The Cloudsplitter Vol. 81 No. 1 January – March 2018

Published by the ALBANY CHAPTER of the ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

Message from the Chairman

As you may have heard, the High Peaks trailheads Published quarterly by the Albany Chapter and summits have become very crowded, especially on of the Adirondack Mountain Club. holidays and weekends. For this reason and many others, including: the long drive, my search for relative Albany Chapter ADK solitude and my love for the road less traveled, I would like to suggest you consider these local hikes as a great alternative. Below is a list compiled by our Membership P.O. Box 2116 Chairman, Doug Rosenberry. All the hikes are within an Albany, NY 12220 hour drive of the Capital Region. You can check online www.adk-albany.org for information, maps and directions. Please don’t hike alone, and I hope to see you on the trail! Editors: - Jim Slavin Kathryn Behuniak Albany County (Albany) [email protected] Bennett Hill Preserve (New Scotland) Ann Burns Five Rivers Environmental Education Center [email protected] (Bethlehem) Assistants: Huyck Preserve (Rensselaerville) Virginia Boyle Traver John Boyd Thatcher Park/Emma Treadwell Thatcher Mark Platt Nature Center (Voorheesville) Lawson Lake County Park (Feura Bush) Chris Imperial Peebles Island (Waterford)

Send address changes to: Rensselaer County Adirondack Mountain Club Environmental Education Center 814 Goggins Road (Cropseyville) , NY 12845-4117 (Grafton) Papscanee Island Nature Preserve (E. Greenbush) (518) 668-4447 (phone) Petersburg Pass, (Petersburg) (518) 668-3746 (fax) Schodack Island State Park (Schodack Landing)

For orders or membership: Saratoga County (800) 395-8080 or email [email protected] (Hadley) Hennig Preserve (Middle Grove) (Moreau) Many thanks to Gail Carr for her cover Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve (Clifton Park) sketch of Gingerbread House in the Woods and for her continued support of the Schenectady County Chapter with her time and talent! Christman Sanctuary (Duanesburg) Lisha Kill Preserve (Niskayuna) Business meetings are the 1st Wednesday Plotter Kill Nature Preserve (Rotterdam) Schenectady Co. Forest Preserve (Duanesburg) of each month at 6 p.m. at Little’s Lake in Wilton Wildlife Preserve (Wilton) Menands. Chapter members are encouraged to attend. Call Jim Slavin at Schoharie County (518) 434-4393. Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest (No. Blenheim) (No. Blenheim) Submission deadline for the Spring 2018 Vroman’s Nose (Middleburgh) issue (April - June) is February 15, 2018.

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Combined Activities Schedule

Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Jan 3 Taconic Crest - Robinson Hollow to Madden Road Jordan B 4 Pole Hill Pond Keating B 5-6 Emmons, Donaldson & Seward Berens A 7 Easy Ski Loop: Clear Pond John Pond Martin B 7 Yokun Ridge Sheehan C+ 9 MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING* - Program: Antarctica & Patagonia –Gear Swap 10 Anchor Diamond at Hawkwood Keating C 12 Fifth Peak Antonio B 13 Cliff and Redfield Warren A 14 Leader's Choice Ski McGuire B 15 Hunter Mountain Traverse Pisaneschi A 18 Ski Garnet Hill Boyle Traver B 20 Lake George Snowshoe and Ice Bar Luchsinger C 20 Trail less Catskill 35 Leader's Choice Siegard/Siegard A+ 21 Sucker Brook Trail X-C Ski Plaat C 23 Breslin C 27 Balsam Lake & Graham Susko A 27 Stony Pond and More Martin B 28 Leader's Choice Ski McGuire B 31 Vischer Ferry Blue Moon Night Hike Keating C Feb 3 Slide Mountain Niland, B 3 Trail less Catskill 35 Leader's Choice Siegard/ Siegard A+ 7 Pine Bush- Great Section Keating C 10 Balsam Mountain Susko B 10 Grafton Lakes Snowshoe Luchsinger C 10 Big Slide Mountain Keating A 11 Leader's Choice Ski McGuire B 13 MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING* - Program: An Adirondack Portfolio 15 Ski Notchview Boyle Traver B 17 Adk Loj - Upper Works Ski Thru McGuire A 17 Black Head Range Traverse Pisaneschi A 17 Haystack, Basin & Saddleback Warren A 21 Noonmark Antonio B+ 21 Grafton/Dickinson Hill Fire Tower Breslin C 22 Moxham Mountain Keating B 24 Berens A 24 O'Neil Flow Lean-To Tirrell Pond Martin B 25 Leader's Choice Ski McGuire B 28 Moreau Lake State Park Keating B Mar 3 Tabletop and Phelps Berens A 3 Trail Less Catskill 35 Leader's Choice Siegard/ Siegard A+ 4 Leader's Choice Ski McGuire B 5 Mt. Van Hoevenberg Boyle Traver/Antonio B 7 Outer Gooley Club Ski Sheehan B 7 Cat and Thomas Mountains Keating B 10 Plateau Mountain Susko B+ 10 Street and Nye Keating A 13 MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING* - Program: ADK helps Albany Rural Cemetery 14 Hennig Preserve & Homestead County Forest Keating C 17 Santanoni, Panther, & Couchsachraga Warren A 17 Balsam Lake and Graham Siegard/ Siegard B+ 17 Huyck Preserve - Rensselaerville Luchsinger C 21 Moreau Lake State Park from Lake Bonita Side Keating B 23 Albany County Rail Trail Beach B 30 Schodack Island State Park Breslin C

*Monthly Chapter meetings are held at the West Albany Firehouse (Station #1), 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany starting at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments being served.

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Rules and Recommendations for ADK Chapter Outings:

† Life jackets (PFDs) must be worn on any ADK paddling trip while on the water. (You need to wear AND properly secure your PFD.)

† Participants are expected to have a realistic knowledge of their own ability to select activities within their capabilities and to carry clothing, food and equipment appropriate to the trip.

† Participants must be willing to accept the authority of the trip leader and to cooperate with him or her and other party members to make the trip safe and enjoyable.

† Participants should inform the leader if they feel unduly tired or if the trip is exceeding their capability. Concealing such information to avoid embarrassment or other reasons endangers the safety of all participants.

† Participants must not leave the party at any time without permission of the leader. Participants must not leave the trip area until all party members have safely returned, unless given permission by the trip leader.

† Party Coordination: It is recommended that leaders establish procedures to ensure the cohesiveness of the group. They should explain the concept of having a leader and sweep and stress the importance of maintaining contact within the group

† Safety Considerations: It is recommended that trip leaders and participants observe reasonable safety precautions and that all trip decisions be made with safety as the primary concern.

A leader may curtail further participation by an individual and amend trip objectives if, in the leader's judgment, the safety of the individual or group requires such action.

It is recommended that if a trip participant is unable to continue with the trip and must turn back that he or she be accompanied by at least one other person.

Suggested Gear For All Seasons: Winter Add-ons Water (2-3 quarts) Sturdy Boots Extra Socks Extra Food Waterproof Matches Headlamp Hat/Gloves Ski Pole or Ice Axe Map & Compass Emergency Blanket Food Skis or Snowshoes Sunglasses/Sunscreen First Aid Kit Crampons Layered Clothing (NO Wind and rain shell Warm Liquids cotton) Extra Sweater or Jacket Extra Layers

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ACTIVITIES RATINGS

Each outing listed in this issue is rated by the leader for its level of effort. Remember that “level of effort” is not the same as the level of difficulty! A “moderate” hike for a physically fit person may mean a very strenuous hike for a novice or unconditioned person.

