What we’re about
The mission of this group is exactly what the name implies, we want to provide good company and a positive atmosphere to experience those things that, for whatever reason, you either weren't able to do before or don't get to do often enough. To work toward that, we try to offer a wide variety of things for you to do with us. We try to cater to the interests of as many people as possible. But we are few and you are many, and this means to do what we want as well as possible, we need your help. Feel free to email me with any suggestions you might have. We won't do everything, but I can promise that we'll give everything fair consideration. This group is special because of its members, and I look forward to meeting and building new experiences with as many of you as possible. Hope to see you soon!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Not So Urban Athletics: Hike Pyramid and Turkey MountainsBoonton Ave Field, Kinnelon, NJ
Another week, another hike. What's a better way to spend part of your holiday weekend!?!?
Today we're hiking the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. It is nearly 1,500 acres of wooded terrain dotted with brooks, swamps, glacial deposits, rock outcroppings glens and vistas. And it's the home of Tripod Rock. Not stopping to see that unique feature would be like travelling to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower.
And just because I'm the gift that keeps on giving, today is going to be a 2-fer...I'll be adding a foray on to adjoining Turkey Mountain to get a few more miles in and maybe see a waterfall or two.
You can peep out a trail map of the two hiking areas here.
https://www.morrisparks.net/index.php/parks/pyramid-mountain-natural-historic-area
The important stuff...
• This will be an INTERMEDIATE level hike of about 9 miles.
• Dress in layers of non-cotton clothing, hiking boots and pants, a hat and gloves, bring water, a packed lunch and/or snacks, and sunscreen.
• Rain cancels the event.
• RSVP only if you seriously plan to attend as space is limited.
How to get there...drive! Here is the location.
Boonton Ave Field
Parking Lot
Kinnelon, NJ 07405 - Not So Urban Athletics: Solar Eclipse Camping at Hocking Hills State ParkHocking Hills walk in camp sites, Logan, OH
This spring we are going to visit a place that has been on my "must visit" list ever since coming across it on Outside magazine's list of best state parks--Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park.
A quote from a recent article, "Perhaps Ohio’s prettiest spot, the Hocking Hills region is dotted with waterfalls, cliffs, recessed caves and hemlock forests making it an outdoor wonderland. Trails criss-cross the region taking you to Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave. However, with nine state parks and nature preserves—not including state forests and other protected lands—it’s easy to find spectacular scenery without the crowds as well..."
Read more about the area and look at some pretty pictures HERE and HERE.
But wait, there's more...on this trip you're getting a two-fer! Not only are you going to see some of the most amazing natural rock and cave formations in the eastern US, but we're also visiting during the once every several decades solar eclipse. The park's location is at about at the 98% coverage zone so the eclipse will be an amazing sight to see!
The plan!
We'll meet Saturday afternoon at the campground, check in, and set up our tents and other gear. From here we can do as much or as little as we'd like for the next several days.
My plan for the trip is--
Saturday evening: Campfire social at site 15
Sunday: An early hike to visit the parks natural attractions, such as Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Old Man's Cave
Monday: Visit any attractions that we couldn't get to on sunday, taking a break to view the solar eclipse Monday afternoon
Tuesday morning: Break down camp, have a great breakfast, then head for homeWhat does it cost and how do I pay?
For this campout everyone is responsible for booking YOUR OWN CAMPSITE. Campsites at the park cost $26.00 per night plus a $6.50 service fee.
Reserve your campsite HERE.
Make sure you are reserving a campsite at the "Hocking Hills Family Hike in Camp". I have booked WALK-IN campsite number 15 for myself. and in order to be near the group you should try and reserve campsites 42 through 51. NOTE: These campsites are walk in so your car will be parked in a lot a short trek away.
Campsites accomodate 6 people so I'd recommend posting a campsite share request to divide the cost.
What do we eat?
To keep it simple, everyone is responsible for bringing what food and snacks they would like to eat and drink.
You'll need dinner Saturday, and breakfast/lunch/dinner for Sunday and Monday, and breakfast Tuesday. Meals will be semi-communal, meaning bring what you would like to eat for yourself but perhaps also enough to share. Simple to cook but interesting items are best. We may go out for a meal or two, so avoid overpacking.
What else do I need to know?
• If you are unsure what to pack, please ask. This is early spring camping weather so you'll need the appropriate seasonal gear and clothing. It WILL be cool at night.
• The campsite has pit/vault toilets, and hot showers at the main RV camping area a short distance away.
• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5
How to get there!
The address is:
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S
Logan, OH 43138The campground is about a 7 hour drive from NYC and we'll need to carpool to the campground. When you RSVP, please indicate if need a ride. Or if you plan to drive, where you are coming from and how many passengers you can take. We'll then figure out our carpooling options, please be proactive and contact a driver directly rather than just saying where you need a ride from. Gas and tolls should be picked up by the passengers, also a cup of coffee for the driver is a nice gesture.