New Years Eve Paddle

What a nice New Years Eve. Temps were very comfortable to take a canoe trip. Nothing fancy just a paddle around the local pond. We left at early morning and enjoyed 2-3 hrs of just cruising through the waters.

I think the mild weather fooled the critter's of nature as we saw a couple of turtles enjoying a bask in the sun. What a better way to end a year then to just head to a body of water and paddle through it.

The exercise was great, the comradely was fun and the views for a December in NJ even better.

The part that shocked me was finding a shell on a freshwater pond bank. Well once again a great end to another year. Happy New Year to all and Hike on.....

Songbird Trail

Took a ride down the Songbird trail in the Dismal Swamp. I am glad to see some development going on.
After the hurricane it was nice to get back to some trails. Not to much water laft and not to many puddles. Didnt take any pictures it was an unexpected ride.
If you get a chance a quick walk, jog, bike through helps get you back to the connection with Mother Nature. It is good to see that despite the urban development around here, a simple trail in the woods can make you feel connected to nature.

Myrtle Beach Sunrise

Long time since a post has been made. We have not gotten out much and have not had the time for a great expedition. However SC is always nice, especially watching the sunrise. Would have videoed it but pics will have to do. Enjoy.

Point Mtn. Hunterdon Parks System

A very nice Autumn day to hike. Slic picked a good spot in the Hunterdon County Parks system. Right off of rt.31 along the Musconetcong river. Good weather, good friends the great outdoors around you it eliminates all the stress.

Started out the red trail followed it around to the scenic overlook. A great view, had some lunch and travelled on. Its hard to believe that we were a little sluggish, gotta to change the name to 2 old farts. Ah give us a few hikes we'll be back in shape(right).

I lighten my pack to about 18 lbs. however I need to pack some weight back in. Looking forward to a few more hikes to post and more pictures cause I took a lot today. Hope you enjoy the photos cause i enjoyed taking em.

First Fall Paddle

They are kinda hard to see but caught a picture of 2 blue herons basking in the morning sun. I only had my cell phone camera with me(yes I took my cell kayaking)forgot the other camera. A little warm this morning but sunny breezy and enjoyable. Only spent about 1 hour paddling around but it was the first of the fall paddles, many more to come hopefully.

NJ wildlife expo as assunpink wildlife today and tomorrow and its free! Even says some kayaking info hope to get there. Its Autumn get out and enjoy it.

Sandy Hook Bike Ride and it's still Summer

You gotta love the way we made summer from Memorial day to Labor day. Here it is still summer and a great day for a ride. As a matter of fact it was packed the lots were full people in the water, fishing going on, tours of the Hamilton Fort area. My favorite part it didn't cost me 10 bucks to park and play. Mark that down as the best value for your dollar in this state. All the parks after Labor day no admission fee.

All together with a friend we did 10.2 miles riding, got to see a great view of the city( I believe its Brooklyn) had a beer and cheese fries a good day.Lots of sunshine lots of exercise and good company. Also the JETS won. While we still have some nice days get out and enjoy them.

Bike, Hike, Paddle, Run just get out and have fun!

Bike Ride

Its been awhile since I last posted. I can be like allot of people and blame it on the poor economy and as much its to blame i have just been overworked, under payed and exhausted. So how to solve this problem? Take a bike ride!

Now I was gonna go a paddling, however I choose a short ride. I must remember its been a month and half since I rode, a torn Achilles and other foot problems incapacitated me for a period of time. Yet today I gave it the old college try. A little over 7.2 miles round trip and I'm toast. Getting old really sucks. It did bring some renewed energy of the things I love to do and the great outdoors, but it did make me realize father time is a creeping up on me.

From SP to Piscataway Silver lake park. Got some pictures taken while I was riding, hope to get to hiking and paddling and the economy turns around. Remember save the State and Federal parks it might be all we have left.

A Short Hike

The SPES had made two new recruits. When you have 60 degree temps, sunshine, what do you do? Take a hike. We shuffled off close to home at Hacklebarney, a truly wonderful short hike. I think it was a total of 3.4 miles. It was also opening day of trout season so the Black river was full of fisherman. Karen and Cathy came along for the hike, looking for something simple not to complicated, this is the spot. You get to hike along the river, no steep climbs, but some challenging bouldering, it's just a simple walk in the woods.

Hopefully all that where hiking or fishing there got to enjoy a wonderful day also. We live through so much stress and anxiety nowadays. Financial tension job loss and pressure, we need to let go. If you do cost evaluation it breaks down like this. My two friends, free, (no offense their ladies), water from the water station, pretty much free, gas and mileage 3.98. The sound of the Black River,the russeling of the leaves under foot, the sunshine, great conversation and company, Priceless. When all of the anxiety gets to you, pack your bag and take a hike, a bike ride, paddle in a kayak. If you get outdoors Mother Nature will help you let go for a little while, she helped me yesterday.

Today my basement gets repaired the dog goes nuts over the jackhammer, I believe I need another hike. Now get out there and HIKE!

Pequest Fish Hatchery Open House

Sometimes an expedition is nothing more than visiting a tourist spot. Today's tourist spot is the fish hatchery, opening day is approaching and they run one every year. It is a lot of fun. The part that made it an expedition was i took my parents. I believe as much as Dad loves fishing with bad wheels its kinda tough, yet Mom loves the flea markets. I needed the brownie points.

