Annual Winter Trip - open to T4R members located in VA/WV/MD/DC/PA

[BrockSamson257]

If you go Top Gear style, you gotta drive something we don't want to be seen in, like a YJ Wrangler or an old Chevy Blazer

What about a Subaru Baja? Wait...I'd actually quite enjoy that...

 

[gfxcruncher]

I'm only just now seeing this... Is there a slot open? Or should I just roll around like the backup cars on Top Gear?

Hey Brock, since Andi had to drop looks like there's a slot open... I'd say start packing!

Looking forward to meeting you (and everyone else I haven't met before too)

 

[BrockSamson257]

Then I'm in like Flynn. Also bringing the spousal unit.

 

[jcaino]

For those coming from the Pittsburgh area - or anyone interested in camping out Friday night, planning on heading South on Friday and camping out at or near Olson tower (FR717 off of FR18)

We can either stop in Parsons to grab dinner Friday night or cook at camp. Wake up Saturday morning, catch the sunrise from the tower, take FR18 into Thomas and grab some breakfast at Flying Pigs and then head to the rally point in Davis.

[MENTION=7360]BurghRunner[/MENTION] - not sure if you are interested. Pretty sure [MENTION=178029]redshift83[/MENTION] is in, but don't think [MENTION=9776]techno[/MENTION]will be able to join Friday night.

If anyone is interested in joining up, drop me a PM to discuss logistics. Right now, tentative plan is to leave the Pittsburgh area by 3PM

 

[BurghRunner]

Thanks Jcaino! I’m actually full time in Virginia now. See you Saturday!

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Hey [MENTION=158147]BrockSamson257[/MENTION], confirming that you're good to go. Will add you to the "confirmed" list.

I'm assuming that you're planning to link up with the group in Davis, WV. Let me know if that's incorrect and we'll add you to the "Gainesville" list.

Is there a slot open?

 

[carlos.elmotor]

One more check-in before the next two holiday days start:

For the folks on the confirmed list:

• @Boyds4Runner and [MENTION=138048]01100101[/MENTION] were the only two folks that confirmed that they wanted to caravan to Davis from Gainesville

• Speaking with them today, they're now planning to drive directly to Davis

• This means that we're killing the Gainesville meet-up location/time

• Due to the Gainesville change, everyone should plan to be fueled up and ready to roll out of the Davis meet-up location by 1000 on Saturday morning

• @232vzlano, [MENTION=7360]BurghRunner[/MENTION], [MENTION=158147]BrockSamson257[/MENTION]: We're assuming you guys are comfortable getting to the Davis waypoint -- please let us know if this creates a problem for you

That leaves the Pittsburgh crew: [MENTION=9776]techno[/MENTION], [MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION], and [MENTION=178029]redshift83[/MENTION] -- Sounds like you guys might be rolling in Friday at some point

• Me and [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] will be heading over on Friday at some point and will likely camp off of the southern side of the Canaan Loop

• Let me know if you guys want to link up on Friday and we'll see if we can coordinate a group camp

--
Happy holidays to you all and looking forward to catching up in a few days!

 

[BrockSamson257]

I'll make it to the waypoint in Davis, WV @ 1000.

For reference, I'll be coming up from Fredericksburg, bypassing Gainesville and jetting west on everyone's favorite interstate, 66, if anyone wants to try to connect up while on the drive. The plan, for me, is to leave around 0600. Also, might be runnin' this one solo (sans co-pilot).

I would say you can reach me on the ham, but you know, I'm one of those hammies without a radio...so I got that going for me...

 

[jcaino]

That leaves the Pittsburgh crew: [MENTION=9776]techno[/MENTION], [MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION], and [MENTION=178029]redshift83[/MENTION] -- Sounds like you guys might be rolling in Friday at some point

• Me and [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] will be heading over on Friday at some point and will likely camp off of the southern side of the Canaan Loop

• Let me know if you guys want to link up on Friday and we'll see if we can coordinate a group camp

--
Happy holidays to you all and looking forward to catching up in a few days!

[MENTION=141503]carlos.elmotor[/MENTION] & [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION]:

Wouldn't mind linking up Friday night. Was just planning on camping out at Olson tower (or just somewhere on FR717, there's at least one other spot I know of not long after you turn on the road) so could drive down FR18 into Thomas to get a little extra off-road time on Saturday morning but wouldn't be opposed to coming in FR18 and then meeting up to camp on Canaan loop either.

Also, where's the proposed camping spot for Saturday night? Shot you a PM the other day about that (or maybe I forgot to hit send), but trying to figure out my plan for Sunday and that's going to play a bit of a factor.

Also, guessing we should probably plan on bringing some wood? I know there's normally spots to get it along the way locally during the normal camping season, but figure that might not be something to plan on given the time of year...

Got the sliders on and finally got around to doing the diff breather relocation on the rear axle today and went over everything, so all set for this trip. Well, aside from my ham license - was supposed to take the test a couple weeks ago, but had a job interview that ended up conflicting, so that's going to wait. I do have a radio (already programed, plus a couple frs/gmrs radios) so should be good to at least listen in...

While the weather is warmer than they were calling for a week ago, at least it looks like Fri and Sat should be pretty clear as far as rain goes!

