Outdoor Club of South Jersey Newsletter
April 2019
Hike to the Wreck of the Blue Comet
In February, train historians Hank Cutler and Robert Acorcey hiked with OCSJ and discussed the history of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, the Blue Comet express train, and its fateful derailment in 1939.
OCSJ Spotlight
OCSJ Spotlight on: Judith Levine

By Vera C. Stek

What’s a retired widow who spent most of her life taking care of her large family to do when there’s suddenly more free time?
Start participating in Outdoor Club of South Jersey activities! At least, that’s what Judith Levine has done. A former member of the club, who just got too busy raising her family, working and volunteering to do much else, Judith has taken to biking with the club like a duck to water. Oh yes, and she also likes hiking, through water.
A native of South Jersey, Judith likes the terrain and scenery in North Jersey and Pennsylvania but is using the flat land in this area to perfect her biking techniques.

Here’s her story:

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
JUDITH: I am an active senior gal who is now retired. Hard to believe but I am an original native of South Jersey. I have lived here all of my life.
I have children and grandchildren to visit and hug. I do so as regularly as possible. My husband passed away over 4 years ago, after a long illness. Therefore, I cherish our large family even more, if that’s possible.

Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? How have you benefited by your membership?
JUDITH: Actually many many moons ago my family joined the Outdoor Club when Burt Nixdorf put it together. The kids at the time were very young, ages 3 through 10. We thought water coursing was just great. Actually, I still do. Mike Engel recently led a hike in Ridley Park that had us walking through water. I HAD a smile on my face that was 5 feet wide. I just loved it. 
I have realized some wonderful new friendships from within the group and look forward to making more friends as time goes on.
This summer I got my first road bike, which officially makes me a rookie, having used just a hybrid in the past. I rely on the pointers of my experienced road bike friends. The coaching is invaluable. Otherwise I would stay a rookie, become frustrated and stop riding.
The groups I ride with are patient, understanding and willing to accept my willing approach even if I am a newbie!

Q. What outdoor activities do you enjoy most? Are there things you’d like to try or goals you have? 
JUDITH: Being outdoors is my happy place. I split my time among hiking, biking and gardening as weather and time allow, adding downhill skiing in the winter. I hope to start kayaking next spring.
The weather plays a part in the activity I choose. Anything about 40 degrees works for me, if it’s not raining or too windy. My goal is to smooth my biking form and learn how to shift efficiently.

Q. Were you always active outdoors or is this something you are now pursuing? What are your favorite places for hiking/biking?
JUDITH: Being active is something I prefer over being sedentary Due to the large family, working, being a wife and mother, plus volunteer efforts, my outdoor activities had been limited mostly to gardening.
My preferred places to hike and bike are in Pennsylvania and farther north in New Jersey where the scenery is rolling and more interesting, in my view.

Q. Is there a particular piece of hiking/biking equipment you couldn’t do without?
JUDITH: Actually, I depend on my bike mirror so I can see what the traffic is doing in back of me without having to turn around.

Q. Do you go on active vacations? If so, where have you been? Any places on your bucket list?
JUDITH: Argentina and deep into Chile were my first adventures into active vacations a few years ago. Patagonia took my breath away. The penguins were adorable as well!
Active vacations are my preference. I recently came back from a week in Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca in Peru. Can’t wait for the next trip. My bucket list is more like a “bucket mile.” So many places to see and go.

Q. What are your other interests?
JUDITH: Current events always get my attention. Music, dancing and reading all find their way into my week somehow.

Q. What’s something about yourself that might surprise other people to know?
JUDITH: My little secret is I seem to be very open and outgoing, which is true in comfortable situations. However, put me ion a situation with a bunch of strangers, and I am stiff and keep more to myself.