It is incumbent on each participant to know their own level of fitness and limitations. The trip leader will ask questions about your experience, fitness, equipment, medical condition, expectations, etc. Be Honest!

RATING LEVEL OF FEET OF MILES TIME HIKING EFFORT ELEVATION (HOURS) GAIN A+ Very strenuous 4,000+ 10+ 10+ A Strenuous 3,000+ 5-10 8-10 B+ Moderately 2,000+ 5-10 6-8 Strenuous 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

PADDLING RATING MILES PORTAGES WATER CLASS A 12+ Long (1/2 mile+) II - Whitewater

B 6-12 Short I - Moving

C Under 6 None Flat

RATING MILES TERRAIN BIKING A 30+ Moderate to steep B 15-30 Moderate

C Under 15 Flat to Moderate

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.

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!

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leader on or before Thursday, January 4th if you ACTIVITIES are interested. No calls after 9:00 p.m. please. This trip will involve a relatively long drive, so we'll try for DESCRIPTION an early start. Leader: Keith Martin, (518) 859- 9018, [email protected].

Jan 7 (Sun) YOKUN RIDGE (C+) Jan 3 (Wed) TACONIC CREST Yokun Ridge is a great little hike and not too far ROBINSON HOLLOW TO away in Lenox, MA (near Tanglewood). From the MADDEN ROAD (B) Olivia's overlook parking area, there is a short loop We'll spot cars and hike the section from Robinson to the north to a small pond. It's only a 3 mile loop Hollow Road to Madden Road. Total distance will but we can extend it by going on to Lenox Mountain be 6 miles, with 2000' of ascent. Contact the leader or doing as much or as little of the southern ridge by email only for details and provide your most as the group wants. So let's try out those new recent hiking experience. Leader: Sue Jordan, snowshoes or microspikes that you got for (518) 487-4698, [email protected]. Christmas on this moderate hike at a relaxed pace. Expect a hike of about 5-6 miles with only Jan 4 (Thu) POLE HILL POND (B) moderate elevation gain. Meet at the Defreestville We will hike the blue trail loop, which has some Park & Ride at 8:00 a.m. Leader: John Sheehan, nice views of Lake George and goes around Pole (518) 674-8121, [email protected]. Hill Pond. This hike will be on either snowshoes or microspikes, depending conditions. The total Jan 9 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER distance is about 6 miles, with about 1,600' of MEMBERSHIP MEETING elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487- Used Gear Sale at 6:30 p.m.: Sell your used 8901, [email protected]. outdoor gear and look for some bargains at our annual winter sale. The sale is instead of an Jan 5-6 EMMONS, DONALDSON & education session. Sellers are asked to contribute SEWARD (A) 10% to the Chapter. Please tag your gear with a If the gate on the Corey’s Road is closed, this might price and your name. be a 22-mile A+ hike with 4,250' of climbing. But sometimes the gate is open in early winter; if so, Program: "Antarctica and Patagonia" Don Berens we might cut 6.5 miles off the round trip hike. We'll will take us with him on his adventures in and plan to stay at a North Country motel on Friday around South America and points south. His tour night and get a pre-dawn start on Saturday. Bring includes Tierra del Fuego, the Antarctic Peninsula, full winter gear, lots to eat and drink, a headlamp the Falkland Islands, an Argentine penguin colony, with fresh batteries, and a persevering spirit. Iguaza Falls (taller and wider than Niagara Falls) Contact the leader by January 2, 2018. Leader: and Chilean Patagonia. Not to be missed! Don Berens, [email protected], (518) 783- 1302. Jan 10 (Wed) ANCHOR DIAMOND AT HAWKWOOD (C) Jan 7 (Sun) EASY SKI LOOP: CLEAR This will be an easy hike around the perimeter of POND AND JOHN POND (B) Anchor Diamond Park. Part of the hike goes This is a route to two very scenic ponds for through the ruins of the old Hawkwood estate that beginners to take on modest challenges and hone existed on the property. The estate was first built in their skills. The beginning pitch from the trailhead 1790. The Anthony Kill runs through the property in will require only a few herringbones, then the route a beautiful section of hemlock forest. This hike will to Clear Pond gently rolls through pleasant be on either snowshoes or microspikes, depending hardwoods. The newly cut route between Clear conditions. The total distance is about 4 miles with Pond and John Pond is a little more challenging about 400' elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, with some tighter turns, but we will take it slow and (518) 487-8901, [email protected]. safe. Confidence to safely attain control on several short downhills will be helpful in a few places. The Jan 12 (Fri) FIFTH PEAK (B) route out from John Pond is an easy glide through Fifth Peak is a classic and it's kind of close to conifer cover. We can make a very short side trip home, so it is always worth the effort. This is one to the Savary/King grave markers in "Little of the most popular on the Canada" where Diphtheria decimated the Range, partly because of the promontory beyond community in the late 1800s. Climbing skins are the lean-to, with its exceptional views of the lake. always handy to have along. Please contact the Plan on a five-mile trip with approximately 1300' of 6

elevation change. At this time of year, snowshoes snow or very poor conditions, I will lead a hike in or microspikes are required. Meet at 8 a.m. at the same geographic area. Email contact Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John preferred. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, (518) Antonio, (518) 462-2765 322-0950, [email protected].