 

[232vzlano]

Sorry guys didnt know I had to confirm to meet in haymarket. that was my plan seeing you there. 10am it is in davis then. See you there

 

[BurghRunner]

See you all in Davis at 1000!

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Sorry guys didnt know I had to confirm to meet in haymarket. that was my plan seeing you there. 10am it is in davis then. See you there

Hey, no worries and will catch you in Davis. Looking forward to it!

 

[carlos.elmotor]

[MENTION=141503]carlos.elmotor[/MENTION] & [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION]:
Wouldn't mind linking up Friday night. Was just planning on camping out at Olson tower (or just somewhere on FR717, there's at least one other spot I know of not long after you turn on the road) so could drive down FR18 into Thomas to get a little extra off-road time on Saturday morning but wouldn't be opposed to coming in FR18 and then meeting up to camp on Canaan loop either.

Ok, sounds good. [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] and I should be rolling into Davis around 11-1130 on Friday. Let us know when you think you’ll be in town and we’ll figure out if it’s going to work. [MENTION=138048]01100101[/MENTION] will likely be hitting Davis later in the day and we’ll be coming back to town to link up with him, so that might be a good option to connect with you all also. Will post back here once that’s locked in. In either case, we’ll be monitoring 146.46MHz and will broadcast when we’re hitting town to see if you guys are in range. There’s at least one repeater in Elkins, but if folks are unlicensed that’s not a good option.

Also, where's the proposed camping spot for Saturday night? Shot you a PM the other day about that (or maybe I forgot to hit send), but trying to figure out my plan for Sunday and that's going to play a bit of a factor.

PM sent. Had sent it to Techno earlier and thought your request was the same message.

Also, guessing we should probably plan on bringing some wood? I know there's normally spots to get it along the way locally during the normal camping season, but figure that might not be something to plan on given the time of year...

Definitely and good call. Thought I had already posted somewhere in this thread about everyone bringing a small “grocery store sized” bundle, but it’s a good opportunity to say it here again.

I bucked and split a good amount of oak this fall specifically for this trip, but with two nights and at least ten people a lot of wood will make for a comfy evening on Saturday.

While the weather is warmer than they were calling for a week ago, at least it looks like Fri and Sat should be pretty clear as far as rain goes!

Yeah, weather has been low and snowy in Davis, but seems like now it’s going to be unseasonably warm. Some years it’s a whiteout and others it’s t-shirt weather. I’ll take either over rain.

 

[jcaino]

We'll probably be rolling in after sunset Friday evening unless my wife opts out, as she gets out of work at 230.

Worst case, we just catch up with you Saturday at 10

 

[techno]

Just checking in. I'm still good to go. My kiddos and wife will also be coming along. Anyone else have kids coming too?

 

[jcaino]

Ok, sounds good. [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] and I should be rolling into Davis around 11-1130 on Friday. Let us know when you think you’ll be in town and we’ll figure out if it’s going to work. [MENTION=138048]01100101[/MENTION] will likely be hitting Davis later in the day and we’ll be coming back to town to link up with him, so that might be a good option to connect with you all also. Will post back here once that’s locked in. In either case, we’ll be monitoring 146.46MHz and will broadcast when we’re hitting town to see if you guys are in range. There’s at least one repeater in Elkins, but if folks are unlicensed that’s not a good option.

I figure we should get into Davis around 7PM and will probably stop for dinner. Shouldn't be too hard to find you all on the loop road if we aren't able to meet up in town.

 

[BurghRunner]

Techno: My son is coming again this year. He enjoyed primitive camping (no toilet). He’ll be 12 next month.

 

[redshift83]

On the radio front I have a half decent mobile setup in the 4r and my ham license so I'll monitor 146.46 and try to get in touch when we are close. I also attached the repeater list from Elkins in case its needed for those with their ticket. KC3DTO in case anyone hears me. I usually keep up with formalities until I know who is on the other end, haha.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

On the radio front I have a half decent mobile setup in the 4r and my ham license so I'll monitor 146.46 and try to get in touch when we are close.

Ok sounds good. If your rig supports APRS, I'll be transmitting Message="En route" and Comment="Monitoring 146.46MHz" (or whatever frequency we're on) if we're still on the move.

Once we're at camp I'll change to Comment="At T4R camp for the night" (or something similar).

At a minimum, that would at least give you guys coordinates on where we ended up for the night.

KC3DTO in case anyone hears me.

In any case, we'll keep the radio on throughout the day/evening and keep a handheld by the fire so we can come back at you when we hear you.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Quick note to say thanks again to everyone that came out for the trip this weekend.

Sharing a few pics here and have blurred everyone's faces and license plates to protect the innocent guilty.

I'll compress and upload a few videos of the obstacles over the next day or two.

[MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION], [MENTION=178029]redshift83[/MENTION], [MENTION=3442]Boyds4Runner[/MENTION], [MENTION=9776]techno[/MENTION], [MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION], [MENTION=138048]01100101[/MENTION], [MENTION=7360]BurghRunner[/MENTION], [MENTION=148437]232vzlano[/MENTION], [MENTION=158147]BrockSamson257[/MENTION]:
If you guys have pics or videos from the trip please share them in this thread.

Thanks again and already looking forward to next year!