What we’re about
Join us for nights under the stars, treks in the woods and NYC events to talk about your favorite gear and the next adventure. Follow us on Instagram to see what we've been up to: @BLAZENYC
BLAZE>> is a group for gay men in NYC that crave being outdoors and are passionate about backpacking and backcountry camping. New to backpacking? No worries, our members range from beginner trekkers with lots of enthusiasm to seasoned adventurers with years of experience to share. We are committed to challenging ourselves by trekking to isolated places of remarkable beauty, but our trips are as much about the journey as they are about being an über athlete.
If you are interested, you can shop for some BLAZE>> products at on-line store Zazzle.
There is also a San Francisco Chapter of Blaze>>, see https://www.meetup.com/blazesf.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- 13th Annual Fire Island Camping (weekend of July 10-13)Fire Island Watch Hill, New York, NY
Please join us for the Thirteenth annual Fire Island Blaze camping at Watch Hill. This centrally situated venue will give members a chance to enjoy a variety of activities, such as just lounging around soaking up the sun, doing some backcountry hiking (and possible backpacking), or indulging in the gay life of Fire Island at Cherry Grove and the Pines.
The trip is limited to 40 people. Available spots will be preferentially assigned to Blaze members who have been on a Blaze overnight trip before, or have been among the most active members of our group. Please add yourself to the waitlist even if many more people sign up... there are usually spots that open up at the last minute.
Dates:
July 10-13. You are welcome to arrive Thursday, Friday or Saturday. We will be leaving Sunday afternoon. A logistics spreadsheet for carpooling and tents will be created. Campsite Cost is $30 per person (regardless of how many nights you stay).Text us:
We will communicate via WhatsApp. Please join the group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C7Bkv0k7Ch6EVN9zNkdQZa?mode=ac_tWhere:
Fire Island Watch Hill Camp Grounds:
First and foremost, this is not back country camping. It is more like modified car camping. The Watch Hill Campgrounds are located in the Watch Hill Section of Fire Island about 1/4 mile from the ferry terminal. See the attached map of Fire Island. So basically whatever you can carry, drag, put in a cart, etc. for 1/4 mile is what you can bring. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/NPS_fire-island-watch-hill-map.jpg?20170516212447The campsites are only a one minute walk to the beach. The facilities include running water, grills, picnic tables, showers and bathrooms. We will be located minutes from the marina, visitor center, food truck & bar. Friendly dogs are permitted at no extra charge. (But it is up to you to verify about the dogs on beaches.) Other restaurants and bars are within walking distance.
For those interested in hiking (we are a backpacking group after all), the campsites sit at the entrance to Otis Pike Wilderness reserve,where you can explore miles of undeveloped beach, a natural barrier island ecosystem, salt marsh nature trails, back-country hiking, 40-foot high dunes with roaming deer, and many natural seaside artifacts all while savoring the solitude. It is one of the Nation's few federally designated oceanfront wilderness areas.
Mosquito bite prevention:
Some people are bothered by mosquitoes at this site while others are not bothered at all. If you want to be among those who are not bothered by mosquitoes, one combination that works is a cocktail of Permethrin & Picaridin to apply to your clothes and tent and Deet (at least 30%) to apply to your skin. (Also, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus)Fire Island Pines & Cherry Grove:
Also, for those interested in checking out the gayer side of the island (we are also a gay group after all), the two largest gay resort destinations in the NYC area are a short, enjoyable and fairly inexpensive water taxi ride away, or a long walk along the beach (3-4 miles).Getting There:
The campground is accessible via the ferry from ferry terminal in Patchogue NY (this is not the same ferry that runs to Cherry Grove). The ferry is accessible by Long Island RR or by car. More on transportation as the time gets closer. http://www.davisparkferry.comCost:
There will be $30/person charge to cover the cost of the site, etc. Cost is the same regardless of how many nights you stay.Text us:
We will communicate via WhatsApp. Please join the group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C7Bkv0k7Ch6EVN9zNkdQZa?mode=ac_tShould be a fun time. Hope to see you there.
- 11th Annual Adirondack High Peaks | 4 Nights @ Meadowbrook CampgroundAdirondacks, Adirondacks High Peaks Region, NY
Join us for some strenuous, exhilarating all-day hikes in the Adirondack High Peaks region and fun times car/tent camping with campfires, good meals (see below), souvenir shopping in Lake Placid, Mirror Lake sunning+swimming and my personal favorite - a massage at the Mirror Lake Inn Spa.
Campsite: Meadowbrook Campground between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, NY. Please note: This camp is near the road with occasional evening music from nearby venues. If you're looking for something a bit more removed, feel free to book your own sites at different camps and meetup for day hikes with us. You would need to coordinate your own cars. Suggested sites are the Adirondack Loj and Wilmington Notch campground.
Sleeping Arrangements: The campground allows 2 tents, 2 cars, and 6 guys per campsite which means we will need to share tents accordingly. We are currently holding 3 campsites for a total of 18 guys.
Transportation: ~4.5 hour drive from Manhattan. Will require volunteer drivers + cars. Details to be sorted nearer departure date. Some drivers may come up Thursday instead of Wednesday in case you prefer a shorter trip.
Meals: Fend for yourself. Bring/share a camp stove for morning coffee. Pack your own hike snacks/lunches. Cook your own dinners at camp or head to local restaurants. Cars will have coolers for perishables. Some of my favorite drinks/eats: Bar Flies & Ray Brook Brew House (across the street from Meadowbrook campground), Dancing Bears & Big Slide Brewery (in Lake Placid).
Hikes: These hikes are strenuous and challenging for even the most seasoned hiker and you’ll reach the Arctic-Alpine Zone at the top of some peaks where there is little protection from the weather and it can change unpredictably. You must have good boots, hiking poles are recommended, rain gear and headlamps a must. 3 liters of water will get you in/out of an all-day hike in the region but be prepared to walk all day and to curse the sight of another rock on the trail by day’s end. That said, these trails are very well marked/maintained (no map required) and no equipment is needed to walk/climb them. We usually split up into groups to hike different trails according to your interests.
Canoeing: Plan your own self-guided canoe day trips along the Saranac Lakes and Saranac River. Coordinate amongst yourselves to find a buddy to share the cost and canoe with.
Costs: All who RSVP will automatically be put on the waitlist until you send a $30 deposit to hold your spot (it's $30 whether you come 1 night or 4 nights). DM me for payment information. You will also want to contribute to gas and tolls if you carpool - just pay your driver directly.
Disclaimer: No person affiliated with BLAZE NYC assumes any responsibilities or risks for any accidents or injuries that may happen during the event. By signing up and attending this event, you assume all risks and responsibilities for yourself during the event.
