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Post by trailnotfound on Mar 15, 2020 10:07:02 GMT -5
If the weather doesn't get any worse, I'll be making a short, easy trip to the Dolly Sods tomorrow. Anyone have any info on road access? I'm planning on just going to the Red Run / Laneville lot, but if I can get in from the east that would save some driving time.
Also, I know that PA has a fire ban right now, but any insight into WV regulations? It's going to be a wet couple of days, so a fire would be really nice if allowed.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Mar 16, 2020 12:50:49 GMT -5
The best source of info are the NF Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM). For the Potomac Ranger District FS19 doesn't open until 4/1 and FS75 not until 4/15. Haven't heard anything about a fire ban and really would be surprised by one as wet as it has been.
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Post by trailnotfound on Mar 16, 2020 14:20:48 GMT -5
Awesome, thanks for the response. Our trip got shortened (yay pandemic) but we're still getting out tomorrow for an overnighter.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Mar 17, 2020 7:43:26 GMT -5
You're welcome. Enjoy your trip. A buddy and I will be out soon - maybe this weekend. Probably heading to Otter Creek. Probably the best place to be right now.
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Post by va3pinner on Mar 18, 2020 20:46:36 GMT -5
Hey vdeal! Please post back regarding Otter Creek. I can't get up there anytime before May I think, but I'd like to know how trail conditions are, and thank you!
Bruce
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Mar 19, 2020 14:26:30 GMT -5
Bruce,
Good to see you back. Not sure where we're going with the crisis but I will be out - best form of social distancing available. I will report back.
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Post by va3pinner on Mar 22, 2020 14:00:16 GMT -5
Bruce, Good to see you back. Not sure where we're going with the crisis but I will be out - best form of social distancing available. I will report back. vdeal - nice to hear from you. I know this is a difficult time to go probably, but at least you won't be around any people! I'd like to ask if you could check something else for me. My first trip into Otter Creek in the early 1980's, my wife and I went for several days in March. It was kind of a shoulder season trip for us. I like to camp in the snow, but winter was just too much for her, so March was our 'pre spring' hike. Anyway, on our first trip, we were marveling at the number of frog eggs we found everywhere. I remember we found them in just about any still pool of water, all over the trail. Big thick clusters of them. I can remember trying to take decent pictures but ASA 64 slide film was a bit too slow for those conditions!
Later trips, we found less and less, and I can't remember seeing any in recent years. Keep an eye open will you? I know there has been a significant decline worldwide of amphibians from several factors. i'm curious if anything may have changed. At any rate have a good trip. If and when I get to go, I'll be going specifically to photograph that big old spruce grove on top of the mountain. I'll camp at the old shelter site, and spend a couple of evenings and mornings chasing light through the trees. Bruce
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Mar 23, 2020 6:26:01 GMT -5
va3pinner,
I didn't go to Otter Creek this weekend. I ended up doing a day hike at the Quebec Run Wild Area in PA. I never go on weekends so going on a Saturday was different. Thinking I would see no one I ended up seeing 11 people though 4 of them never saw me. I was able to keep my distance though. As for the frog eggs I didn't see any up there but last spring I did see some on a hike in the Savage River area of MD if that's any help. Weather hasn't been that great and I'm back to work from home now. Hoping that everyone stays well.
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Post by arfcomhkr on Mar 25, 2020 9:32:22 GMT -5
Now's a good time to be out in WV. You've got a little time before spring turkey opens. Crowds on the rivers will taper off some since the DNR is not publishing the trout stocking reports any longer due to this stuff.
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Post by va3pinner on Mar 26, 2020 11:57:24 GMT -5
I agree it would be a good time, but I'd worry about the local sharp-shooters pickin' off us city folk as we cruise up 48 to keep the Covid19 at bay.........
But could fasten a case of Corona on my roof rack as a peace offering don't ya think??
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Post by arfcomhkr on Mar 26, 2020 12:14:46 GMT -5
I agree it would be a good time, but I'd worry about the local sharp-shooters pickin' off us city folk as we cruise up 48 to keep the Covid19 at bay......... But could fasten a case of Corona on my roof rack as a peace offering don't ya think??
LOL. I've got Ohio plates on my truck and nobody bothers me. But I have a place here and know a lot of the locals. Then again, I have a handgun on my belt too.  |
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Post by virginiapine on Apr 23, 2020 9:51:19 GMT -5
My son and I were out along Camp Five Run and Laurel River in the southern Laurel Fork Wilderness and saw lots of masses of frog eggs in most every still puddle - quite encouraging. We were there the first full weekend of April and did not see another soul. Very much enjoyed wandering around the old-growth grove right on the trail, only a half-mile north of the intersection of these 2 trails.
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Post by va3pinner on May 5, 2020 13:13:43 GMT -5
My son and I were out along Camp Five Run and Laurel River in the southern Laurel Fork Wilderness and saw lots of masses of frog eggs in most every still puddle - quite encouraging. We were there the first full weekend of April and did not see another soul. Very much enjoyed wandering around the old-growth grove right on the trail, only a half-mile north of the intersection of these 2 trails. Sorry about the late reply - Glad to hear that you saw so many. That's what I remember, but haven't seen so much. Probably going just a little bit late in the season and just missed them. I know the area you were hiking in. Pretty place. Good fishing around there too!
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