The
Cloudsplitter
Vol. 79 No. 3 July-September 2016
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 August 15, 2016 and will be for the months of October, November and December, 2016. Many thanks to Gail Carr for her cover sketch.
September 7 (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 James Slavin at 434-4393
There are no Chapter Meetings held during July, August, or September
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as Chapter Chair, along with Frank Dirolf as Vice Chair, for the last two years. Our Chapter has grown in membership, activities, project support and stewardship in that time. Membership has grown by nearly 20 percent. People are interested in what we stand for and what we do. Combine that with the efforts of our membership committee led by Doug Rosenberry and outreach led by Deb Reif and we have had lots of success in bringing like-minded outdoor people to our group. Our new membership orientation meetings have been a lot of fun and provide a welcoming start to new members. You can now find our flyers at key locations in the Capital District like the Albany Vistors Center. The slate of programs at our monthly membership meetings continues to get rave reviews and attendance thanks to Alan Mape's educational series and Thea Hoeth's entertaining presenters. Paddlers now are under the leadership of our brand new 'Paddling Princess' Erica Lovrin and that group of over a hundred strong continues to enjoy their own brand of weekly fun outings. And speaking of outings! We have over 150 published outings since last January through this summer thanks to the coordinated efforts led by Virginia Boyle Traver. Our trails group has been active in our adopted trail and in local efforts at places like the Taconic Crest Trail, Lawson Lake and the Pine Bush Preserve under Gene Reilly's watch. Our Cloudsplitter team led by Karen Ross, Barb Esmond and this year's Fred Schroeder award-winner, Gail Carr, continues with what is now a 79 year tradition of this venerable publication.
The point in going through these highlights is that we are a group of volunteers and what is mentioned here is only a small sampling of the many people and programs that are part of what running a successful Chapter is all about. I'm confident that our new Chapter leadership under Jim Slavin and Cliff Prewencki will no doubt continue to help guide and achieve great things. Consider what you can do to help the Chapter and ADK with your gift of time and talents in the coming year - you will find it worthwhile and rewarding! --Tom Hart, Summer 2016
PLEASE NOTE: CHECK OUR WEBSITE FREQUENTLY FOR OUTINGS UPDATES. OUTINGS COME IN REGULARLY TO THE WEBSITE ONLY AT WWW. ADK-ALBANY.ORG
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 THE CLOUDSPLITTER
July-September 2016 Vol. 79 No. 3
Albany Chapter – Adirondack Mountain Club July – September 2016 Combined Activities Schedule
Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Jul 4 (Mon) Noonmark on the 4th of July Slavin B+ 6 (Wed) TCT: 6 of 7- Petersburg Pass/SE Hollow Jordan B 6 (Wed) Giant's Nubble Antonio B 6 (Wed) Evening Paddle--Hudson River/Bethlehem Pusatere/Orr B 6-8 (Wed-Fri) ADK Property Trail Maintenance Reilly B 8 (Fri) Macomb At An Easy Pace Priest A 9 (Sat) Siamese Ponds Trailwork Pisaneschi B 9 (Sat) Sucker Brook Trail Trailwork Reilly/Sheehan B 12 (Tue) Paddle Upper Hudson & Opalescent Rivers Reilly C 12 (Tue) Paddle Hudson River/Corning Preserve Magnes/Cherkosly B 13 (Wed) TCT: Hike 7 of 7-Petersburg Pass/Rte 346 Jordan B 13 (Wed) Hennig Preserve & County Forest Slavin C 13 (Wed) Bear Mtn. & Sages Ravine Sheehan B 16 (Sat) Mount Greylock by Bike Berens A 16 (Sat) Helderberg Bike - Knox to Schoharie Siegard/Siegard A 19 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Round Lake Filarecki/Smollin C 20 (Wed) Huyck Through-Hike Traver C+ 23 (Sat) TCT: Birch Brook Trail to TCT Waldman B 23 (Sat) Saddleback and Basin Warren A+ 24 (Sun) Hadley Mtn. Fire Tower Slavin B 24 (Sun) TCT: White Rocks & Snow Hole Sheehan C+ 26 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Hudson River/Coeymans Mapes/Smollin C Aug 2 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Mohawk River Lock E9 Orr/Saville B 6 (Sat) Blue Ledges Flavin C+ 9 (Tue) Paddle Hudson/Champlain Canal Lock 1 Luchsinger/Cherkosly C 10 (Wed) Second Pond Sheehan C+ 13 (Sat) Dunham Reservoir Sunrise Paddle Luchsinger C 13 (Sat) Dix, Hough, & South Dix Warren A+ 16 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Mohawk River Glenville Saville/Bentien C 20 (Sat) Doubletop & Graham Mtns. Susko A 20 (Sat) Women's High Peak Siegard A 20 (Sat) Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Prewencki C+ 23 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Mohawk Kiwanis Park Orr/Bentien B 24 (Wed) Nun-Da-Ga-O Ridge Antonio B 27 (Sat) Storm King Hike/Paddle Series Siegard/Siegard A 28 (Sun) Jay Mountain Slavin (B+ 29-30 Women's Backpacking Traver/Scott B 30 (Tue) Mohawk Flight Lock Road Snopkowski/Lovrin B Sep 7 (Wed) Evening Paddle--Mohawk/Hudson Cherkosly/Lovrin B 10 (Sat) Panther, Couchsachraga & Santanoni Berens A+ 10 (Sat) Storm King Hike/Paddle Series Siegard/Siegard B 10 (Sat) Sucker Brook Trail Trailwork Reilly B 13 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Mohawk River Lock 7 Lovrin/Brown C 14 (Wed) Stewart & Mud Pond Preserves Sheehan C 16 (Fri) Bald Peak Antonio B 17 (Sat) Kaaterskill High Peak Susko A 17 (Sat) Colden Warren A+ 17 (Sat) Cascade Pond Siegard C+
4 20 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Hudson River/Bethlehem McGuire/Orr B 21 (Wed) Black Mountain Traver B 23 (Fri) Fish Hawk Cliffs & Indian Head Ross/McCarron B+ 24 (Sat) Paddle for the Collar City Ramble Lovrin/Bentien C 27 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Freddie's Park/Mohawk Luchsinger/Saville C 28 (Wed) Cascade & Porter Antonio B+
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FREQUENTLY FOR UPDATES TO THE OUTINGS SCHEDULE. OUTINGS COME IN REGULARLY TO THE WEBSITE ONLY AT WWW. ADK-ALBANY.ORG
Meeting with the group to discuss the water, ACTIVITIES weather conditions and plans for the paddle. 3) Duty of the Paddler -- It is the responsibility of the paddler to stay with the group and know DESCRIPTIONS who the leaders are - If you don’t know, ask someone. General Information for Evening Paddling 4) Leaving the Group - The leaders take a Trips headcount at the On-the-Water Meeting. Therefore, please notify one of the leaders if you On most Tuesday evenings from May thru need to leave the group for any reason. ADK is October the ADK Albany Chapter paddles not responsible for paddlers who choose not to various waterways in the Capital District area. paddle with the group. There are at least two groups. The slow group 5) Required Gear -- All paddlers must bring ("Lily-Dippers") goes as slow as the slowest along a white light (a headlamp is good), a paddler and may be best for short wide boats or whistle (a pealess one is best) and must wear a less skilled paddlers. The moderate group is for PFD (Personal Floatation Device aka life jacket). most everyone else and goes about 3 to 3.5 There are no exceptions to these requirements. mph. If there is enough interest, a fast group will It is also a good idea to bring raingear, water, be formed. Expect to paddle for about 2 hours. bug-dope (mosquitoes are quite active in Scheduled trips launch rain or shine. It is summer at dusk) and an extra set of clothes in suggested that you obtain a good roadmap of the car. the Capital District or use www.mapquest.com 6) Clothing -- Other than in July and August all for directions to the launch site locations. It is paddlers should not wear cotton clothing - if you customary, after the paddle, for the group must wear cotton, bring along a full change of Leader to pick a nearby restaurant and convene clothing in a dry bag. Expect to have your feet in the Paddlers Committee Meeting (PCM) to the water when launching. Some of the launch socialize, plan future trips and enjoy a meal with spots are slippery and have underwater debris. old and new friends. Everyone who paddles is Waterproof footwear (most experienced automatically a Committee Member and is paddlers use neoprene booties or mukluks) is invited to participate. highly recommended. 7) Guests - You may bring a guest. He/she is The following are the Albany Chapter guidelines your responsibility and must adhere to all of the to participate in the Evening Paddles: Evening Paddle Guidelines.
