“We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods
As our car pulled up to the little cabin, I was full of anticipation. A whole weekend to enjoy the outdoors, greasy food, and good company.
Our Walden is Stokes State Forest. This beautiful state park is located on the northwestern edge of New Jersey, just over the border from Pennsylvania.
It’s only about 90 minutes from Hudson County, where my friend Tim* and I live. Even in July 4th weekend traffic, we made it in good time.
For this trip, we were in the lap of luxury: we had a lean-to! These little cabins give you a roof and four walls — and you never know how important that is until you don’t have it.
They even come with a lovely wood stove. But on this balmy summer evening, we wouldn’t be needing it.
Tim got the fire going faster than any city boy I’ve ever seen. On went the dogs — Thumann’s. If you haven’t had them, get some. They’re the best I’ve ever had.
Then we went non-traditional: nachos! You’d be surprised how easy they are to make over a campfire.
Just layer tortilla chips, cheese, corn and beans in a cast iron skillet. Put it on the grill for a few minutes until the cheese melts, and top with salsa and sliced serrano chilies.
¡Buenísimo!
We laughed and chatted by the fire, then headed to bed early. Those little lean-tos make for a cozy night’s sleep.
The next day at breakfast, I finally tried Taylor ham! 9 years in Jersey, and believe it or not I’d had it. It was perfect with fried eggs and leftover buns to sop up the grease.
Then we set off to hike Tillman’s Ravine. After all that sitting around stuffing our faces, getting moving was a nice change!
Tillman’s Ravine is a pleasant, easy hike. The trails are well-marked and not particularly steep.
There’s even a little waterfall!
We stopped at the Walpack Cemetery along the way. The graves are mostly old, a surprising number of them children.
“We have it so much easier now,” I thought.
We pulled back into camp, sweaty and tired. Time to grill up that special porkchop we’d been saving.
It came from Kinderhook Farm, which makes the best pork chops around. If you’re in the area, check it out!
As we sat around the fire, we mused on trips to come.
Tim’s brother just had his first child, a son. Soon, he and his dad will join us too.
“Before long, there will be a little chair there right between ours,” I said.
Our lives unfold from trip to trip. Things change, but that fire stays the same.
I hope to be out there when I’m 100.
What are your favorite memories in nature? Leave a comment and let us know!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
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More on nature:
Christmas Camping in New Jersey
A Hidden Castle…In New Jersey?
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