BLAZE >> Backpacking Gay Men of NYC

While everyone is riding around the boroughs, let's hike! 🥾⛰️

This hike will have a few inclines, but perfect for anyone who can challenge themselves.

We will start off on the Kakiat Trail and then bear LEFT onto the Mountain Trail, continuing till we return back to the Kakiat Trail where we will turn Left. We will continue on Kakiat to Racoon Brook Hill where we will turn RIGHT, We will stay on Racoon Brook Hill keeping left at all time till we connect again with the Kakiat Trail where we will turn Right and keep on it till we get to the Pine Meadow Trail which connects to the Diamond Mountain Trail, where we will bear RIGHT till we connect to Pine Meadow Road West bearing Right. We will stay on Pine Meadow Road West trail till we come to Pine Meadow Lake (Great spot for lunch). From the Lake we will bear LEFT onto Pine Meadow Trail and keep on it while walking around the lake which will bring us to Conklins Crossing Trail where we will bear RIGHT. We will continue on Conklins Crossing where we will take a sharp LEFT to continue on it. We will continue till we get to the intersection where we will bear RIGHT onto Suffern Bear Mountain Trail and stay on this till we get back to the Kakiat trail where we will bear RIGHT heading back to the Parking Lot. (lots of twist and turns, but that`s part of the adventure :-) )

Carpooling sheet will go if needed on Thursday.

Contact: Steve R. #917-648-7750

Parking: Kakiat Park - 584 Haverstraw Rd, Suffern, NY 10901
41.1448329,-74.1135551

Distance: approximately 10-11 miles

Pace: moderate 2-2.5 mph
Things to bring: Clothing for changing temps and good hiking boots/shoes since the ground could be wet and muddy; at least 2 liters of water, lunch, hiking snacks as needed. Spikes (if there's ice on the ground) and poles may be helpful. If you share a ride with someone, please bring extra cash to share the cost of gas and tolls with your driver which can range anywhere from $15-$20 per person. For rental cars it varies, but it`s around $40-$50 per person which is non-refundable once booked unless you get someone to take your spot. if there is enough interest, a sign-up sheet for carpooling will be sent out.

NOTE: You should be able to follow a map, understand possible bailouts, and must be realistic in your assessment of your own abilities and be prepared to hike alone. You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, and lights. You should review topographic maps and trail features carefully; understanding topography of any hike is key to your knowing where you are, where you're going, and how to get back.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY:
You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below.

If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear. Blaze does not provide liability insurance for the protection of individuals who may participate in any of the events planned by the Organizer or Assistant Organizers.
This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability.

Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this group or event you understand that you are attending all events AT YOUR OWN RISK. Organizers and Assistant

Do you want to move away from being just a day-hiker to a full on backpacker but don't want to go on your first trip solo, afraid of the dark, or just have not sure how to start?

Well this trip is just for you!

What you'll take away from this event:

• How to pitch your tent
• Sleeping Outdoors
• Building a campfire
• Hanging a bear bag
• Hiking at night

Come join a great bunch of folks for an easy night out at Harriman State Park. You'll be surrounded by amazing people whose experience range from first timers all the way to overcooked, well-seasoned veterans :)

JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE! EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN.

We'll start the morning off by meeting at Lake Skananti around 10AM. A short meet and greet then off to a 3–4-mile hike, where we'll visit an abandoned mine before heading to camp.

We'll setup camp, look for firewood and get ready for a lovely evening around a warm fire. We'll all have dinner and beverages of your choice around the fire before relaxing the night away.

What you'll need to bring:

• Bug Spray / Big Head Net
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag atleast 32* rated
• Sleeping Pad
• Headlight
• Water Filter
• Phone Charger
• 2 x Food for lunch, dinner and breakfast
• Snacks
• Extra socks and a warm layer.

There are alot of online resources that I highly recommend you checking before planning for this trip.

Recommend Gear List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Vj6ZfWSJo1iXnx8UuhID0KN0zrZtmk3t_aCIChUbF4s/edit?usp=sharing
If you need help with picking out gear, please comment or DM me.

Weather:
Cool and Crisp at night. Expect temps to be dip down to 40 or less at night. Day time highs as low as 50s. Best method of clothing this time of year is LAYERS and LAYERS. You will be hot while hiking with your fully packed bag but once at camp and relaxing, you will start to feel chilly.

Transportation:
Nearest train stations are Sloatsburg or Tuxedo so driving / carpooling is highly encouraged. The sheet will be sent out closer to this start date.

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).

Where:
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?20170516212447

The 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.com

Cost:
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.

Should be a fun time. Hope to see you there.