3rd Annual Vroman's Nose Fall Equinox Chili Cookoff Hike

Say farewell to Summer and ring in the Fall Equinox with a chili cookoff atop Vroman’s Nose. If you don’t want to compete in the Chili Cookoff (see next paragraph), I’m asking each person to volunteer to bring an item listed below or volunteer to bring something I’ve overlooked (Please say what you plan to bring in the comments below) Each person should also bring their own drinks, dinnerware and utensils.

If you want to compete in the Chili Cookoff, say so in the comments below, bring $5 and a quart of your best chili (please mark if it’s vegetarian) (there’s a bbq pit up top to heat the chili and I'll provide foil pans to heat each entry in). Each person on the hike who tastes gets three votes for their favorite chilis, winner takes 50% of the pool, second place takes 30%, third place take 20%.

Items needed (please note what you’re bringing in the comments AND please check the comments before you pick something, lest we just have 20 bags of potato chips :P ):

• 2 - 10 lb bags of Instant Lighting Charcoal Briquettes
• Chips (including tortilla)
• shredded cheese
• corn bread
• Salad (all kinds)
• Fresh veggies
• Desserts (ie, cookies, brownies, make your own sundae :P )

Vroman’s Nose is a popular hiking destination with spectacular views from many rock outcrops on the top of steep cliffs. A section of the aqua blazed, 350+ mile Long Path travels along Vroman's Nose. The main trailhead for Vroman's Nose is a large parking area off West Middleburgh Road. Reach West Middleburgh Road by taking NY 30 south out of Middleburgh. There is a sign for the parking area. The GPS coordinates for the parking area is N42 35.666 W74 21.479.

The overall elevation gain for this hike is about 500 feet. The steeper approach has been replaced with NEW Yellow and Blue trails with switchbacks, adding a whole .2 miles making the elevation gain practically luxurious over .75 miles. We’ll hike about .25 more miles along the ridge to our dinner spot- the "dancefloor"- which has a lovely view of the Schoharie Valley. The hike back to the lot is about a mile, making the total distance only about 2 miles.

Although this is a short hike you should be doing regular aerobic exercise to participate. Dress for the weather and wear hiking boots. Bring headlamp/flashlight, water, snacks, bug spray. Please check yourself for ticks after the hike. No dogs please. Meet at Vroman's Nose Hiking Trail, 264 Mill Valley Rd, Middleburgh, NY 12122. Meet at 4:00 PM, HIKE STARTS AT 4:05PM. Sunset is at 6:53pm. We should be back at the parking lot by 7:30pm.

NOTE: Hiking and eating chili are inherently dangerous activities. By attending, you agree you are responsible for yourself and are hiking at your own risk. My cell is 518 4613982 if needed.