Team Hike Spring 2005 (June 3 – June 5): State line trail NY/NJ border in Greenwood Lake to Route 17A in Greenwood Lake.
The weather for the weekend was 30% chance of showers on Friday night and Saturday morning with ample afternoon sunshine later in the day. Sunday was supposed to be warm and sunny. 30% chance of showers turned into 100% rain – downpour - for the entire night on Friday. Most hikers had intensions of leaving early and doing the short Friday hike during the afternoon. As it turned out the earliest anyone set out on the trail was 6:30 and the hike was anything but short. Billed as .75 miles up the hill and .4 miles on the trail this hike was a surprise for all that stepped into the woods. The blue and white markings were sketchy at best and it seemed to go up hill forever. To do this hike in the dark and rain is no fun with an efficiently packed load. To those who came in with the intention of turning around the next day and skipping to the road bearing creature comforts such as folding chairs and huge tarps (that would actually save the day) this hike had to be no fun. The two first time hikers on the trail must have wondered why anyone would ever do this twice. Just to make things even more confusing there was a third trail that intersected the State Line Trail with yellow blazes on it. It came later then three quarters of a mile so everyone that passed it questioned if that was actually a marking for the AT. Gramps and Sterni walked passed it only to hike back to it and then decide to continue on the Blue and white blazed trail. Hicks and Rooco mistook the yellow for white in the dark and actually spent (wasted) quite a bit of time on it. Everyone else was just confused about it including Spugs hiking up the next morning (nothing surprising about Spugs being confused on the trail though). Anyway it all worked out that night. There was a good spot when we actually hit the AT where we could hang tarps and build a fire and we were still able to cook a ton of delicious food. We were able to leave coolers in the cars/woods on Continental road so we could stock up for Saturday night.
Friday night
- Boner
- Rocco
- Gramps
- Sterni
- Hicks
- Gump
- Hummer
- Paul
- Dave
- Ron
Memorable moments:
· Sterni & Gramps went up first thinking they would be among the last to arrive. They got to hike in daylight and for the most part no rain. They almost got lost multiple times but somehow got to the AT and surveyed the area for a good place to camp.
· Boner, Gump and Hummer were originally slated to come up and start hiking early afternoon but things can quickly change. Boner had Gump do all the food shopping, cut all their veggies and then sent him out for booze. Then on the drive up he made Gump pull over for a half an hour so he could be in on a conference call. A cop pulled behind them and Boner quickly sent him packing telling him he was on a business call. Then they stopped at Campmor to meet up with Hummer and have him spend $350 on gear. By the time all was said and done they didn’t start to hike until 8PM, just in time for the rain to start and the dark to fall.
· Hicks and Rocco were originally slated to leave Montclair at 4:30. They were predictably side tracked by work and left much later. After getting lost in New Milford they also hit the wet trail well after sundown and got fooled into thinking the yellow blazes were white and found themselves on a ridgeline where the wind was blowing and Rocco was convinced he was going to catch hypothermia. They did not however spill one drop of Bushwhacker.
· Paul didn’t meet Dave until after 8 in Montclair so their hike started very late. This however was by design. These guys met up with the others on the trail and they all made it into camp by about 11.
· Ron made plans to go up with Paul and Dave. He said he was going to meet them at the trailhead at nine but realized when he actually got packed and on the road that he was going to be late. He then recalled the e-mail about the hike being very close to his house so he pulled over on 23 and checked his GPS. Sure enough it had him do a U-turn and guided him right to the trailhead. He wound up beating Paul and Dave to the parking lot by quite some time.
· Note from Gramps – I feel especially bad about Dave’s rookie hike. I have been telling him for years he needs to come and I also claimed that this hike would be easy and ideal for a single night. As it turned out Dave hiked in with a lot on his back including a heavy chair and great cooler of “Beer-garitas”. Not only did the hike SUCK because of it’s difficulty it also rained on him the entire time. While night one was a good time I don’t think Dave got the full Team Hike experience and hopefully we’ll see him out there again.
· Gump and Boner treated Hummer like a true rookie by making him buy a grate to cook on and having him carry it for three days. It turned out to be a great benefit for the rest of us though.
· Three tarps were hung, one for gear, one for gear and people and a huge one that everyone could sit under next to the fire and stay dry. Even though it was cool and wet the fire kept us warm.
· We ate very well as usual, Filet in the blueberry reduction sauce, Shrimp on skewers and bacon wrapped, spicy cheese quesadillas, thermo nuclear wings campfire potato chips.
