DECEMBER 2019 – FEBRUARY 2020

Newsletter of the Mohican Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club

Serving Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties ...and Beyond

REMEMBER our upcoming From the Chair party!! It will be held on Welcome to the winter season! Winter Tuesday, December 10, 2019 can be a beautiful and quiet time of the at Casa Rina Restaurant, 886 year to be on the trail. Cold winds, Commerce Street, freezing temperatures, snow and ice can keep any Thornwood, . The hiker away. Being prepared will make all the difference. price will be $25, which Remember to dress in layers. It’s important that your includes your choices from 10 appetizers, 11 entrees base layer be synthetic or wool and not cotton because and 4 desserts. Tax, tip, soda and coffee are included they'll dry faster. That goes for midweight and your – drinks are on your own. We will be having a vote for outer layer, too. Carry hiking poles, traction devices, to appoint our ADK Mohican director at the party. flashlight, and extra food and clothing. Check with the leader if you have any questions about a hike. The fun will start at 5 p.m. for a social hour, and then dinner will be around 6 p.m. Why should I join or rejoin the Adirondack Mountain Club? Why should I pay $40 or $50 each Your $25 check should be made out to ADK Mohican year? In our last chair column, Kathie talked about and sent to Lisa Weismiller, 118 Grove Street #11, where some of our Mohican Chapter membership dues Stamford, CT 06901 Check out the menu. go. ------NOTICE OF WINTER TRIPS Membership dues help ADK fund a broad range of Adirondack Loj Trip diverse programs, such as maintaining and improving Friday-Monday, January 17-20, 2020 trails, lobbying for the protection of our precious DEADLINE – DECEMBER 7, 2019 resources, gaining access to spectacular recreational opportunities, teaching children about natural Join us for a fun-filled winter resources, and coordinating the summit steward weekend in the heart of the high program. To embody the work that ADK does, they peaks region of the Adirondack adopted the slogan “Walking for Wilderness”, which Mountains. The ADK Loj will be encompasses Conservation, Advocacy, Recreation, our base where you can enjoy Education, and Stewardship. Your membership shows hiking, snowshoeing, you care, too. backcountry or cross-country skiing, or just relax by the fire in the rustic gathering Spending time sitting on a mountain top, paddling my room. A short drive will take canoe on quiet waters surrounded by the incomparable you to Lake Placid for ice beauty of the wilderness made me realize how skating, dog sledding or important it is to preserve these areas. Whether it’s a tobogganing. You can tour local state park, the Catskills or the Adirondacks, the Olympic Center or having wild lands and waters available to both people Olympic Ski Jump, take an and wildlife is so crucial. I’m grateful and I appreciate exhilarating ride on a bobsled or skeleton, or cross- that my membership dues help protect these areas. country ski at the nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg center. Jane Smalley, Chair For the downhill skiers among us, is only a short distance away.

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Accommodation # of people Rate/night Vermont X-Country Ski Weekend Bunkroom #3 4 $ 63.00 Friday-Monday, February 14-17, 2020 Private Room #5 (twin beds) 2 $161.10/2 Private Room #6 (twin beds) 2 $161.10/2 We have decided to return to southern Vermont for our Private Room #8 (king bed) 2 $161.10/2 cross-country ski weekend after two years in the Loft 2 $ 54.00 Berkshires. Heading a bit further

Your 3% bed tax, dinners and trail lunches will be north, we hope to enjoy more added at the time of check out. Your deposit will be snow and better ski conditions. 50% of the room cost with the balance to be paid by you at checkout time. The room cost includes 3 We are renting a large house in breakfasts, but NO dinners. Dinner is $19.50 and Shaftsbury, VT near reservations can be made upon arrival. NOTE: Bennington, which is about 15 Reservations must be received by 11 a.m. so if you are minutes from the Prospect planning on having dinner Friday night upon arrival, Mountain Ski area, with 18 miles YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATIONS. of groomed trails in Trail lunches are also available for $9.50. The private Woodford, VT. There and family rooms tend to fill up quickly so send in your are also trails for reservation as soon as you can, but no later than snowshoeing. You December 7. If your choice is no longer available, I will can bring your own call you to discuss alternatives. Cancellations received skis or rent them on or after December 7 will lose the deposit unless we there. The base can fill the spot from a waiting list. elevation of the ski area is 2250′. This is Please complete the form below and mail with your the highest base room preference and check made payable to elevation of any alpine or cross-country ski area in the ADK Mohican NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 7, 2019 state--an important factor in providing consistently to the following: good ski conditions. Daily trail fee is $17/senior (65+). Lisa Weismiller There is a base lodge restaurant that serves everything 118 Grove Street #11 from hearty meals to light snacks when you need a Stamford, CT 06901 break from skiing. The 3,000 sq. ft. If you have questions, call Lisa Weismiller at house has sufficient 203-246-8200 or email at [email protected] space for 8+ people in three bedrooms Name: ______and a common space bedroom. Address: ______Some amenities: ______WiFi, Direct TV Now, large game Email: ______room with ping pong Phone: ______table, darts, games, etc., large kitchen, Private Rooms and linens/towels provided. As in the past, we do #5 - two twin beds #6 - two twin beds potluck dinners for Saturday and Sunday evening. Cost #8 - King size bed will be approximately $70/person/night. Deposit of $120.80/person for the weekend #3-4 person bunkroom If you are interested or have any questions, feel free to Deposit of $94.50/person for the weekend contact Pat Johnston at [email protected] or Loft (coed bunkroom) – 2 spaces call me at 832-649-0372. Come and join us for a great Deposit of $81/person for the weekend weekend of winter outdoor activities.

