Taking a Hike

Snow Shoe Hiking : Worthington - Delaware Water Gap to Sunfish Pond

Nine miles on fresh powder snow; an enjoyable day on the Appalachian Trail through Worthington Forest (part of the Delaware Water Gap National Park - NJ side). The trail was in deep fresh powder with one hiker already through; tamping down a path with his snow shoes. I was pleased with my 2.6 miles/hr pace; even with long gradual ascents.

Walking "on" the frozen Sunfish Pond added to the adventure. It was my intent to take the turquoise trail at the far end of the lake up to the Tammany Ridge fire-road - returning on the Red-Dot. At this point; my snow shoes were making the initial trail; and I quickly lost the turquoise blazes. I might have stayed to explore further; but a snow squall came through; decided it was best to retrace back instead. Off across the pond and back to the Appalachian.

Enjoy my photographs: Snow Shoe Hiking at Worthington Forest-Sunfish Pond.  

Next trip, I will begin on the Red Dot and descend to Sunfish pond.

Stokes Forest - an Amazing Snow Shoe Hike

With over 3' of fresh snow, we ascended the Appalachian Trail from Culver's Gap in Stokes State Forest, NJ. Weather was sunny and brights at the base and the climbing was a fair challenge up to 1,400' (from around 800' at Culver's Gap). One hiker had already blazed the trail, making it slightly easier to follow the path. Except for the occasional snow mobile, the only sound was the crunching of the snow beneath our snow shoes.

Before we began our hike, a dog sled team was preparing to take off down the closed and snow covered Sunrise Mt road. The dogs yelped and jumped vertically in the air, anxious to go. The dogs were filled with so much energy. They were very loud. As the musher took control - the dogs instantly quieted down - and bolted down the snowy road. In an instant, they were gone. 

Upon reaching the top of the trail, the view was wondrous and beautiful. And it was very still and quiet. We began to walk with the Fire Tower our objective. Without a GPS or means to gauge our mileage, and having never walked this path - we had no clear idea how far the tower would be.

We noticed off into the valley the gathering clouds. You can clearly see the snow falling in the distance. On my earlier hike onto this ridge, I knew the clouds and weather changes quickly. When I walked this ridge in September, it was a clear day yet the clouds began to look menacing. Lightning would not be fun exposed on the ridge. On this winter hike, it looked like a storm was brewing overhead. Then just as quickly the clouds would part and the sun shine through. Yet off in the distance it began to look darker and more stormy.

 With what looked like a storm heading our way, we retraced our path and headed back. We did not reach the Fire Tower. And as we began our descent, the snow came. Since we were comfortable on the trail, we enjoyed the heavy snow fall (fortunately not blizzard conditions). It added an enjoyable element to this fantastic hike. And as we returned back to the car, the sun came back out . 

Pictures from our Stokes State Forest winter hike.

Post Note (4/24/2010) - with a new GPS in hand, I found we traveled 1.16 miles (from Culver's Gap) before we decided to turn back. The Fire Tower is 1.6 miles from the base.

Hedden Park (Dover NJ): quick night hike

We have covered this little park in Dover NJ many times, because it is in my backyard (literally). This evening. took a quick hike to test new hiking boots, poles and gloves - as the temperature was a balmy 22 degrees (f). I don't mind walking the Hedden Park trails at dusk/early evening, as I know this park so well.

At this time of year, there is such a quiet peacefulness on the trail. Please enjoy my pictures from Hedden Park, Dover NJ.

And the gloves (TNF Apex North Face) and boots (Garmont CCS) were comfortable in the colder temps.

Hiking : Winter Preparedness

Hiking is truly a four season activity; each requires a different level of preparation and awareness. This is out first Winter hiking; so we are in the learning stages.

We visited REI specifically to learn about and select a snow shoe. These are not the old "tennis racket" looking devices - more akin to the Jet fired skate board in "Back to the Future". High Tech.  These snow shoes are designed to keep you afloat in most snow conditions. By adding a a "tail" section (4" or 8") to the back of the shoe - you gain a better float on deeper or less packed snow. We liked the look of the Denali Classic and the price was reasonable (around $140).

In our research, we came upon a site with a depth of information on Winter hiking. Please visit backpacking.net.  And watch as we get out there...  taking a hike, snow style.