The

Cloudsplitter

Vol. 75 No. 2 April-June 2012

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 May 15, 2012 and will be for the months ofJuly, August, and September, 2012. Many thanks to Gail Carr for the dramatic “Vernal Equinox.”

April 4, May 2, and June 6 (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 John Sheehan at 674-8121

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

April 10 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Take Photos of Wild Animals at Night—What sort of wild creatures roam your yard or woods when humans are not around? Jennifer Ford and Keith Freeman will show how they use a motion-triggered trail camera to answer that question. They will show some great photos of eastern coyote, fisher, wild turkey and bobcat taken near their home in Guilderland. Program: The North Country National Scenic Trail in the Adirondacks—The intrepid Mary Coffin, Onondaga Chapter member, 46R and frequent ADK trip leader, will treat us to pictures, maps and stories about the 147 miles of the NCNST within the Adirondacks. The entire Trail measures 4,600 miles, twice the length of the Appalachian Trail and spans seven states from North Dakota to Crown Point at the Vermont border with New York. You may already have hiked a leg of it!

May 8 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Annual Banquet—Mallozzi's Glubhouse at Western Turnpike Golf Course Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084. Gathering begins at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 7:00 p.m See flyer. Featured Program: Nature photographer Mark Bowie, a specialist on night photography, will give a spectacular multimedia presentation, “Night over the North Country.”

June 12 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Update Your First Aid Kit—It's time to replace all those shriveled and past-date supplies in your kit. ADK member and EMT Jon Davis will lead us through the process, giving recommendations for items that are most important and useful. Our discussion will focus on having the essentials, without letting the kit grow to fill your whole daypack. Program: Potpourri Night— Now it's your turn to share tales of the special places and adventures you enjoyed this year in the great out-of-doors. You don't have to be Ansel Adams or Jack London to entertain us with your pictures and stories. Contact Thea at [email protected] to sign up to do your thing! Power Point presentations preferred.

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. Some leaders may use A- or B- designations. Whenever you are unclear about a rating for a trip, leaders will be happy to explain what their designated rating means.

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

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

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

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

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

3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

The weather has certainly calmed down since last fall, but maybe it’s a little too much. With the lack of snow this year, backcountry ski trips have been canceled and snowshoe trips have been on stableicers and microspikes. Anyone who is doing winter peaks this year will have to have an * by his name. The big news of this quarter is that we have a new Webmaster. After 15 years of service to the chapter managing our website, Mike Becker is stepping down to pursue other interests. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Executive Committee to thank Mike for his years of volunteer service. Mike initiated the original website in the late 1990s and was instrumental in the design of the new improved interactive site that we have come to depend on today. We are lucky to have a new volunteer to fill the position. Pete Sage, a longtime member, 46er, and avid hiker will be taking over the reins. Pete is a software engineer and does cyber security work for GE. We would like to thank Pete for stepping in to fill this need. One of his first challenges will be to secure the site from “hackers.” You may have noticed that the site was hacked three times in February. This came at a particularly bad time because at that time Chapter leaders were submitting their spring outings on the website. As I like to tell people during membership drives, there is something for everyone in this club— from a walk in the park to two or sometimes three high peaks in one day. So keep in shape and get out in the woods and on the water this spring and play. John Sheehan, Spring 2012

ALBANY CHAPTER - OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Chairperson John Sheehan 674-8121 [email protected] Vice Chairperson Ray Bell 439-0871 [email protected] Finance Thea Hoeth 434-3052 [email protected] Treasurer Joe Polsinelli 573-7689 [email protected] Recording Secretary Jan Peterson 695-3054 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary vacant Members at Large Phil Seward 527-1851 [email protected] Don Berens 783-1302 [email protected] Representatives to the Board Gerry Magnes 452-1163 [email protected] Carl Klinowski 274-8410 [email protected] Gene Reilly 281-7796 [email protected] Banquet Karen Zanni 596-6251 [email protected] Cloudsplitter Karen Ross 794-7474 [email protected] Conservation David Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Tom McGuire 391-0508 [email protected] Education Alan Mapes 439-4086 [email protected] Membership Marie Rosenblatt 723-0223 [email protected] Nominations Mark Janey 899-6086 [email protected] Outings Virginia Boyle Traver 322-0950 [email protected] Paddlers Rich Macha 346-3180 [email protected] Programs Thea Hoeth 434-3052 [email protected] Public Information Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Refreshments Angie and David Newell 439-4881 Socials Helen Menz 463-3036 Trails Mike Geroux 321-7125 [email protected] Ways and Means Peg Lindgren 489-1395 [email protected] Web Master Pete Sage 733-6566 [email protected] Wilderness Dave Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Young Adults Stephanie Graudons 661-9991 [email protected]

4 THE CLOUDSPLITTER

April-June 2012 Vol. 75 No. 2

ALBANY CHAPTER - ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB April – June 2012 COMBINED ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

Month Day Destination Or Event Rating Leader Apr 4 (Wed) Kayak Pool Session Macha 10 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING—N. Country Scenic Trail 11 (Wed) Kayak Pool Session Macha 12 (Thu) Grafton Park Trail System C+ Breslin 12 (Thu) Bethlehem Rail Trail C Henrikson 13 (Fri) Merck Forest B Hart 14 (Sat) Ashokan High Point B Kase 14 (Sat) Fir & Big Indian A Mueller 14 (Sat) Peekamoose & Table A Susko 15 (Sun) Taconic Crest Trail—Trail Work B Pisaneschi 17 (Tue) Harlem Valley Rail Trail B Traver 17 (Tue) Balsam Mountain A Antonio 18 (Wed) Kayak Pool Session Macha 19-21 Club Days - Adirondack Paddle'n'Pole Macha 21 (Sat) Porter Mtn. from Marcy Airfield A Seward 21 (Sat) Prospect Mountain Bike—Lake George A Berens 21 (Sat) Devil's Path A+ Scaife 24 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River B Pisaneschi 25 (Wed) Kayak Pool Session Macha 25 (Wed) Yokun Ridge--Berkshires B Sheehan 27 (Fri) Cathedral Rocks/Bear Run/Rainbow Falls B+ Antonio 27 (Fri) Glastenbury Mountain Bushwhack B+ Beach 28 (Sat) Halcott Mtn. A Mueller 28 (Sat) Kaaterskill High Peak B Kase 28 (Sat) Indiankill Wildflower Hike C+ Wright 29 (Sun) Schodack Island Paddle Pisaneschi May 1 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River Glenville B Devitt, Orr 2 (Wed) Kayak Pool Session Macha 4 (Fri) Crane Mountain B Antonio 5 (Sat) Hudson River Cleanup Odell 5 (Sat) Northern Catskills Bike Ride B Siegard 5 (Sat) Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, & Lone A+ Warren 6 (Sun) Acra Point, Burnt Knob, & Windham B Via 6- 7 (Sun-Mon) Canoe Camping B Macha 8 (Tue) ADK ALBANY CHAPTER ANNUAL BANQUET—Mallozzi’s 9 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Mohawk & Erie Canal B Saville et al. 10 (Thu) Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail C Breslin 10 (Thu) New & Prospective Trip Leader Workshop Traver 11 (Fri) Helderberg Workshop Hike C Seagle 11 (Fri) Pitchoff B+ Hart 12 (Sat) Windham High Peak--Blackhead Range A Mueller 12 (Sat) Shelving Rock Mtn. & Shelving Rock C+ Pacuk 15 (Tue) Hewitt Lake Club Road "Ponds" B Antonio 15 (Tue) Evening Paddle--Hudson & Mohawk Rivers B Luchsinger et al. 17 (Thu) Zim-Smith Bike Trail C Breslin 19 (Sat) Albany Pine Bush - Aspen Project Plaat 19 (Sat) The Trailless Dixes A+ Berens 19 (Sat) Westkill, North Dome & Sherrill A+ Scaife

