Fitpacking Itinerary
Saturday, May 16, 2009 - Friday, May 29, 2009

Last Updated 4/26/2009

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Drive or fly into Dulles Airport (IAD). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However, if you can save $300 on your flight by arriving at say, 11AM or 5PM, then do so.

Take the airport shuttle to: Homewood Suites by Hilton Dulles Int'l Airport, 13460 Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon, VA, 20171, 703-793-1700. We may also be able to pick you up if necessary.

Equipment shakedown

Go to EMS Dulles, Dulles 28 Center [Wegman's], 22000 Dulles Retail Plaza, Dulles, VA, 703.421.4330 or REI Fairfax, # 11950 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030, (571) 522-6568 for last minute equipment

Trail mix distribution

"Before" measurements taken

Go out for dinner

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Second set of "before" measurements taken

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

All the items that you will want for the halfway re-stocking point will be set aside and put in storage.

This is your last opportunity to take a shower for a week, although coin-op showers may be available sporadically, such as at Loft Mountain Campground.

Breakfast at Homewood Suites

Shuttle to Furnace Mountain Trailhead

Begin Hiking, elevation 1400'. You will be hiking through the largest wildnerness area in the park

Shenandoah Ridge View

Hike 1.6 miles on the Furnace Mountain Trail to trail junction, elevation 2400'

Drop packs and day-hike 0.5 miles to the summit of Furnace Mountain, elevation 2657'

Day-hike 0.5 miles back to Furnace Mountain Trail, elevation 2400'

Hike 1.8 miles to the Trayfoot Mountain Trail, elevation 3000'

Hike 0.5 miles on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail to the Appalachian Trail

Hike 0.2 miles to Blackrock Hut

Camp at Blackrock Hut, elevation 2600'

Miles today: 5.1. Total miles: 5.1

Possible bailout: VA-663 or Skyline Dr.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Hike 0.2 miles to the Appalachian Trail.

Hike 6.0 miles to Loft Mt. Campground, elevation 3250'

Camp at Loft Mt. Campground, elevation 3250'.

There are coin-op showers here

Miles today: 6.2. Total miles: 11.3

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hike 7.3 miles to Pinefield Hut.

Camp at Pinefield Hut, elevation 2500'

Miles today: 7.3. Total miles: 18.6

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Hike 8.4 miles to Hightop Hut

Camp at Hightop Hut, elevation 3200'

Miles today: 8.4. Total miles: 27.0

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Hike 12.6 miles to Bearfence Hut

Stay at Bearfence Hut, elevation 3250'.

Miles today: 12.6. Total miles: 39.6

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Hike 1.5 miles to Bearfence Rock Scramble

Drop packs and rock scramble for 0.3 miles

Hike 0.2 miles back to the backpacks on the AT

Hike 7.5 miles to Big Meadows

Hotel Night. Stay at Big Meadows Lodge, elevation 3550' (Note: meals at lodge are not covered in trip cost)

Coin-Op laundry available

Miles today: 9.5. Total miles: 49.1

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Day Off

Resupply

Coin-Op laundry available

Hotel Night. Stay at Big Meadows Lodge, elevation 3550' (Note: meals at lodge are not covered in trip cost)

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Hike 10.1 miles to the Nicholson Hollow Trail.

Hike 1.8 miles to Corbin Cabin. Note: Corbin Cabin has no electricity or running water, but does have bunks, picnic table, and wood stove.

Stay in Corbin Cabin, elevation 2100'

Miles today: 11.9. Total miles: 61.0

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Hike 1.4 steep (1000') miles to Skyline Drive.

Hike 7.8 miles to Pass Mt. Hut

Camp at Pass Mt. Hut, elevation 2700'

Miles today: 9.2. Total miles: 70.2

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Hike 8.5 miles to Range View Cabin. Note: Range View Cabin has no electricity or running water, but does have bunks, picnic table, and wood stove.

Stay in Range View Cabin, elevation 2800'

Miles today: 8.5. Total miles: 78.7

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Hike 15.6 miles to Tom Floyd Hut

This may seem like ambitious mileage -- and it is -- but by this point of the trip, you will be in good hiking shape, plus you'll be carrying almost no food. Should it prove to be too challenging, we do have shorter options.

Camp at Tom Floyd Hut, elevation 1900'

Miles today: 15.6. Total miles: 94.3

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Hike 2.3 miles to Dickey Ridge Trail, elevation 2400'

Hike 9.0 miles to the Quality Inn, elevation 600'

Miles today: 11.3. Total miles: 105.6

Possible bailout: Skyline Dr., Front Royal

Shuttle to Best Western Dulles Airport Inn, 45440 Holiday Drive, Sterling , VA, 20166-9411, 703-471-8300

Your stuff will be transported here around the time you arrive

After measurements taken

Dinner and awards Ceremony

Friday, May 29, 2009

"After" measurements taken

Hotel Breakfast

Leave Hotel

Airport Drop