Sunday, January 12, 2014

 

PICTURES FOR NOW  TEXT LATR

 

 

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

WINTER ADVICE

Note: Double click pictures for higher resolutions.

The solstice, Christmas and New Years are all behind us.    While it was not packed full to overflowing the Old Rag parking lot still had around 100 cars in it.    The days are gradually getting longer but average high temperatures will continue to decrease until later this month before they begin to warm.    Of course those are average temperatures.   You could have an anomalous 70 degree day in January and a 20 degree day in March.  

The park has a web page that provides the weather in the park above 2,000 feet and is a good resource it can be found by following these links

1. On the main page click on "Plan Your Visit"

1. On the next page click on "Things To Know Before You Come"

1. On the next page click on "Weather"

1. On the next page click on "Park Weather Forecast above 2,000 ft (NOAA)"

Alternatively just click on this shortcut:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/LWX/RECLWX

When I clicked  on this link today it produced the following:

207
SXUS41 KLWX 072031
RECLWX
VAZ025-026-029-030-036>040-080000-

FORECAST FOR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK ABOVE 2000 FEET
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
331 PM EST TUE JAN 7 2014

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT...

.REST OF THIS AFTERNOON...MUCH COLDER. SUNNY. HIGHS 6 TO 12 ABOVE.
TEMPERATURES STEADY OR SLOWLY FALLING THROUGH LATE AFTERNOON. WIND
CHILL VALUES AS LOW AS 14 BELOW.
.TONIGHT...COLD...CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 1 BELOW. WIND CHILL VALUES AS
LOW AS 14 BELOW.
.WEDNESDAY...NOT AS COOL. SUNNY IN THE MORNING...THEN BECOMING
PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S. WIND CHILL VALUES AS LOW AS
13 BELOW IN THE MORNING.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...NOT AS COOL. MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE MID 20S.
.THURSDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE MID 30S.
.FRIDAY...CLOUDY. A CHANCE OF FREEZING RAIN OR SNOW THROUGH THE DAY.
LOWS IN THE MID 20S. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 40S.
.SATURDAY...CLOUDY. SHOWERS LIKELY. LOWS IN THE MID 30S. HIGHS IN
THE LOWER 50S.

$$

Expect Old Rag's Summit to have wind speeds  10-20 mph greater than down on the Piedmont. 

Especially in winter you want to "Plan Ahead and Prepare"  (a Leave No Trace  principal.)

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

I have found numerous spots between the first false summit  and Byrds Nest Shelter where I can get cell-phone reception.    I usually keep my cell-phone in airport-mode and then turn it on when I want to try and make a call.   When I first turn off airport-mode it is not unusual for me to have no bars for 3-5 minutes and then suddenly get three bars.   

If you take one of the SNP's white trail maps the Park's emergency number is listed on it.   It is not a bad idea for you to have punched it into your phone under SNP Emergency.   The number is 800-732-0911.  

If you can not get a cell phone to work there is a box with an emergency phone in it on the outside of the Contact Station (park visitor's left side same as the interpretive roofed sign).

RESPONSE TIMES

If you have a non-ambulatory party member high on the mountain expect that your party will need to keep them warm for at least 2-4 hours (6-12 would be safer) before responders arrive on-scene.   Once the responders arrive plan on them needing 10-plus hours to get the injured party transferred into a rescue vehicle.   Of course there are no set rules and many factors play a part in what the response time will be...   time of day, location of the injured party, weather conditions, and many others.   

Times mentioned above assume the weather and conditions are such that park vehicles/staff can drive on both the regular roads and the park's fire roads.  Anything that keeps park vehicles from driving up to Old Rag Shelter will cause additional response delays.  The fire roads are not plowed or treated.    After a heavy wind, ice, snow, or rain storm large trees blown across fire roads may not be removed for several days. 

GOOD SAMARITANS

In my opinion all parties that might have contact with a non-ambulatory injured party when winter temps are in the teens should assume that hypothermia is an extreme risk unless it is clear that the injured person's party is well equipped to keep them warm and dry.  

