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Nov 5 7:00 PM

No rating yet

Off to 香港...

We've got three NYC backpackers going to Hong Kong to meetup with another NYC Backpacker, who now lives there.

One of the world's greatest cities, great food and, as Tom Tam says, "some of the best urban hiking in the far east!". If you've never been there before, its the best way to visit...with people who know the place.

I'll be there from November 5th poking around and exploring the city for 5 days with the others...I'll be off to Singapore on the 10th and then on to India after that (but I'll be busy working after I leave Hong Kong). Some of the other backpackers will be traveling on to the mainland on the 12th after their stay in Hong Kong.
In case you're passing through around that time and are interested in meeting up with us there on some of these days, just rsvp and we will plan where and when to meet...

旅途愉快

Rsvp
Hong Kong, China

4 Yes
2 Maybe

Oct 31 1:00 AM

1 attended (est.) – No rating yet

Please help us with our October Fund Raising Drive


Click here to see pictues of what we do!Education Through Adventure Leadership Camp Donation Form

You can donate online or print out this short form and send in your donation. Thanks Joe Ventimiglia

Education Through Adventure
290 Larkin Dr., Suite 103-247, Monroe NY 10950
Telephone: 845-247-5701
Email: joev@etatraining.com
www.campeta.com www.etatraining.com www.undertherind.com

Education Through Adventure Leadership Camp is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides a unique educational experience for Youth, ages 7-21. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

To help Education Through Adventure Leadership Camp achieve its goals, I (we) wish to make the following donation to Education Through Adventure Leadership camp and Community Programs: $25 ____ $100 ____ $50 ____ $1000____ $5000____ Other $_

Cost: $25.00

No location was chosen for this Meetup

1 Yes
0 Maybe

Oct 29 8:00 PM

1 attended (est.) – No rating yet

This is a Halloween party organized by an organization called the Transdiaspora Network that works to prevent HIV. It will be a fun party. Please come dressed in a costume as there will be a contest with prizes. There is a $15 dollar donation required at the door. It is a fundraiser after all.

I will be there from 8pm until around 11pm. Feel free to come at any time in between.

Call my cell phone number if you can't find me, which might be pretty hard given that it is a Halloween party and people will be in customes.

We will be be at the Boucarou Lounge on First St and First Ave.

My number is: 347-683-1242

later,

francisco

Cost: $15.00

Boucarou
New York, NY, 10011

1 Yes
1 Maybe

Oct 9 5:00 PM

25 attended (est.) – 5.00 5.0010

SCHEDULE UPDATE:

So, here is what we're going to do for Friday. We are NOT driving to Meadows Lane. We'll camp out on Friday at Paradox Lake Campground, which is about four miles east on Rt 74 of Exit 28 of the Adirondack Northway. There is a fee I believe of $15 per site which can hold up to 6 people and 2 tents and they have lots of space. So if we're 20 or so, 3 tentsites won't be a problem. Paradox Lake is about 30 mins from our trailhead and it is more convenient. We will camp out on Saturday night at Meadows Lane.

Also when you're getting a ride make sure you're driving with someone that is coming back the same day as you and that you agree on a time when you're coming back before you finalize the ride share.


First, things first for those who have never been up to the Adirondacks, it is a 5.5 hour drive to Lake Placid which turns into 7 when you stop for gas and other things like food. So leaving early on Friday is great.

Also we might have to rent a car so by default if you want to go and don't have a car you must be willing to chip in for a rental. The best rental option is the Hertz Rental Car office North White Plains. They charge about $50 a day and divided by 4, that comes out to $12.50 per day per person. Not a lot of money. So figure in max $40 to $50 to rent a car for the whole weekend with gas.

We're hiking the Colvin Range on Saturday and Giant Mountain on Sunday.

We'll hike on Saturday:


I would like to be at the trailhead between 7am and 8am. We might have to shuttle cars to the other side but we'll talk about it on Saturday morning. I have an idea but I need to know how people are feeling on Saturday morning. This means we should be up an about on Saturday morning at around 6am so the we can cook our breakfast and pack our lunch.

