? I'll most likely be there late afternoon so I should be able to take care of it when I get there. Is it individual or can I get one for our group?”

“Pennsy, If you can get one for the group that would be perfect.”

“You will need a backcountry camping permit. One permit can cover four people, I believe. This is a self-registration thing. Whomever arrives first should register enough permits to cover the group because on occasion they do run of forms at the end of they day. I have never seen the permit box at the trailhead, but I know they are available at the entrance stations.

The entrance fee is $10.00 per car. You can get an annual pass for $20, which is of course a deal if you intend to return more than twice in the year. (Personally, I don't think we should have to pay, but that's another thread.)

Have a great trip!”

“Thanks oh one who dances in the water. (I guess that's better than what Geo says I do in the water)

I'll ask when I get to the gate. There are 4 for sure, with Y2 as a maybe? I'll see about getting 2 permits to be safe.”

“Pennsy - Is the email addy in your profile up to date? If so I'll try to email the info you'll need for the permit tonight.”

“Nash - you have mail.”

“right back at you”

“Yes, the email in my profile is correct.
bjj@fast.net

I'll be checking my email when I get home later tonight.”

“Hey I'm really sorry I can't make this one. If y'all haven't given up on me then I would ask:

What are you doing memorial day weekend?”

“Great Question - Let's go to West Virginia.”

“I'm going to NH. I thought you were going to the Smokies Bison.”