sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alander Mountain, Bear Hill, Catskill Park, Gore Mountain (New York), Little Tom Mountain, Millbrook Mountain

The

Cloudsplitter

Vol. 77 No. 4 October-December 2014

published by the ALBANY CHAPTER of the ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

The Cloudsplitter is published quarterly by the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and is distributed to the membership. All issues (January, April, July, and October) feature activities schedules, trip reports, and other articles of interest to the outdoor enthusiast.

All outings should now be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org . Echoes should be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org with your login information.

The Albany Chapter may be Please send your address and For Club orders & membership For Cloudsplitter related issues, reached at: phone number changes to: call (800) 395-8080 or contact the Editor at: Albany Chapter ADK Adirondack Mountain Club e-mail: [email protected] The Cloudsplitter Empire State Plaza 814 Goggins Road home page: www.adk.org c/o Karen Ross P.O. Box 2116 Lake George, NY 12845-4117 7 Bird Road Albany, NY 12220 phone: (518) 668-4447 Lebanon Spgs., NY 12125 home page: fax: (518) 668-3746 e-mail: [email protected] www.adk-albany.org

Submission deadline for the next issue of The Cloudsplitter is November 15, 2014 and will be for the months of January, February, and March, 2015. Many thanks to Gail Carr for her sketch of a peaceful fall walk in the woods.

October 1, November 5, and December 3 (1st Wednesdays) Business Meeting of Chapter Officers and Committees 6:00 p.m. at Little’s Lake in Menands Chapter members are encouraged to attend - please call Tom Hart at 229-5627

Chapter Meetings are held at the West Albany Fire House (Station #1), 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany. Education Sessions start at 6:30 prior to the membership meeting. Programs begin following the Chapter business meeting. Refreshments are served after the meetings.

October 14 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: To be announced. Program: Off the Beaten Path – A Celebration of the Catskill “Hidden Peaks” in Four Seasons. Alan Via, author The Catskill 67: A Hiker’s Guide to the Catskill 100 Highest Peaks Under 3500’ returns to delight us with a brand new slide show of gorgeous photos and entertaining tales about another group of little known and seldom hiked mountains, shown in four seasons.

November 11 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Winter and Camping. Carl Klinowski will discuss equipment, techniques and other helpful information for hiking in the cold season. Get your questions about winter backcountry travel answered. Program: The Trans Adirondack Route: Through Friends of the Trans Adirondack Route, Erik Schlimmer, the route's founder, offers the multimedia presentation "True Wilderness: The and the Trans Adirondack Route." This primitive hiking path, using existing , roads and trackless woods, was established in 2013. It extends 235 miles across the and traverses 5 wilderness areas, including moose habitat and virgin timber. Highlighting Erik's 100 best images from more than twenty years of Adirondack Park exploration, "True Wilderness" is a four-season showcase of the East's largest preserve.

December 9 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Favorite Local Hikes. Come prepared to share a favorite hiking spot that is close to the Capital District. Most of us have some favorite places that are lesser-known. Bring photos and maps, if you have them to share. Program: Northern Flora and Fauna: Dr. Nancy G. Slack is a noted botanist, professor, 46er, skier, paddler and, oh yes, author of Adirondack Alpine Summits, Field Guide to the New Alpine Summits and scores of other works about the flora and fauna of the northern US, Canada and Europe. Her expertise is world-recognized and her photos are magical!

2 ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

FITNESS: Know your level of fitness and limitations. The trip leader will ask questions about your experience, fitness, equipment, medical condition, expectations, etc. Be Honest!

TRIP RATINGS: Understand that the level of effort is not the same as the level of difficulty. Trip ratings are for level of effort. Realize that “moderate” for a physically fit person may mean outrageously strenuous for a novice and/or unconditioned person.

HIKERS EFFORT ELEVATION MILES TIME RATING LEVEL GAIN (FEET) (HOURS) A+ Very Strenuous 4,000+ 10+ 10+ A Strenuous 3,000+ 5 – 10 8 – 10 B+ Moderately Strenuous 2,000+ 5 – 10 6 – 8 B Moderate 1,000+ 8 --10 5 – 7 C+ Fairly Easy 1,000+ 5 – 8 4 – 6 C Easy Under 1,000 Under 5 Under 5

Not all trips fit cleanly into one of these categories. Whenever you are unclear about a rating for a trip, leaders will be happy to explain what their designated rating means.

PADDLERS MILES PORTAGES WATER CLASS A 12+ Long (½ mile+) II – Whitewater B 6 – 12 Short I – Moving C Under 6 None Flat

BIKERS MILES TERRAIN A 30+ Moderate to steep B 15-30 Moderate C Less than 15 Flat to Moderate

Please Note: Unless otherwise stated, please sign up with the leader for all Chapter activities. Do not simply show up at the designated meeting place. Arrive at the carpooling site before the stated departure time. Please pay the driver to offset the costs of driving. Do not bring a pet unless the trip leader agrees that it is okay, and bring a leash. Please stay with the group or ask to proceed and stop at the first intersection and wait for the entire group to re-assemble. You are expected to carry adequate equipment, water and food. If in doubt about what to bring, ask the trip leader! Suggestions for all seasons:

 Water: 2 - 3 Quarts  Layered Clothing (NO cotton)  Extra Socks  Hat  Shell (wind & rain)  Extra Sweater or Jacket  Headlamp  Gloves  Sturdy Boots  Sun Glasses/Screen (SPF 15)  First Aid Kit  Food  Map & Compass Waterproof Matches   Emergency Blanket

Winter Add-ons:  Skis or Snowshoes  Crampons  Ski Pole or Ice Axe  Extra Food  Warm liquids  Extra layers

3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

First, a big round of applause is due to our outgoing chair, John Sheehan. John served the last three years as chair, and with his guidance, the Chapter has moved forward in many positive ways. One of John's goals, and among the hardest to do in an all-volunteer organization, was to have all the various positions that it takes to run this chapter filled with enthusiastic and capable folk. Overall, that goal was met, so ... bravo John! We have also done well as a Chapter to welcome and keep new members involved. We listened to comments from our members to have easier outings, not just during the week, but on weekends too. Our volunteer leaders responded to that call, and so did the membership with such great interest we had to add more comparable hikes to accommodate the overflow. (Guess who led one of those last minute hikes? Yep - John Sheehan.) We will continue to give members the opportunity to enjoy modest outings and to gain experience, stamina and improved conditioning to move to more difficult outings - if you so choose. That is what the chapter gave me over the last four years--an opportunity to learn from our great outing leaders and the ability to meet more challenging adventures. Little did I know that hiking up and down the high peaks and exploring so many of the lesser traveled routes of the Adirondacks would lead to so many more adventures, including a three week trip to the Alps. There, my new friend and 2013 Schroeder award-winner Bob Scaife and I would summit nine 4000 meter peaks and complete several technical routes. Do you have to go that far? Of course not, but you can if you want. So, get involved, whether you like to hike, bike, paddle, ski or help lead the way in conservation. You will come away with wonderful experiences and maybe more importantly, new friends with whom you can share your interest in and passion for the outdoors. --Tom Hart

THE CLOUDSPLITTER

October-December 2014 Vol. 77 No. 4

Albany Chapter – Adirondack Mountain Club October – December 2014 Combined Activities Schedule

Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Oct 1 (Wed) Gertrude's Nose & Millbrook Mtn. Antonio B+ 2 (Thu) OK Slip Falls Breslin C+ 3-5 (Fri-Sun) Eastern Mountain Sports Club Day Sale 4 (Sat) Young Adults Group--Plateau & Mink Gawron A 4 (Sat) Priest B 4 (Sat) - John Boyd Thacher State Park Schaller B 4 (Sat) Gray, Skylight & Marcy Scaife A+ 4 (Sat) Moxham Mountain Seward C+ 5 (Sun) Mt. Greylock via the A.T. Cole B+ 7 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Mohawk River Full Moon Macha, Cherkosly B/C 7-11 (Tue-Sat) Club Days at Adirondack Paddle'n'Pole Macha 10 (Fri) Vanderwhacker Mtn Priest B 10 (Fri) Bennett Hill & Keleher Preserve Antonio C+ 11 (Sat) & Cole C+ 11 (Sat) Allen Warren A+ 14 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--The Catskills' Hidden Peaks 15 (Wed) Evening Paddle--Mohawk R., Freddie's Pk. Saville, Murray, Bentien C 15 (Wed) Moose Mtn. Pond & Bass Lake Seward B 16 (Thu) Dunham Bay Outlet Breslin C 18 (Sat) Fifth Peak Priest B 18 (Sat) Slide Mountain Susko B 19 (Sun) Chenango River/Group Choice Paddle Siegard A 21 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Mohawk R., Rotterdam Ozard, Cherkosly C 22 (Wed) Black Mountain Traver B