You must have your lunch ready the day before. We're not going shopping for lunches on Saturday morning, so please buy your food the day before.

Also there might be some ice and a dusting of snow depending on the weather at the top of the bald peaks.

Blake Peak

Mount Colvin

Nippletop

Dial Mountain

This is an 18.8 mile hike. I'm shooting to start at 6am on Saturday so that we can be done before sunset on Saturday and have a nice meal.

Sunday:

Giant Mountain

Rocky Peak


We'll camp out at our usual campsite on Meadows Lane.

We'll carpool from NY so please post in your RSVP whether you need a ride or are driving from NY. We'll try to leave between 4 and 5pm from NY. Make sure you can get out of work by 3pm so you can catch a ride around 4 or 5. I will try to pair up those leaving early with those driving early and those leaving late with those driving late.

Please also know that I will only take experienced hikers who can read a map. Everyone will hike at their own pace and will be responsible for himself or herself on the trail. By coming on this trip you acknowledge that i'm not responsible for your safety and that you yourself are responsible for your own.

We'll return on Monday to NY. Maybe we could even try a nice little hike Monday morning, perhaps Phelps?

Equipment (none of this equipment is optional. You must have it to come on this trip unless otherwise posted as optional)
Map - Adirondack High Peaks Region (available at EMS in Soho or Tents and Trails by City Hall)
Headlamp )
Compass (optional but pretty good in case you get lost and are unfamiliar with the Dacks.)
Hiking boots
Synthetic or wool clothing (NO COTTON!! COTTON kills)
Fleece
2 liters of water at least
Water purifying tablets or a water filter (you will be thirsty unless you carry 4 liters of water. Up to you guys either 4 liters of water or 2 liters plus pills or water filter. I carry a water filter. This is mainly for the first day because of the 18.8 miles covered)
Sleeping bag (15F to 20F is great for the dacks on the fall. The temperature might be in the 30F to 40F around the time at night although two years ago it was in the 50s. But better to be prepared than not.)
Tent (optional we can share tents those who have with those who don't)
Daypack (no we are not backpacking. We're setting up a base camp and then day hiking these mountains)


if you have any questions, please contact me:

metope@gmail.com

- Francisco

Paradox Lake Campground
Paradox, NY, 12858

26 Yes
0 Maybe

Oct 9 4:00 PM

No rating yet

UPDATE as of 10/5/09:

Due lack of drivers for this trip, I willing to make it a 2 day backpacking trip for just Saturday & Sunday. We can start hiking Saturday morning around 9am and finish on Sunday afternoon around 4pm and be back in the metro area by 10pm Sunday night.

Original Post

One look in any direction will tell you that fall has arrived in the mountains of Virginia, ushering in shorter days and cooler temperatures to this mountaintop park. No matter where you look, you are sure to see the colorful signs of fall. Shenandoah National Park is more than 70 miles long, and due to the varying elevations along the many hollows, ridges and summits on the mountains, it’s impossible to pick a “peak date” for the nearly 200,000 acre park. History has shown that usually around the 2nd to 3rd weeks of October, the colors of fall seem to be at their most brilliant phase in Shenandoah.

Mileage & Camping Sites

The hike will be anywhere from 30 to 33 miles over 3 days. Right now, I plan do to a 32-mile section in the Southern Section of Shenandoah. I have picked out two backcountry sites where we will be camping. Since Shenandoah is extremely popular on this weekend and reservations at the campgrounds are done on a first-come, first-served basis, I may have to change location of the hike depending on the size of the group.

Accommodations & Carpooling

This Saturday (Oct 3rd), I will send out (to everyone who RSVPs as a Yes) an email with information about accommodations & carpooling. Most likely you will be staying in a hostel with an estimated cost of $23 dollars for Friday night. The hostel about a 5 hour drive from the city and a 1 hour to the trailhead in SNP.

Park Fees & Map

SNP charges a $15 fee per vehicle. However, there is no fee for the backcountry permit.

I requiring that everyone buy the - Map 11 AT & and other trails in Shenandoah National Park - which you can purchase at the hostel Saturday morning. It is printed by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. A map should cost anywhere from $6-$10.