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Advance Notice in all directions. Looking at Labor Day Weekend in Harriman State Park our attire in the photo, you can see that it was We have reserved unbelievably cold and the Stone Lodge at windy on the summit. the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC We had four glorious hiking Outdoor Center on days and were able to Breakneck Pond in complete the last few Harriman State Park sections before she finishes for three (3) nights-- next year on Mt. Mansfield. September 4-6, Submitted by Pat Johnston

2020. This is so Trip to Midwest close to home yet August 2019 you feel like you are far from civilization. This August, I ventured The lodge houses to the Midwest by plane 12 people in 3 bunk and car with some rooms and has a full friends from AMC kitchen and 2 Delaware Valley to see bathrooms. The cost some of the National for the three (3) Parks and National nights would be $145/person if we have 12. We will Historic Sites. Our first each bring our own breakfast and lunch and contribute stops--Apostle Islands to potluck dinners. There will be led hikes and paddles National Lakeshore, plus the opportunity to do your own thing including just (WI), Grand Portage relax in the beautiful setting. Further information on National Monument how to sign up will follow in future newsletters. (MN) and Voyageurs National Park (MN) were all connected in Lisa walking across the head that they were on the Hiking the Long Trail in Vermont waters of the Mississippi River boundary waters of the August/September 2019 US and Canada. These were the waters the voyageurs traveled in Lisa Weismiller asked Pat Johnston to join her on four search of beaver skins and furs that could be traded in sections of the Long Trail in VT this summer. Built by Grand Portage for goods and supplies that the the Green Mountain Club between 1910 and 1930, it is Montreal men brought with them from the East. We the oldest long-distance trail in the U.S. It was the then traveled west by way of the Mississippi head inspiration for the Appalachian Trail, which coincides waters to the Knife River Indian Villages (ND) where with the Long Trail for 100 miles in the southern third of Lewis and Clark stopped and picked up Sacajawea, the state. Lisa has been working on completing the who helped them navigate their journey west. We 272-mile trail stretching from the MA border to Canada spent three days at Theodore Roosevelt National Park for the past five years, and some of it she has done on (ND--each day in a different section of that park. We her own. saw lots of bison, wild horses, prairie dogs and even a coyote. We stopped at the Fort Union Trading Post The northern sections of the trail are quite rugged with (ND), which was another spot where goods were steep elevations and strenuous climbs. Part of the trail traded between the Indians and the Whites. It was a took us through Smuggler’s Notch ski trail and also to whirlwind tour, and the takeaway is that the Northern the rocky, open summit of Camel’s Hump—one of the Plains have a rugged beauty not to be missed. 4,000 footers in the Northeast with breathtaking views Submitted by Lisa Weismiller

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Adirondack 46er Finish August 31, 2019 Not only did Jane finish her 46ers, but she also completed the 111 (actually 115) peaks over 4,000 feet Labor in the Northeast, which includes those peaks in NY, Day Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. weekend was the setting for Jane After a 10.5 hour day, Jane arrived at the ADK Loj for Restani’s finish of the our celebratory dinner, which included 46 mountain- 46ers on 4,843’ Iroquois shaped cookies with the names of each of the peaks, Peak--the 8th tallest brought by Lisa. The entire Loj crew and guests shared mountain in the in the 46er/111er decorated home-made cake and cookies that evening. of NYS over 4,000 feet. For our last day, we took it easy and climbed Mt. Jo, Eight of Jane’s hiking right out of the Loj, which has wonderful views of Heart family joined her for the Lake and the High Peaks. That was our first Lake 10-mile hike up and Placid 9er (now on to our next list). over Algonquin (the Submitted by Pat Johnston second tallest), then to Boundary Peak and Killington, VT Hiking Week finally to the summit of Iroquois. September 15-22, 2019

Thirty-two people joined WTA’s 2019 annual Hiking L to R (front): Jane Restani, Barbie Gatton and Warren Bush; L to R (back): Janice Miller, Sue Percaseppi, Lisa Week, held this year in Killington, VT. We climbed Pico Weismiller, Kathie Laug, Pat Johnston, and Jennifer Reidy Peak and Ascutney and Okemo Mountains; hiked the Appalachian and Long Trails on ridges and to We had an early start to beat the crowds and to be waterfalls and ponds; and explored area attractions, assured we would return by daylight. The trail is very including the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National rocky at the lower elevations and then comes the long Historic Park, Quechee Gorge and the White Rock Ice climb up to Algonquin into the alpine zone. We rested Beds. Two groups summited Killington, the second there for a bit and continued our descent to Boundary highest mountain in Vermont: the hike led by Mike and then the last push to the summit of Iroquois where Jablonski ascended the old fashioned way, and the we had a wonderful celebration of Prosecco, goodies hike led by Sheila Sarkar went up via the gondola and and picture taking. down on forested trails. Submitted by Eileen West

