Campers' Group Bulletin - Summer 2010
Campers' Group Bulletin - Summer 2010
Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world. ~John Muir
Hooray for summer! So many great places to camp, hike, bike, kayak and swim! On the trail and at the beach, in the woods and on the water, we're doing it all! Check out the schedule and join us for your next outdoor adventure. Good company and cool venues make for sizzling summer memories. See you out there!
July 2-5, Camping Trip, Worthington State Forest, Columbia NJ
We'll be camping at a group site, right on the Delaware River. Put on your swimsuit, and boat or fish from the boat launch near the campsite. Hikers can climb up the Appalachian Trail to Sunfish Pond, an unspoiled glacial lake, or visit the Mohican Outdoor Center for nearby swimming or boating. Chemical toilets by the site, flush toilets and showers in another part of the park. Quiet hours are 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. No calls before June 25.
Kirsten 914-966-8077
Sarah 212-675-5012
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July 16-18, Camping/Cabin Trip, Camp Glen Gray, Mahwah NJ (Camping Fri - Sat ), THEN Sunday Picnic - ARROW PARK, Monroe, NY
Relax and explore at Camp Glen Gray, a historic former scout camp nestled among thousands of acres of county and state park lands including 750 wooded acres of the Ramapo Mountains. Although it is very close to NYC, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy several hiking trails that pass through the camp, as well as fishing, boating or just taking in the beautiful lake and cabin views. A large fire ring and unmarked campsites are just yards away from the rustic cabin we rented, so even though most people will camp in tents, we will have easy access to the cabin's bathroom and shower facilities. (Of course, you can also opt to sleep inside on one of the cabin's bunks.) On Sunday, July 18, we will head over to ARROW PARK IN MONROE, NY (approx. 30 min. drive) to celebrate summer and Kirsten's birthday by hiking, boating and swimming in this rustic private park in Orange County. Bring a picnic lunch for Sunday’s outing. Calls being taken now, and up until the week of the event.
Ken 201-388-3685
Phil 203-823-0137
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Sunday, July 18, Day Trip, Arrow Park, Monroe NY
Celebrate summer and Kirsten's birthday with us by hiking, boating and swimming in this rustic private park in Orange County. Bring a picnic lunch. Note: If you want to make a full weekend out of this, please join us at Camp Glen Gray on Friday and/or Saturday night, before heading to Arrow Park on Sunday (30 minute drive). See previous event listing for Camp Glen Gray details. Calls being taken now, and up through the week of the event.
Kirsten 914-966-8077
Terry 718-933-9807
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July 30-August 1, Camping Trip, Tolland State Forest, Otis MA
We will be camping in Tolland State Forest in the Berkshire Hills of southwestern Massachusetts for the first time! Tolland State Forest's campground is on a scenic lake peninsula on the western shore of the Otis Reservoir. The State Forest occupies nearly 4,900 acres in total and features numerous trails for hiking and exploration. The close proximity of Otis reservoir means recreational water activities are also an option. This crystal clear 1200 acre lake is the largest recreational lake in Massachusetts. There is a small beach at the campground for swimming, and there is a boat ramp at the Forest entrance if you want to launch your own watercraft. Boats, canoes, and kayaks can also be rented at nearby Camp Overflow or J and D Marina. We have reserved a few shady tent sites. Flush toilets and hot showers are available. Saturday Evening Optional (weather-permitting) – We will travel to Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (about 40 minutes away by car). Lawn Tickets are approx. $20. Join us as we picnic under the stars and listen to the relaxing sounds of symphony music. No calls before July 17.
Sue 973-896-3120
Bob 973-691-8380
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Sunday, August 8, Beach Party and Planning Meeting, Silver Sands State Park, Milford CT
Spend a great day in the sun and sand at this wonderful Connecticut beach. Bring food and drinks, beach chairs and umbrellas, and join us as we relax and talk about great events and new ideas for the fall schedule. No calls before July 31.
David 718-897-1448
Debby 917-340-2663
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August 13-15, Camping Trip, Voorhees State Park/Spruce Run Reservoir, Glen Gardner, Glen Gardner/Clinton NJ
We’ll have the choice of hiking on several great trails in this secluded park (see #7, #8 in trails link), bicycling on the Columbia Trail, or boating and hiking in nearby Spruce Run and Round Valley Recreation Areas. (Boat rentals available). In the evening, if Voorhees State Park's observatory is open, we will be able to view planets and constellations through the park's high power telescope. At night, as always, we'll pitch our tents and share stories by the campfire. For those without a car who would like to travel from the city on Friday afternoon or evening, trains on the Raritan Valley Line depart from NY Penn Station, and arrive in the nearby town of High Bridge. No calls before July 24.
Janice 347-426-4601
Ken 201-388-3685
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Sunday, August 29, Kayaking Trip, Thimble Islands, Branford (Stony Creek) CT
Ready, set, kayak! The Thimble Islands, an archipelago consisting of small islands in the Long Island Sound, is the perfect summer kayak excursion. We will start in the picturesque town of Stony Creek (part of Branford, CT) and paddle in and around the small granite islands that make up the Thimbles. From a paddler’s perspective, we’ll admire the pink rock formations and lush vegetation on the smaller uninhabited outcroppings, and we’ll enjoy views of the homes on some of the more developed islands. Kayak rentals are available at Tony's Bikes and Sports (Milford CT), Kayak Adventure (Norwalk CT), The Small Boat Shop (SBS) (Norwalk CT)(we've had good past experiences with SBS, and they let us return kayaks late last time), or Action Sports (Branford CT). Closest rental (Action Sports -Branford) is best because they are the closest to the take-out for returns. (Folks may have to leave the water early to return rentals by an end-of-day deadline at any of these places, and Milford and Norwalk rental places are further away and would require extra travel time for such returns.) (Reserve kayak as early as possible though!) Please be reminded that while the islands should afford some protection, this is Long Island Sound kayaking and not a calm lake. For the more adventurous (and more experienced and prepared) one can venture a few hundred yards from the outer islands and encounter some fun waves. No calls before August 18.
David 914-356-7164
Kirsten 914-966-8077
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September 3-5, Camping Trip, Jenny Jump State Forest, Hope NJ
Want to see the rabbit in the Moon, Venus, and Mars up close? In addition to relaxed camping and spectacular vistas along the hiking trails at this lesser-known park, we'll have some fun at the Greenwood Observatory, seemingly bringing the planets closer to earth via a telescope that magnifies up to 800 times. You can also ride your bike in the park, or swim at the nearby Mohican Outdoor Center. Hot showers and flush toilets. No calls before August 15.
Denise 646-457-2072
Theresa 917-836-7003
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September 17-19, Camping Trip, Taconic State Park, Millerton NY
Mid-September is a great time to visit this vista filled park. Easy to advanced hiking is available, including the strenuous but spectacularly rewarding hike to the summit of Mt. Alander. After a vigorous hike you can jump into the frigid water at majestic Bashbish Falls! Bicycle the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, great for mountain bikes and hybrids (rentals available). We have reserved a group Campsite. Hot showers and flush toilets. No calls before September 10.
David 718-897-1448
Debby 917-340-2663
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CONTACTS:
Caretaker David L. 718-897-1448
Trip Organizer Sue E. traveling_spirit7@yahoo.com
Trip Organizer Kirsten A. kirstena1@msn.com
Outdoors Consultant Ken Q. kquest07@gmail.com
World-Wide Web home page: http://www.campersgroup.org
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