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Campers' Group Bulletin - Spring 2021 |
"In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours." Mark Twain *** Important! All participants MUST follow precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, wearing a mask whenever needed, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and no sharing of food or other items. *** For immediate inclusion on any event, please RSVP at https://www.meetup.com/campersgroup/.
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April 10-11, Backpacking trip, RPH Shelter, East Fishkill NY This overnight backpacking trip is appropriate for intermediate backpackers that are prepared for low overnight temps usually associated with early spring camping. Meet at the trail parking on Long Hill Rd. in East Fishkill NY. The hike to the RPH shelter from parking is 2.4 miles. We will also plan a short hike after setting up camp. To join this trip, you must post in the comments section on meetup.com to be on the waitlist. The host will then add you to the trip if he knows you or your ability and there is room, or you can privately message him. Even though spring, the evenings/nights are usually cold. Attendees must possess proper cold weather gear, clothing and footwear to attend. Visit this advice page for some helpful winter backpacking tips and techniques. Please bring a bear bag or bear canister to store your food. You should also pack in all your water. There is a water source at the shelter, but it needs to be filtered. The hike out to, and back from the shelter alone is 4.8 miles round trip. **** Heavy rain cancels ****
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Sunday, April 18, Strenuous day hike, Stonetown Circular Hike, Ringwood NJ This is a very challenging hike in northern New Jersey. The Stonetown Circular hike will be approximately 11 miles, with over 2,500' of elevation gain. It is recommended to have completed hikes of at least 8 miles, with about 1500' of elevation gain before joining us on this one. We will be out most of the day, so bring your headlamp just in case! Meet at 9am. We will climb and descend five mountains: Little Windbeam, Windbeam, Bear, Board, and Harrison, while enjoying views of the Wanaque and Monksville Reservoirs. There will be several rocky sections, with some rock scrambles as well. To join, you must RSVP on the Meetup.com page for this event.
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Saturday, April 24, Bike Trip, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Nyack NY The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge bicycle and pedestrian path extends from the Village of South Nyack in Rockland County, across the Hudson River at one of its widest points, to the Village of of Tarrytown in Westchester County. The path, which is located on the northern side of the westbound span, features six scenic overlooks, interpretive displays and public art across its length. Visitor parking and amenities are available at both the Rockland and Westchester landings. After the bridge, we will continue biking on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail north to the Croton Gorge Park, at the Croton Reservoir, and back, a total of about 37 miles round trip. This will be a leisurely ride, averaging about 10 MPH, not a race. There may be short distances that will require us to ride on the road. We will wait for one another, and dismount to cross intersections when needed. (Some can decide to turn back earlier for a shorter ride, if preferred. Please do not ride back alone if possible.) Hybrid and road bikes are best for this ride. Please check your bike before this event and get a tune-up if necessary. Please carry a spare tube, bike pump, bike lock, and WEAR A HELMET. Also carry lunch or energy snacks as we will find a nice location to stop for lunch. *** You MUST wear a properly fitted and buckled bicycle helmet on the ride. Absolutely NO riding with the group if you do not wear a helmet! *** Bike Route: https://goo.gl/maps/RzLit4fjU4KG8kTH7 To join, you must RSVP on the Meetup.com page for this event.
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May 1-2, Strenuous Day Hike with Camping, Breakneck Ridge/Beacon Hills Hike and Camping, Beacon NY Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in the area. It involves steep climbs over rock ledges. You’ll need to use both your hands and your feet in many places along the way. This is not a beginner hike; the first 1/2 mile we will climb over 1100 feet! The Ridge is a very popular hike for rock scrambling, and stunning views of the Hudson River and Storm King Mountain across the river. After completing Breakneck, be prepared for a long traverse hike into the hills that is strenuous. The total hike/traverse will be about 10 miles, with over 3000 ft elevation gain, and will take approximately 8 hours to complete. A steady (but not rushed) pace will be maintained with planned breaks. PLEASE wear hiking boots or a hiking/trail shoe. NO sneakers allowed; we will not let you hike with us if you do not have appropriate hiking footwear for rock scrambling. We may also ask you to sign a waiver of liability form, and provide an emergency contact. Bring lunch or energy snacks with at least 2 liters of water. Please be on time; we cannot wait for late arrivals. Rain may cancel the Breakneck rock scramble portion of the hike, and an alternate route may be planned. We are parking at the BEACON Train Station. ALL of our camp gear will be picked up in the morning and shuttled to our reserved campsites. We will arrange an Uber or other ride to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead, taking only our day packs. We are hiking through to Malouf's Campground in the Beacon hills, and have reserved 7 campsites for Saturday night only. These sites will only accommodate 4-person tents or smaller, and hammocks. Generally, one 4-person, two smaller (backpacking) tents, or one tent and one hammock may fit on each site. All of our camp gear will be waiting for us at our sites when we arrive. To join, you must RSVP on the Meetup.com page for this event.
