VA | 2018, Nov 2-4: Hungry Mother Fall Mini-rally

[WaltP]

Okay, looks like we've side stepped our way into a commitment. Earlier than I usually do for an informal mini rally, but I'm pleased to see so much interest.
Nov 2-4 it will be. Burson Campground at Hungry Mother State Park.
Starting last year, Hungry Mother designated some of the sites as reservable. Also all have water and electric but only some have sewer at a slightly higher price. Of course there is also a dump station. They also have a very nice bath house.

I'd appreciate if everyone would inform me when they make a reservation, and what site number.

Walt

[bsedwebt]

Just booked Friday 11/2 and Saturday 11/3 - NOT SITE SPECIFIC BURSON LOOP - electric site was $30 - See ya'll there! - George - you better still have Parker! We got something for you.

[WaltP]

Glad you can make it Bryan.

[George Lauver]

Rhonda & I have booked our site arriving Wed 10/31 and departing Mon 11/5. Staying for the Sunday buffet.[emoji4][emoji39]

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[nanylou61]

We are booked and look forward to our 1st rally! Site 45 for Friday and Saturday Nov. 2 and 3.

Is anyone interested in bike riding the Creeper Trail with us on Saturday morning?

Bill & Nancy
Salem, VA

[bsedwebt]

The bike ride idea is a GREAT one - it will be awesome that time of year with the leaf change. Wear layers of clothing as you need to adjust accordingly. It is about an hour drive from Hungry Mother to Damascus for the bike ride. You can rent bikes or bring your own. We just rent bikes when we go so it is much easier and only $10 more per person. Check with several of the bike companies in Damascus about scheduling for that time - it costs $25 with bike rental and transportation for a 45 minute ride up the mountain to Whitetop. They drop you off and you coast 17 miles down the mountain at a 2 percent grade on a BEAUTIFUL well maintained trail that goes along the old railroad bed. It follows a flowing river with waterfalls, cliffs, etc... There are several fishing spots along the way if you are so inclined. You go over several rail road bridges and two old train stations. There are restrooms along the way with plenty of places to stop for lunch - either picnic or some small eateries. We like to wear a back pack to keep our cold drinks in as well as a sub from the Subway in town to eat along the way on a nice bench. We always go in June or early July to see the Rhododendrons and stay at Grayson Highlands State Park. It is also the best hiking around there - wild ponies will walk right up to you on the trails. There are also some covered bridges around, old drive-in theater, classic theater, grist mill, etc...

[George Lauver]

Sounds like a fun idea!

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[WaltP]

Great idea. That bike ride's been on my bucket list forever.

Walt

[J Ron]

Mary & Ron reserved non-site specific for Nov 1 and depart on the 5th.

[WaltP]

Originally Posted by J Ron

Mary & Ron reserved non-site specific for Nov 1 and depart on the 5th.

Welcome I look forward to seeing you there.

Walt

[nanylou61]

Originally Posted by bsedwebt

The bike ride idea is a GREAT one - it will be awesome that time of year with the leaf change. Wear layers of clothing as you need to adjust accordingly. It is about an hour drive from Hungry Mother to Damascus for the bike ride. You can rent bikes or bring your own. We just rent bikes when we go so it is much easier and only $10 more per person. Check with several of the bike companies in Damascus about scheduling for that time - it costs $25 with bike rental and transportation for a 45 minute ride up the mountain to Whitetop. They drop you off and you coast 17 miles down the mountain at a 2 percent grade on a BEAUTIFUL well maintained trail that goes along the old railroad bed. It follows a flowing river with waterfalls, cliffs, etc... There are several fishing spots along the way if you are so inclined. You go over several rail road bridges and two old train stations. There are restrooms along the way with plenty of places to stop for lunch - either picnic or some small eateries. We like to wear a back pack to keep our cold drinks in as well as a sub from the Subway in town to eat along the way on a nice bench. We always go in June or early July to see the Rhododendrons and stay at Grayson Highlands State Park. It is also the best hiking around there - wild ponies will walk right up to you on the trails. There are also some covered bridges around, old drive-in theater, classic theater, grist mill, etc...

Thanks for the info on the creeper trail...we have actually ridden it before. We look forward to some cooler camping weather!

[Jeweltea]

We just made our reservation arriving Wednesday,
October 31st and leaving Monday the 5th...site 25 in Camp Burson

[dgb]

Is there a Facebook event page for this rally?

[WaltP]

I call this a mini rally because it is small and has no agenda.
This will be the 6th year and we typically have 12-14 fiberglass trailers of various brands and vintages.
It will run from Friday through Sunday with some arriving late Thursday. Dates are Nov. 1-4
I say no agenda, but Friday night I make Cowboy Stew and SUMI salad and others are welcome to supplement or not. I always worry there'll be enough to go around, but so far so good.
We camp in the Burson Campground at Hungry Mother, which is one of the few State Park campgrounds open year round. Sites have electric and water hookups and some also have sewer. There is a dump station and a nice, modern bathhouse with showers.
It's a nice area with lots to do, including hiking, paddling, some nice local museums and more. Some nice restaurants in nearby Marion Too.

And some have talked about doing the easy bike ride down the mountain at Damascus.

There are some sites open for drive ins but it's best to make a reservation.

Walt

In answer to a question, sorry, but I'm not very Facebook savvy, and there is no FB page.

[Jeweltea]

Has anyone been to the Lincoln Theatre in Marion? They are filming the PBS show " Song of the Mountains" on Saturday November 3rd -- bluegrass music. Tickets are $25 and $30.

[Elizabeth C.]

Originally Posted by nanylou61

We are booked and look forward to our 1st rally! Site 45 for Friday and Saturday Nov. 2 and 3.



Is anyone interested in bike riding the Creeper Trail with us on Saturday morning?



Bill & Nancy

Salem, VA

You will LOVE the ride! I've done it twice...and do recommend you bring gloves and warm clothes, "just in case"! I live in Ashe County, NC...and weather in November can be weird...but the higher altitude can be pretty nippy on hands when riding!

[WaltP]

I spent the past few days at Hungry Mother at a meeting of the Virginia Association For Parks (VAFP). I talked with the park manager and staff about our recurring Fall mini-rally and they are very amenable to offering us a program.
The education specialist, a daughter of Barbara Kingsolver, offered any of a variety of interpretive hikes. Another possibility is a talk on the history of this CCC park. HM is the park where the inauguration of the state park system took place in 1936 and the park and this region of Virginia is very rich in history.
I'd like to hear from some of you what your thoughts are. My preference would be for the talk. That time of year doesn't sound too great for an interpretive hike, both weather and interest wise. Also it might be awkward to fit in if some or many of us opt for the bike trip Saturday.

But let me hear from you. They indicated a week or two would be plenty of notice.

Walt

[Jeweltea]

I think the talk would be the best.

Steve and Doris

[Hidalga]

I'm working on the November Issue of The Roost. Would anyone want to to do a write-up for the Hungry Mother Mini Rally as a highlighted event? (would need a few photos to accompany the piece).

I also like to do a rally "Digest", following up on a rally in the following month's issue.

Please email me from my website (in below signature) to submit an article and photos. Deadline is October 12th. Thanks!

[LarryB.]

If Beth & Bryan could drive to Ohio for the Fall Gathering, I guess that I should feel compelled to drive to Virginia for this rally.

Just booked Friday 11/2 thru Sunday 11/4 - NOT SITE SPECIFIC BURSON LOOP - electric. Posted price was $30 but the reservation charge at checkout was $105. Must have something to do with "Camping math".

See you in a couple of weeks!!

__________________
LarryB.