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jstan
climber
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We are in the midst of a revolution and I would know more about this hostel approach, except for one thing. I have to log into facebook and expose myself to all the associated capitalistic manipulations.
No thanks.
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OR
Trad climber
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Crikey! Is that a forced labor camp?
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
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I just assumed this was about that old building in the amc campground, where you can just stay for free, AND walk to the crag.
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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That "old building in the AMC campground"---boy,you must not have been in the Gunks in quite a while. The unofficial "AMC campground" was put off-limits for camping maybe 20 years ago, with the old building now preserved by the Mohonk Preserve as an historic site. It was really a shame to lose that area to camping as it was by far the best option in a region with an amazing lack of decent places to camp. (One of the great mysteries of the Gunks for me has always been "where do all those hordes who fill the cliffs on Saturdays and Sundays sleep on Saturday night?"---as their numbers are far larger than the number of available places to sleep.) Anyway I have many, many fond memories of evenings spent in that campground and the cabin.
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goatboy smellz
climber
Nederland-GulfBreeze
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Not looking to pile on Kovar, I'm sure that place will be popular with the turbo betties.
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MudPuppy
Trad climber
Gliese 581 g
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The long night drive from Ithaca to the old AMC cabin with the dog for company, coffee on Breakfast Rock out front the next morning. Fall colors from the upper pitches. Catching a ride with Fritz Weissner back up to the Trapps.
Good times long gone.
Where DOES anyone sleep at the Gunks anymore?
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
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uh oh, once again I'm busted for giving out 20 year old beta. lol
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OR
Trad climber
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Hey, so my post above was jokey, not mean spirited. I would haved loved that place in my 20's. I have always loved the climbing hostel style bivi's. The AMC campground..... Was that camp slime on the left before you get to the bridge? I spent many nights there in the late 80's. The dirt road before the hairpin was great too, very social on fri nights sometimes. Great memories of rolling in on a friday night...stop for a few beers at Bachus and meet a few other climbers then crashing at camp slime or the dirt road at midnight. Good times
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
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No, camp slime was across from uberfalls. AMC campground was half a mile down the road on the right. Right where the road turns, I can see it in my head. Combination lock: 5-7-5-2 on the chain to get in. What grades do AMCer's talk about? 5.7 What grade do they actually climb? 5.2 Now 20 years later I still know the code.
Back then I had got a job in NJ, moving from Colorado, and the only way to handle it was to live in New Paltz and commute 1 1/2 hours to work. I lived on an apple farm, it was heaven. A little cold in the winter though.
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Oldfattradguy2
Trad climber
Here and there
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Alan,
The mystery may be solved, at least in one point in time, in the early and mid 80's. It seems a lot of folks were on my floor and the floors of other local climbers. Made finding a partner saturday mornings real easy, getting school work done not so easy, except for getting help on my programming homework by a certain math type climbing friend.
Ah, the old AMC, cabin, the location of many twisted, substance abuse filled nights of the '70's....
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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Great - I look forward to meeting you at The Bunkhouse!
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Gunkie
Trad climber
East Coast US
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Where DOES anyone sleep at the Gunks anymore?
I, for one, now iron leg a 2.5 hour drive each way, doing mostly day trips. Coffee is the great equalizer. Camping in the Gunks has become rather bothersome. Personally, I was a Warwarsing Turnpike bivy guy, BITD. Had my Toyota truck perfectly rigged for sleeping, cooking, and lounging.
I've heard of a few efforts to create private campgrounds near the cliffs. Most shut down by the Gardiner Township zoning committee (and for good reason based on behavior of those who stayed at the multi-use area on rt 299). I stayed at KOA once, 10 miles out, and had a rough experience. I understand that there is camping north of New Paltz, but have never used it and have heard little about that place.
Drive fast, take chances.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
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Best 'O Luck to the Bunkhouse!
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The Lisa
Trad climber
Da Bronx, NY
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Accommodation is tough to find around the Gunks. I used to car camp but then police would wake us up and make us move. Camp Slime by the steel bridge is ok but can fill up quickly and the only facilities are the 2 portajohns across the road.
I am sure cagey regulars know some quiet spots or have an agreement with a landowner to car camp.
I never stayed at KOA but Creekview Campground in Rosendale is cheap. It is a more family-oriented place but they have showers. They do fill up for holiday weekends so you cannot count on staying there if you decide on a last-minute trip.
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Yeah, Gunkie, I assumed that a lot of folks did the back and forth commute between The City (and environs) and the Gunks both days, but that always seemed too much driving for me---even when I was based in Westchester. And for those of us who live further away, then commuting each day is not really an option. The KOA is pretty vile---goes without saying, I guess. The place to the north, in Rosendale is OK but very limited. It just seems that folks spread out and find little niches to spend the night---camping places--official or not, friend's floors, pullouts on country roads,back home etc. There has been talk for years of the AAC building a climber's campground at the Gunks. I know, as Gunkie states, that past efforts have been stymied by the town of Gardiner (the cliffs are in that town, but most of the climber's money---such as there is, ends up in New Paltz instead). Anybody have any word on how things currently stand on that project?
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
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Edit: Update on AAC campground: http://www.americanalpineclub.org/p/gunks-campground
The bad news is, if the AAC c/g does open then Slime and MUA will be closed. I hate to see that, but change does happen, and those of us who only knew MUA/Slime will then be in the waxing poetic about camping there similarly to those of you who camped on the preserve, the c.g where Peterskill is and the like.
I used to do day trips and on both-day weekends would sleep at the MUA. Then I got a van (1988 Toyota Mini) and had a conundrum, since I wanted to stake out a campsite, but since I had a van to sleep in, it was hoggish to want a set up at MUA.
Then, the van died, and began 4 years of an interesting commute... Each Friday afternoon: Loaded up with a big pack, a rolling duffel, a medium sized cooler, and Teddy on a leash, I would taxi to Grand Central, Metro North to Poughkeepsie, pay a woman who picked me up there to taken me to Slime. And reverse it each Sunday. People would see me loaded up with all that and say "Can I help you?" and I would reply "Yes - move out of the way!" It was a sheer will effort, carrying all that stuff between taxi and train.
Then - the universe conspired to make my life easier(in that respect), and I got a gig as caretaker for the Coxing trailhead area. Now I have a pretty luxe bivy.
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Tony Bird
climber
Northridge, CA
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... otherwise, "the cheapest motel room in new paltz," claims the sign in front of motel 87, goes for $76 on a rainy weekday night.
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
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New Paltz is an agricultural area. Look around, its all apple farms. There must be an apple farmer in that town who would let people camp. The whole area is populated by old hippies and artists. It's 10 miles from Woodstock. When I was there one of my neighbors organized these festivals called Hemp Fests, never mind the details, but they would pay a farmer to have thousands of people camp over the weekend, build a stage with a wall of speakers and loud music, food trucks with people making burritos, and totally trash the place. The hemp fests came to an end when some kid od'd on multiple drugs and drowned himself in the lake. Turns out, his dad was the sherrif in some nearby town. When I did my Christmas shopping one year, I just drove into the rural parts where people have art studios, and bought everybody potteries and other crafts. My point, if there is one, is that the people are so cool in new paltz that its impossible that no one there would let you camp.
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OR
Trad climber
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Wait, so camp slime is still actually open? Is it an official spot with registration and time limits? If so who runs it?
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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Oct 10, 2012 - 08:29am PT
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Thanks happigrrrl - come check it out.
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jstan
climber
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Oct 10, 2012 - 09:37am PT
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In the early 70's I seriously considered buying a 70 acre farm underneath the Out Back slab. They wanted only 150 for it then. I was primarily interested in the silo. Great place for a master bedroom with a glass dome.
Edit:
I was also thinking of operating the 70 acres of flat, wooded, well soiled land as a climbers' campground. It had a big barn that would make a rec center on days too rainy to climb, there was room for car parking and a shuttle to the cliff every half hour would function much as the Yosemite Shuttle now does. Camping spots for the whole year might be purchased just like the Mohonk permit.
But the truth is my activity in climbing and the protection problem, when combined now with camping would have turned me into a cancer. Just too much.
Dan's hope was for the Gunks to serve everyone. Everyone, whether a Nobel laureate, an academician, a doctor, a lawyer, or an engine mechanic comes and all say the same thing. "On belay." No big deal.
A gorgeous vision in a gorgeous place. It was time for me to go.
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Oct 10, 2012 - 10:52am PT
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Happiegrrrl--thanks for the update on the AAC campground. I have my doubts that folks will have quite as fond memories of Camp Slime or the MUA as they do of Wicky Wacky (the old Vulgarian camping area at Coxing Kill)or the AMC cabin--not the same atmosphere at all, but I could well be wrong as nostalgia does tend to distort actual memories.
OR--Camp Slime is still open. It is run by the Preserve, There are only a limited number of sites. I believe that it is first come, first served. I'm not sure about any time limits.
Tony Bird--Yes the cheapest rooms in New Paltz are far from cheap(busy college town)and right along the highway, but they are cheap compared to the Mountain House---the lodging of choice for the original Gunks climbers. Fritz would usually (always?) stay there throughout his career, and a few climbers are still able to afford the place (I don't want to even know what a room there costs today). The only way you can legally climb at Skytop today is to stay there AND hire a guide for a day. I'm aware of a few who've taken "advantage" of that option.
Jstan--Sorry you didn't buy the land. I'm sure it would have been beautiful and maybe we would still be enriched by your presence in the area.