4 Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Oct 23 (Thu) Warren County Bike Breslin C 25 (Sat) Santanoni Rosenblatt A+ 25 (Sat) Mts. Pleasant, Romer, Cross, & Wittenberg Siegard A+ 26 (Sun) Mt. Adams Firetower Rosenblatt B 28 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Hudson R., Bethlehem McGuire, Jacobson C 29 (Wed) Indian Head & Fish Hawk Cliffs Antonio B+ Nov 1 (Sat) , , & Armstrong Scaife A+ 1 (Sat) Berrymill Pond Seward B 5 (Wed) Moreau State Park Antonio B 8 (Sat) Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) Trail Work Pisaneschi B 8 (Sat) Blueberry, Porter, & Cascade Rosenblatt A+ 11 (Tue) Thomas Cole, & Susko B+ 11 (Tue) Bennett Hill Hart C 11 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--The Trans Adirondack Route 12 (Wed) Race Brook Falls & Race Mtn. Traver B 13 (Thu) Sleeping Beauty Breslin C+ 15 (Sat) Plotterkill Preserve Good C 15 (Sat) Trail To Sam's Point Siegard B+ 16 (Sun) MacNaughton Cole A+ 19 (Wed) Antonio B+ 22 (Sat) Peekamoose, Table, Van Wyck, Woodhull Warren A+ 22 (Sat) Phelps via the Klondike Trail Hart A 28 (Fri) Taconic Crest Trail to the Snow Hole Seward B Dec 4 (Thu) Warren County Trail System & Pack Forest Breslin C 6 (Sat) , Sherrill, & Warren A+ 9 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--Northern Flora and Fauna 13 (Sat) Pharaoh Mtn. Seward B 14 (Sun) Cross Country Ski Leader's Choice Macha B 21 (Sun) Donaldson, Emmons & Seward Cole A+ 28 (Sun) Santanoni & Panther Cole A+ 30 (Tue) Big Indian & Eagle Susko A

All outings are listed online at www.adk-albany.org DON’T FORGET TO OPT OUT

formed. Expect to paddle for about 2 hours. ACTIVITIES Scheduled trips launch rain or shine. Send Rich Macha [email protected] a request to be included in the ADK Paddlers Email List for DESCRIPTIONS reminders of upcoming events (ADK Members only) and updates. It is suggested that you obtain a good roadmap of the Capital District or use General Information for Evening Paddling www.mapquest.com for directions to the launch Trips site locations.

On most Tuesday evenings from May through It is customary, after the paddle, for the group October the ADK Albany Chapter paddles leader to pick a nearby restaurant and convene various waterways in the Capital District area. the Paddlers Committee Meeting (PCM) to There are at least 2 groups. The slow group ("Lily- socialize, plan future trips and enjoy a meal with Dippers") goes as slow as the slowest paddler old and new friends. Everyone who paddles is and may be best for short wide boats or less automatically a Committee Member and is invited skilled paddlers. The moderate group is for most to participate. everyone else and goes about 3 to 3.5 mph. If there is enough interest, a fast group will be

5 The following are the Albany Chapter guidelines Keeping in mind that we are a hiking club, it to participate in the Evening Paddles: seems fitting that our call to arms could be "Thou S.H.A.L.T. hike!" "S" - Gertrude's Nose and 1) Respect Other Users of the Waterways -- west of New Paltz are in the Steer clear of fishermen. Don’t forget their Shawangunk Mountains, an area with white cliff fishing lines go well out into the water. Stay close escarpments, blue waters and soothing to shore when motorboats are out. The red and with plenty of images to delight both the poet and green buoys mark the deep water channels - stay the photographer - and the hiker! Parking at Lake between the buoys and shore. Paddle in a tight Minnewaska, we will walk along the lake to the group when crossing large bodies of water. Millbrook Mountain Carriageway then to a trail up 2) Launch on Time -- Please be in your boats on Gertrude's Nose. From there, we will head east the water and congregated near shore before the along impressive cliffs to the summit of Millbrook launch time. People launching after start time are Mountain. Total distance will be about 8 miles not officially with the group. The leaders will with close to 800’ of elevation gain. Meet 7:30 conduct a short On-the-Water Meeting with the a.m. at the Delmar Elm Avenue Park & Ride. group to discuss the water, weather conditions Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 and plans for the paddle. 3) Duty of the Paddler -- It is the responsibility of Oct 2 (Thu) OK SLIP FALLS (C+) the paddler to stay with the group and know who This is a brand new trail, completed in July. I the leaders are - If you don’t know, ask someone. haven't taken it yet and I've only seen write-ups 4) Leaving the Group - The leaders take a from a winter trip, but will keep my eye peeled. headcount at the On-the-Water Meeting. The trip will be 6 miles round-trip and the topo Therefore, please notify one of the leaders if you map seems to show very little elevation change. need to leave the group for any reason. ADK is We will go 1/2 mile down the trail to Ross Pond not responsible for paddlers who choose not to and the split off on the new trail for 2 1/2 miles to paddle with the group. an overlook above the falls. It should be beautiful 5) Required Gear -- All paddlers must bring with the fall colors. Be one of the first to see this along a white light (a headlamp is good), a whistle new addition to the state-owned lands. Meet-up (a pealess one is best) and must wear a PFD location and time will be determined by (Personal Floatation Device aka life jacket). participants. E-mail sign-up preferred. Bring There are no exceptions to these requirements. It lunch and be prepared for changing weather is also a good idea to bring raingear, water, bug- conditions. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, dope (mosquitoes are quite active in summer at [email protected] dusk) and an extra set of clothes in the car. 6) Clothing -- Other than in July and August all Oct 3-5 (Fri-Sun) EASTERN MOUNTAIN paddlers should not wear cotton clothing - if you SPORTS CLUB DAY must wear cotton, bring along a full change of SALE clothing in a dry bag. Expect to have your feet in EMS (in Stuyvesant Plaza) is hosting a 3-day the water when launching. Some of the launch Club Day Sale. ADK Club members are eligible spots are slippery and have underwater debris. for 25% discounts on all EMS brand items and Waterproof footwear (most experienced paddlers 20% discounts on everything else. Please show use neoprene booties or mukluks) is highly your support for EMS, a strong supporter of the recommended. ADK Club, and take advantage of these amazing 7) Guests - You may bring a guest. He/she is discounts. (Are you able to volunteer for the your responsibility and must adhere to all of the event? See our volunteer page for more Evening Paddle Guidelines. information.) Leader: Tom Hart, 229-5627, [email protected] Oct 1 (Wed) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #1 - GERTRUDE'S NOSE & MILLBROOK MT. (B+) Oct 4 (Sat) YOUNG ADULTS GROUP-- Thou S.H.A.L.T. hike! Well, we have had the PLATEAU & MINK (A) Pharaoh Phun Series, the Sweat and Swim This young adult group will leave from the Series, so now let's introduce the S.H.A.L.T. Roaring Kill trailhead and make the rolling ascent Series. The S.H.A.L.T.(s) have come about to to Mink Hollow. Once given a sense that it’s an honor requests by fellow hikers to redo trips easy hike, we will begin the steep and strenuous deemed as "Classics" and to prove to some that ascent from the Hollow to the summit of Plateau we can indeed find trailheads on "the other side Mountain. Leaving the summit of Plateau, we will of the river." Each letter in S.H.A.L.T. represents then make the descent back into Mink Hollow, a different mountain range that should provide us followed by yet another sharp ascent traversing with plenty of diversity on our explorations. the summit of Mink to another quick downward