· We also made it through quite a bit of Beer, the Beer-garitas, a gallon of Bushwhackers, wine and a horrible chalice of redbull and warm vodka.
· We partied until 4AM, once word got out that it was 4 everyone dropped what was going on and made for their sleeping bags.
· Only one tent was put up, Rocco’s four man tent. Everyone else slept under the huge tarp. As soon as the tent went up it was filled by Rocco, Sterni and the world’s best snoring tandem of Boner and Hummer. Apparently even Gump (who was put to bed by Hicks) slept better then Rocco and Sterni and he was only partially under a tarp and was rained on all night. Also contributing to their lack of sleep was the tent was pitched on what they thought was a root. As it turns out it was a stick and could have just been pulled from under the tent.
· Gramps was amazed at how fascinated Paul was in the morning watching nature. He waited patiently as a spider wound it’s web then like a demented pre-teen with a magnifying glass dropped an ant into it’s web and watched the spider toy with the trapped insect. Then they studied a frog lift his head out from under the leaves and hunt for flies.
· As promised by the weatherman the clouds did break and as we woke up we found ourselves able to make a great breakfast dry. We had instant oatmeal with nuts and M&Ms and some Turkey Spam sandwiches among some other snacks. Day two was on!
Saturday night
(In that night)
- Spugs
- Chet
- Carlo
- Gay Kevin
- Popper
(Left that morning)
- Paul
- Dave
- Ron
With the rain clearing up leaving the beautiful day behind the only thing we now had to worry about was the trail. Turns out we got lucky, this is one of the nicest sections that we have ever done and there were great views of Greenwood Lake at every peak. Much of the hike was along the ridge line and there really weren’t many ups and downs. Towards the end, the trail even turned into a very comfortable dirt path through really nice forests. We took our time hiking and after only a half an hour on the trail capped by a climb up a rock face that included a ladder made of 2 by 4s we sat for a half hour soaking in the sun. There was a nice breeze and from the rock we stopped on, over looking Greenwood Lake, we watched hawks fly overhead. We were pretty sure one wanted to come down and rip Gump’s eyeball out of his skull but they left him alone. After about another hour of hiking we came to a great ridge line perfect for lunch. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying the hike except for Hummer who was complaining about how out of shape he was. Carlo was up with his friend Kevin and we were supposed to meet them for lunch on the trail. (Poor Kevin never had a chance, we were busting his balls before we even met him. He was cast as one of Carlo’s merry men or gay Kevin and we didn’t let up when we met him.) Somehow from the time we talked to them we walked about 3 miles and they walked for about 1. After we sat for around a half hour eating our PB&J and pepperoni wraps they showed up. They had stopped on the other side of the ridge to wait for us and were probably there for about 40 minutes before they walked an additional 500 yards without their packs and found us. Carlo was sent back to get cold water and beer and after some prodding actually did it. After some beer and a shot for Boner and Gramps we moved on. We continued on the trail after lunch for about another 30 minutes when we found the camp spot we wanted to take for the night. There was a wide area on top of a cliff that had no trees. There was ample room here to set up a bunch of tents. In the trees there was a fire pit that would work for us for cooking and partying and there was room for other tents to be pitched in the trees. For some reason Hummer set his tent up in the middle of everyone, my guess is so he could prove what a snorer he really was. As we were resting on tarps and getting our gear together Spugs proved he was close by signaling us with his air horn. I’m sure the dear in the woods are now deaf. He started out on the trail a couple hours behind us and was able to finish only about 15 minutes after we were done. He told us he would have come on Friday night but since it was raining he decided to sleep in his own bed. Once camp was set up Boner, Gump, Sterni, Gramps, Hicks and Rooco started out towards the road with empty packs where the food and beer were waiting for us to restock. Also waiting was Chet with two bags of ice for us plus two gallons of water in his pack. Hicks and Rocco went to get Hicks’ car at the State Line parking lot so they could get out early the next morning. They also stopped for Gator Aid for the troops. As the rest started in on the trail Boner needed to borrow some napkins from Chet so he could relieve himself in the woods. He looked like he really needed the pit stop and told the rest he would meet up with them at camp. Gump had a great game to play and told us that it would make the hike seem like the shortest