Jan 13 (Sat) CLIFF AND REDFIELD (A) Jan 20 (Sat) LAKE GEORGE SNOWSHOE We will have a little bit of everything on this hike - AND GLACIER ICE BAR (C) trails, herd paths, a bushwhack, and hopefully This is an easy snowshoe trip on the trail system of some beautiful views. We will take the trail from the Lake George Recreation Area. After our Upper Works to Flowed Lands, cross Flowed exercise, we will venture to the Sagamore Resort Lands (if it is frozen), and bushwhack up a in Bolton Landing to view their Glacier Ice Bar, drainage to Cliff. We will follow herd paths from Cliff enjoy a unique experience and try their yummy to Redfield, then head out via trails, making a big refreshments. Nearly 10 tons of ice is turned into loop. This trip will be approximately 18 miles, with one of the "hottest coolest bars and lounges" in this approximately 4000' of elevation gain. Leader: beautiful setting on Lake George. As with all winter Claudia Warren, [email protected], (518)364- events, the Ice Bar and Lounge is weather 3857. dependent. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride to carpool. Please contact leader by Jan 14 (Sun) LEADER'S CHOICE SKI (B) 6:00 p.m. Friday for trip details and current snow Due to the unpredictability of the snow coverage in conditions. Leader: Ellen Luchsinger, (518) 235- recent years, I'm not going to choose a location 5526, [email protected]. until the week before the date of the ski trip. I will start with easy routes and progress on to more Jan 20 (Sat) TRAILLESS CATSKILL 35 challenging areas, as the season goes on. Some LEADER'S CHOICE (A+) of the locations I'll be considering are: the Leslie is down to the last 7 of her winter Catskill Rockwood State Forest, the Foxy Brown Loop at peaks. This list includes three A+ trips, the Piseco Airport, the Huyck Preserve, the Ross and Sherrill, Lone and Rocky, and Cornell. Once & Whortleberry Ponds Trail, Northville-Placid (N-P) these are done, Leslie will finish on Balsam Lake Trail from Piseco to Hamilton Lean-to, Stephens and Graham, a B+ hike, and the nicest of trips for and Cascade Ponds, Hoffman's Notch, Groff Creek views. Conditions will dictate today’s hike. Dates from the N-P Trail in Benson, or wherever the snow may also change based on conditions, so call for is good. I will be making my choice the week before updates. We will update the electronic listing as the trip, so contact me for the destination. Email appropriate. North Dome and Sherrill will be hiked contact is preferred. Leader: Tom McGuire, (518) as a traverse. There are many cliffs, so comfort 391-0508, [email protected]. with exposure and experience with ice will be needed. Lone and Rocky will be climbed from Jan 15 (Mon) HUNTER MOUNTAIN Donovan Brook, an easy slide that ascends Lone. TRAVERSE (A) The trip down will be direct from Rocky to the At 4,040 feet, Hunter is the second highest peak in Neversink, which is a beautiful walk along a the Catskills and has a fire tower. Starting from the nationally famous trout fishing stream. Cornell will Spruceton Trailhead off County Route 6, we'll be hiked from Moon Haw Road or over Wittenburg begin our hike on the Diamond Notch trail and from Woodland Valley, depending on conditions, return via the Spruceton Trail. It will be an 8 mile as too much ice on the ";Cornell Crack" (on the hike, with about 2,000' of climbing. Leader: Dave Wittenburg side of Cornell), may make the Pisaneschi, (518) 459-5969, [email protected]. approach from Wittenburg too risky. These will be long days with potential for bushwhacking, Jan 18 (Thu) SKI GARNET HILL (B) breaking trail, ice, cliffs and stream crossings. Garnet Hill cross-country ski center in North River Winter gear including crampons and snowshoes has 55 kilometers of groomed trails for skiers of will be required. Previous winter and ice hiking varied ability. This resort differs from others experience required. No calls after 9 p.m. Leaders: because many trails offer beautiful Adirondack Leslie Siegard, [email protected]; (518) views. In addition, since trails begin at a high point 577-3468, or Steve Siegard, (518) 915-2309, and end at lower elevation, skiers have the option [email protected]. of taking a bus from the lower area back to the top. We will begin together and then split up onto Jan 21 (Sun) SUCKER BROOK TRAIL whatever trails appeal to us, meeting again for X-C SKI- (C) lunch and at the end of the day. Garnet Hill charges The Sucker Brook Trail starts near the Lewey Lake a day use fee of $22 ($18 for seniors). If there is no State Campground, an approximately two-hour 7

drive from Albany. We will meet to carpool and Jan 31 (Wed) VISCHER FERRY - BLUE possibly stop for dinner on the way home. The trail MOON NIGHT HIKE (C) was recently cleared of blow down by the Chapter The night hike will start at the Whipple Bridge and and should be a pleasant trail to ski with some "old take us along the tow path to the former Lock 19 of growth woods." We'll ski to the height of land about the original . From there, we will 2 miles with just a few hundred feet of elevation backtrack a bit and do a loop out toward the gain, affording us a gentle downhill return. Meet at , then toward Clute's Dry Dock, and 8 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: back to Whipple Bridge. Hopefully we will have Mark Plaat, [email protected], (518) 462- clear skies for this full moon hike and be able to 4062. walk under moonlight only, as opposed to using headlamps. The total distance is about 4.5 miles Jan 23 (Tue) CHERRY PLAIN STATE with little elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, PARK (C) (518) 487-8901, [email protected]. This winter season I am concentrating on State Parks in Rensselaer County. Cherry Plain is Feb 3 (Sat) SLIDE MOUNTAIN (B) nearby, making it a short drive to winter fun. I have Slide Mountain is one of the more moderate 4,000 never hiked or snowshoed at Cherry Plain. We will foot peaks in the Catskills. This loop hike will gain explore together. We will go 4-6 miles, and the 1,800' and is 6.3 miles round-trip. We will hike at a weather will determine if the trip is a hike or a moderate pace and participants should have snowshoe. Let's hope for snow! All trails in this snowshoes and microspikes. This is a co-outing system are rated for snowshoeing. The final route with the Northville-Placid Trail Chapter. Please will be chosen as a group. I prefer e-mail sign-ups contact Diana via email by January 20th for details. but cell phone is also acceptable. Final details and Leader: Diana Niland, [email protected], meet-up location will be sent out two days before (518) 320-6598. the trip. Leader: Paul Breslin, (518) 810-8970, [email protected]. Feb 3 (Sat) TRAILLESS CATSKILL 35 LEADER'S CHOICE (A+) Jan 27 (Sat) BALSAM LAKE & GRAHAM (A) See description for January 20th. has a fire tower and Graham has good views near the summit. Both are Feb 7 (Wed) PINE BUSH - GREAT DUNES on the list of Catskill 3500' peaks. We'll hike in from SECTION (C) the Mill Brook Road trailhead, mostly along old This hike will be a large loop around the Great woods roads. The distance is about 10 miles with Dunes Section of the Pine Bush. We may extend about 2000' of ascent. At this time of year the hike into the Madison Avenue Pineland area as snowshoes, crampons or other traction devices well. The Albany Pine Bush represents one of the may be needed. Leader: John Susko, (518) 383- best remaining examples of an inland pine-barrens 1284, [email protected]. ecosystem in the world, with gently rolling sand plains and dunes. The total distance is about 7 Jan 27 (Sat) STONY POND AND MORE (B) miles. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487-8901, This is a short but moderately strenuous trip, with [email protected]. a few longer uphill pitches. The hike leads to a lean-to which rests upon the shores of a moderate- Feb 10 (Sat) BALSAM MOUNTAIN (B) sized lake with an irregular shoreline. Ability to Balsam Mountain is one of the Catskill 3500 club efficiently climb and to safely attain control on required winter peaks and has good views near the downhills will be necessary. Climbing skins are summit. We'll start the hike from McKinley Hollow. always handy to have along for those who take it Depending on conditions, we may do this as a slow on the longer up-hills. Depending upon bushwhack up and/or down for a distance of 4-6 conditions, number of drivers, and collective ability miles with 2000' of ascent. At this time of year of the group, there are some options to explore snowshoes and crampons or other traction devices beyond the lake or maybe do a longer ski-through may be needed. Leader: John Susko, (518) 383- past Falls Brook Lodge and out (which elevates 1284, [email protected]. this trip to B+ rating). Please contact the leader on or before Thursday, January 25th if you are Feb 10 (Sat) GRAFTON LAKES interested. No calls after 9:00 p.m. please. Leader: SNOWSHOE (C) Keith Martin, (518) 859-9018, [email protected]. We will snowshoe at Grafton Lakes State Park, doing an easy loop of Long Pond for about 3+ Jan 28 (Sun) LEADER'S CHOICE SKI (B) miles. Meet at 1 p.m. at Brunswick Walmart Park & See description for January 14th. Ride on NYS Rt. 7 (760 Hoosick Road, Troy) or at 8

