Saturday, June 21, 2014

Don't forget to bring the following:

Trekkers,

All of your belongings will need to fit in the provided "burlap" bag.  If you have misplaced yours, you will be able to get a new one at the Stake Center Monday morning (6:00 a.m. sharp).  Please label the bag clearly with your name, so it can be sorted easily upon arrival at the Ranch.  If you want, use some creativity in making your bag identifiable.

Place your personal belongings in waterproof bags (large ziplock bags work well).


Don't forget to bring the following important items:

Water itself will be provided, but you need to bring something to drink from.  A plastic water bottle works perfectly.  It doesn't have to be anything special, just something that you can fill up and cap off.
You will also need a tin plate and cup (aka camping mess kit).
And a spoon.


Don't forget your rain poncho.  The forecast is great for trekking, highs in the mid-80s, lows in the mid-60s.   But there is a chance (40%) of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday.
And finally, bring a sleeping bag.  Sleeping under the stars will be much more comfortable in a sleeping bag.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Directions to Marriott Ranch

Here are some basic directions to get from Chesapeake Stake Center to the Marriott Ranch:

From the Stake Center, get on Bridge Road heading east to join I-664 N.  Merge onto I-64 W and head towards Richmond.  Take the I-295N Bypass to merge onto I-95N.

Continue on I-95 to Fredricksburg.  Take exit 133 to merge onto U.S. 17 North/Warrenton Rd, toward Warrenton.  DO NOT TAKE US 17 BUSINESS ROUTE into Warrenton.  Stay on the bypass toward Marshall, VA, and I-66.

This is where it gets a bit tricky.  If you follow the directions, it's a piece of cake.  However, there are several opportunities to get lost by taking a wrong turn on the small farm roads….

When arriving at I-66, hop on the freeway Westbound.  Go one (1) mile and take Exit 27.  Turn left (south) and cross over the freeway.  When on the south side of the freeway, you will take the first right on Crest Hill Road (Hwy 647) and drive 4.4 miles.  Turn right on Hume Road and drive 7.5 miles to the Marriott Ranch.

When arriving at the Marriott Ranch, follow signs to the Trail Rides and horse stables (Trek Start Point).  Turn right on Fiery Run Road and follow signs to the Trek Start Point.