Comments - Wharton State Forest - Atsion - 1/1/13 - NJ Hiking: Connect2024-03-28T13:22:04Zhttp://njhiking.ning.com/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=4079177%3ABlogPost%3A34120&xn_auth=noYou know, I completely agree.…tag:njhiking.ning.com,2013-01-18:4079177:Comment:342312013-01-18T05:09:49.039ZLinda Frankhttp://njhiking.ning.com/profile/LindaFrank
<p>You know, I completely agree. There's different kinds of hikes that enable what I call "The Hike Unwind": </p>
<p><span style="text-align: left;">Ones that are so intense with constant map referrals, compass & waypoint notations; constant foot placement judgement or peering for hidden or non-existent blazes or;</span></p>
<p><span style="text-align: left;">Or more mind-relaxing ones that kind of just lead you along almost on cruise control. …</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>You know, I completely agree. There's different kinds of hikes that enable what I call "The Hike Unwind": </p>
<p><span style="text-align: left;">Ones that are so intense with constant map referrals, compass & waypoint notations; constant foot placement judgement or peering for hidden or non-existent blazes or;</span></p>
<p><span style="text-align: left;">Or more mind-relaxing ones that kind of just lead you along almost on cruise control. </span></p>
<p><span style="text-align: left;">Both still require varying degrees of concentration. Both can blot out everything else that cluttered your mind from the moment you set off at the trailhead. And most importantly, both can take you to that special place one can only find on a trail.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Any trail.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Linda</p> ...it was really nice just go…tag:njhiking.ning.com,2013-01-17:4079177:Comment:341312013-01-17T20:36:42.815ZnjHiking.comhttp://njhiking.ning.com/profile/NJHiking
<p>...it was really nice just <em>going hiking</em> and not planning/finding a new route (...or figuring if the trail was open, or had snow, or had hunting...) for a change.</p>
<p>And since the trail requires so little concentration (like, not having to worry about tripping on rocks or falling off a cliff), we ended up having an in-depth discussion all day on what we were hoping to accomplish for the year... relaxing <em>and</em> productive. Bonus!</p>
<p>But if not in the mood for it, hiking…</p>
<p>...it was really nice just <em>going hiking</em> and not planning/finding a new route (...or figuring if the trail was open, or had snow, or had hunting...) for a change.</p>
<p>And since the trail requires so little concentration (like, not having to worry about tripping on rocks or falling off a cliff), we ended up having an in-depth discussion all day on what we were hoping to accomplish for the year... relaxing <em>and</em> productive. Bonus!</p>
<p>But if not in the mood for it, hiking the pine barrens reminds me of an old Stephen King book, "The Long Walk"...</p>
<p>--Dawn</p> I hate to say this, but...eve…tag:njhiking.ning.com,2013-01-17:4079177:Comment:339442013-01-17T18:09:01.977ZLinda Frankhttp://njhiking.ning.com/profile/LindaFrank
<p>I hate to say this, but...even though I'm closer to the Pine Barrens' area (i.e. Wharton) than I am to, say, Harriman, I'd rather travel farther to Harriman even on a short notice than to any trails down here. That <em>crushing monotony </em>you mentioned is pretty near exactly what we've felt on almost any hike we've done there. About the only saving grace for that area (for us that is) is if there were enough snow to warrant snowshoeing it. That'd put it in a whole different perspective…</p>
<p>I hate to say this, but...even though I'm closer to the Pine Barrens' area (i.e. Wharton) than I am to, say, Harriman, I'd rather travel farther to Harriman even on a short notice than to any trails down here. That <em>crushing monotony </em>you mentioned is pretty near exactly what we've felt on almost any hike we've done there. About the only saving grace for that area (for us that is) is if there were enough snow to warrant snowshoeing it. That'd put it in a whole different perspective for us. </p>
<p>Bottom line, however, <strong>is</strong> really what you said, Dawn: Sometimes you do just want to hike and when there's truly no other game[hike] in town, then almost any trail is hike worthy. I totally understand that "just-want-to-hike" feeling. Totally!!! Glad to read that you were able to get out and satisfy that feeling on New Year's Day.</p>
<p>Linda</p>