5 Month Day Destination Or Event Rating Leader 22 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Hudson R.-- Bethlehem B Murray, Ozard 23 (Wed) Round Mtn. C+ Sheehan 24 (Thu) Ashuwillticook Rail Trail B Breslin 26 (Sat) Hopkins Mtn. B+ Seward 26 (Sat) Vly & Bearpen A Mueller 27 (Sun) Hoosic River Paddling B Macha 30 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Mohawk Lock 7 B Dewes et al. Jun 2 (Sat) National Trails Day - Thacher Park C Schaller 2 (Sat) Dix & Hough A+ Warren 2 (Sat) Sleeping Beauty Mountain C+ Pacuk 2 (Sat) Nearly Full Moon Paddle C Luchsinger 3 (Sun) East Branch of the Delaware River B Siegard 5 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River B Filarecki et al. 6 (Wed) Paddle West, Canada, & Lilly Lakes B Valentino 7 (Thu) Hudson River Spier Falls & Sherman Island C Breslin 7 (Thu) Merck Forest C+ Traver 8 (Fri) Bennett Hill C Hart 9 (Sat) Basin & Saddleback A+ Scaife 9 (Sat) Kaaterskill High Peak B Mueller 9 (Sat) Mt. Marcy A Seward 11 (Mon) Berlin Mountain B Henrikson 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING—Potpourri Night 13 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Hudson R.--Coeymans B Ozard, Mcguire 15 (Fri) Tirrell Pond B Antonio 16 (Sat) Big Indian & Eagle A Susko 17 (Sun) Battenkill Paddle B Macha 19 (Tue) Evening Paddle-Mohawk R.--Rotterdam B Orr, Dewes 19 (Tue) Owl's Head Mtn. B Antonio 20 (Wed) A Fred's Favorite--Brace, Frissell & Round B+ Ross, Mccarron 22 (Fri) Colvin & Blake A+ Sheehan 26 (Tue) Evening Paddle B Mcguire et al. 27 (Wed) Paddle Harris Lake B Valentino 28-Jul 2 (Thu-Mon) Little Tupper Lake Loop A McGuire/Pisaneschi 30 (Sat) Hunter & SW Hunter B+ Mueller 30 (Sat) Mt. Greylock Bike A+ Berens

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

included in the ADK Paddlers Email List for reminders of upcoming events (ADK Members only) and ACTIVITIES updates. It is suggested that you obtain a good roadmap of the Capital District or use DESCRIPTIONS www.mapquest.com for directions to the launch site locations. It is customary, after the paddle, for the group Leader to pick a nearby restaurant and General Information for Evening convene the Paddlers Committee Meeting (PCM) to Paddling Trips: On most Tuesday evenings from socialize, plan future trips and enjoy a meal with old May thru October the ADK Albany Chapter paddles and new friends. Everyone who paddles is various waterways in the Capital District area. There automatically a Committee Member and is invited to are at least 2 groups. The slow group ("Lily-Dippers") participate. goes as slow as the slowest paddler and may be best The following are the Albany Chapter guidelines to for short wide boats or less skilled paddlers. The participate in the Evening Paddles: moderate group is for most everyone else and goes 1) Respect Other Users of the Waterways -- Steer about 3 to 3.5 mph. If there is enough interest, a fast clear of fishermen. Don’t forget their fishing lines go group will be formed. Expect to paddle for about 2 well out into the water. Stay close to shore when hours. Scheduled trips launch rain or shine. Send motorboats are out. The red & green buoys mark the Rich Macha [email protected] a request to be deep water channels - stay between the buoys &

6 shore. Paddle in a tight group when crossing large answer that question. They will show some great bodies of water. photos of eastern coyote, fisher, wild turkey and 2) Launch on Time -- Please be in your boats on the bobcat taken near their home in Guilderland. water and congregated near shore before the launch Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will time. People launching after start time are not be followed by a presentation, The North officially with the group. The leaders will conduct a short On-the-Water Meeting with the group to Country National Scenic Trail in the discuss the water, weather conditions and plans for Adirondacks—The intrepid Mary Coffin, the paddle. Onondaga Chapter member, 46R and frequent 3) Duty of the Paddler -- It is the responsibility of the ADK trip leader, will treat us to pictures, maps paddler to stay with the group and know who the and stories about the 147 miles of the NCNST leaders are - If you don’t know, ask someone. within the Adirondacks. The entire Trail 4) Leaving the Group - The leaders take a measures 4,600 miles, twice the length of the headcount at the On-the-Water Meeting. Therefore, Appalachian Trail and spans seven states from please notify one of the leaders if you need to leave North Dakota to Crown Point at the Vermont the group for any reason. ADK is not responsible for paddlers who choose not to paddle with the group. border with New York. You may already have 5) Required Gear -- All paddlers must bring along a hiked a leg of it! white light (a headlamp is good), a whistle (a pealess one is best) and must wear a PFD (Personal Apr 11 (Wed) KAYAK POOL SESSION Floatation Device aka life jacket). There are no Come practice rolling, rescues etc. 8:00-9:30 exceptions to these requirements. It is also a good p.m. at the Schenectady Jewish Community idea to bring raingear, water, bug-dope (mosquitoes Center, Balltown Rd., Niskayuna. Call or email are quite active in summer at dusk) and an extra set me first to reserve your space then send to me of clothes in the car. 6) Clothing -- Other than in July & August all (Rich Macha c/o APnP, 2123 Central Av, paddlers should not wear cotton clothing - if you must Schenectady NY 12304) a check made out to wear cotton, bring along a full change of clothing in a "Adirondack Mountain Club Albany Chapter." All dry bag. Expect to have your feet in the water when kayaks brought to the pool must be absolutely launching. Some of the launch spots are slippery and clean inside and out. Fees: practice on your own have underwater debris. Waterproof footwear (most $12 ADK member ($16 non-member); with experienced paddlers use neoprene booties or ROLLING INSTRUCTION - $26 ADK member mukluks) is highly recommended. ($36 non-member). Kayak rental $15 extra if 7) Guests - You may bring a guest. He/she is your needed. For updates get on the ADK Paddlers responsibility and must adhere to all of the Evening Email List (ADK members only) by sending me a Paddle Guidelines. message at [email protected]. Leader: Rich Apr 4 (Wed) KAYAK POOL SESSION Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Come practice rolling, rescues etc. 8:00-9:30 p.m. at the Schenectady Jewish Community Apr 12 (Thu) GRAFTON PARK TRAILS (C+) Center, Balltown Rd., Niskayuna. Call or email This will be a good season starter. This state me first to reserve your space then send to me park gem is just 20 minutes from Troy. We will (Rich Macha c/o APnP, 2123 Central Ave, pick out a couple of loops to do depending on Schenectady NY 12304) a check made out to trail conditions. All are fairly flat. Those who "Adirondack Mountain Club Albany Chapter." All want to knock off after the first loop can do so. I kayaks brought to the pool must be absolutely plan to do a total of around six miles. Contact clean inside and out. Fees: practice on your own the leader for meet-up location. We'll start hiking $12 ADK member ($16 non-member); with at 10:00 a.m. I prefer email contact. Leader: ROLLING INSTRUCTION - $26 ADK member Paul Breslin, 783-9154, [email protected] ($36 non-member). Kayak rental $15 extra if needed. For updates get on the ADK Paddlers Apr 12 (Thu) BETHLEHEM RAIL TRAIL (C) Email List (ADK members only) by sending me a We will explore the Bethlehem Rail Trail on foot message at [email protected]. Leader: Rich in an effort to stay off the mountain trails during Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] mud season. Two miles of it are officially open; an additional 2 miles is very accessible. We may Apr 10 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING also explore some other short trails in 113 Sand Creek Rd., Colonie. Bethlehem. Leader: Katie Henrikson, 439-4308, Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. prior to the [email protected] meeting. Take Photos of Wild Animals at Night. What sort of wild creatures roam your Apr 13 (Fri) MERCK FOREST (B) yard or woods when humans are not around? This is a hike up Spruce Peak to explore a new Jennifer Ford and Keith Freeman will show how area in this working forest and recreation area they use a motion-triggered trail camera to not far from Manchester, VT. We'll do 9 miles

7 and 1100' vertical on these well-maintained Distance is between 8 and 9 miles round trip trails. Leader: Tom Hart, 229-5627, with 3000’ elevation change. Leader: John [email protected] Antonio, 462-2765