6 slope into Pecoy Notch. To finish the day, we will We'll hope for a beautiful fall day for this great return to the trailhead via Dibble's Quarry. This is hike of 18 miles with 4800' of elevation gain. absolutely one of the most interesting and However, in case of rain, sleet, snow, ice, or dark photogenic landmarks in either the Catskills or of night, bring your best weather-proof spirit and the Adirondacks! Colloquially known as "The a headlamp. Depart 4:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Chairs," it's a great place to kick back on a Park & Ride. Leader: Bob Scaife, 439-7322, bluestone throne and enjoy an awesome vista. In [email protected] all, the hike should be around 7 miles with 3000’ of elevation gain. Email contact preferred. Oct 4 (Sat) MOXHAM MOUNTAIN (C+) Leader: Brad Gawron, 269-5211, Moxham is a fairly new trail (2012) with views of [email protected] Gore, Mud and Clear Ponds to the south and Crane Mtn. to the southeast. DEC recently Oct 4 (Sat) NOONMARK MOUNTAIN (B) announced that this trail will become part of the This medium-sized mountain sits near the heart planned . The hike is an easy of the High Peaks region. It is a 6-mile round trip. grade with an elevation gain of 1152' and a The total ascent is about 1500’. First, we will pass distance of 5.4 miles RT. Please contact the Round Mountain Pond 1/2 mile from the trailhead. leader via email only for details and provide your The trail ascends gently over the next mile and a recent hiking experience. Leader: Phil Seward, half. Then, we come to a trail junction. From 527-1851, [email protected] there, we will have a short but steep high peaks type climb to the summit. There is a 360-degree Oct 5 (Sun) MT. GREYLOCK VIA A.T. (B+) view at the top. We should be able to see Giant, I have been looking forward to this hike all year, Dix, Gothics, and many of the other high peaks. as I grew up at the base of Mt. Greylock. Nothing If we are up to it, we could tack on a side trip to beats all the maple trees turning bright red and Round Mountain when we get back to the trail orange this time of year, and colors should be junction. almost at their peak. We will be hiking the Leader: Robert Priest, 489-7472, starting from Cheshire. This [email protected] section of the trail will bring us over , the second highest peak in Oct 4 (Sat) LONG PATH--JOHN BOYD , on our way to the summit. The THACHER STATE PARK (B) mileage is 6.8 one way, with 2300' of elevation We'll do a through-hike on the Long Path in and, being a Sunday, the crowds should not be Thacher Park. Beginning at Beaver Dam Rd., bad. Meet 5:30 a.m. at the Schodack Town Hall we'll follow old roads and trails to the overlook on Park & Ride. Leader: Jesse Cole, (413) 841- Rt.157. The trail follows the escarpment, 5946, [email protected] providing nice views over the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. Then, we'll return to the woods Oct 7 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE -- and proceed to Thacher Park North. We'll take a MOHAWK RIVER FULL side trail to Hang-Glider Cliff and more good MOON (B/C) views. Continuing back on the Long Path, we'll We will likely paddle around the islands and head reach High Point Cliff with views and our lunch up to the Lock 7 dam. The full moon rises at 6:00 spot. The last mile out passes the open fields p.m. and the sunset will be at 6:25 p.m. so secured by OSI for open space in the Park. A hopefully we will return under moonlight. Be on spotted car awaits at Old Stage Rd. The total the water at 5:30 p.m. at Lions Park by the old distance is just under 9 miles, with mostly level train station in Niskayuna. From the Northway walking and a couple of ups and downs. This will drive west on Rt.7 for 3.1 miles and take a right be a joint hike with the Friends of Thacher Park. on Rosendale Rd. which goes downhill and then Bring a trail lunch, drink, and clothing appropriate curves left. Soon after that, turn right into the for autumn. One "bright" color is suggested, as parking area. We will be returning after sunset, so may be present in the area. Meet 8:30 make sure you have a white light with you (this is a.m. at the Thacher Nature Center on Nature a legal requirement when paddling after sunset). Center Way (off CR-256 / Ketchum Road). No need to sign up - just show up. See General Leader: Jim Schaller, 861-7452, Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Rich [email protected] Macha, 346-3180, [email protected]; Neil Cherkosly, 383-7800, [email protected]

Oct 4 (Sat) GRAY, SKYLIGHT & MARCY (A+) Oct 7-11(Tue-Sat) CLUB DAYS AT ADIRONDACK PADDLE'N'POLE

7 ADK members get 20% off all new in-stock Allen is one of the more remote of the High merchandise.(15% off special orders and Peaks, offering the challenge of a long day and composite canoes/kayaks). Proof of membership two river crossings, and the rewards of nice views is required. This is a great opportunity to gear up and the joy of the mountains! Approximately 18 for fall paddling and the cross country ski season miles and 3000’ of elevation gain. Leader: (metal-edge backcountry touring skis are our Claudia Warren, 364-3857, [email protected] specialty). The store is at 2123 Central Ave in Colonie. Check website for store hours: Oct 14 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING www.onewithwater.com 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Educational Session at 6:30 p.m.-- To be announced. Oct 10 (Fri) VANDERWHACKER MTN. (B) Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will This is one of my favorites for fall. It is a 6-mile be followed by a presentation-- Off the Beaten round trip, with about 1600’ of ascent. The Path – A Celebration of the Catskill “Hidden trailhead is deep in the woods off a dirt road. For Peaks” in Four Seasons. Alan Via, author The the first 2 miles the trail rambles through a mature Catskill 67: A Hiker’s Guide to the Catskill 100 maple forest. Most of the climbing is in the last Highest Peaks Under 3500’ returns to delight us mile, where the maples give way to tall pines. with a brand new slide show of gorgeous photos There is a fire tower at the summit, providing a and entertaining tales about another group of little view in all directions. We will see the High Peaks known and seldom hiked mountains, shown in to the north. Some of the big lakes appear off the four seasons. west. We should have a really colorful view wherever we look. Leader: Robert Priest, 489- Oct 15 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE 7472, [email protected] FREDDIE'S PARK, MOHAWK RVR. (C) From the Latham Circle, drive north on Rt.9, take Oct 10 (Fri) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #2 - a right on Albany Marine Service Lane just before BENNETT HILL & KELEHER PRESERVE (C+) the Crescent Bridge, and launch at Freddie's Technically, the Helderbergs are an escarpment, Park. There is also parking on the north side of not a mountain range, but that won't stop us from the bridge, though the launching isn't as good. A having a great walk (hike). And as a bonus, it’s faster group will head upstream on the Mohawk right here in the Capital District. We will start out and poke into the old just west of the our day by working up an appetite walking at Northway to Clute's Dry Dock, an 8.5 mile round Bennett Hill, somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 trip; a slower group will go a shorter distance miles and 400’ elevation gain. Then, it is on to while exploring south of the upstream islands. Be lunch at the local favorite, the Jake Moon Cafe. on the water by 5:15 p.m. No need to sign up - Afterwards, to work off the copious calories just show up. See also General Info for Evening consumed, we will hike for another 2 to 3 hours Paddling Trips. Leaders: Alison Saville, 899- at the Keleher Preserve - one of the newer 4031, [email protected]; Celia Murray, preserves in Albany County. Meet 8:00 a.m. at 225-9902, [email protected]; Pam Bentien the Delmar Elm Avenue Park & Ride. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 Oct 15 (Wed) MOOSE MTN. POND & BASS LAKE (B) Oct 11 (Sat) ALANDER MOUNTAIN & Located in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest near BASH BISH FALLS SUNSET HIKE (C+) North Hudson, this 10.6 mile RT hike over The foliage should be at its very peak for this hike. moderate terrain has a 572' accumulated We will park at the upper Bash Bish Falls parking elevation gain. We'll do a short side trip to view lot and walk down to the falls using the nice new Bass Lake then go on to Moose Mtn. Pond for staircase that the state installed. After enjoying lunch at the lean-to and to enjoy the quiet beauty the falls, we will take the to of this pond. Please contact the leader via email Alander Mountain for some amazing views. We only for details and provide your recent hiking will head back to the upper falls and atop the experience. Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, rocks to enjoy a great sunset. The meet up will be [email protected] at the Schodack Town Hall Park & Ride with the time to be set by signees. Leader: Jesse Cole, (413) 841-5946, [email protected] Oct 16 (Thu) DUNHAM BAY OUTLET (C) Oct 11 (Sat) ALLEN (A+) This is a nice trip and we should see some good fall colors still. I am hopeful we will not have to

