First Mini-Ocktoberfest Camping Trip
Camping Bald Rocks at Harriman
Original trip description:
Whaaat?!? "Mini-Ocktoberfest"?!? That's right campers, it's October, we're doing an overnight, and so, instead of heading out to overpriced revelries in any of the 10 beer gardens right off the MTA/PATH trains, or driving upstate to drink with "conservative Republicans", bring your favorite German beer and sausage and we'll do it like German's used to do it - sharing our beers, not charging for them - back before it got all commercialized! Word. (If you're actually going to Germany for Ocktoberfest, you're excused. Also, I don't really know if Germans shared their beer back in the day.) If that's not enough, on our hike back, we'll not only be crossing some awesome waterfalls, you get to pass over the top of a mountain called Tom Jones. What more is there left to say, except, "Whoa-uh-oh-uh-oh-ohhh"?! (Warning: listening to Tom Jones will cause your brain to empty of everything else you know except Tom Jones lyrics.) Big thanks to Eamon C., for the suggestion on this trip.
Some important notes about this trip: Although I'm rating this trip "easy", keep in mind that we'll be backpacking to our campsite from the nearest train station, so avoid overpacking (see my recommended packing list) so you don't wreck your shoulders. You'll need your tent, sleeping bag, flashlight and sleeping pad. Need to buy or borrow gear? Let me know ASAP. Pro Tip: To keep your pack weight even lower, wear layers (preferably merino wool) and expect to be in the same clothes the whole weekend, including sleeping. Be prepared to help "set up camp". What does this mean? Our campsite is raw land: no structures, no showers, and it'll get below freezing overnight. So, we'll be collecting firewood, prepping food on rocks, and working to light our fire. (If you don't know how to do any of these things, don't worry, I do and will be more than happy to explain and assign tasks to you.) There are also no bathrooms, no port-a-potties, and no showers, and if this ain't your thing, you may not have a good time. Then again, you'll be warm and tipsy before you notice, so it might be the best camping adventure you've ever had! If you need some packing advice, give me a holler if you're going so I can help you with that. If you've car camped, camped at lodges, or RV'd before, this is a good trip to transition into doing some real camping a.k.a. backpacking. And there will be beer! We'll be meeting here at Penn Station at 8:45a on Saturday to buy our roundtrip tickets to Harriman station. We'll be heading back as soon as we get up on Sunday, taking the 4p or 6p train from Tuxedo back to Penn Station. Please submit $29 "donation" via Paypal or reply to this email to reserve your spot. See reservation and cancellation policies.