Apr 14 (Sat) ASHOKAN HIGH POINT (B) Apr 18 (Wed) KAYAK POOL SESSION We'll start on a woods road, gaining easy Come practice rolling, rescues etc. 8:00-9:30 elevation along a brook. After passing a waterfall p.m. at the Schenectady Jewish Community and crossing a few stonework bridges, we'll turn Center, Balltown Rd., Niskayuna. Call or email up the mountain and climb a steep 1000' to the me first to reserve your space then send to me summit. Grand views will be our reward. It's a (Rich Macha c/o APnP, 2123 Central Av, total of nine miles and 2000’ of climbing. Leader: Schenectady NY 12304) a check made out to Tim Kase, 766-4264. "Adirondack Mountain Club Albany Chapter." All kayaks brought to the pool must be absolutely Apr 14 (Sat) FIR & BIG INDIAN (A) clean inside and out. Fees: practice on your own This outing is a moderately strenuous $12 ADK member ($16 non-member); with combination trail hike and bushwhack. We will ROLLING INSTRUCTION - $26 ADK member be hiking approximately 10 miles round trip with ($36 non-member). Kayak rental $15 extra if a total ascent of about 2200’. These peaks are needed. For updates get on the ADK Paddlers on the Catskill 3500 Club list with elevations of Email List (ADK members only) by sending me a 3,620’ and 3,700’, respectively. Please contact message at [email protected]. Leader: Rich leader no later than 4/12 for meeting time and Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] place. Leader: Norm Mueller, 731-2762, [email protected] Apr 19-21 CLUB DAYS – ADIRONDACK (Thu-Sat) PADDLE'N'POLE Apr 14 (Sat) PEEKAMOOSE & TABLE (A) Club members get 20% off the regular price on Peekamoose and Table Mountains are the 11th everything in stock (15%-20% off canoes and and 10th highest peaks in the Catskills. We'll kayaks) and most special orders. Proof of take the trail from Peekamoose Road which has membership required. Store is at 2123 Central good views along the way. The distance is about Ave in Colonie. Hours: Th 11-8, Fri 11-6, Sat 10- 10 miles with approximately 3000' of ascent. At 5. Tel: (518) 346-3180, www.onewithwater.com. this time of year snowshoes, crampons or other Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, traction devices may be needed. Leader: John [email protected] Susko, 383-1284, [email protected] Apr 21 (Sat) PORTER MTN. (A) Apr 15 (Sun) TACONIC CREST TRAIL (TCT) We will start at the Marcy Airfield in Keene TRAIL WORK (B) Valley with a destination of summiting the high We'll cover the section of the TCT from peak, Porter Mtn., via the Ridge Trail. This route Robinson Hollow to Mattison Hollow. This will has a variety of views including ascending the involve blow down removal and drainage work. summit of Blueberry Mtn. The distance is 9 miles Bad weather postpones to the following RT with 3275' elevation gain. Leader: Phil weekend. Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] [email protected] Apr 21 (Sat) PROSPECT MOUNTAIN BY Apr 17 (Tue) HARLEM VALLEY RAIL TR (B) BIKE—LAKE GEORGE (A) The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a beautiful After the snow melts (I hope), but before the bicycle ride through a diverse and scenic rural road is open to cars in May, we'll bicycle up and landscape. The trip will be 22 miles round trip down the Prospect Mountain Highway. It's 1535’ from the town of Millerton to Wassaic and back. up in 5.4 miles for an average grade of 5.4% Let's hope for one of those perfect sunny spring with fine views on the way and at the top. days. Email preferred. Virginia Boyle Traver, Depending on how much (or how little) the hill [email protected] 322-0950. takes out of us, we'll do some additional mostly flat miles on the bike path between Lake George Apr 17 (Tue) BALSAM MOUNTAIN (A) and Glens Falls. Bring a bike with low gears and Balsam Mountain is one of the peaks on the a helmet. Leader: Don Berens, 783-1302, Catskill 3500 Club list. We will take the Lost [email protected] Clove Trailhead trail which I am sure is open at this time. Because of the devastation in the area Apr 21 (Sat) DEVIL'S PATH (A+) caused by Hurricane Irene, this hike will be a We'll hike 9 miles and climb 4,000' along the little longer than the more popular routes. Devil's Path in the Catskills, crossing the

8 summits of Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf and and Falls"; all scenic treats. The ascent will be Plateau mountains and dropping steeply down approximately 2,000’ with a total distance of into Jimmy Dolan Notch, Pecoy Notch, Mink about 11 miles. Leader: John Antonio, 462- Hollow and Stony Clove. These are undoubtedly 2765. the best set of names in the Catskills. Meet 5:00 a.m. at the McCarty Avenue state parking lot Apr 27 (Fri) GLASTENBURY MTN.(B+) near the end of I-787. Leader: Bob Scaife, 439- Glastenbury Mtn. is a long hike on the AT-Long 7322, [email protected] Trail from Route 9 and is seldom listed. The wooded summit has a tower for a good view. Apr 24 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - This outing is an attempt to bushwhack and MOHAWK RIVER (B) follow the path of the old AT route from Harbour Be on the water at 6:00 p.m. at Lions Park by Road. If successful, the hike should be 5 miles the old train station in Niskayuna. From the one way and a 2200' climb. The first half is along Northway drive west for 3.1 miles and take a forest roads. Leader: Charlie Beach, 459-9127, right on Rosendale Rd. which goes downhill and [email protected] then curves left; soon after that turn right into the parking area. We will have one moderately Apr 28 (Sat) HALCOTT (A) paced group. Absolutely no cotton clothing. No This outing will be a moderately paced need to sign up - just show up. See General Info bushwhack hike of approximately 2.5 miles with for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Rich about 1700’ elevation gain. Summit elevation is Macha, 346-3180, [email protected];. Dave 3,537’. Contact leader Norm Mueller, 731-2762, Pisaneschi, 459-5969, [email protected] [email protected] before 4/26.

Apr 25 (Wed) KAYAK POOL SESSION Apr 28 (Sat) KAATERSKILL HIGH PEAK (B) Come practice rolling, rescues etc. 8:00-9:30 This outing has it all. A trail hike, some off trail in p.m. at the Schenectady Jewish Community open woods, a plane wreck, a scramble up Center, Balltown Rd., in Niskayuna. Call or email rocky ledges, great views from a lookout and the me first to reserve your space then send to me opportunity to summit a Catskill High Peak. We'll (Rich Macha c/o APnP, 2123 Central Av, do eight miles and 1700' elevation gain. Leader: Schenectady NY 12304) a check made out to Tim Kase, 766-4264. "Adirondack Mountain Club Albany Chapter." All kayaks brought to the pool must be absolutely Apr 28 (Sat) INDIANKILL WILDFLOWERS C+ clean inside and out. Fees: practice on your own We ought to find the early wildflowers in late $12 ADK member ($16 non-member); with April. Indiankill is a nature preserve in Glenville RESCUES INSTRUCTION (wet exits, across the Mohawk River. Bring boots and paddlefloat self-rescue, assisted T rescue - stuff lunch. Meet at the far end of the Hannaford that every flatwater kayaker should know) - $26 parking lot at the intersection of Balltown and ADK member ($36 non-member). Kayak rental Consaul Roads, Niskayuna, halfway between $15 extra if needed. For updates get on the ADK Central Avenue and Route 7 (Troy-Schenectady Paddlers Email List (ADK members only) by Rd). Leaders: Sue & Ted Wright, 280-8016, sending me a message at [email protected]. [email protected] Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Apr 29 (Sun) SCHODACK ISLAND PADDLE Plan to meet at the launch on the creek side at Apr 25 (Wed) YOKUN RIDGE (B) Schodack Island State Park. We'll paddle Yokun Ridge is a section of the Southern around the island and up the river, taking Berkshires in the town of Lenox, MA. There are advantage of the morning high tide. Plan to be in many interconnecting trails and many options. the water and ready to go by 9:00 a.m. We will We will hike about 6 miles with about 1500’ of paddle/explore until about 4:00 p.m. Best for moderate climbing. We may spot a car or we touring kayaks, but strong canoers are welcome. may do a loop. Meet 8:00 a.m. Defreestville Rts. Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, 4 & 43 Park & Ride. Leader: John Sheehan, [email protected] 674-8121, [email protected] May 1 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE— Apr 27 (Fri) CATHEDRAL ROCKS, BEAR MOHAWK RIVER GLENVILLE (B) RUN & RAINBOW FALLS (B+) Be on the water by 6:00 p.m. We will go This hike will begin with a very short trip on the downstream on the Mohawk and go as far as we Ausable Club Lake Road to sections of the East can up the Alplaus Kill or paddle upriver to the West Ausable River Trails and on to "Rocks Run islands below Lock 8. From Erie Blvd in

