The Jewish Outdoors Club

It’s that time of the year again. The days are getting shorter, the temperature is getting colder and the Yankees have already won the World Series. Yup – it’s time for my winter hibernation. Time to put away the maps, camelbacks, hiking poles and first aid kits until next spring. Time to put on the extra weight to survive the long winter.

 But wait…what’s that I hear?  It’s very faint…I can just barely make it out. If you are very quiet you can hear it…

 

“Help me Obi Wan Kenobi you're my only hope!”

 

Hold on and let me turn down the TV…Ok – listen now…

 

…“Moshe! Don’t go yet! We need another moderate hike before the snow comes!”

 

What’s that? I can’t hear you so well.

 

“Moshe! Don’t go yet! We need another moderate hike before the snow comes!”

 

I couldn’t quite make that out.

 

“Clean out your ears”

WHAT?!?

 

“We said, “Moshe! Don’t go yet! We need another moderate hike before the snow comes!”

Hmmm – the current forecast for Sunday calls for partly sunny skies with temperatures in the low 60’s…Who am I to deny the voices I hear? J

To that end, the JOC brings you:

 

What: Moshe’s Pre-Hibernation Hike

When: Sunday November 15, 2009

Where: Somewhere within the vast wilderness that is Harriman State Park

Length of the hike: Between 4 and 6 miles

Duration of hike: Between 4 and 6 miles

Why the uncertainty: I still haven’t decided which of the many trails to take.

Difficulty of hike: about 6 out of 10. This will be a moderate hike. This is not a difficult hike but it isn’t a stroll through the pumpkin patch either. We will be hiking *up* and down mountains/hills with some elevation gain/loss. The trail is not flat and it may be steep in places. It is doable for people in decent shape. If you have difficulty walking up hills or have problems with your knees/legs/ankles/hips/toes/etc I would not advise attending this hike.

Cost of hike: $3 (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 anything expensive unless it is made up of mostly Gore-tex.

Inappropriate clothes to wear – Anything Phillies related, unless you want to be ridiculed  :-P

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.

Food to bring: Please bring whatever food you will require to survive a day of 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: You must 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. Even if you feel that you do not need it, 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.    

Necessary Gear: Backpack to carry your stuff, hands free.

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, snowshoes (hey – it has snowed and hailed on my previous hikes…and that was during the spring/summer!)

***Note about the above 7 sections (except the Phillies thing) – you will be turned away if you come inappropriately equipped. Not having the proper gear, food and water will be putting your own safety and the safety of the group in jeopardy and will not be tolerated. It will lead me to question your ability to follow directions and overall judgment. Additionally, it is a chutzpah. You will be banned from the hike and your name will be added to our list of “people who can’t follow instructions” and may be prevented from attending future JOC events. So come prepared, or not at all ***

Main Meeting Location: In front of The Westmont - 730 Columbus Ave (between 95th St. & 96th St.).  **There will only be one official meeting location.**  I do not have the ability to arrange multiple pick up locations for this hike. I ask that all drivers and passengers please meet here.

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM Sharp! The sun sets at approximately 4:37 on Sunday so the cars will depart on time!

Driving time to trail head: About one hour.

Return Time: When we are done. It may be by 5:00 if we end early, but it may be later. If you have plans for early that evening, you should probably sit this one out. Accommodations will not be made for the “I have to be somewhere by”s. You are hereby forewarned.

Note about registration: Registration is open to everyone – drivers and non-drivers. I will be accepting non-drivers in accordance with the number of passenger seats I have available on a rolling admission policy. Please note – your registration is not confirmed until you receive an e-mail from me stating that you are officially accepted.

Please don’t send multiple e-mails asking if you are in. It is annoying and wastes my time.

Reservations: To reserve a spot, please navigate to the URL: http://prehibernationhike.eventbrite.com, click on the Register button and fill out the registration information.

Please note – the eventbrite system will send a e-mail confirming that your registration information was accepted. THIS IS NOT ATTENDANCE CONFIRMATION. I will be sending a personal e-mail to confirm if you have been accepted to the hike. Until you receive my personal confirmation e-mail you are not confirmed.

Number of hikers: I will be accepting registration for up to 30 hikers ONLY on a first come-first served basis in accordance with the number of rides available.

Rain cancellation: while rain may cancel the hike, heavy snowfall definitely will. Please check back later in the week and on the morning of the hike.

Questions?: Please read and re-read the above info. The answer to your question is probably in there.

Still have questions: Please e-mail me at joc_hike AT mlehmann DOT com, but beware – if I think that your question was already answered above, I will ignore it.

So keep that gear out just a little longer and I’ll see you on Sunday.

Now if you’ll excuse me, the voices are telling me to grill up some steaks.. who am I to argue...