The Newsletter of the Hurricane Mountain Chapter of ADK Good Tidings July – October 2016 "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir (1838-1914) hair Words C A message from Chapter Chair, Mary Jean Bland There are many people that contribute to the Chapter, the preservation of the Adirondacks we all love and the community around them, yet somehow stay behind the scene and often go unnoticed. I would like to take some time here to recognize a few of those special people. People I owe a special thank you to for their help, support and encouragement. Monique Weston for one has a heart bigger than the Adirondacks itself. She begs and twists arms to ensure we have warm, welcoming homes and hosts for our potlucks. She is always aware and involved in ensuring our environment is watched over and protected. She is there to protect individual’s rights and support social causes. And she is always willing to reach out and help anyone in need. She is truly a very special woman and someone who makes the world a better place. Along with Monique, I would like to recognize Nancy and Bob Kolhbecker. Here is a couple that has supported and worked for the Chapter for years. They are always willing to volunteer no matter what the need. They also do more than their share of leading outings and have certainly provided some unique opportunities. Additionally, they are supportive of their community and really reach out to others. Bob also plays a key role in supporting the Iron Man and gathering volunteers to help make the event a success. Of course behind every good man there is a woman and we know that Bob couldn’t do what he does for the Ironman without Nancy’s support. Always smiling and bringing good cheer, the Kolhbeckers just lift our spirits and support our efforts. And a little shout out to Chris Barnes for helping get this newsletter out while Leslie is enjoying family and a little R and R in France. OUTINGS: I know I harp on outings quite a bit and here is one more. Sharing experiences hiking, paddling, walking, skiing, viewing an art exhibit, attending a concert, touring a museum, historic site or whatever, certainly adds to the enjoyment. It also provides an opportunity to meet new people with like interests. So please think about leading an outing of your choosing. Think of something you would like to do and offer it to others to enjoy with you. If you have questions about leading an outing you can contact Joe Bogardus at [email protected]. HURRICANE FIRE TOWER: As most of you know the tower is now open to the public. This year the cab will get a new roof, some paint and a few other updates. The Friends group will also be designing and installing informational signage within the cab. If you have any interest in assisting with the restoration – physically or financially - please contact the Friends of Hurricane at [email protected]. Also available this summer is the opportunity to volunteer as a steward on Hurricane Mountain. Cannot beat the view! The Friends are looking for people who would like to spend some weekend days at the newly reopened Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower educating hikers about the wilderness, the history of the Fire Towers and more. If interested contact Kathleen Blaisel at [email protected] or (518) 946-2622. POTLUCK REMINDERS: If you would like to get email reminders of potlucks and other important information, contact me at [email protected] or 518-647-5803. REMEMBER THIS IS YOUR CHAPTER, SO STEP UP, GET OUT AND GET INVOLVED. Good Tidings July - October 2016 HURRICANE CHAPTER OUTINGS Guidelines for Participating in Hurricane Mt. Chapter Outings • MUST CALL trip leader 24 hours in advance to register unless otherwise designated. • Be willing to sign the liability form (required by ADK) • Total participants including trip leader(s) is 15 for day hikes. (DEC/ADK standards) • Check distance and ascent in the hike description, or check with leader. • Check hike rating. Know your capabilities. • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. • Take an extra water bottle. Guide to Hurricane Mt. Chapter Hike Ratings A+ Very Strenuous: Rugged terrain, steep climbing (over 2500' elevation gain) and/or long distances (over 12 miles). Participants should be experienced and in excellent condition. A Strenuous: Possible steep ascents (1500-2500' gain) and/or distances of 10-15 miles. Can be demanding. Expect faster rate of travel. Participants should be experienced and in excellent condition. B Moderate: Elevation gains 1000'-1500' and