1 Forest Ave 2A

Portland, ME 04101 (207) 200-3494

Dolly Wilderness Backpack

Thomas, West Virgina, October 4-8, 2018

This trip is a 5 day, 4-night trip that starts in Thomas, at the Purple Fiddle Hostel as the first night and finishes with four days and three nights in the Dolly Sods Wilderness. Dolly Sods has many "rooms" including Hemlock groves, "sods" made up of heathland, shrubs, and , as well as spruce forests, and rocky outcrops; making it one of the most diverse and awe-inspiring places to explore in the east. Sitting on one of the largest plateaus in the eastern United States, it resembles parts of northern with flagged spruce trees, wide open views, crystal clear streams, and falls. The environment is unique as its story. Being logged, burned, and bombed, Dolly Sods has recovered into something very remarkable. Dolly Sods is outside of cell phone service and is void of light and sound pollution - providing a clearing for star gazing and wandering. Registration is required.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Thursd ay) Day 2 (Friday) Day 3 (Saturday) Day 4 (Sunday) Day 5 (Monday) Meet between 5pm- Breakfast at TipTop Hike 7.5 Miles to Hike 7.75 miles. Hike 1.75 miles to 7pm at hostel coffee shop. Lion’s Head and Bear Rocks Drive to Dolly Sods. The Lorax. Trailhead. Hike 6.5 miles to The Forks

Travel & Rendezvous We will meet on Thursday, October 4th at the Purple Fiddle Hostel at 96 East Avenue in Thomas, West Virginia. That evening, we will enjoy rural West Virginia, live music, and local brews.

Weather & Terrain October in West Virginia is beautiful with the changing leaves. Temperatures during the day in Dolly Sods will likely be in the 50s-60s and evening temperatures could be in 30s-40s. There may or may not be rain and/or thunderstorms, so please be prepared.

The hiking is moderately paced with easy to intense terrain leaving plenty of time to observe, refresh in cool stream pools, ponder, and rest. Previous backpacking experience is not necessary. However, though the terrain is less strenuous relatively speaking, it is important that participants be in good condition to navigate the terrain and elevation gains while carrying personal and group gear.

renewalinthewilderness.org 1 Forest Ave 2A Portland ME 04101 (207) 200-3494

Release Forms & Insurance In advance of the trip all participants must review, sign, and submit liability, media, and physician release forms. We recommend travel insurance for multi-day trips to cover cancellation fees associated with travel or expenses associated with emergency evacuation.

Packing Lists & Responsibilities The fee you paid for this trip includes all meals and snacks for the duration of the trip, all pertinent group gear, necessary permits and rentals, as well as First Aid and an emergency communication device. Participants are responsible for personal equipment, including their personal plate, bowl, and mug. (Note: We have some personal gear available for loan. I.e. we can loan you dry bags, backpacking plates/utensils, a tent, a backpack, or other gear at no cost to you).

As a wilderness community we will share burdens and responsibilities. We will divvy up the weight of group gear and food at the beginning of your trip (leave some room in your backpack for group gear), and we will support each other in preparing meals and clean up afterwards (with plenty of guidance).

Provided by RITW - meals and snacks during the trip - emergency satellite communications - cooking stoves, fuel, and utensils device - kitchen cleanup supplies - GPS location device - water filtration/purification - pertinent group gear (e.g. tarps, shared - hand sanitizer tents) - First Aid kit - necessary permits, rentals, and gear shuttles - Toilet paper

Provided by Participants *Please pack your personal belongings in dry, trash, or ziplock bags in your backpack or have a rain cover for your pack in case of stormy weather

Gear - sleeping bag (mummy style with temperature rating in the 20s—it may or may not be chilly at night) - stuff sack for sleeping bag (waterproof) - sturdy hiking shoes or boots - sleeping pad - camp shoes (e.g. Crocs, sandals, or slippers) - personal tent if you don’t want to share Clothes

renewalinthewilderness.org 1 Forest Ave 2A Portland ME 04101 (207) 200-3494 - wool socks - synthetic underwear - synthetic long sleeve shirt and fleece - short sleeve shirt or tank top - hiking pants and/or shorts - 1 pair camp pants (for warmth at camp) - rain gear (rain jacket, rain pants) - down jacket for chilly evenings Accessories - sunglasses - hat with a brim - personal eating utensils (mug, plate, bowl, spork) - sturdy water bottle - headlamp flashlight - extra batteries for headlamp - whistle - camp chair - journal and pen Toiletries - sturdy ziplock for toiletries - personal and emergency medications - list of personal and emergency medications - toothbrush and toothpaste - glasses or contact lenses and back-up - waterproof sunscreen - feminine supplies and ziplock for disposal (new activity can alter cycles, bring a supply just in case) - personal hand sanitizer

About RITW Renewal in the Wilderness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We work to connect people with wilderness in a way that sustains their well-being and positively affects their capacity to make the world a better place.

Our approach to walks, hikes, and multi-day immersions is rooted in the understanding that engagement with wilderness is a meaningful practice that guides us on a path toward a more compassionate world. While in the field we ask that all participants agree to practice patience, non-judgement, and a willingness to respect and support each other as we experience the wilderness together.

renewalinthewilderness.org 1 Forest Ave 2A Portland ME 04101 (207) 200-3494

Guide Andrew Fritz is Wilderness First Aid certified and holds a B.A. in Geography and M.L.A. in Landscape Architecture focusing on landscape ecology. Fritz is a native Indianan and an urban agriculture conservationist in Indiana where he works to improve food security and soil health. West Virginia is also one of his spiritual homes.

Aram Mitchell is a Registered Maine Guide and Wilderness First Responder with an M.A. in Religious Studies from Chicago Theological Seminary. Aram works as the Executive Director of Renewal in the Wilderness crafting ways to bring the wisdom of wilderness and regular rhythms of renewal into the lives of care providers and justice workers.

renewalinthewilderness.org