DAVETREK ADVENTURES

 

 

This year on Sunday May 25 and Monday May 26, 2013 I am having my 10th Annual Memorial Day Event, which is really a series of mini events all rolled into one. YOU CAN DO EITHER SUNDAY or SUNDAY AND MONDAY, at your option. Most people come just for Sunday and about 1/3 stay over for the camping and hike the next day. We have a nice balanced mix of singles, families and couples of all ages...

 

 

TWO NEW ADDITIONS THIS YEAR -

 

CHOICE OF LONGER PADDLE—YOU MUST ARRIVE EARLIER FOR THIS OPTION—described below…!!!!

 

SHABBAT AND/OR SATURDAY NIGHT CAMPING OPTION - For those who want to come early to camp, you can camp for $20 Per person per night at our site, for either Friday and Saturday night ( May 24 & 25), or just Saturday Night, as long as you supply all of your own gear and food. Depending on interest, you will either camp on your own, or we will supply breakfast and lunch for you—we will determine this the week of the event.  This way you can ‘maximize’ the event and can come early if you like and camp on your own. We will put the people selecting this option in touch in advance of the event. Let us know on RSVP form if you are interested.

 

See below for the details.

 

The event features the following elements, weather permitting:

 

** Canoeing & Kayaking on the scenic Delaware River

** 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 Western NJ near PA, within 90 minutes of Manhattan.  The Delaware River is a lovely place to go boating as you will see below. Last year we had over 70 people for boating, over 120 people for the BBQ, and over 50 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 25

Events:
1)
Canoeing & Kayaking on the Delaware River at the Water Gap-

Arrive at 9:15 for longer paddle, 9:45 am for standard paddle.

90 minute drive from Manhattan and Northern, NJ, 1:45 hrs from Brooklyn & Queens,  2 hrs from Long Island.  Arrive by 9:30 for longer paddle and by 10 AM for shorter paddle. We have a large but limited number of kayaks, so don't get closed out - RSVP asap!
2) A
BBQ and Bonfire in Western NJ near the Delaware Water Gap - Sunday PM/Evening

about 4 PM, for meat eaters and vegetarians
3)
Overnight camping in the same place as the BBQ,

 

On Monday May 26

 

4) Breakfast, clean up and a local hike, possibly on the Appalachian Trail or near Waterfalls.

 

 

For those with children or who do not wish to go boating,  you can do other things in and near the Delaware Water Gap, very close to where we will be BBQ’ing and Camping.

 

One  place to consider is Mill Brook Village, where they recreate a 19th century village,  sometimes with people in costume. This is open both on Sunday and Monday, and you can see the buildings. Also, there is Peter’s Valley Crafts Center, which has arts and crafts on display and classes of all types.  These are very close to the location we are BBQ’ing at.

On the PA side, about 30 minutes away, you can visit Bushkill Falls, ‘The Niagara of PA’, which is also quite nice.

 

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.


PRICING


EARLY BIRD - REGISTER BY Monday, May 12, 2014


Per Adult

 

$125 for everything (Kayak or Canoe, BBQ, Bonfire, Camping, Hiking)

$85 for Kayaking/BBQ/Bonfire - limited number of kayaks, don't get closed out!

$75 for Canoeing/BBQ/Bonfire

$70 for BBQ, Bonfire, Camping & Hiking

$32 for BBQ/Bonfire

 

plus $20 transportation, paid directly to the driver.

 

Per CHILD (Ages 4 to 12 for the BBQ -  - above 12 is considered an adult– children  must be at least 6 years old to go boating)

 

$59  for everything (Canoe, BBQ, Bonfire, Camping, Hiking)

$39 for Canoeing/BBQ/Bonfire with 2 adults per boat

$39 for BBQ, Bonfire, Camping & Hiking

$19 for BBQ/Bonfire


STANDARD REGISTRATIONS - May 13 till Monday May 19

Per Person

 

$140 for everything (Kayak/Canoe, BBQ, Bonfire, Camping, Hike)

$99 for Kayaking/BBQ/Bonfire - limited number of kayaks, don't get closed out!

$89 for Canoeing/BBQ/Bonfire

$85 for BBQ, Bonfire, Camping & Hiking

$40 for the BBQ/Bonfire

 

plus $20 transportation, paid directly to the driver.


