Revolutionary Ramble Bike tour

Forgot my camera but biked 35 miles in Morristown area with my friend Jean for a great day. Here are the highlights -

Biked through the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge . This is a 30,000-acre tract deeded by the Delaware Indians in 1708. By the Revolutionary War, settlements dotted the area and local settlers fashioned wagon wheel parts with wood cut from the Great Swamp woods.

Look for one of the oldest white oak trees in the Western Hemisphere and its 156-foot spread in Basking Ridge. By the time of the Revolutionary War the oak was already nearly 400 years old and George Washington was said to have picnicked in its shade along with Lafayette and other officers.

We left from Drew universary at 9:30, had two rest stops and a very nice lunch at the college cafe at 2 pm. I ran into a couple I biked with in a finger lake bike tour I did 2 yrs ago. they were volunteers. Also a couple I knew from a few yrs ago on the C&O canal were there with their custom tandem. The front of the tandem had a hand crank and back was reg standard Very cool bike.

The bike tour had some rolling hills, nice back roads. Completely filled up - 3500 riders. Great Day !

North South Campground - Catskills NY

Weekend is North South campground in Haines Falls, NY. Threats of thunderstorms but did not get the heavy rain till early Sunday morning which brought in heavy fog. Fri and Sat were perfect days for hiking, biking and kayaking. Karen and Paul from work met me there on Friday afternoon. By surprise I ran into my cousin’s husband family who also was camping for the weekend in a pop up trailer. More friends came up Sat for a long day visit filled with all day outdoor activities. Taking turns kayaking in the lake we also biked to Klaaterskill falls and around the perimeter of the lake. In the afternoon we all did a hike along the ES trail to see Split rock and Boulder rock

Also early one morning I mtn biked some of the dirt roads. These criss cross horse trails and also you can easily get to the farther trails in a shorted time. I easily reached Sunset rock and inspiration point.

As far as fishing I got a chance a try a few times from the kayak, caught a hybrid striped musky and a Pumpkin seed fish.
Would recommend this campground highly. Big campsites, well stocked lake and the hiking in the catskills is amazing for the views along the cliffs and you have to see the biggest waterfall in NY. Tons of history of the area, so worth a visit even for the day

North South Campground in Catskills Haines Falls NY

Heading up Friday to the catskills NY region.

North-South Lake is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty. Several lakes are located within the campground. The surrounding mountains contain numerous hiking trails, which lead to spectacular overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sights, like Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. On a clear day, five states are visible from some overlooks.

Possible rain on Saturday but tomorrow is supposed to be partly sunny and warm. Will leave at 10 to get there at 12 so I can have the whole day to explore. Definitely gonna take the kayaks in the lake to go fishing.

Will report back on Sunday night or Monday with details of the trip.

Bike Power

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/3/eight-examples-of-pedal-power-and-propulsion.html

Check this out... never know what you can do with bikes :)

Poe valley state park

Well the weather this past weekend was absolutely fabulous. I got to Poe Valley 10 minutes after Barb got there. She has a 3.5 hour drive from the south and I came from the North in 4.5 hrs. We timed it right. Michelle was working but Gert was at home base with a pop up camper and the campsite all layed out. We unloaded and put up the tent in no time and had a peanut butter/banana pumpkin seed sandwich on wheat. Was yummy and oh so healthy :)

After lunch Barb and I decided to bike down to Poe Paddy on the dirt road and across Penn's creek bridge, through the tunnel and on the rail trail. The ride back was uphill but the creek and the forest was so peaceful. We biked altogether about 15 miles. Dinner was chicken over the fire and Michelle came back from work shortly after.

Saturday was filled with early morning kayaking on the lake (had to purchase out of state permits from Ranger Rick). Did a 2.5 hike before lunch up the mtn and along the Tower Trail and then down Loggers path.

Was a very strenuous hike and we gulped hungerly hot dogs over the fire and some chips. Afternoon was a tube ride on Penns creek. Cooled off and had fun in the rapids. Dinner was a most delicious burger cooked again over the fire and great salads made by Michelle topped off with monster cookies.

After dinner another quick bike ride and a well needed sleep.

Sunday woke to a final kayak paddle in the lake. Water as still as glass and boats glided through the water. A kingfisher was flying above us while a otter popped up his head to take a peek at us. I did see a fish in the stream which fed into the lake but no nibbles from my fishing pole.

Weekend flew by but we got to see alot of the area in both parks and time to chat sitting by the fire at night. We are so thankful of our hosts Gert and Michelle, for inviting us for the weekend. Their love of these parks are shared by us also and we are hoping to come back again next year.

Poe Valley state park PA

Heading to Poe Valley state park for camping on this beautiful upcoming memorial day weekend. Bringing all the gear - kayaks, bike, tent, hiking polls, swimsuit for the tubing. My my gonna be a fun time in the woods next to Penns creek. And dont forget the fishing rod.