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Friday. In spite of the heat, it was a fun day with an interesting group of hikers. Submitted by Sarah Davis

Saturday, September 28 Escarpment Trail and Kaaterskill Falls New Members Month Member Seven hikers made the trip August Eriq Powers to the Catskills on an Rejoined: Sam and Daryl Wear, Christopher & Indian summer day—it Debra Auletta, Kathryn Weld Brown, Diane reached the 80’s. We Cavanagh, Frank Lee, Howard Millman, Stephen explored the new trail and & Lynn Sudak, Peter & Adrienne Szendro, September Christopher and Anna Buckley, Robert Garafola, platform to view the upper Diane Houslanger, William Kendall, Jonathan Kaaterskill Falls. There Mark, Joseph and Betsy Morreale was minimal water trickling Rejoined: Elizabeth Pearl, Charles Kircher, Dod over the two-tiered falls, Chahroudi, Jennifer & Sean Delaney, Claudia but with the changing Milne, Sandra Spaziane, Ellen Usher leaves and warm October Rejoined: Rosemary Clark, James Hickey and temperatures it was still a Marjorie Madera, Robert Reardon, Ann Marie Williamson wonderful site. The hike November Rejoined: Barbara and Walter Ceconi, Dean along the Escarpment trail has some of the most Gallea, Terry Mikesh and Rosa Kohler, and scenic views in the Catskills. We stopped at the Catskill Eileen West Mountain House site where it once stood for over 100

This column is dedicated to you, our years until it closed in 1924. It was a favorite vacation members, whose lives, events, and destination for the power elite and even visited by three achievements on and off the trail are to be Presidents. After lunch, we picked up the yellow trail for recognized and shared. If there is a special a leisurely walk around North/South Lake and back to event, vacation or achievement in your life our cars. Some of us even enjoyed some delicious ice you would like to share, please send in your cream on our way home. Submitted by Pat Johnston news to Annette Grau at [email protected].

Sunday, September 29 Mills Mansion-Norrie Point, Staatsburg, NY

Sunday, September 22 It was the perfect Rockefeller Preserve day for a hike

This hike started out on along the the shady 13 Bridges Hudson. Three Trail; and as the fellow hikers temperature increased, walked along the we stayed on shady wooded estate paths on our way to the trails checking cafe. The group out various included new members, outbuildings and a local resident who even a giant was not familiar with icehouse. Made many of the Preserve's L to R: Eileen West, Pat Johnston, Jennifer Reidy, and leader Janice a lunch stop at trails, and a world-class Miller (mansion in background) the Norrie Point marathon runner who Environmental has completed over 25 Center right on the Hudson. Breezy conditions made marathons in every part of the world. By lunchtime, the for cool temperatures and clear views of the Catskill temperature was almost 90 degrees, a testament to the Mountains in the distance. Submitted by Pat Johnston support all climate-change protests of the preceding

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Bear Mountain Circuit Hike October 19 Attention Leaders and Hikers When car-pooling, it is recommended that a charge of $.30 per mile be equally divided among passengers, including the driver, and that everyone shares in the tolls. Trip tales go to [email protected]. To enter the leader lottery, send your signup sheets (new ones please) to Jeanne Thomson, P.O. Box 219, Somers, NY 10589-0219. Be courteous to the leaders: If you are registering for more than one person, give the leader all the names; and if you have registered and your plans change, let the leader know so he/she knows not to wait for you. All Hikes Are Joint with WTA

Pictured L to R: Trudy Pojman, Eileen West, Debbie If There's Snow, We Go: Cross- Farrell, Kathie Laug, Mike Kaplan, Steve Klepner. Country Skiing on short notice. Missing is photographer Jane Restani Any Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Six hikers joined leader Kathie Laug for her finish of Saturday or Sunday that there is the 27 Circuit Hikes in Harriman State Park. We had a enough snow for cross-country lovely fall day for our outing which meant beautiful skiing within 1-1.5 hour drive, scenery but also many other people on the roads and contact Carolyn Hoffman trails. We started on the newly built Appalachian Trail at [email protected] or (914) with its marvelous stonework showcasing the work of 948-0608. Call the evening hundreds of volunteers to make this trail more before, please, prior to 9:00 p.m. (Note: Carolyn won’t accessible and less prone to erosion. We visited the be available from February 6-20). Moonwalk, Perkins Memorial Tower, wheelchair accessible trail on the top, the true summit of Bear Sunday, December 1 Mountain with its remains of a fire tower, and the stone Southern Harriman monument marking the former boundary between the Park and the West Point Military Reservation, before 8-9 miles, moderate-to-strenuous terrain. Starting and descending on the Major Welch Trail and walking ending on Route 106, this linear hike uses various along the shore of Hessian Lake and back to our cars. trails to go up and around Black Ash, Parker Cabin and Submitted by Kathie Laug Tom Jones Mountains. For further information or to register, contact Bob Fiscina at [email protected]. A Saturday, November 9 short shuttle is required. Rain cancels. No beginners Sleater Hill and Almost Perpendicular please. Sunday, December 1 I write this note to alert members that a very nice late Butler Sanctuary fall peaceful double loop hike can be made by combining a jaunt around Sleater Hill with views of 3-4 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. Explore the Sloatburg and the hills beyond with another loop using various trails in this Mt. Kisco preserve owned by the the Kakiat and Blue Disc trails. Because the leaves Nature Conservancy, through woods, past streams and were mostly down, the terrain we were hiking was a hawk watch area. To register, contact leaders Vipin more open and we could admire valleys and rock and Usha Shukla, [email protected]. Meet formations. Some folks were hanging out at AP, but no the leaders at 10 a.m. at the trailhead on Chestnut one was on our trails. We did see some city slickers on Ridge Road. Rain or snow cancels. Qualifies for the the Kakiat setting up for a weekend camping trip. Give Westchester 100 (No. 49). them credit--it was mighty chilly. You all know where to find the circuit hike descriptions. Submitted by leader Jane Restani

