The Jewish Outdoors Club

Here are some of the e-mails I have been receiving recently:

“…When are you going to be doing another hike?”

“I couldn’t come on your last hike but I am available next Sunday between 10:35 AM and 3:45 PM. Can you do a hike then? It should be not too easy but not too difficult…”

 “…I can really go for a difficult hike about now…”

 “Greetings most honorable sir. I am represent the wife of late General Alfassi of the Mubanda district of Tanzania…”

“Are you in hibernation? It’s been like 5 weeks since your last hike…”

I have heard your cries. I sympathize with your boredom. I feel for your pain…and want to inflict more.

To that end, I am pleased to announce that I will attempt to lead a difficult hike to Dunderberg Mountain on September 2, 2007 – the Sunday of Labor Day.

Notice the fact that I said “attempt to lead”. This is because when I tried this hike about 2 years ago, we had to back out half way through because EVERYONE WAS RUNNING OUT OF WATER!!! One person even went to the hospital due to a mild heat stroke and electrolyte imbalance. (This person recovered as soon as s/he was properly cooled and hydrated and has attended numerous trips with the JOC since…and has kindly not sued us). Due to that hike, we instituted the 2-liters-of-water rule.

This time I anticipate completing the planned hike because I am sure everyone will come prepared with plenty of water. ;-)

If not, you get to stay home.

So, without further ado, here is the beloved hike details section (lifted mostly from previous hike announcements and massaged to look almost like new):

When: Sunday, September 2, 2007 (the Sunday of Labor Day – so you have a full day to recover before returning to w-o-r-k)

Where: Dunderberg Mountain, conveniently located in Harriman State Park, just south of Bear Mountain.

Length of the hike: Approximately 7.1 miles

Duration of hike: Between 4 and 6 hours (I would like to go at a brisk rate of approximately 2 MPH, but I am realistic)

Difficulty of hike: 7.5 out of 10. This will be a difficult hike. It should only be attempted if you are in good shape. It is not a beginners hike, unless that beginner is in good shape. There will be no “easy way” up and (hopefully) none down either. Nevertheless, if you survive the hike up, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Hudson River and the surrounding area (including the scenic Indian Point Nuclear power plant).

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

Payment to Drivers: $10 per passenger

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 designer fashion unless you plan on attending a gallery opening 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 shoes and sandals, flip-flops, Crocks or anything with a heel (i.e. if you come in 5 inch pumps we will take a picture of you before sending you back home).

Food to bring: Please bring whatever food you will require to survive a day of strenuous physical activity. This will include lunch and snacks (preferably something with carbs for energy and salt/minerals to replace lost electrolytes). Do not 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. There will be no option of buying drinks at the trail head. While it is Labor Day Weekend, it is still the summer and may be hot and humid.  

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 hike with us.

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, life jacket (you never know on one of my hikes…).

Warning: I/we reserve the right to turn you away if you come inappropriately equipped. So please, dress properly with proper footwear, and bring the requested food and water. ‘Nuf said.

Main Meeting Location: In front of The Westmont - 730 Columbus Ave (between 95th St. & 96th St.).

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM Sharp! The JOC only waits for a select group of very few people…

Alternate meeting locations: Alternate meeting places *may* be set up if there are drivers available from other locations.

Return Time: If all goes according to schedule, and there is no traffic, you should be back in NYC between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Please keep in mind – this is a guestimate as to when you may get back. It is not an exact science and it depends on many factors (i.e. hike start time, speed of hike, number and length of breaks, traffic, etc). If you have a pressing engagement that you cannot miss, please plan accordingly (i.e. don’t come, schedule a helicopter pickup, etc).

Distance to Trailhead: 42.7 miles – just about an hour with no traffic.

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) Can you provide transportation? (All passengers must pay their drivers $10)

a. If yes, how many can you transport in your vehicle

b. Drivers helping out by coming into the city to pick up passengers will be given priority of having a full car (i.e. we’ll try to fill your car so you can get the max $)

6) How much water do you plan on bringing?

7) What was the best thing you did this summer?

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

Number of hikers: I will be accepting registration for up to 25 hikers on a first come-first served basis. Priority will be given to people who can provide transportation.

Rain cancellation: Steady rain will cancel the hike; light rain/drizzle/mist may not. Please check back later in the week and on the morning of the hike.

Questions?: Please re-read the above info.

Questions?: Please re-re-read the above info.

Still have questions: Please e-mail me at the above address, but beware – silly questions will be read at the next JOC Board meeting. After those JOC motto suggestions, we need a good laugh  ;-)

And now – the review in 50 words or less: Difficult Dunderberg Hike (7/10) (7.1 Mi) for 4 – 6 hours, Sunday September 2, 9:00 AM - Westmont, bring food, 2L water, backpack, assorted gear, $2 for JOC ($10 for drivers), Registration - all now, passengers next week, required registration info, no rain, questions, jab at motto suggestions…

So block off the time, get your GORP and stock up on water, and I’ll meet you on 9/2 when we finally complete the Dunderberg Mountain hike.  

And no, I won’t give you my bank account number…