Campers' Group Bulletin - Spring 2010
Campers' Group Bulletin - Spring 2010
“In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks.” -- John Muir
Spring has sprung! The leaves are unfolding, blossoms are blooming, birds are returning – and we’re ready to get outside and embrace the bright promise of the lengthening days. We plan to hike some great wooded trails, see scenic mountain lakes and joyful tumbling streams, paddle a river through a wildlife refuge, and meander happily through some quaint towns. We’ll also be camping again, erecting our tents under starry skies and gathering around the campfire to share stories, friendship, and laughter.
Join us – we can’t wait to see you out there!
Sunday, April 11, Day Hike, Hudson Highlands Trails, Cold Spring NY
Come join us for a great day hike through the scenic Hudson Highlands on the trails near the charming and walkable town of Cold Spring, NY. Public transportation on Metro North available. NO CALLS BEFORE APRIL 2.
Denise 646-457-2072
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April 23-25, Cabin Trip, New Paltz Youth Hostel, New Paltz NY
Join us for a comfortable and convenient stay at the New Paltz Hostel. Within an easy drive from NYC you will find a city in the country, historical sites, and great hiking trails. New Paltz offers dining and shopping, cafes and pubs, and scenic walking tours down Huguenot Street (one of the oldest streets in America). A short drive can take us to the world-class Mohonk Mountain House and Preserve. We can also enjoy great vistas on the many hiking and biking trails in Minnewaska State Park, and the Shawangunk Ridge. There'll be something for everyone! NO CALLS BEFORE APRIL 16.
David 718-897-1448
Debby 917-340-2663
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Saturday, May 1, Planning Meeting & Brunch, The Park Restaurant, Manhattan NY
Join us to discuss trip choices for the summer season. Dine among trees, plants and birds in the atrium of this spacious indoor restaurant with delicious healthy menu choices. Meet us at 12:30 p.m. Afterward, we may explore what's planned for summer fun at the Hudson River Park piers nearby. NO CALLS BEFORE APRIL 23.
Sarah 212-675-5012
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Sunday, May 2, Day Paddle, Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, Sussex County NJ
The Wallkill shares with the great rivers the Nile and the Rhine the peculiarity of northward flow. A nine-mile stretch of Sussex County river wetlands north of Hamburg NJ gives rise to the Wallkill River NWR. Established in 1990, this refuge is a haven for more than 225 species of birds, a wide variety of fish and wildlife; and those who love to watch them. Join us by canoe or kayak to experience the great diversity of habitats that make this refuge unique. We’ll paddle through beautiful floodplain forests, wet meadows which are maintained by seasonal flooding, and under tall rock cliffs. The river is full of warm water fish, most notably bass and pickerel. We plan to meet at the Sussex Queen Diner for breakfast, then drive over to the take-out, leave a car or two, then drive back to the put-in to launch. This easy one-way 9 mile paddle should take about 4 hours. There is only one official rest stop during the trip to get out of your boat, stretch your legs, and take a bathroom break. There are no boat rentals at the launch site, but you can rent here, or bring your own. NO CALLS BEFORE APRIL 25.
Ken 201-388-3685
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May 14-16, Camping Trip, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River NY
Camp in the largest county park in Westchester (4,700 acres). You can bicycle on the park’s roads, hike the trails or ride a horse. The Trailside Museum has specimen animals, Native American artifacts and an exhibit about the Leatherman. A nearby garden contains over 100 varieties of wildflowers. Most sites have a lean-to with a fireplace. You can sleep in the lean-to, pitch your tent nearby or just visit for a day. The bathrooms have toilets but no showers. NO CALLS BEFORE MAY 7.
Sue 973-896-3120
Bob 973-691-8380
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May 28-31, Camping Trip, High Point State Park, Sussex NJ
Swim, boat, fish, hike the Appalachian Trail, ride your mountain bike or just relax at this private group site situated far away from other campers. Hiking to the Monument at the highest point in NJ will award you with the most expansive 360 degree view of PA, NY and NJ in the area. A visit from our friendly black bears will make this trip one to remember. Pit toilets on the site, hot showers and flush toilets at the lake. Limited to 30 people. NO CALLS BEFORE MAY 21.
Janice 347-426-4601
Theresa 917-836-7003
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June 11-13, Camping Trip, North/South Lake State Park, Haines Falls NY
We are returning to this very popular NY State campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve. In addition to the lakes for which the park is named, there are numerous hiking trails leading into the surrounding mountains. Some of the trails are rugged and require endurance, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views. One of these trails, the Escarpment Trail, goes to Kaaterskill Falls. You can also walk to the beach for swimming, and there's a nearby boat launch with rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals. Flush toilets and hot showers. NO CALLS BEFORE JUNE 4.
Ken 201-388-3685
Frank 914-632-8997
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Sunday, June 27, Day Hike, Surprise Lake, West Milford NJ
Hike the beautiful Bearfort Ridge with us in northern New Jersey near the NY/NJ state line. We'll reach the secluded and picturesque Surprise Lake about half way through for lunch. This is a moderately strenuous, 4 1/2 hour hike for those who are fairly fit (elevation change is over 700 ft.). We will be climbing and scrambling over rock, so bring sturdy hiking boots, enough food and water, and a bathing suit. Before we start this late morning hike, you can meet us at the Skyline Diner at 9 am in Ringwood for breakfast (about 4 mi north from exit 55 on Rt. 287, on right). We will then continue on for 15 minutes to park near the trailhead, or if you prefer, you can meet us there instead. NO CALLS BEFORE JUNE 18
Denise 646-457-2072
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CONTACTS:
Caretaker David L. 718-897-1448
Trip Organizer Sue E. traveling_spirit7@yahoo.com
Outdoors Consultant Ken Q. kquest07@gmail.com
World-Wide Web home page: http://www.campersgroup.org
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