President's Message

Joe Fabian

President@ocsj.org

"I wanted to bring up a few topics in my message. First, I hear Larry is doing a solid job reorganizing and leading the cycling section as its activity chair.  Nice to hear.  Second, I would mention the importance of cyclists using rear and front lights to become more visible to drivers especially during twilight as evening daylight is waning. I understand that low visibility played a factor in the recent deaths of two South Jersey cyclists. A serious sham. Third, I again stress the importance of kayakers wearing personal flotation devices that is lifejackets. A few weeks ago an area in the Delaware Water Gap was the tragic scene of a father of seven children drowned in sight of his kids.  He was not wearing a life jacket and may not even have known how to swim. Fourth, I understand our trail maintenance crew led by Ro Mason is resuming their seemingly endless work of keeping our hiking trails passabe. Great job Ro and trail crew members. Finally cooler weather for hiking and bicycling has returned for more comfortable outings.  However, our local rivers are running dry for our kayakers and watersport members. Let us do a raindance for them."  

                                          Joe Fabian,

                                          President OCSJ 

Vice President's Message

Barbara Berman

vp@ocsj.org

The President is elected for a 2-year term. Joe Fabian, our President, will be in the 2^nd year of his present 2-year term, so his position was not up for re-election.

The entire Board is looking forward to serving you next year, beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

TRAIL MAINTENANCE NEWS

Trail Maintenance Representative

Ro Mason     romason@comcast.net

The trail crew started early this season as we saw a need for trimming to be done on the Batona Trail south of Rt 72.  This is the section where the swamp planks are located that everyone loves to walk on.

Thank you to those who could come out before October to start getting the trail in shape for the Fall hikers.

On a very sad note, the trail crew lost Gail Hammell who was a treasured member of the crew for many years.

HIKING NEWS

Hiking Chair

Becky Strickland    becky.ocsjhike@gmail.com

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A HIKE

Make sure you understand what a hike involves. If you're not sure, contact the leader.  Everyone will have the best experience if they match their abilities with the description on the invitation.  

Also on that topic, here is useful advice from Al DiCianni, one of our busiest hike leaders.

When signing up for hikes read the hike descriptions carefully and thoroughly. If you are new to hiking, sign up for shorter distance hikes. As you hike (walk) more frequently increase your distance gradually. For longer hikes you should be walking regularly or engaging in aerobic activities ie.,treadmills, steppers, peloton  etc. It is important that you determine your physical fitness levels, endurance ,stamina and walking pace.  

When participating in hikes  it's important to stay between the Leader and Sweep at all times. 

If you follow these simple rules, your hiking experience will be enjoyable so that it becomes a regular event in your life.

Photos on Meet Up Page

Several times a week I choose a photo from the most recently posted ones.  I look for well framed shots that represent what we do or see on our hikes. I'm more likely to post flora & fauna than people or buildings.  Landscape orientation displays best for this purpose so I rarely choose portrait.

It's always a difficult decision and isn't a contest. There are thousands of wonderful pictures on our site; only a fraction will make it to the main page.  

Post your pics under 'photos' -- they will be seen, even if they don't make the main display.

ACTIVITY CHAIR

Frank Pearce     hornet71@verizon.net

CYCLING NEWS

Acting Cycling Chair 

Larry Caniglia    lawrence.caniglia@gmail.com

More than 35 Outdoor Club members joined with Cynergy Cycling, Team Evesham and TnT Cycling on Labor Day for the annual All Paces Rides from Laurel Acres Park in Mount Laurel. Special thanks to our bike leaders Andre Ferland, John Frangipani, Ted Daily, Neil Kornhauser, Bruce Erdman, and Jeff Fields for leading many of the rides. It was a somber moment prior to the ride remembering the Gaudreau Brothers, who lost their lives in a bicycle/motor vehicle accident with an alleged driver under the influence. Adding to that terrible tragedy, we were joined by the parents of a 2011 Lenape High School graduate who was killed the prior weekend in Maryland while on his bike. While trying to make some sense of their tragic loss, his bereaved parents urged all of our riders to make sure that we have both a rear light AND a front light, which is essential, even in daytime. A bright light on the front of the bike, one that flashes even better, alerts a distracted driver who might not otherwise see you. I must admit that while I had a rear flashing light, a radar detector for traffic behind me, and dual mirrors on my handlebars, I did not think a front light was necessary since I never ride at night. I have since rectified that with an inexpensive and easy to install front light. While a front light doesn’t make us invulnerable to distracted, inconsiderate and bad drivers, we at least know that we have added one more layer of safety to keep our rides fun and and as safe as possible.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING/SNOWSHOEING NEWS

Cross Country Ski Chair

Barbara Brandt    bbrandt46@gmail.com

Time to plan for winter fun.  This year we have scheduled 3 xc ski/snowshoe trips with something for everybody.  The first two are in North Conway, NH and Stowe, VT, - New England towns well knownm for their charm and winter sports.  The third is in Boonville, NY, -a less well known area of NY State which has the advantage of being closer and near guaranteed snow.  Check out the details and sign up for a trip here: https://ocsj.org/X/C-SKIING-SCHEDULE.   Newbies are welcome.  Rentals and instruction available on all trips.

