Catoctin Hike - Post #5 (and Final)

All, It looks like we're going hiking on Nov 17th.  We're meeting at 9 am now, not 8 am, at the Catoctin Mountain Visitor Centor, Thurmont, MD.  The web site for the park is http://www.nps.gov/cato/.  The web site for the park map is http://www.nps.gov/carto/PDF/CATOmap1.pdf. Here are a list of folks ewho I know are coming: Mo (no hubby), Caryn & friend, Robin, hubby and maybe daughter.   I will obviously be there but my wife is not coming. The list of folks who are a maybe or have not confirmed include Traci L (who volunteered a portable grill), C Larson & hubby, Kristen, Faith and Ted & wife.   I sent messages to all these folks and will hopefully get some responses. IF ANYBODY ELSE IS INTERESTED, PLEASE JUST RESPOND TO THIS POST.  WE'LL BE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU ALONG. Just another note for everybody, the National Park Service offers a fun thing called a Passport Stamp book.  My wife and I are into this big-time.  Whenever you go to a National Park, like Catoctin, you go to the visitor centers and stamp your book.  If a park has more than one visitor center, they usually have a separate stamp for each.  I have collected hundreds of stamps over the years and will be bringing my book on this trip.  It's great incentive to get out and see this country of ours.  The small books only cost about $7 or $8 and here's a link showing what they look like:  http://www.geocities.com/parkpassport/index.html.

I still don't know if I can make it, but will try.

Definately want to.....hopefully can won't know for sure till Friday

I haven't received any confirmation from Traci so I'm not 100% sure she's coming.  Traci was bringing a small, portable grill.  Because there isn't much time between now and the hike, I'm going to make the command decision that we should forget the cook out.  Instead, we should find a place to eat.  Is anybody opposed to that?   I can'tdrive around with my grill in the bed of my truck for two days and I honestly don't know if anybody is selling cheap grills this time of year. What would you guys like to do? --Eric

Sorry, dropped the ball on the grill.  Daughter has all-state auditions the day of the hike - so it's a no go for me.  Hope you guys have fun!   Traci

No problem.  We've decided to go somewhere to eat instead of cooking out.  We'll miss your company, though.   Good luck to your daughter.  As a former high school band geek, I understand all-state auditions.

Eric, thanks for organizing!  I think finding somewhere to grab lunch when we are done walking/hiking sounds great. There are places up there!   It will be easier that way too. I assume we are each bringing our own waters/drinks/snacks (if needed and allowed on our programs).  This may be a good time to swap ideas on protein bars and snacks too! The park passports sound really cool. I may have to look into getting one!   See you all at 9 Saturday!

I'm fine with the idea of finding a place to eat afterwards ( my experience with cookout foods is sometimes 'iffy', so I am better off without) and I'll definitely have my own snacks to hold me over until it's time to eat. Hugs, Mo p.s.   I'm planning on getting on the road in the general vicinity of the bay bridge about 7 a.m. so hopefully 2 hours will be plenty of time to get there.   The guys in my office seem to think I can do it in about an hour and a half.

Mo, i can get down your way in a little over an hour so you'll be fine in the am Have fun everyone. Dress Warm.... i hate hiking but love the scenery sometimes. (i'm a klutz and trip/slip on everything. Just ask Faith.)

Thanks for showing up.  It was great to meet you!! --Eric