1) Respect Other Users of the Waterways ------Steer clear of fishermen. Don’t forget their fishing lines go well out into the water. Stay Jul 4 (Mon) NOONMARK ON THE 4TH OF close to shore when motorboats are out. The JULY (B+) red & green buoys mark the deep water This is one of my favorite hikes. The view of the channels - stay between the buoys & shore. surrounding High Peaks is outstanding. I think it Paddle in a tight group when crossing large is the perfect place to celebrate the birth of our bodies of water. country. We will climb past Round Lake on this 2) Launch on Time -- Please be in your boats approximately 7 mile and 2000’ elevation hike. on the water and congregated near shore Meet 7:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & before the launch time. People launching after Ride. Contact by email is preferred. Leader: start time are not officially with the group. The James Slavin, 434-4393, [email protected] leaders will conduct a short On-the-Water
5 Jul 6 (Wed) TCT HIKE: 6 OF 7 -- Programs/ Supervised Volunteer Trails PETERSBURG PASS TO SE HOLLOW (B) Program/(scroll down to near the bottom of the The Taconic Crest Trail is a 37 mile trail that page) Volunteer Trail Opportunities/Two Day threads its way through New York, Projects/ (July 6-8 ADK Property Trail Massachusetts, and Vermont. A patch is Maintenance) Register Now. Once you click on awarded to all those who hike the entire 37 'Register Now,' more detailed information about miles over any period of time. I will be dividing the project will be presented. Please identify the trail into 7 level B sections to hike the entire yourself as an Albany Chapter member when trail. Join me on 1, 2 or even 7 as I work towards registering and please let the Albany Chapter the patch. Contact leader via email only for Trails Committee Chair, Gene Reilly, know of details and provide your most recent hiking your participation so that your volunteer trail experience. This hike will be from Petersburg work hours can be tracked in the Chapter's Pass south to SE Hollow Road. It will be a recognition program. Leader: Gene Reilly, 281- through-hike spotting cars at both ends. This 7796, [email protected] section is 7.3 miles with approximately 1500' elevation gain. Leader: Sue Jordan, 487-4698, Jul 8 (Fri) MACOMB AT AN EASY PACE (A) [email protected] We'll start this hike from the Elk Lake trailhead, the back door to the High Peaks. The first 2 1/2 Jul 6 (Wed) GIANT'S NUBBLE (B) miles will be a gentle uphill climb on a marked Listed in the "High Peaks Hikes" section in Tim trail that parallels the east shore of the lake. Starmer's book "Five Star Trails in the When we reach the Slide Brook, we'll make a Adirondacks," this 5 mile balloon hike, with right turn and follow the brook for about a half- about 1500’ of ascent, certainly has its rewards. mile. Officially, the hike is a bushwhack from that Expect views of the High Peaks, including a real point on, but the "herdpath" is maintained close up encounter with Giant Mountain, as we although it does not appear on the map. This circle the Giant's Washbowl." We'll keep our part is moderately steep. After about a half-mile fingers crossed that the resident beaver will we will reach the base of a slide. The slide is once again put in an appearance. It has easier to climb than most others in the happened! If the weather cooperates, a dip in Adirondacks, but there will be places where it is Chapel Pond is a great way to finish the day. necessary to hang on with hands as well as feet. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & If we have time, and the whole group agrees, we Ride. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 could head over to South Dix before heading down. The total distance is a little more than 7 Jul 6 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE--HUDSON 1/2 miles with 2400’ of ascent. Leader: Robert RIVER/BETHLEHEM (B) Priest, 489-7472, [email protected] Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We could paddle to the falls on the Vloman Kill or cross Jul 9 (Sat) SIAMESE PONDS TRAILWORK (B) the Hudson and explore Papscanee Creek. We'll hike in from the Route 8 trailhead to the Take the Thruway to Exit 22. After the tollbooth, lean-to and ponds. Activities will include trail take a left on Rt.144 north for about a mile, then work (brushing out, water bars, etc.) and trash take a right on Barent Winne Rd. to the boat removal. Nothing is going to be difficult or launch next to Henry Hudson Park. No need to physically demanding, but this is a work trip. Bad sign up-just show up! See General Info for weather postpones to the next day. No calls Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Marilyn after 9:00 please. Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, Pusatere, 588-5953, [email protected];Don 459-5969, [email protected] Orr, 421-3389, [email protected] Jul 9 (Sat) SUCKER BROOK TRAIL Jul 6-8 (Wed-Fri) ADK PROPERTY TRAIL TRAILWORK (B) MAINTENANCE (B) All hands on deck! Many hands make light Open to all ages (minimum 14), participants will work!! The more the merrier!!! We will once repair the boardwalk on the Van Hoevenberg again visit our adopted trail, the Sucker Brook Trail. The crew will be staying at the volunteer Trail, under the ADK-DEC Trail Stewardship base camp on Wednesday, and Thursday night. program. This is a tough trail to maintain due to Meals will be prepared by our volunteer leaders its 8 mile length and the location of the western at the volunteer base camp (campsite 20). There end at a junction with the Northville Placid Trail is no participation fee, but donations are always in the middle of the West Canada Lakes appreciated. To register, call ADK directly at Wilderness, 7 miles from the nearest NPT 518-523-3441, OR register online at trailhead. Have no fear though, we will not be www.adk.org by clicking on Conservation/Field doing the entire trail. Our plan is to get a large