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Saturday, December 7 Tuesday, December 10 Overlook Fire Tower, Woodstock ADK’s Holiday Party

5 miles, moderate terrain. This is a pleasant hike to a Saturday, December 14 beautiful view spot in the Catskills. It is mostly up a fire West Mountain in Harriman road and can be slippery so bring traction devices if the weather has been wet and frosty. After the hike, we will 4-6 miles, moderate-to-strenuous terrain. This circular check out the local Woodstock shops and get some hike, which climbs West Mountain and uses the S-BM, refreshment at Bread Alone. Get ready for the holidays. Timp-Torne and Appalachian Trails, includes some Register with leader Jane Restani at steep sections rewarded by wonderful views. The [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Friday. length of the hike will depend on ground conditions and

Saturday, December 7 the mood of the group. To register, call or email leader Brinton Brook Sanctuary and Lytle Arboretum Alice Benash for North White Plains (NWP) and trailhead meeting times at (914) 723-8722, 5-6 miles, easy to moderate terrain. We'll first hike [email protected]. along the Highland Trail, passing two massive glacial erratics, and continue to the Lytle arboretum where Saturday, December 14 there is a boardwalk and a gazebo. Then we’ll return Irvington Woods Preserve along the same trail to Brinton Brook sanctuary and red maple swamp. The route may be modified depending 3-4 miles, easy terrain. This is a pleasant and peaceful on trail conditions. Since parking is limited, please hike on various trails in a local nature preserve. Meet consider carpooling to the trailhead. To register, the leader at 9:30 a.m. at the O’Hara Nature Center, contact leader Sheila Sarkar [email protected] or 170 Mountain Road Irvington. Directions: From Route 9 (914) 498 2464. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. turn east on Sunnyside Lane, then make a right onto 22). Mountain Road. The parking lot is a short distance up Sunday, December 8 the hill, on the right. To register, email leader Joe WTA Holiday Party Rodriguez at [email protected]. For directions call Plus Morning and Afternoon Hikes (914) 364-8090. Qualifies for the Westchester 10 (No. 54). If interested or for more info, please contact Nancy Sunday, December 15 Vincent at (914) 967-8381 or [email protected]. Bear Mountain Mt. Riga State Park, Salisbury, CT Sunday, December 8 Doodletown at Bear Mt. State Park 6 miles, moderate- to-strenuous terrain. Moderate 5-6 miles. On Rts. 9W and 202, there is a We will be hiking up parking area just south of the Bear Mountain Inn near Bear Mountain - the Iona Island where we will meet. We will explore highest peak in CT, Doodletown starting on the 1777E trail and returning yet not the highest on various ski trails. Bring lunch, snacks, water, layers spot in the state - of clothing and appropriate footwear. To register on the Under contact leader Sarah Davis at 917-501-1322 Mountain Trail to a or [email protected]. small piece of the AT and then will meet up with Paradise Lane Trail and loop back to the Under Sunday, December 8 Mountain trail. The hike has a 1676' elevation gain, and Clarence Fahnestock State Park the trails have equal parts strenuous climbing and incredible views. To register or for more information, 6-7 miles moderate hiking with rolling hills and beautiful contact Pat Johnston at [email protected] or scenery. Hike on the beautiful cross-country ski trails call 832-649-0372. with no snow. To register, contact leader Jean Dolen by phone or text at 914-522-4310.

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Sunday, December 15 be terrific due to lack of foliage. Then, we head to the Kensico Cemetery Tour three lakes and on to Stone Barns where, at the café, we can buy hot soup and food. After that, we will return 3-5 miles. Easy terrain. There are many points of to the cars. To register, contact leader Frank Lee at interest in this 460-acre cemetery including gravesites [email protected]. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 of celebrities, structures with architectural interest and (No. 59). special landscape features. Although most of the walk Sunday, December 22 is paved, expect a few hills. Sturdy shoes, water and Anthony’s Nose the Easy Way lunch recommended. Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the Administration Building, 273 Lakeview Avenue, This will be a 3+ hour hike at a relaxed pace to a Valhalla. Directions: Taconic Parkway to Lakeview beautiful view of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain and Avenue. Turn west, pass the monument shop, cross the Bear Mountain Bridge. We will start the hike on the railroad tracks and turn right into the parking lot. South Mountain Pass Road and hike on the AT for a More information about the cemetery is available at short time before getting to Anthony’s Nose and the www.kensico.org. To register, contact leader Sue Soni magnificent view. Contact leader Carol Harting at at [email protected] or (914) 747-2452. [email protected] to register.