First we went to the fish hatchery for the event, lasted about an hour and a half. Then we stopped at Johnny's Hot Dog stand(the world famous Johnny's), my dad the hot dog lover has never been there. He was glad though he couldn't understand no sauerkraut and the 35 minute wait time.

And last but not least we stopped at Spruce Run to admire the view. My parents can't hike nor they ever, but they do appreciate the views in Nature. So after admiring the solo wind surfer and the clean water we packed up the the Saturn and home we went.

Parents had fun, I did my good deed and enjoyed my parents company. We never know how much time we have left to enjoy their company. No matter what we must enjoy the time and moments that we have, a walk, a hike, fishing and all other things we do be thankful. Hope Mom and Dad had as much fun as I did.

Thanks for the company.

The First Signs of Spring

After such a tough couple of weeks with snow and rain, it finally was here. The first signs of spring.

We got hit with water and wind. Flooding in town, high winds with power outages. what else could happen? I haven't had the time to post with job searching part time employment, home modifications it just never seems to end. However, today we launched.

It is not like I haven't gone on hikes or anything, but finding the time to post is the killer. To all those other blogger and posters I don't know how they do it.

Anyway took a break and paddled locally at the lake, and turtles let me know that spring is here, if only temporary.

Hopefully the spring will be prosperous and we can get some expeditions under way and better news will come our way.

The Art of Walking

The simple task of walking has become an art. We forgot how to walk, yet we walk everyday. I work with disabled individuals and they understand the art of walking. Nothing should be taking for granted. Appreciation for the world outside our four walls is a fading thought. If you try to save the earth your a tree hugger, we have forgotten balance. Hence walking has become an art. It is much more convenient to get in your car and drive to your destination, and then you need to get the closest spot to park. We then look at a time to venture out and we need to calculate the distance and time to say I did this many miles in this amount of time. It takes a lot nowadays to just slow down and small the coffee (as the expression goes).
Let us break down the art of walking. We shall go in steps(nice pun).
1. Pick a spot. The hardest part of all, but for short we'll say the park.(2 blocks away)
2. Put on your shoes, sneaks, boots, you know what I'm talking about.
3.Open the door and close it behind you.
4.Walk!!!!!!!
5.Eliminate all thoughts, empty your mind. See the trees, flowers, animals and kids(that are not yours)having fun. Breath in the air, not recycled through the A/C or some other purifying device. Hear the birds and nature as you walk. Find the serenity of nature and respect it. Remember the joys of your youth in the great outdoors(even if it was in the woods drinking Boones Farm).
6.Go home a feel less stressed.
We dont need to go overboard with walking just need to remember to do it while we can.

Pyramid Mountain

Some steep climbs and as always follow the maps

Notice my feats of strength!!

What I thought would be a short easy 2-3 mile hike turned out be a good six mile hike. I had read other comments on Pyramid Mountain, thought it to be simple. Ha, I was wrong. It was a lovely day temps comfortable, I believed we overdressed and their were a lot of hikers out there. That makes the SPES a happy group. Anyway back to the hike, good inclines some steep, and rocky plus a great view from the top. You can also see the Tripod rock formed from the glaciers. (As a sceptic I believe somebody got a crane up there).

We followed the blue trail to the yellow up to tripod rock then the red/white to blue back to red over to white and made it back. We found a lost family out there worrying about it getting dark, not knowing the markings but Keith bravely lead them home. They thanked us and we shook hands and returned to home base. I in the mean time had text ed my wife, because I believed we were lost also, imagine that the SPES lost. However due to our wonderful SPES sweatshirts we looked professional and they believed us. It was my fault my GPS batteries had died time to return to the old fashion compass and map. Orienteering classes next. Good thing Keith had a clue, in the woods okay we just got lost following road directions. Ah I love these Sunday expeditions. Remember compass and maps are your best friends out there. Next week another adventure maybe during the week some rants about unemployment.Now get out there and hike!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all. It doesn't seem like much to be thankful for yet we strive to keep our heads up and remember what are forefathers came here for. Same thing we complain about Today. I am thankful to all those in the service keeping us safe, a hearty Thank you and keep safe. Remember after that big meal to take a nice hike and enjoy the outdoors, a nice Nor-Easter tomorrow and black Friday may prevent some from enjoying a truly wonderful outdoor experience. I naturally will be at the beach. Happy Thanksgiving once again.

Chester is not enjoying the Holidays, no turkey for him!!!

Bass River and the economy

The time has come to finally let it all out. This economy SUCKS!!!!! Big Time. Not only do we have to fight the depression, anxiety and wonders plus doubts of job security and financial stability, now it effects our expeditions. that's just wrong. we are to go out and see this great country of ours and let them know what the beauty of it all. I now get to deal with the pressures of a weak economy instead of trips.

However, I finally got to take a hike with the SPES to non-other than Bass River park. A 2 hour drive and a six mile hike will make you feel a little better. Also found something you don't see to much of any more a phone booth. Anyway we had a tough choice to make on this trip and Bass River won the draw of the cards. Nice lake , campsites and Even lean-to's. Hopefully next time we can camp out for the night. We were hoping to find the Batano trail 49.5 miles a nice trek one weekend. I hope that things turn around so that the US doesn't have to lose it's self worth and have a nation depressed from all. My suggestion is to go out and seek the great outdoors.

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.