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Barb's Canoe Page

Nice to have you here on my canoe page. Hopefully you will like it.

I recommend bringing all these things with you when you go canoeing.

HOW TO MAKE AN IGLOO

PICK A SPOT  
You should build your igloo on a level surface where the snow is at least 3 feet deep. There should be enough hard snow for your igloo, if the surface snow is powdery there's probably hard packed snow a bit deeper. Large bumps on the surface of the snow it usually means that there is a large object below the snow such as a boulder or a large stomp, they can get in the way so it's better to pick as flat a spot as possible. Don't make your igloo bigger than it needs to be. Mark out in the snow where you plan to have the wall of your igloo.

CUT BLOCKS
Cut out blocks from the area which will be the inside of the igloo. The lower blocks should be about 1 foot thick, 3 feet long and 1.5 feet high, the higher blocks should be about 6 inches thick, 2 feet long, and 1 foot high. If you size the blocks as I have said above you will need approximately the following number of blocks:

Sleeping 1 person, 6 feet inner diameter: 30 blocks
Sleeping 2 people, 7 feet inner diameter: 40 blocks
Sleeping 3-4 people, 9 feet inner diameter: 60 blocks

Don't worry if you think you'll have trouble fitting, once the igloo is finished you can carve out a bit of space for your feet from the inner wall.
The hole resulting from your cutting will be the floor in the igloo so you want a sleeping area for each person as high up as possible, a general purpose area that should be a bit lower to allow for mobility, and a deep entrance hole that extends outside of the igloo. The entrance hole should be as narrow as possible while still allowing you to get in and out without too much discomfort. The deep entrance hole will absorb the cold air and release it to the outside while the warm air will rise and stay trapped inside the dome.

BUILD A SPIRAL CIRCLE
Place your largest and widest blocks in a circle around the hole where you have been cutting out your blocks, the blocks should be tilted in towards the center. Start with the block that goes on top of the entrance hole, the whole entrance hole must be traversed by one single block with plenty of support on both sides. Cut the blocks so they form a spiral, make sure that the block covering the entrance hole is the largest block.

BUILD WALL
Add blocks to the wall until you only have a small opening in the roof. Before you get to the point that it's hard to get in and out of the dome move any blocks not yet used to the inside of the dome so you can put them all up in one sweep from the inside.

TOP PIECE
When all the blocks are in place cut the final top piece to the right size. If you can wiggle it out from the inside and lower it down into position that's great, but if your hole is very circular this won't be possible, you'll have to put the block on top of the dome from the outside and then lower it down from the inside.
 
FINISHING
Fill any cracks with snow.
Make a little doorway over the entrance to keep snow out.
You have to make at least one air hole in the roof to ensure proper ventilation. Without good ventilation you could run out of oxygen, very dangerous.
Smoothen the inside of the dome to prevent water dripping. 
Your igloo is now ready to be lived in, check your air hole periodically to make sure it's not blocked. If you've done everything right you will be quite comfortable.

Shenandoah National Park

Luray, VA

Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Shenandoah River flows through the valley to the west, with Massanutten Mountain, 40 miles long, standing between the river's north and south forks. The rolling Piedmont country lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails may follow a ridge crest, or they may lead to high places with panoramic views or to waterfalls in deep canyons. Many animals, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest. In season, bushes and wildflowers bloom along the Drive and trails and fill the open spaces. Apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries are reminders of the families who once called this place home. Shenandoah National Park has many stories waiting to be told, and a world of beauty that can renew and bring peace to the spirit.

CONTACTS

Email - SHEN_Superintendent@nps.gov

Fax- 540-999-3601

Write to
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835-9036

Phone
Visitor Information Recorded Message - 540-999-3500
Headquarters - 540-999-3500

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
The park itself is always open, but some portions of the Skyline Drive, the only road through Shenandoah National Park, are closed from dusk to early morning during hunting season. This road also closes in inclement weather for safety reasons. Visitor facilities and services begin operating between early April and Memorial Day and close down by late November.

Getting There
PLANE - The closest airports are in Washington, DC, Weyers Cave, VA, and Charlottesville, VA.

CAR - The four entrances to the park are at I-66 and Route 340 to the north entrance at Front Royal, Route 211 to the central entrance at Thornton Gap, Route 33 to Swift Run Gap, and I-64 to the Rockfish Gap entrance at the southern end of the park and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit for the Skyline Drive is 35mph.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - There are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park.

Weather & Climate
The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice, and summer showers may be sudden. Layered clothing is always suggested.