POOR PLANNING

I often come across hikers high on the mountain late on cold windy winter days described by one or all of the following conditions:

• Fairly light clothes on their body with either no pack on at all or an extremely small day pack on that suggests they do not have a lot of available extra warm stuff to wrap up a non-ambulatory member of their party and or keep themselves warm if they have to stand around waiting for hours.
• Light approach shoes with no micro-traction assists.   Mid-Atlantic trails with even just a 1-3 inch base of packed snow/ice can get incredibly slippery.   Note: front country level side walks and parking lots routinely have icy slip and falls that lead to serious injuries.  Old Rag trails are not usually level and often have sharp rocks sticking up to bang heads or break bones on.
• They tell me they have no lights except their flashlight app on their phone.
• Their entire party is doing Old Rag for the first time.
• They ask me how long to the summit or too get back to their car and have no map. 
• No concept of the ten essential systems for hiking in the backcountry: 

1. Navigation (map and compass)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency shelter (tarp, bivy bag, space blanket)

I have nick-named the first trail-side large spheroidal boulder going up the Ridge Trail the Dumb-As-A-Box-Of-Rocks-Memorial-Boulder aka Dumb-As -Rocks-Memorial-Boulder. (see blog label list for a picture)  I have had my share of dumb moments and I am glad this rock can stand in testament to my less than intelligent prior actions.   I am not so glad but bemused, that many of Old Rag's visitors seem to be on a pilgrimage in honor of this proud specimen of granite's tribute to human foibles.

Days are still short and the sun never gets very high in the sky.   At this time of year it only is about 30 degrees off the horizon at high noon.

There are many types of micro traction devices for your feet this time of year.    I happen to like Kahtoola Micro Spikes but there are plenty of other products that will serve.   Below is a picture of my Kahtoola Micro Spikes and a link to REI's catalog page :

http://www.rei.com/product/856702/kahtoola-microspikes-traction-system,-red,-medium?preferredSku=8567020002&cm_mmc=cse_PLA-_-pla-_-product-_-8567020002&mr:trackingCode=A2BEC384-81FC-E211-A755-BC305BF82162&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=20834004520&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=35747117716&msid=Ij2HpLgB_dc|pcrid|20834004520|&{copy:s_kwcid}

Happy hikers on Old Rag's Ridge Trail:



The following two pictures of blow downs across the trail are here is support for the PATC or SNP trail maintainers they are located just a short ways down from R7(the current wet spot) or several hundred feet after the first set of two sharp switchback turns:

Views from the first false summit just before R20 and the beginning of the rock scramble at R22.   This can be a great turn around spot.    If it was the actual summit and there was no more it would still probably be one of the favorite hikes in the park.   That said, there is plenty more interesting hiking between here and the Old Rag's actual summit.

BE SAFE

GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO HAVE A GOOD TIME



Saturday December 7, 2013 Late Afternoon, Dusk & Night Hike Caterpillar Field Guide

It is fun for me to start up the back side of Old Rag Mountain late in the day.    On this Saturday the air was clear and very cool but not what I would consider cold.   Keep in mind that every one's bodies ideas about crazy cold, cold, cool, warm, hot, crazy hot are probably different.  

Wim Hof has a body that thinks 32 degree F ice water is cold but not deadly cold like the rest of us mere mortals.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wim_Hof

For me a dry 30 degrees is something I consider pleasantly cool

My Saturdays evening hike was delightful sustenance for the soul.   I love the moods that late afternoon, sunset, early dusk, twilight, and dark put me in.    This was one of those nights when twinkling stars and carpets of valley lights elicited feelings that all was okay with the world.   It was fun seeing around 80 hikers on their way back down off the mountain.  As usual for Old Rag I had  lots of different human encounters.   Most days on Old Rag I am lucky and encounter the most wonderful folks.....

After it was deep dark I encountered a large group of around 20 40-60 year old equally mixed male and female hikers.   Sensing their presence long before they sensed mine I sat on a rock and turned off my headlamp and music so I could enjoy the sound of their happily twittering conversations.   Once they got close enough I turned my music back on.  It is fun to let them be be a little surprised when they come around a corner and run into a funny fellow sitting all alone on a rock happily listening to music as you greet them with a matter-of-fact neighborly "wonderful evening isn't?"

