This Week: Del Water Gap Challenge!

Hey all!
A lot of stuff going on, and hopefully things will calm down in some respects soon.
As many of you know, I will be moving very soon. It's looking likely that the location will be Washington again, for a year lease. We'd like to buy a place and this will give the opportunity to do so.
Because of packing, moving, and such a lot of the Metrotrails plans will have to go on hold for a bit. The hikes will still go on as always, and I'll even still try to get in a night hike, because after all, that's what this is all about.
Don't worry though, Metrotrails tee shirts are still planned and we'll work it out soon, and there will be a lot more trail work coming up. We're close to opening a new section of Warren Highlands Trail, and new properties that fit into the plan are being looked into by the good people at the Warren County Department of Land Preservation.
Coming up, I have a doctor's appointment in Hackettstown on Friday, and so may do a night hike directly after it, probably 3:30, looping around Allamuchy and Stephens State Parks.

 This Sunday, join us for a fantastic but very difficult hike in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area between Wallpack Bend, the most dramatic bend in the Delaware River, and a point near Walpack Center.
We will meet at 9 am at Millbrook Village, on the corner of Millbrook-Blairstown Road and Old Mine Road. There is a restroom to the right coming from Millbrook Rd onto Old Mine Road and parking. There is NO CELL SERVICE here so please try to be on time. I'll wait a few minutes for stragglers, but be sure to have directions as GPS often fails us, and leave early enough to allow for time to arrive.
Once we meet, we shuttle cars to the end and beginning. The end point has very limited parking and so we'll need to use as few cars as possible. This point is on the way to the beginning point, so we'll drop cars along the way and continue.
From Blairstown, turn off of Rt 94 at a fork for Rt 521 north, then make the IMMEDIATE left into town. Go straight and up hill to an intersection following Millbrook Road. Make a right, then immediate left to continue on Millbrook Road. This is a tricky area with or without GPS. If you fail with this turn, you can also do it by continuing on 521 to turn left at Spring Valley Road. Follow it to Millbrook Road and turn right. Follow Millbrook Road over the Kittatinny Ridge, and steeply descend into Millbrook. Turn right at intersection and parking is there on the right.
The hike will begin on an abandoned section of Mountain Road (DO NOT attempt to get directly to the beginning. You will not find it. Wait for the group). The hike will start out with the difficult climb off trail along the creek outlet to Hemlock Pond.  There are off trail waterfalls along this route as long as water is running well, but there is NO TRAIL, and it can be nearly vertical at times. Inexperienced hikers should consider sitting this one out.
We continue to Hemlock Pond where we'll take a nice break. We then continue along the north shore of the pond to Hemlock Pond Trail, which ascends over the ridge to Crater Lake. We'll follow the Appalachian Trail to Crater Lake Trail, then abandoned Woods Roads as well as dirt Skyline Road past lovely vistas along the Kittatinny Ridge. We'll continue from here into the Pool Colony Trail System, and descend to the outlet tributary of one of the former lakes. This will lead us into Donkey Hollow. We'll make our way off trail through this section, and check out Coventry Pond nearby. We then head through Millbrook Village, take Orchard Trail to Hamilton Ridge Trail, then follow the Delaware north to Wallpack Bend where the Big Flat Brook meets the Delaware. We'll do a little more walking from here, but this is near to the end.
Everyone should be prepared for bushwhacking, walking through water, possibly some climbing, and slippery conditions.
Bring plenty of water. A quart or two simply will not do. Have extra just in case. People have been running out on my hikes lately when we've been close to civilization and places to refill. There were be very few places to do so on this hike, so be prepared. There are also no stores whatsoever. Bring a lunch or snack.
I plan to move along at a pretty good pace on this one, but we will take time to stop and swim. I have scaled a route that is 14.5 miles, but it will certainly come to a bit more due to the circuitous nature of off trail hiking. An exact mileage cannot be placed on this hike until after we complete it.
If there are any questions, feel free to contact me at 908 343 8374

In the following weeks, I hope to cover more places with good swimming spots including Harriman State Park, and maybe another Pocono adventure, and other stuff that has swimming! We'll also be doing one in and around High Point State Park. Exact dates are yet to be decided on these, but the last Sunday in July will be another beach hike, between Corson's Inlet and Stone Harbor. In August we'll have the annual March on Musikfest, and I'm planning on a double peak Catskills day hike that will include both Table and Peekamoose Mountains!
Stay tuned for more fun stuff coming up!

