Spring 2014 Women's Appalachian Trail Section
Hike – Northern Virginia
Do you enjoy challenging yourself? Do you love being in the outdoors? Have you ever wanted to hike on the
Appalachian Trail? A group of adventurous mature women will be hiking the
Appalachian Trail or AT, as it crosses West Virginia into Virginia this summer.
Join us as we explore the flora, fauna and history of this area of the country.
The Challenge: We will be backpacking 53 miles on the
Appalachian Trail from the Front Royal, VA to Harpers Ferry, WV. This is a physically demanding journey. We will each have to carry approx 30 lbs of
gear and provisions covering 5 to 12 miles a day over the course of 7 days.
When: Sept 4-13, 2014.
Where: Meet-up in
Harper's Ferry, WV, Thursday Sept 4th. The next morning, Friday Sept
5, we will shuttle to the Front Royal, Virginia to begin our hike. We will hike
from Front Royal to Harper's Ferry.
Cost: $350. This will cover: food along the trail, camping
fees, shuttle fees, AT window decal and three nights accommodations (dbl
occupancy) in Harper's Ferry. You are
responsible for costs involved in transport to
to Harper's Ferry, meals in Harper's Ferry and purchase of any personal
gear, equipment and souvenirs.
Gear: You will need to
provide your own backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, trekking poles,
clothes, rain gear, boots, mess kit (cup, plate, silverware), toiletries,
personal items, flashlight and hydration system. I will send you sample gear
lists and recommendations for packing. Your base weight (excluding food and
water) should not exceed 20 lbs.
Please leave approx. 25% of your pack free to assist in carrying food
and shared camping items. I will provide: maps, guidebooks, food, cooking
utensils, stoves, rope, bear bags, first aid kit, trowel and TP, water
filtration and purification system.
Recommended preparation: Begin a
physical training program now.
Focus on strengthening your legs and core, along with aerobic fitness. I
suggest training with a Couch-to-5K program, adding squats, core work and
distance hiking. Research your gear and
make purchases. Buy good hiking boots and start day hiking on weekends now.
Plan a few two-to-three day backpacking trips in your area before Labor Day
this year to prepare you for the trail. The rewards of being in good physical
shape beforehand cannot be over emphasized.
Some details will accompany
this flyer and others will be emailed as they develop. There are numerous resources for information
online. The best: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home
Sign-up: A quick "I'm in!" saves you a space until July
1, at which time, a deposit of $150 is due. Balance due at time of hike. This
trip is limited to 8 women. Make checks payable to Denise Beno Anderson.
I'm super excited that you
want to join us! I'm already enjoying
every delicious moment of this trip.