1:30 p.m. at the park's main parking lot. We'll have are recommended but not required. We will try to a social after the outing. Contact leader for sign-up, accommodate the direction you wish to ski, but details and snow conditions by 7 p.m. on Friday. because of the need to balance out the passengers Leader: Ellen Luchsinger, (518) 235-5526, in the cars, the final decision will be up to the [email protected]. leaders. Leader: Tom McGuire, (518) 391-0508, [email protected]. Feb 10 (Sat) BIG SLIDE MOUNTAIN (A) We will start from the Garden Parking area and Feb 17 (Sat) RANGE climb over the Brothers along the way to the top of TRAVERSE (A) Big Slide Mountain. We will return via John's Brook We'll spot cars at the Barnum and Lodge, then back to the Garden for a nice loop. The Valley Road trail heads. The Blackhead Range is total distance is about 10 miles with about 2800' of made up of the third, fourth, and fifth highest elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487- mountains in the Catskills: Black Dome (3990 feet), 8901, [email protected]. Blackhead (3940 feet), and Thomas Cole (3940 feet). The Range is located in the northern Catskills Feb 11 (Sun) LEADER'S CHOICE SKI (B) (north of Hunter Mtn.) in Greene County. Total See description for January 14th. distance will be about 8.5 miles with about 2,000' of climbing Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, (518) 459- Feb 13 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER 5969, [email protected]. MEMBERSHIP MEETING Education Session at 6:30 p.m.: To be announced. Feb 17 (Sat) HAYSTACK, BASIN, Program: "An Adirondack Portfolio 1902-1935" SADDLEBACK (A) Bob Bayle will share with us the book he has Each of these three summits offers magnificent written about his father, Francis Bayle, an avid views, well worth the effort to get to them. We will hiker and Adirondack photographer and editor of start from the Garden and climb Haystack first, High Spots magazine in the 1930s. Come see then work our way out over Basin and Saddleback. many of his father's timeless photos of our favorite This trip will be approximately 19.5 miles and places, and perhaps some new ones. Leader: Cliff approximately 5200' of elevation gain. Leader: Prewencki, (518) 768-2907, [email protected]. Claudia Warren, [email protected], (518) 364- 3857. Feb 15 (Thu) SKI NOTCHVIEW (B) Notchview cross-country ski center in Windsor, Feb 21 (Wed) NOONMARK (B+) MA, has 40 kilometers of groomed trails, 16 km of It will be winter up there on Noonmark, a peak that which are for classic skiers and 17 km for skate features some of the best vistas in the skiers. To me, this resort differs from others Adirondacks. How can you not be excited?! This because its trails have a rural farm aspect with will be a 6.6 mile round trip with 2000' of elevation views of the . We will begin together and gain. We will climb via Round Pond and the Felix then split up onto whatever trails appeal to us, Adler Trail. The last winter trips required not only meeting again for lunch and at the end of the day. aggressive snowshoes and microspikes, but we Notchview charges a day use fee of $15. If there is also found crampons and a rope to be very helpful. no snow or very poor conditions, I will lead a hike Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. in the Berkshires. Email contact preferred. Leader: Leader: John Antonio, (518) 462-2765. Virginia Boyle Traver, [email protected], (518) 322-0950. Feb 21 (Wed) GRAFTON/DICKINSON HILL FIRE TOWER (C) Feb 17 (Sat) ADK LOJ - UPPER WORKS This winter season I am concentrating on State SKI THRU (A) Parks in Rensselaer County. Grafton is nearby, This is a joint ski trip with the Schenectady making a short drive to winter fun. This will be a Chapter. We will have two groups, one starting two phase hike/snow shoe. We will hike the 2.7 from the Upper Works and skiing north through the mile round-trip trail to the fire tower first. At that Flowed Lands and the second starting at the Loj point, those who want to go home, can. Those who and skiing south through Avalanche Pass. The two want more can hike/snowshoe around Long Pond, groups will meet up in the Lake Colden area, have about another 3 miles. Let’s hope for snow! Friends lunch, exchange keys and continue on in our of Grafton have just upgraded the Fire Tower Trail respective directions. We will later meet for dinner with historical signage. I prefer e-mail sign-ups, but and swap cars again. Distance is about 14 miles. cell phone is also acceptable. Final details and Since both directions will require climbing, skins meet-up location will be sent out two days before the trip. Be sure to include your phone number (cell 9

if you have one) when signing up. Leader: Paul Mar 3 (Sat) TABLETOP AND PHELPS (A) Breslin, (518) 810-8970, [email protected]. We'll hike 12.5 miles and over 3,600' to Tabletop, a herd path peak with views through the trees, and Feb 22 (Thu) MOXHAM MOUNTAIN (B) Phelps, a trailed peak with broad views. Bring full This is a nice, small, 2418 foot mountain with many winter gear, lots to eat and drink, a headlamp with beautiful overlooks and scenic views. Much of this fresh batteries, and a persevering spirit. We will hike is along a ridge in the Vanderwhacker depart Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride at 4:30 a.m. Mountain Wild Forest. The total distance is about Leader: Don Berens, (518) 783-1302, 5.4 miles with about 1150' of elevation gain. [email protected]. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487-8901, [email protected]. Mar 3 (Sat) TRAIL LESS CATSKILL 35 LEADER'S CHOICE (A+) Feb 24 (Sat) MOUNT COLDEN (A) See description for January 20th. We'll hike about 13 miles round trip, with about 2,900' of climbing from the Adirondack Loj. Bring Mar 4 (Sun) LEADER'S CHOICE SKI (B) full winter gear, lots to eat and drink, a headlamp See description for January 14th. with fresh batteries, and a persevering spirit. We will depart Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride at 4:30 Mar 5 (Mon) MT. VAN HOEVENBERG (B) a.m. Leader: Don Berens, (518) 783-1302, has spectacular views of [email protected]. the High Peaks for a reasonable amount of effort. Let's see what those views are like in winter! Join Feb 24 (Sat) O'NEIL FLOW LEAN-TO / John Antonio and I for this out-and-back snowshoe TIRRELL POND (B) outing of 4.4 miles with 750' of elevation gain. This is a beautiful, moderately strenuous section of Despite the modest amount of miles and elevation, the Northville Placid Trail. Tirrell Pond lean-to is I am giving this trip a "B" rating because of more located at the far north end of Tirrell Pond. Skiing demanding winter conditions. We are considering the shoreline of Tirrell Pond can be tedious, so if March 7th as a back-up date in case poor weather conditions permit we may ski a straight shot over forces us to cancel on the 5th. Email contact for the frozen pond. Ability to efficiently climb and to Virginia preferred. Leaders: Virginia Boyle Traver, safely attain control on downhills will be necessary, [email protected], (518) 322-0950; John especially on the open hardwood slopes that are Antonio, (518) 462-2765. on the southern approach to O'Neil Flow (our way in) and descent from O'Neil Flow (our way back to Mar 7 (Wed) OUTER GOOLEY CLUB SKI (B) our cars). Climbing skins are always handy to have I like to schedule this trip late in the winter to assure along for those who take it slow on the longer up- a good snow pack. Last year we had a monster hills. This trip will involve a relatively long drive, so snow storm that crippled the entire northeast and we will get an early start. If interested, please we couldn't get there. The year before we had no contact the leader on or before Thursday, February snow at all. We will hope for a goldilocks year and 22nd. No calls after 9:00 p.m. please. Leader: ski about 10 miles from the winter parking area on Keith Martin, (518) 859-9018, [email protected]. Chain Lakes Road to the Cedar River. The trip will be on an old logging road, which is wide enough Feb 25 (Sun) LEADER'S CHOICE SKI (B) for intermediate skiers to negotiate the few hills See description for January 14th. along the way. As an intermediate skier myself, I find the hills more fun than challenging. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride at 8:00 Feb 28 (Wed) MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK a.m. Leader: John Sheehan, (518) 674-8121, FROM MOREAU LAKE (B) [email protected]. We will start at the Visitor's Center of Moreau Lake State Park off of the Northway Exit 17. We will Mar 7 (Wed) CAT AND THOMAS proceed on the Red Ridge trail and then climb MOUNTAINS (B) up the Moreau Overlook trail. Proceeding north We will proceed up to Cat Mountain first and then across the Palmerton Ridge, we will come to the backtrack to Thomas. Some of these trails are in West Ridge Trail and proceed north. Eventually we woods and others are on old roads. The views from will descend to the lakes and cross the causeway both mountains are good, with Cat having and make our way back following Moreau Lake. spectacular views of Lake George. The total The total distance is about 8 miles with about 1200' distance is approximately 8 miles, with about 1800' of elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) of elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487-8901, [email protected]. 487-8901, [email protected]. 10