M'ke

This Week in METROTRAILS: Atlantic City!

 Hey all,
More good stuff coming up...this week we have the next in the series to hike the entire perimeter of NJ, this time around Atlantic City area. I also plan to do a night hike on Friday.
For the night hike, we will meet on Changewater Road, Washington Township NJ at 3:45 pm, where the road crosses the river directly under the former Changewater Trestle site. The map should be accurate on our announcement on Meetup.com here: http://www.meetup.com/Metrotrails/events/125021152/
Note that the night hike will be on part of the Warren Railroad which can be very wet.
Sunday, join us for this terrific loop hike in and around Atlantic City!
Meet at the Absecon Railroad Station, located at 1 White Horse Pike, Absecon NJ at 9 am.
We will use a train to fill in the gap of this almost loop utilizing some of the Casino areas, bay side walkways and roads, a long stretch of beach, and some other little parks meandering through Pleasantville, Absecon, and vicinity!
We won't wander through the casino areas as much, this time spending some extra time at the beach for swimming.
We'll continue along the back roads and a few random trails I found!
About five miles will be beach. There will be a little road walking at the beginning through Pleasantville, a short trail, and then the Linwood Rail Trail. We'll turn off of this to head south over the causeway to Margate City. From there we'll follow the beach to AC. We'll finish up in town and take a train back to where we started. It only costs a couple of dollars. Should be a nice one!
Contact me if you need any further details!
M'ke 908 343 8374 cell

June Hikes!

Hey All!
We have some good stuff coming up! The next hike will be a night one around Great Meadows area this Friday, 6/14. We'll do one of two loops, meeting at the Townsbury lot on Pequest Road, located a short distance from the intersection with Rt 46 next to the bridge over the river. 15 miles.

Sunday 6/16: Join us for another great hike in the Pocono Rim series I  have been conducting for years!
We have reached the area of Milford  PA, and have just about reached the northern end of the recreation area, but there is still so much more to see.
Meet at the Grand Union Supermarket in Milford PA located at 501 Harford Street, Milford PA. From Rt 209, rather than continuing north when it turns in Milford, go straight and the store will be shortly ahead on the right. Park near to the road. We'll begin the long loop hike here. Although this hike is fifteen miles, parts of it will be quite difficult.
Hikers should be prepared for bushwhacking, off trail sections, back road walks, and getting their feet wet. At one point we may be going through a giant pipe.
This hike is NOT a beginner's hike, and anyone who is uncomfortable with the possibly very difficult nature of this hike should plan on turning back after the beginning portion.
I have arrange for a tour ($8 per person) of Grey Towers, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, our nation's first forester, as a group. From there we'll visit Pinchot Falls, and do on and off trail sections through more municipal lands. We may also take a side trip to The Knob while others take a break.
There will also be at least one very steep section off trail.
For more info, contact me at 908 343 8374

On Sunday 6/23: 
Join us for this terrific loop hike in and around Atlantic City!
We will use a train to fill in the gap of this almost loop utilizing some of the Casino areas, bay side walkways and roads, a long stretch of beach, and some other little parks meandering through Pleasantville, Absecon, and vicinity!
We won't wander through the casino areas as much, this time spending some extra time at the beach for swimming.
We'll continue along the back roads and a few random trails I found!
About five miles will be beach. There will be a little road walking at the beginning through Pleasantville, a short trail, and then the Linwood Rail Trail. We'll turn off of this to head south over the causeway to Margate City. From there we'll follow the beach to AC. We'll finish up in town and take a train back to where we started. It only costs a couple of dollars.

The following weekend will be a great point to point hike in the Delaware Water Gap NRA, a very difficult hike with some off trail. More to come on these items later!