approximately 5-9 miles distance. Expect rolling hills and short steep climbing. Participants should be in good physical condition. C Easy: Hiking/walking under 5 miles with very gradual or no climbing Summer/ Fall Conditions: Although Adirondack weather conditions in summer and fall are generally mild, storms can move in quickly at higher elevations and can include high wind, rain, hail, snow, and lightning. Some stream crossings may become dangerous. Stormy weather and rapid changes can also affect boating trips. Always consider the weather forecasts carefully and bring appropriate clothing and gear to the outing. ATIS / KV outings: Please be mindful that we are guests on ATIS and KV hikes and must comply with their policies and procedures. Be sure to contact the leader in advance to confirm their policies and determine if outing details have changed. Wednesday, June 15, is the first day to sign up for shared trips. OUTING SCHEDULE Tuesday, July 5 Iroquois & Algonquin ATIS We will hike in via Avalanche Lake, out over Algonquin. Level A+ Leader: Christine Bourjade 873-2488 Wednesday, July 6 AuSable River Paddle ATIS Paddle the Ausable River from Rt. 9 iron bridge to Lake Champlain via upper mouth and return via lower. Meet at 10 a.m. at parking south of bridge. Bathing suit and water shoes optional. Six boat limit. Leaders: Walt & Augusta Gladding 963-8907 Thursday, July 7 Paul Smith's Bog Trail ATIS We will hike the bog to view alpine arctic plants. Level C, about 2 miles Leaders: Sally French & Holger Nissen 576-2262 Friday, July 8 Treadway Mt. Surf'n'Turf ATIS This will be a two mile paddle with 4 mile roundtrip hike. Level B Leader: Tony Goodwin 576-9949 2 Good Tidings July - October 2016 Saturday, July 9 Hurricane Mountain HURR Which one of the three approaches will we take? It doesn’t matter since it’s the journey and the destination. We’ll check out the progress that the Student Conservation Association and Friends of Hurricane Mountain have made on the restoration of the tower, and of course we will enjoy the wonderful views. Level B Leaders: Kathleen & Jim Blaisel 946-2622 [email protected] Friday, July 8 Street and Nye HURR We will climb the easiest of the “trailless” peaks from the ADK Loj trailhead. Wading or rock-hopping of Indian Pass Brook may be required, depending on water level. Pace is slower-moderate. Class B+, 8.8 miles, 2700 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou 873-2119 [email protected] Monday, July 11 Stag Brook Falls HURR We will hike to Stag Brook Falls at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. It is a route along a scenic brook with a number of waterfalls. We will enjoy lunch on the deck at Midstation. Class C, about 2 miles Leader: Ellie McAvoy 946-8313 [email protected] Monday, July 11 Rocky Peak Ridge/Giant Traverse ATIS Level A+ Leader: Christine Bourjade 873-2488 Tuesday, July 12 Grace Peak ATIS Level A Leader: Bob Wei 576-4205 Tuesday, July 12 Rainbow Lake Paddle ATIS Leaders: Cynthia & Woody Andrews 576-4734 Wednesday, July 13 Marcy Dam ATIS 15th Annual Nina Webb Memorial Hike. Level C, 2.3 mi Leaders: Missy Lang and Jen Hennessey 576-4284 Thursday, July 14 Paddle Lower St. Regis Lake HURR We will paddle Lower St. Regis Lake from the campus of Paul Smith’s College to the dam at Keese Mill, then enjoy lunch at St. Regis Café at Paul Smith’s. In the event of rain, we will still do lunch. Leader: Mary Jean Bland 647-5803 [email protected] Thursday, July 14 Slide on Lower Wolf Jaw KV We will also cool off in Tenderfoot Pools on Johns Brook. Level A Leader: Bevan Stanley 860-491-5024 Friday, July 15 Wilmington Range ATIS Hike to the high point via a slide and bushwhack. Level B, 5 mi Leader: Tony Goodwin 576-9949 Saturday, July 16 Nun-da-ga-o Ridge HURR This familiar hike features short ups and downs, and great views. We will start and finish at Crow Clearing. A short walk part way up Big Crow (optional side trip to the summit) leads us the Nun-da-ga-o unmarked path. We then will follow the ridge around to and over Weston Mountain, and on past Lost Pond and Gulf Brook to close the loop. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Noonmark Diner. Level B, 6 miles, 1600 ft ascent Leader: Ellen DuBois 576-9110 [email protected] Friday, July 17 Grace and Carson (South Dix) HURR We will hike these two “trailless” peaks of the Dix Range from Rt 73, following the herdpath along the Boquet River. Several water crossings are required, but should not be difficult except after heavy rain. Pace is slower-moderate.