Black River Expedition in the Rain

A rainy day, a good day for an expedition to the forest so off we went to the Black River in Hacklebarney State Park. Let me tell you we were the only ones there. I did see a lot of signs saying you are in bear country, however due to the rain they stayed indoors. The bears are smarter then the SPES. It wasnt exactly a very large expedition for it is early in the season and this seemed like a good way to break in the hiking boots. Not to much to view in wildlife but the scenery was actually very good. Wood, rocks and water. Trees all around, water falling from the sky and running in the river and rocks everywhere, some as large as houses. A good portion of the trail requires a fair bit of hiking over the rocks which makes for a good adventure but makes for tough going if a bear is after our lunch. Irina had the lunch in her pack so all we had to do, should it come to that, was outrun her.

A couple of rough days at work, and now is the time to start planning the next expedition. There is so much to chose from festivals, kayaking a hike with a waterfall view. I sometimes think the best part is planning out and preparing for the expedition, but then the views just make you change your mind. Going to see a friend of mine play in Dunellen Friday night and then getting set for a small hike (Buttermilk Falls Loop) hopefully. Check in with the rest of the society and off we go.

Work beats you down and a hike picks you up.

Sometimes we need to remember to carefully plan things out. When we have a lot of choices and confusion sets in, we tend to forget plan it out ahead of time. Today I couldn't decide weather to ride down the shore or in the mountains. In the end I only made it to a local park.
The good part about it, I had found that this local park has a lot of amenities the society can use. Good bike course, boat ramp, and food cooking facilities. I guess the best plans are the ones that just made up as you go along. I hope my fellow comrades are having success with their fungus finds. Kayaking tomorrow and then back to work.

It seems that the best point of view is the one in the great outdoors. I only got in one paddle during the spring and this photo was the best point of view. Two thirds of the society will be off to Monticello for mushroom picking, I wish them success and hope they can get some point of view photos to post. Let the Expeditions begin and may it all be fun.

The South Plainfield Expeditionary Society (spes for short) is a group of friends who enjoy the outdoors. Hiking,Kayaking,biking along with music,food, wine, coffee and the many other joys of life. This is a spot for us to post or photos,expeditions and the many other adventures that life throws at us. Hopefully others will join and follow the spiritual journeys and joys that the great outdoors and life can bring. Anything can be an expedition weather it is a vacation or a walk around the block. I hope everybody finds their expedition enjoyable.