Accessibility
Most facilities and services in the park are accessible or accessible with assistance. Detailed information is provided in the expanded park web pages and through the connection to the concessioner web pages under each facility or service. Limberlost Trail is the park's first accessible trail for wheelchairs; it is also very popular for parents with strollers and anyone looking for a special experience and leisurely stroll rather than a hike.

Getting Around
Since there are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park, a car is needed. Speed limit is 35mph. Bicycles are permitted in the park on paved roads only. The speed limit for bicycles is also 35mph on the Skyline Drive and 10mph in the campgrounds.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
1. DAILY FEE (INDIVIDUALS)
$5.00 for 7 Days
Per-person fee for persons 17 years of age or older when entering by means other than a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Examples include walk-in entries at high-use areas such as Old Rag, Berry Hollow, Weakley Hollow, Lower Whiteoak Canyon, and Little Devils Stairs; bicycles; motorcycles with one person; taxis and limousines providing transportation only; buses carrying passengers not on a pre-packaged tour such as school groups visiting for recreational purposes; and buses or vans registered to a non-profit organization such as a church or school. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the $10.00 vehicle fee. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days.

2. DAILY FEE (VEHICLES)
$10.00 for 7 Days
Valid for single, private, non-commercial vehicles such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles with two or more occupants, RVs, vans, and converted busses. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days.

3. SHENANDOAH ANNUAL PASS
$20.00 for Annual
An annual pass for entrance into Shenandoah National Park for persons entering in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle or alternately the pass owner, spouse, children, and parents when a per-person fee is charged. Valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. Pass is non-transferrable and valid for one vehicle only.

4. COMMERCIAL TOUR FEES
$75.00 7-15 Passengers for 7 Days
$100.00 16-25 Passengers for 7 Days
$200.00 26+ Passengers for 7 Days
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of "one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service." Entrance fees are based upon the total capacity of the vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers. Possession of a national park passport or the age of the passengers does not affect the price charged. Entrance fees are valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. For sedans that hold six or fewer passengers, the fee is $25 plus $5 for each passenger, excluding the driver.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CLICK ON IN-DEPTH.


CAMPING

1. Mathews Arm Campground
Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering the park from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. (179 sites; $14 per night; open spring through October)

2. Big Meadows Campground
Make Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP
Big Meadows (mile 51.3), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies directly across the Drive. Reservations are required mid-May through November; call 1-800-365-CAMP. (217 sites; $17 per night; open spring through November)

3. Lewis Mountain Campground
Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry. Yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. (32 sites; $14 per night; open spring through October)

4. Loft Mountain Campground
Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. (219 sites; $14 per night; open spring through October)

5. Dundo Group Campground
Dundo Group Campground (mile 83.7) is a primitive campground open only to bona fide educational groups. It has seven large group sites, pit toilets, and water. Reservations are required; call 1-540-298-9625, or write Shenandoah National Park, Swift Run Entrance Station, Rt. 3, Box 311, Elkton, VA 22827. ($30 per night; open spring through November)

For more information, please click on IN-DEPTH.

LODGING

1. Skyland
Skyland (mile 41.7) has 177 guest rooms, rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Skyland, write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108.

2. Big Meadows
Big Meadows (milepost 51) has 25 rooms in the main lodge, 72 additional rooms in rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Big Meadows, write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108.

3. Lewis Mountain
Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5) has several rustic, furnished cabins with private baths and outdoor grill areas. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Lewis Mountain, write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108.

4. PATC Cabins
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (an authorized park concessioner), maintains six locked, primitive cabins in the park. The cabins are equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cookware. A pit toilet and spring water are nearby. To get information or to make reservations, call PATC at (703) 242-0693 or (703) 242-0315; or write to PATC, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180.

For more information, please click on IN-DEPTH.

FACILITIES

1. DICKEY RIDGE VISITOR CENTER
Location - Mile 4.6 on Skyline Drive
Available Facilities - Restrooms, information desk, exhibits, videos, sales, publications, maps, backcountry permits, and first aid. Many ranger-led programs and hikes begin here.

2. HARRY F. BYRD, SR. VISITOR CENTER
Location - Milepost 51 on Skyline Drive
Available Facilities - Restrooms,information desk, exhibits, videos, sales, publications, maps, backcountry permits, and first aid. Many ranger-led programs and hikes begin here.

3. LOFT MOUNTAIN INFORMATION CENTER
Location - Mile 79.5 on Skyline Drive.
Closures - Wednesdays and Thursdays
Available Facilities - Restrooms, information desk, sales, publications, maps, backcountry permits, and first aid. Many ranger-led programs and hikes begin here.

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