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Intro to Backpacking - Hot Days and Nights




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Wildcat Campground
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jul 21 2012  9:00 am >> Sun, Jul 22 2012 1:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Jul 12 2012 8:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Jul 19 2012 8:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 4 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:8 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Michelle Spence
Shane Sutton
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Members,

Have you ever wanted to go backpacking but were not ready or not geared for a long trip, here is your chance to get some mileage and experience under your belt. Also, a chance to use the gear you have purchased and are clueless about how to pack or use it! The distance we will go won't kill anyone, but it will be enough to figure out what works, and more importantly what doesn't!

I call this a guide to begin backpacking and I welcome anyone to email me about any aspects of their gear. What to bring, what not to bring. What clothes to wear, or not. How much weight should I carry?  Or just wing it and find out after our first hike saturday.

Saturday we will do a short hike, 3 to 4 miles on a mostly level creekside, with everything you think you need stuffed into your pack as you think it should.  When we return, we will spend some time going over each other's gear, packing theories, gear theories, etc.  Obviously, this is "Summer" backpacking season, so keep that in mind.

Michelle and I will each take 3 people to help with this process of packing and repacking. We will help shed as much pounds out of your pack while still being prepared as a backpacker.  Technically, this is car camping, but we will be backpacking and hiking around with our gear.  Our cars will be very close so we can stick un-needed gear there after our repacking, but it is not a crutch.  No cheating, coolers will not be allowed!!  Also, anything you cant carry from the car on the hike is off limits as well.

 Sunday, we will make breakfast, and while we repack our gear, we will also shuttle some vehicles up to the top of the mountain, that we will then attempt to hike up to.  There is a stream crossing and a big ascent on the way.  Anyone wanting the full experience is welcome to carry their pack, or we can leave all but the essentials in the cars.  This is not an "Easy" d2 hike, but doable, and not long.  4 miles, putting the weekend at about 8 miles total.

 

Backpacking Gear Laid Out 

 


Required Items to Bring:

Backpack

water

Suitable hiking shoes

Hiking shorts

Hiking pants

Short Sleeve Shirt

Long Sleeve Shirt

Rain Gear

backpacking tent/Hammock

sleeping bag

sleeping pad

stove (backpacking)

drybag

utensils/cup/plate/bowl

lunch/dinner/sun breakfast

tp

toiletries

 

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Water Purifier

Backpacking saw

Fire starting equipment

Flask w/alcoholic beverage to toast the end of a great hiking day

 

 


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

From Canton, take I-575/515 North. Take a right onto Hwy 53 go for about 8.5 miles. Take a left onto Steve Tate Hwy and go for about 5-6 miles to Wildcat Campground on your left.

From Ellijay, take 515 South to Talking Rock, take left onto Hwy 136 for about 18 miles, take a right onto Steve Tate Rd. Go about 2 miles to Wildcat Campground on right.

GPS data: N34° 29.72′ W84° 16.85

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):100Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $40.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.