Saturday, December 21 Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day) Black Rock Forest Caroling with Carolyn in Saxon Woods Park

3-5 miles, easy terrain. We'll sing 6 miles, moderate terrain. Starting from the Hudson seasonal songs (no singing Highland Nature Museum/Outdoor Discovery Center, ability needed) as we hike the we ascend into the Mine Hill area of Black Rock Forest varied woodland trails, with an (route courtesy of Howard Millman). This hike has a early out option about midway significant climb at the beginning, but with otherwise through the hike. Contact leader for meeting time. rolling terrain and a total of 1100' elevation gain, and Leader: Carolyn Hoffman, [email protected], home will be done at a compassionate pace with several (914) 948- 0608, cell (914) 420-5778. Qualifies for the regroups. With the leaves down, we should have Westchester 100 (No. 60). several nice views. To register, contact leader Steve

Klepner at [email protected] (preferred) or (845) Saturday, December 28 297-7066. NYC Walk Saturday, December 21

Sunny Ridge Preserve 9 miles, easy terrain. On this mostly flat walk, we will

take in the holiday atmosphere with snowflakes, 3 miles, easy. Hike in this beautiful preserve in menorahs, trees, Santas, windows, and unexpected Ossining with two ponds and views of the Hudson sightings. The route has not been set yet, but we will River. Mostly level with some short uphills. To register, meander from the meeting place (either Grand Central contact leader Minu Chaudhuri (914) 391-5918 or the 125th Street Metro-North station) and explore or [email protected]. Qualifies for the Westchester December in New York City. There will be options to 100 (No. 19). shorten the walk. For questions and to register, contact

leader Linda Wildman at [email protected] Sunday, December 22 or text/call (914) 316-5674. Eastern Side of Rockefeller

Saturday, December 28 9 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. From the main Snow Shoe at Richter Park, Danbury CT parking lot of Rockefeller (by the administrative office), we will go up David's Loop to the summit of Buttermilk Snow shoe (conditions permitting) on a beautiful golf Hill (the highest point in the Rockefeller Preserve). course with ups and downs. If there’s no snow, there is Then we head south along the Goat Trail, and back the option of a beginner hike (on a wooded trail with a north to visit the famous Raven's Rock. Views should hill) of about 2 hours. Will start at 10:30 a.m. To

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register or for more information, please call or email served, and afterwards we’ll continue the celebration leader Rosanne Schepis at (203) 417-5552 or with an optional dinner beginning at 5:15 p.m. at The [email protected]. Cabin in Valhalla. To register or If you would like to join us for the dinner, please notify Carolyn Hoffman at Sunday, December 29 [email protected] or (914) 948-0608 as soon as Within the County: NCT and Nearby Parks possible, but no later than December 27th. Inclement Part 2: Yorktown Heights to Millwood, and weather postpones the hike--but not the dinner--for 365 Kitchawan Preserve days. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 38).

9 miles, easy on the bike path, Wednesday, January 1 easy-to-moderate terrain in Greenwich Point Park Kitchawan. Today’s hike begins in Yorktown Heights 3 miles, easy terrain. The big along a scenic part of the NCT question is who will join the that goes past extensive leader for a New Year’s Day dip wetlands and continues into in the Sound. To warm up Millwood. Along the way, we’ll diverge into Kitchawan before the swim, we will walk Preserve for lunch and explore many of the trails in this around the park. After we “all” County-owned property. Hiking boots are not swim (which never has necessary but are suggested because, while the North happened), we will rewarm with refreshments. Come County Trailway is paved, the trails in Kitchawan may walk or swim as you choose. No need to register. Meet be muddy and rocky. To register, contact leader Eileen at 10:30 a.m. at the concession stand. Contact leader West at [email protected]. Short shuttle Jane Restani at [email protected] if you need required; rain or heavy snow cancels. Qualifies for the specific directions or try Todd’s Driftway, Greenwich, Westchester 100 (Nos. 33 and 77). on your device.

Saturday, January 4 Sunday, December 29 Saugatuck Trail Harts Brook Preserve 7 miles, moderate. This trail straddles the towns of 3 miles, easy terrain. Stately woodlands, open fields Weston and Redding in Connecticut closely paralleling and a secluded pond are all part of this hidden gem in its namesake, the Saugatuck Reservoir. We will pass the heart of Westchester County. Meet the leader at through a variety of terrain including rock outcroppings, 10 a.m. at the preserve’s parking area located at 156 streams, hemlock and hardwood forests, and Ridge Road in Hartsdale. You can also find GPS and spectacular reservoir views. Traction devices may be map directions on the NY/NJ Trail Conference website needed. To register, contact leader Kathie Laug at at https://www.nynjtc.org/park/harts-brook-park. To (203) 348-3993(H), (203) 722-5490(C), or email at register, contact leader Toby Garfinkel (914) 337-6612. [email protected]. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 5). Saturday, January 4 Tuesday, December 31 Ward Pound Ridge Early New Year’s Eve 5 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. A brisk hike in Ward Meet at 2:30 p.m. at North White Plains train station or Pound Ridge. If there is snow on the ground, we will 3 p.m. at the Rockwood Hall State Park trailhead on snowshoe in the Northern section; and if there is no Rockwood Road, just west of Route 117. We’ll do a snow, we will do a hike in the Southern part. Traction two-mile, mostly level walk around the former devices may be needed. Bring lunch, snacks and Pocantico Hills estate of William Rockefeller (now part water. We will carpool from the Cross River Shopping of the State Park Preserve) and then offer our Center. To register, contact leader Sarah Davis at traditional sundown toast to the old year within sight of (917) 501-1322 or [email protected]. Qualifies for the Hudson River. Alcohol-free beverages will be the Westchester 100 (No. 63).