Mar 10 (Sat) PLATEAU MOUNTAIN (B+) approximately 4700' of elevation gain. Leader: We'll take the Warner Creek trail up to the summit Claudia Warren, [email protected], (518) 364- of Plateau (one of the Catskill 3500' peaks) and 3857. continue on to a good view point, before returning the same way. This route will take us past four Mar 17 (Sat) BALSAM LAKE AND scenic views and is longer, but less steep than GRAHAM (B+) other approaches to Plateau. The distance is 8-9 This hike will complete Leslie's Winter Catskill goal. miles with about 2000' of ascent. At this time of While there are limited views on Graham, Balsam year snowshoes and crampons or other traction Lake has a restored fire tower with great views. devices may be needed. Leader: John Susko, The ruins of the post WWII repeater radio station (518) 383-1284, [email protected]. on Graham will provide some interest. Distance is around 8 miles, with 1900' of elevation gain. Winter Mar 10 (Sat) STREET AND NYE (A) gear, including crampons and snowshoes, will be Street and Nye Mountains are high peak numbers required. Graham is trailless, but is approached via 31 and 46 on the list of the 46 High Peaks. Winter an old logging road, which may have blowdown is often a good time to do these peaks for the best and could be deteriorated. No calls after 9 p.m. views and an easier stream crossing. There are please. Leaders: Leslie Siegard, (518) 577-3468, some good views from the top of Street and along [email protected]; Steve Siegard, (518) the way. The total distance for this trip is 8.5 miles 915-2309, [email protected]. with about 2350' of elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487-8901, [email protected]. Mar 17 (Sat) HUYCK PRESERVE - RENSSELAERVILLE (C) Mar 13 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER March conditions can be tricky, either with plenty of MEMBERSHIP MEETING snow, signs of spring, or something in between. At Education Session at 6:30 p.m.: To be announced. the Huyck Preserve we will snowshoe or hike by Program: ADK joins efforts with Albany Rural the falls and Lake Myosotis for 3-5 miles on easy Cemetery. Jim Slavin and Michael Redlick, to moderate well-marked trails. "Wearing of the secretary of the Board of Directors of the Albany Green" is optional. We will meet at 10 a.m. Call Rural Cemetery in Menands, will discuss the leader by 7 p.m. Friday for snow conditions and recent joint trail restoration project in the Albany outing details. Leader: Ellen Luchsinger, (518) Rural Cemetery by the Albany chapter of the ADK 235-5526, [email protected]. and members of the ARC. Mike will talk about this historic cemetery, founded in 1841. The cemetery Mar 21 (Wed) MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK has 467 acres of beauty and tranquility in the heart FROM LAKE BONITA SIDE (B) of the Capital Region, with an incredible range of We will start at the Wilton Mountain Road parking plants, flowers, trees and wildlife. area of Moreau Lake State Park. Then we will proceed to the north around Lake Bonita and head toward the West Ridge Trail. From there we will Mar 14 (Wed) HENNIG PRESERVE AND climb across the Palmertown Ridge and cross to HOMESTEAD COUNTY the south side, eventually making our way to Lake FOREST (C) Ann. We will then proceed to the south side of Lake We will explore about 6 miles of this open space Bonita and back to the cars. The total distance is which is partly owned by Saratoga PLAN and part about 8.5 miles with approximately 1500' of Homestead County Forest. The total distance is elevation gain. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487- about 6 miles, with about 700' elevation gain. 8901, [email protected]. Leader: Ralph Keating, (518) 487-8901, [email protected]. Mar 23 (Fri) ALBANY COUNTY RAIL TRAIL BIKE TRIP (B) Mar 17 (Sat) SANTANONI, PANTHER, In anticipation of suitable weather and trail COUCHSACHRAGA (A) conditions, it is time to welcome Spring with a 19- The Santanonis can be a remote and beautiful mile ride on this nearby trail. Five miles are hard winter wonderland in mid-March. We will follow the paved and 3+ miles have a gravel surface. We plan marked trail to Bradley Pond and then follow herd to do the paved part and then continue on the paths to Panther first, Couchsachraga next, and gravel section for those wanting additional finally Santanoni. We will make a big loop, exercise. Leader: Charlie Beach, (518) 459-9127, following the "Express Trail" down from Santanoni. [email protected]. The hike will be approximately 15 miles and

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Mar 30 (Fri) SCHODACK ISLAND STATE miles. The weather will determine if this outing is PARK (C) a hike or a snow shoe. I prefer e-mail sign-ups This winter season I am concentrating on State but cell phone is also acceptable. Final details Parks in Rensselaer County. Schodack Island is and meet-up location will be sent out two days nearby, making a short drive to winter fun. It may before the trip. Be sure to include your phone be late to snow shoe, but let's hope for snow! number (cell if you have one) when signing up. This park is VERY flat. Trails are right along the Leader: Paul Breslin, (518) 810-8970, in several spots. We will hike 4-6 [email protected].

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ALBANY CHAPTER - OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Chairperson James Slavin 518-434-4393 [email protected] Vice Chairperson Cliff Prewencki 518-768-2907 [email protected] Treasurer Jim Coward 518-915-1924 [email protected] Recording Secretary Gerry Magnes 518-810-7000 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary Vacant Members at Large Carl Klinowski 518-274-8410 [email protected] Don Berens 518-783-1302 [email protected]

Representatives to the Board John Sheehan 518-674-8121 [email protected] Kathleen Gansfuss 518-461-5263 [email protected] John Gansfuss 518-461-2085 [email protected] Finance Marina Migliore 518-256-0609 [email protected]

Audio Video Jake Bortscheller 518-724-4452 jmcnair2lcg.org Jonathan McNair

Banquet Kathleen Gansfuss 518-461-5263 [email protected] Cloudsplitter Kathryn Behuniak 518-265-3689 [email protected] Ann Burns 518-506-9475 [email protected] Conservation David Pisaneschi 518-459-5969 [email protected] Education Vacant Membership Doug Rosenberry 518-356-3142 [email protected] Nominations Mark Janey 518-925-4989 [email protected] Outings Virginia Boyle Traver 518-322-0950 [email protected] Paddlers Erica Lovrin 518-424-3582 [email protected] Alison Zoske 518-257-0682 [email protected] Programs Vacant Public Information Vacant Refreshments Ellen Luchsinger 518-235-5526 [email protected] Trails Gene Reilly 518-281-7796 [email protected] Ways and Means Sue Jordan 518-765-5564 [email protected] Web Master Ted Letcher 301-651-8244 [email protected] Wilderness Dave Pisaneschi 518-459-5969 [email protected] Young Adults Josh Baker 518-728-6419 [email protected]

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CONSERVATION NOTES

Storage of Railroad Cars in the Adirondacks

Iowa Pacific has been storing obsolete oil tanker rail cars on a nearly 30 mile stretch of railroad line called “the Tahawus line” or the “Sandford Spur”. This section runs from north of North Creek, over the confluence of the Hudson and Boreas Rivers, to the old National Lead mine in Tahawus. The railroad crosses thirteen miles of state owned Forest Preserve.