9 Schenectady drive across Freeman's Bridge and guardian must sign). Directions from Albany: then take a right into the NYSDEC Fishing cross the Hudson on the Dunn Memorial Bridge Access Launch on the Scotia/Glenville side of to Rensselaer and follow signs to East the bridge. No need to sign up, just show up. Greenbush (US Routes 9 & 20). As you start to See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. go up the hill, turn right (South) onto Route 9J. Leaders: Pete Devitt, 860-9636, Continue South on Route 9J for approximately 8 [email protected]; Don Orr, 355-8441, miles, the park entrance road is a right turn, just [email protected] past the village of Castleton-on-Hudson. Once in the park look for "RIVER CLEANUP" signs. May 2 (Wed) KAYAK POOL SESSION Leader: Dan Odell, 944-0141, Come practice rolling, rescues etc. 8:00-9:30 [email protected] p.m. at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center, Balltown Rd., Niskayuna. Call or email May 5 (Sat) NORTHERN CATSKILLS BIKE (B) me first to reserve your space then send to me This is a beautiful and varied trip of (Rich Macha c/o APnP, 2123 Central Av, approximately 25 miles that includes ridges with Schenectady NY 12304) a check made out to open views, a bisect of a large reservoir, "Adirondack Mountain Club Albany Chapter." All leisurely rolls along rambling creeks, a pass kayaks brought to the pool must be absolutely through a golf course, and a visit to a couple of clean inside and out. Fees: practice on your own small villages. There are some "moderate" hills $12 ADK member ($16 non-member); with but it's mostly rolling terrain. Leaders: Steve and ROLLING or RESCUES INSTRUCTION - $26 Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, ADK member ($36 non-member). Kayak rental [email protected] $15 extra if needed. For updates get on the ADK Paddlers Email List (ADK members only) by May 5 (Sat) FRIDAY, BALSAM CAP, sending me a message at [email protected]. ROCKY, & LONE (A+) Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, Starting from Moon Haw Road we will climb [email protected] Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky and Lone, following the ridge which is the divide between the May 4 (Fri) CRANE MOUNTAIN (B) Delaware River Basin and the Hudson River "The most interesting, most used, yet one of the Basin. We'll re-climb Rocky, skirt Balsam Cap, prettiest mountains in the southern Adirondacks and follow the drainage between Balsam Cap is undoubtedly Crane." The distance is about 5 and Friday to return to Moon Haw Road. The miles with a 1300’ vertical rise. Leader: John entire hike is off trail, so be prepared for rugged Antonio, 462-2765. terrain. It's approximately 10.5 miles with 3600’ elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, 731- May 5 (Sat) HUDSON RIVER CLEANUP 6446, [email protected] Saturday May 5th is "I Love My Park Day" and ADK plans to clean up a section of the Hudson May 6 (Sun) ACRA POINT, BURNT KNOB, River at Schodack Island State Park. The high & WINDHAM HIGH PEAK (B) water from last year's hurricanes dropped lots of This is one of the nicest point-to-point hikes in interesting stuff on the island and along the the Catskills. We'll leave cars at the Peck Rd. Park's shores. There will be a morning shift trailhead for Windham High Peak and begin our starting at 9:00 a.m. and an afternoon shift hike near the end of CR 56, Black Dome Hollow starting at 1:00 p.m. You are welcome to Rd. The hike route climbs up onto the volunteer for one or both. Lunch will be Escarpment Trail and then we'll walk the ridge to provided. It’s best to sign up ahead of time so Acra Point, dropping down a short distance to we know how many to expect. However, if you the open rock ledge just below its summit. We'll decide to come at the last minute that's fine too. continue to the col with Acra Point and take in Bring canoes, kayaks or rowboats, gloves, the spectacular views from just beneath its rugged footwear, change of clothing, rain gear, summit. Though the trail going over Burnt Knob and any tools that might help pick up trash. passes below the actual summit, we'll do a 5 Note: State park rules require paddlers to wear minute bushwhack through open woods and fern PFDs. If you don't have a canoe, come anyway glades to tag the top. From here it's following the because a lot of trash was washed up into the ridge top with a climb up Windham High Peak's woods and can be carried out to the nearby park SE ridge and down to the car spot. The date and road. Garbage bags will be provided. Rest destination were selected for a time when the rooms are available for washing up afterward. A leaves haven't fledged, providing great views State parks volunteer service agreement must from the ridge tops, and when the wildflowers be completed (for those under 18 a parent or are just starting to pop. This is a spectacular

10 hike if Mother Nature cooperates. 8.5 miles, May 10 (Thu) NEW & PROSPECTIVE TRIP 2150' ascent hiked at a moderate pace. Leader: LEADER WORKSHOP Alan Via, [email protected] Become an Albany ADK trip leader and share your favorite places with others! Join us for a May 6- 7 (Sun-Mon) CANOE CAMPING (B) casual evening to find out what leading trips We will do a couple of loops on lakes, ponds entails. We will discuss guidelines for being a and streams in the Floodwood Pond area and trip leader, share experiences, and brainstorm possibly in the St. Regis Canoe Area with ideas and concerns. Meet 7:00 p.m., location to primitive backcountry camping on Sunday night. be announced. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, Expect a few hours of paddling and up to a mile 322-0950, [email protected] of portages each day. Maximum group size of 9 paddlers. It's uncrowded at this time of year and May 11 (Fri) HELDERBERG WORKSHOP still a week or two before blackfly season usually HIKE (C) starts. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, This amazing 200-acre gem is located at the [email protected] foot of the Helderberg Escarpment in the Town of New Scotland. The regional guide, Paul May 8 (Tue) ADK ALBANY CHAPTER Doyle, will share amazingly varied habitats in ANNUAL BANQUET—see Flyer p. 19 "An Adventure in Learning." We will meet at At Mallozzi's Clubhouse at Western Turnpike Slingerlands Community Church, 1499 New Golf Course, Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY. Scotland Ave., Slingerlands, to car pool. Contact The gathering begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at the leader for time. Leader: Dodie Seagle, 439- 7:00 p.m. The featured program is by nature 7061, [email protected] photographer Mark Bowie, a specialist on night photography, who will give a multimedia May 11 (Fri) PITCHOFF (B+) presentation, “Night over the North Country.” We'll spot cars for this open ridge hike of 5 miles and 1400' of ascent. Breezes will keep the black May 9 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE— flies away and views will be plentiful. We'll travel MOHAWK RIVER & ERIE CANAL (B) from the north to get immediate and dramatic A faster group will head upstream on the views of the Olympic Ski Jump and Cascade Mohawk and poke into the old Erie Canal just across the valley. Leader: Tom Hart, 229-5627, west of the Northway to Clute's Dry Dock, an 8.5 [email protected] mile roundtrip; a slower group will go a shorter distance while exploring south of the upstream May 12 (Sat) WINDHAM HIGH PEAK islands. Be on the water by 6:00 p.m. From the & THE BLACKHEAD RANGE (A) Latham Circle drive north on Rt. 9, take a right This outing will be a strenuous trail hike of on Albany Marine Service Lane just before the approximately 14 miles with a total ascent of Crescent Bridge and launch at Freddie's Park. about 3500’. This will be a through hike so a No need to sign up - just show up. See also shuttle will be necessary. Please contact leader General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. no later than 5/9 for details. Leader: Norm Leaders: Alison Saville, 899-4031; Gerry Mueller, 731-2762, [email protected] Magnes, Dave Pisaneschi. May 12 (Sat) SHELVING ROCK MTN. & May 10 (Thu) MOHAWK-HUDSON BIKE SHELVING ROCK (C+) TRAIL SCHENECTADY - ROTTERDAM (C) Are you a new hiker? Do you want to get back We'll get a chance to see how the trail and locks into hiking? If so this is the hike for you! Our hike are doing. This area took quite a hit during Irene starts with Shelving Rock Mountain. It has 500’ and Lee, and a lot of work has gone on to return elevation gain and is only 3.2 miles round trip. it to normal. We'll meet up at SCCC at 10:00 There are several spots to stop along the way a.m. and travel west. The ride will be about 15 and enjoy the views. The top has gorgeous miles total and is fairly flat. We will stop a few views of numerous little islands in Lake George. places along the way to check out the sights. Hikers who are tired can wait at the car while There is an interesting section that has a lock those of us who would like to continue hiking from the original canal. Contact the leader for can take a path that winds around the shore of exact location. E-mail is preferred. Leader: Paul Lake George. This part of the hike is flat and will Breslin, 783-9154, [email protected] add three miles to the hike for a total of 6.2 mile. I hike rain or shine. Leader: Kathy Pacuk, 756- 6529, [email protected]

11 May 15 (Tue) HEWITT LAKE CLUB ROAD May 19 (Sat) TRAILLESS DIXES (A+) "PONDS" (B) We'll hike over 13 miles and climb nearly 4,000’, After we spot our cars we will walk the much of it on unmarked herd paths, to Macomb, approximately 9 miles into various ponds in the South Dix, East Dix and Hough. We might need Vanderwhacker Wild Forest. We should be able snowshoes. Bring lots to eat and drink, a to explore at least five different ponds on this headlamp with fresh batteries, and a trip. Contact leader for details. Leader: John persevering spirit. Meet 4:00 a.m. at Northway Antonio, 462-2765 Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Don Berens, 783- 1302, [email protected] May 15 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE— HUDSON & MOHAWK RIVERS (B) May 19 (Sat) WESTKILL, NORTH DOME Be on the water by 6:30pm. We will likely paddle AND SHERRILL (A+) the shores and waterfall of Peebles Island at the Spring flowers will be blooming for this 10 mile junction of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. In hike with 3500' of elevation gain. Climbing Waterford, from Broadway turn South on to First Westkill will warm us up for the long, very steep Street and drive to end to the boat launch; or and rocky ascent of North Dome. A bushwhack launch from Lansingburgh at the end of 123rd through mostly open hardwood forest will take Street off of Second Ave/Route 4 - meet on the us to and over Sherrill and out to Rt 42. Meet water near the Waterford launch. No need to 5:00 a.m. at the McCarty Avenue state parking sign up - just show up. See also General Info for lot near the end of I-787. Leader: Bob Scaife, Evening Paddling Trips. Co-leaders: Ellen 439-7322, [email protected] Luchsinger, 235-5526; Neil Cherkosly; Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected]; Alan May 22 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE— Mapes, 817-1512, [email protected] HUDSON RIVER BETHLEHEM (B) Be on the water by 6:30 p.m. We will paddle to May 17 (Thu) ZIM-SMITH BIKE TRAIL (C) the falls on the Vloman Kill and cross the I did this trip last year, and it is a good early Hudson over to Papscanee Creek. Take the NY season route. The trail is fairly flat. By starting in Thruway to Exit 22, go left (N) on Rt 144 for Shenantaha Park, participants can pick how far about a mile, then go right on Barent Winnie they want to peddle. This is a good one for Road to the boat launch next to the Henry getting back in shape. We will do three loops: Hudson Park. No need to sign up, just show up. north to Ballston Spa, then South to Ushers See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Road and then on to Ballston Lake Veterans Leaders: Celia Murray, 225-9902, Trail for the most hardy. If you do all three loops [email protected]; John Ozard, 439-6135, it will be 26 miles. But each loop is 6-9 miles. [email protected] Most of the trail is paved, but part of the southern loop is hard packed gravel. We can May 23 (Wed) ROUND MTN. (C+) lunch in the park. E-mail is preferred. Leader: With 5 miles of hiking and about 1500' of ascent Paul Breslin, 783-9154, [email protected] this pushes the limits of a C+ hike, but we will go at a C+ pace. All should see the views from this May 19 (Sat) ALBANY PINE BUSH— little mountain in the midst of the eastern high ASPEN PROJECT peaks. We will go slowly, but it is a climb, so you Aspen Warriors (people with strong backs and do have to be in reasonably good condition. weak minds) are needed in the spring to help Meet 8:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. control the invasive Aspen from Pine Bush Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, habitat. This project is part of the Preserve’s [email protected] larger effort to effectively manage the fire ecology of the Pine Bush. Volunteers will be May 24 (Th) ASHUWILLTICOOK RAIL TR. (B) using special girdling tools which will eventually This rail trail is located in western Mass. kill these small trees whose stands can cover between the Berkshire Mall and Adams. It is many acres. Volunteers should be in good delightful in spring. The trail is 11 miles long (22 physical shape to participate in this project. miles RT) and is fairly flat. The trail travels along Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Location: Albany a stream and a reservoir. You can see remnants Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center,195 New of old factories, and there is a nice train station Karner Rd. Leader: Mark Plaat, 462-4062, and visitors center at the northern end (Adams). [email protected] We will leave the capital district at 9:00 a.m. The pace will be leisurely. E-mail contact is preferred. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, [email protected]

12 May 26 (Sat) HOPKINS MTN. (B+) Jun 2 (Sat) SLEEPING BEAUTY MTN. (C+) This is another wonderful Adirondack hike that Come enjoy the day with me on this beginners offers the reward of great views of the high hike! Our hike will start on a fairly flat road for peaks. The trailhead is right on Rt. 73 and the 1.2 miles before we start to ascend up the trail is a 6.4 mile RT in the heart of Keene Valley mountain. The total elevation gain on this day is with an elevation gain of 2120'. Leader: Phil 1300’. Spend the day hiking a total of 6 miles; Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] 2.4 miles of which are on a road. The top of Sleeping Beauty has absolutely beautiful views May 26 (Sat) VLY & BEARPEN (A) of Lake George and the nearby Erebus This outing will be a moderately paced trail hike Mountain. I hike rain or shine. Leader: Kathy with a partial bushwhack of approximately 8.5 Pacuk, 756-6529, [email protected] miles. Total ascent will be about 2375’ with elevations of 3529’ and 3600’, respectively. If Jun 2 (Sat) FULL MOON PADDLE (C) the group is in agreement, we could venture on Spend a spring evening paddling on a local to North Bearpen to add to the challenge. waterway to view the sunset and nearly full Please contact leader no later than 5/24 for moon rise. There will be a social after the meeting time and place. Leader: Norm Mueller, paddle. Call by 8:00 p.m. June 1. Leader: Ellen 731-2762, [email protected] Luchsinger, 235-5526, [email protected]

May 27 (Sun) HOOSIC RIVER PADDLE (B) Jun 3 (Sun) EAST BRANCH OF THE This will be a 10 mile class 1+ river-running trip DELAWARE RIVER (B) from North Adams MA to Pownal VT. The river This trip flows 9 miles through the Catskills from is very scenic as it passes below the Taconic Grand Gorge to Roxbury. If water levels or Range. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, conditions after the floods of last year make this [email protected] less than ideal, we will pick a similar river within an hour or so of Albany. We may also start a May 30 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE - section lower, from Roxbury to Margaretsville, MOHAWK RIVER LOCK 7 NISKAYUNA (B) for 11 miles of more quick water, once we know Be on the water by 6:30 p.m. We will paddle conditions. Get beautiful views of the Catskills, upstream past interesting cliffs. From the along with sobering evidence of last year's Northway drive west on Rt.7 for 4.5 miles, turn floods. Leaders: Steve Siegard, 768-2393, right on Mohawk Rd and go to the end, take a [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768- left on Rosendale Rd for a short distance then 2393, [email protected] take a right on Lock 7 Rd, as you approach the lock bear left to get to the boat launch. No need Jun 5 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE--MOHAWK(B) to sign up, just show up. See General Info for Be on the water at 6:30 p.m. at Lions Park by Evening Paddling Trips. Co-leaders: Alan the old train station in Niskayuna. From the Mapes, Sally Dewes. Leader: Rich Macha, 346- Northway drive west for 3.1 miles and take a 3180, [email protected], Dave Pisaneschi, 459- right on Rosendale Rd., which goes downhill 5969, [email protected] and then curves left. Soon after that turn right into the parking area. We will paddle up to Lock Jun 2 (Sat) NATIONAL TRAILS DAY - 7 and maybe spend some time going around the THACHER PARK (C) islands. No need to sign up, just show up. See Join us for Trails Day in Thacher and General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Thompsons Lake State Parks. Work will be on Leaders: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125; Alison the trail system in both parks or on park clean- Saville, 899-4031, [email protected] up. A free picnic BBQ is offered to participants. It’s a joint project with "Friends of Thacher Park." Jun 6 (Wed) PADDLE WEST LAKE, Bring saws or loppers or the Park will provide. CANADA LAKE, & LILLY LAKE (B) Leader: Jim Schaller, 861-7452, Canada, West, and Lilly Lakes are only 60 miles [email protected] from Albany. But these Adirondack lakes have a wilderness feel about them in places and are Jun 2 (Sat) DIX AND HOUGH (A+) abundant with wildlife. Most of the shoreline is We will start at Elk Lake, climb Dix via Hunter's privately owned, but we should see little Pass, follow the herd path to Hough, and head recreational activity this early in the season. We back to the marked trail via the Lillian Brook will paddle less than nine miles and meet at 8:00 herd path. This is approximately 13.5 miles with a.m. at Penny's Crossgates Mall. Leader: Bill 4200’ elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, Valentino, [email protected] 439- 731-6446, [email protected] 9686.

13 Jun 7 (Thu) HUDSON RIVER— elevation is 3,655’, and a USGS benchmark can SPIER FALLS & SHERMAN ISLAND (C) be found to prove it. Please contact the leader This section of the Hudson is very pristine with before 6/7. Leader: Norm Mueller, 731-2762, State land on both sides. We will launch at the [email protected] boat launch on Spier Falls Rd. about midway of our route. We'll paddle about 3 miles Jun 9 (Sat) MT. MARCY (A) downstream to Sherman Island dam and back to This hike will start at the ADK HPIC parking lot the launch area, have a picnic (BYO) and then and is one of the oldest and most popular trails do the 1.5 miles up to the Spier Falls dam and to the highest point in NYS. Mt. Marcy's back. The river in this section has a slight elevation is 5,344’. It is 7.4 miles to the summit, current but is easily paddled. We will leave the making this a 14.8 mile RT. The elevation gain is Capital Region at 9:00 a.m. and plan to be on 3166' making it a full day of hiking. Leader: Phil the water at 10:00 a.m. Meet up point will be Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] determined by participants. Email contact is preferred. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, Jun 11 (Mon) BERLIN MOUNTAIN (B) [email protected] We will hike in to Berlin Mountain from Petersburg Pass on the Taconic Crest Trail. Jun 7 (Thu) MERCK FOREST (C+) There may be mountain laurel in bloom to add to Merck Forest and Farmland Center has been a the good views of the Catskills and the Hudson favorite of mine since my parents discovered it Valley. It's about 6 miles round trip with 800’ in the 1970s. A mix of forest and farmland, ascent. Meet 8:00 a.m. Defreestville Rts 4 & 43 Merck Forest teaches and demonstrates Park & Ride. Leader: Katie Henrikson, 439- innovative sustainable management and is open 4308, [email protected] to the public for hiking and camping. Our early summer hike to Mt. Antone and back by way of Jun 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING Birch Pond will be a distance of about 6 miles 113 Sand Creek Rd., Colonie. with 800’ elevation gain. Email leader for details. Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, meeting. Update Your First Aid Kit—It's time [email protected] to replace all those shriveled and past-date supplies in your kit. ADK member and EMT Jon Jun 8 (Fri) BENNETT HILL (C) Davis will lead us through the process, giving Come join us for an easy introductory woods recommendations for items that are most walk and a short climb of 400' over 2.5 miles of important and useful. Our discussion will focus trails. Bennett Hill is southwest of Albany, so it's on having the essentials, without letting the kit also a short drive. An optional lunch at Jake grow to fill your whole daypack. Moon Cafe in Clarksville will be available. Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will Leader: Tom Hart, [email protected] 229- be followed by Potpourri Night— Now it's your 5627, turn to share tales of the special places and adventures you enjoyed this year in the great Jun 9 (Sat) BASIN & SADDLEBACK (A+) out-of-doors. You don't have to be Ansel Adams This 16 mile hike with 4300' of ascent is always or Jack London to entertain us with your pictures challenging and usually enjoyable. On a clear and stories. Contact Thea at day the views are spectacular from both peaks. [email protected] to sign up to do your On any day the ruggedness of the route is thing! Power Point presentations preferred. memorable. Meet 4:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Bob Scaife, 439-7322, Jun 13 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE— [email protected] HUDSON RIVER - COEYMANS (B) Be on the water by 6:30 p.m. We will explore the Jun 9 (Sat) KAATERSKILL HIGH PK (B) mouth of Hannacroix Creek and the shores of This outing will be a moderately paced trail hike Schodack Island State Park where bald eagles of approximately 8 miles. We will be making a are often seen. Take NY Thruway to Exit 22, loop that will include a short bushwhack and a take a right going south on Rt.144 for about 4 challenging but picturesque ascent up the miles; from Rt.144 in Coeymans take a left going southwest side and an always wet and muddy east on Westerlo St. to Coeymans Landing return to where we started the bushwhack from. where there is a concrete ramp launch. No need We will also encounter the remnants of an old to sign up - just show up. See also General Info plane wreck along the way and get to see for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: John firsthand what a porcupine is capable of. The Ozard, 439-6135, [email protected]; Tom total ascent is about 1750’. The summit McGuire, 391-0508, [email protected]

14 Jun 15 (Fri) TIRRELL POND (B) behold, and maybe on this first day of summer After spotting cars at the entrance of the Lake Fred will see to it that we get lucky. We will spot Durant State Campground, we will drive up to cars at the Connecticut border and begin at the the Blue Mountain Adirondack Museum to begin MA DCR Mt. Washington State Forest our hike. Circling around the north side of Blue Headquarters to travel from north to south on Mountain, we'll head to the northwestern shore the South Taconic Trail. We'll cross into New of Tirrell Pond on this 8 mile journey. York to climb Brace Mtn., (and maybe S. Brace), Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 backtrack a bit to climb to the highest point in CT, and then will cross the border again for Jun 16 (Sat) BIG INDIAN & EAGLE (A) Mount Frissell in Massachusetts. We'll top it off Big Indian is #19 and Eagle is #29 on the list of with Round on our way out to the spotted cars. Catskill 3500 peaks. Big Indian is considered It's a 3-state bonanza over about 7 miles with one of the trailless peaks in the Catskills and about 1200' vertical. Leaders: Karen Ross, 794- has a canister even though the bushwhack is 7474, [email protected];. Lori McCarron, 587- short. We'll hike in from the Seager trailhead 1957, [email protected] along one of the more scenic trails in the Catskills. The distance is about 12 miles (mostly Jun 22 (Fri) COLVIN & BLAKE (A+) on trail) with 2000’-2500’ ascent. Leader: John For me, getting to 46 seems like it's always half Susko, 383-1284, [email protected] the distance to the goal line. I keep approaching but never get there. So whether you're bagging Jun 17 (Sun) BATTENKILL PADDLE (B) peaks or just want a nice aggressive hike, come We will run a section somewhere between on and help me get two more. We will have Arlington, VT and Salem, NY. It will be 12-15 plenty of daylight to hike 14 miles with about miles of quickwater, riffles and easy class 1 3000' of ascent. Meet 7:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 rapids. There are covered bridges on this scenic Park & Ride. Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, route. This trip has filled up every year I've run it [email protected] so don't wait until the last minute to sign up. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, Jun 26 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE (B) [email protected] Be on the water by 6:30 p.m. We will paddle from the Corning Preserve boat launch. Driving Jun 19 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE— south on I-787 into Albany, take the Colonie St. MOHAWK R.-KIWANIS PK., ROTTERDAM (B) exit and take the 1st left into the parking lot. No Be on the water by 6:30 p.m. We could go need to sign up - just show up. See General Info downstream and around Dalys Island and/or for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Tom upstream past the Mabee Farm (the Mabee McGuire, 391-0508, [email protected]; Ellen House dates back to 1670 and is the oldest Luchsinger, 235-5526, [email protected]; standing building in the Mohawk valley) to Lock Lynn Filarecki 9. Take Exit 1A off I-890 to Rt.5S in Rotterdam and take a right into Kiwanis Park soon after Jun 27 (Wed) PADDLE HARRIS LAKE (B) leaving the highway ramp. No need to sign up, The paddle from Harris Lake into the beginning just show up. See General Info for Evening of the Hudson River offers beautiful scenery, the Paddling Trips. Leaders: Don Orr, 355-8441, occasional river otter and almost always the [email protected]; Sally Dewes, 346-1761, appearance of loons. We will paddle less than [email protected] eight miles. Meet 7:30 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Bill Valentino, 439-9686, Jun 19 (Tue) OWL'S HEAD MTN. (B) [email protected] Located near Long Lake, this 2,780' mountain has great views from its open rock summit. An Jun 28-Jul 2 (Thu-Mon) LITTLE TUPPER additional bonus is the firetower at the summit. LAKE LOOP (A) Plan on 6.2 miles with 1150' of ascent. This is the 14th Annual Canoe Trip Dave Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 Pisaneschi and I have run, and this year we decided to try something a little more Jun 20 (Wed) A FRED'S FAVORITE— challenging and also extend it to five days. We BRACE, FRISSELL & ROUND (B+) will start our adventure at Little Tupper Lake and Fred always headed here about this time of paddle through Rock Pond, Hardigan, Little year, and we'll be following in his tracks to get Salmon, and Lilypad Pond into Lake Lila, then to views from three states for the annual display of Harrington Brook, Clear Pond, Bog Lake and mountain laurel blossoms on this Berkshire into Lows Lake. The final leg of the journey will South Taconic ridge. At its best, it's something to be new to both of us. For this we will paddle

15 down the Bog River and up Round Lake Outlet Hunter summit who might be willing to give us a into Round Lake and finally back to the take-out tour of the ranger's cabin. Please contact the at Little Tupper Lake. The statistics for this trip leader before 6/28. Leader: Norm Mueller, 731- are 55-miles of paddling with 20 carries, the 2762, [email protected] longest being 1.7-miles. For a more detailed description see Dave Cilley's Adirondack Jun 30 (Sat) MT. GREYLOCK BY BIKE (A+) Paddler's Guide. Since part of this trip is through This is becoming an annual tradition. We'll bike a Wilderness Area we have to limit it to just 8 at least 36 miles and climb at least 2500’ to the paddlers. So if this sounds like fun to you, give highpoint of Massachusetts. Bring food, drink, a me a call. Tom McGuire: (518)391-0508, helmet and a jacket on a bike with low gears. [email protected], Dave Pisaneschi: Leader: Don Berens, [email protected] (518)459-5969, [email protected] 783-1302.

