TJ Karakowski's Blog (25)

Headed out to Merrill Creek yesterday (6/29/13) for a nice summer dayhike with my girlfriend. I've fished here in the past but never spent any real time exploring other than the boat launch area. It's very similar to Round Valley (RV)  (lake trout population, very deep, built in 20th century as water control). In fact, the reason I chose this hike was based on my Uncle Jim's suggestion during the RV trip. He was struck by their similarities as well. Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) is…

I mentioned in my previous post, that back in 2010 I dabbled with backpacking by hiking into the Valley about 4 miles with 45-50lbs of gear on a cheap pack. And when I hobbled out and was practically bedridden with soreness for a few days afterwards I hid that pack in the basement and didn't even day hike again until 2012.

I returned to Round Valley on Friday (6/21/13) to redeem myself and celebrate the Summer Solstice. I was hoping that a strong will and a Visa bill full of newer…

Headed out on Sat (6/1/13) for my first "serious" backpacking trip (a few years ago I lugged way too much weight 3 miles into Round Valley on an ill-fitting cheap pack and vowed to never do that again!). I've done my homework and bought some better equipment now.

Started at Kittatinny Visitor Center (off Rt 80 in NJ at Water Gap) at 9:15 and was already sweating by the time I hiked under 80 and hit the Dunnfield/AT Trailhead. Spent the first hour sweating and cursing…

Spent the Weekend up at a Cabin at Stokes. Great time of year to be there as Spring gets into full gear! Spent Friday (5/3) mainly exploring/shooting through the SW (of 206) section. Hiked to Hidden Falls and Buttermilk. Great to get to Buttermilk on a weekday and have only a few people around (as opposed to the weekend hordes). After that explored more in the DWG park, including Walpack center, and NPS…

Hit Four Birds Middle/Split Rock Loop yesterday. Did the 6 mile In and back version, first hike since last summer. Not a particularly inspiring hike, good views of lake disappear after the first half mile (might return past 3 mile point but wouldn't know), with 2-3 swampy/buggy areas passed through. Bugs were very bad yesterday, not sure if they're mayflies or what, but am covered in itchy bites today (and sore!). HOpe to be more active on site this summer

POST EDIT 5/1. The…