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OCSJ Club News
OCSJ Leader's Appreciation Banquet

The Leaders’ Appreciation Banquet honoring our qualified leaders was a huge success this year. It was held at Ramblewood Country Club in Mt. Laurel on March 24 and was attended by 72 people; board members, leaders and guests. We had a delightful meal, inspiring words from our president and socializing outside of club events. In order to qualify a leader must lead either 5 bike rides, 6 hikes or 3 kayak trips. This is one of the ways that OCSJ shows its appreciation to people that volunteer to lead events. Think about volunteering so next year you can attend this awesome event!
Upcoming events

OCSJ Annual Picnic - May 4
This year, our Picnic will be held at Pakim Pond on May 4, 2019. Volunteers are always needed. Please call Kevin Carlin at 856-832-7764 or birdstoseekc@gmail.com .
For more information on this trip, please use the following link: www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/259170095/

Washington DC Bus Trip - May 11
Packed with famous sights, celebrated symbols of patriotism, and free attractions, the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital offer an inspiring experience. Trip COST is $36.00 per person, transportation only. 
For more information on this trip, please use the following link:
https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/260158228

Apres Ski Party - May 18
This years ski party will be held at Sue Wills home in Mt Holly. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sue at   rishirani@msn.com. In your email, please indicate the dish that you are planning to bring. Your dish can be: appetizer, entrée, side dish or dessert. It should serve 8 to 10 people.
For more information on this trip, please use the following link:
www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey/events/259984581/

Cape May Weekend - June 14 thru 16
We are planning on a weekend at the Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May on June 14 thru June 16.
To RSVP on meetup, use the following link:
www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/259839903
For more information on this trip, please use the following link:

Vermont Walking Trip August 11 thru 16
From 8/11 thru 8/16, we will walk approximately 4-6 miles each morning along lightly traveled dirt roads in Vermont. Expect mountain scenery, picturesque villages, and rural landscapes. The afternoons are free to visit sights in the area or relax. We stay at the Colonial House Inn in Weston, Vermont. For more information, please contact Ken Mayberg at Kjmayberg@aol.com or 609 751-1387 (Evenings or weekends).
For more information on this trip, please use the following link:
www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/259345207/


2019 Photo Contest

Mike Engel volunteered to Chair the 2019 Photo Contest. If you are interested in photography and would like to help Mike, please contact him at ikemengel@hotmail.com

In the meantime, please take pictures at OCSJ events. Mike and his committee will organize the picture submission process, voting and presentation in the 2020 OCSJ Calendar.

_____________

MEETUP
This is just a reminder that members should use the Meetup comments ONLY for getting more information about a particular event, such as distance, pace, meeting place, etc.
Please, d o NOT use Meetup for chit chat. Save your non-important comments for the hike. We all receive too many emails and we don’t need to add to it with needless comments.
Also, for any member going to an event somewhere they’ve never been before, please do your research in the days before the event. Either ask the hike leaders for more details, if necessary, or get out an old-fashioned map or google the site. Do not rely on your GPS, which may lead your astray and cause you to miss the event.
Trekker
The new printed Trekker is available at OCSJ board meetings and from Board Members and Leaders.  
OCSJ Participation Policy
1. OCSJ is a member organization. Membership funds pay for insurance and other Club overhead. However, prospective members and guests of OCSJ members may try one regular activity from each of our activity sections without joining. Thereafter they must join to be eligible for the hundreds of activities and events available every year.
 
2. Participants on trips which charge money must be members of OCSJ, except where the trip is a joint trip with another club and the participant is a member of that club. Members of OCSJ may bring guests on a day trip charging money. Participants on overnight trips charging money must always be an OCSJ member.

Any comments please Contact Barbara Brandt ( president@ocsj.org )
Membership
 
Membership information is now available on Wild Apricot with the following links:
  • WWW.ocsj.wildapricot.org with your email address and password. 
  • www.ocsj.org/membership.html
  • Wild Apricot ap - on you phone

OCSJ's mailing address is: 
 OCSJ, PO Box 46, Atco, NJ 08004 

Our annual membership rates are:
 Individual - $20 or Family - $25 
 
Membership Questions: contact Regina Coeby at membership@ocsj.org    
To receive up to date club information, we encourage everyone to go to our website and to join our Meetup groups.
THE MILE CLUBS
Miles to Go Before We Rest

It takes an enormous amount of dedication and determination to commit to the OCSJ Mileage Clubs, but if you are a person who welcomes a challenge, enjoys group activities, and/or simply likes the outdoors, you should really consider joining one of our mileage clubs. If you are an OCSJ member, just contact any of the contacts below and join Us.
     