Jun 30 (Sat) HUNTER & SW HUNTER (B+) Many thanks to the volunteers who helped This outing will be a moderately paced trail loop make this issue possible: Virginia Boyle hike of approximately 10 miles with a total Traver for notifying the leaders and ascent of about 1900’. There is a fire tower at monitoring outings and Barb Northrup for the Hunter summit where we may get some nice her excellent organization skill and help with views. The elevations are 4,040’ and 3,740’ the outings. Their efforts are appreciated. respectively. With any luck, we may find a friend of mine who is a volunteer caretaker at the

ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL

Nov 18 (Fri) ROOSTER COMB AND SNOW Leader: John Antonio Our hike began at the Rooster Comb Trailhead --- the large parking lot practically across from the Noonmark Diner. The leader whipped out his trusty notebook to take notes of today's hike, like he does on most hikes. The data entered into the book is certainly handy to the leader and fellow hikers for future reference. However, the real story of today's hike (statistics aside,) concerns the group of people going up and down the mountain. Friends all!!!! Some for years and some of a fairly recent vintage, but, needless to say, a bunch of companions having a great time together. Highlights entered into the journal would include the perfect shaped Christmas tree on Snow that Claudia pointed out. She has suggested we do this hike again - same time next year - and decorate it. Another high point was the "joke" we played on Jim with the help of the waitresses at the Noonmark Diner at the end of the trip. Next time you are out on the trail with him, ask him about those cinnamon buns found at the diner. Our group included Mary MacDonald, Kendra Pratt, Claudia Rosenholz, Lori McCarron, Andy Janz, Sharon Bonk, Tom Hart and faithful canine, Molly, Jim Coward and the leader.

Dec 2 (Fri) MOREAU STATE PARK Leader: John Antonio I don't mean to sound like a broken record but you HAVE to get to Moreau State Park for some fabulous hiking!!!! It's close to the Capital District, has miles and miles of interesting terrain, and the map (available at the park office) is colorful, easy to follow and just plain excellent. We started at the park office (no fee during off-season), and from there hiked for some six hours over the ridges and to the outlooks that this location is known for. Lunch at one of the overlooks above Spier Falls is always a favorite. An added bonus at the end of the hike was a visit to the "new" warming hut at the south end of Moreau Lake. Large, spacious with ADK furniture, and with a roaring fire going, it's a great place to kick back, warm up and recount the day's adventures. Participants were Phil Hawver, John Susko, Sharon Bonk, Leon Barnish, Reed Goossen, Kendra Pratt, Larry Sloman, Karen Ross and 4-footed Louie, Mary Spina, Pat O'Malley, Robert Rudolph and the leader.

Dec 3 (Sat) DIAL AND NIPPLE TOP Leader: Don Berens Don Berens, Anne Brewer, Ian Davis, Jim Dean, Robyn Rutkiewicz and Sue Thompson met at the Icy Brook parking lot under mostly clear pre-dawn skies. Temperatures stayed in the 20s all day and we often had views. The shaded Lake Road had a dusting of overnight snow and - for the first miles - one set of outbound boot prints. The tiptops of the Wolfjaws displayed a rosy morning alpenglow. We zigzagged up the untracked trail to Indian Head for the view of the Ausable Lakes, still liquid but icy-cold dark gray in the shadows of Colvin and Blake. We barebooted to the trail along Gill Brook where the solo hiker (apparently returning from Colvin) had scratched a message in the snow atop a flat rock: "Good Morning to All". We donned Microspikes before we reached the Elk Pass ponds, and so our trip was no longer pointless. So equipped, we climbed the steep (1,100 feet in 1.0 mile) trail to the ridgetop with ever widening views of the ranges to the west, and another quarter-mile to Nipple Top with views both west and east. We left at 11:30 for the roller coaster descent of the ridge over Dial, Bear Den and the shoulder of Noonmark. Between Dial and

16 the Lake Road we saw two upbound and three downbound hikers; for reasons which shall remain known only to us, this gave Sue great satisfaction. We returned to the cars before 4:00 p.m. and most of us said hello to the US Border Patrol at Northway milepost 100 before dark.

Dec 14 (Wed) SNOWY MTN. Leader: John Sheehan Snowy Mountain is one of the other 54, missing high peak status by only 101 ft. The nose-like feature at the top makes Snowy one the most prominent landmarks in the central Adirondacks. With just a little more than 2000' of ascent over 7.8 miles and with a marked trail, its one of the easier of the highest 100 even though its the highest of the other 54. The trip was advertised as a snowshoe hike when the write-up was submitted in August. Little did we know, however, that we were headed for a snow-less December, even in the central Adirondacks in the direct line of the “lake effects machine.” So on Stableicers and microspikes, a group of 7 hikers—John Antonio, Tom Hart, Lori McCaron, John Susko, Don Berens and Miriam McGiver—joined me as we left the trailhead on NYS Rte 30 just south of the hamlet of Indian Lake. The trail is almost a perfectly designed hiking trail. It has a steady low uphill walk at first which gradually increases in pitch to some significant hand-assist scrambles near the top, giving one plenty of warm up before any real challenge. On this gray overcast December day we did not expect spectacular visibility at the top, but seeing nothing but the inside of a cloud was a bit disappointing. Just below the summit a clearing offered what would have been great views if there were any that day. A short path off to the north of the clearing led to some impressive cliffs, near which even a group of seasoned hikers showed some discomfort. Another hundred yards or so we got to the summit where we ate lunch at the base of the fire tower. Most of us climbed about half way up the tower to get a better view of the inside of the cloud, or maybe just because it was there. I guess that's just what hikers do.

Jan 6 (Fri) NORTH CREEK RESERVOIR Leader: John Sheehan The newly re-routed Schaefer trail leaves the N. Creek recreation area and climbs Gore Mtn. along Roaring brook. The trail follows the brook for almost a mile as it cascades down the mountainside, offering spectacular scenery the entire way. I hiked Gore Mtn. along this route in the fall after the now infamous rainy season of 2011. In November the brook was swelled with rain, and I wanted to experience it in the winter as it flowed over a buildup of ice surrounded by snow drifts. Well, there was some buildup of ice and after a two month dry period, a little bit of water could be heard flowing underneath it, but there was still no snow to speak of. So we made our way on Stableicers and Microspikes to our destination, the North Creek Reservoir. This was not a spectacular destination in itself, but it is the headwaters of the Roaring Brook and made for a nice B level hike. As it turned out, the stream was somewhat of a disappointment, but we had a group of strong hikers and we made it to the reservoir well before anyone was ready for lunch. I suggested that we consider going on a little further, possibly to a clearing near the base of one of Gore Mountain's Chair lifts. This was a nice place for lunch that we found quite by accident the first time we hiked in this area. After looking at the map however, (something that did not exist at the time of the previous trip) we decided to go to Rabbit Pond, about 0.5 mile further, toward the Raymond Brook Ski Trail. Rabbit Pond is an interesting little wetland expanded by beaver activity that was a nice scenic spot to have a lunch break. After a relaxing lunch and again referring to the map, we decided to return via the Ski Bowl Connector Trail to our point of departure at the North Creek Recreation Area. Joining me on this adventure were Karen and Jeff Ross and Louie, Lori McCaron, John Antonio, Jim Owen, Marie Rosenblatt and Katie Henrickson.

