What’s the plan? We’ll head up Friday afternoon and set up camp in a big field near a place called Colgate Lake. On Saturday, we’ll split up and do big exciting hikes all over the mountains, then return to camp to swap stories and cook up a delicious meal. On Sunday, we’ll do some shorter hikes and return to Princeton in the evening: exhausted, grubby, with loads of new friends and utterly, utterly psyched to get out into the woods again!!
Is this trip for me? We’ll split into groups for the hiking part of this trip – some will do adventures that are relaxed and chill, some will do adventures that are intense and hard-core. If you’ve hiked before (even a little bit), you have your own boots and you want to see some sweet mountains and meet some cool people, then this trip is for you! If you’ve never hiked before and you’re feeling adventurous, this trip may be for you, too!
What do I need? We’ll coordinate on things like cars, stoves and tents (let us know if you have any to share!). There are a few things that everyone will need – good boots, a sleeping bag/mat, decent non-cotton clothing, etc. A complete gear list can be found at the end of this email. Don’t let lack of gear hold you back though! People on the PUMC list tend to be very generous about lending things out, and it’s also possible to rent from OA and the local EMS.
Sounds great! How do I sign up? Send an email to Katie (kewolf@princeotn.edu) by Tuesday afternoon, confirming that you can join us! Let her know in that email if you have a tent or a car you’re willing to use. Space may be limited due to our camping permit – if that happens, spots will go first to new grad students. On Tuesday 10/20, we’ll have a meeting to sort out cars and tents and timing and such. We are also looking for more trip leaders, so if you are interested in leading or co-leading a hike, also include that in the email.
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Gear List:
List #1: Stuff you absolutely, positively need to come to the Catskills and have a good time (Note: This trip is later than our usual trip, so remember that it will get cold at night)
* Sturdy boots
* Warm wool or synthetic socks
~ no cotton
* Non-cotton shirts and pants
~ no jeans
* Warm layers
~ Fleeces are good, cotton sweatshirts are bad
* Hat for the cold
* Gloves
* Waterproof raincoat w. hood
* Water bottles
~ At least two liters worth. Old soda bottles work well
* Nice, comfy pack to carry this stuff in
~ Ideally, this would have a padded hip-belt and adjustable straps
* Flashlight
* Something to eat out of
~ A bowl and spoon will probably cut it
* Sleeping bag
* Sleeping pad
~ Thermarest-style or foam
* Sense of adventure and enthusiasm for life
List #2: Stuff that’s nice to have, but you could get by without
* Hat for the sun
~ Baseball caps are good; Indiana Jones’ style are better
* Sunglasses
* Non-cotton underwear
~ chafing is no fun…
* Trekking poles
~ These will help keep your knees happy
* Something waterproof to put over your pack
~ Black plastic trash bags are good; fancy pack-covers are better
List #3: Bring it if you have it
* Playing cards
* Camp-friendly musical instruments
* Compass
* Knife
* Water purification
* Matches
* First-Aid kit
* Tent
* Car