Per Child ( Ages 4 to 12 for the BBQ -  - above 12 is considered an adult– children  must be at least 6 years old to go boating)

 

$65  for everything (Kayak or Canoe, BBQ, Bonfire, Camping, Hiking)

$45 for Canoeing/BBQ/Bonfire with 2 adults per boat

$45 for BBQ, Bonfire, Camping & Hiking

$22 for BBQ/Bonfire


Also, we are having a catered BBQ this year, from Executive Kosher, under the Vaad of Flatbush! If you want to help extra during the event for $20 - $40 off, let me know via the questionaire for the few spots I have for helpers.

 

Family rates for  families with 3 or more kids available upon request.

 

 

ALL RSVPS BY MONDAY MAY 19

 AT THE LATEST!

 

RSVP HERE

Passengers & Drivers


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

 

Boating Trip Descriptions - Longer Paddle Trip Option

 

This year we have two options—note that these may change depending on whether Kittatiny Visitor’s Center is open or not—these assume it does not open and  that we leave from

 

a) Worthington - shorter - 6.5 miles on the Delaware - this is the shorter route—it has 3 sets of level 1 & 1+ rapids and you need to have some prior boating experience and the ability to swim.

b) Bushkill - 10 miles - this is longer and harder - this also has 3 sets of level 1 rapids only people with moderate and above level kayaking experience will be allowed to go on this trip. You must also arrive by 9:15 am vs 9:45 am, and you will come late to the BBQ—don't worry, we there is plenty of food!

 

Tent Rentals

 

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.


The last time we had this on Memorial Day in 2011, over 125 people came, including over 50 who camped 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 PAY IN FULL AT THE TIME OF REGISTERING or the relevant deadline VIA PAYPAL OR send a check  postmarked by the deadlines at the top of this page.

 

RSVP deposits are refundable until May 12. Thereafter, you will need to find someone to take your place if you can’t make it to the event.

 

 

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 “Davetrek LLC” and mail it to:

 

Davetrek LLC

 

c/o David Brotsky

206 West 99th St, Apt 1D

New York, NY 10025

 

In order to get the discounted rate for a given deadline, you need to have your payment in full, postmarked by the deadlines above. The latest acceptable postmark for checks for the standard rate is May 20, 2013.

 

 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.

 

 

In order to get the discounted rate for a given deadline, you need to make your payment in full via 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 on the Delaware River, going along with the current. The setting is stunning- we coast along the Delaware, miles from civilization...surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests with some beaches and blue skies...the water levels are shallow, usually 3-5 ft deep. We usually go for about 2 to 3 hours on the water for the shorter trip, 4 plus hours for the longer trip. Details above and at the event.

CAN CHILDREN COME BOATING?

Children as young as 5 can come on the canoes, but you must be able to swim and for a double/tandem kayak

You must be at least 8 for a double kayak and 12 or 13 if they will paddle a kayak for themselves.

 

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. Families like canoes and they are fine for the river though there are rapids this year on the trip so keep this in mind, but I would recommend everyone who does not want to canoe should rent a kayak. While we can do a double kayak for you, its not so fun compared to everyone having their own kayak. 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 so please keep this in mind!

 

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. If you want to go canoeing with children, the children must be at least 5 years old to be in the boat, no exceptions!

 

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 the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, within 90 minutes of NYC , at the same location we will be camping. The BBQ will begin at about 4:30 PM. 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?

 

For the BBQ, we will be having a catered BBQ this year, from Executive Kosher, under the Vaad of Flatbush!

 

We will have snacks throughout, smores for the Bonfire, and breakfast and lunch on Monday. The food for these parts of the event are all items with the standard recognized hechsers such as OU, OK, etc. All . 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 12 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…

 

SHABBAT AND SATURDAY NIGHT CAMPING

 

 For those interested in this option, let me know on the form below. The charge would be $10 per person per night, but you need to be able to drive to the location and bring all food, tents and be totally self sufficient, etc. I will not be there until Sunday Morning, but you can arrive as early as Friday afternoon. I will be in touch with those selecting this option. BE AWARE THAT THE CAMPSITE LOCATION IS REMOTE AND HARD TO FIND AT NIGHT - I DON'T RECOMMEND SATURDAY NIGHT FOR MOST, AS YOU WONT ARRIVE UNTIL AFTER MIDNIGHT...

 

RSVP DEADLINES

EARLY BIRD RATES - MONDAY, MAY 12

ALL RSVPS NO LATER THAN MONDAY, MAY 19

RSVP HERE

Memorial Day Weekend -  May 25 & 26, 2014

Canoeing/Kayaking, BBQ, Bonfire & Camping

 

RSVP DEADLINES

 

EARLY BIRD RATES - MONDAY, MAY 11

ALL RSVPS NO LATER THAN MONDAY MAY 19

 

RSVP HERE                                                                   Home  Directions