8 pay the launch fee at this time of year. I have a Be on the water before 5:00 p.m. Sunset is at 6:03 write-up on this trip that I do not have at this p.m., so please bring a headlamp. We could go moment. I will add details online well before the downstream and around Dalys Island or go trip. The total distance is about 5 miles at a very upstream to Lock 9, passing the Mabee Farm. leisurely pace. Meet-up location and time will be The Mabee House dates back to 1670 and is the determined by participants. E-mail sign-up oldest standing building in the Mohawk Valley. preferred. Bring a lunch. Leader: Paul Breslin, Take Exit 1A off I-890 to Rt. 5S in Rotterdam and 783-9154, [email protected] take a right into Kiwanis Park soon after leaving the highway ramp. No need to sign up - just show Oct 18 (Sat) FIFTH PEAK (B) up! See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Last year, we saw some gorgeous fall colors and Leaders: John Ozard, 439-6135, I'm hoping for a repeat performance this year. [email protected]; Neil Cherkosly, 383- We'll leave from the Clay Meadows trailhead. It is 7800, [email protected] a 2.7 mile hike to the lean-to on Fifth Peak. The ascent is about 1300’. The trail goes east and Oct 22 (Wed) BLACK MOUNTAIN (B) steadily upward for about 2 miles. There are two A long time ago, I wrote about my hike with my views from the peak. We will overlook the middle father to Black Mtn. The article was published in section of Lake George to the east with Black ADK's Adirondac Magazine in 1994. I have not Mountain visible on the other side. The other been back since. Let's re-discover this peak with view, facing southwest, overlooks the Northwest its remote ponds and lovely view of Lake George. Bay of the lake with in the Fall foliage will be on the wane, but October is still distance. If we head straight back, the total one of the best months of the year to be outdoors. distance would be a little more than 5 miles. Last We will hike 5 miles with 1100' elevation gain. year, we took a detour from the trail junction Email contact preferred. partway down to Five Mile Mountain Point. We Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, passed a small pond that provided great views of [email protected] big maples, which were near peak color. We could do that again, if everyone agrees. Leader: Oct 23 (Thu) WARREN COUNTY Robert Priest, 489-7472, BIKE TRAIL (C) [email protected] We will park in Queensbury off Rt. 254 and bike north to Lake George Village. We'll spend some Oct 18 (Sat) SLIDE MOUNTAIN (B) time in the Lake George Battlefield Park before Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the Catskills returning to Queensbury. For those who want to and has good views from the summit. We'll do a continue, we'll go south to Glens Falls and stop at loop hike, taking the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail on the Coopers Cave Brewery for ice cream before we way up which provides additional views, before return to the car. The total distance of both loops returning on the more direct Slide-Cornell- together is 18 miles. There are a few very short Wittenberg Trail. The distance is 6-7 miles with on-road segments and a couple of short steep 2000’ of ascent. Leader: John Susko, 383-1284, hills. The rest is very easy biking and all parts are [email protected] paved. Meet-up time and location will be determined by participants. E-mail sign-up Oct 19 (Sun) CHENANGO RIVER OR preferred. Bring a lunch. GROUP CHOICE CANOE & KAYAK TRIP (A) Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, Depending on water levels, weather, and group [email protected] interest, we will look for a paddle that catches the fall foliage. My first choice would be the Oct 25 (Sat) SANTANONI (A+) Chenango River, about an hour and a half from This will be a moderately paced hike up the meeting place at the Schoharie Park & Ride, Santanoni via the Express herd path. Total assuming we went that direction. This was in the distance will be around 11 miles with close to schedule this spring, but flooding postponed the 3000’ of elevation gain. The Express is regarded trip. Whatever we do, it will be moving water to by some as being quite steep. "Moderately Class two and around 13 miles. The Schoharie paced" for this hike means ~ 3 miles/hour on the might also be a good option. Leades: Steve flats. Contact leader for details; email contact Siegard, 915-2309, [email protected]; Leslie preferred. Leader: Marie Rosenblatt, 723-0223, Siegard, 768-2393, [email protected] [email protected]

Oct 21 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- Oct 25 (Sat) MTS. PLEASANT, ROMER, & MOHAWK RIVER, ROTTERDAM (C) CROSS TO WITTENBERG--LONG PATH (A+)

9 This trail was just opened this June and is part of Get up close and personal to the the Long Path, a trail that runs from the George and gaze down 750’ from the magnificent cliffs to Washington Bridge in NY to Altamont for 347 Lower Ausable Lake. Yes, this IS a trip not to be miles. We will do 9.5 miles, starting in Phoenecia missed. Round trip is close to 8 miles with about then going over Romer and Cross Mtn. to the 1000’ of gain. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the Northway Exit Burroughs Trail where we will then go up to 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765, Wittenberg. We will end at the normal trail head for Wittenberg at the state campground. You can Nov 1 (Sat) SAWTEETH, GOTHICS, see a write up and picture of the view from Cross & ARMSTRONG (A+) Mtn. on the web site for The Daily Freeman Last year, we did this hike in blowing wet snow. News. Just Google the title of the article: "New This year, I'm sure we'll have blue skies and Section of Long Path hiking trail in Catskills sunshine in compensation. Of course, it is Opens Saturday." The distance is about 15 miles November! Thirteen miles and 4500' of ascent with 2500+' feet of climbing. buys you an outstanding mountain traverse and Leaders: Steve Siegard, 915-2309, impressive views, whatever the weather. Depart [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, 5:00 a.m. from the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. [email protected] Leader: Bob Scaife, 439-7322, [email protected] Oct 26 (Sun) MT. ADAMS FIRETOWER (B) Mt. Adams is one of my favorite "big bang for your Nov 1 (Sat) BERRYMILL POND (B) buck" hikes. The trail is 2.4 miles to the summit, Within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, this is one gaining 1800’, mostly at the end. It's a real lung of the many ponds in the area and is a 6.4 mile burner, but the views of the surrounding high RT hike with little elevation gain. We will have peaks are more than worth the effort. I will be lunch by the pond and visit the lean-to and camping in the area after Saturday's hike up waterfall in this beautiful wilderness area. Contact Santanoni, so carpooling can be arranged from the leader via email only for details and provide Clifton Park. Anyone planning to do both this hike your recent hiking experience. Leader: Phil and the Santanoni hike the previous day can Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] check with me about camping (not part of the ADK hikes). Email contact preferred. Leader: Nov 5 (Wed) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #4-- Marie Rosenblatt, 723-0223, MOREAU STATE PARK (B) [email protected] Just up the Northway, right after Saratoga, are the beautiful Luzerne Mountains. This is another "classic" and, again, practically in our back yard. Oct 28 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- Today, the plan will be to take on the ridges. We , will start at the southwestern parking area of the BETHLEHEM (C) park, hike up and do the entire Eastern Ridge Tonight's trip will finish up the evening paddles for Trail and then cross over to the Western Ridge the season. Be on the water before 5:00 p.m. Trail. Conditions and group interest/ability will Sunset is at 5:53 p.m. so be prepared to return in decide where the crossover point will be. Get out the dark. High tide at Castleton is at 8:48 p.m. We your maps and study up! If the weather will paddle on the Papscanee Creek, the cooperates, this will be a guaranteed memorable Moordener Kill and, if the wind is correct (Sewage day. Plan to be on the trail 6 to 7 hours. There is Treatment Plant), perhaps up to the Vloman Kill plenty of elevation gain to make this a good work- Falls. Take the NY Thruway to Exit 22. After the out. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park toll booth, take a left on Rt. 144 north for about a & Ride. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 mile, then take a right on Barent Winnie Road to the boat launch next to Henry Hudson Park. No Nov 8 (Sat) TACONIC CREST TRAIL (TCT) need to sign up - just show up! See General Info TRAIL WORK (B) for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Tom We'll cover the section of the Taconic Crest Trail McGuire, 391-0508, [email protected]; from Robinson Hollow to Mattison Hollow, Lauren Jacobson, 860-2140, spotting cars at Mattison Hollow and starting from [email protected] Robinson Hollow. This will allow us to cover this entire section. This will involve blowdown removal Oct 29 (Wed) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #3-- and drainage work. We'll also be sure that the trail INDIAN HEAD & FISH HAWK CLIFFS (B+) is adequately marked for the winter trekking As the King of the Mountains always said "This season. This trip will involve an overall elevation hike is one of the classic 'must dos' in the gain of about 1000’ and about 8 miles of hiking. Adirondacks." There are just spectacular views! We'll plan to be back at the trailhead by 4:00 p.m.

10 Bad weather postpones to the following day. Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, Nov 11 (Tue) BENNETT HILL (C) [email protected] Come join an easy Veteran's Day walk in the woods with a short climb of 400' over 2.5 miles of Nov 8 (Sat) BLUEBERRY, PORTER, trails. Bennett Hill is southwest of Albany, so it's & CASCADE FROM MARCY AIRFIELD (A+) also a short drive. This is a great introductory hike We will spot cars at the Cascade trailhead on Rte. for new members. An optional lunch at Jake 73 before beginning our hike from Marcy Airfield. Moon Cafe in Clarksville will be available. Contact We will hike the steep trail up Blueberry, make leader for meeting time and place. Leader: Tom our way to Porter, and finally Cascade. We will Hart, 229-5627, [email protected] then hike down the trail from Cascade to our spotted cars. Plan on around 8 miles and more Nov 12 (Wed) RACE BROOK FALLS & than 3650' of elevation gain. Contact leader for RACE MTN. (B) details; email contact preferred. Leader: Marie Race Mountain offers a 360-degree tri-state view Rosenblatt, 723-0223, [email protected] from Massachusetts to Connecticut and . We will ascend via Race Brook Falls and then head south on the Appalachian Trail to the Nov 11 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING summit, returning the same way. Parts of this trail 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY are strenuous with 1500' elevation gain and a total of 7 miles round trip. Email contact preferred. Educational Session at 6:30 p.m.-- Winter Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, Hiking and Camping. Carl Klinowski will discuss [email protected] equipment, techniques and other helpful information for hiking in the cold season. Get your Nov 13 (Thu) SLEEPING BEAUTY (C+) questions about winter backcountry travel Well, the leaves will be gone, but you have to do answered. something in November to keep in shape. Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will Sleeping Beauty is a beautiful (I guess I could be followed by a presentation-- The Trans have picked a different adjective!) mountain on Adirondack Route. Through Friends of the the southeast side of Lake George. We will go Trans Adirondack Route, Erik Schlimmer, the from Dacy Clearing, around Bumps Pond, up the route's founder, offers the multimedia mountain, and down the other side and back to presentation "True Wilderness: The Adirondack Dacy Clearing. The total is 5 miles with about Mountains and the Trans Adirondack Route." 1300’ of elevation gain. Meet-up time and location This primitive hiking path, using existing trails, will be determined by participants. E-mail sign-up roads and trackless woods, was established in preferred. Bring a lunch and be prepared for 2013. It extends 235 miles across the Adirondack changing weather conditions typical for this time Park and traverses 5 wilderness areas, including of year. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, moose habitat and virgin timber. Highlighting [email protected] Erik's 100 best images from more than twenty years of Adirondack Park exploration, "True Nov 15 (Sat) PLOTTERKILL PRESERVE (C) Wilderness" is a four-season showcase of the If you're in the mood for a smaller, local walk East's largest forest preserve. closer to home, then let's go to Plotterkill Preserve in Rotterdam. We'll see some typical northeast hardwood forest and a couple of small Nov 11 (Tue) THOMAS COLE, waterfalls right in our backyard! The rain date will BLACK DOME & BLACKHEAD MTNS. (B+) be Sun., Nov. 16th. E-mail contact is preferred. Thomas Cole, Black Dome and Blackhead Leader: John Good, 258-6013, Mountains are the 5th, 3rd & 4th highest peaks in [email protected] the Catskills. We'll spot a car at the end of Black Dome Valley Road and take the trail from Barnum Nov 15 (Sat) SHAWANGUNK RIDGE TRAIL Road. The trail over Thomas Cole and Black TO SAM'S POINT (B+) Dome is one of the more scenic trails in the This is a ridge walk with wide open views to the Catskills with good views from both of the while hiking section 10 of the Long summits as well as from the shoulder of Path, passing through the Bear's Hill Nature Blackhead. The distance is about 7 miles with Preserve and Cragsmoor. There are spectacular around 3000' of ascent. At this time of year, views. Plan on about 2300’ of climbing and 12.4 snowshoes and crampons or other traction miles. Leaders: Steve Siegard, 915-2309, devices may be needed. Leader: John Susko, [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, 383-1284, [email protected] [email protected]

11 Burn off the Thanksgiving calories with this 6.4 Nov 16 (Sun) MACNAUGHTON (A+) mile RT with 425' of elevation gain on the Taconic MacNaughton is the unofficial High Peak. We will Crest Trail to the Snow Hole. The Snow Hole is a be starting this from the ADK Loj. This is a partial 50 foot deep chasm in the bedrock that is cold bushwhack, so be prepared for that. I will be enough to sustain snow and ice all year around. asking lots of questions about signees' hiking Be the first in your neighborhood to acclimate for history. Meet 5:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 19 the winter months. Please contact leader via Park & Ride. If people want to meet at Exit 9, I will email only. Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, make arrangements for that. The round trip is [email protected] around 15 miles with 3000' of vertical gain. Leader: Jesse Cole, (413) 841-5946, Dec 4 (Thu) WARREN COUNTY TRAIL [email protected] SYSTEM & PACK FOREST (C) This will be a leisurely day of hiking several short Nov 19 (Wed) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #5 - trails in the Hackensack Mountain and Blister Hill GREYLOCK MOUNTAIN (B+) Park areas near Warrensburg. We will take a The guide books say Greylock is in the short hike to see some of the old growth trees still . However, one source has informed remaining in the Adirondacks. Hopefully, we will me that, geologically speaking, it is part of the have some snow for snowshoeing. The selection Taconics. (Let's go with this so the "T" works!) of specific trails will depend on weather. Meet-up The plan is to start at the "pastoral Haley Farm" time and location will be determined by and take the Hopper Trail to the summit. Last participants. E-mail sign-up preferred. Bring a January, this route "beat us down." We were lunch and be prepared for changing weather really slammed with unusually difficult conditions, conditions typical for this time of year. Leader: and we promised to be back to prevail. The Paul Breslin, 783-9154, [email protected] distance is 8.5 miles with 2,390 feet elevation gain. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the Brunswick Park & Dec 6 (Sat) NORTH DOME, SHERRILL, Ride at 7:30. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 & WEST KILL (A+) For peak baggers in the group, we'll snag (if all Nov 22 (Sat) PEEKAMOOSE, TABLE, goes as planned) three on the Catskill 3500 list VAN WYCK, & and one, St. Anne's Peak, on the Catskill WOODHULL (A+) Hundred Highest list. We should enjoy some nice These four peaks are located in the central views, open woods and a good day of tramping. Catskills. Peekamoose and Table are on the Distance is approximately 14 miles, 9 of it on trail, Catskill 3500 list, and VanWyck and Woodhull are 5 off trail, and we'll have approximately 4500’ of on the Catskill Hundred Highest list. The day elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, 364- offers nice views, open woods, and cascading 3857, [email protected] streams. It's approximately 14 miles, half on trail and half of it a bushwhack, with approximately Dec 9 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING 3600’ of elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY 364-3857, [email protected] Educational Session at 6:30 p.m.-- Favorite Nov 22 (Sat) PHELPS Local Hikes. Come prepared to share a favorite VIA THE KLONDIKE hiking spot that is close to the Capital District. TRAIL (A) Most of us have some favorite places that are From South Meadow Road, it is a 2.6 mile walk lesser-known. Bring photos and maps, if you with 1000' of elevation gain to the Klondike have them to share. Leanto. From there, we will enter the woods for a Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will less-used approach to Phelps Mountain from the be followed by a presentation-- Northern Flora northeast. It is a surprisingly gentle ascent of and Fauna. Dr. Nancy G. Slack is a noted 1200' to the summit through mostly open forest botanist, professor, 46er, skier, paddler and, oh (with a few tight spots in the trees and one small yes, author of Adirondack Alpine Summits, Field ledge near the top), making it among the easier Guide to the Alpine Summits and High Peaks trails. Expect about 8 miles round trip scores of other works about the flora and fauna with 2200' of elevation gain. Contact the leader of the northern US, Canada and Europe. Her for time and place of departure. Leader: Tom expertise is world-recognized and her photos are Hart, 229-5627, [email protected] magical! Nov 28 (Fri) TACONIC CREST TRAIL TO Dec 13 (Sat) PHARAOH MT. (B) THE SNOW HOLE (B) The approach for this hike will be from the Crane Pond area and is 8.4 miles RT with 1467' of

12 elevation gain. There is a 360 degree view from please bear with me. If the gate is open, the round the summit of the many ponds and lakes of the trip distance will be 14.5 miles with 4600’ vertical Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area. Depending on gain. Meet 4:00 a.m. at Northway Exit 19. Leader: the vehicles used, the hike may be extended by Jesse Cole, (413) 841-5946, [email protected] a mile or two due to deteriorating road conditions. Please contact the leader via email only for Dec 28 (Sun) SANTANONI & PANTHER (A+) details and provide your recent hiking experience. This will be a very big day, depending on Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, conditions. We will be going up the Express Trial [email protected] to Santanoni first and then over to Panther. Since this is a winter hike, I will be asking a lot of Dec 14 (Sun) CROSS COUNTRY SKI-- questions about recent hiking history and gear. LEADER'S CHOICE (B) So please bear with me. Meet 4:00 a.m. at My first choice would be to ski in the Green Northway Exit 19. If we have a good group and Mountain National Forest in the Woodford, VT conditions, I will be willing to go tag Couch while area. The VAST system of snowmobile trails we are there. Leader: Jesse Cole, (413) 841- would not be open to sledders yet but, at 2,300' 5946, [email protected] elevation, there is likely to be snow. If conditions are better elsewhere, I will not hesitate to change Dec 30 (Tue) BIG INDIAN & EAGLE (A) our destination. Expect 8 to 10 miles of easy Big Indian is considered one of the trailless peaks intermediate backcountry skiing. in the Catskills and has a canister even though Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, the bushwhack is short. We'll hike in from the [email protected] Seager trailhead along one of the more scenic trails in the Catskills. Big Indian is #19 and Eagle Dec 21 (Sun) DONALDSON, EMMONS & is #29 on the list of the Catskill 3500 peaks. The SEWARD (A+) distance is about 12 miles (mostly on trail) with Since this is the first day of winter credit, I can't 2000' to 2500' of ascent. At this time of year, think of a better way to start the season than to snowshoes, crampons or other traction devices get these out of the way. We will be ascending may be needed. Leader: John Susko, 383-1284, and descending via the Calkins Brook Trail. I will [email protected] be asking a lot of questions about recent hikes and experience for this as well as proper gear, so

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped make this issue possible: Virginia Boyle Traver for notifying the leaders and monitoring outings, Barb Esmond for her excellent organization skill and help with the outings, and Gail Carr for her consistent generosity in donating her art for the cover illustrations. Their efforts are appreciated.

ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL

May 9 (Fri) COD AND KIBBY PONDS Leader: John Antonio A C+ hike to two picturesque ponds in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. The trailheads were easy to find, but the paths themselves were surprisingly poorly marked with only the occasional ribbon of flagging tape to show the way. With five pairs of keen eyes, we did find the ponds, and all were in agreement that they were certainly worth the effort. It was after Kibby that Frank decided that he just HAD to go swimming. He managed to make a somewhat tricky stream crossing seem even more difficult and did one of those slow- motion dives right into the drink. Pictures to be released at the proper time, with Charlie's permission. Participants: Frank Dirolf, Charlie Beach, John Smircich, and J. S. Flavin.

May 17 (Sat) THOMAS MOUNTAIN Leader: Kathy Sheppard

13 It was a beautiful day! At Janet's excellent suggestion we decided to go on from Thomas Mountain to the cabin and do a loop trip. The view from the cabin was better than from Thomas Mountain and included Lake George. Participants included Dave Housel (on his first real hike, yay Dave!), Peter Frank, Janet Twardzik, the knowledgeable James Torriani, and our two canine companions, Mika and Chester Sheppard.

May 25 (Sun) MARSHALL & INDIAN PASS Leader: Mike Becker We had an ideal day for this hike, with temps in the 60ºs and a cool breeze that kept the bugs away. The walk up Herbert Brook was beautiful, with many waterfalls and open rock slabs. We passed some lingering ice and snow patches above 3800 feet, but not enough to be hindering. We enjoyed views from some lookouts a short distance from the summit sign. We decided to descend the same way we went up, forgoing the Indian Pass loop. Hikers were Mike Letzring and Amy Becker.

May 31 (Sat) BLACKHEAD RANGE Leader: Cal Johnson It was great weather for hiking, though a bit chilly for a lunch break on the summit of Blackhead. There were only three of us for the hike, with Charlene Shafer and Linda Veraska joining me.

Jun 7 (Sat) NATIONAL TRAILS DAY AT THACHER PARK Leader: Jim Schaller Thanks to all the volunteers, we had another successful Trails Day in Thacher Park. A few ADKers joined us, as well as some from the AMC, Friends of Thacher Park, and the Saratoga Mtn. Bike Association. As per the new master plan, some trails are being closed. Some didn't agree with that policy, so I led a group who had no opinion on that. We closed off three trails in "Thacher Park-South" with access by Beaver Dam Road. Another group cleared the Long Path from Park HQ to the area just beyond Hailes Cave. The third group worked on a new switchback down a steep hillside on the Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail. Again "Friends" provided a picnic BBQ lunch at the Horseshoe-2 picnic area and shelter. ADKers joining us were Eric & Diane Reinhart, Mark & Suzanne Bagden, and John Susko. Bonnie Schaller led one of the work parties. The next major function at Thacher Park will be their "Centennial Celebration" on Sept. 13. Join us for fun, food & drink and to see the new "INDIAN LADDER" historic marker unveiled, and join the Centennial celebration activities !

Jun 8 (Sun) 5 RIVERS 70 YEARS OLD OR OLDER Leader: Kathy Pacuk Gale Carr, Harriet Bougen, Sarah Wellen, Salome Daly, Anita Behn, Karen Long-Gallery, Betty Long, Kathleen Byrne, Desiree Pacuk and Kathy Pacuk all started out at 10:00 a.m. It was a warm sunny day so we took the shady areas of the trail when available. We saw some birds. After we completed the hike a few of us had lunch under the pavilion. It was a lovely day with very enthusiastic companions.

Jun 10 (Tue) KILLINGTON PEAK, VT Leaders: Karen Ross and Tom Hart A forecast of showers today couldn't keep this intrepid group home. With Tom Hart filling in for co-leader Lori McCarron, we had an eager cadre of Vermont hiking fans. The Bucklin Trail up the western side of Killington Peak is soft on the feet, passes through lovely woods, ascends for some time at a nice gentle grade, crosses the tumbling Brewers Brook on fancy new bridges, and then gives you a good and steady workout. We hiked in cool temps in a humid fog up to the Cooper Lodge at the AT/LT junction, then scrambled quickly up to the top to take advantage of some sun we thought was appearing through the clouds. At the top we were watched over by two repairmen harnessed about on the cell tower, and we enjoyed Brigadoon-like glimpses into the valleys all around us as the fog rolled in and out. Beating all the showers and loving this high peak ski area summit were Claudia Rosenholz, Sharon Bonk, Kendra Pratt, Charlene Shafer, Mark Schoonmaker, Frank Dirolf, Michael Kaiser, John Susko, and canines Louie and Molly.

Jun 11 (Wed) LAKE GEORGE EAGLE-VIEWING PADDLE Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver

Many many thanks to ADK member Eric Krantz for hosting this trip. Eric invited us to meet at his Lake George home and chaperoned our paddle to an island where he has watched eagles and their young for a number of years. The lake was calm on this gray day, and no boats crossed our paths as we kayaked to the island. Eric knew just where to have us look and pointed out the nest high up in the pines with the two eagle parents "at home." The adult eagles sat relaxed, preening, and looking around while we had wonderful views of them from our boats. Enjoying this unique outing were Rob Bayly, Ed Brown, Gail Cotler, Reed Goossen, Cathy Karp, Wayne Knapp, Eric Krantz, Karen Lydon, Kathy Mack, Joanne Szot, and the leader.

Jun 11 (Wed) OK SLIP FALLS Leader: Katie Henrikson The rain was supposed to start after noon. Actually, it rained on the drive up the Northway, it rained in the morning, and it really rained as we hiked back to the cars. There was a brief let up while we ate lunch and admired the falls. All remained in good spirits, despite the weather. Checking out the effectiveness of their rain gear were Charlie Beach, Bob Brand, Gail Colley, Gretchen Gedroiz, Peg Grogan, Ray Henrikson, Ruth Kuo, Tom Ryan, Charlene Shafer, John Sheehan, and Peg Sheehan-Nolan.

Jun 17 (Tue) GIANT AND ROCKY Leader: Don Berens Don Berens and Jamie Newton met at the Route 73 trailhead in the shade of a rising sun and under a setting gibbous moon. At 6:45 a.m., it was 58ºF with a forecast of low 80ºs. The Ridge Trail, despite its switchbacks, impressed its steepness upon us. We stopped first for the view down to Chapel Pond and then for the view across Giant's Washbowl; both ponds were rippleless in the still air. We made our way up through the forest, soon punctuated by open ledges with views both up and down. We learned that, although time flies like an arrow, black flies like hikers. Mosquitoes do too. Fortunately there's an app for that, namely: DEET. We reached the trail junction just below Giant and chose delayed gratification, that is, we went first down and up to Rocky. There were good views of the Adirondacks, hazy views of Vermont, a breeze, and plenty of bugs. Then it was down again and up again to Giant where a dozen mid-week hikers were gathered. We left the top at 12:30 to descend 3,000 feet back down the Ridge Trail. Now we felt the reflected and radiated heat of the open ledges and so we frequently paused to drink and rest in the shade. As we passed ascending hikers, we were glad to have begun our hike in the early and cool part of the day. We were back at the cars about 3:00 p.m., in the promised 80ºF+ temperatures, happy to have both started and finished the hike.

Jun 26 (Thu) LA CHUTE RIVER--TICONDEROGA Leader: Paul Breslin We met some attendees in Latham Farms and picked one up at the Exit 12 Park and Ride. We took two vehicles from there with a total of five people and four boats. We put in at a beautiful area in 'downtown' Ticonderoga just below the falls in Bicentennial Park. We had a pleasant paddle to the foot of Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. From there we walked uphill to the Fort's picnic area. I had passes for everyone though we didn't actually enter the Fort. We met a group who were on a VBT fully-supported Lake Champlain cycling tour. It was fun seeing first-hand how these work and how satisfied cyclists were. After lunch we took the Fort Ti history trail through the area where the French lines were in the battle of 1758. There was a brochure that described 12 points of interest on the 1 3/4 mile route. Some of the trail went through woods and some was along the fort roadway system. After our walk we took in some of the vistas outside the fort before returning to our boats for the trip back. Interestingly, the river passes under a single track rail bridge. A train passed by just after we went under the bridge both going down and on our return; it was interesting to see up so close. Once back to our put-in spot below the falls we decided to take a drive to the top of Mount Defiance which overlooks the Fort/Champlain Valley and was where the British placed guns forcing the American to abandon the Fort during the Revolutionary War in 1777. The views of the area were spectacular. We found a boy (about 13) who was very knowledgeable about the various battles the fort was involved in and was more than willing to share. We returned back to the Capital District arriving about 5:30. Attendees were Charlie Beach, Sally Daly, Ed Brown, Mark Janey and the leader.

Jun 28 (Sat) MOUNT GREYLOCK BIKE Leader: Don Berens

Almost any summer morning is a good day to ride, but this one was spectacular! It was 69ºF, sunny and calm as Chris Amato, Don Berens, Dave Goldman, Jill Standinger and Skip Young pedaled out of the high school parking lot as we looked up to the summit tower of Mount Greylock, 2500 feet above us and only 4- 1/2 miles away as the crow flies. We took a more indirect 16-mile route, first north along the Green River, then east on Route 2 to Luce Road, where we started up in earnest. We took the road up past a horse farm and the Mount Williams into the State Reservation. We cranked up the four shady hairpin turns on the north side of Mount Williams, across the Appalachian Trail, and past the scenic overlooks on the southwest side of Mount Fitch. The average grade eased some, but we still went slow enough to see the colorful roadside wildflowers: orange hawkweed (a/k/a devil's paintbrush), purple thistle, yellow buttercups and dandelions, yellow-centered white daisies, and white Queen Anne's lace. We shared the summit with DCR rangers, hikers, auto tourists and other cyclists. After a snack, we started down Rockwell Road on the south side of the mountain, sometimes reaching speeds over 40 mph on the smooth, well-graded straightaways. We descended ten miles in under a half hour, far less than the hour and a half to come up the other side. We finished the ride with a rolling return north on the wide shoulder of Route 7 to the high school where it was 80ºF. We were back in time to see Brazil beat Chile on penalty kicks in the World Cup round of 16.

Jul 9 (Wed) NOONMARK Leader: John Antonio What can we say? Noonmark is always an adventure and it never disappoints. We were eleven strong, many Noonmark repeaters, yet all drooling to tackle one of the Adirondack finest. In warm and humid conditions, with a wet trail to boot, we made great time reaching the Dix intersection and then the summit where all participants were rewarded with a sketch depicting and pointing out the surrounding peaks. We figured it was about 14 raindrops that chased us off the summit after a 35 minute lunch break. On the descent, Mark S. hit the deck pretty good (exact same spot where Lori tumbled down last winter) but he rolled over in time and let his pack bear the brunt of fall. Not to be outdone, Ania also decided to give Mother Earth an impromptu embrace. Post-hike, five of our group did take a muscle relieving dip in Chapel Pond to cap off another great day. Our group: John Hanley, Cathy Gilchrist, Karen Ross and Louie, Norman Thibodeau, John Sheehan, John Susko, Frank Dirolf, Mark Schoonmaker, Ania Gaguine, and Doug Rosenberry.

Jul 12 (Sat) NUN-DA-GA-O RIDGE Leader: Cliff Prewencki It was a warm but glorious day for a happy group of eight Adirondack hikers. After signing in at the register around 10:00 a.m., we headed north, passed near the peak of Big Crow Mountain, traversed the Soda Range, went over Weston Mountain, and completed the loop to return to the parking area. The ridge had some steep scrambles, great views, and 6.5 miles of enjoyable hiking with a terrific group. Hikers included Martha Waldman, Sue Jordan, Pat McPhee, Ruth Kuo, Tom Esmond, John Gansfuss, and Dick Irving.

Jul 19 (Sat) FIVE MILE MOUNTAIN Leader: Martha Waldman We had a beautiful summer day, with the temperature remaining in the 70º's and low humidity for the hike. Some of the hikers paused to snack on blueberries in the area by the lean-to on the way. We had lunch on an open rock area, facing Vermont. For some reason there were numerous dragon flies in the area. On the return we found a different overlook with more open views of Lake George. We also got to hear and see a , which was just off the trail. This was an exciting first rattlesnake sighting for many of us. Enjoying the hike were Wan Chen, Steve Feinberg, Tiara Feinberg, Peter Frank, John Gansfuss, Pat Marsh, Pat McPhee, Tia Migliaro, Cliff Perwencki, and leader Martha Waldman.

Jul 24 (Thu) PARTRIDGE PATHS Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver After a couple of hot humid days, we had dry cool clear weather to explore the upper loops of the Huyck Preserve. Beginning on Peasley Road in Berne, we first hiked Loop 3 and then went on to Loop 2. As we walked, we noticed groups of white Indian pipes in bloom and red efts that we rescued from the path. Riddled with stone walls, the woods made us think about the sheep farms that were common in this area a century ago. We stopped at the pretty wooden bridge over Ten-Mile Creek for a snack and were out of the woods by noon. Enjoying this lovely morning in a pretty location were Maureen Brown, Steve Cornell, Patty Costa, Donna Farber, Karen Lydon, Colleen Maloney, Martha Zibro, and the leader.