Coming Up...

This week Stephen Argentina has offered to substitute as hike leader. 6/9/13. He will be hosting a loop around Delaware Water Gap from Dunnfield Lot at 9 am. He can be reached at 732 710 0540.

I will be doing an evening hike, probably Thursday 6/13 I believe, around Great Meadows area once again. My next regular weekend hike will be Pocono Rim out of Milford PA Sunday 6/16.

Sunday 6/2: Another Allamuchy Vicinity Hike!

Hey all!
This Sunday will be yet another Allamuchy/Mt Olive area hike. I usually don't do so many in the same area, but this time was an exception due to events going on...

Join us for an awesome hike in the areas of Byram Township, Stanhope, Netcong, Stephens State Park, and Allamuchy Mountain, a completely different route than other recent ones!
Meet at Netcong Train Station along Rt 46, near the Shop Rite. The station is rather obvious by the traffic light along Rt 46 west of the circle, but east of ITC.
The hike will be a point to point, about 16 miles, between Hackettstown and several points in Stephens State Park and Allamuchy Mountain, and end in Netcong/Stanhope where we have the opportunity to attend a great Weird NJ event by my friend Mark Moran, co-owner of Weird US!
Mark's band, Poor Man's Opera is headlining evening entertainment at the Stanhope House. $10 admission to the event comes with a free issue of the new issue of Weird NJ, which costs $5 in stores anyway! For those who do not wish to hang out at Stanhope House, it's only a short distance back to Netcong station.
The hike will lead from Hackettstown through two park properties. We will then wade across the Musconetcong River. Be sure to have a change of shoes or something you don't mind getting wet! The hike will also include some off trail sections so be prepared for some bushwhacking. Once we reach the Highlands Trail in Stephens State Park, we'll continue up hill on some of the newer trails that lead along the Mt. Olive side eastbound. We'll then descend to old Waterloo Valley Road and head to the quarry area. We'll follow old quarry roads now in state park ownership, then get on the Morris Canal briefly to Waterloo Village. We'll cut away in town and take the Highlands Trail and other side trails to the outstanding overlook of the Waterloo Valley, a must see!
From here, we continue on the Highlands Trail to the Ranger Loop Trail. We'll follow most of this around the rolling terrain of eastern Allamuchy Mountain, then descend to the Sussex Branch Trail south. We'll follow then the predecessor to Continental Drive, and if it's hot take a dip in the Musconetcong. This will lead us to the rail bed once more, then the road, then we'll turn off and get on the most intact and lovely section of the Morris Canal Greenway anywhere in NJ. This will lead us to old Inclined Plane #2 West, just down the street from the Stanhope House.
This promises to be an exciting and fantastic hike. The most challenging part will be the very beginning. The only way to avoid walking through the water is by taking parallel roads to Stephens State Park. We can discuss that option as the hike nears.

We have a lot of good things going on, but different things get in the way. Such is life.
Unfortunately, Jillane and I have to move from our home in Great Meadows only a year after moving in. Nothing personal, our landlord needs the house because of a family issue. We think we may have found a good place, but it's expensive. If anyone knows of any place good for rent in Warren County, please let me know. If nothing better comes up, we will be living at an expensive but nice house overlooking Mountain Lake.
 I need to stay in NJ in order to keep my job, and I prefer to stay in Warren County to continue my involvement in Board of Recreation. Hopefully I'll be able to buy a good home within the next couple of years within the county. I can be reached at 908 343 8374

I'm also looking at doing in June the next in the Pocono Rim series north of West Milford. We are very close to connecting that through with Matamoras and Port Jervis in a couple of hikes! The last couple might be the most difficult ones yet!
Near the end of the month, we will do a loop around Atlantic City, which should be really neat. Some swimming and such, and no car shuttles because we'll use a train. Almost loop.

In other news, we had Steve Rogers, Director of Driving Jersey on PBS out to film with us again two weeks ago for hike #700! I did not announce this publicly because I didn't want people to show up just so they could be on TV, but it went very well and Steve says the episode should air on PBS in September!
 For more, visit www.drivingjersey.com

More good things are coming up! Contact me if you need further details!