1.  White Mountains of New Hampshire.  January 20-26

2. Stowe, Vermont.  January 26-31

3. Boonville, New York.  February 20-28

Unfortunately, it is impossible to schedule closer trips due to the fickle snowfall in NJ. We will try to post last minute, nearby “pop up” trips if snow strikes. If you are looking for people to ski with you might want to organize a pop up trip when snow does hit.  If so, you must contact me ahead of time so I can make you an xc leader with permission to post on MeetUp.  This is not a commitment to lead a trip,- just making it possible if you decide to at the last  minute.  Bbrandt46@gmail.com 

KAYAKING/CANOEING NEWS

Kayaking/Canoeing Chair

Frank Pearce      hornet71@verizon.net

I have been asked by members  what kayak they should buy.

The answer starts with where   you will be kayaking. Lake, stream, river, ocean, or whitewater.

For most club trips I would   recommend 10-to 12 feet. recreational kayak. The longer the   kayak the harder to   maneuver    the pine barren   streams.

Weight A lightweight kayak is easier to carry, easier to load onto your car (especially by yourself. The tradeoff is that lightweight materials can make a kayak cost significantly more.

Polyethylene plastic is inexpensive and abrasion-resistant, though it's the heaviest option and the sun's UV rays will degrade it after an extended time in the sun. (Store it in a covered location.)

ABS plastic: Slightly more expensive than polyethylene, it offers similar durability. The higher price gives you a slightly lower weight than polyethylene, plus some UV resistance. Thermoformed ABS boats' distinctive two-tone designs come from having the deck and hull made separately then bonded together.

Composites: Lightweight fiberglass and ultralight carbon-fiber boats offer a huge leap in performance and price. UV rays aren't a big concern with these materials, but a major impact with rocks can be.

Inflatables and foldables; I would think   twice before    considering.   You can get an inflatable   for less than $200, but I would keep the repair kit close.  There are more durable choices.

Weight Capacity: This is the total of the boat, your gear and you.

Length: Longer boats cruise more efficiently A few inches in length won't matter much.

Depth: Deeper hulls offer more room for long-legged kayakers

Width: Wider hulls offer more initial stability, while narrower hulls can go faster.

Skegs, tracking fins and rudders: These accessories help a boat track straighter in the wind.

Seats: A great seat having one that's more adjustable, more padded, and more ergonomically suited to you might be worth those extra dollars.

Cockpit size: A small, snug cockpit gives you more control and protection in rough conditions. A large cockpit makes it easier to get in and out of the boat.

Hatches: Offer protected storage. How do they provide that protection? Sealed bulkhead or actual   compartment.

If you  have  questions, just ask.

BACKPACKING/CAMPING NEWS

Backpacking/Camping Chair

Kevin Drevik     KDrevik@aol.com

If interested in learning more about backpacking, please contact me at kdrevik@aol.com

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

by Vera Stek

verastek@verizon.net

OCSJ October 2024 Spotlight on Danielle DiRenzo

ddirenzo@hotmail.com

By Vera Stek

verastek@verizon.net

As much as we all love the pristine Pine Barrens with its seemingly endless miles for breath-taking beauty and outdoor adventures, sometimes there’s nothing so alluring as a trip to somewhere else for a change of scenery and a different kind of challenge.

Danielle DiRenzo recently traveled to France and walked to Spain along the historic and famous Camino de Santiago, surely one of the bucket list treks for nearly every hiker. The series of ancient pilgrim routes stretches about 500 miles across Europe comes together at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. She completed half of the most popular pilgrimage route but hopes some day to go back and do more. 

Here’s her story:

Q. First tell us a little about yourself: where you were born, where you live, family situation, job, age, etc.

DANIELLE: I was born in Philadelphia, but grew up in Cherry Hill. I worked as a teacher for more than 30 years. I am now happily retired.  

Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? How did you hear about the club? What benefits do you feel you’ve gained by belonging? 

DANIELLE: I found the Outdoor Club through Meetup about 10 years ago. I started out with some bike rides and eventually added hikes. I didn't participate in events for a few years, but after I retired in 2023, I joined the Outdoor Club and have been walking regularly ever since. I enjoy walking outside and am more motivated to walk when I am with a group. I have met so many wonderful people and have walked in places I have never been, even though I have lived here most of my life! 