hike ever. It was Who would you rather bang?" Name 2 hotties and cast your vote. (On the way out the next morning Boner however was the best player providing expert insight on both choices.) Gump was right, that was the quickest hike ever! Back at the camp the directive was gather wood and get camp ready for our party. Gay Kevin being the Eagle Scout that he is gathered wood, chopped down a tree and set up a tepee in the fire ring. Everyone else there just kind of hung out and enjoyed the day. When everyone was back at camp the cooking began. We had appetizers on the cliff with Sterni and Boner hard at work on the stove. Spugs also made up some campfire hotdogs. Next thing you know there was a rumble in the shrubs. Everyone was a little nervous and with good reason, out of the woods emerged the Antelope. Popper made it up to hang with the boys and was as expected full of energy. He would later be seen sawing logs, being involved in 5 conversations simultaneously and running through the woods in the dark. After the appetizers everyone sat around the fire. It was very hot and we were pretty much too close to the ring. There wasn’t anyplace else to go though. At this point we just started to eat. First smothered chicken then came the Tuna (and bacon of course), pork loin and for desert more filet. To chase all of this we sucked down Jameson’s, Boons farm and other vodka concoctions. Gay Kevin became quite drunk at this point and went off into the woods to puke. Carlo left to hold his hair. Hummer who earlier declared he was going to get drunk on his second night of Team Hike did so and by 11 was having odd conversations mainly with himself. Chet broke out corn at midnight and it was piled on the fire. It was totally forgotten about until someone shouted it was burning. It came out quite nice, good job Chet! He also brought a bag of potatoes that were never cooked and instead he used them as tent bombs the next morning. It was a warm night causing an early waking on Sunday. Hicks and Rooco broke camp at around 5AM, cleaned up and hit the road. The rest of the hikers were up pretty early and those who didn’t wake up at first we awoken by Chet’s potatoes. It was a quick hike out to the road and Chet and Boner drove a bunch of us to get our cars at the parking lot. Popper was the last one out with the lovers Carlo and Gay Kevin in tow. We still haven’t heard from any of them. Boner, Gump, Sterni, Spugs, Hummer and Gramps went to the diner in Greenwood Lake for breakfast and to destroy their bathroom. We didn’t make it there before Gump left his cell phone on top of the car and had to go back and scrape it off the road. All and all a delightful trip!
The award for rookie of the year has to be handed out to Hummer. It has been so long since we’ve had multiple rookies on one trip and this was certainly a difficult choice. Dave came up with great supplies and Gay Kevin did a lot of work around the campfire endured a lot of abuse and puked but it was Hummer who stuck it out for two days. He carried the grill, bought a ton of gear and was annihilated on night two. Good job Hummer, you’d make any Team Hiker proud.
Memorable moments:
· So much food! Appetizers were Cheese and pepperoni quesadillas then we had hot dogs, smothered chicken, pork tenderloin (elephant cock), Cajon tuna, Filet, more bacon and campfire corn.
· In the morning Chet still had a bag of potatoes left that were not used. He decided that it would be a good idea to instead use them as tent bombs and started throwing them all over camp.
· Chet brought corn or as his people call it maize. Refused to drink wine when it was offered to him but he then turned around and drank it the rest of the night.
· Rocco the tree hugger who refused to pitch a tent, slept all night under the stars and woke up with a face full of mosquito bites.
· Popper was clearly the most motivated (or most likely on speed), cutting wood and running around the campsite at blazing speeds.
· Gump took a picture for the band’s new album cover. No one looked at the camera.
· Gramps had the best bandana - "Rex-Qwondo" You want a round house kick to the face in these bad boys?
· Gump made everyone shotgun beers both nights. Chet was disgusted by this and tried to convince everyone to protest it but got no one to boycott but himself. After he said he didn’t care as he sipped the beer through the shotgun hole.
· Chet, Hicks and Boner discuss how Gramps has harnessed the power of what we named "The Essence of Gramps"
The conversation started as Gramps had a captive audience that he was entertaining in his usual manner. As Carlo stood there with a look of admiration on his face I (Chet) could almost see the cartoon bubble over his head reading "I LOVE GRAMPS I WISH I WAS MORE LIKE HIM"
Bone proclaimed "that indeed Gramps has grown". I objected and said "He has not grown he has just learned of the power that he has and has learned to harness it" We all agreed and named this power "The Essence of Gramps."