M'ke

Upcoming Hikes and More...

Hey all... it's Memorial Day weekend I will be stuck working in the parks all three days. Fortunately I will be doing a night hike on Friday and a full day hike on Tuesday the , may 28. Brandan Jermyn Will be my substitute leader for this Sunday's hike. I will share each of the three trips here independently, so please read on to get the full description!
 46 and Pequest Road, next to the bridge over the river.

Join me for a Friday (5/24) evening hike loop between Townsbury, Great Meadows and Alphano.
We will meet at 4 pm at the Townsbury lot for the LHR rail trail, which is located a short distance along Pequest Road from Rt 46, where the road crosses the river.
The roughly 15 mile loop will follow the old railroad right of way, which can be somewhat overgrown at times, and other times clear, toward Alphano. It will involve a bit of road walking to get around badly overgrown sections at times. We'll have two opportunities to stop at little stores along the way, near the beginning and end.
We'll also be passing along the trails of the Strawberry Hill Preserve, as well as the Old Farm Sanctuary with the fantastic valley view pictured here. We'll have to follow a few back roads and small parks on the way back.
This hike will be finishing after dark, so participants may want to bring a flashlight. We may also take a dip in the Pequest River.
I plan to go rain or shine. Be prepared for everything! Contact me if you have questions 908 343 8374

 

 Metrotrails regular Brandan Jermyn has offered to step up and take the lead for the first time on the regular Sunday hike!

Since starting off on our crazy hikes at the beginning of December 2012, Brandan has become a popular mainstay within the group, known for his engaging personality which helps to keep people talking and enjoying the day even in the most boring sections of hikes.
The hike will be a point to point but circuitous route including the Point Mountain Reservation for many miles, pleasant backroads, and old rail lines between Point Mountain and Washington.
Meet at Port Colden Mall, 404 East Washington Avenue, Washington NJ at 9 am Sunday morning. Once there, a car shuttle will be arranged where the fewest cars possible can head to the Point Mountain Reservation. The hike will follow it's trail system past scenic overlooks, lovely fields, amazing riversides, and more, then the back roads and old rail lines back to Washington.
Brandan can be reached by cell at 908 619 7565

 With the official arrival of the swimming season, each hike will be required to have spots to swim! Although the Memorial Day weekend is filled with work for me, I have off Tuesday, and so will be hosting a hike then.

Join us for a hike in norther Harriman State Park, Tues 5/28.
This will be a loop that includes Long Mountain, Stockbridge Mountain, Letterock Mountain, Turkey Hill Lake, Cave Shelter, Lake Nawahunta, Silver Mine Lake, and many old trails and woods roads! We will be visiting the Torrey Memorial on the Long Path on Long Mountain, and a couple of other spots. The route will be both foot path and woods road sections, which shouldn't be as difficult as some past Harriman hikes. I hope to do a couple of out and back exploratory sections, where people will have time to take a break if they don't want to continue to those spots. Total mileage for everything should be about 15. It shouldn't be nearly as tough as some of the other Harriman hikes we've done recently, but still some challenging terrain.
Anthony Wayne Recreation Area is off to the right side on Palisades Interstate Parkway northbound, a short distance after the book store in the center.
There are no food stops along this hike, so everyone should bring a lunch or snack as well as plenty of water.
On Sunday, June 2nd I will be hosting the next hike in the Pocono Rim series, once again starting in Milford PA. This will be a more difficult one than the previous Pocono Rim hikes, so please plan accordingly for bushwhacking, walking through water, etc.
The following Sunday, June 9th, I again will not be hosting a public hike, as I will be spending time with Jillane for her birthday. If anyone would like to step us as leader for that Sunday, I will consider proposals!