Jan 17 (Tue) CAT AND THOMAS MOUNTAINS Leader: John Antonio This hike was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but the forecast sounded pretty dismal, so with some quick emails and phone calls, it was decided we would go on Monday. It was a great choice weather-wise, but regrettably we lost four hikers because of the date change. We three started out in the crisp, minus three degree sunshine with microspikes. And thus the "snowless" winter continues. The plan was to go up the "woods" trail to the cabin on Thomas Mountain, but where the heck does it start? Not finding the trail meant a quick adjustment in plans so we headed to Cat first and hoped to find the "missing" trail on the way back. On the summit of Cat we could see all the way up to the High Peaks and down below to an open Lake George. We also discovered some new signage and a newly marked trail to Edgecomb Pond. We took the ridge trail to Thomas and on the way marveled at the number of turkey and grouse tracks found in the light snow covering. As it turned out, lunch IN the cabin at Thomas felt pretty good, considering the outside temperatures. As we left the cabin, we did find our missing trail and followed it to where we discovered its sign and where the first set of trail markers had been removed. Yes - as it turned out, the next day was an icy rain. Our group included Lori McCarron, Jim Coward and the leader.

Feb 3 (Fri) PHARAOH LAKE WILDERNESS HOT DOG ROAST Leader: John Antonio "Yo, Antonio, hey dude". This was the theme of the day. Too modest the tell the story of his own great hike, I as his ghost writer have to do it for him. It seems that a few hikes ago, the leader was referred to this way in a 10:00 p.m. phone call the night before the hike by a would-be participant. As it turned out, the hike was full at that point, and we never did get to meet this character. But the story lived on and one of the more creative members of our hiking group felt the need to memorialize the incident So he had t- shirts made (non-cotton of course) with ADK written on the front and "Yo Antonio" across the back. During our lunch break, with our leader off in the woods to find a facilitree, we all put on the shirts and greeted him upon his return. The laughter set the tone for the rest of the lunch break which happened to be the now popular "hot dog roast." This has become an annual tradition for this leader, when he picks an interesting destination with a shelter and a fire pit to have a hot dog roast. It’s usually not a rigorous hike since we do have to carry a grill, charcoal, hot dogs with all the fixings and even some firewood. This year, the plan was to set off into the Pharaoh Lake area and decide on one of the many shelters there. We ended up at Grizzle Ocean for

lunch, but with strong group of hikers (all varsity players) we had the time to hike around the pond before lunch and also visit Clear Pond on the way out. This year's participants were Tom Hart, Claudia Rosenholz, Andy Janz, John Sheehan, Marie Rosenblatt, Barb Northrup, Lori McCarron, Craig Bock, and the leader. This hike gets more interesting every year; I can't wait till next year.

Feb 7 (Tue) THACHER PARK Leader: John Antonio Sometimes what you read IS true. This hike, advertised in The Cloudsplitter, Vol. 75, No. 1 stated that this park is perennially rated as the Number One park for hiking in the Capital District. The calls came in and by the day of the hike we had a total of eleven chapter members of varying experience raring to go. The first two calls were from experienced and solid hikers who informed the leader that they hadn't been out in quite awhile and felt that this hike would be an appropriate one to get their hiking legs back. It was promised that we would go at a relaxed pace and hike for four hours or so. Decked out in microspikes, stabilizers and the like, we left the Hop Field picnic area and poked around a good portion of the trails on the south side of Route 157. We had lunch on the hill at the lean-to that was once the site of the old Helderberg Ski Club. Throughout the hike, conversations flowed freely. Overheard from the new members were how enjoyable it was to be out with the group and how they promised to be joining us on future trips. We were back to our cars about four hours after we started and seemed to be fulfilled and happy with the day's adventure. Trecking in Thacher were Lori McCarron, Sharon Bonk, Anita Wahlen, Joan Grusensly, Dick Hihm, Joanne Hihm, Alan Via and Bookah, Steve Cornell, Anneliese Lawson, Tom Hart and Molly, and the leader.

Feb 14 (Tue) PEAKED MOUNTAIN POND Leader: Katie Henrikson The Peaked Mountain trail turned out to be a model of icy winter conditions, with many stretches of smooth, slick, shiny ice. Microspikes and Stabilicers saved the day. In our congenial group of seven, no one continued to the top of Peaked Mountain, which we thought would be really icy. Having a good day in what passes for winter this year were Dale Blanchet, Joan Grusensky, Ray Henrikson, Lori McCarron, Susan Roberts, Tom Ryan, and the leader.

WIN A PRIZE—OPT OUT TODAY REDUCE OUR CHAPTER PRINTING COSTS AND HELP OUR CHAPTER GO GREEN!

Do your part to conserve energy and Chapter resources and win a prize. For the next three months (April to June, 2012) we will enter you in the Opt Out Raffle if you “Opt Out” of the printed Cloudsplitter in this time period. Three winners will be drawn to win prizes of a $25 gift certificate each. The drawing will be held at the June 12th Membership meeting.

We need your help! Almost 50% ($10,000– $11,000) of our budget is for the publication of the printed Cloudsplitter, and US postal rates are due to increase. The Cloudsplitter will always be available to members who want it, but there is a value and a benefit to going paperless. The savings we hope to realize will give us more resources for Chapter projects and activities that can benefit the Albany membership and our outdoor community.

Advantages! Our website now offers easy access to an Interactive Outings Calendar, current events, forums and the ability to view or print the current Cloudsplitter. An archive of prior years’ issues is included as well. The Cloudsplitter online is also available 2-3 weeks before the issue arrives in your mailbox.

Act now and go to our recently redesigned website at www.adk-albany.org/ and click on the “Electronic Cloudsplitter” button on the home page that will bring you to the “Opt Out” page for the printed Cloudsplitter. It just takes a minute or two and you’ll be entered to win a prize. Note: If there is a QR code on this issue’s cover, you can scan it to be directed to the opt out page.

ALBANY CHAPTER of the ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB ANNUAL BANQUET TUESDAY MAY 8, 2012 Celebrating ADK's 90th Anniversary

Mallozzi’s Clubhouse at Western Turnpike Golf Course 2350 Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084 (518-456-9837)

Gathering begins @ 6:00 PM, Buffet Dinner @ 7:00 PM MARK BOWIE

Join nature photographer Mark Bowie, a specialist on night photography, for his spectacular multimedia presentation “Night over the North Country.” Some of Nature’s most spectacular beauty and solitude are reserved for the Adirondack landscape at night. Nighttime drops a cloak of anonymity over the land. Above, the indigo sky is dotted with multi-colored stars, brilliantly beaming planets, and distant RAFFLE: Mark Bowie has donated a 25” x 17” mattedconstellations. and framed photo Stars to be wander raffled off for the benefit of the Adirondack Mountain Club. This year’sparabolic photo is pathsfrom his across “Light the of Midnight” project and has a framed value in excess of $350.00. Proceedssky, and from the the moon raffle launches will go to the ADK Wilderness Legal Defense Fund which enables ADKitself to pursueinto its legal trajectory actions. toAt protect our precious natural resources. See www.markbowie.com. night, the camera allows us to record phenomena we are physically incapable of $29.00 BUFFET INCLUDES: Garden Salad, Pan Searedseeing. Wild SalmonLong exposures with Lobster Beurre Blanc Sauce, Chicken Marsala, Sliced Sirloin of Beef, Eggplantcapture Rollatini, objects inPenne motion, Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Vegcreatingetables and metaphors Dinner Rolls for ;the Villa Italia Pastries & Cookies, Coffee & Tea. passage of time and the RESERVATION DEADLINE ---TUESDAYseasons. MAY People 1 ,and 20 1the2 Mail checks payable to “Albany Chapter ADK,wildlife” with your are reservationcreatures ofform the to: ADK Banquet, PO Box 2116, Empire State Plazanight, Station, their behavior Albany, NY 12220 impacted by it and entwined ------Return thiswith section it. Come------experience------the ------unimaginable beauty, Name mystery, awe and wonder of Address the Adirondacks at night. Phone e-mail #Attending_____@ $29 = $ I wish to purchase # ____raffle tickets @ $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 for a total of = $ Reserve # _____ seats at a Singles Table #_____seats at a Paddlers Table Total = $ This form is available at our Albany Chapter ADK website: www.adk-albany.org

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mailed From Zip Code 12288

Permit No. 215

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

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED