DAVETREK ADVENTURES

Memorial Day Weekend 2010 -  May 30 & 31

Kayaking, BBQ, Bonfire & Camping

 

RSVP DEADLINES

 

EARLY BIRD RATES - SUNDAY, MAY 16

ALL RSVPS NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, MAY 23

 

RSVP HERE

 

This year on Sunday May 30 and Monday May 31, 2010 I am having my 7th annual memorial day event, which is really a series of mini events all rolled into one.

 

The event features the following elements, weather permitting:

 

** Kayaking in the scenic NJ Pine Barrens( Beginners welcome)

** BBQ

** Bonfire, with singing

** Camping on Sunday Night - (tent rental spots available for those without a tent)

** Hike on Monday, Memorial Day

 

 You can do various combinations of the above events, and all events are in Southern NJ, within 2 hours of NYC.  The Pine Barrens are a lovely place to go kayaking, as you will see below. Last year we had over 50 people for boating, over 75 people for the BBQ, and over 30 for the camping. Register early and often, as this will max out!

 

Here is the schedule of events –it’s a bit complicated, so pay attention and read everything on this page and the linked pages before sending me an email!!

 

On Sunday May 30

Events:
1)
Kayaking in the NJ Pine Barrens - Leave Sunday Morning at 7:30 AM from Manhattan, earlier from other places ( it takes 2 hours of driving to get to the place)
2) A
BBQ and Bonfire in Southern NJ - Sunday Afternoon/Evening –

about 5PM, for meat eaters and vegetarians
3)
Overnight camping in the same place as the BBQ,

 

On Monday May 31

4) Breakfast, clean up and a local hike of 4 to 5 miles

 

 

For those with children or who do not wish to go boating, Allaire State Park has an area known as Allaire Village nearby, where they recreate a 19th century village, with people in costume. This is open both on Sunday and Monday.

 

If you prefer, you can go directly to the park in the late morning on Sunday, and meet us later in the park for the BBQ, Campfire, etc.


COST


EARLY BIRD - REGISTER BY May 16, 2008


Per Person

 

$99 for everything (Kayak, BBQ, Bonfire, Camping, Hike)

$69 for kayaking/BBQ/bonfire

$25 for BBQ/Bonfire

 

plus $15 transportation, paid directly to the driver.

REGISTER May 17 till May 23, 2008

Per Person -

 

$110 for everything (Kayak, BBQ, Bonfire, Camping, Hike)

$79 for kayaking/BBQ/bonfire

$35 for the BBQ/Bonfire

 

plus $15 transportation, paid directly to the driver.


Just the
BBQ, camping and hike: $49 per person plus transportation.

 

Also, at the BBQ everyone is required to help with the food, but if you want to help extra for $20 off, let me know via the questionaire for the few spots I have for helpers.

 

Family rates available upon request, for kayaking/BBQ and BBQ/Bonfire only.

 

 

ALL RSVPS BY SUNDAY, MAY 23RD AT THE LATEST!

 

RSVP HERE


DRIVERS will be REIMBURSED for their expenses by their passengers. Drivers taking at least 3 passengers will be fully reimbursed for their expenses.

 

For campers, folks who don't have a tent will also incur a $10 tent rental fee if we need to rent tents. If you have extra tents or you need me to rent you a spot in a tent, let me know via the RSVP Questionnaire.


Last year, over 70 folks came for the Sunday activities, and 30 for camping out, so many that we had to close it out...!

 

SO REGISTER EARLY BEFORE WE CLOSE THIS OUT—ITS USUALLY ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR EVENTS OF THE YEAR


DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT TO RSVP:

 

In order to complete your reservation, you must make a $10 deposit ($20 for couples and families), postmarked or sent to paypal by the deadlines at the top of this page.

 

You will pay the balance of the monies at the event itself, via cash or check. RSVP deposits are refundable until May 23. Thereafter, you will need to find someone to take your place if you can’t make it to the event.

 

DO NOT PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT VIA PAYPAL. PAYPAL CHARGES A GOOD DEAL OF FEES SO WE WANT TO SAVE YOU SOME MONEY VIA THIS METHOD.

 

PAYMENT METHODS - CHECK OR PAYPAL

 

You may pay in one of two ways, via check or via paypal.

 

Via Check:

 

please send the payment/deposit , made out to “David Brotsky” and mail it to:

 

David Brotsky

 

c/o Sharon Zavodnick

325 North 3rd Avenue

Highland Park, NJ 08904

 

In order to get the discounted rate for a given deadline, you need to have your deposit payment postmarked by the deadlines above. $10 deposit required for individuals, $20 for couples and families.

 

 Via Paypal

 

Go to the RSVP Form here, and you will be able to pay the RSVP via paypal, and then fill out the questionnaire.

 

$10 deposit required for individuals, $20 for couples and families.

 

In order to get the discounted rate for a given deadline, you need to make your deposit payment into paypal  by the deadlines above. RAIN IN THE FORECAST MIGHT CANCEL THIS EVENT. WE HAVE GENERALLY MANAGED TO SNEAK THIS IN, WEATHER PERMITTING.

 

Event Details

 

Directions—these will be supplied closer to the event.

 

FAQ

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

FOR KAYAKING
lunch, 2 liters of water, hat, suntan lotion, shoes which can get wet, 
eye glass retainers/chums (click to see what they are—they help ensure that your glasses will remain on!) optional items -  a towel, bathing suit (you wear this underneath so you don't mind if you get wet),

 

FOR THE BONFIRE

If anyone has musical instruments, please bring them and let me know - they add a nice touch to the bonfire!