Gear List

It is absolutely important that you have all of the following gear:

Map of Shenandoah National Park (you can buy these in VA or online)

3500 cubic inch backpack
Headlamp or flashlight
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
3 liters of water/Gatorade/electrolyte fluid

water filter and/or iodine tablet (steripens are a waste of money)
plenty of food for 3 days (dehydrated food packets preferred)
synthetic clothes (absolutely no cotton or denim)
worn hiking boots with ankle support (new boots will give you blisters)
flip-flops or sandals to change into at base camp

Gaiters
bug repellent with deet
sunscreen
watershell or rain jacket
toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
Toilet Paper or Baby Wipes

stove (your meals will taste better heated)
> it's ok if you don't have a stove, people will share ~
although it is nice to throw them a couple bucks toward buying
a new fuel canister

Tent (we can share if you don't have one)
Trekking Poles (optional)

Again, having these items are non-negotiable. It is dangerous to wear sneakers or trail runners while backpacking. It might be raining and some sections of the trail will be muddy and/or slippery. You will need to wear boots with good ankle support.

Weather

If want to see the weather forecast, just click the link below a couple days before the trip:
http://www.accuweather.com/us/va/elkton/22827/forecast-15day.asp?partner=netweather&traveler=1&zipchg=1&metric=0

Although temperatures this week should be fairly nice, mid 60°s or so, it’s important to remember that weather can change quickly in the mountains. Just this past weekend, the wind chills dipped into the upper 20°s! And don’t forget that mountaintop temperatures tend to be a good 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys, or even Washington D.C. This temperature difference is especially obvious after the sun goes down for the night.

RSVPs

Please indicate in your RSVP whether you are driving or will you need a ride. Please don't RSVP if you are not sure yet whether you can come. If the RSVP list is full, then just email me and let me know that want to come.

~Kevin
718-938-1211

BE FOREWARNED: I am not a professional and I do NOT take responsibility for your safety. The New York Backpackers is an AT YOUR OWN RISK organization. There is no fee for this trip. Even though, I am an experienced backpacker and I have hiked in a different section of Shenandoah National Park, I will still be relying on my map & compass. I have no safety or first-aid training, and neither does anyone else on the trip. There is nothing particularly dangerous about this trip, but we will be outdoors. People can hurt themselves in a variety of ways. You also need to be in decent physical condition and to be able to carry your own pack for the entire trip.

========================================================

Club Activities Risk Statement:

The activities posted on this site involve varying degrees of danger. When you participate in one on of these activities, you should be both mentally and physically prepared and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved in outdoor activities and conduct yourself accordingly. The organizer is not responsible for your safety, you are. Prior to RSVPing for this event, you are encouraged to discuss your capabilities with the organizer.

Shenandoah NP Swift Run Gap
Elkton, VA, 22827

5 Yes
0 Maybe

Oct 7 7:30 PM

No rating yet

We'll get together in Brooklyn to talk about our trips and it will be a chance for you guys to meet other outdoorsy people.

Tao Palate (Dao Palate) is reacheable by Q train to 7th Ave Brooklyn, 2,3 trains to Bergen St or any train to Atlantic Ave. From Atlantic Ave, it is a 10 minutes up the hill on Flatbush Ave.

If you don't see me, just call me at 3476831242.

Also, we'll get some drinks afterwards at a local pub.

This is a vegetarian restaurant.

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

4 Yes
9 Maybe

Oct 3 7:00 AM

7 attended (est.) – No rating yet

Please help us send children with special needs to a camp or youth program!
Saturday, October 3, 2009 - Rain date Oct 4th 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

A SPIRITUAL DAY OF HEALING AND REFLECTION IN NATURE
Call us for more information 845 –247-5701
Come and join us for an incredible day at ETA Leadership Camp on Twin Lakes located in beautiful Harriman State Park. It is less than 10 minutes from The Woodbury Commons and you will help us to send a youth with special needs to an ETA Program! Our local kids & families need your help!

