Gay Men's Over 40 Hiking Group

Let's get hiking season started with a hike of the Hudson Highlands ending in Cold Spring, NY. We'll take a train from Grand Central and get off at the Breakneck Ridge stop. The hike starts on the Wilkinson Memorial Trail then we'll take the Washburn Trail over Mount Taurus. There will be some great views of the Hudson. THIS IS A HARD HIKE and you should be ready for a INTENSE AEROBIC WORKOUT. It's about a 1000 foot climb up in the first mile. GUYS TAKING THE TRAIN: We'll be catching the 8:45am Metro North-Hudson Line train out of Grand Central to Breakneck Ridge stop. It's between Cold Spring and Beacon NY. Meet near the clock/info booth in Grand Central around 8:15am. Buy your ticket before. Return trains in Cold Spring at 4:06pm, 4:18pm and 5:16pm. DRIVERS: The train arrives at Breakneck around 10:10am. Parking is about a 1/4 mile south from the train stop, walk up to meet us. The hike starts at the train stop and ends at Little Stony Point parking lot. Maybe you want to arrange to have one car at Little Stony Point to take the drivers back to the Breakneck parking lot at the end of the day? If you message me with your phone numbers I'll help you coordinate this, otherwise you'll need an Uber to get back to your cars, or walk. Bring plenty of water, at least 2 liters is recommended, and a hearty lunch as there are no stores near the trailhead. Wear sturdy hiking boots, sneakers will get wet. It can be cold or rainy in March so bring a warm sweater and a rain jacket. Long pants and bug spray are recommended to prevent ticks. There's plenty of places in Cold Spring to grab a bite or drink after the hike. Bad weather cancels this trip. Light rain is ok though. Can't wait to see everybody! Bill Wilson[masked]

We did this camping on the beach last year and it was amazing. Watch Hill is a beautiful campground on Fire Island about 1.5 hrs from NYC on the LIRR. We're camping very close to the beach and the area is surrounded by dunes and salt marshes. The nearby National Seashore is undeveloped and beautiful. This is a trip for everybody, all fitness levels are welcome. It's a short walk (about 1/4 mile) on a boardwalk from the ferry dock. You can lounge on the beach, swim, take long walks on an empty beach or even visit the Pines, Cherry Grove or Davis Park. I think most guys will arrive Thursday or Friday and leave Sunday, but that's not required. If anybody wants to stay a day longer or leave earlier that's ok. It will be about $20 per person for the campsite fee, depending on how many guys attend. The following gear is required: a tent, camping mattress, and bug spray. There can be a lot of mosquitoes! There's a marina, restaurant and bar nearby. The campground facilities include running water, grills, picnic tables, showers and bathrooms. I suggest bringing your own food in a cooler, as the restaurant is slow and can be expensive. We can grill on charcoal. Anybody who has a camp stove should bring it. I'll provide a more detailed gear list later. GUYS TAKING THE TRAIN: You need to take the LIRR to Patchogue and walk a short distance to the ferry terminal. https://goo.gl/maps/g9W2Y8NCYbS2 Make sure you get the ferry to Watch Hill. We don't need to depart at the same time. Come whenever your schedule allows. GUYS DRIVING: There is parking at the ferry terminal. Here a link https://goo.gl/maps/g9W2Y8NCYbS2 Contact me if you have any questions. This is going to be a great trip! Bill Wilson[masked]