Summer Swarm, 6/23/19
We certainly had our share of precipitation for 2019, but we had to wait for the first Sunday of Summer to round up the crew and get out for run. The first four met at the Clinton Station diner for some morning grub and conversation. Three others met us over at the Pilot Station for fuel. It was a nice reunion for most of us with a new face in the bunch.
We headed out on NJ 173 to warm up the rubber and get settled in as a group. Taking the most circuitous route to the Delaware River via the Broadway Slalom, we negotiated the "Carousel" on Riverton Road as well the Orchard Road twisties to Five Points. Then back to the Garden State via the Portland Bridge using CR 609 to Hope, NJ thus, giving us another chance at some high speed corners.
Arriving in the center of Hope, our objective was "Shades of Death Road" and a "Ghost Lake" flyby. By then it was time for to refuel in Blairstown and initiate an assault on the back roads of Warren and Sussex County. We got a taste of some good Sweepers on the "D-town Turnpike" via Stokes State Forest where we changed course to catch a rest at the Hainesville General Store on NJ 206. Some refreshments were in order, so we languished in the shade of the front porch swapping stories.
We got a behind a couple of pokeys on CR 521 which could not be dispatched by a twist of the wrist, so we had to wait patiently for them to turn off. Through Deerpark and onto US 209 gave us an opportunity to catch our breath and enjoy a moderate pace up to Ellenville, NY. Another refuel at the Mobil Station led the group up on NY 52 toward Walker Valley. We stopped for a respite at the overlook on the Shawagunk Ridge with hang gliders buzzing overhead. It was now time to feed the furnace.
We were able to commandeer all the back roads down to Colesville and pick up CR 519 with just a couple of rolling roadblocks. The consensus was to stop at Pub 517 where we split up with the remaining four stopping for "Dunch". The special for the day was baby back ribs with a choice of potato. Our waitress was a "buff" young lady with a charming personality and from what I could see, not one ounce of slop on that petite frame. We shall return!
We departed the pub and split up in the center of Hackettsown. I arrived home bushed and with 247 miles on the clock. Despite the crazy "tree rats" and one errant fawn, there were no casualties. Bambi came close though.
Quote of the Day: "The road of indecision is paved with flattened squirrels."
Thanks to all for coming out and a warm welcome to Andrew.
The Seven In Attendance:
nathanktm
thesickest
ZBrutale
ST-DocLizard1
zaq123
rwb79
Andrew Puleo
Just some pics of the day:
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS EARLY APEX."