News From Gene – Spring 2008

Posted on May 23, 2008 by harrimanhikers

Some newer members of Harriman Hikers may not have had an opportunity (yet to meet our Hike Leader Emeritus, Gene Doleschal.

Gene was the Hike Leader of Harriman Hikers for 18 years before fulfilling a long-time dream of living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in 2005, where he currently resides (and hikes!

Gene is very good about staying in touch and recently sent the photographs below of Springtime in the Whites (click each photo for a better view :

On the way up the Crystal Cascade is a torrent of water

The Tuckerman Ravine from the Hermit Lake. Note the hikers above the brook and at 2′oclock on top. They may be skiers, I cannot tell. The real crazies ski down the middle and jump over the rocks. The “timid” ones ski down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. All have to wait until March/April when the danger of avalanches has passed. Here you can see why this is called “the bowl”.

Crazy (extreme) skiers hiking up to ski down the Ravine

Harriman Hikers
A New York – New Jersey Singles Hiking Club
Established 1974

Springtime at Pine Meadow Lake

Posted on May 6, 2008 by harrimanhikers

The Harriman Hikers were recently at Pine Meadow Lake in Harriman State Park, NY on one of our Sunday Hikes on a glorious Spring day!

Photo by Greg Paret

Click the photo for a better view

A different photo of Pine Meadow Lake during Summer (won’t be long now was featured on the Harriman Hikers website – here is the accompanying article.

The photo above has been featured on our home page. Chk this page for other photos featured in the Harriman Hikers website home page header.

Harriman Hikers
A New York – New Jersey Singles Hiking Club, established 1974

High Point State Park Closing

Posted on April 29, 2008 by harrimanhikers

Harriman Hikers has received information indicating intention by New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine to close High Point State Park (as well as a number of other NJ State Parks) as part of 2008 NJ State budget cuts.

High Point State Park is remarkable in many ways including (from NJ DEP High Point State Park page):

There are 11 named and marked trails in High Point State Park, in addition to a stretch of the Appalachian Trail which transects the area.
Winter months find cross-country skiers on the 15 km of groomed trails in the park. Half of the trails are covered by artificial snow. Cross-country skis and other winter sports equipment are available for rent. A blazing fire, hot soup and other hearty food greet visitors at the center on Lake Marcia.
High Point Monument – The monument was built through the generosity of the Kusers, in honor of all war veterans. Construction was started in 1928 and completed in 1930. At the top of the 220-foot structure, observers have a breathtaking view of the ridges of the Pocono Mountains toward the west, the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley in the southeast.
Swimming – The spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia are cool and refreshing for swimmers. The beach is protected by lifeguards and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the beach.
…read the rest…

The information about the intended closing(s) comes from a number of sources, including the following:

Harriman Hiker Leah Schwartz, who brought the matter to the attention of the group
NJ Division of Parks and Forestry Proposed Budget Summary (pdf)
NJ Herald – Veterans Upset Over Plan to Shut High Point

From NJ Division of Parks and Forestry Proposed Budget Summary:

“…The staffing budget would be reduced by approximately $4 million as follows:
Full elimination of services and/or closure would occur at the following areas:
Monmouth Battlefield State Park; Stephens State Park (administered under Hopatcong State Park, which will remain open); High Point State Park; Brendan T. Byrne State Forest (including Indian King Tavern); Round Valley Recreation Area; Parvin State Park; Jenny Jump State Forest; Worthington State Forest; and Fort Mott State Park (including Hancock House).
Partial elimination of services and/or closures would occur at Ringwood State Park (including reduced hours at Ringwood Manor, closure of swimming at Shepherd Lake Recreation Area & Steuben House), D&R Canal State Park (including reduced interpretive services and closure of Bulls Island Recreation
Area) and Washington Crossing State Park (40 percent reduction in interpretive staff – resulting in reduced hours of operation at Clarke House, Johnson Ferry House and the museum)…”

…read the rest…

If you wish for High Point State Park and other State Park facilities as mentioned above to remain open for public use, you are encouraged to contact the New Jersey Governor’s Office to let your voice be heard as well as seek and become involved in related advocacy organizations.

-HH

Springtime in Harriman State Park NY

Posted on April 2, 2008 by harrimanhikers

It’s that time of year again when the lakes thaw, the songbirds return, the forests and fields burst forth in greens and blooms and the air will be filled with the scent of budding trees and flowers – it’s getting warm enough now to draw out even the most timid housebound winter hibernators – don’t get left behind!