All who know Gramps know of this power. Like when he enters in a party and people all at once yell Gramps or how he entertains a bus, ferry or bar room of strangers. How you know all the computer Geeks he works with love him and are probably thrilled he is on their techno dork team for some server/main frame based seminar (Sorry Sterni)
Those who knew Gramps in college know he was not as sure of his power and did not use it to it's full extent. Then around 1998 life changing events allowed this power to emerge this power was allowed to flourish for years and expand. His power has even survived getting married (Good Job Frank. One vagina for the rest of your Life Way to think things through)
We all must hope Gramps never turns and uses this power for evil purposes. For are JEDI of Drunkness would be a dangerous Sith. (Isn't that correct Flush)?
· F**k Gramps for the hike in....Yeah Gramps for the food and the hike on Saturday...F**k Me for tryin to be a nature boy and sleep in a homemade shelter(I'm covered in bug bites...came home with 3 ticks and a giant spider in my sleeping bag)Yeah Antelope "yeah"...Until we meet again in the woods "May your boots be dry, may your firewood be plentiful, and may Hummer pitch his tent as far away from you as possible" Treesleeper out
E-mails for this hike:
We don't know where but we know when, 6/3 through 6/5. If you have plans break them, mark your calendars and get ready to join us on this hike!
We'll send more info soon and probably a more fun e-mail to read then this.
If everyone can make it, that would be just super!!!
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I don’t have a copy of the drunk one we wrote, it needs to be pasted here. Anyone have it?
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OK, here are the directions and a few details.
1) Night one, hike up the State line trail 3/4 of a mile and make a right on the Appalachian Trail. About .4 miles up seems like where we will be looking to camp. You should be able to get us on a cell phone.
2) Night two campers will start on Continental Road and head South for about 1/2 a mile. When you cross the clearing for the power lines you know you are close to where we will be.
3) Those going both nights can stash a cooler either in a car or in the woods with supplies (food and beer) for night two to make sure the packs are light on Saturday.
4) I heard through the grapevine that Popper is engaged, can this be true?
5) For those of you that are scared of a hike I assure you all that either night will be team camp with very easy access to the spots.
6) We are going to be only a few miles from Ron's house. No excuses for him to miss this!
Blow up my cellie if you want to talk, really about anything, there are many on this e-mail I haven't heard from in a while...
- Gramps 973 493 6371
- Boner 215 260 1972
- Gump 215 694 3118
Also e-mail me if you want to talk about a menu for either night.
Peace out Yo!
Directions: Night One
1. Take NY Thruway (I 87) North to exit 15A, Route 17.
2. At bottom of ramp turn Left onto RT 17.
3. Pass through Tuxedo Park and Make a left onto 17A
4. When you cross the lake you'll come to a fork in the road make a left here on 210 south
(This is the opposite direction that you'd go for Team Extreme.) 5. At some point this 210 becomes Lakeside Drive.
6. Pass PJ Steakhouse on your left, cross into NJ
7. Make a right into dirt parking lot across from Greenwood Lake Marina. There is a welcome to West Milford Township sign at the turn. There is parking at the top of the lot. The trail head is well marked on the left side of the parking lot. It is the State Line Trail.
Night Two is the same thing except instead of making a left on 210 go right. Bear left up the hill on Continental Road. Park in the lot at the top of the hill. This is the same lot we use for Team Extreme. Enter the woods from the same side of the road you park on NOT the same trailhead that you would take for Team Extreme. We will be camping very close to the road, from the book it says Pass through a power line clearing with good views to the East. The summit of Mt. Peter is to the west. That will be a .5 miles, we'll find the best place to camp just south of this clearing.
If you were coming from where Ron lives I would just take the Union Valley Road exit off of 23 and follow it up to 513 then to Lakeshore Drive. We are only going to be about 15 or 20 minutes from where he lives. I think from Wayne the easiest way up is to take Skyline drive through Ringwood and that will take you right into Greenwood Lake. I'll leave you peeps to look on mapquest to check those directions for yourselves.
Anyway this spring's hike looks like it is going to be awesome. The weather will be warm but not hot and Greenwood Lake this time of year is very scenic! I'm sending out another e-mail with directions, please take a second and reply to me and let me know if that is a good e-mail address for you or if you want it changed to another one. You can also let me know if I need to add anyone. We've got about 100 ABFS addresses but I don't think the messages are being received by the intended recipients.
Come on up and hang with us, It sounds like there could be 4 or 5 newcomers already. Friday and Saturday will each be very easy hikes and for those of you who are going to man up the 5.5 mile hike Saturday looks like fun! Light weight kid! By the way, rumor has it Friday night's menu will be Filet, Shrimp with all the fixings. You'll definitely eat better then when you are home!