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May 7-9, Camping Trip, Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ Let's start spring camping on the Kittatinny Ridge! Located on a beautiful glacial lake in the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, AMC Mohican Outdoor Center is an ideal retreat for groups and families. Anyone interested in hiking, paddling, climbing and camping will enjoy this unique natural area. Stroll to nearby wetlands to spot the local wildlife, or hike the Appalachian Trail to magnificent views of the water gap. *** MASKS ARE REQUIRED AROUND THE CAMPFIRE AND OTHERS AT ALL TIMES. *** The group campsite includes a campfire ring (no grate), open sided roofed pavilion with tables, outdoor privy and bear box. There are 5 tent platforms, 3 small ground sites, 1 large ground site, and hammocking locations. NO LARGE TENTS with a footprint larger than 8'x8', please. There are also indoor bathrooms in the visitor center/lodge, coin-operated showers, WiFi, and a small camp store with gear, clothing and food. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the boathouse, and swimming is allowed in Catfish Pond. *** This campsite is about a 5-10 min walk from the parking lot. No long term parking at the site. Please see a staff member at the visitor center upon arrival for a 15-minute loading and unloading pass. *** To join, you must RSVP on our Meetup.com page.
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May 14-16, Camping Trip, Round Valley Wilderness Campground, Lebanon NJ The brisk blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore. The reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and is approximately 180 feet deep, the deepest lake in New Jersey. It has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. Round Valley is one of the few NJ parks that offers wilderness camping. The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only by hiking or boating. The campers' parking lot is 3 miles away from our campsites, reachable by a steep and rugged trail. We have reserved 2 group campsites that are accessible either by boat or by foot only. Pack your canoe/kayak or backpack to our waterfront sites. DRIVING TO THESE SITES IS NOT POSSIBLE. THIS IS NOT A CAR CAMPING TRIP. To join this trip, you must RSVP on Meetup.com.
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May 28-31, Holiday Weekend Trip, Memorial Day Weekend Camping in the Gunks & Catskills, Accord NY Join us for the holiday weekend in a beautiful region of New York State. We will be camping in between the Shawangunks and Catskills, where a 30 minute drive or less can take us to many attractions! A 30 minute drive south will take you to Minnewaska State Park or Mohonk Preserve. A slightly longer drive north will have you in the southern section of Catskill Park. There will be plenty of outstanding hiking choices in these areas, plus paddling on Roundout Creek. Try mountain biking in Lipman Park, or on the easy carriage roads in Minnewaska. Hybrid or road bicycling is available on local Rail Trails. There is also great fishing close by in Ashokan Reservoir, Onteora Lake, Sturgeon Pool, and more. Swimming may be possible in Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting, plus several swimming holes. Opus 40 is a 6.5-acre stone-sculpture park in an abandoned quarry with trails and a museum featuring vintage tools. Visit the quaint towns of Stone Ridge, Woodstock or New Paltz. We have several large sites in a private and rustic campground. RSVPs ARE PER PERSON. There is plenty of room for several tents and hammocks on our wooded sites. A small bathhouse with a washing station is nearby, and larger bathhouses are about a 5 minute walk. Potable water nearby, some sites have electric. To join, you must RSVP on the Meetup.com page for this event.