Click the photo for a better view

Harriman Hikers is a New York – New Jersey singles hiking club for adults of all ages – we hike every Sunday, year-round, rain or shine just as we have for over 30 years – come hike with us and see what you have been missing!

Just review our website’s front page for complete details.

Here are our other posts about our home page photos in case you missed any.

Harriman Hikers
A New York – New Jersey Singles Hiking Club
Established 1974

Hello world!

Posted on February 25, 2008 by harrimanhikers

Welcome to the Harriman Hikers Blog. This blog originally lived at Blogger.

All the posts from the old blog have been moved and the blog is now continued here.

Update January 2008: Now the blog has been integrated into our regular website

-HH

Website Upgrade

Posted on January 24, 2008 by harrimanhikers

Well, it was “time”…

The old website just sort of gave up the ghost. Time to put the ol’ hoss out to pasture.

I’m gettin’ all misty…

In any case, we got a great run out of our old website – it was using much of the same code it was originally built with in 2004… which in internet years places its birth in a range that to us would be somewhere between the Jurrassic and Paleozoic Periods!

Alas, it was starting to be held together with duct tape and Elmer’s Glue and it had a bad hip…

Somebody wrote to us and said it had started emailing out old posts!

We are very excited about the new site! We are very fortunate we have been able to retain the content that we feel is most important and in choosing the WordPress site platform, we have lots of room to grow with the web in the years to come.

We hope you like it and are as excited as we are!

p.s. those of you that read the blog please be advised it has been integrated into the main website- all the old posts are here (hint: use the tags, search box (on the sidebar of most pages) or run thru the sitemap to find what you are looking for) and new blog posts will be posted and appropriately tagged right here on the main website.

- Webmaster

Harriman Hikers A NY – NJ Singles Hiking Club. since 1974

Snow On TheWay!?

Posted on January 13, 2008 by harrimanhikers

Preface: This announcement is in regard to a possible additional event. Additional events never affect or replace Harriman Hikers regular Sunday Hikes. Harriman Hikers hikes EVERY Sunday, year-round, rain or shine (or snow!* – just as we have for over 30 years.

POSSIBLE Additional Event: Winter Outdoor Activities at Fahnestock Winter Park MAP near Cold Spring, NY. Call (845) 225-3998 for more info
Organizer: YOU
Details: …if local weather reports indicate there could be considerable snow on the ground and you are not going to work and the roads are clear (* it is NOT recommended that ANYONE venture out on the roads under potentially unsafe conditions) …

…there is a more or less standing invitation to join others that might be interested in cross-country skiing, snow shoeing or tubing at Fahnestock Winter Park (FWP) aka Clarence Fahnestock State Park.

Weather / conditions permitting, FWP offers groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing and snow tubing opportunities as well as possibility to rent equipment as may be needed – also, (again, depending on conditions) the lake at the park may be available for ice skating. Contact Fahnestock Winter Park MAP

More Info:

Winter activities at Fahnestock Winter Park are additional and do not affect or replace Harriman Hikers regular Sunday Hikes. Harriman Hikers hikes EVERY Sunday, year-round, rain or shine, just as we have for over 30 years.
Strongly suggested to call first to check conditions at Fahnestock and make sure they are open. Call (845) 225-3998 for more info.
Any activities as might be suggested are optional / at participant’s discretion and it is up to YOU to organize your outing – in other words it is up to YOU to call the park, contact your friends and get yourselves up there and home. Please DO NOT contact Harriman Hikers – the hike leaders are not necessarily involved in any FWP activities and have no additional information to offer.
IF the park is open – cross country ski packages (skis, boots, poles) generally will be available for rental from the park as well as snow shoe and tube rentals. There is a heated lodge and usually hot food is available for purchase. Contact the park for rates and availability. Contact the park for hours and other details.
IF the park is open you will almost always find plenty of friendly, outdoor-like-minded company to enjoy the outdoor opportunities the park offers.
If you are interested in cross-country skiing, but havent done it before, do some googling using search terms such as “cross country ski” or “xc-ski” – there is a wealth of info on the internet regarding basic xc-ski technique. There also may be experienced skiers out for a day of skiing that might be happy to give you a pointer or two – ask around people you might meet at FWP… ditto snow shoeing…

Tips for dressing comfortably for winter outdoor activities

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Bob Gawel Sat Night Hikes 2008

Posted on December 29, 2007 by harrimanhikers

Bob Gawel has announced 2008 dates for his popular Saturday Night Moonlight Hikes:

Sat. May 17
Friday July 4th

Bob’s Moonlight Hikes are additional events and do not affect or replace Harriman Hikers regular Sunday Hikes. Harriman Hikers meets EVERY Sunday, rain or shine for hiking, just as we have for over 30 years.