History The federal government took the Tahawus line via eminent domain condemnation at the start of World War II in 1942 so that ore containing titanium oxide could be shipped from Tahawus. The Forest Preserve has a special status under the Forever Wild clause of the state constitution so the federal government was granted a temporary easement for the duration of the war, plus 15 years. Use was limited to the “transport of strategic materials vital to war effort.” By 1962, titanium was no longer strategic and the federal government’s General Services Administration (GSA), sought to sell the “temporary easement”. The GSA persuaded the Federal Court in Albany to extend the temporary easement for 100 years to 2062. The last load of processed ore left the mine by rail in 1982, but final rock hauling operations did not cease until 1989. Iowa Pacific, doing business as the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad (SNCRR), acquired the Tahawus right-of-way (ROW) and rails in 2011 intending to operate a tourist train, but passenger service on the Tahawus line never happened.

Iowa Pacific’s Proposal Edward Ellis, president of Iowa Pacific, maintained that the railroad needed a new source of revenue to pay for track maintenance. He proposed entering into contracts with the owners of obsolete oil tankers to store large numbers (maybe between 1,000 and 2,000) of these railcars on the Tahawus Spur. Mr. Ellis claimed the cars had been cleaned internally and did not pose a hazard to the environment. As of November 4, 2017, 53 oil tankers had been stored on a siding about four miles north of the Hudson River. The Tahawus Spur only has 2.97 miles of siding, which could store between 230 and 250 tank cars. In order to store any more tank cars, the SNCRR would have to block the single track main line thereby preventing any freight or passenger trains from operating between Tahawus and North Creek.

ADK’s Position ADK believes any storage of cars on the main line would violate the purpose of the original condemnation and that the state Attorney General could sue to force a reversion of the condemned rail ROW and return it to the Adirondack Forest Preserve. ADK believes that the storage of derelict rail cars in the scenic river corridor of the Boreas River violates the rules and regulations of the State Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act. The SNCRR may claim that federal law preempts state law, but if the Tahawus railroad is choked closed with a 1,000 rail cars, it is no longer connected to or part of interstate commerce, a fundamental basis for federal preemption. ADK believes there are several strong legal arguments against the creation and maintenance of a junkyard of obsolete oil tank cars in the Forest Preserve. A 2014 decision of the Federal Surface Transportation Board (an independent adjudicatory agency that resolves railroad disputes) ruled that a section of railroad line that was no longer connected to or capable of being used for interstate commerce was held to be subject to state law prohibiting storage of rail cars and not governed by federal preemption. With rail transport on the Tahawus Spur blocked by the storage of rail cars on the main line, the original purpose of the federal easement to transport ore is precluded. Therefore, Artice XIV should prevail, and the Tahawus line should be reverted to the Adirondack Forest Preserve. In addition to the ADK, three other Adirondack advocacy groups oppose the plan, as does Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Essex and Warren County Board of Supervisors also have passed a resolution opposing rail car storage on the Tahawus line. The best resolution of this issue may be for the state to buy out the remainder of the temporary easement from Iowa Pacific/SNCRR and restore the railroad ROW to the Forest Preserve.

Federal Public Lands – President Trump’s Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has recommended the largest elimination of protections for public lands in US history. The proposed budget asks Congress to cut the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) by 84%. Zinke’s proposal will also open the pristine coastal 14

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DEC SUMMER EDUCATION CAMPS 2018 The Albany Chapter will again sponsor up to 3 youngsters (ages 11-17) to attend one session of the DEC Summer Education Camps in 2018. Applications will be accepted by DEC starting in January. We will post the date and time on our website too, once it is available, but you have to move fast to get registered! Go to www.dec.gov/education for complete information. If you would like to apply for sponsorship by the Chapter, please contact Thea Hoeth at [email protected]

ADK WINTER MOUNTAINEERING SCHOOL The ADK Winter Mountaineering School is a non-profit group sponsored by the Adirondack Mountain Club since 1954. The purpose of the program is to promote successful winter mountaineering and camping through a “learn by doing” approach. This winter season the School is offering five programs: Two weekend programs will be offered from Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, January 28, 2018. They will be based at Adirondac Loj at Heart Lake. One program is a Weekend Day Hiking program, the second is a Weekend Backpacking program. A “Combo” program will be available from Thursday, January 25 to Wednesday, January 31, 2018. The “Combo” program includes weekend day hiking followed by a three night backpacking trip. This year an Advanced 5 Night Backpacking trip will also be offered from January 25 to 31, 2018. Finally, a Weekend Day Hiking program will be offered in New Hampshire’s White Mountains from Thursday, March 1 to Sunday, March 4, 2018. This will be based at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch.

For additional information about these programs please check the Winter School website at www.winterschool.org.

WILDERNESS FIRST AID Saturday and Sunday, March 10 - 11, 2018

Prepare for a safe and enjoyable 2018 hiking season. The Adirondack Mountain Club Winter Mountaineering School is offering a Certified Wilderness First Aid Course from the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI) on March 10 and 11, 2018. This course will be held locally at Little’s Lake in Menands.

This Wilderness First Aid Course, taught over a weekend, encompasses 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 will be supplemented by practical work and problem solving exercises. The course will be taught by Dr. Eric Shaw, a highly trained emergency room physician, and ADK Winter Mountaineering School Medical Director.

Cost for the class is $180.00 per student. Participants will receive a Wilderness First Aid certification card upon successful completion of the course. Class size is limited to 20 students. A minimum of 8 students is 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]. Make checks for the class payable to “Winter Mountaineering School.”

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range of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the nation’s wildest areas, to oil development. The House of Representatives will be voting on H.R. 3990 that will strip the Antiquities Act down to worthless scraps. The Act has helped protect iconic national monuments like the Grand Canyon. Democrats, environmental groups and Native Americans are vowing to fight. The two Utah sites, Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, are among several that Secretary Zinke recommended reducing in size in order to make way for more industrial activity like drilling and mining on the land they occupy. A coal deposit lies beneath Grand Staircase, but an archeological site where two dozen new species of dinosaurs have been discovered is also located there. Paleontologists are now worried it could be destroyed if the monument's size is reduced, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. If successful, these beautiful places could be ruined forever.

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

Aug 9 (Wed) PEAKED MOUNTAIN POND AND PEAKED MOUNTAIN Leader: John Antonio

As a leader, I was so excited to show off this hike. When I found out some of the participants had never experienced this trail, it made me even more eager to show off this gem of a trip. We began by walking along 13th Lake. The trail then parallels Peaked Mountain Brook up to Peaked Mountain Pond and eventually to the mountain itself. It was going like clockwork - the clouds parted on the summit and we could look down and see the route we had taken along the lake. Fifteen minutes after we passed the pond on our descent, the skies opened up and we had forty minutes of steady rain. Bummer - no swimming today. Then again, no one was stung by hornets like on the past Peaked trip. Of course, by the time we got back to our cars, it had turned hot and muggy so the ice cream at Stewart's down pretty easily. Our soggy group included Jane Davis, Lori Hershenhart, Jim Gorman, Claudia Rosenholz, Mike Brown, and Lori McCarron.

Aug 28 (Mon) LEADER'S CHOICE: MOUNTAIN AND LAKE Leader: Kathy Sheppard

We had a lovely day to hike Peaked Mountain, not too hot and weekday quiet at this often busy area. Happily most of us warmed up enough for a refreshing swim in Thirteenth Lake, making it a true “Swike” (borrowed from Ralph Keating). Stay tuned for more swikes next summer! Our group consisted of: Laura Fiske, Robert Priest, Janice Joyce and her husband Henry, Emily Gallagher, Susan Haynes, Ray Smith, Ralph Keating, and the leader.