PRE-PAID ADMISSION is $10. At the gate is $12 (Raffle Ticket Included) Tickets will be sold in $5 increments and are necessary for participation in most events and services. Most Services will not exceed $10 in tickets.
 Some events are by Donation and are greatly appreciated!
Suggested Admission Ages of 14 – Adult
Activities will include an organized Nature Hike - Canoeing, Kayaking -Meditations-Group Discussion- Music- Camp Fire- Flute and Drumming Circle - Personal Services include Ionic Footbaths- Foot Massage- Introduction to Crystals -Aromatherapy – Reiki - Chakra Balancing- Gardening- Harmonious Living- Neck/Back Massage -Integrated Energy Therapy (Angel Therapy) –Alphabiotics-EFT and much more!
Vegetarian & Non- Vegetarian food is sold for Lunch and for Dinner

Activities Schedule from 9:00 am thru 7:00 PM
9:00 Good Morning and an Introduction of Education Through Adventure Services

9:30 am Choice of a guided meditation or a quiet meditation in a wooded setting.

10:00 am John Potter leads Chi-Gong (Tai-Chi) (By Donation)

11:00 – 12:30 Guided nature hike in the woods with Joe. Non –walkers can stay back and enjoy a
service or participate in a group discussion of “Finding Serenity”

12:00 – Lunch Please use tickets for food purchases (Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian)

12:30 Frank Di Pietro presents an introduction to juicing- nutrition and raw food

1-3 pm Canoeing or Kayaking with Joe & associates. (Weather permitting)
Volley ball - Basketball – walks- services- gardening discussion.

1:30 “A Spiritual Awakening & Finding the gift”- Life Coach & Author, Sheila Pearl

2:00 Johnnie Getz -Yoga Chakra Dance (Donation)
3:30 Valentina Bobrowski- Introduction to Crystals for collection and healing
4:00 Valerie Legeay- Meditation-Tibetan singing bowls (Donation)
5:00 Dinner- Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian
6:00 Close with a Camp Fire & Native American Flute & Drumming Circle
With the Song Catchers

We thank you ahead for your continued support. Proceeds will be donated to ETA for youth with special needs to be sent to a camp program! With Love, Light & Gratitude, Gilda & Joe 
Directions:
From Rte 32 Central Valley: Pass the Woodbury Commons heading south.
Pass the Kohl’s and Dunkin Donut Plaza and get into your left lane. Make a left at the
Light onto US-6 (Long Mountain Pkwy) At the 293 US 6 (Y) stay right. After the “Welcome to Harriman State Park” sign drive for a ½ mile, you will reach the two lakes
one on each side turn, slow down and turn right onto Baileytown Rd and follow the
road in. You will pass a camp on the left stay straight and continue all the way back.
You will see a museum on the right. Slow down and bear left. Parking attendants will be
Near ETA Camp to park you.
From Middletown: Take exit 130A to merge onto US-6 (Long Mtn Pkwy) toward Bear
Mountain 6 and (see above directions).

From Newburgh: Rt 9w S to Bear Mtn traffic circle follow around to signs for Central Valley Rt 6, Long Mtn Pkwy.Turn left at Baileytown just before Twin Lakes (on both sides of the road) If you pass the lakes you went too far, turn around and (See above Directions).

From Rockland County & points S: Take Palisades Pkwy N, to traffic circle follow to Central Valley, Long Mtn Pkwy. Turn left at Bailey town just before Twin Lakes (on both sides
of the road) (See above) WATCH FOR OUR DIRECTION SIGNS

If you take the Metro North train from the city to Harriman we can pick you up at the Station

Cost: $10.00

ETA Camp Harriman
Harriman, NY, 10926

7 Yes
0 Maybe

Sep 5 7:00 PM

7 attended (est.) – 4.00 4.005

I am planning a trip out west on Labor Day which falls on on September 7th. The plan is to fly to Calgary, AB on September 5th. Rent a car in Calgary for the week and drive to Banff National Park which is about 3 hours away from Calgary. We'll fiy back on Saturday September 12th or Sunday September 13th. Therefore we only have to take 4 days off from work.

