2011 was yet again a most excellent year for backpacking and hiking. NORSA members hit up some old favorites and a few new sites too. The year ended for Steven S with three nights out in back-to-back weekends. On to the highlights:
April - Ramsey's Draft - 2012 backpacking started with a bang. Lots of fun despite lots of rain and hail.
Fourth of July - Staunton River / Jones Mountain Cabin trail in Shenandoah. Huge thunderstorm came through but fortunately the deck of the cabin sheltered us. Steven S and Emily P first did this trail in 2008, and it was looking a lot less rugged and overgrown this time. Besides the cabin there is a nice overlook at Bear Church Rock.
October/November - Day hiking at Wildcat Mountain and Bull Run Mountain Conservancy. Two new parks for us that are relatively close to the DC area. Wildcat is a nice walk through the woods, while Bull Run has an overlook and some historic cemeteries.
December - solo backpacking to Halfmoon Lookout and White Rocks. Although this was a repeat from May 2010, Steven S camped on the peak of Halfmoon Lookout this time, which has perhaps the most beautiful sunset in the GW National Forest and great views of the stars. It also makes for a cold and windy winter's night. In the parking area there were a few West Virginians out with dogs looking for "bar."
New Year's Day - overnight to Duncan Knob with Marvin and Matt J. We got caught in a downpour/sleet while getting up to the knob. Fortunately with three hatchets among us we were able to make a great fire, and with an easy hike back in we had time to grab pancakes. A great way to start the new year.
How will you experience your outdoors in 2012? Let's hope it's the most NORSA-rific year yet!
Ramsey's Draft is quite an adventure, with 20+ stream crossings, remnants of virgin hemlock forest, and spectacular ridge climbs. If that wasn't enough, this expedition took place on a weekend with 100% chance of rain including thunderstorms and flash flooding.
Despite these difficulties, they made good progress by the time the rain let up to allow a lunch break. That is when the first hailstorm hit. Steven learned never to say things like "at least we know it can't come down any harder..." This kind of talk only tempted the skies to prove him wrong. After finishing the 20th crossing, the trail climbed to the headwaters of Ramsey's Draft. The trail literally became a running river itself, with many branching streams and waterfalls forming along the way. It was an impressive sight, and would have made for good camping in normal conditions.
A suitable campsite was waiting on top of the ridge. Everyone enjoyed a hot meal and looked forward to drying their gear overnight. Surprise! It got below freezing. Steven S was using his 40F rated bag and it was damn cold. Same thing in the morning as the wind cut through wet clothing. But eventually it turned out to be a beautiful spring day. The second half of the hike follows Bald Ridge with a lot of climbing early, and then has a steady downhill finish back to Ramsey's Draft. The ridge features many window views, white pines, and beautiful camp sites. At last the descent brought them back to the draft, and in a fitting conclusion, required one more bushwack and stream crossing to make it to the trailhead.
Despite the tough stuff on this trip, everyone had a good time and took it all in stride. Ramsey's Draft East gets a NORSA seal of approval. For a less intense version of this hike, try it during a drier time of year or just rearrange your plans if the weather forecast looks terrible.