  • 500 Mile Club - Valerie Danzey (vdanzey1@verizon.net )
  • Grand Mile Club - Jon Peterson (jonpeterson66@gmail.com
  • Paddler's Mile Club - Erika Blank (powerofpink58@verizon.net)
  • Bicycle Mile Club - Neil Kornhauser (nkornhauser@gmail.com)

            OCSJ Paddler's Mileage Clubs

JOIN THE 300, 400 & 500 MILE PADDLERS' CLUBS. Any kayak trip counts with any group or individual. The miles are sent in first week of January 2020, but the last trip is December 31 2019. The people who do not make the 300, 400 or 500 miles, but turn in miles will get honorable mention on the website. For details contact Ericka Blank  powerofpink58@verizon.ne t  or text 856-364-6029.

Like us on Facebook  
Outdoor Club of South Jersey
We are approaching 2000 Likes!
The next club meeting is on April 11th, 7:30 pm at the Cherry Hill Library.   All members and prospective members are welcome.  

The club is actively looking for members to become more involved with the operation of the club. 
The club needs people to serve on the board and aid in the processes that keep the club in operation. If you have interest, join us at a board meeting. See how the board and the club operates and see if you are suited for some position or if you would just like to help out from time to time.
OCSJ President  president@ocsj.org  
OCSJ TRAIL MAINTENANCE LEADER REPORT
For March 2019


North/South directional sign project for the Batona Trail has been completed . The trail crew has installed over a hundred signs on the full mile markers on the trail. Next we will add signs at certain road intersections.
Thank you, Pat Burton for suggesting the signs, Diane Mason for designing them and Doug Hillebrecht for creating them for the club. Great job to the members of the "drill team" for carrying tools and a ladder for miles at a time in the cold.
The trail crew spent 3 days filling sandbags to fill in holes on the trail by Evans Bridge making the trail safe again.
We also trimmed and reblazed several miles of trail in Wharton and Bass River State forests and the Franklin Parker Preserve.
Our next big project is assisting Gil the Batsto naturalist with assembling the replacement bridge on the beautiful Mullica River Yellow Trail.
By the end of the month, I hope to have all the North/South signs installed and the Batona in good hiking condition. Trail work usually ends for the season in May.
The trail crew has been averaging 13-15 people every Tuesday. The hot chocolate tailgate at lunchtime must be working lol. Thank you to all!! Our trail
crew is the BEST!! 

On Saturday, April 27: David Bicking is starting a new series of Trail Maintenance Days. In addition to the ever on-going Tuesday sessions along the Batona Trail, we will take 4 or 5 Saturdays to show the Mullica River Trail some TLC.

Meet at the Atsion Park Office on Rt 206.
Bring your work gloves clippers and lunch. Hot chocolate,tea and coffee and cookies will be available at lunchtime. Dress for the weather.   Leader: David Bicking, (8 5 6) 249 - 0886, dbickin @ yahoo.com

 To volunteer, please contact Ro Mason at romason@comcast.net
Washington DC Bus Trip - May 11
Packed with famous sights, celebrated symbols of patriotism, and free attractions, the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital offer an inspiring experience. Trip COST is $36.00 per person, transportation only. 
For more information on this trip, please use the following link:
https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/260158228
Tuesday April 2: Moorestown Walks by David Bicking
Moorestown Walks are approx 3 miles at a Moderate pace. Different routes through Moorestown's historic streets. This isn't an endurance hike or a nature walk. This is a walk on suburban streets and sidewalks to stretch the legs after work on a mid-week night with good company and conversation. Meet At library entrance.
Leader: David Bicking, (8 5 6) 249 - 0886, dbickin @ yahoo.com

OCSJ Annual Picnic - May 4
This year, our Picnic will be held at Pakim Pond on May 4, 2019. Volunteers are always needed. Please call Kevin Carlin at 856-832-7764 or birdstoseekc@gmail.com .
For more information on this trip, please use the following link: www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/259170095/