Aug 31 (Thu) PALMERTOWN MOUNTAINS (originally to be MERCK FOREST) Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver

Due to weather conditions in Vermont, this trip was changed to the Palmertown Mountains at Moreau State Park, where the sun shone all day. We spotted cars and made a through-hike across the ridge. Nine of us had a beautiful hike over rolling terrain, past interesting rock formations, and through a variety of ecosystems. Three overlooks gave us views of the Hudson River below. The final overlook provided the perfect place for a lunch stop. A bald eagle in the distance came closer and closer as we relaxed until it was just overhead and then continued out of sight. Those enjoying a cool, crisp, sunny day not far from home were: David Burtis, Linda Davern, Pam Fetcho, Barry Gibb, Ralph Keating, Peter Kurz, Karen Lydon, Pat McPhee, and the leader.

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Sep 7 (Thu) NEW AND PROSPECTIVE TRIP LEADER WORKSHOP Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver

Nine of us had a very pleasant evening at Professor Java's talking about leadership in relation to our Albany Chapter. We had five people interested in becoming new leaders, and three current leaders who attended out of personal interest. Please join me in welcoming Kimberly Berg, Ken Goldfarb, Susan Hoff- Haynes, Brenda Lennon, and Nanci Lutz to our fabulous group of Albany Chapter leaders!

Sep 11 (Mon) HOPKINS VIA MOSSY CASCADE BROOK Leader: Karen Ross

This was a beautiful late summer day to climb this spectacular summit. The hardest parts of doing Hopkins are finding the trail sign in Keene Valley and then squeezing into the limited parking. It’s a small price to pay for the hemlock forest, the trip along a series of gentle cascades, good footing, and the view out across the High Peaks. It's not often you can look down Hunter's Pass, and the Ausable and Johns Brook Valleys at the same time! It would be a crime to spend less than an hour on the summit, so we made sure we didn't. In honor of this sad day when so many young and promising lives were lost, we read a poem of remembrance. Hikers were John Antonio, Claudia Rosenholz, Ralph Keating, Lois Jensen, Virginia Traver, Bess Dillman, Theresa Rodriquez, Dan Van Uithuizen, Al Barzini, and co-leader Lori McCarron.

Sep 13 (Wed) LOOP Leader: John Antonio

The Class of '33 is not your Grandfather's typical hike. As written up in AMC's "Best Day Hikes in the Berkshires," this hike was designed by the Class of '33 from Williams College. They definitely adhered to the principle of the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. There is one mile or so on this hike that we can attest to the author's statement that "it is one of the most challenging ascents of any hike covered in this guide." We have since dubbed this the "Class of '33 Misery Mile." At the conclusion of the hike, things went downhill and we all became giddy, talking about becoming "enchanted" with the waterfall that is also pointed out by the author. Enchanted hikers were Jim Gorman, Lori McCarron, Peter Kurz, John Sheehan, John Susko, Terry Rodrigues, Dan Van Uithuizen, Claudia Rosenholz, and Ray Bouchar.

Oct 7 (Sat) THE IN THACHER PARK Leader: Jim Schaller

Cloudy skies and mild temperatures stayed with us all day. Three cars were spotted at Old Stage Road and we began at Beaver Dam Road. We and took the trail downhill to the Overlook, then the Escarpment Trail and to the new Thacher Park Visitors Center. After that we followed the Long Path into Thacher Park North. We stopped at both Hang Glider Cliff and High Point Cliff. All were interested in learning about Hailes Cave and its source, the large sinkhole near Hang Glider Road, and the open space fields near Old Stage Road. The hike was 8 miles long, and took about six hours. Attending were: Jim & Bonnie Schaller, Mary Dabulas, Anita Wahlen, Marion Hoyle, Debbie Onslow, Dan Van Uithuizen, and Ellen Kozlowski.

Oct 11 (Wed) SUCKER BROOK TRAIL WORK Leader: Gene Reilly

It threatened to drizzle during the day but held off and we were allowed a very pleasant day of hiking and working on the Sucker Brook Trail. This is the ADK Albany Chapter's adopted trail under the ADK - DEC Trail Stewardship Program. It is a long trail extending 7.5 miles west from the Lewey Lake State Campground. Because the western half of the trail contains numerous difficult brook crossings and a large section is flooded out by beaver activity, the chapter made a recommendation to DEC a couple of years ago for that section to be relocated. Pending substantial work on that section, DEC elected to technically 'close' the trail but still allows the public to hike on the first/eastern half of the trail. Two volunteers, Dave 16

Ragule and Maria Schollenberger, joined the leader, Gene Reilly, in side cutting a number of sections of growth encroaching on the foot path within the first few miles.

Oct 11 (Wed) OWL'S HEAD FIRE TOWER Leader: John Sheehan

As prominent as it is, I have never hiked Owl's Head fire tower before. I fish Long Lake every year and have looked up at the tower from some of our favorite pike waters, thinking, “I've got to climb that mountain.” But, it seems I always have one conflict or another. After this year's fishing trip I drove to the trailhead to familiarize myself with the location. Easy enough to find but as much as I like fishing, I don't like fishing for trailheads. I usually get plenty of sign-ups for fire tower hikes; there's a patch in it after all. However, up until the day before, I only had one sign up. Unsure if this hike was going to happen, 2 other hikers joined. Dick Irving, Dorie Velanti and Mike Brun joined me on this trip. The climb was moderate and after about 3 miles we started to see more sky than trees. That’s always a good sign, however we got to the crest and there was no sign of a fire tower. A false summit! After a little downhill, we started climbing again and eventually reached the summit. The views were great, especially from the tower. But first we made ourselves comfortable on the rock outcrops and ate lunch. A few other hikers came and went, some with extravagant camera equipment and some just soaking in the views. The hike out was uneventful and the ride home was not without the requisite stop at Stewart's for ice cream or coffee.

Oct 18 (Wed) LITTLE PORTER Leader: John Antonio

Good fortune was with us from the beginning. First, the Garden was not charging for parking. Second, there were plenty of parking spots available. Third, except for a group from the Hurricane Chapter, we had this little peak all to ourselves. Conditions and weather were perfect and the colors in the valleys below appeared to be at their peak. It was so beautiful at the top that we spent 70 minutes for lunch. A stop at the Noonmark Diner was a great way to finish the day. Our group was Jim Gorman, Peter Kurz, Mike Roberts, Dorie Valenti, Bill Shapiro, Karen Burka, Ray Boucher, James Leinweber, and Delaney Weber.

Oct 19 (Thu) SHEEP HILL & FITCH TRAILS Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver

We had a perfect fall day for our hike. We saw plenty of colorful foliage at Sheep Hill. Everyone admired the beautiful views to Mt. Greylock and surrounding Berkshires. On the Fitch Trail, we walked through varied woodlands then above a small brook and ravine. We had lunch at the overlook on Bee Hill Road, and continued our walk back through the meadow of Sheep Hill. We spent a few minutes checking out the exhibits in the farm buildings which date to the early 1800s. Enjoying a beautiful day were Barry Gibbs, Donna Farber, Terri Lukacko, Pat McPhee, Linda Novak, Glenn Petersen, Catherine Regan, Lorraine Smith, Dan Van Uithuizen, and the leader.