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June 4-7, Camping Trip, Woodland Valley Campground, Phoenicia NY Be prepared for a great hiking weekend! In the heart of the Catskills, Woodland Valley is a narrow rugged valley surrounded by some of the region's highest peaks: Panther, Slide, Cornell and Wittenburg. The campground serves as the trail-head for both the Slide-Wittenberg Trail (the Burroughs Range) and Valley-Denning Trail (which provides access to the Giant Ledge-Panther Mountain Trail). Please understand that to participate, you MUST be prepared with appropriate hiking boots, clothing, water, food, and know your own hiking ability. This area has significant elevation, so even if the distance does not seem great, the hikes may be more strenuous than others you may be used to with less elevation change. This is a car-camping trip with easy access to the campsites, not a backpacking trip. The campground is a 20 minute drive from Phoenicia, and 40 min from Woodstock. We have reserved small sites - only 2 tents are allowed per site. Find the campground map here. Quiet hours are 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. Flush toilets and hot showers are available in the campground. To join, you must RSVP on the Meetup.com page for this event.
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June 11-14, Rafting/camping trip, Hickory Run St Pk/Lehigh River, White Haven PA Camp with us on one of the family sites we have reserved in this popular park. With several activities available and much natural beauty, Hickory Run State Park has been one of our favorite spots for many years. (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/hickoryrun/index.htm) Enjoy hiking the Shades of Death Trail and visiting Hawk Falls. You can also explore the Boulder Field (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_004626.pdf). We will raft on the Lehigh River between White Haven and Jim Thorpe. A spectacular gorge and class 2-3 rapids should make this a memorable weekend! Mark will guide the river trip, but we need at least one other who is experienced to guide us through the rapids. We have two (2) 6-8 person rafts, one four (4) person raft, and most of the gear for 16 adults. With experienced people to guide we will have 2-3 rafts available. We have most of the gear necessary for a 2-3 boat trip but need participants to bring PFDâs and paddles to fill the need. ALL PADDLERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A PROPER FITTING PFD (life jacket) AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON THE WATER. ZIPPED AND BUCKLED SECURELY. NO EXCEPTIONS! We have several campsites reserved. (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_004630.pdf ), RSVPs are per tent, not person. 2 cars only per site. (The park allows only 5 people per site.) Flush toilets and hot showers are in the campground. This is a RAIN OR SHINE event. To join, you must RSVP on the Meetup.com page for this event.
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June 18-20, Camping Trip, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, Stillwater NJ In addition to paying the $2.39 Campers' Group fee for this trip, you must pay the Camp $61 per person by credit card on their own website by the THURSDAY 5/20 DEADLINE to attend. Please pay the Camp here. Our program will be under the option of 'Private Groups'. If the Camp does not receive payment by 5/20, you will be taken off the attending list. Fairview Lake YMCA Camp is a very special family camping experience! Just set up at our very private and large waterfront group site, and the camp will provide organized programs for the group, and you can also arrange to hike on your own. The camp sits on mile-long Fairview Lake in Northwestern New Jersey. Their 600 acres adjoin the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, providing access to the Appalachian Trail, the Delaware River, many hiking possibilities and breathtaking views. A fleet of canoes, rowboats and kayaks offer a wide variety of water activities. This is a great weekend for kids! We have reserved a large camping area near the far side of the lake with a fire ring, provided firewood (!), tables, bathroom and showers, and even unheated shelters we can occupy if the weather doesn't totally cooperate! We are not taking any meals in the dining hall; you must bring your own food. The Activity Schedule may include: Archery, BB Guns & Rifles, Climbing Wall/Gaga, Leap of Faith, Giant Swing, Boating, Candle Making, Stream Exploration, Outdoor Survival Lesson, Guided Swamp Walk and The Ridge Hike. This is a RAIN OR SHINE EVENT, unless the host or organizer indicates otherwise. To join, you must RSVP on the Meetup.com page for this event.
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| Outdoors Consultant | Ken Q. | |
| Treasurer | Lillian W. | |
| Webmaster | David L. | |
| World-Wide Web home page: http://www.campersgroup.org | ||