6 group of hardy people to each carry a small recent hiking experience. This section will be hand-tool (loppers, bow saws, some grass- from Petersburg Pass north to Route 346. This whips) in no more than 4 miles to the height of will be a through hike spotting cars at both ends. land. As we go in the trail, we will cut up and This section is 8 miles long with approximately remove whatever small trees or branches have 1500' elevation gain. Leader: Sue Jordan, 487- fallen to block the path. Others will cut back side 4698, [email protected] growth, and some may install additional new DEC trail markers. The groups will leap frog Jul 13 (Wed) HENNIG PRESERVE & along until we reach a cut-off time for returning. COUNTY FOREST (C) Whatever is still undone will be for the next trip. This will be a 5 to 7 mile walk in the Hennig Depart 7:00 a.m. from the Northway Exit 9 Park Preserve. There is no significant elevation & Ride and expect to return there by 6:00 p.m. change. It's just a beautiful walk in the woods. Bring a lunch, sunscreen, bug dope, water, and Meet 8:00 a.m. at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. clothes appropriate for the weather. Contact the Email contact is preferred. Leader: James leader preferably by email prior to July 5th. Slavin, 434-4393, [email protected] Leaders: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, [email protected]; John Sheehan, Jul 13 (Wed) BEAR MTN. /SAGES RAVINE (B) 674-8121, [email protected] Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut, and Sages Ravine is a cool Jul 12 (Tue) PADDLE UPPER HUDSON & refreshing col between Race and Bear Mtns. At OPALESCENT RIVERS (C) this time of year, we will likely meet some We will spend the whole day exploring by boat through-hikers on the AT. It's fun to be a trail waters in the recently acquired MacIntyre East angel and bring along some snacks for these tract near Tahawus - the upper Hudson River, extreme hikers on their six-month trek from Sanford Lake, and the Opalescent River. This Georgia to Maine. Fresh fruit, cookies, soda or trip was written up in The Adirondack Explorer anything they can't get on the trail is usually a within the last year or two and sounded big hit. The hike will be 7 miles with 1500' of delightful. Depart 7:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit elevation gain. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the 9 Park & Ride. Please contact the leader via Defreestville Park & Ride. Leader: John email prior to July 5th. Depending on Sheehan, 674-8121, [email protected] participants and logistics, the trip may be either an out and back or a car spot. Leader: Gene Jul 16 (Sat) MOUNT GREYLOCK BIKE (A) Reilly, 281-7796, [email protected] We'll pedal a 36-mile loop that includes a 10- mile, 2,300’ climb (4.3% average grade, with Jul 12 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- some steeper pitches) to the high point of HUDSON RIVER/CORNING PRESERVE (B) Massachusetts. The descent is breath-taking in Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle its own way. Bring a helmet, a bike with low from the Corning Preserve boat launch south to gears, and a persevering spirit. Contact leader explore the Port of Albany. With some luck, we for meeting time and place. Leader: Don Berens, may see Peregrine Falcons, which nest on the 783-1302, [email protected] Dunn Memorial Bridge, and/or Bald Eagles. Driving south on I-787 into Albany, take the Jul 16 (Sat) HELDERBERG BIKE-- Colonie St. exit and take the 1st left into the KNOX TO SCHOHARIE (A) parking lot. No need to sign up-just show up! This is an easier version of a ride we offered last Leader: Gerry Magnes, 810-8000, year, starting in Knox instead of Altamont. It [email protected] Leader: Neil Cherkosly, takes in many wonderful views as it circles 383-7800, [email protected] around and along the top of the spine of the Helderbergs - with views to the east of the Jul 13 (Wed) TCT: HIKE 7 OF 7-- Berkshires and Green Mountains and views to PETERSBURG PASS TO ROUTE 346 (B) the north and west of the Southern Adirondacks, The Taconic Crest Trail is a 37 mile trail that the Cherry Valley Mountains, and the wide threads its way through New York, expanse of the Schoharie Valley. There is one Massachusetts, and Vermont. A patch is steep climb back up from Gallupville to the ridge awarded to all those who hike the entire 37 for about two miles, but the trip is moderate miles over any period of time. I will be dividing overall. We will ride about 30 miles and under the trail into 7 level B sections to hike the entire 2000’ of elevation gain. We will stop at the Apple trail. Join me on this last of the 7 as I work Blossom Cafe in Schoharie mid-way through the towards completing the patch. Contact leader trip. We will meet at our home in Clarksville and via email only for details and provide your most then drive to Knox (20 minutes) from there.
7 Leaders: Steve Siegard, 915-2309, Jul 23 (Sat) SADDLEBACK & BASIN (A+) [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, We will approach Saddleback via the Ore Bed [email protected] Brook, a beautiful off trail approach, and climb Saddleback by the slide created by Hurricane Jul 19 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- Irene. We will follow trails the rest of the day, ROUND LAKE (C) over to Basin and out via the Shorey Shortcut We will start from the Round Lake boat launch Trail. This hike is approximately 16.5 miles with on Route 9. Be on the water at 6:30 p.m. We will approximately 4200’ elevation gain. Leader: paddle around the lake and explore the Anthony Claudia Warren, 364-3857, [email protected] Kill. Attendees must wear a PFD and follow paddling guidelines under General Info for Jul 24 (Sun) HADLEY MTN. FIRE TOWER (B) Evening Paddle Trips listed in the front of the This is a short but steep approximately 4 mile Cloudsplitter. Leaders: Lynn Filarecki, 674- hike with 1550’ elevation gain to an open summit 2125;Bill Smollin, 899-4031 and fire tower. The hardest thing about this hike is finding the trailhead. We'll have great views of Jul 20 (Wed) HUYCK THROUGH-HIKE (C+) the Adirondacks to the north and the Great We will spot cars for this outing and begin our Sacandaga Lake to the southwest. Meet 7:00 hike at Partridge Loop #3 of the Huyck Preserve a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Email near Peasley Road. We will descend from this contact is preferred. Leader: James Slavin, 434- high point of elevation along each of the three 4393, [email protected] Partridge Paths, past Lake Myosotis and the waterfalls to the Huyck Preserve Visitor Center Jul 24 (Sun) TCT: WHITE ROCKS in Rensselaerville. Woods, creeks, stone walls & SNOW HOLE (C+) and foundations, a lovely lake and beach, and The Snow Hole is a deep fracture in the ground the tumbling cataract all await as we cross this near the north end of the Taconic Crest Trail. It entire preserve from north to south. Expect is so named because it retains snow well into about 6.5 miles of hiking with a rolling descent of the summer. Maybe that won't be the case this about 600’. Email contact preferred. Leader: year, but it's an interesting geologic feature. Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, White Rocks is an outcrop providing views to the [email protected] west over the Rensselaer Plateau and, on a clear day, some of the Albany skyline may be Jul 23 (Sat) TCT: BIRCH BROOK TRAIL visible. The hike will be a 6-mile round trip with TO TACONIC CREST TRAIL (B) moderate elevation gain and a moderate pace. We will start out on the moderately easy two Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Brunswick Park & Ride at loop trails from the parking area at Hopkins Walmart Plaza on Rt. 7. Leader: John Sheehan, Memorial Forest. Near the top of the upper loop, 674-8121, [email protected] we will take a right at the north branch of Birch Brook and hike up the Birch Brook Trail (BBT). Jul 26 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- The hike will become noticeably more strenuous HUDSON RIVER/COEYMANS (C) as the 1.4 mile BBT climbs about 1150’ to the Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will explore Taconic Crest Trail (TCT). Hardwoods are the mouth of Hannacroix Creek and the shores replacing the namesake birches along the trail. of Schodack Island State Park where bald Near the crest, the trail crosses from eagles are often seen. Take the Thruway to Exit Massachusetts into New York. Here, there are 22. After the tollbooth, take a right on Rt.144 reportedly log steps to help ascend and glades south for about 4 miles, then take a left on of ferns. When we arrive at the TCT, we will turn Westerlo St. to Coeymans Landing boat launch. right and proceed another 1.6 miles to the Snow No need to sign up - just show up! See General Hole. The Snow Hole is an interesting geological Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leader: Alan formation which often still has snow and ice in it Mapes, 817-1512, [email protected] throughout the summer; let's see if it has any Leader: Bill Smollin, 899-4031, none snow in July after a "snowless" winter. There are a couple of scenic viewpoints from the White Aug 2 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- Rock Mountain area that we can enjoy along the MOHAWK RIVER LOCK E9 (B) way. We will return via the BBT and complete Take Route 5 East of Scotia from the west end the two loop trails at Hopkins Memorial Forest. of I-890. Turn left and go to the intersection of The hike will be 10 miles with approximately Route 103 across from Stewart's and turn left 1700’ elevation gain. Leader: Martha Waldman, and IMMEDIATELY right for the entrance to the 869-5109, [email protected] park. Drive down the hill to the launch area. Be on the water at 6:30 p.m. We will paddle
8 upstream toward Swart Island below Lock E10 Leader: Ellen Luchsinger, 235-5526, and back. See General Info for Evening Paddle [email protected] Trips. Leaders: Don Orr, 421-3389, [email protected]; Alison Saville, 899-4031, Aug 13 (Sat) DIX, HOUGH & S. DIX (A+) [email protected] We will start from Elk Lake and take the Hunter's Pass Trail toward Dix. About 1.2 miles past the Aug 6 (Sat) BLUE LEDGES (C+) junction with the Beckhorn Trail, we will leave This 5 mile round-trip hike, with minimal the trail to pick up the Hunter's Pass slide. This elevation change, hugs Huntley Pond and a slide is a fun climb, with views expanding at beaver meadow as it passes through the forest nearly every step. After summiting Dix, we will to the roaring Hudson, with 300’ cliffs on the pick up the herdpath to Hough and South Dix. opposite shore. A small beach affords the We will head back to the marked trail via the opportunity to picnic and cool your feet. Yes, Lillian Brook herd path. This hike is John, we will have a long lunch break. The trail approximately 16 miles with approximately 3500’ could be muddy. To beat the white water rafters, elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, 364- meet 7:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & 3857, [email protected] Ride. Phone contact is preferred. Leader: Js2 Flavin, 331-2054, [email protected] Aug 16 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- MOHAWK RIVER, GLENVILLE (C) Aug 9 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE--HUDSON Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle RIVER/CHAMPLAIN CANAL LOCK 1 (C) downstream and go up the Alplaus Kill as far as Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle we can or paddle upstream to the islands below up toward Lock 2. From Broad St. in Waterford, Lock 8. From Erie Blvd. in Schenectady, drive take Rt.4 north for approximately 2.5 miles and across Freeman's Bridge and take your first right then take a right on Lock 1 Rd. At the lock, take into the NYSDEC Fishing Access Launch on the a left to the boat launch. No need to sign up - Glenville side of the bridge. No need to sign up - just show up! See General Info for Evening just show up. See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Ellen Luchsinger, 235- Paddling Trips. Participants must wear a PFD. 5526, [email protected]; Neil Cherkosly, Leaders: Alison Saville, 899-4031, 383-7800, [email protected] [email protected]; Pamela Bentien, 421- 7247, [email protected] Aug 10 (Wed) SECOND POND (C+) Second Pond is a small pond at the SE base of Aug 20 (Sat) DOUBLETOP & GRAHAM (A) Gore Mtn. My first two attempts to do this hike Doubletop is one of the trailess peaks in the have been rained out, so we'll try one more time. Catskills. Graham has an unmarked trail to the I have scouted out the trailhead but have never summit, but we won't be using it. For this hike, done the hike itself, so we'll be exploring we will start on the Seager-Big Indian trail before together. There is little elevation gain over the 5 bushwhacking up the ridge to the summit of mile round trip. It's reported to be a pretty trail to Doubletop and the canister. We'll then a pretty pond. The pace will be moderate as bushwhack over to the summit of Graham there will be no reason to rush. Meet 8:00 a.m. before bushwhacking back down to the Seager- at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Big Indian trail. There is a view point near the John Sheehan, [email protected], summit of Graham. The distance is about 7 674-8121. miles, most of it off-trail, with about 3000’ of ascent. Leader: John Susko, 383-1284, Aug 13 (Sat) DUNHAM RESERVOIR [email protected] SUNRISE PADDLE (C) This paddle event turns Sweet 16! We start by Aug 20 (Sat) WOMEN'S HIGH PEAK (A) paddling in silence to enjoy sunrise reflections, We'll pick a medium difficulty High Peak in the with mist rising from the reservoir's cool surface, Adirondacks. Options include Lower Wolf Jaw, serenading song birds, the scent of the conifer Sawteeth, Phelps and Tabletop - anything forest and some snacking on wild blueberries. around 10 miles and 3000’ elevation gain. I'm Take Route 2 East from Troy and from the open to other peaks if someone has a request. intersection of Rt. 2 and 278 at Clums Corners We'll get an early start as parking tends to get travel 5.1 miles and turn right onto Dunham filled quickly. We can then take our time on the Reservoir continuing 1.5 miles to the boat hike. Leader: Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, launch on the left. Meet at 6:00 a.m. to view [email protected] sunrise. We'll have breakfast after the paddle.
9 Aug 20 (Sat) SPRUCE MTN. loop options to make a full day on this side of FIRE TOWER (C+) the river. We will have lunch at a diner in town For those who love short hikes with fire towers - and then, if the group is interested, drive about and who doesn't - this is the one for you. With a 30 minutes to Storm King State Park for a four- total elevation gain of about 1000’ and a round- mile round-trip hike to the top of Storm King and trip distance of three miles, Spruce Mountain in the Crows Nest. This is moderate to strenuous, Corinth is the perfect hike for a Saturday but has equally great views. The combined trip morning. Leader: Cliff Prewencki, 768-2907, will be about 2800’ of climbing and around 8 [email protected] miles. It is not required to do the paddle on 9/10 to come on this trip. Leader: Steve Siegard, Aug 23 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- 915-2309, [email protected] Leader: Leslie MOHAWK RIVER KIWANIS PARK (B) Siegard, 768-2393, [email protected] Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We could go downstream and around Dalys Island and/or go Aug 28 (Sun) JAY MOUNTAIN (B+) upstream to Lock 9, passing the Mabee Farm. Jay Mountain is a great hike with wonderful We could even go downstream and go through views in the Jay Mountain wilderness. The first Lock E8 and back if there is enough interest. part of the trail, about 2.5 miles, has recently The Mabee House dates back to 1670 and is the been improved and rerouted. It leads to the first oldest standing building in the Mohawk Valley. of several outlooks along the ridge line to the Take Exit 1A off I-890 to Rt.5S in Rotterdam and actual peak of Jay Mountain. From the top of the take a right into Kiwanis Park soon after leaving new trail, we will hike 1.5 miles up and down the the highway ramp. No need to sign up - just ridge, mostly unmarked and very steep in some show up! See General Info for Evening Paddling areas, to the actual peak. The total distance is Trips. Leaders: Don Orr, 421-3389, close to 8 miles and 1800' of elevation change. [email protected]; Pamela Bentien, 421-7247, Meet 7:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & [email protected] Ride. Email contact is preferred. Leader: James Slavin, 434-4393, [email protected] Aug 24 (Wed) NUN-DA-GA-O RIDGE (B) Also known as the Soda Range, this offers "a Aug 29-30 WOMEN'S BACKPACKING (B) laid-back jaunt along streams through the woods Join us for a one-overnight backpacking trip. We and over a mostly open ridge." This is a loop will hike .6 miles to Round Pond, a lovely place hike of 6 miles, with about 1000’ elevation gain surrounded by mountains that feels much more that offers some of the best views of the popular remote than it is. We will set up camp and leave High Peaks, yet is well removed from the crowds our gear at Round Pond. From there, we will that frequent them. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the carry daypacks on a hike to nearby Noonmark Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John Mountain via the Felix Adler Trail. Noonmark is 6 Antonio, 462-2765 miles round trip with 2000' of elevation gain. While hiking Noonmark is a focus of the trip, Aug 27 (Sat) STORM KING & BREAKNECK backpacking into Round Pond allows us to soak RIDGE HIKE/PADDLE SERIES (A) in the peace and beauty of evening and morning This is a two weekend series, with the first trip in the mountains and to enjoy the camaraderie being a hike to Storm King and Breakneck of other outdoorswomen. A recommended gear Ridge, which are opposite one another on the list will be provided. While some items will be Hudson just below Newburgh (West side) and shared, participants will need to provide much of Beacon (east side), and where we will view the their own equipment and food. You must sign up magnificent views of the Hudson from above. for this outing by August 20. Participation is Then, we will paddle on Saturday, September 10 limited. Email contact is preferred. Leaders: to view Storm King and Breakneck Ridge, as Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, well as Anthony's Nose and Bannerman's [email protected]; Gillian Scott, 372- Castle, (a Scotsman's private one now in ruins) 8478, [email protected] that remains a beautiful structure and interesting to tour on an island in the river. We'll stop there Aug 30 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE--MOHAWK for lunch during the paddle section of this series. FLIGHT LOCK ROAD (B) Breakneck Ridge is short, about 3 miles round- Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. From trip, but it is a non-technical rock scramble (no Waterford, drive west on Rt. 97, take a left on climbing experience required) using all fours to Flight Rd. and drive past Lock 6 to the boat climb over several ledges and fissures to the launch at Canal Park at road's end. We will be top. Depending on interest, if the group doesn't returning after sunset, so make sure you have a want to drive to Storm King, there are plenty of white light with you (this is a legal requirement).
10 No need to sign up - just show up! See General Siegard, 915-2309, [email protected] Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Cathy Leader: Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, Snopkowski, 369-4361, [email protected] [email protected]; Erica Lovrin, 424- 3582, [email protected] Sep 10 (Sat) SUCKER BROOK TRAIL TRAILWORK (B) Sep 7 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE-- Help! I need somebody! No, not just anybody!! MOHAWK/HUDSON (B) You know I need someone . . . who can hike and Be on the water at the Waterford boat launch work. We will once again visit our adopted trail, before 6:00 p.m. We will paddle upstream on the the Sucker Brook Trail, under the ADK-DEC Hudson to Campbell Island or explore the Trail Stewardship program. This is a tough trail shores and waterfall of Peebles Island. In to maintain due to its 8 mile length and the Waterford, from Broad St. turn south onto First western half of it requiring ten brook crossings St. and drive to the boat launch at its end, or you as well having a section flooded out by beaver can launch from Lansingburgh at the end of activity. Have no fear though, we will not be 123rd St. off of Second Ave./Rt.4 and meet the doing the entire trail. Our plan is to get a large rest of the group on the Waterford side. We will group of hardy people to each carry a small be returning after sunset so make sure you have hand-tool (loppers, bow saws, some grass- a white light with you (this is a legal whips) in no further than the first half, perhaps to requirement). No need to sign up-just show up! the first brook crossing or two. We will go in the See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. trail as far as we can, possibly 5 or 6 miles, Leaders: Neil Cherkosly, 383-7800, before turning around to do trailwork as we head [email protected]; Erica Lovrin, 424-3582, back out. As we hike in, we will take note of [email protected] what work is needed, and modify our timing/distance appropriately to ensure a return Sep 10 (Sat) PANTHER, to the trail-head in daylight. On the way out, we COUCHSACHRAGA & SANTANONI (A+) will do what blowdown removal and side-cutting We'll hike 16 miles and climb 4500’ to three we can with light hand held tools. Depart 6:00 herd-path peaks. Bring seasonal clothing, lots to a.m. from the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. eat and drink, a headlamp with fresh batteries, Bring a lunch, sunscreen, bug dope, water, and and a persevering spirit. Depart 4:30 a.m. at the clothes appropriate for the weather. Contact the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Don leader preferably by email prior to September Berens, 783-1302, [email protected] 5th. Leader: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, [email protected] Sep 10 (Sat) STORM KING, BREAKNECK RIDGE & BANNERMAN'S CASTLE PADDLE Sep 13 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- (B) MOHAWK RIVER LOCK 7 (C) This is part 2 of the Hike/Paddle Series from Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. We will paddle August 27, hiking over Storm King and upstream past interesting cliffs. From the Breakneck Ridge to view the Hudson River from Northway, drive west on Rt.7 for 4.5 miles, turn above. Today, we will view where we hiked two right on Mohawk Rd. and go to its end; take a weeks ago from the river below. Other views left on Rosendale Rd. for a short distance, then include Anthony's Nose and views of the take a right on Lock 7 Rd. As you approach the Schunemunk Ridge. I have always been curious lock, bear left to the boat launch. Make sure you about this section of the river, which does a big have a white light with you since we will be bend around Storm King just below Newburgh. returning after sunset (this is a legal We will paddle from Plum's Point, a very scenic requirement). No need to sign up-just show up! park in itself, to Bannerman's Castle, built on an See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips in island in the Hudson near Cold Spring. This was the Cloudsplitter. Leaders: Erica Lovrin, 424- built as a private arsenal for a Scotsman in 3582, [email protected]; Edward 1901. It burned in 1950, but it remains a Brown, 283-2352, [email protected] beautiful structure and interesting to tour. Time permitting, we will then paddle into Constitution Sep 14 (Wed) STEWART & MUD POND Marsh, which is a large back bay on the Hudson. PRESERVES (C) If I can find a take out on Route 11, we may take Now that the kids are back in school, it's time to out here, to allow us more time to relax on the get out for a quick local walk in the woods. river and tour the castle. Expect a full day of These are two small nature preserves in the two paddling, timed to the tides. Depending on adjacent Rensselaer County towns of Sand interest, this will be on Saturday. Leader: Steve Lake and Nassau. The Stewart Preserve is
11 owned by the Nature Conservancy, while Mud Sep 20 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE--HUDSON Pond is owned by the Town of Nassau. There RIVER/BETHLEHEM (B) will be a combined 4 miles of walking with a Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. Low tide is at short drive between the two trailheads. We may 5:30 and sunset is at 6:55. We will paddle have time for lunch at a local pub, and you'll be upriver towards the Port of Albany and return back to get the kids off the school bus. Meet with the setting sun. Take the Thruway to Exit 9:00 a.m. at the Defreestville Park & Ride. The 22. After the tollbooth, take a left on Rt.144 north meeting time can be adjusted slightly to fit for about a mile, then take a right on Barent schedules. Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, Winnie Rd. to the boat launch next to Henry [email protected] Hudson Park. No need to sign up - just show up! See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Sep 16 (Fri) BALD PEAK (B) Leaders: Tom McGuire, 391-0508, Starting from the trailhead parking area in New [email protected]; Don Orr, 421-3389, Russia, this will be a round trip of 7.8 miles with [email protected] about 2100’ elevation gain. The summit of Bald Peak is 3060' and is mostly bare rock with good Sep 21 (Wed) BLACK MOUNTAIN (B) views in all directions. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the This is the third year that I have listed this hike. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John Each time, it has been rained out. Maybe three Antonio, 462-2765 is our lucky number. Let's hope for a perfect day with early fall color. The hike to Black Mtn. offers Sep 17 (Sat) KAATERSKILL HIGH PK (A) an exquisite view of Lake George and peaceful Kaaterskill High Peak is one of the Catskill 3500' remote ponds. We will hike 5 miles with 1100' of peaks. We'll hike in from the Platte Clove Road elevation gain. Email contact preferred. Leader: trailhead along old woods roads, snowmobile Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, trails and herd paths. The summit of Kaaterskill [email protected] has no views, but there are good views to the south from Hurricane Ledge near the summit. Sep 23 (Fri) FISH HAWK CLIFFS The distance is 9 to 10 miles with about 2000’ of & INDIAN HEAD (B+) ascent. Leader: John Susko, 383-1284, We'll enjoy the cascades of Gill Brook and the [email protected] views up through the Ausable Lakes with the brilliant colors of fall reflecting down the cliffs Sep 17 (Sat) COLDEN (A+) onto the lakes below. We'll be doing a loop up We'll start at the High Peaks Information Center the Ausable Road, turning off onto the Gill Brook and approach Colden by the trail to Lake Arnold. Trail and climbing up to and around the rocky We will climb Colden via the slide created in the craggy summits of both outcrops, eventually 1990s. This slide begins just off the trail about coming out to the steep descent down to the one mile south of Lake Arnold. This slide is a Ausable Rd. again. It will be 10 miles of autumn delight, with clean solid rock and bigger and trekking with 2400' of pleasant vertical. Contact better views every time you stop to catch your leaders for time and place. Leaders: Karen breath and look around. After summiting, we will Ross, 794-7474, [email protected]; Lori descend toward Lake Colden and head out McCarron, 587-1957, [email protected] through Avalanche Pass. This hike is approximately 13.5 miles with approximately Sep 24 (Sat) PADDLE FOR THE COLLAR 4000’ of elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, CITY RAMBLE (C) 364-3857, [email protected] Mark your calendars for a paddle on the Hudson River for the Collar City Ramble. More Sep 17 (Sat) CASCADE POND (C+) information to come as it gets closer to the date. If you are a new member or new to hiking, this is Check the website for further details or contact a good trip to start with. Cascade Pond is in the Pam Bentien at [email protected]. Leaders: Blue Mountain Lake area. It's a lovely shaded Erica Lovrin, 424-3582, hike of about 6 miles and 360’ of elevation gain [email protected]; Pamela to this pretty pond. If there's interest and time, Bentien, 421-7247, [email protected] we'll extend the hike to include Steven's Pond, another 1.5 miles. If possible, we'll spot a car to make the hike a loop. Leader: Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, [email protected]
12 Sep 27 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. FREDDIE'S PARK/MOHAWK R.(C) Leaders: Ellen Luchsinger, 235-5526, Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. From the [email protected]; Alison Saville, 899-4031, Latham Circle, drive north on Rt.9, take a right [email protected] on Albany Marine Service Lane just before the Crescent Bridge, and launch at Freddie's Park. Sep 28 (Wed) CASCADE & PORTER (B+) There is also parking on the north side of the Cascade is about 5 miles round trip with a 1940' bridge, though the launching isn't as good. A vertical rise. Porter adds another 1.4 miles with faster group will head upstream on the Mohawk an additional 330' of ascent. Let's hope for a and may poke into the old Erie Canal just west clear day; the vistas from these mountains are of the Northway to Clute's Dry Dock, an 8.5 mile "nothing short of magnificent." Meet 7:30 a.m. at round trip; a slower group will go a shorter the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John distance while exploring south of the upstream Antonio, 462-2765 islands. No need to sign up - just show up. See
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 files, Chris Imperial for help with the Echoes, and Gail Carr for her consistent generosity in donating her art for the cover illustrations. Their efforts are appreciated.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2, 2016
Take Wilderness First Aid and enjoy sleeping in your own bed. This course will be offered locally at Little’s Lake in Menands, NY. This fall, the Adirondack Mountain Club Winter Mountaineering School is offering a Certified Wilderness First Aid Course from the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI).
This Wilderness First Aid Course will be taught over a weekend encompassing 8 hours of instruction on Saturday and 8 hours on Sunday. Topics will include patient assessment, hypothermia, hyperthermia and heat illness, fractures, dislocations, and backcountry medicine. Classroom lectures and discussions are supplemented by practical work and problem solving exercises. The course will be taught by Dr. Eric Shaw, a highly trained emergency room physician, and the ADK Winter Mountaineering School Medical Director.
The class will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2, 2016. Cost for the class will be $160.00 per student. Participants will receive a Wilderness First Aid certification card upon successful completion of the course.
Class size will be limited to 20 students. A minimum of 8 students are needed to hold the course.
For additional information and to reserve a spot in the class, call Carl at (518) 274-8410 or (518) 810- 3015 or [email protected]. Checks for the class should be made payable to “Winter Mountaineering School.”
13 CONSERVATION NOTES
Essex Chain We now have a final approved UMP. What’s going well: we have an area that is recreational and motor free. There was concern about float plane use in First and Pine Lakes, but very little flow plane traffic has occurred. It's easy to drive in from Deer Pond for easy access. There's not a lot of demand for flow plane use. DEC in the final plan opened up a network of old logging roads for bicycle traffic. Mountain biking is available in the Blue Mountain Wild Forest. ADK did get approval for non-native materials in Cedar River Bridge, a lightweight steel frame which is much less imposing. Pressure treated lumber would have been considerably more imposing. Now in place is an evaluation technique to use for other bridges in Wild Forests to determine if a bridge would be less esthetic, cheaper, or if it detracted from or would enhance the bridge location. Most bridges are cable suspension bridges typically secured to trees. Flexibility to continue to use steel cable is important to ADK; it is much less imposing, is cheaper, and leaves a small footprint. ADK is opposed to use of the Polaris Bridge and building a new snowmobile trail. DEC proposed authorizing snowmobiling and would grandfather in future use for other modes of transport as well. ADK opposed and retained attorneys to combat this. DEC was authorizing continued use of Polaris Bridge under existing admin law. Under Section 6668 of Wild and Scenic Recreation Rivers Act this is an administrative process which limits it to this particular situation. If ADK attempted to sue, it would in all likelihood lose. ADK will probably not file suit. There is some time to evaluate this however. There is still a suit pending from Protect and ADK Wild as an Article 78 proceeding.
Boreas Pond The “Be Wild” campaign is proving successful. The Casey Brook to Boreas Pond along with McIntyre East and West should all be classified as Wilderness except some sections south and west of Gulf Brook Road which should become Wild Forest. Gulf Brook Rd. is to provide public access to LaBeir Flow to transport paddlers. One will not be able to drive up to Boreas Ponds (leaves about 1 mile buffer). Portage would be about the same as into Lake Lila. There will be a snowmobile trail close to Blue Ridge Road. ADK released a series of two reports which outlined the ecological and biological studies which make the case for a Wilderness classification. Now that the state owns the Boreas Pond Tract DEC can study the issue and develop an interim management plan. A final UMP will be created by DEC which will be subject to APA approval. ADK has lobbied for meetings to be held throughout the state. We will need to rally strongly and get the vote out. Contrary to local government beliefs that a Wilderness Classification does not contribute to local economy, Clarkson University School of Economics study indicates communities in close proximity to wilderness enjoy an increase by 25% in tourism dollars.
If you have questions or want to know more about these 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
ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL
Apr 13 (Wed) BLUEBERRY MOUNTAIN Leader: John Antonio Blueberry Mountain??? Yes ... you have seen it on the map. It is right above the Marcy Airfield but it seems that hardly anybody goes there. (It is the longest route to tackle Porter Mountain.) On a crystal clear, totally sunny day, eight of us decided to tackle this little mountain. It has its steepish sections, but the views attained are certainly worth the effort. We visited both Blueberry East and West summits, spending a long time on each, and even a loooonger lunch, since we had Claudia with us! Overheard a couple times from some of the participants was the promise to return to this glorious location. Participants: Lori McCarron, Claudia Rosenholz, Roman Laba, Dan Van Uithuizen, Virginia Traver, Sue Jordan, John Susko, and the leader.
Apr 16 (Sat) EARTH DAY IN THE PINE BUSH WORK PROJECT Leaders: Mark Platt and Gene Reilly It was a great weather day. Twelve eager Albany Chapter volunteers showed up at the Pine Bush Discovery Center right on time to register with the staff and get our assignments. We carpooled down Rt. 155 toward Rt. 20 and found our way to the assigned parking area. We joined forces with many other volunteers from Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy and others that signed up directly with the PBPC. There were perhaps as many as 60 or 70 all told. Carefully crossing Rt. 155 toward the new property and ravine we soon found all manner of junk to remove. Two human chains were formed extending from the top of the ravine all the way down into the creek. The crew spend nearly three hours non-stop pulling junk out of the ground at the bottom and handing items from one person to the next up the hill, until there was a small mountain of rusted metal, appliances, car parts, a clothes washer, old tires and broken glass piled up at the top. A photo of the result was posted on the chapter's FaceBook page, and submitted for the Chapter photo contest - maybe you saw it at the banquet! If not, check the chapter website - we'll see if we can have it added to the photo gallery. Around noon the whistle blew to end the work and the PBPC treated everyone to a fabulous lunch of salad and pizza along with many other delicious items. Enjoying the clean-up were Andy Arthur, Shelly Burke, Lynn Filarecki, Kathleen Ganfuss, John Hanley, Mark Janey, Roman Laba, Dan Plaat, Mark Plaat, Doug Rosenberry, John Schumacher, and the leader.
Apr 20 (Wed) SARATOGA BATTLEFIELD BIKING Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver We took full advantage of our local National Park in honor of National Parks Week and this year's 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service. Many participants spent considerable time reading the historic plaques at each stop along the way, and imagining the significant Revolutionary War battle that took place here. Others took advantage of the historic stops to do a little extra biking, given that the path and scenery were exceptionally lovely on this bluebird day. When we returned to our cars and after our picnic lunch, a few people stayed to visit the Visitor Center and its displays, continuing their appreciation of the park's offerings. Enjoying a great ride in a beautiful place were Aline Flaherty, Jim Flaherty, Ken Goldfarb, Hugh Dunseath, Kathy Lee, Karen Lydon, Joe Pusatere, Marilyn Pusatere, Vicky Singer, Jim Weber, and the leader.
Apr 22 (Fri) POLE HILL POND Leader: John Antonio We have two words to say about this hike - DO IT!!!! If you have not done this trip yet, what are you waiting for? It is one of those hikes that has it all - great lake (Lake George) views, a good work-out, 1280' elevation gain, a pristine ADK pond, and now a loop option that follows a handsome stream to return to your car. One participant (a seasoned veteran of many extraordinary and varied trips) even stated that this trip he would list as one of the best short hikes in the Adirondacks. Participants: Jane Husson, Pat Marsh, James Leinweber, Roman Laba, Jay Flavin, Lori McCarron, Karen Cedar, Karen Ross and Louie, and the leader.
Apr 27 (Wed) ROCHESTER HOLLOW Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver We had a spectacular spring day for our hike through hard wood forests with sunshine streaming through. Streams sparkled in the bright light, and the sky could not have been bluer. Rochester Hollow has much of interest -- old foundations, incredibly preserved stone walls built to stand the weather, and wild flowers. With foliage still very faint on the trees, we could see the mountains beyond and wondered at the views that must have been here when the fields were cleared. I especially thank Katie Henrickson for coming out of leadership retirement to co-lead this outing with me. Enjoying a beautiful day in a fascinating location were John Antonio, Patti Brown, Jim Leinweber, Karen Lydon, Lori McCarron, Brook Quandt, Kathy Quandt, Karen Ross, and the leaders.
Apr 28 (Thu) ALBANY COUNTY RAIL TRAIL Leader: Charlie Beach We had ideal weather for a bike ride--sunny, cool and with a light breeze. To avoid a car shuttle we started near the middle of the 9-mile trail between Albany and Voorheesville. For those having their first ride of the season we started on the paved section from Slingerlands to the Port of Albany for 5.1 miles.
