THIRD ANNUAL STOKES STATE FOREST HANG
OCT 23-25, 2015
HASKINS GROUP SITE H
Stokes Info & Links: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandf...ks/stokes.html
Link to Signup Sheet.
What: The tradition of the October Stokes Hang started 2 years ago when Knotty & JollyGreen wanted to plan an event in the area for those who couldn't make it to NEHHA or MAHHA. Being aware that many parents have commitments on Halloween, the weekend before has generally worked out. The past two versions of this hang have been at the Steam Mill site, however because our preferred site (T216) was booked I am moving the hang.
Where: This year we will be hanging at the HASKINS GROUP SITE H. My wife and I spent the weekend at Stokes recently and went around to every site in the place out of curiosity, and also to see what may and may not work for future hangs and took videos of the more promising ones
Compared to Steam Mill:
- No hill.. but very deep, tons of trees, does goes back to Flatbrook for those than want to sleep in seclusion near flowing water.
- The blue blazed trail runs along the back of it on the stream, so we can direct hike-in/out
- Larger fire pit, larger picnic table, and larger area for pop-ups..
- 2 charcoal grills
- Restrooms and hot showers are 100yd away
- More site parking - if we can responsibly fit them, they're okay. I'm guessing the number is ~8-10 cars.
- All other group sites in area are large fields; one closest to site (G) is currently unreserved, could be used for demos, frisbee, whatever.
Cost: Managing costs this year will be much easier. I recognize that with extra sites reserved last year for parking and offering people to submit large ticket food items the cost was way higher than expected. Other than what's laid out below, no other costs will be collected for. Fixed costs are $50 for the site, $100 wood, and extra parking only matters if we get a large turnout. So fixed costs are $10-15/pp. Meals are TBD, but group menu would likewise be $10-15/pp.
Site: This year the site is $50 total for both nights. No other site reservations are required.
Parking: Officially we can have 4 vehicles. Per park office, rangers are generally accommodating with cars as long as they responsibly fit on site - so due to the fact that we'll be hanging and won't need the area for tents I'm estimating we can fit 8-10 vehicles without issue. Extra cars that don't fit can be parked at the front office for $5/night (which is cheaper than prior year approach of reserving extra sites for overflow).
Firewood: Firewood delivery is being explored - if you know of anyone in the area who can deliver PM me. Otherwise we'll make arrangements and ask for volunteers to pickup wood on their way in as needed. If necessary, Dales has $8 bundles, the park office has $7 bundles which are cheapest in the area, some households have permits to sell wood from the forest which usually goes for $5/stack but it's often not seasoned and/or wet.
Meals: Going to leave this as TBD for the time being until we get a head count. In the past some people have liked to contribute a special dish, which I would suggest could be incorporated into a group menu. Also this year we are formalizing a new meal in our group camping menu: MIDNIGHT SNACK!! See signup sheet for more details.
Bathrooms/Showers: As mentioned above, this year we have sinks, flush toilets, and showers nearby with hot water. They're generally in good shape, flip flops advised.
Dogs: Unfortunately dogs are not allowed, as with all these state campgrounds. Please see the official Stokes site for all their rules. This forum is not the place to debate the state regs.[B]
Other Info: Cell phone coverage in Stokes is pretty good. There's a market (Dales) just south of the park entrance on 206 to get sundries. There are some places further south with a selection of adult beverages.
Activities: Besides the usuals, Ratdog had a post in the MAHHA thread outlining some great ideas for demos/workshops/etc. This has inspired me to suggest that we have a Show-N-Tell!
Show-n-Tell: What do you want to share, show-off, get ideas around? There's a section on the signup sheet for this, I've indicated a few I'll bring to share, some other examples could include:
- Wood burning stove setup & playtime (I'll have 4 with me)
- DIY projects/sharing - hammocks, fabrics, etc. (I'll have a hammock stand, several sheet bend fabrics - bring more!)
- Master nesting course - bring your hiking cook kits so we can see what fits with what.
- Dutch Oven Cooking/Camp Baking tips & how to's
- Make your own firestarters (cotton & wax, char cloth making, simple fire starting)
- Wonderful world of knives.. show them off, cut some stuff, or simple sharpening/upkeep
- "My favorite of the 5,289 methods to hang a tarp / suspend an UQ..."
Hiking: There's a trail at the back of Haskins which is nice for immediate area, in years past we've both hiked and shuttled up to the AT which runs along the Kittatinny Ridge. Tillman's Ravine which is across 206 is pretty nice as well.
Fishing: There are lots of nearby streams and lakes. NJ license req'd.
What else: Suggest away. Firewood delivery contacts as mentioned above. Someone to manage group menu when headcount is clearer.
Originally Posted by pinballwizard
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks