TONY Spring Meet n Greet at BHM 4/17

Balsam Swamp State Forest/Balsam Pond has some nice primitive spots, and is only about 10 min away. Can't remember off hand, but I want to say its only 8-10 sites. They are kind of close together (for primitive at least....I like being by myself), but have a pretty close water access. They do have tables, outhouses, and fire rings. Very popular in the summertime (to locals), but usually not much going on there in the spring/fall. I may camp here myself, depending on the weather.

 

I used to live in Syracuse, very familiar with Labrador Hollow and the Hang gliders point areas! Was hoping for something closer to BHM. Maybe a stopover in the western Catskills like roscoe.

 

Cool ill look into it.

 

I’ll get over that way one of these Saturdays that isn’t frozen to scout out some more.

 

hanglider point is the bomb.
My sig photo has it up in the background, taken from the Labrador pond parking lot.

 

Lab Hollow used to not have a lot of people. I feel like after COVID it became the new Destiny USA.

The Finger Lakes Trail also runs through the entire area. Has a good amount of primitive sites along the way, and a couple lean-tos as well (Some of the nicest lean-tos that I've ever seen). Head east on the Finger Lakes trail, through a lot of the state forests in the area, and you won't find anyone for miles. Interactive Trail Map For Finger Lakes Trail (Segmented) Shows your right where camping sites are. I've hiked about 50 miles of this, and have seen more porcupines and bears than I have people.

 

My family has some property in South Otselic, so I go out there a couple times a year just to explore. Have found some pretty cool areas...I'll put up a "explore run" type post next time I go down and let you know.

 

yup, some of the best hiking and views in CNY.
I’m chalking last summer up to the pandemic, tons of people at all the trailheads and ponds.
I had one yahoo drive up, park and casually walk up to me and my friends fire at midnight the last time out, and just stand there like he was part of the conversation.
That was an awkward exchange as he soon got back into his whited out 80’s van,( after being threatened with bodily harm)
I didn’t sleep, sat in the chair the entire night with my hand on my firearm.

 

I'm in. Though I might need to get a front recovery point shackle for my 4Runner. Any ideas for front recovery points other than getting a full on aftermarket bumper?

 

@JDUB-Fabrication

 

This seems to be the set people go with: https://www.apexoverland.com/shop-by-brand/Front-Recovery-Points-p111923535

Or https://www.apexoverland.com/shop-by-brand/Front-Recovery-Points-for-KDSS-5th-Gen-4runner-p188568491

Depends what 4Runner.

 

As always Chess is reppin me!

I make them for tacomas, the front mounts may be the same? that one that @atpage posted is pretty badass and I like how it goes back on the frame. I would go with that.

 

I wouldn't snatch off them, but I would be ok winching on your front transport hooks

 

I've got a 5th gen 4Runner limited, with the crappy front bumper clearance. I like the Apex Overland solution, but might need to do some trimming to actually use the recovery point.

 

Following.

 

Can't find it anywhere on Google so I used Cincinnatus to ballpark it - looks like about 5 hours each way for me.

Can I be flaky shenanigans and bail closer to day-of if need be, or will BHM be grumpy if you show up with less? I just don't know what that weekend looks like yet. I would probably drive out Friday night at least to Albany area.

edit: I'm also completely stock 2020 TRD OR w/ sliders and @JDUB-Fabrication IFS Skid (by that time), with about 30k on the stock tires so if y'all think that will be no bueno for the trails let me know.




Dogs allowed?

 

I really hope you like you dinner Xtra well done !!

 

Most of the last group was stock when we went to Mettowee. Everyone did well.

 

He who complains becomes the camp cook next time

 

break in the new co2 system for airing up