Event Recaps
Another splendid Sunday, another hike recap email... Another weather friend...
See Full Recap...
On a mild late January Wednesday evening eighteen wild JOCers made a brief ...
See Full Recap...
On a perfectly warm, but not too hot (and thankfully no rain!) sunny Sunday...
See Full Recap...
Congratulations to all the 16 mountain goats, I mean hikers, who completed ...
See Full Recap...
Congratulations to all the intrepid hikers who completed JOC’s Fall Foliage...
See Full Recap...
Fellow skiers and 'boarders, Thanks everyone for a great day on the slopes!...
See Full Recap...
This was a Grrrreat and freeziing event! A number of nutty JOC members prov...
See Full Recap...
Event
- Title:
- FALL HIKING CHALLENGE
- When:
- Sun, Oct 18, 2009
- Category:
- Hiking
Description
UPDATE: This hike is now closed to passengers. There are still a few spots available for drivers or train commuters. Registration will close at midnight as we enter Thursday, October 15. -Nachi
ORGANIZER: Nachi Winkler
CONTACT INFO: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DATE: Sunday, October 18, 2009
WHERE: Hudson Highlands State Park
DESCRIPTION
This hike is not for the faint of heart or the weak in the knees (or ankles, calves, or any other bodily extremities). As an unnamed JOCer exclaimed on the last hike I led: “all this climbing makes me feel like an animal!” Well once again we’re here to satisfy the animal inside you. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get on all fours to scale the infamous beast known as Breakneck Ridge then join me if you dare. The following is meant to scare away those of you with any doubts and capture the hearts of the fit and experienced among you:
“The steep windswept spine of Breakneck Ridge is considered the most difficult and rugged ascent in the [Hudson] Highlands. Rising from nearly sea level…to 1100 feet…in less that 0.5 mile, it is a rock scramble requiring an all-fours approach…and it’s not a good choice for unfit hikers or ones with bad knees…This is an aerobic workout of intense effort.” (Appalachian Mountain Club’s Best Day Hikes in the Catskills & Hudson Valley)
There you have it folks, anything but a Sunday stroll in the park. This is the steepest climb in the lower Hudson Valley and I’m told its one of the tougher climbs in the entire Northeast. So to reiterate you must be in reasonably good shape, have healthy knees, good balance, agility, and stamina. When you register you will be asked to demonstrate this with examples from your recent hiking experience.
If at this point you are feeling a bit light-headed or feel a sudden urge to reach for your inhaler not to fear- their will be one or two milder fall foliage hikes for you to look forward to so choose your adventure wisely.
Distance: 9+ miles
Book Time: 6 hours (which could translate into 7-8 hours for a group)
Elevation Gain: approximately 1400 feet
Difficulty Level: very strenuous (rock scrambles, steep climbs, moderate to quick pace)
Hike Features: 7 or more view points, including reaching at least 3 summits. Views include: Clarence Fahnestock State Park to the east; the Hudson River & Storm King State Park to the southwest; the Shawangunks & (if its very clear) the Catskills to the north, and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to the northwest. The trail also crosses 2 brooks and hopefully we’ll catch some of fall foliage!
WHAT TO BRING
Essentials: $3 JOC fee, a good attitude, minimum 2 liters of water (3 liters is recommended), lunch, snacks, backpack, ankle-supporting hiking boots or trail shoes, sun hat or baseball cap, sunscreen, extra layer (long sleeve tee/fleece sweatshirt), rain gear
Optional: binoculars, camera, sunglasses, extra pair of socks, energy bars/extra snacks, trekking poles, compass, Swiss army knife, flashlight
Disclaimer: We reserve the right to turn down anybody who arrives without proper gear, especially but not limited to, missing backpack, water, or inappropriate footwear.
RAIN CANCELLATION POLICY
Cloud cover or overcast weather will not cancel. Steady rain and even light rain will cancel the hike. Drizzle or mist will probably cancel due to slipperiness. I will give out my phone number to registered participants only and you can check with me morning of if conditions are questionable. Rain check date TBA.
TRANSPORTATION & MEETING DETAILS
There is a Metro-North train that leaves from Grand Central Station and stops at the Breakneck Ridge stop, which is walking distance from (but not exactly at) the trail head. For more information about this travel option visit: www.mta.info.
While I will try to arrange the hike start time (and projected end time) to accommodate the train schedule, train travelers are on your own to find out about the details of the commute and to get to the trail head on time.
The rest of us will be traveling by carpools. Thank you to all drivers in advance. I will be facilitating but not arranging rides for passengers. Contact information about volunteer drivers from your area will be sent to passengers via email and you will be responsible to contact them to secure your ride. If necessary, you may be asked to meet your driver at a meeting point of convenience.
Passengers: Please be courteous to drivers since they are volunteering their services. Don’t book a ride with multiple drivers, bring exact change, and pay your driver appreciation fee BEFORE being asked. We are suggesting that drivers leaving from Manhattan and nearby points in New Jersey are reimbursed $10 by each passenger and those leaving from other NYC boroughs or further sections of NJ are reimbursed $12-15 to cover additional tolls.
Meeting time (it will be a morning start), location, and directions will be provided to registered participants only in a separate email.
COST: $3 JOC Fee, plus $10-15 driver appreciation fee (passengers please bring exact change)
REGISTRATION
Send me an email with the following information clearly and put Breakneck Ridge hike in the subject line (incomplete registrations may be rejected):
Drivers: full name, email address, phone #, area leaving from, # of passengers you can drive, name at least two strenuous hikes you’ve successfully completed in the last 2 years
Passengers: full name, email address, phone #, area leaving from, area you can meet a ride if necessary, name at least two strenuous hikes you’ve successfully completed in the last 2 years
Commuters: full name, email address, phone #, indicate that you are planning to take the train, indicate if you’d like to be put in touch with other train commuters, name at least two strenuous hikes you’ve successfully completed in the last 2 years
Notes:
-Registration will be limited to a maximum of 25 people.
-First come, first served basis unless there is an overflow of non-drivers, in which case drivers will be given preference to accommodate carpool needs.
-Disclaimer: By registering, you are agreeing to allow the organizer to share your email address and/or phone number with the rest of the participants for the purpose of arranging carpools.
ORGANIZER: Nachi Winkler
CONTACT INFO: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DATE: Sunday, October 18, 2009
WHERE: Hudson Highlands State Park
DESCRIPTION
This hike is not for the faint of heart or the weak in the knees (or ankles, calves, or any other bodily extremities). As an unnamed JOCer exclaimed on the last hike I led: “all this climbing makes me feel like an animal!” Well once again we’re here to satisfy the animal inside you. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get on all fours to scale the infamous beast known as Breakneck Ridge then join me if you dare. The following is meant to scare away those of you with any doubts and capture the hearts of the fit and experienced among you:
“The steep windswept spine of Breakneck Ridge is considered the most difficult and rugged ascent in the [Hudson] Highlands. Rising from nearly sea level…to 1100 feet…in less that 0.5 mile, it is a rock scramble requiring an all-fours approach…and it’s not a good choice for unfit hikers or ones with bad knees…This is an aerobic workout of intense effort.” (Appalachian Mountain Club’s Best Day Hikes in the Catskills & Hudson Valley)
There you have it folks, anything but a Sunday stroll in the park. This is the steepest climb in the lower Hudson Valley and I’m told its one of the tougher climbs in the entire Northeast. So to reiterate you must be in reasonably good shape, have healthy knees, good balance, agility, and stamina. When you register you will be asked to demonstrate this with examples from your recent hiking experience.
If at this point you are feeling a bit light-headed or feel a sudden urge to reach for your inhaler not to fear- their will be one or two milder fall foliage hikes for you to look forward to so choose your adventure wisely.
Distance: 9+ miles
Book Time: 6 hours (which could translate into 7-8 hours for a group)
Elevation Gain: approximately 1400 feet
Difficulty Level: very strenuous (rock scrambles, steep climbs, moderate to quick pace)
Hike Features: 7 or more view points, including reaching at least 3 summits. Views include: Clarence Fahnestock State Park to the east; the Hudson River & Storm King State Park to the southwest; the Shawangunks & (if its very clear) the Catskills to the north, and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to the northwest. The trail also crosses 2 brooks and hopefully we’ll catch some of fall foliage!
WHAT TO BRING
Essentials: $3 JOC fee, a good attitude, minimum 2 liters of water (3 liters is recommended), lunch, snacks, backpack, ankle-supporting hiking boots or trail shoes, sun hat or baseball cap, sunscreen, extra layer (long sleeve tee/fleece sweatshirt), rain gear
Optional: binoculars, camera, sunglasses, extra pair of socks, energy bars/extra snacks, trekking poles, compass, Swiss army knife, flashlight
Disclaimer: We reserve the right to turn down anybody who arrives without proper gear, especially but not limited to, missing backpack, water, or inappropriate footwear.
RAIN CANCELLATION POLICY
Cloud cover or overcast weather will not cancel. Steady rain and even light rain will cancel the hike. Drizzle or mist will probably cancel due to slipperiness. I will give out my phone number to registered participants only and you can check with me morning of if conditions are questionable. Rain check date TBA.
TRANSPORTATION & MEETING DETAILS
There is a Metro-North train that leaves from Grand Central Station and stops at the Breakneck Ridge stop, which is walking distance from (but not exactly at) the trail head. For more information about this travel option visit: www.mta.info.
While I will try to arrange the hike start time (and projected end time) to accommodate the train schedule, train travelers are on your own to find out about the details of the commute and to get to the trail head on time.
The rest of us will be traveling by carpools. Thank you to all drivers in advance. I will be facilitating but not arranging rides for passengers. Contact information about volunteer drivers from your area will be sent to passengers via email and you will be responsible to contact them to secure your ride. If necessary, you may be asked to meet your driver at a meeting point of convenience.
Passengers: Please be courteous to drivers since they are volunteering their services. Don’t book a ride with multiple drivers, bring exact change, and pay your driver appreciation fee BEFORE being asked. We are suggesting that drivers leaving from Manhattan and nearby points in New Jersey are reimbursed $10 by each passenger and those leaving from other NYC boroughs or further sections of NJ are reimbursed $12-15 to cover additional tolls.
Meeting time (it will be a morning start), location, and directions will be provided to registered participants only in a separate email.
COST: $3 JOC Fee, plus $10-15 driver appreciation fee (passengers please bring exact change)
REGISTRATION
Send me an email with the following information clearly and put Breakneck Ridge hike in the subject line (incomplete registrations may be rejected):
Drivers: full name, email address, phone #, area leaving from, # of passengers you can drive, name at least two strenuous hikes you’ve successfully completed in the last 2 years
Passengers: full name, email address, phone #, area leaving from, area you can meet a ride if necessary, name at least two strenuous hikes you’ve successfully completed in the last 2 years
Commuters: full name, email address, phone #, indicate that you are planning to take the train, indicate if you’d like to be put in touch with other train commuters, name at least two strenuous hikes you’ve successfully completed in the last 2 years
Notes:
-Registration will be limited to a maximum of 25 people.
-First come, first served basis unless there is an overflow of non-drivers, in which case drivers will be given preference to accommodate carpool needs.
-Disclaimer: By registering, you are agreeing to allow the organizer to share your email address and/or phone number with the rest of the participants for the purpose of arranging carpools.
EventList powered by schlu.net
Apple picking
Backpacking
Biking
Bouldering
Camping
Canoeing
Canyoneering
Caving
Fishing
Hanggliding
Hiking
Horseback-Riding
Hot Air Ballooning
Ice Climbing
Ice Skating
In-Line Skating
Kayaking
Kitesurfing
Naturalist Tour
Paintball
Rappelling
Rock Climbing
Sailing
Skiing
Skydiving
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Snowtubing
River Tubing
Waterskiing
Whitewater-rafting
Comments
Stats
16 adventurous Jews, 11 men, 5 women, 55 degree weather, 6 hours and 20 minutes, approximately 9 miles, approximately 1400 feet of elevation gain, not one but two summits, 8 viewpoints, zero injuries, and zero shoe fatalities equal one awesome fall hiking challenge!
Trail Route
We started out at around sea level at Breakneck Point and scaled the steepest climb in the Hudson Highlands via the Breakneck Ridge (white) trail. We were rewarded with nice views of the Hudson, Storm King Mountain, and Pollepel Island (or what’s left of it) including Bannerman Castle. We continued along the ridge through the woods catching some views of the fading fall foliage to the southeast. We finally reached Sunset Point at 1 PM where we played the ‘how many Jews can we fit on the platform’ game. This afforded us a view of the Hudson and points northwest, including the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. Since we had reached our pre-set turn around time, we retraced our steps along white to the turnoff for the Notch (blue) trail which quickly met up with the Wilkinson Memorial (yellow) trail. This would be our not so well marked route all the way back to our cars.
After a short climb we came to a viewpoint facing northwest and promptly set up camp for lunch. A flurry of activity followed including setting up men’s and women’s restrooms, donning winter gear and warm layers, photo shoots, a quick topo map reading workshop, and of course lunch.
Well-fed, we continued our expedition along the ghost trail that was sometimes yellow, sometimes white (due to faded trail markers, and sometimes no-existent. We descended into the valley and followed the gentle Cascade Brook for a while before ascending (again!) Sugarloaf Mountain to catch our most spectacular views of the day up and down the Hudson with the fall foliage twinkling in the fading sunlight of a crisp autumn afternoon. Descending along the steep and rocky south side of Sugarloaf brought us back down to the road a short walk from our cars about a half hour before sunset. Even the train commuters squeezed into any cars that were heading south, except for Scott who re-assembled his pocket bicycle and pedaled off into the sunset never to be heard from again.
Weather Report
Despite another stormy Shabbos, we enjoyed perfectly sunny weather, minimal mud, maximum slippery fallen leaves, and some leftover fall foliage, especially when facing south.
[To learn more about why leaves change color in the fall check out: http://www.google.com/search?q=why+do+the+leaves+change+color&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7RNWN_en]
Health Report
16 in and 16 out, 100% survival rate. For the first time no shoe fatality was reported on a Nachi-led hike but we did have one injured tire (Sorry you missed the hike Michal, we’ll have to revisit Breakneck next season together).
If you haven’t already, inspect yourself for ticks. (A red ring with a black dot in the center resembling a bulls’ eye should be shown to a medical professional.)
Thank You Section
Thank you to:
- All the generous drivers, most of us could not have gotten there without you, literally.
- Metro-North for delivering several of us to the trail head safely.
- Shmuel C. for picking up & bringing the walkie-talkies & first aid kit.
- All those who took a turn leading, we could not have lost the trail or each other so many times without your guidance.
- All those who took a turn sweeping, especially Shmuel C. and Mel B.
- Larry M. for volunteering to carry the group first aid kit and to G-d for not giving us reason to use it.
- Morris Didia for initiating the idea for this hike in the beginning of September and for stalking me with one-line reminder emails almost every week since then until I actually acted upon it.
Thank you all for joining me on another exciting adventure. For those who may have been disappointed, I’m sorry that we did not make it all the way to South Beacon Mountain. Maybe next year we’ll try again before they change the clocks. I hope to see you again soon at other JOC events. Check the website for upcoming trips and have a great winter.