Oct 21 (Sat) (originally to be PHARAOH) Leader: Kathy Sheppard

I switched the hike from Pharoah to Blue Mountain on this beautiful, warm October day. We had a vibrant group: Miriam, Clemson and Mira McGiver, Mary Dabulas, Jemma Rowlands, Jeff Chase, Dave White (Ocho), Virginia Touhey, and the leader. The trail was busy. At the summit, Joe suggested that we add on Buttermilk Falls. A man we didn't know overheard us, Googled the falls, and showed up there also. He was thrilled. ADK spread the good news!

Oct 27 (Fri) NUN-DA-GA-O RIDGE Leader: John Antonio

Our mission was to hike the Soda Range, also known as the Nun-Da-Ga-O Ridge. The day, weather-wise, was the kind a hiker dreams of - perfect temperatures, lots of sun, and great visibility. The trail was gnarly 17

enough in some places to add real excitement and steep enough in others to get the ticker a-thumpin'. Smiles, jokes and a good time was had by all as we crossed this beautiful ridge. At the hike’s conclusion, a long-time mystery was solved. According to David's GPS, the total mileage of this loop is 7.2 miles, not the 6 miles we were always let to believe. Participants were: Virginia Traver, Jim Gorman, David Pratt, Kendra Pratt, Claudia Rosenholz, John Husson, Jane Husson, Bill Mc Laughlin, Trisha Driscoll, Gary Blose, Lois Jensen, Michael Jensen, Jim Coward, and Lori McCarron.

Oct 28 (Sat) BLAKE & COLVIN Leader: Don Berens

Trent Fenner, Melissa Flanagan, Marlene Killian, Luke Nelson, Abby Sardino, Sylvia Strich and I began at 6:15 a.m. under Orion, which dominated the stunningly clear sky. It was unseasonably warm (43F). An hour later, we left the Lake Road at sunrise but in the shade of the Dial- ridge. Sparrows began to sing. We continued our rapid progress (2+ mph) along Gill Brook to the Elk Pass trail junction. Our pace slowed on the steep ledges leading up to Mount Colvin which we reached at 9:45 a.m. The views were magnificent. We descended the sometimes narrow, sometimes steep southwest ridge of Colvin and then climbed to Blake Peak before noon, still in sun. As we returned to Colvin at 2:00 p.m., the views were still fine in the afternoon light, but clouds had begun to appear. We were back to the Elk Pass Junction before 3:30 p.m. From there, despite the accumulated fatigue of the day, we were able to resume a faster pace (again 2+ mph) back to the Lake Road and the cars in evening twilight. All were out by 6:05 p.m. Despite the broad thin overcast, a waxing half-moon lit our drive home.

Nov 4 (Sat) NIPPLETOP & DIAL Leader: Don Berens

Kate Doremus, Trent Fenner and I began at 6:00 a.m. at 31 degrees. Hanging over the Ausable clubhouse was the full Hunter's Moon with a colorless 22-degree halo caused by the high thin icy cirrus clouds. After moonset, it got darker before it got lighter. By sunrise, we were off the Lake Road and on the Gill Brook Trail. Above Elk Pass, we found a few icicles coating the steep shaded rocks, but by treading carefully we did not need special foot traction. The 10:00 a.m. view from Nippletop was spectacular. Mount Colvin, Blake Peak and Elk Lake were all clearly visible as was the . Beyond that, fog banks floated at about 3,500 feet leaving the MacIntyre Range and Whiteface poking up through the cloud sea like islands. The ridge-line Leach Trail was often sunny and far less icy as the temperature rose into the 40s. We enjoyed an early lunchtime view from the rock atop North Dial. A cloud drifted onto the summit of Nippletop. As usual, Bear Den had no views, but the shoulder of Noonmark did. Saplings are filling the clearing created by the 1999 fire, but there are still fine views of Dix, Dial, Allen and the Great Range. The steep, leaf-covered trail down to the Lake Road pounded our already weary quads. We returned to the cars before 3:00 p.m. happy with the day, the group, and the route.

Nov 8 (Wed) ROSS, WHORTLEBERRY AND BIG BAD LUCK PONDS Leader: John Antonio

This hike starts at the same trailhead parking lot as the popular OK Slip Falls hike. Over the past few years these ponds must have fallen out of favor since they are not even mentioned anymore on the trailhead signs on Route 28. After walking a short distance on the shoulder of the road, we crossed the road and descended to some new and extraordinary trail work. The newish boardwalks and planking are certainly a testament to the hardworking trail crews in the ADKs. From all of us hikers - a big THANK YOU! As you pass the OK Slip Falls junction at 0.8 miles, the trail, though easy to follow, becomes laden with dead falls and other obstacles that require a bit of gymnastic skills. Our first pond, Ross, was met with oohs and aahs because it is that gorgeous. Pushing on, we poked around and finally found a place to get a good gander at Whortleberry and then settled in to a somewhat sunny location for lunch. On our way to Big Bad Luck Pond we took the "Mitra Shortcut" (which later on, according to Bo's GPS did actually save us a few steps.) Back to our cars, 9 miles and 6 hours later, we had a victory treat at the new Stewart's in North Creek. Our pond peepers were Lois Jensen, Pamela Fetcho, Bo Harris, Terry Rodrigues, Pat Marsh, Lori McCarron, Claudia Rosenholz, Jim Coward, John Susko, Pat McFee, Karl Johnson, and Mitra Gouneh. 18 SAVE THE DATE! LEADER SPOTLIGHT on…Kathleen Sheppard

Albany TheChapter Albany Chapter’s Non Profit Organization Adirondack Mountain Club U.S.POSTAGE P.O. BoxAnnual 2116 Esp. Banquet Sta. will be PAID Albany, NY 12220May 15, 2018 Permit No. 215 at the Century House Albany, NY in Latham

Kathleen has been a member of ADK since she moved to the area in 1987, and a trip leader for about 3 years. She became a leader when she found her VOLUNTEER hiking schedule conflicted with her friends’ availability, and she wanted to STATISTICS share her enthusiasm with others. Professional Trail Crew members in the Kathleen’s outdoor spirit started early, Adirondacks are not the only trail when she was a Girl Scout. She enjoyed workers out there. In fact, during the sleeping in the woods and catching frogs course of 2017, 54 volunteers from the (which she hid in her mess kit!). Her first Albany Chapter donated 852 hours of hike wasn’t until graduate school and it their time to 27 different events, including wasn’t even in the Adirondacks. It was work at the Albany Rural Cemetery, Lafayette in the White Mountains of New Thacher Park, Johns Brook Lodge and Hampshire. She and her hiking partner on the Chapter’s adopted trail, the were rationing their water when, as luck Sucker Brook Trail near Lewey Lake would have it, they found some lemonade Campground. There are many in a hut at the top of the peak. opportunities to volunteer listed on the In addition to the Whites, Kathleen has ADK website, which can be found at: hiked in Austria, the Canadian Rockies, https://www.adk.org/protect/volunteer/ the Tetons, the Sierras and through part Remember to report your hours to Gene of the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Reilly at [email protected] Peninsula. Closer to home, her favorite so he can keep track of all the Chapter Adirondack hike is up the exposed rock member statistics.stics face on . Her most memorable Adirondack hike was doing Cascade with her 4-year-old daughter for her first High Peak. Kathleen encourages people to join her on one of her outings because “I do fun hikes and encourage others to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”

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Albany Chapter Non Profit Organization

Adirondack Mountain Club U.S.POSTAGE P.O. Box 2116 Esp. Sta. PAID Albany, NY 12220 Permit No. 215 Albany, NY

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