Q. How long have you been hiking? Do you participate in other outdoor activities? 

DANIELLE: I would say I have been hiking consistently for about 5 years. Occasionally, I get my bike out and go for a ride.

Q. Do you have any goals, such as hiking a certain number of miles per year? Do you hike year round?

DANIELLE: I try to hike year-round. I was hesitant to walk in winter when I first started, but once I did a few hikes, I realized I liked it. Having the right clothing/gear makes a big difference. 

Q. What are some safety tips you can pass on for newer hikers? 

DANIELLE: Listen to your body! Know your own pace and know how far you can comfortably walk. Oh, and don't forget to stretch! 

Q. Where are your favorite places to hike/backpack? 

DANIELLE: Franklin Parker Preserve, Batsto Village, Wissahickon, Black Run, Blueberry Hill, Whitesbog,

Q. You recently completed what many hikers consider a hike of a lifetime. Tell us about that. Any other places on your bucket list?

DANIELLE: In April and May, I walked the Camino de Santiago. Well, I like to say I tried to walk the Camino de Santiago. I had a few unexpected physical issues and was not able to walk all of it. I started in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, and finished in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It was supposed to be a 500-mile pilgrimage; I ended up walking about 280 miles of it. I know that is still a lot, but I had hoped to be able to walk all of it. It was very challenging, and at first, I said I would never do it again. Now, I'm considering trying again in a few years. I may walk the France route again or maybe do the Portuguese route. Walking the Camino has inspired me to try more hikes in the United States. I would like to start visiting some of the National Parks.

Q. What are some of your other interests?

DANIELLE: Puzzles, games, travel.

Q. What’s something about yourself that might surprise others to know?

DANIELLE: I love to play (and teach) Mah-jongg! 

Q. Anything else you’d like to say about anything? 

DANIELLE: I am grateful for all the OCSJ leaders who plan a wide variety of activities in such beautiful places. There is something for everyone in the Outdoor Club of South Jersey. 

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Maura Mawn    mmawn@comcast.net

OFFICIAL OCSJ LOGO TSHIRTS

The Outdoor Club of South Jersey is happy to announce the availability of club T-Shirts through Print Shop Shirts. Ordering will be ongoing.

We have many different styles to choose from ranging from simple ring spun cotton shirts, moisture management/antimicrobial performance fabric, to moisture wicking to UPF sun protection. Short sleeve and long sleeve with many colors to choose from. Now available, UPF hooded long sleeve shirt.  Choose from full back printing only, or front left breast printing only, or both front & back printing.

The ordering process from Print Shop Shirts is simple:

Go to  printshopshirts.com

Click on "go to stores"

Click on the OCSJ logo  

Direct link   Order here

ANNUAL MILEAGE CLUBS

Reminder: OCSJ   Paddle Mileage Club for 2024

Any canoe/kayak trip counts with any group or individual.

The miles are sent in the first week of January 2025 but the last trip is December 31 of 2024 The paddlers who do not make 300,400 or 500 miles but turn in miles will get honorable mention on the website.

For details contact Frank Pearce   hornet71@verizon.net  The official log sheets can be found on the  OCSJ website. 

"THE OCSJ MARKET PLACE"

the place to BUY-SELL-GIVE-BORROW

Only newly added items will appear in the newsletter.

Submit your REQUESTS and OFFERS to: hornet71@verizon.net for publication in the next Newsletter and on our Website.

Include a description of the item you are requesting or offering, photos, price or terms of loan, and your contact information. All transactions will be conducted privately between the individuals.

**Please update when items are no longer available**

From your Membership Secretary ….

OCSJ memberships are good for one year. When its time to renew you will receive three email notices to the email address you provided to the club when you joined. The renewal notices will be sent to you : 30 days before you are due to renew, 15 days before and the day your membership renewal is due. If you do not renew on your anniversary date, Wild Apricot, our membership account database server, will automatically “Lapse and Archive” you and you will be removed from the club’s meetup pages soon after.

Don’t miss out on our great club activities! Please be prompt to renew.

Please check your spam/junk folders as sometimes your renewal notices will go to those folders.

If you change your account information especially your email address, log into your personal Wild Apricot account and make any necessary changes. You can also email me with changes or questions at membership@ocsj.org

To renew by check :

Checks are to be made out to Outdoor Club of South Jersey

Mail your check to:

OCSJ Membership Secretary

PO Box 74

Oceanville, NJ 08231

Checks may take two weeks to receive and be deposited so online renewals are much faster.

Thank you for renewing your memberships promptly and staying connected to a wonderful group of outdoor minded people like you!

Rosemarie (Ro) Mason

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

OCSJ MEMBERSHIP