US East Northern VA / MD Monthly Meetups

sabjku said:
I haven't ventured into the Ham world myself, but have a Baofeng to handle GMRS, and Ham if I decide later, and a CB. Between the GMRS and CB, I personally like the GMRS radio. Maybe it's because it's not tied to my vehicle so taking it outside the vehicle is an option as well. I do like the additional features and tuneability of the GMRS to, plus they're inexpensive, and you don't need anything else equipment wise, at least for most runs with average size caravans. Those Baofengs are really hard to beat price wise, even the 8watt units. I did pay the $70 for the 10 year license.
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I looked into CB vs GMRS for a 5,000 road trip with 2 vic's last summer. GMRS redundancy with hand helds, and NWS Wx Advisories when out of data range, are attractive features. Price and simplicity are great. Ability to increase range with antennae/power is worth exploring.

HAM is great for its purpose. I only want short to medium haul comms for discrete comms with my crew.

CB is cheap and useful, but can be over used and not always great with kids based on conversation types.
 
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Rolando said:
It is a nice area, indeed. But excuse my ignorance - "flagpole"? Where is that?
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Flagpole Knob, it's a good little trip out toward the WV border. You can access it from a few different directions, but the most popular route seems to be up Forest Road 85A. It's between Rawley Springs, VA and Sugar Grove, WV.

Sidenote, if you're bored, look up the history and government activity around Sugar Grove, WV. Really cool stuff.
 
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Txcoast said:
Flagpole Knob, it's a good little trip out toward the WV border. You can access it from a few different directions, but the most popular route seems to be up Forest Road 85A. It's between Rawley Springs, VA and Sugar Grove, WV.

Sidenote, if you're bored, look up the history and government activity around Sugar Grove, WV. Really cool stuff.
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Will do!
 
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Hey. I’m new to this forum and have a few things. I went the CB route and it is not nearly as functional as HAM. Getting a license is not difficult and well worth it. It’s not uncommon for a group to get spread out and be beyond the range of CB. With my Icom and 2+ dB antenna it’s equivalent to 100 watts. Plus the clarity is much better than CB.

I’m accustomed to using GAIA GPS app and would highly recommended that also. It’s an easy way to share your routes/ trips with friends. This was my biggest hang up when I first started, no one would share there routes.

I live in the NOVA area and look forward to meeting those with similar interests.

Lastly I see a lot of Jeeps on the forum, I’m a 4RUNNER guy so don’t hold that against me.
 
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I got Jeep Grand Cherokee and it's may be a very rare one. Most people using Wranglers or 4 -runners . I was few 'inches" away to buy 4-runner TRD Pro, but Jeep Grand Cherokee everyday drive is just really good. Also I would not say I'm crazy environmental guy , but try to be, so mpg was a factor, a diesel engine is really good with mpg and low rpm power.

Zap said:
Hey. I’m new to this forum and have a few things. I went the CB route and it is not nearly as functional as HAM. Getting a license is not difficult and well worth it. It’s not uncommon for a group to get spread out and be beyond the range of CB. With my Icom and 2+ dB antenna it’s equivalent to 100 watts. Plus the clarity is much better than CB.

I’m accustomed to using GAIA GPS app and would highly recommended that also. It’s an easy way to share your routes/ trips with friends. This was my biggest hang up when I first started, no one would share there routes.

I live in the NOVA area and look forward to meeting those with similar interests.

Lastly I see a lot of Jeeps on the forum, I’m a 4RUNNER guy so don’t hold that against me.
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Hey all, new member here from Manassas, Va. I am new to overlanding and look forward to meeting many of you. Whomever is going up to Flagpole this weekend, please report back on trail conditions (i.e. lots of snow/ice); I have never been there and plan to head up Monday (have the day off for Pres. Day) if conditions are not too bad.
 
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GB Fraggle said:
Hey all, new member here from Manassas, Va. I am new to overlanding and look forward to meeting many of you. Whomever is going up to Flagpole this weekend, please report back on trail conditions (i.e. lots of snow/ice); I have never been there and plan to head up Monday (have the day off for Pres. Day) if conditions are not too bad.
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Welcome GB! This is a great community of people, and quite active as well! Looking forward to meeting at some point!
 
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Zap said:
Hey. I’m new to this forum and have a few things. I went the CB route and it is not nearly as functional as HAM. Getting a license is not difficult and well worth it. It’s not uncommon for a group to get spread out and be beyond the range of CB. With my Icom and 2+ dB antenna it’s equivalent to 100 watts. Plus the clarity is much better than CB.

I’m accustomed to using GAIA GPS app and would highly recommended that also. It’s an easy way to share your routes/ trips with friends. This was my biggest hang up when I first started, no one would share there routes.

I live in the NOVA area and look forward to meeting those with similar interests.

Lastly I see a lot of Jeeps on the forum, I’m a 4RUNNER guy so don’t hold that against me.
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Welcome from a fellow T4R guy!
 
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GB Fraggle said:
Hey all, new member here from Manassas, Va. I am new to overlanding and look forward to meeting many of you. Whomever is going up to Flagpole this weekend, please report back on trail conditions (i.e. lots of snow/ice); I have never been there and plan to head up Monday (have the day off for Pres. Day) if conditions are not too bad.
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Welcome Fraggle!!!
 
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GB Fraggle said:
Hey all, new member here from Manassas, Va. I am new to overlanding and look forward to meeting many of you. Whomever is going up to Flagpole this weekend, please report back on trail conditions (i.e. lots of snow/ice); I have never been there and plan to head up Monday (have the day off for Pres. Day) if conditions are not too bad.
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Minimal persistent ice on eastern facing/shady areas; no effect on traction [mainly in old tire track indentions]. Trail is in good conditions, buddy had no issues in stock 2017 4d Tacoma 4wd.
 
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Hi there. I'm new to the forums (first post) and from MD. 17' T4R guy here.

FYI, make sure to call and check on the trails. Went over to take a look at Peter's Mill run and the trails in that area on Thursday and they were closed. Apparently they're doing maintenance. Also tried to look at Skyline drive, and the park was closed as well.
 
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Sampson4RNR said:
Hi there. I'm new to the forums (first post) and from MD. 17' T4R guy here.

FYI, make sure to call and check on the trails. Went over to take a look at Peter's Mill run and the trails in that area on Thursday and they were closed. Apparently they're doing maintenance. Also tried to look at Skyline drive, and the park was closed as well.
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Welcome to the forums! This Nova group keeps growing so quickly it's great!
 
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Sampson4RNR said:
Hi there. I'm new to the forums (first post) and from MD. 17' T4R guy here.

FYI, make sure to call and check on the trails. Went over to take a look at Peter's Mill run and the trails in that area on Thursday and they were closed. Apparently they're doing maintenance. Also tried to look at Skyline drive, and the park was closed as well.
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Welcome Sampson!

I’ve got a ‘16 T4R Trail myself!!
 
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