Hike #149
Hike 149
Patriot's Path in Schooley's Mt Park
10/10/4
For my next hike, I originally thought I would have to work or something, but then it fell
though. I really wanted to do a hike, but was apprehensive about posting one the night
before. I said “ah, screw it” and posted it anyway. I could approve my own hike on the
young members hotline, and I figured it was worth a try. I talked to David Noble, and he
seemed a bit interested in joining, but I did’nt expect him. At about 1:00 in the morning,
maybe even later, I recieved an e mail from Matt Alivernini, an AMC member expressing
interest in the Mid Skylands hike, the one I had posted in the last minute! I returned the e
mail, and to my surprise, he said he would be there! I met him at the Fishing access site I
had used the last time again, and after a while of hanging out, and just as I was ready to pull
out, David pulled in! I was already happy to have Matt on for the hike, but I was now
ecstatic. I had posted this hike at 6 pm on Saturday night, and still was able to pull in two
participants!
At Mountain Farm
Columbia Trail in Crestmoore
Octoberfest in Long Valley
We headed up to the Teetertown Preserve, then headed out along the same route as
always, having great conversation the entire way. Matt had driven a very long way from
south Jersey, where I believe he has a law practice. Matt fit in with us very well, dressed
comfortably, and wearing sneakers the entire hike.
Old church ruins in Long Valley
Old church ruin in Long Valley
Along Colombia Trail, Long Valley
Redecked old rail bridge in Long Valley
When we reached Long Valley, I was surprised to see Octoberfest was going on! Both
Matt and David were of course keen on going over for a break. There was a band playing
which we kind of listened to, and we had a couple beers. Dave was feeling a bit self
conscious, as there were families with young kids around, and he wore a T shirt that read
“Twatwaffle”. After a while of feeling uncomfortable, he found another shirt to wear on
top of it.
Octoberfest in Long Valley
Old railroad quarry spur in Long Valley, formerly the CNJ
Patriot's Path on Schooley's Mountain
Harrington Field, being redone
We soon headed back toward the railroad grade, stopping by the ruins of an old church
along the way. We read some of the tombstones, then got back on the railbed to the
Patriot’s Path. Also, the old railroad bridge had recently been decked over for pedestrian
use. We took the Patriot’s Path north the way we always had, and when we reached Rock
Road, the entire ballfield was ripped up! We walked through despite no trespassing signs,
and headed out Falcon Court as always.
Cataract Falls
Crossing a brook in Cataract Park
Old bridge in Mansfield near the Musconetcong
In Cataract Park, the bridge over the creek was washed out. We made it back to
Hackettstown well before dark.
Teetertown NJ
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