Saturday Night Moonlight Hikes are coordinated by Bob Gawel. Please contact Bob at scenictrips@yahoo.com for questions or additional information.

See this post for more details

update 4/28/2008 | confirmed dates / added announcement link | original timestamp December 29, 2007 at 11:29 am

Harriman Hikers Newsletter December 2007

Posted on November 28, 2007 by harrimanhikers

Season’s Greetings from Harriman Hikers!

Our annual Thanksgiving Sunday Hike, held this year on Nov 25th, was once again a jolly success, with 70+ people joining in the camaraderie on a glorious, crisp Fall Sunday! Thanks one and all for coming out! Check out the Harriman Hikers Website Homepage for the new group photo!

The Harriman Hikers Administrative Staff, headed up by Hike Leaders Greg Paret and Ed Burdzy, would like to thank everyone for yet another very successful hiking year in 2007. Thanks to all for coming out each week! Plenty of new hiking adventures for 2008 are being planned, even now!

Please note that this mailing will conclude the newsletter 2007 publication year and the newsletter will go on hiatus for the winter, tentatively resuming sometime Spring 2008.

Please visit the Harriman Hikers Website for hike status updates during times of potentially extreme, dangerous winter weather and keep an eye on the website if we get snow as there may be additional event (i.e. xc-skiing / snowshoeing) announcements; however, please note that additional events *never* affect or replace Harriman Hikers regular Sunday Hikes.

BEST WISHES FOR A SAFE, HEALTHY, RESTFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A PROSPEROUS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!- Harriman Hikers

Harriman Hikers is a hiking club for singles of all ages. We meet up for hiking EVERY SUNDAY at 11:30 am in the South Parking Lots, Field B-1, of the Ramapo College of New Jersey on Route 202 in Mahwah, NJ. MAPS ANOTHER MAP

Please visit our website, www.harrimanhikers.org for complete details.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please note that additional events NEVER affect or replace Harriman Hikers regular Sunday Hikes.

DECEMBER / JANUARY ADDITIONAL EVENTS (follow links to announcements on website)
Additional Event: Hiker – Biker – Skier Christmas Hike and Holiday Party Sat Dec 8th
Harriman Hikers Holiday Hike Sun Dec 23rd
Additional Event: Ed Burdzy’s “Step into 2008 Hike” Tue Jan 1st, 2008

CHRONOLOGICALLY ORDERED, DETAILED ADDITIONAL EVENTS LISTING FOLLOWS

Additional Event: Hiker – Biker – Skier Christmas Hike and Holiday Party

Hike Leader: Bob Gawel
Event Coordinators: Carol Richards and Rich Hobbs

Date: Saturday, December 8th 2007

Events below are doable separately, if desired.
($)= Cost is involved.
Please use included links and map for directions and additional info.

($)10am – 1pm: ICE SKATING & CAROUSEL at BEAR MTN STATE PARK Directions + Info + Fees HERE.
* NOTE: Bear Mtn St Pk Parking Fee= $6 / car.

1:30pm – 6pm: FREE CHRISTMAS HIKE led by Bob Gawel. (3 miles total w/ 1 break & stops at historic points) from Bear Mtn St Park to historic Doodletown, NY. OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS CAROLS BY CANDLE LIGHT on the trail! Bring beverages, snacks and flashlights / headlamps to share!

* HIKE MEETUP OPTION # 1: Doubletree Hotel 180 Rt. 17 South, Mahwah, NJ 07430, rear pkg lot
* HIKE MEETUP OPTION # 1 TIME: btn 12:00pm and 12:30pm

* HIKE MEETUP OPTION # 2: Bear Mountain State Park Carousel + Ice Rink (back parking lot)
* HIKE MEETUP OPTION # 2 TIME: 1:00pm
* NOTE: Bear Mtn St Pk Parking Fee= $6 / car.
* RAIN / SNOW CANCELS HIKE- MONITOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR UPDATES

($) 6:00PM – 10:00PM COCKTAILS/ HORS D’OEUVRES FOLLOWED BY HOLIDAY BUFFET at RICHIE’S LITTLE PLACE!