While not roped up, the males in this group looked technically prepared to be on an open ice field above 17,000 feet.   The females were bundled up for zero degree weather but did not have all the technical mountaineering accouterments of their male companions.    The important thing is that they all seemed very comfortable and happy to be engaged in their mountain social adventure.    About an hour-and-a-half latter I was leaving the summit after having enjoyed my own long solitude of wonderful music and valley lights when a single individual hiker with a good sized electric lantern arrived.   He was holding his lantern out in front of him like an old town crier.   We had a pleasant talk about the fact that the Ridge Trail's wetness was turning into ice and that for safety he had decided to go out on the Saddle Trail and Fire  Roads.   He was clearly dressed very warmly and seemed very comfortable and at ease.    I suggested that he check out the view of the valley lights from either the tippy-top summit perch or the larger sitting area just on the Weakley Hollow side of the tippy-top summit rocks as we parted company.    He passed me on his way out just before the Saddle Trail slab looking down on Byrds Nest Shelter.     Earlier in the evening I had chatted with a couple of hiking parties who did not realize they still had about 2 hours of walking to get to their cars. Their only source of light being their smart phone flashlight apps.    I gave both those groups good directions and some little emergency thumb lights.   The first group consisted of two young, wide-eyed, slightly fearful, girls.  Besides good directions I  tried to calm and reassure them.   Half an hour later I got to speak with a group of teen age males.  Very respectful but also showing a little bit of pride/bravado.  I tried to temper their hutzpah just a touch.      

Since I was going back to Berry Hollow and not down Weakley Hollow it was a little bit of a relief to realize the large party of adults and the single lantern carrying male would unwittingly providing good Samaritan sweeps down Weakley Hollow Fire Road.

A GOOD NATURALIST RESOURCE

D Cox had recommended I get Caterpillars of Eastern North America.   He has a strong personal interest in moths, butterflies and therefore of course Caterpillars.   You can see his web postings at:

http://www.nyx.net/~dhcox/

I had mentioned him in an earlier blog posting which can be found by clicking on the label listing "butterfly identification".   He lives on the flanks of Old Rag Mountain and spends lots of time on Old Rag Trails and in the Old Rag off-trail backcountry.   I always have good time sharing information with him when we meet on the mountain.

Caterpillars of Eastern North America is a marvelous field guide.    It was written by David L. Wagner who clearly must have spent an obsessive amount of time on its 496 pages of exquisite text and over 1,200 photos.  

I would recommend it as a wonderful Christmas present for any of your naturalist friends who do not have it.

Sorry but my current point and shoot camera can not do the summit night scene justice.

Sat.&Sun. Nov. 23&24, 2013 COLD WINDY

Cloudy Misty Wind Light Rain

Saturday and Sunday November  16&17 

Daytime Cloudy Warm Moist Air

Evenings Fog and Misty Rain 

 

 

 

 

 

MIST AND FOG AT NIGHT WARNING

There are times when Old Rag Mountain becomes cloaked in a very heavy fog/very light mist.   Daytime visibility can be greatly limited.  Nighttime visibility becomes problematic.  Once it becomes deep dark you can not use the bright settings on your headlamp because of your headlamp's reflection off the mist.  Taking your headlamp off your head and holding it down by your waist and setting your light on its lowest brightness should help. 

 

When I did these things on Saturday night my ability to see the trail was still marginal.  I had to be very careful, slow, and deliberate with my foot and hiking pole placements.  I could only see the barest of an outline of the trail.    Many times I would find my foot dropping 3 inches further than I expected or coming to rest at an unnatural angle.   I am not just familiar with the trail, I am very familiar with a large percentage of rocks, boulders, roots, water-bars, steps, trees, and other features on the trail.   Even with this knowledge there were times on Saturday night that I found myself a footstep or two off the trail.   I was not surprised when at the CCC Stairs I heard voices and saw the diffused glow of a couple of headlamps about 200 feet off the Saddle Trail.  Based on the hikers' conversation it sounded like they were trying to figure out where they were.     When I yelled out to them, "Are you were you want to be?" they replied with a question,  "Are you on the trail?"  My voice became their bell buoy/fog horn and my headlamp their lighthouse as they made their way back to the trail.     These young men made it back to the trail and I noticed that the clanging sound I had been hearing was caused by ice-climbing-tools.  They each had one in their hands.   They seemed puff-chested-flustered, like the person who trips but fluidly jumps up and says did you see that fake fall.    I decided to treat our conversation as though we were neighbors who had chanced upon each other during our evening strolls.   

 

The good news was that while the air was saturated with fog and very tiny rain droplets it was also relatively warm.  It was warm enough that even had the individuals had to emergency bivouac until morning, hypothermia was unlikely.  With colder temperatures hypothermia could be a very serious risk for the unprepared.  During warmer snake seasons, fog like limited visibility makes it even harder to be careful of where your placing feet or hands.  At these times it is good to have  hiking poles or a walking stick.  Besides the extra stability they provide you can use them to probe/feel ahead of you the way a blind person uses their cane. 