Saturday, April 6, 2019: Hartshorne Woods Park... A change from the Pine Barrens!
We will hike approximately 7-9 miles through mountain laurel over rolling hills on mostly packed dirt trails. A little more challenging than most of the Pine Barrens trails. We will enjoy views of The Navesink River as well as the ocean. We will also check out the military bunkers from WWII. Dress for the weather. Bring snacks, lunch & water. The TICKS are out! Make sure you have repellent. I recommend 40% DEET for skin and Permethrim for your clothes. Please call or text me if you have any questions at 732-330-6594 or email bldeagle39@gmail.com

Thursday, April 11, 2019: Meandering along the CCC trail
Join us as we explore the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Bass River State Forest. The CCC trail is 4 miles. The pace will be moderate slowing to leisurely on occasions as we stop to look at whatever catches our interest. Bring water and a snack. We’ll meet at the office and then drive the very short distance to the trailhead. Option: Stash a chair and lunch in your vehicle for after the hike. Rain cancels.
Leader: Diane Mason 609-790-2479
If you would like to volunteer to lead a new hike, please contact David at DBICKIN@YAHOO.COM    
Backpack the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey
Hike will begin at Dunnfield Creek on Friday morning and end near High Point State Park on Monday morning. Daily mileage: 8.9/14.3/12.4/5.5
We'll meet near High Point State park and arrange shuttle down to Dunnfield Creek parking area to begin hike. This is not a trip for beginners. Experienced backpackers only.
Hike leader: Tom Kerbaugh.

If you would like to organize a trip or for backpacking information, contact Kevin at KDREVIK@AOL.CO M
  
Message from the Kayaking Chair:
COLD WATER NOTICE: OCSJ policy for paddling in cooler weather requires wet suits and/or dry suits worn. 
A dry set of fleece clothing, including socks, and rain gear should be carried in a dry bag as part of your precautionary measures. Waterproof footwear, appropriate for paddling use, should be worn. As always, life vests required to be worn.  
As always, check out meetup site for winter trip information. 
Frank Pearce

If you would like to organize a trip, contact Frank at
  
Cape May Weekend - June 14 thru 16

We are planning on a weekend at the Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May on June 14 thru June 16.
To RSVP on meetup, use the following link:
www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/259839903
For more information on this trip, please use the following link:


M essage from the cycling chair:
 
As winter leaves us we are starting to add more road rides to our calendar. We will still have some trail riding but as the temperatures increase so does the emergence of ticks and chiggers in the Pine Barrens. If you do go out please make sure you use tick and insect repellent, not only for your skin but for your clothing too. 

April starts the evening road rides out of Lenape High School so check the calendar for start times. We start in the 15-20 mile range and as the season progresses the mileage also increases. We will have C, C+ and B rides. Blinking rear lights are highly recommended and if you also have a front light that is even better! Safety is our main concern and you as a cyclist are more highly visible to vehicles with these blinking lights.

On our calendar right now in April is the Philly Fairmont Mansion Tour ride. This is a great ride that combines road/hybrid riding and sightseeing, Mike Engel leads this ride; he is an expert navigator of Fairmont Park and has a wealth of information about the mansions. I highly recommend this ride!

May 4 is the annual OCSJ picnic and of course we will have rides before the picnic. Please RSVP on Meetup if you would like to do either the D, C/C+ or trail ride.

May 25, 26, 27 is our annual bike NYC ride. Come for the day or bike all 3 days. Information about hotels is on our calendar. You must be an OCSJ member to join us. The adventures on this trip are too numerous to mention here but some highlights include: Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Chinatown, Little Italy, Battery Park, Lower East side of Manhattan.  Check out the details on our calendar.

*As always we are always looking for people to volunteer and lead rides. We have routes already listed on our Ride With GPS Club Account page. It couldn’t be any simpler! More leaders = more rides!  If you are interested email Neil Kornhauser nkornhauser@gmail.com and get started!