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Sunday, January 5 https://muscootfarm.org/events/). Hiking boots are Hook Mountain to the Summit and Back suggested as we will be on trails. Bring a liter of water and a snack/lunch. Whether we have a real lunch 5-6 miles, moderate terrain. This hike near Rockland break depends on the pace of the group. To register, Lake State Park is steep at the beginning offering contact leader Steve Klepner, [email protected] rewarding views of the Hudson about 15-20 minutes (preferred) or (845) 297-7066. Qualifies for the into the hike. We then continue on well-marked trails to Westchester 100 (No. 58). the summit of Hook Mountain with nice views, have something to eat, and return the way we came. To Sunday, January 12 register and for questions, email leader Angela Devlen North Point at [email protected]. Phone for urgent 4 miles, moderate to strenuous terrain. This loop hike issues only: (617) 710-4439. up to North Point just south of Storm King has a steep

initial ascent rewarded with wonderful views of the Sunday, January 5 . To register, contact leader Minu Cranberry Lake Preserve Chaudhuri by email at [email protected] or call 3-4 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. This is a 2-3 hour (914) 391-5918. hike through a North White Plains preserve in an area Sunday, January 12 of quarry used to build the Kensico Dam a century ago. Rockwood to Rockefeller Trails, some of which may be rocky, go past various 6 miles, easy to moderate terrain. This hike will be ponds, woods, rock formations, bridges and the approximately four hours through rolling hills and on foundation of an old quarry building (the quarry climb is flat carriage roads with views of the Hudson River. optional). To register, call or text the leader Jean Dolen Bring lunch, water and snacks. To register, call or text at (914) 522-4310. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 the leader, Jean Dolen, at (914) 522-4310. Qualifies for (No. 51). the Westchester 100 (Nos. 38 and 59). Saturday, January 11

Hike or Snowshoe: Fahnestock Trails Saturday, January 18 Less Traveled Pine Meadow Lake

5-6 miles, moderate terrain. This lollipop route mostly 7-8 miles, moderate terrain. Hike or snowshoe around meanders along soft earth, civilized trails past a lake Pine Meadow Lake in Harriman. Bring stabilizers if and small waterfall. Midway, we’ll climb to Bushy Ridge needed. Starting from the Visitor’s Center on Seven by following a marked trail but one that’s not well Lakes Drive, we will go to the Lake and then hike traveled. For our effort, we get some great winter around it, adjusting for conditions. To register, contact views. Depending on the weather and ground leader Mike Kaplan [email protected]. No first conditions, we may take some detours on the way back time hikers please. or shorten the hike. Meet on the Route 301 parking area towards the west end of Canopus Lake (we begin Saturday, January 18 on the Blue 3 Lakes Trail). According to Google Maps Croton Point Park the trailhead’s address is: 1072 Cold Spring Turnpike, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. How cool is that: a trail 4 miles, easy terrain. We'll meet in the main parking lot with a street address! To register, contact leader of Croton Point Park, opposite the bathroom facilities Howard Millman at [email protected]. (closed in winter) and walk through the woods and past a campground to Tellers Point, with views south to the Saturday, January 11 Tappan Zee Bridge. We'll return by the marshes and Muscoot Farm then ascend the former landfill--now a bird sanctuary-- enjoying panoramic views of the Hudson River. 4-5 miles, easy to moderate terrain. Join the leader on Although most of the walking is on gravel roads, a 2-3 hour walk in a Westchester County owned traction devices may be needed. To register, contact preserve/farm. Afterward, the farm animals and leader Sheila Sarkar at [email protected] or (914) exhibits can be visited. There is also the possibility of 498 2464. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (52). an art exhibit in the main house (check on their website

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DECEMBER 2019 – FEBRUARY 2020

Sunday, January 19 Raffaele via email at [email protected]. Bottle Cap Trail in Harriman Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 48).