As a final statement, I want to state that the mission of Metrotrails is for everyone. It doesn't always have to be my vision, everyone can own it and it can take on many forms, whether it be the resource library and website, outreach and promotion, or the hikes. I have a personal mission to walk the fine line between professionalism and craziness. On one hand, I can chair a county recreation board or other like entities, present and promote public open space as in a stereotypically mature fashion, but on the other continue to be the outlandish Peter Pan figure, indulging in reckless silliness. It's seemed to have worked so far, but sometimes we have serious problems that must be dealt with, and I must put on the serious face again.
Lately I am caught up in a whirl wind of gossip, insults, and threats that are the extreme opposite of what I intend for this group to be. Naturally, I have always found myself unfortunately involved as the figurehead of this organization whenever drama occurs.
When a conflict escalates, no one is innocent. With the recent problems, almost everyone could have done something better to alleviate the problems. I am proud to say that most have come forward and apologized, and show a great dedication to the mending of hurt feelings, but some do not take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. Now that it's gotten to the point where those close to me who are innocent and outside of all of this childishness have become venting targets, and private information is continually shared despite my demanding it stop at once.
We have something very special with this group, and it WILL NOT end. The positive still outweighs the negative, and the balance will continue to shift more positively. However:
1. I have never had to formally "ban" anyone from Metrotrails. However, when someone says to stop talking or gossiping about them, STOP IT. Don't just go to the next person. Several are guilty of this. Everything always gets back to me eventually.
2. Back in AMC, certain topics were taboo, and not allowed to be spoken of such as politics and religion. With Metrotrails however, I encourage it. I am very proud of the fact that very intelligent and respectful conversations are had with no feelings hurt. Although I encourage openness in all conversation, if someone is uncomfortable with something, or says they don't want to be involved, leave them out of it. Don't ever insult someone for wanting privacy. Such is a cancer to our positive community, and I will not hesitate make the cuts.
3. Never threaten anyone. As a result of this childishness, police and lawyer involvement was threatened, and no laws were even broken. Threats will lead to other threats will lead to Metrotrails not even being worth it any more. If anyone EVER threatens legal ramifications for childish nonsense again, I will ban users for the first time. Those who are demanding apologies are the ones who need most to offer them. By defending a close friend, I lost another, and a negative chain of events has ensued.
I have done what I feel is best. With Metrotrails, we have something very special that we need to nurture. This is NOT like other hiking groups, and it's not JUST a hiking group. This is like an extended family, taking extended hikes and experiencing more, building more together than any other group offers. Organizing these activities for such a diverse and overall positive group of people has been a dream come true. If anyone becomes a threat to the lifestyle I've come to know and share with those I care for, they will have to be removed to the equation altogether.
I've already said more than I want to say, and in ways it still doesn't seem like enough.
I think already things have begun to improve quite a lot. If anyone continues to harbor any resentment, either let it go or learn to recognize that the best revenge is living well. Let's get back to experiencing life by foot as I originally intended.
m'ke

Lots of Upcoming Greatness!

Hey everybody!
Just got back from an amazing backpack from Lancaster to Chesapeake Bay and ready for some more stuff!
The schedule is pretty full, so I'll give a brief run down first, then put more details:
Tues 5/14: Montly Metrotrails Meeting at VP Matt's house. This follows the Warren County Board of Recreation meeting in Oxford at 5. Matt and I may arrive slightly late for the meeting as a result.
Wednesday 5/15: Night hike and Star Trek Into Darkness Midnight Screening.
Sat 5/18: Warren Co Natural Resource Day and Short Hike at White Lake
Sun 5/19: Allamuchy-Mt Olive Hike

If you'd like to attend the Metrotrails meeting, contact me at (908) 343 8374, since it's short notice.

For the Wednesday night hike:
Back in 2009, when the last Star Trek film came out, we did a night hike from the movie, and I've been saying we'll do one again for the next movie. That time is NOW!
Even better, we'll try to get in on the midnight screening at Washington Theater!
This time, rather than hiking after, we'll hike TO the movie and only minimal distance after, maybe stop in Felix's Tavern or something. Who knows.
The hike I've put together will take us directly to the movie along some abandoned rail lines and such, to arrive by midnight when the screening takes place! We'll be meeting at 3:45 pm at the Port Colden Mall in Washington, then shuttle to our beginning point. We'll get probably all but the last two miles in prior to the movie. More great news, this screening will cost only $5!!!
The Washington Theater is a great local business. Back in High School, I was a member of START (Save The Area's Regional Theater). It would have been demolished in favor of a drive through CVS. It's an historic theater, and it's hoped that it will be restored to it's former grandeur one day. Still, it's great to patronize such places.
Hope many of you can join!
For this, we'll meet at Port Colden Mall at 404 East Washington Avenue, Washington NJ at 3:45 pm, just under a mile on Rt 57 east of where Rts 31 and 57 cross in Washington.