I plan on backpacking Banff from Sunday September 6th until Friday September 11th. That's 6 days, 5 nights.

The cost of the trip:

$350 plane tickets to Calgary, AB
$100 per person figuring we'll be at least 4 in a car big enough for our 4 backpacks
$60 backcountry camping fees
$100 for lodging at a hotel in Calgary on Saturday september 5th and Friday September 11th. (we'll need a nice shower at the end)
$30 Gas


Total cost = $640

This total cost does not include equipment and food. That's up to you guys. We'll bring our own supplies. There are no porters on this trip.

We'll backpack an average of 12 miles a day.

I will need a serious commitment by no later than July 11th. This means if you're coming you'll have to book your plane tickets by August 3rd. You'll have to purchase a plane ticket that arrives on Saturday September 5th.

We need to book our tentsites ASAP so the earlier I get a commitment the better and also the closer we get to labor the higher tickets are going to be. I will take a maximum of 10 people with me. Before booking the flight get in touch with me though.

Last checked Sunday June 28th:

Newark to Calgary leave Saturday September 5th 8am Newark arrives 11:23am Calgary and departs Sunday September 13th 12:40pm and arrives Newark 7pm. Non-stop flight : $350 Air Canada. This is the flight that I will book. I know some people probably would want to come back on Saturday so there is a flight about $370 Air Canada but has two stops on the way back on Saturday but whatever you book it is up to you guys. If everyone ends up buying ticket back on Sunday then we perhaps spend an extra night in Banff on Friday but we'll figure that out after everyone buys their ticket.

Please buy your tickets as soon as you have talked to me and are sure you're coming.

Link to Banff

http://keralaarticles.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/peyto-lake-banff-canada.jpg

http://www.campingtourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/banff-national-park-alberta.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/706810025_e46f1a6ca2.jpg?v=0


thanks,

francisco
metope@gmail.com

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

8 Yes
0 Maybe

Aug 26 7:00 PM

33 attended (est.) – 5.00 5.004

I love the Astoria Beer Garden so we should give it another shot this summer. Please write down my phone number so that you can call me if you can't find me in the beer garden. The place is huge and you will either have to go table to table looking for us or you can just call me.

My number is: 347-683-1242

To get to the beer garden you take the N or W trains to Astoria Blvd. You take the exit for the Northwest corner of Astoria Blvd and walk a block North to 24th Ave. Make a left and the beer garden is on the block. If not call me.

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Astoria, NY, 11102

30 Yes
36 Maybe

Aug 21 7:00 PM

2 attended (est.) – No rating yet

Another Delaware weekend.

Slight change in plans. Jake has rented two leantos at the Lnaders Minisink Ford Campground in Barryville NY rather than the Narrowsburg campground. Better choice in lieu of the weather...

This time we're going on the Upper Delaware which generally moves faster and has more rapids then the lower Delaware of the last two trips.

The number of people that can go on this trip will depend on the driver/non-driver ratio. So even if you sign up, I can't guarantee anything until everyone has signed up. Sorry for the late posting, as usual I never know till late whether I can do these trips or not.

Friday night we drive up after work and stay at the Minisink Ford Landers Campground in Barryville NY. Saturday we will canoe 15 miles from to Minisink Ford. On Sunday we will go from Minisink and continue canoeing another 14 miles to Knights Eddy. Both days should provide plenty of class 1 and 1+ rapids which will make the trip lively. There really is nothing that would require great canoeing skill and we will not be carrying camping gear in our canoes.

Canoe rental rates are $64 per person for 2 days. They also charge $32 per person for 2 nights.
The whole rental cost is then $96 per person. I am not charging for the event, you will each pay Landers individually.

You will need to bring overnight camping gear. Water shoes or old sneakers are a MUST. If you wear glasses bring your own croker because they charge high rates at the camp store for gear. Also bring a small dry back to carry lunch and water in. If you dont have, just bring a small day pack and pack your food in zip lock bags.

You must give me your cell phone number if you wish to go.

Minisink Ford Landers Campground
Barryville , NY, 11709

2 Yes
0 Maybe