7.2 miles, moderate terrain. Sunday, January 26 This is a fun hike as you Cross-Country Ski or Hike If No Snow need to help the leader find the bottle caps. We will park Ski location TBA at the closest site at Tiorati Circle and travel on with sufficient snow. Don't give up if various trails--Long Path, snow is feeble nearby--conditions Hurst Trail, the RD and yes, may be glorious at Minnewaska or the Bottle Cap Trail. Traction High Point. If there is no snow, we devices must be carried. Contact Carol Harting at will do an easy 3-4 mile hike at Teatown. To register, [email protected] to register. contact leader Carolyn Hoffman at [email protected], home (914) 948-0608, cell on Sunday, January 19 day of hike only (914) 420-5778. Arthur Butler Sanctuary, Mt. Kisco, NY Saturday, February 1 4-5 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. This is a nice The Catfish Loop and More mixture of some steep hills in between rolling hills and flat terrain and varying scenery including ferns, large 7-8 miles, moderate terrain. This is a figure-eight hike boulders, several streams, and a hawk watch area. To incorporating the Catfish Loop at Fahnestock State register, call or text the leader Jean Dolen at (914) 522- Park in the morning and a loop around John Allen 4310. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 49). Pond in the afternoon with plenty of rolling hills and water views to enjoy. Rain cancels. To register or for Saturday, January 25 meeting time and other information, contact leader. Within the County: NCT and Nearby Parks Mike Jablonski, [email protected]. Part 3: Warburg Park, Pruyn Sanctuary and Gedney Park Saturday, February 1 Marshlands Conservancy 6-7 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. Today, we’ll check out three hiking areas in Millwood on both sides of the 3-4 miles, easy terrain. Enjoy a 2-hour hike in this Rye North County Trailway. First, we’ll do a circular hike in preserve on a network of trails through a field, a Warburg Park (to the west of the NCT); then we’ll drive deciduous forest and a salt marsh. Meet at 10:30 a.m. to the eastern side of the Trailway where our linear at the Conservancy parking lot, located at 220 Boston hike begins. We will explore many of the trails in Pruyn Post Road near the Rye Golf Course. To register, Sanctuary, the headquarters of the Saw Mill Audubon contact leader by e-mail at [email protected]. Cell Society, and then walk over to Gedney Park owned by number is for day of hike changes only: (914) 552- the Town of New Castle. There, we can visit the park’s 7720. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 9). 9/11 memorial and enjoy its wooded paths. To register, contact leader Eileen West at Sunday, February 2 [email protected]. Short shuttle required; rain Rockefeller Park - Main Entrance or heavy snow cancels. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (Nos. 15, 21 and 25). 5-6 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. This is a 3-4 hour hike along carriage roads with rolling hills. The hike Sunday, January 26 may be longer if we eat at the Blue Stone Café, and Reservation, Peekskill the route and distance may vary if there is enough snow in the park to snowshoe. There is a $6/car 5-6 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. Scenic trails with parking fee unless you have an Empire Passport. To massive rock formations. Trails are mostly easy with register, call or text leader Jean Dolen at (914) 522- rolling hills, but there is a steep ascent to the summit of 4310. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 59). Blue Mountain. To register, contact leader Catharine

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DECEMBER 2019 – FEBRUARY 2020

Saturday, February 8 the Pace-Briarcliff Woods and on the grounds of Pace Shenandoah Mountain on the AT University. To register, contact leader Eileen West at [email protected]. Short shuttle required; rain 6 miles, moderate terrain. This hike, with 1,282 feet of or heavy snow cancels. Qualifies for the Westchester elevation gain, should give everyone a good workout 100 (Nos. 29 and 78 (if done with part 5 of this series). with hiking time of about 3-3.5 hours. Traction devices must be carried. Directions: take the Taconic State Saturday, February 15 Parkway to Miller Hill Road. Turn north on Miller Hill to Snow Shoe at Richter Park, Danbury CT Hortontown Road and park near the “T” intersection of Hortontown and Shenandoah Roads. We will pass the Snow shoe (conditions permitting) on a RPH Shelter and climb to the open summit on the beautiful golf course with ups and mountain, and then come back down the same route. downs. If there’s no snow, there is the Contact Carol Harting at [email protected] to option of a beginner hike (on a wooded register. trail with a hill) of about 2 hours. Will Saturday, February 8 start at 10:30 a.m. To register or for Baxter Preserve more information, please call or email leader Rosanne Schepis at (203) 417- 3 miles, easy terrain. This will be a relatively easy and 5552 or [email protected]. short hike (or cross-country ski or snowshoe, if there is snow) over fields and gentle hills of North Salem in the Sunday, February 16 horse country of northern Westchester. To find out the Camp Smith, East Hudson Highlands exact location and starting time, contact the leader Barry Leibowitz during the week before the hike: cell 6.5+ miles, moderate-to-strenuous terrain. This hike in (914) 774-5321 or home (845) 278-2479. Rain or the East Hudson Highlands has a lot of elevation gain snow-covered roads cancels. Qualifies for the because we start at the Tollhouse and go up and down Westchester 100 (No. 46). until we get to Anthony’s Nose overlooking the Bear Mountain Bridge. Then, we turn around and go up and Sunday, February 9 down to get to our starting point. The out and back hike Mountain Lakes Camp, North Salem NY is about 6.5 miles, which is all we will do if the conditions are wintry; but if it is dry, we may add some 6 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. This is a 3-4 hour distance on the A.T. depending on group wishes. Be hike through a County park with carriage roads, sure to bring snowshoes or traction devices, if needed. wooded trails and a few short steep hills. Bring lunch Register with leader Jane Restani via email at and water. To register, call or text leader Jean Dolen at [email protected] by 5 p.m. Saturday. (914) 522-4310. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 57). Sunday, February 16 Cliffdale-Teatown Trail and Teatown Lake Saturday, February 15 Within the County: NCT and Nearby Parks. Part 4: 4 miles, easy-to-moderate terrain. Bring a thermos of Millwood to Briarcliff Manor, plus Law Park, hot chocolate and enjoy a hike from the Visitor’s Center Hardscrabble Wilderness & Pace-Briarcliff Woods to the Cliffdale Education Center using part of the Teatown Lake and other trails. We’ll have a snack on 8-9 miles, easy on the bike path, easy-to-moderate the benches at Cliffdale, and then return to the Visitor’s terrain after that. The North County Trailway from Center on the other side of the lake. For meeting time Millwood to Briarcliff Manor alternates between a path or information, contact leader Elspeth Kramer at along the shoulder of Route 100 and protected tree- [email protected], (347) 262-4802. Qualifies for lined areas before entering Law Park near the Briarcliff the Westchester 100 (No. 62). Library. We’ll stop for a mid-morning break, then head over to Hardscrabble Wilderness to explore the trails within. The hike will end with a walk along the paths of

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DECEMBER 2019 – FEBRUARY 2020

Saturday, February 22 Saturday, February 29 (Leap Year) Rocks Trail, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Ramapo Valley County Reservation

7 miles, moderate terrain. This is a moderate hike with 4-7 miles, moderate terrain. This circular hike traverses a few steep areas that incorporates six scenic and lesser-used portions of this nearby New Jersey historic points in the park. Snowshoes or traction reservation, passing a scenic reservoir and a waterfall devices may be needed. To register, contact leader and climbing to an expansive viewpoint. The length of Kathie Laug 203-348-3993(H), 203-722-5490 (C), the hike will depend on ground conditions and the [email protected]. mood of the group. To register, call or email leader Alice Benash for North White Plains and trailhead Saturday, February 22 meeting times: (914) 723-8722, [email protected]. Angle Fly Preserve Saturday, February 29 4 miles, easy terrain. Come hike this preserve in RiverWalk and the OCA - Tarrytown to Irvington winter. Leader will choose a couple of loops for an easy hike of about 3 hours including lunch. Dress in 5+ miles, easy terrain. This is an easy-paced walk with layers for winter weather. Bring traction devices and some mild hills. We will walk south stopping at poles. To register, call leader Jane Smalley at 914-276- Lyndhurst, have a snack (bring your own) and continue 0413 or e-mail [email protected]. on the Aqueduct to Irvington where we will stop for an optional lunch at any of the fine restaurants on Main Sunday, February 23 Street. Return is via the same route with a few Balsam Lake Fire Tower in the Catskills variations. There will be lovely views of the Hudson River and the new Tappan Zee Bridge. Meet at 11 a.m. 5 miles, moderate-to-strenuous at the RiverWalk gate on VanWart Avenue. Directions: terrain. This Catskill 3500 peak take U.S. Route 9 to the double-named street with less than 1500 feet of (VanWart and Paulding Avenues), just south of Route elevation gain makes it a perfect 119. Turn west (towards the river) and continue to the winter hike. If there is snow, it is a bottom of VanWart. Parking is available on either side wonderful snowshoe hike of the street. To register, contact leader Ellie Carren especially for beginners. If no (914) 591-7038. snow, we will just hike up to the fire tower and let’s hope the sun is 2020 Hiking Week shining on the trees at the top for a The wonderful sight. Snowshoes or traction devices are a The WTA 2020 Hiking Week will be must. We will carpool from the Route 84 Park & Ride held from August 21-28 at the off Exit 65 (formerly Exit 19) in Brewster, or we could Thompson House in Windham, NY. also meet at the Park & Ride in New Paltz (Exit 18) off Save the dates and watch for details in the NYS Thruway. Register with leader Carol Harting at the Spring schedule. [email protected] so we can arrange carpools.

Sunday, February 23 ADK Membership Online Croton Point Park To join ADK, Renew Your Membership or 4 miles, easy terrain. We will explore this small scenic Purchase/Renew a Gift Membership Online, peninsula where eagles are often sighted in winter. Dress very warmly for the winds blowing off the Click on the following link: Hudson. Optional lunch afterwards at the Croton Diner. To register, contact leader Catharine Raffaele, https://www.adk.org/membership/ [email protected]. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (52).

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DECEMBER 2019 – FEBRUARY 2020

Mohican ADK P.O. Box 218 Bedford, NY 10506

Notify ADK of Officers Outings Coordinator Conservation address Chair Carolyn Harting Dod Chahroudi change at Jane Smalley H 845-669-6731 H 845-878-6869 least six H 914-276-0413 [email protected] [email protected] weeks in [email protected] ADK Director advance via email at Webmaster Leslie Millman [email protected] or call Co-Chair Pat Johnston C 914-552-7720 1-800-395-8080 Kathie Laug H 832-649-0372 [email protected] M-F 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m H 203-348-3993 [email protected] [email protected] Alternate Directors Check out our Secretary Fran Resch Publications Jean Dolen H 914-232-1483 chapter web page: [email protected] C 914-522-4310 [email protected] Carolyn Harting www.adkmohican.org Kathie Laug Treasurer/Membership H 845-669-6731 H 203-348-3993 Lisa Weismiller Pat Johnston [email protected] C 203-246-8200 C 832-649-0372

[email protected] If you would like to receive Paddling Coordinator Delegate to NY/NJ Jane Smalley updates between newsletters, Trail Conference e-mail Delegate at Large H 914-276-0413 [email protected] Jane Restani [email protected] Barry Leibowitz and we will add you to our [email protected] [email protected] list serve, [email protected]

Working for Wilderness 14