 

If your ability to see your feet gets bad enough you should probably stop. If you must continue it might be best to scoot along on your butt.   Once a climbing partner and I found ourselves in the deep-dark with no lights.  We were a half mile from our car on a very steep Adirondack mountainside.  We had lost the trail but we could hear the cars on the road below us.  We decided to blindly bushwhack our way slowly towards the road.    Suddenly we both found ourselves in free fall.   Luckily we only dropped five feet and were not hurt.  It could have just as easily have been a 20 foot drop!  The rest of the trip found us scooting along on our butts.   The neat thing was that on our slow way down we got to see some really neat phosphorescent glowing fungi.   

 

NEAR WHITE-OUT

The most difficult navigation conditions I have encountered along exposed parts of the Old Rag Ridge Trail have been near (but not quite) white-out blizzard-like blowing (30+ mph wind) snow conditions.   The good news is that these conditions are incredibly rare on Old Rag (maybe once a decade).   When they do occur they probably only last for a few hours (not days) and they are generally localized to the highest and exposed portions of the mountain.   If you are going to place yourself at risk of potentially encountering these types of conditions, I would advise that you come prepared for the possibility you might need to shelter in place.  



 

A type of Umbilicaria I believe Umbilicaria-mammulata but am not sure.  Common name Tripe.  Notice that after 24 hours of fog and natural mist it is green color.  On a hot dry summer day it is grayish black.

 

TWO INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS:

 

1. On Saturday night I came upon a rabbit on the trail just below Byrds Nest Shelter.    On Sunday night I came across the same rabbit sitting in the exact same spot in the trail but this time he had a little field mouse as a companion.    They both sat and stared at me for about 20 seconds before deciding to scurry off into the underbrush.
2. On Sunday night I made a stop and sat on a boulder along the trail at the stairs just below Byrds Nest Shelter.   The wind was quiet and I could make out the outlines of the bottom of Weakley Hollow.  Continuing my hike I stopped and sat on a boulder near the trail by Byrds Nest Shelter and the wind was blowing at around 15-20 miles per hour and I was in a thick blowing mist.  The wind was loud enough that I had to shelter my phone and almost yell to be understood.     Upon return to the stairs just 100 feet lower and maybe 800 feet away I was back below the cloud-deck in windless perfectly still conditions.   The conditions were so radically different in such a short distance that it was as though I had walked through a portal between two worlds.

 

 



Veterans Day Weekend

 

VETERANS DAY WEEKEND

 

PICTURES NOW TEXT LATER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Musical Inspiration For Old Rag Naturalists

WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?

MUSICAL INSPIRATION FOR OLD RAG NATURALISTS

PLUS

OLD RAG NAVIGATIONAL ADVICE

WHAT DOES THE BEAR SAY?

From Wikipedia:

"The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)", is an electronic dance song and viral video by Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis.

I enjoy both the sounds of nature and inspirational music.

Having just attended both Aida and Die Fledermaus the following viral musical Internet hit was a wonderfully joyful auditory pallet cleanser.   Combining both my love of music and nature I thought other Old Rag naturalists would enjoy the following song (sorry but you will need to skip the ad):

From YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jofNR_WkoCE

What did Pelusios seychellensis say?   

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130404072916.htm

It turns out that Old Rag Granite may contain the richest trove of Pelusios Seychellensis fossils anywhere in the world.   While declared extinct this species of fresh water turtle is now considered one of the most extreme examples of having had a population bottleneck.

I am very skeptical but there are some that say I once wrote,

"If it did not exist it might still be extinct."  

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!!!  Here we are arguing about the past.  What about now?  What about the future?   We are burning valuable time!  Wasting daylight!   Every infinitesimal fleeting instant is causing whole species' future-pasts to become their past-futures.  If we keep this up we will have wasted so much time that we will find ourselves in a future where extinct species are discovered to have never existed except in the past!!!"

Adventurer/surgeon/rock musician Buckaroo Banzai said:

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once." 

"There are times when verbal ingenuity is not enough."


OLD RAG NAVIGATIONAL ADVICE
Plan Ahead And Prepare (a LNT Principal)

What does the Bear say?  

Motivated by his interest in abandoned picnic baskets and human carcasses, Yoga Bear, I mean Yogi Berra,  had these wise words for Old Rag Hikers(among others):

"If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else."

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there."

"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."

 

Happy trails!