Princeton Canal Paddle

After some bad weather with rain and wind, a beautiful autumn day like today lead to a paddling expedition. We were joined by some friends and we packed up the mini van to the canal at Princeton. The sun was shining there was a slight breeze to keep you cool as we paddled our way down the Raritan canal. Had time to stop for a small snack on the banks and return back to go pumpkin picking.

On days like this you truly get to appreciate the fall season. We seem to take it for granted, thinking more of the leaves to rake up then the beauty that it brings. To me summer is to hot but the fall has some wonderful days.

We also made a quick stop at the Terhune farms with pumpkin picking live music and hay rides.

Not bad for a Sunday drive or paddle. Once again good friends and family with some outdoor activity, this is truly priceless.

Nor-easter

It seems that when their is something going on outside it makes a better expedition. Rain, snow, a little gusty wind just adds a tad bit of adventure challenge to it. I do not profess in storm chasing, personally I would chase maybe one, but smart judgement is essential.

The society got together a few votes for the Mt Schooley and then the choice of Pt. Pleasant was set. Checked out the beach web cam 20 mph winds, pounding surf and the Tiki Bar.

Took a walk along the beach to the jetty climbed up and enjoyed the power of mother nature.

The good part about an expedition here is you don't need to pack so much. We did think of stopping at Allaire State Park and checking it out, we haven't been there since we were kids.

Time once again is a factor in all we do. Between the work schedule and maintaining the homes we try to get in as much as we can during these autumn months.

It was a good choice for the shore and hopefully the next choice will be as good.

The Essentials; Stoves

As the fall and winter approach its time for the essentials list.
1. Warm comfortable clothing
2.Good waterproof boots
3.A hat and gloves
4.A stove
Nothing like a good cup of noodles or soup on the trail. A great website that helped me develop my stove www.Zenstoves.net. Anybody can build one and if like Heineken their keg cans work the best. Check out the site lots of good info and tech advice on tweaking your stove or building your own.
Wont work if your climbing Mt.Everest, but does the job for Jenny Jump.
Happy cooking on the trails.
Maybe next some good old fashion recipes, if you got some send em over.

It seems the weekends go quick. We didn't get a chance to plan a big hike but we got a quickie in, Cheesequake State Park. Once again in our own backyard we forget about the abundance and convenience of what is available to us. The trails are red, blue and green a quick 20 minutes to 90 minutes. They have a center that contains some good history about the Indians in the area with some artifacts. The turtle tank and fish where fun to look and play with, also, they Even run some programs and clinics. One coming up in January is about children surviving a hike when lost from a group. Not to many people are aware of what to do. I know my Grandpa was the one that showed me what to do to survive the outdoors and respect for nature, he truly was one with the natural elements.

God Bless gramps and thanks for teaching me what you did.

And for our environmental scientist I included the Turtle pics.

Coming soon 50 hikes in 50 states.

Avallino's in Dunellen

Friday night's at Avallino's a friend of mine does his one man band show. Ricky has been around in the Labor day paradre in town as well as all over the city in his Jonny On suit. His quite the creative individual a very creative mind,\. I find it amazing that he built the electronic drum kit that he plays with his feet by himself and just straps the harmonica to his guitar. I would have just brought the drum kit and be done with it. I only got to stay for one set(we old farts need adequite sleep) but it was great to Ricky out and getting paid for his talents. Every first Friday at Avallino's stop by and see Rick support our local talent.
Great show Rick good tune selection.Wish you the best.


Now its back to the grind, more artwork to do and figuring out to do 50 hikes in 50 states.

The greatest expedition we face is life. It seems everyday new challenges arise to test us and see if we can continue to go on. I am trying to mention any political rants or gripe about the economy as everyone else, however the recession has changed allot on travel and leisure. where as before a quick flight to some other area was easily accessible the new travel plans are local. i have learned an exploration within a few miles has opened my eyes to what is available in our local area. Spring lake park in the autumn AM with the mist rising off the pond and a lonely heron basking in the shallow pools makes appreciate the local flair. More importantly instead of letting the troubled times bear you down go out and find those local expeditions and put the political buffoons and recession blues behind you.
Sounds like a new song to write the Recession Blues.
Go seek out and explore forget the other stuff the outdoors revitalizes mind and body and spirit.

Long Island Wine Trail

What a better expedition then the L.I. Wine Trail. Who ever came up with the wine trail concept hats off to em. Got to sample some good wines but mostly got to spend time with family and friends.

Found our way off to Orient Point, the furthest point on Long Islands northern fork.We where out in the rain, but still found time to hike along. Then still within the day as the weather lightened up we hit a couple of wineries. Good food, good friends and some time to enjoy the sun on Sunday AM.

For a 2-3 hr drive it is quite enjoyable and a great place for an expedition.