FOR CAMPING
a sleeping bag, tent (or we can rent you a spot), change of clothes, bug spray, flashlight and (optional) lantern

FOR HIKING
good shoes, suntan lotion, hat

 

CAN YOU GET ME A RIDE?

 

I hope to have rides for everyone coming kayaking on Sunday and for everyone who either goes home Sunday night or after the hike on Monday, but not for those who want to come just for the BBQ and camping, or just the BBQ. You will need to have transport in order to attend these events.


WHAT KIND OF KAYAKING IS THIS?


We will be kayaking in shallow streams, following along with the current. The setting is stunning- we coast along narrow streams through Wharton State Park, miles from civilization...surrounded by beautiful pines, sand and blue skies...the water levels are shallow, usually 3-5 ft deep, and the streams we go in are quite narrow, not more wide than 25 ft in most places. We usually go for About 2 to 3 hours. For those more experienced, there is a longer version available. Details at the event.

I HAVE NEVER KAYAKED - can I come?

 

Yes! The kayaks are flat bottomed and easy to use - no prior lessons required - beginners are welcome. Everyone has their own kayaks…kayak website is: http://www.belhavencanoe.com

 

Every year we get at least 10 to 20 beginners, so you are in good company. We have often had children, though I recommend they be at least 8 for a double kayak and 12 or 13 if they will paddle themselves. We will be kayaking for about 2 to 3 hours.

 

WILL I GET WET?

 

Usually not. Out of 50 kayakers, usually only 5 to 10 get wet. Pay attention to the instructional course we give before you get in your kayak and you should be fine. Some of those getting wet do so intentionally...horsing around and the like.

 

CAN I BRING MY IPOD/CAMERA, ETC KAYAKING?

 

Leave anything valuable at home or in the car such as ipods, cameras, etc. I ruined one camera one of the first years we went kayaking!

 

Anything you bring kayaking has to be able to get wet, including your shoes and clothing. Usually about 5 to 10 folks out of 50 fall in, so odds are greatly in your favor that  you will be dry all day, but you don't want to get unlucky…leave any wallets, cellphones, keys in the car – DRIVERS will be able to drop their KEYS with the folks who run the place…cameras should be the disposable water ones or others which can get wet…

 

I PREFER A DOUBLE KAYAK OR A CANOE – CAN YOU RENT ME ONE?

 

Yes we can, but I strongly dissuade anyone but families with kids from renting double kayaks or canoes. The streams are narrow and tough to navigate with a long boat, and that makes it harder for anyone in a double kayak or a canoe. It is truly easy kayaking, and much more fun in your own boat. Anyone but families with kids have always complained about being in a double kayak or a canoe, so please don’t ask me to rent one for you!

 

I am an experienced kayaker - Can you rent me a better kayak?

 

For those who are experienced kayakers, a longer kayak can be easier and more fun to operate. I use a Carolina when I go and I can get one for you also. Since the streams we will be going in are narrow, though, it can be harder to maneuver these boats unless you are an experienced kayaker. If you are sure you want one, let me know on the questionnaire. When in doubt, take the standard kayak, which is easier for most folks.

 

ARE FAMILIES WELCOME?

 

We have often had children, though I recommend they be at least 8 for a double kayak and 12 or 13 if they will paddle themselves. One recent year we had at least 4 or 5 kids, so you will be in good company. We will be kayaking for about 2 to 3 hours.

 

Also, if you prefer, you can do something in the area and then come to the BBQ/Bonfire. I will have a family rate for that. There are events in the area for families, such as Allaire Village, with a working railroad most weekends. Ask me via email for details of events in the area and a family rate for the BBQ/Bonfire.

WHAT ARE THE BBQ & BONFIRE DETAILS?


This will be a full Barbecue for meat eaters and vegetarians in a secluded, private area of a NJ State Park, within 90 minutes of NYC , at the same location we will be camping. The BBQ will begin at about 5PM. The bonfire will start at about 7:30 with singing, stories and musical accompaniment. Let me know if you can bring an instrument!

 

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL YOU HAVE?

 

 I supply stuff for vegetarians and meat eaters – we grill vegetables, fruits, hamburger, hot dogs and maybe some chicken, plus have salads, chips and salsa, etc – you won't go home hungry I suspect…LET ME KNOW ON THE RSVP QUESTIONAIRE IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS/ISSUES.

 

I AM A VEGETARIAN - WILL YOU HAVE ANYTHING FOR ME AT THE BBQ?

 

Yes, we always have plenty for the vegetarians, such as vegetarian hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled vegetables like portobello mushrooms and even grilled fruits such as bananas, apples, etc. all prepared on pareve grills,

 

WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF KASHRUT?

 

We buy all of the items with the standard recognized hechsers such as OU, OK, etc. All of the meat/chicken is purchased from local kosher markets such as Brachs in Queens, Glatt Mart, or Costco, which now carries OU certified meats in many locations. All of the equipment used is items that we use only for these types of events.

 

WHAT ARE THE CAMPING AND HIKING DETAILS?

Camping and Hiking – On Sunday Night , we will be camping at the same place as the BBQ. On Monday, I will be leaving at 11 AM, when we need the campsite to be cleaned up. I will direct folks to  a nice hike in the area that is about 4 miles long.

 

BATHROOMS/SHOWERS AT THE BBQ /CAMPING SITE?

 

Yes, we have some bathrooms, but no showers – the bathrooms are what I call 'hi tech backcountry toilets' – they are clean, they have a seat like any toilet you are used to, and are not too smelly  - they don't have running water, so we supply handwipes/purell…

 

RSVP DEADLINES

EARLY BIRD RATES - SUNDAY, MAY 16

ALL RSVPS NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, MAY 23

RSVP HERE