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free camping in the Gunks, exchange for minimal farm work
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EDITED FOR 2018!!! PLEASE READ, and make it clear that you have read it all, before writing... I am offering 'free' camping to climbers. in exchange, i ask 1 hr per person per night of work. what am i doing?? i am attempting to start a community permaculture project / sustainable community. i am still very early in the project, and do not even have bldg permits yet, so much of the work is things like moving earth, terrace-building, tree planting, road repair, and wood collection. if you are coming for one night, i am not interested. if you are arriving for the first time, after dark, i am not interested. understand that first-time visitors cost me time and effort in answering questions, explaining rules of the land, making sure you arrive correct (and not camp in my neighbors yard, for example), and that i'm there to greet you (see last point)... one time visitors coming after dark are not worth my time, sorry.... i am really looking for people who, at the very least, intend to come regularly. but particularly those who want to become part of a community, are interested in permaculture, and getting involved in the project. if interested, contact me at 201-293-7335 to save myself lots of txting... Q: whats the vision? A: a sustainable community; permaculture, earthen homes, yurts, treehouses, etc... A community center; music, art, yoga, etc... its meant to be a community, so pitch me whatever idea you've got. Q: how far along are you? A: not very, just started Q: directions? A: 36 Old Minnewaska Trail. google locates the pin very close to correct. make sure you have the 'Old' in your search... 'Minnewaska Trail' is another road. make sure you see #36 on the mailbox. DO NOT ENTER IF YOU ARE UNSURE!!!!!!! definitely DO NOT PITCH YOUR TENT IF YOU ARE UNSURE!!!!!! these should go without saying. if you need directions, I AM NOT A CAMPGROUND!!! this should also have gone without saying.... Q: where do i camp? A: after entering my property, in ~100 yards you will come to a circle, just before it starts climbing steeply. you can park here, or continue uphill until the road plateaus. If you are new, and i'm not around, camp near your car. Q: anything else i should know? A: the driveway is long, steep, and rough. USE LOW GEAR!!!!!! if not, u will not only struggle, but u will damage my road as ur wheels spin. 4wd if u got it. be gentle on my road; road maintenance is a serious consumer of my time, and campers are the #1 cause of damage. There is no water at the moment (well should be done soon). Be self-sufficient, pack out your trash, and dont be too noisy (u can have fun, just be reasonable. I dont want issues w neighbors) there is a pit toilet by my bus. USE IT OR GO ELSEWHERE!!!! this is a farm in the making, people... you don't know where i might be digging next week. You do not need to bring firewood. There is an infinite supply here. but i do expect you to collect your own wood (and ideally leave a little extra), not to burn wood that i have spent effort collecting, be an asset, not an ass... |
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Sounds vaguely like D'Acres over by Rumney. Cool idea and definitely a need for more camping options near the gunks! |
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Eric - sent you a PM |
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Eric, you are what this community needs, I used to climb there a lot and with MUA and Slime no longer being options, if I were still in the area I would gladly even pay a donation camping just for upkeep of the land, as it will need some or even just for slowly improving facilities over time. |
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Thanks again for hosting us! |
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Heck yea dude that's awsm! This is what every good climbing spot needs, along with good people to take care of the places!!! |
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Whoa! |
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Stayed here the other night and am happy to report back with a good experience! I didn't get to meet Eric, but he was kind enough to allow us to stay on his property on very short notice. He provided detailed instructions and was very responsive. The uphill and gravely/loose drive to the designated camping area is a little tough for low riding cars like mine, but doable. Met other climbers who stayed here too - it was nice, quiet, and cordial. Thanks Eric, may the climbing gods bless you with the gift of one thousand sends! |
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Very cool. We've been looking at land for sale near the Gunks the past couple seasons in hopes of doing something similar. Glad that you've been able to get the project off the ground. |
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Awesome service! I'll bet the New Yorkers will find something to complain about, though. |
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hell, id be willing to come do some work on the road the weekend of the trail days at the Mohonk. Id be happy to spend a day making trails and another day helping smooth that road. |
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Nice! |
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Jrzane, that'd be great. when's that? |
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How are you handling toilet needs/sanitation? More importantly, how do your neighbors feel about it? There have been other initiatives along these lines in the area that have been shut down by local opposition. |
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I've stayed at Eric's the last 2 weekends and had a great time. Really nice that the master of the house often has a fire blazing by the time you get there. Eric has tons of land and the neighbors are really far away - doubt they even know we are visiting. Place hasn't gotten mobbed yet and should probably stay that way for now. (ETA don't do this) |
Marc801 C wrote: Curious about this too. Digging holes/packing out? or is there some sort of designated area for hard waste a la D'Acres in Rumney. |
Chris Reyes wrote: I dug a hole out in the woods away from the camping area. Probably best to try to use the parking lot shitter to the extent possible. There's enough space that it won't be an issue for a while but best to get ahead of it |
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I have a pit-toilet, will build a septic as soon as the town/state let me. Pls do not shit anywhere else. Digging your own pit is fine in the woods, but this is my home and a farm-in-the-making. I may accidentally dig that up someday |
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@marc801.... w a few exceptions of friends, the neighbors dont know. Lets keep it that way |
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As for non-poop waste, i prefer u pack it out. (Actually, i prefer u not produce it in the first place, but if u do, pack it out, pls) Relatively non-toxic, flammable trash, like paper, we can burn |
Eric Werfel wrote: No problem at all! I'm 2300 miles west of you! |
