Where:

Appalachian Trail
Front Royal to Waynesboro, VA
Shenandoah National Park
3655 US Hwy 211 East
Luray, VA

Driving Directions

DIrections above are to the National Park HQ.

Transportation to Front Royal and return to Annapolis from Waynesboro will be by van. We'll walk in-between!

When:

Start time:

Sunday March 09, 2014 at 3:00 PM EST

-to-

End time:
Friday March 14, 2014 at 4:00 PM EST

Add to my calendar

Thanks for registering for the Leadership in the Valley staff ride in March of 2014. This is an UPDATED copy of what was sent to the early registrants last month.

So far we have 15 folks signed up to join us on the trail.

In the weeks ahead, we'll send you periodic updates. This is the first. Here are some thoughts as you prepare for this great adventure:

Do not worry! This is not some kind of "forced march" -- it is quite literally a "walk in the park". A 100 mile walk perhaps -- in a National Park along the Appalachian Trail -- where you'll learn a lot about leadership, history, fieldcraft -- but still a walk in the park. You'll be walking with at least 2 old-timers -- retired officers from the last century -- so rest assured this is not any kind of a speed march. Our rate of movement will be 3 miles and hour or less, a sustainable pace with lots of learning opportunities every day. This will be alot of fun!
You are responsible for five things:

Shelter. Both underway and in camp, you'll need to provide your own shelter from late-winter conditions. Tent or tarp or bivy sack for camp. Rainsuit or poncho for the trail. You'll want to bring warm clothing, but not too much. Bring whatever you like, but remember you'll have to carry it in a daypack or stage it in a small bag in a support vehicle. Sleeping bags are recommended, though you can substitute a blanket and lots of situps and pushups all night to stay warm! More on this later, but know that you are responsible for sheltering yourself from the elements.
Food and water. We will provide two catered meals for you -- one at the opening campfire on Sunday night and one at the warrior campfire on Wednesday night. The rest of the meals are your responsibility, Monday through Friday. Bring whatever you like, but remember you'll be carrying it all. We'll draw water from streams, so you'll need to be prepared to purify it. More on this later.
Mobility. Most all you need you will carry on your back -- so you'll need a small backpack or daypack. Additional overnight gear can be staged in one of our support vehicles in one additional bag. The most important equipment you'll carry are your shoes and socks. Choose them well. It is most important that the footwear you choose be comfortable and well broken-in. Start walking in your footwear now to toughen your feet and break in your trail footwear.
Hygiene. You are responsible for keeping yourself clean. Concentrate on feet and teeth. Bring your own toilet paper (in case there is no snow).
Leadership. You are responsible for leading your peers and preparing yourselves in body, mind, and spirit to participate meaningfully in this great learning opportunity!

More information to come. In the weeks ahead, we'll send you more detail on each one of these five points. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Dr. Thomas is in Luce Hall, or you can reply to this email to contact J.D. Baker or Eric Carlson (the other two old-timers). We can help you with all your preparations for this trip. Until our next update, we hope you have a great start to the new year!

We look forward to hiking with you!

Dr. Joe Thomas (USNA)

J.D. Baker (OMNA)

Eric Carlson (OMNA)

USNA supported by OMNA International

eric.carlson@theomna.com