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
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Oct 10, 2012 - 10:57am PT
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Really? I have been away a long time. Skytop was the best crag there.
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Gunkie
Trad climber
East Coast US
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Oct 10, 2012 - 11:00am PT
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Mountain House---the lodging of choice for the original Gunks climbers. Fritz would usually (always?) stay there throughout his career, and a few climbers are still able to afford the place (I don't want to even know what a room there costs today). The only way you can legally climb at Skytop today is to stay there AND hire a guide for a day. I'm aware of a few who've taken "advantage" of that option.
I know a few climbers that bury their climbing gear under a couple bags of golf clubs, park at the far end of the golfing parking lot, mess around with the clubs, balls, and other golfing paraphernalia until the coast was clear for a dash into the woods heading for the far right end of the Skytop crag.
Not that I've ever participated in such deceptions. But it happens...
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Oct 10, 2012 - 11:46am PT
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Don---Skytop has been "closed" for years now, ever since a corporation took over the actual management of the property from the Smileys. For quite a while the crag was totally off-limits. The "climb if you stay here and hire a guide" option is relatively new---maybe six or so years ago, but being well beyond the financial realities of most of us is highly resented by many.
Gunkie---I did say "legally". There are many stories of covert climbs over the years, using various tactics to reach the target objective and succeed with the "mission". As a former AF board member I guess I'm suppossed to disapprove of such activities, though in this particular case (see above)my disapproval is quite tempered. Unfortunately many of the best and most iconic climbs there are in full view of the "public" making covert ascents (at least in daylight)unlikely to succeed.
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
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Oct 10, 2012 - 03:44pm PT
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For $700, I hope it includes at least one queen. Looks like best option is sleep in your van, maybe somewhere near the university.
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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Oct 10, 2012 - 08:33pm PT
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pitching a tent - unfortunately probably not - but...we might be adding a couple more bunks in the spring and the outdoor shower will be up and running! WOW can't believe the mountain house is that much! $700 is crazy!
At the Bunkhouse - $20/night/person beats that!
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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Oct 12, 2012 - 11:06am PT
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Burrrrr - cold nights expected in the Gunks this weekend - 4 bunks still available.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
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Oct 12, 2012 - 01:46pm PT
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Burrrrr - cold nights expected in the Gunks this weekend - 4 bunks still available.
26 degrees!!! Yikes!
Bunkhouse - have you posted a flyer over at the MUA, or left postcards or something at Rock and Snow?
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Brian
climber
California
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Oct 12, 2012 - 02:06pm PT
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When I was going to the Gunks in grad school back in the late 90's, we'd just walk into the woods and toss down a bag. We never did this near the crags, and I'd guess we were probably trespassing. However, like pretty much everywhere else I've been in the world, we never had a problem. Go to bed late, wake up early. Easy.
However, (not that it matters now that I'm back in CA), I'd be super-psyched to stay at the bunkhouse and not have to worry about pirate-camping. Having lived in Europe, I cannot for the life of me figure out why these sorts of accommodations have not sprung up all over the place in the US, especially where the town is close and the weather unpredictable: North Conway, New Paltz, etc., etc. I mean, I'm glad we don't have huts everywhere in the backcountry like they do in Europe--keep the West wild!--but I can't see why locals wouldn't be interested in turning a buck with this sort of low-overhead accommodation. It's a great idea. Super easy maintenance for the owner, and reliable digs for folks driving out from the city or looking for a place to sit out bad weather.
Best of luck to the Bunkhouse!
Brian
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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Oct 12, 2012 - 06:37pm PT
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Rock and Snow has a flyer - got some hits from that.
Thanks Brian! For years I've had a second building on my property - and used it for storing junk. A friend made the suggestion and I went with it. After 4 truckloads to the dump, a great carpenter and electrician a lot of paint and sweat - the Bunkhouse opened two weeks ago. So far everyone has been very positive and this weekend we have a repeater! Four bunks are still available for tonight Friday 10/12. Hard frost expected tonight.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and support - hope to see you at the bunkhouse someday!
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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Nov 18, 2012 - 07:38am PT
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The Bunkhouse is offering a special for Thanksgiving weekend - $15/person/night.
The accommodations are modest, but we have heat!
Happy Thanksgiving!
bunksinthegunks.blogspot.com
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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4.1/13 - The Bunkhouse is OPEN! Hope you will check it out...
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The Bunkhouse
climber
New Paltz, NY
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4/1/13 - The Bunkhouse in New Paltz is OPEN. Hope you will check it out. http:/bunksinthegunks.blogspot.com
Reservations recommended - call Kay or text - 845-633-1295 or churchill.kay@gmail.com
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| Messages 1 - 35 of total 35 in this topic |
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