Saturday Natural Resource Day at White Lake:

• Join me for a four mile hike to kick off Warren County's Natural Resource Day at White Lake Natural Resource Area!
  We'll meet at the White Lake Parking lot at 8:45, along Rt 521, Stillwater Road, just northeast of Blairstown. From the traffic light on Rt 94, head on 521 north. It's a weird turn, so be wary of it. GPS often sends people the wrong place. There are three Stillwater Roads in very close proximity. DO NOT TRUST YOUR GPS! From Blairstown, it's only a few miles up.
  On the right side of the road are white fences and a parking lot, directly across the street from the historic stone Vass Farmhouse. Park at the lot.
  The hike will include Ridge and Valley Trail, and the somewhat new Blue and Red trails which I helped to develop. We will pass rock outcroppings, historic Marl Works ruins, lime kilns, and the remains of a forgotten girl scout camp. Short road walk involved to close the loop in.
  Following the hike, I will be manning a table with Matt Davis to answer all of your local trail questions! More activities follow as part of the event including:
  -Visit display tables – 10am to 4pm
  -Rent Free Kayaks – 10am to 4pm
  -Tour Vass House & Barn – 10am to 4pm
  -Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee – Group Ride/Hike 10am (onsite & offsite)
  RV Ridge and Valley Conservancy Trail Blazing – 1pm offsite
  -Audubon Hike with Tom Hollowell – 1:30pm (to about 2:30pm) onsite
  -FrelinghuysenForestPreserve Hike – 2:30pm (meet onsite; hike offsite)
  Feel free to contact me for more info! M'ke 908 343 8374
  
  AND FOR THE REGULAR SUNDAY HIKE:
  
  Join us for an amazing, diverse hike between the village of Allamuchy, and Budd Lake NJ!
  We will take a 15 mile route through the highlands of Allamuchy Mountain State Park, past historic old farms, Allamuchy Pond, and visit Rutherford Hall (Note that this hike is almost COMPLETELY different than my recent Allamuchy Allegory hike).
  We'll head through the historic Deer Park section of Allamuchy Mountain State Park, and continue on a lovely route on and off trail out to the former switch back junkyard site. We'll descend to the Morris Canal and Highlands Trail, then follow their historic route along the Musconetcong River to Waterloo Village.
  We won't follow the route everyone knows, we'll visit some odd spots in between! From here, we'll head to the Sussex Branch Trail, then onto a new loop that makes use of both the Morris Canal and the old Sussex Branch, and visit the former ice house complex that once existed at Waterloo.
  From here, we continue to old Waterloo Valley Road and make use of an old woods road to ascend Mount Olive, and visit the Budd Lake Fire Tower. We'll finish just beyond this point and have dinner somewhere nearby!
  Due to limited parking at the beginning point, we will be meeting at a nearby Dunkin Donuts and shuttling cars to the beginning based on number of participants attending.
  NOTE: There WILL be media present, so anyone who does not wish to be photographed, etc. should sit this one out. Everyone will be asked to sign a release for the official activity.
  Also, this hike has some rugged and/or rocky sections, so be prepared for sometimes difficult terrain. Some off trail.
  There are NO restrooms along the entire course of this hike. No public trans available to this area on Sundays.
  We are meeting at Dunkin Donuts in Budd Lake; 100 U.S. 46 #4, Budd Lake, NJ 07828. This is not the end point, but we will shuttle cars to that point based on number of people who show up. 
   
  I have plenty more surprises in store for these and other events...if you have any questions call or text me at 908 343 8374
  M'ke