Jul 26 (Sat) LAKE RAMBLE IN PUTNAM POND AREA Leader: Kathy Sheppard We started out from Putnam Pond Campground and traveled south around Putnam Pond. At Clear Pond, poison ivy grew profusely at the most scenic spot, so we fairly quickly moved on to Rock Pond for lunch and a great swim with the dog to the rock islands. At Rock Pond we actually saw people and at least four . A huge metal cylinder and rock formations remain on the west side of Rock Pond, apparently from a mining operation in the past. We circled around the south side of Rock Pond, retraced our steps a bit and lingered at North Pond, the northern end of Putnam Pond. It was a long but beautiful day, the essence of summer. Hikers were Peg Cipperly, Steve Cornell, Ruth Kuo, and Mika the endlessly fetching dog.

Aug 17 (Sun) BUCK MOUNTAIN Leader: Kathy Pacuk Patrick Younis, Steven Feinberg, Tiara Feinberg, Amy Feinberg, co-leader Katie Pacuk and the leader all started hiking at 11:40. It was a cool breezy day with no insects. We reached the top at 1:40. There were nice views and it wasn't crowded. At 3:45 we were at our cars. It was a perfect day with lovely companions.

Aug 19 (Tue) TACONIC CREST TRAIL--RT. 20 TO TOWER MTN. LOOP Leader: Karen Ross and Vicky Singer It was a picture-perfect summer day to gather up twelve enthusiastic women for this 8.3 mile joint THC hike along the spine of the Taconics on the MA-NY border. With a crystal-clear sky and cool temps, the sunlight dappled the woods, the hemlock groves showed their deepest green, and the Shaker ponds glimmered. This trail is a treasure, with good footing, gently rolling ascents and descents, and some recent rerouting around Tower Mountain to reduce erosion and better accommodate mountain bikers. A new set of maps for the whole TCT trail is now available through the Taconic Hiking Club. We snaked along the trail up to Tower Mtn., and all agreed it either needs a new "haircut" or needs a tower erected to bring back the former spectacular views. We plan to contact MA DCR about some options up there. After signing numerous liability releases for private landowners, we took a former stage road back to the leader's farm for a refreshing swim. Maybe it was the thought of all those "femmes d'un certain âge" in their bathing suits that scared off the men today! Reveling in this historic area, marching through the woods, and stroking across the pond were Maureen Brown, Sue Jordan, Karen Cedar and 'Trouper,' Martha Waldman, Rita Cedar, Dotty Taft, Pat McPhee, Lori McCarron, Laura Dubester, Martha Zibro--and the leader's 'Louie.'

Aug 21 (Thu) PUTMAN POND TRAILS & GRIZZLE OCEAN Leader: Paul Breslin The weather predictions were for 70% scattered showers all day long. Charlie Beach, Lorraine Smith and the leader decided to go on the hike anyway. On the drive up to the trailhead in Putnam Pond Campground it rained hard twice. We wondered if we had made the right choice. There was a light rain as we started our trip toward Grizzle Ocean. We ditched our rain gear after about a half mile, never to don it again that day. The earlier rain made for a very quiet hike, yet the trail was not overly wet. We stopped at an interesting rock formation and admired the wonders of nature as we saw a tree perched on a rock about one yard in diameter with its roots running around the rock before they went into the ground, cuddling that rock forever. We took a side trip to the shore of Putnam Pond just before leaving it for the trek to Grizzle Ocean. The cove covered with lily pads was so calm, serene, and beautiful as the shoreline reflected off the water. When we got to Grizzle Ocean we had lunch at the lean-to there. Over lunch we wondered how this small body of water got such a strange name. We heard and saw a loon on our trek around the pond. Lorraine actually got him to respond to her loon calls. At the far end of the pond, our travels were stymied by a series of small beaver dams that flooded the trail. The leader discovered his Gortex boots were not so waterproof. We did manage to pick a way through and over the dams. Others may be better served to bushwhack further away from the shore and cross the stream further inland. On the way back we explored two of the remote campsites (R8 and 9) on Putnam Pond. These sites, accessible by both trail and water, would be great for a secluded overnight, yet very close to civilization. All in all a great day!

CONSERVATION NOTES

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Infestations - On February 7th, and 8th, the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) held trainings at and (ASP) for volunteers to learn to identify and monitor Hemlock stands for infestations of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

(HWA). Each event was well attended with 41 individuals at the Letchworth event and 22 at the Allegany event. ADK had members at each training. Robert O’Brien, OPRHP Invasive Species Control Field Director, and Alyssa Reid, OPRHP Invasive Species Project Specialist organized the events and presented information about the life cycle and introduction of the invasive HWA, and then explained the survey protocol for volunteer monitors. The survey protocol involves using survey grids that GIS specialists created for Letchworth Park and Allegany State Park. Volunteers in the training sessions were asked to choose one or more quadrants from the grid to commit to survey by April 1st. April is a point in the life cycle of HWA when the insect emerges, becomes mobile, and can attach itself to birds, or human’s belongings or clothing to be transported to new areas. For this reason, and because the HWA fuzzy white winter ovisacs are easy to spot during winter months, the best time to look for HWA is from November to April. Hemlock stands should be avoided April and May while the insect is mobile, but surveys can be resumed in summer when the insect is no longer in a mobile stage. Volunteers from the February 8th ASP training session have discovered HWA in western part of ASP. However, the occurrence of HWA is very minimal and can be treated. To combat HWA, OPRHP intends to use both biological controls (Laricobius nigrinus, a predatory beetle) and chemical controls (Safari (Dinotefuran) – Fast acting, short term; and Imidacloprid – Slow acting, long term). The goals of the program are 1) genetic preservation (preserving old growth and unique communities), 2) early detection and rapid response (which is where we come in as citizen scientists), 3) patron safety, and 4) protection of significant communities. Alyssa Reid is the contact person in OPRHP for the trainings and to collect survey data. Her contact information is [email protected], 845-256- 0579. Once ADK members have participated in a training session they will have all the tools they need to train other volunteers for surveys of their own. Because a similar training program and survey protocol does not yet exist for DEC administered lands, we may want to initiate our own trainings to monitor other NY Public Lands near and dear to our hearts. Combating Invasive Species state-wide is being coordinated by 8 Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) The Adirondack Park is covered by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) and the Catskill Park is covered by the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP). On July 31st ADK hosted a HWA training at Lake George with APIPP attended by 20 volunteers. This training was used the monitor the protocol established by OPRHP in the ASP and Letchworth trainings and apply it to the Adirondack Park where HWA has not yet been identified. Your help is desperately needed to detect HWA infestations at the earliest possible stage. The Adirondack Park has a significant hemlock community. Because the hemlock distribution is so vast in the Adirondacks a citizen scientist, boots-on-the-ground approach is the only way early detection of this devastating invasive can be effective. The training organizers are considering an Adopt-a-Hemlock-Stand approach for long-term volunteer monitoring.

If you have questions or want to know more about conservation issues, please contact David Pisaneschi at: [email protected] or 459-5969. For updates on conservation issues of concern to ADK members, please visit the chapter website at: http://www.adk-albany.org/conservationNotes.php

ALBANY CHAPTER - OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Chairperson Tom Hart 229-5627 [email protected] Vice Chairperson Frank Dirolf 783-0046 [email protected] Finance vacant Treasurer Steve Cornell 797-3842 [email protected] Recording Secretary Jan Peterson 695-3054 [email protected]

Corresponding Secretary vacant Members at Large Carl Klinowski 274-8410 [email protected] Don Berens 783-1302 [email protected] Representatives to the Board Carl Klinowski 274-8410 [email protected] Gene Reilly 281-7796 [email protected] Banquet vacant Cloudsplitter Karen Ross 794-7474 [email protected] Conservation David Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Tom McGuire 391-0508 [email protected] Organization U.S. POSTAGE Education Alan Mapes 439-4086 [email protected] Membership Doug Rosenberry 356-3142 [email protected] Nominations Mark Janey 899-6086 [email protected] Outings Virginia Boyle Traver 322-0950 [email protected] Paddlers Rich Macha 346-3180 [email protected] Programs Thea Hoeth 434-3052 [email protected] Public Information Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Refreshments Marlee Bickel 456-7050 [email protected] Socials Helen Menz 463-3036 Trails Gene Reillly 281-7796 [email protected] Ways and Means Sue Jordan 765-5564 [email protected] 301-651- Web Master Ted Letcher [email protected] 8244 Wilderness Dave Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Young Adults Stephanie Graudons 332-4624 [email protected]

Albany Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club P.O. Box 2116 Esp. Sta. Albany, NY 12220

PAID