Massie Gap to Damascus trip this weekend

“I am going on a trip this weekend with another Internet group..shame on me..they wont be near as nice as you guys but here it is if anyone is interested :

Oct. 13, 14 and 15, 2000.
Meet at 10:00am at Damacus Virginia at say the outfitters there. I think the name is Mt. Rogers outfitters. Small town so no one should have a problem finding it.
To get to Damacus exit of I-81 at Abington, VA. there are signs to Damacus about 20 miles from here.
We will need to leave one or two cars at Va Hwy 58 to shuttle back to get the other cars at Massie Gap which is in the Virginia Highlands State Park. If anyone wants to hike back to Damacus we could leave a car there also.
1) Start at Massie Gap. Hike about 11 miles to Buzzard Rock area.
Saturday hike to Saunders Shelter about 11 miles.
Sunday morning hike 4 miles to US 58 Stright Branch.
This is about 26 miles give or take two miles.
2) All the same unless you hike onto Damacus which is 5 more miles.
This is a high ridge hike first day taking in Mt. Rogers and White Top Mountain.
This hike on the AT map starts at mile marker 30.4 Massie Gap ends at mile 9 Hwy 59. Appalachian Trail Map 1 Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area.

We pass over the Virginia Creeper Trial.
Hope this gives everyone some idea of this hike. The elevation starts at about 4900ft. then we reach the highpoint Mt. Rogers, 5729, go down to about 4500 ft. backup 5100 ft. Then keep decending to 2300ft. Some ups and downs from 3400ft. to 3900ft. So not so hard only the BIG DOWN 5100ft. to 3300ft. So be ready for this on the morning of day 2.
Water is all along the trail. First nite we may have to load up on water about 1 to 2 miles from camp. On the map last water is at Road crossing 601. All water must be filtered. Don't think we will have a problem with water anywhere else. 2nd nite water is near shelter. Thought we would pick a spot away from the shelter.
Dogs are allowed on this trip.
And we will need to hang food.
Hope this is enough info.
Any questions email me or suggestions are welcome.
We should get out early on Sunday with only 4 miles to do.
That way everyone can get home with no problems.
Do have warm clothing. Gets could up on top. And the weather here has been chilly at nite. Last week on Max Patch was at least 32.
Anyone wanting to drive in on Thursday nite there are places to stay in and around Damacus camp or motels.”

“aw come on ya bunch of chickens..LOL”

“CD I would love to join you guys on this one but unfortunatly I have alot of work to do and my funds are are kinda depeated after going to RRG. Had to board my dog (Dottie) and my wife went out of town and she can't leave the house without it costing a small fortune.So maybe next time.”

“I did two trips to Mt Rogers last month. I really like the area and would like to go, but I think my wife would pitch a big one if tried to go again.
Both weekends we woke up to frost. Also, the wind can be brutal up there. The trails are about as easy as any I been on. Great trips.”

“I wanna go!
I wanna go!
I'm a trail ho!
I wanna go!
do:3”

“well come on Sarabelle..and bring that cute master of yours as well..”

“Sorry no one could make it to Virginia with me..
Hopefully I will bring back some great pics..

I know the company is going to nea as much fun as you guys were..
talk to you later”