RICHIE’S LITTLE PLACE 817 Rt. 9W, Ft. Montgomery (Highland Falls), NY 10922 PH 845-446-7918

* ($) COST: $25 PER PERSON PAID IN ADVANCE (includes hors d’oeuvres, meal, dessert, coffee/ tea, tax & tip!)
* 6:00PM – 7:00PM: COCKTAILS/ HORS D’OEUVRES (CASH BAR)
* 7:00pm-10:00PM: BUFFET DINNER! LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL EVENING BY JOHN BARAGONE (DANCIN’ TOO!)

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Pay securely online (link on website)

OR Mail personal check payable to:

Carol Richards
PO Box 770
South Orange, NJ 07079

* PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN WED DEC 5, 2007
* LIMIT 60 GUESTS- 1ST COME BASIS
* WEATHER CANCELLATION ONLY- OTHERWISE NO REFUNDS. UNCASHED CHKS DESTROYED- NOT RETURNED.
* DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE

The above event is coordinated privately by Carol Richards and Rich Hobbs. Please email hikingfun@gmail.com for questions or more info. The above event is in addition-to and does not replace or affect Harriman Hikers regular Sunday Hike. Harriman Hikers meets every Sunday for hiking, rain or shine, year-round, as we have for over 30 years. Details about the above event can also be viewed at www.hikingfun.org.

Holiday Hike Dec 23

Harriman Hikers would like to say “thank you” to everyone who has come out to join the group during the year!

The $6 Hike Fee will be waived for the Sunday, Dec 23rd Hike. (Ramapo College Students and Staff hike free EVERY week).

In the spirit of fun, this is likely the most appropriate hike to wear that fake-reindeer-antler-cap, Rudolph nose, elf ears, Santa cap or probably just about any type of goofy took / toboggan.

As every week, but with possible additional considerations toward the holiday season, hikers are encouraged, optionally and at each person’s own expense, to get together socially after the hike. Hint: bring cash! it makes it easier to divvy up the tab

Informal, apres-hike social gatherings are always additional and optional to the Sunday hike itself and never affect or replace the hike in any way.

Mahwah Bar and Grill (MBG) MAP is an “unofficial”, yet popular, casual and reasonably-priced venue close to Ramapo College where many hikers are likely to be found after the hike.

If you can’t make the hike that day but wish to meet up afterward, fyi the group is generally back at the Ramapo College Parking Lot B-1, South Lots (where we meet up before carpooling to the trail head) this time of year sometime around 5:00pm.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Feliz Navidad y feliz año nuevo Happy Holidays Happy Hanukkah Meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année Happy Kwanzaa Joyeuses fêtes ???????????????????????? Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr Happy Ramadan Seasons Greetings and a Prosperous New Year ?????? Happy Diwali Felices fiestas y un próspero año nuevo ??????????????????? Feliz Las Posadas Joyeux Noël et bonne année

Additional Event: Step Into 2008 Hike Tuesday Jan 1st 2008

Ed Burdzy will lead an additional hike on Tuesday Jan 1st 2008. Destination to be determined by Ed, day of hike.

Ed normally leads an additional hike one Saturday each month, but with considerations toward the Holidays, Ed has changed the hike day for December to Tuesday Jan 1st 2008.

Meetup for Ed’s hike on Tuesday Jan 1st 2008 is as usual for “Ed Hikes”, 10am in the south (public) end of the parking lot at the Mason Jar Restaurant on Route 202 in Mahwah, NJ. Map

Ed’s additional hikes can be more ambitious and longer (8-12 miles or more) than Harriman Hikers’ Sunday hikes. You must speak with Ed first if you have not hiked with Ed before, spoken with him about joining his Saturday hike and/or have any reservations about your abilities as a hiker.

Ed’s hike is in addition-to and does not replace or affect Harriman Hikers regular Sunday Hike. Harriman Hikers meets every Sunday for hiking, rain or shine, year-round, as we have for over 30 years. The above hike is coordinated privately by Ed Burdzy. Please contact Ed by phone 973-471-0492 for questions or more info about this hike.

…

Please note that this mailing will conclude the newsletter 2007 publication year and the newsletter will go on hiatus for the winter, tentatively resuming sometime Spring 2008.

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Enjoy your Holiday Season and New Year!

- HH

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Holiday Hike Sun Dec 23