September 23-25. Let’s head up to Vermont to camp, hike, and tour the Ben and Jerry’s DELICIOUS ICE CREAM factory, which is a mere 6 miles away from the campsite. We’ll leave from Wawa at 9 AM on Friday, returning Sunday evening. If you’re interested, please read the detailed information below, and reply to let me know you’re coming by Sunday, September 18.

Highlights: Two hikes, a nice campground by a swimmable lake, the chance to visit the adorable town of Waterbury, home to the B&J factory, and — if we’re lucky — some early New England fall foliage…

Schedule: On Friday at 9 AM, we’ll depart from Wawa. If traffic isn’t terrible, we should arrive at Little River State Park by 4. After settling in, we have the option of exploring Waterbury, checking out the lake, taking a night hike, or just hanging out. On Saturday, we’ll hike either the Mt. Hunger Waterbury Trail or Mount Worcester (based on group vote), and tour the Ben & Jerry’s factory later in the day. On Sunday morning, early risers can take a short hike to see some cool waterfalls, and we’ll depart around 10 AM to return to campus by dinnertime. I’ve never been to Vermont before, so I’m open to suggestions for other fun activities 🙂

What to bring: Bring a pair of boots or sturdy shoes. One of the proposed hikes involves clambering over rocks — you’ll want traction for this. Please bring a good sleeping bag and plan to dress warmly. Although highs will probably be in the 60s/70s, and lows in the 40s, it could still drop below freezing at night. Other things: sunscreen, a headlamp or flashlight for night hiking/camp business, swimwear (it may or may not be warm enough to take a dip), bug spray (for wusses), a sleeping pad, and whatever other stuff you’d like. We’ll be car camping, so we can load up on gear.

Food and water: Please plan to bring your own food, i.e., enough for 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 3 lunches, plus snacks. NOTE: I don’t have a camp stove, bowls, utensils, or anything, and plan to eat trail mix and jerky with my hands like a caveman for every meal. If you want to cook, you’ll need to bring supplies (sorry!). Drinking water is available at the campground. I’ll be heading to Wegman’s on the Thursday afternoon before we leave to grab food for myself, as well as lots of snacks for the group. You are welcome to join me — text me at 240-315-6168 if you need a ride.

Costs: Plan on tossing me $30 to cover all camping fees, gas, and the factory tour. You may also want to bring some extra cash in case we decide to stop at any stores/restaurants in town or during the car rides.

Space is limited! My car seats 4 passengers. If more than 4 people sign on, we’ll need a second car. The campsite has enough room for 8 people. Therefore, I will be limiting the size of my group to the first 7 individuals who respond to this email. If more than 7 people are interested, they’ll be responsible for reserving a second campsite and arranging transportation to it.

If you are interested in this trip, please reply to this email no later than Sunday, September 18. Let me know if you have a car and would be willing to drive.

If you have any questions (or suggestions for things to do!), you can reach me via email (akriete@princeton.edu).

Cheers,