This is a pleasant ride with one grade-level crossing in Delmar. There is much scenery along the way, especially the ride along the Normanskill Creek as it cascades through a gorge under the Route 9W and NY State Thruway bridges. This section of the trail has many rail fences along the way to provide protection where necessary. Upon return from the first section one rider dropped out. The remaining riders had to bypass the railroad bridge over New Scotland Road (Rte. 85). The bridge and a short area on either end are blocked from use. We rejoined the railroad bed beyond the bridge. The trail surface to Voorheesville is grass covered with fine cinder/gravel and some short portions with crushed stone. We encountered a pleasant rural countryside and 3 grade-level road crossings before reaching the parking lot in Voorheesville. One of the highlights of this section is a library box on a post: Take a book/Leave a book, and an adjacent cooler filled with water bottles. Note: There is no water available along the trail. For refreshments there are two Stewart's Shops near the trail. One is next to the Veteran's Memorial Park in Delmar. The other is 0.2 miles from the end of the trail in Voorheesville. Enjoying the day were Kathleen Lee, Vicky Singer, Karen Lydon, Martin Rowley, Lorraine Smith, Gerry Magnes, and Charlie Beach, leader.
Apr 29 (Fri) STORM KING ART CENTER Leader: Gene Reilly There was a small turnout of only two companions for this combination art excursion/hike, but the three of us enjoyed it immensely. About an hour and a half drive down the Thruway brought us to the Storm King Art Center shortly after it opened. We parked in the south lot and walked up Museum Hill to make a brief visit to the information center, where the staff provided detailed maps of the entire center and were very helpful in assisting to plan our attack. We descended the hillside out in back to a walkway that would take us down through the South Fields. It was a chilly day with a bit of a breeze so that an extra layer came in very handy. We spent about an hour and a half walking the loop and viewing the art installations (this is where most of the pieces seen from the northbound lanes of the Thruway are located), before returning to the Museum Building. We had our lunch on a couple of benches behind the building overlooking more artwork. As planned on the advice of the information center staff, following lunch we met a docent for a 1:00 pm exclusive (we were the only participants) walking tour of the art around the top of the hill that included details on the artists and the individual works. Again according to the plan mapped out upon arrival, we hopped on the tram at 2:00 p.m. for a 45-minute narrated tour of the whole center starting with the Meadows and North Woods followed by the South Fields before returning to the start. While the entire time at the center presented continual views of various artworks, some of the more impressive pieces were: Source 1967 by Tony Smith, Luba 2009-10 by Ursula Von Rydingsvard, Three Legged Buddha 2007 by Zhang Huan, many pieces by Alexander Calder and Mark Di Suvero, Storm King Wall 1997-98 by Andy Goldsworthy, and the Storm King Wavefield 2007-08 by Maya Lin. Grateful for the day were Jim and Laurel Bryden as well as the leader.
May 7 (Sat) AUSABLE WATERFALL HIKE Leader: Gene Reilly In Albany it rained heavily the night before this hike, and it rained heavily during the night following the hike as well as early the next morning - but on the day of the hike . . . . we lucked out with great weather! Temperatures were mild enough for T-shirts while hiking but cool enough to make a wind-proof shell comfortable while eating lunch at Beaver Meadow Falls, with the mist from the falls. Seven of us drove up from Albany to meet two more companions at the trailhead. We managed to get the timing down right and no one had to wait long, despite picking up breakfast sandwiches at Lox of Bagels and Moor off Exit 18, and making a pit stop at the High Peaks Rest area just prior to Exit 30. The sun blessed us on and off as we hiked along the West River Trail, enjoying many views of the cascading water of the Ausable River. We really relished the Wedge Brook cascades and found it definitely worthwhile to climb the couple of hundred yards up the trail to see them. Beaver Meadow Falls was in its full bridal veil glory. We visited the Canyon Bridge, and encountered several large trees blocking the trail after having been taken down by large rocks falling from the cliffs between Beaver Meadow Falls and the lower Ausable Lake. A quick side trip up to view Rainbow Falls exceeded our expectations - the falls were flowing well with mist wetting all the rocks and contributing to the cool temperatures in the canyon. After a brief respite alongside the dam, and futilely looking for a pair of eyeglasses that apparently fell into the water, we proceeded down the Lake Road until we reached a trail over to the Gil Brook. We took the opportunity to descend along the brook for a few lingering views of small waterfalls and The Flume. Enjoying the day were Emily Gallagher, Maria Baiulescu, Charlene Shafer, J. Flavin, Toby Tolley, Justina Danison, Debra Kilburn, Marilyn Yunick and the leader.
May 14 (Sat) BIKE PROSPECT MTN. HIGHWAY Leader: Don Berens With a high Prospect, we hoped to Rockwell, and we did. Cool dam! We should explain. Don Berens, Cathy Gilchrist and John Kwasnowski met at the south end of Lake George beside the Million Dollar Beach at 9:30. It was mostly sunny and 60 degrees - too cold to swim, but just right to bike. After a brief warm-up, we lifted our bikes over the gate (closed until the Memorial Day opening), and began cranking up the 5.4-mile, 1,500-foot highway to Prospect Mountain. We saw several hikers, two other cyclists, and one jogger, but no auto traffic. Sun and effort soon had us sweating, but occasional clouds and a light breeze, moderated our temperatures. Within 50 minutes after passing the gate, we were all on top, some breathless from a finishing sprint or from views of the lake below and the mountains beyond. On the descent, we alternated brisk speeds with stops at all pull-outs for more views. Back at the beach, Cathy departed as planned, while Don and John took on some food and drinks for an additional ride. Along Route 9N, we had views of Lake Vanare, Fourth Lake and Lake Luzerne. In the village, we rode across the Bridge of Hope with a view of Rockwell Falls where the Hudson River spills over a ledge and then squeezes through a short gorge. We continued west steadily gaining elevation until we reached a pull-out above the Conklingville Dam with views of Great Sacandaga Lake. Then we turned downhill and downwind to ride back along the north shore of Stewarts Bridge Reservoir and the Sacandaga River, back to Rockwell Falls, the Village of Lake Luzerne, and, after still more downhill, back to the beach before 2:30. 50+ miles and 3,300 feet of uphill was a good early season ride.
ALBANY CHAPTER - OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Chairperson James Slavin 434-4393 [email protected] Vice Chairperson Cliff Prewencki 768-2907 [email protected] Treasurer Jim Coward 915-1924 [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 John Sheehan 674-8121 [email protected] John & Kathleen Gansfuss 382-7516 [email protected] Finance Frank Dirolf 783-0046 [email protected] Banquet Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Cloudsplitter Karen Ross 794-7474 [email protected] Conservation David Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] 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 Erica Lovrin 424-3582 [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 Reilly 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] Josh Baker 728-6419 [email protected]
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Albany Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club P.O. Box 2116 Esp. Sta. Non-Profit Organization Albany, NY 12220 U.S. POSTAGE