DIY Tips :
 
This month’s tip is a direct result of something that just happened to me. I have always kept my floor pump in the garage alongside my bicycles. I have been noticing that the pump has not been working properly. When I took it apart to see what was going on I saw that the entire inside of the pump was corroded and full of moisture! I know there was no leak in the garage and I finally realized what had happened. As you use the pump the barrel gets very hot because of the friction. Since the pump is ice cold from being stored in the garage in the winter, moisture builds up each time I use it.  I now keep my new pump inside in a closet so there will be no extreme change in temperature!  

*If you want to see more rides understand that it is up to you to volunteer and make that happen. We would love to add more leaders; more leaders = more rides. Please e mail Neil Kornhauser nkornhauser@gmail.com if you are interested and we will discuss how you can be mentored. 
 
 
Thank you and see you on the road and trails!
 
Neil Kornhauser
nkornhauser@gmail.com 
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Trips


Apres Ski Party - May 18
This years ski party will be held at Sue Wills home in Mt Holly. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sue at   rishirani@msn.com . In your email, please indicate the dish that you are planning to bring. Your dish can be: appetizer, entrée, side dish or dessert. It should serve 8 to 10 people.

Please note:
To confirm your place on the trip, you must contact the leader by phone or email. All payments are non-refundable without finding a replacement. 

 The Winter Schedule
The Cross Country ski and Snowshoe trips are listed on the OCSJ Website and Meetup. For more information, please contact our Cross Country Ski-chair Eileen Greve ( egreve212@gmail.com ) 609-204-6451.
Check the site for more information: www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey/   
SAVE THE DATE
TRAIL MAINTENANCE - 
Ro Mason is our Trail Representative. Every Tuesday, she will be organizing work days for the BATONA Trail. To volunteer, please contact Ro at romason@comcast.net

OCSJ Annual Picnic
This year, our Picnic will be held at Pakim Pond on May 4, 2019. Volunteers are always needed. Please call Kevin Carlin at 856-832-7764 or birdstoseekc@gmail.com

Washington DC Bus Trip - May 11
Packed with famous sights, celebrated symbols of patriotism, and free attractions, the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital offer an inspiring experience. Trip COST is $36.00 per person, transportation only. 
For more information on this trip, please use the following link:
https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Hiking/events/260158228

Apres Ski Party - May 18
This years ski party will be held at Sue Wills home in Mt Holly. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sue at   rishirani@msn.com. In your email, please indicate the dish that you are planning to bring. Your dish can be: appetizer, entrée, side dish or dessert. It should serve 8 to 10 people.

Cape May Weekend - June 14 thru 16
We are planning on a weekend at the Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May on June 14 thru June 16. For more information on this trip, please use the following link:

Vermont Walking Trip August 11 thru 16
From 8/11 thru 8/16, we will walk approximately 4-6 miles each morning along lightly traveled dirt roads in Vermont. Expect mountain scenery, picturesque villages, and rural landscapes. The afternoons are free to visit sights in the area or relax. We stay at the Colonial House Inn in Weston, Vermont. For more information, please contact Ken Mayberg at Kjmayberg@aol.com or 609 751-1387 (Evenings or weekends).
Volunteer Opportunities
The club is actively looking for members to become more involved with the operation. We have a new Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara Berman. If you would like to volunteer or desire more information, please contact Barbara at bberman96@gmail.com
 
The club needs people to serve on the board and aid in the processes that keep the club in operation. If you wonder how the club is organized and how it runs, or what leaders do, come on out to a monthly board meeting. (Second Thursday of every month at the Cherry Hill library at 7:30pm). It's your club and we welcome you to get involved.

Board of Trustrees - Interested in joining the OCSJ Board. Come out to a couple of meetings or contact the OCSJ President at president@ocsj.org
 
Publicity - We would like to have the OCSJ name appear in more places both in print and online. Contact Fran at franhorn@aol.com  if you have ideas and would like to help.
   
Party/Picnic Planning Committee -  If you would like to help with the 2019 Picnics, contact the OCSJ President at president@ocsj.org  
 
Website/Computer - We could use some help from people with computer or website experience.  Contact the OCSJ President at president@ocsj.org
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