The Jewish Outdoors Club

I have heard your pleas. I listened to your requests. And now I am ready to give you what you have all been asking for…

…An advance copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

Not really, but I have the next best thing: a (relatively) easy hike!

Yes, this hike is for almost anyone.

Do you like ascending steep and rocky mountains?

Do you enjoy having to scale rock walls using all four extremities?

Do you want to push your self to the limits of endurance in the outdoors during the hot and humid summer?

If you answered yes to the above questions, this hike is not for you! (You can come, but you will probably be bored).

This hike will be a walk in the park (literally).

Here are all the details:

When: Sunday, July 15, 2007 (the day before the start of the 9 days)

Where: Harriman State Park

Length of the hike: Approximately 6 miles

Duration of hike: just under 6 hours

Difficulty of hike: 3 out of 10. This will be an easy hike, doable by anyone who is able to walk 6 miles with some elevation gain/loss. If you are in totally bad shape (i.e. this will be your first time off the couch in about a year) and get winded when you go to pick up your mail, you should probably stay home. Or better yet, hit the gym.

Cost of hike: $2 (please have exact cash)

Clothes to wear: Please wear clothing that 1) afford you the mobility required to hike comfortably, 2) are appropriate for the weather and 3) you don’t mind getting dirty or possible damaged. Don’t wear formal-wear unless you plan on attending a wedding on the trail.

Footwear: Please wear footwear appropriate for hiking and overall outdoor activity. Appropriate: Hiking boots, trail shoes or sneakers. Not appropriate: Open toed or backed sandals, flip-flops, or anything with a heel (i.e. 5 inch stilettos will get you sent back home).

Food to bring: Please bring whatever food you will require to survive a day of hiking. This will include lunch and snacks (preferably something with carbs for energy and salt/minerals to replace lost electrolytes). Please don’t rely on other people having enough to share.

Drinks to bring: Please bring a minimum of 2 liters of water for the hike – this does not include whatever you may drink on the way to the trailhead. Additionally, you may wish to ALSO bring sports drinks to help replenish those electrolytes (this is in addition to the 2 liters of water). If you feel that you will need more water, please bring more. DO NOT BRING LESS THAN 2 LITERS OF WATER. If you do, you will not be allowed to come on the hike. Please keep in mind that it will most probably be hot and humid – it’s the middle of July people!

Necessary Gear: Backpack to put your stuff in. If you come with your stuff in a shopping bag or some other bag you have to carry in your hand, you will not be allowed to come along.

Other Gear to bring: Aside from the appropriate clothes, footwear and backpack, recommended items include – hat, sunglasses, rain gear/windbreaker, hiking poles, camera, binoculars, first aid kit (if you are trained in its use), sun screen, insect repellant, snow shovel.

Transportation to the hike: We will be taking the train to the trail head. From there we will be walking :-P

Meeting Place: NY Penn Station (exact location will be sent to the registered attendees)

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM Sharp! The train waits for no one.

Return Time: If all goes according to schedule, you should be back in Penn Station at 5:41 PM – plenty of time to get in one last steak.

If you want to drive: If you want to drive, you are welcome to do so, but I will not be arranging rides from Manhattan. If you will be departing from outside of Manhattan, you can either 1) meet at Penn Station, or 2) drive/get a ride with someone leaving from your town/area (if one is available) (drivers to be paid $10 from each passenger). Additionally, New Jersey residents are welcome to meet the New York City group at the Secaucus Junction station (where they will be changing trains). The exact train schedule and directions for the drivers will be sent to registered attendees next week.

Train Fare: The round trip off-peak ticket should cost $15.25.

Reservations: To reserve a spot, please reply to the address: joc_hike AT mlehmann DOT com. Please include the following information:

1) Your name and the names of anyone else you are registering

2) Your e-mail address and the e-mail address of anyone you are registering

3) Your phone number (Cell mandatory, home optional)

4) Where you will be departing from.

5) Will you be driving, and if yes, how many can you take in your car.

6) How much water do you plan on bringing.

If you do not provide the requested information, I cannot guarantee your registration.

I will be accepting registration for up to 40 hikers.

Rain policy: If the forecast calls for chance of rain, the hike will go on. If you are afraid you will melt, you can stay home or wear waterproof clothes. If it is already raining on Sunday morning, I will probably cancel the hike.

To review: Not Harry Potter, 7/15/07, easy hike in Harriman (3/10) – 6mi/6hr, $2 JOC ($15.25 train), proper clothes, footwear, backpack, 2 liters of water, food, other stuff, train from Penn Station, 9:00 AM, back at 5:41 PM (yummy meat), drivers welcome,  reservations (name, e-mail, phone #, etc), 40 hikers, bring a rain hat (it always rains on my hikes), review…

So check your calendar, buy a backpack and bottle your water, and I’ll see you on the 15^th for the easy hike.

Now, will you stop nagging me…?