The

Cloudsplitter

Vol. 79 No. 2 April-June 2016

published by the ALBANY CHAPTER of the ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

The Cloudsplitter is published quarterly by the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and is distributed to the membership. All issues (January, April, July, and October) feature activities schedules, trip reports, and other articles of interest to the outdoor enthusiast. All outings should now be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org . Echoes should be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org with your login information.

The Albany Chapter may be Please send your address and For Club orders & membership For Cloudsplitter related issues, reached at: phone number changes to: call (800) 395-8080 or contact the Editor at: Albany Chapter ADK Adirondack Mountain Club e-mail: [email protected] The Cloudsplitter Empire State Plaza 814 Goggins Road home page: www.adk.org c/o Karen Ross P.O. Box 2116 Lake George, NY 12845-4117 7 Bird Road Albany, NY 12220 phone: (518) 668-4447 Lebanon Spgs., NY 12125 home page: fax: (518) 668-3746 e-mail: [email protected] www.adk-albany.org

Submission deadline for the next issue of The Cloudsplitter is May 15, 2016 and will be for the months of July, August, and September, 2016. Many thanks to Gail Carr for her cover sketch.

April 6, May 4, June 1 (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 Tom Hart at 229-5627

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 12 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: South End Bike Link. The Capital Roots organization is working to improve "walkability and bikability" in the Capital Region. Erin Fleming-Shaw Walsh will tell us about their efforts that are supported by a five year grant from NYS Dept. of Health. This effort fits nicely into their mission of increasing physical activity and increasing food access. Program: Discover the Rensselaer Plateau, the fifth largest unfragmented forest in State, with Lisa Hoyt, executive director of the Environmental Education Center. Lisa will tell us about this gem in our own backyard, focusing on its ecological significance, the mammals who reside there, and its abundant recreational offerings (hiking, paddling, snowshoeing, and tracking). The Dyken Pond Center is a Rensselaer County park and is high in biodiversity of flora and fauna in a hidden away spot.

May 17 (3rd Tuesday) ---NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FROM USUAL SECOND TUESDAY!! ANNUAL BANQUET The Desmond Hotel, 660 Albany Shaker Rd., Albany, NY 12211 Gathering begins at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. See flyer on page 19. PRESENTATION BY Paul DeLucia, Founder of Lean2Rescue, Inc. It started with just one lean-to that needed repair. After enlisting his friends and hiking the materials in themselves, Paul refurbished the lean-to. After that, and with the support of both the ADK 46ers and the NYS DEC, Paul has now enlisted over 150 volunteers and refurbished more than 50 lean-tos, in addition to removing and building a number of others. Paul is the sole recipient of the 2009 DEC Adirondack Stewardship Award.

June 14 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Summer Gear Sale. Bring your extra camping and hiking gear to the sale. As with our winter gear sale in January, we ask that sellers donate 10% to the Chapter. Please tag your gear with a price and your name. Program: Pot Pourri Night: This is the Chapter’s version of “Oscar Nominated Shorts.” Sign up NOW to get on the roster of members who will show us their best shots from the past year’s adventures and rambles. We all love seeing your pictures of scenery, flora and fauna.... and you! Contact Thea at [email protected].

2 ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

FITNESS: Know your level of fitness and limitations. The trip leader will ask questions about your experience, fitness, equipment, medical condition, expectations, etc. Be Honest!

TRIP RATINGS: Understand that the level of effort is not the same as the level of difficulty. Trip ratings are for level of effort. Realize that “moderate” for a physically fit person may mean outrageously strenuous for a novice and/or unconditioned person.

HIKERS EFFORT ELEVATION MILES TIME RATING LEVEL GAIN (FEET) (HOURS) A+ Very Strenuous 4,000+ 10+ 10+ A Strenuous 3,000+ 5 – 10 8 – 10 B+ Moderately Strenuous 2,000+ 5 – 10 6 – 8 B Moderate 1,000+ 8 --10 5 – 7 C+ Fairly Easy 1,000+ 5 – 8 4 – 6 C Easy Under 1,000 Under 5 Under 5

Not all trips fit cleanly into one of these categories. Whenever you are unclear about a rating for a trip, leaders will be happy to explain what their designated rating means.

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

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

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

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

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

3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Recently it seems environmental issues are receiving long-overdue attention. Perhaps my perspective is biased because of the enthusiasm and awareness seen in young people through the courses I teach in environmental sciences. More broadly, however, evidence is available that interest in the environment and the outdoors has enjoyed a resurgence. More people are hiking and getting outdoors, bringing use of ADK's facilities to new highs and more visitors to the high peaks than ever before. More lands are being added to conserve open space and provide appropriate recreational use, with more acreage added to the Adirondacks in the last few years than in the prior 100 years all together. We are a sound voice at the table in how these lands should be used and in encouraging revisions to the State Land Use Master Plan, now being updated after 25 years. We are making strides in protecting the Taconics and in protecting lands through local organizations like Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy.

Our chapter membership has grown, now approaching 2,100 people. Through your membership dues we directly support protection and appropriate use of the Taconic Crest Trail, promote young member participation in ADK, and facilitate the work of the ADK Professional Trail Crew. There is so much more to be done. Greater numbers of outdoor enthusiasts and new public lands each carry with them greater stewardship needs. Trails need so much more work, and summit protection is needed now more than ever. Controlling invasive species in both upland and aquatic environments needs our support. Advocacy means supporting full funding of the EPF, guiding appropriate changes in the state land use master plan and monitoring legislation. Education is at the heart of our mission with many school children being introduced through Heart Lake programs. In short, ADK CARES has the right message of conservation, advocacy, recreation, and education. Please consider providing more support to ADK--with your time, service and financial support. If our chapter donated only $20 more per person, that would provide another $42,000 that could be put to good use! If you agree that ADK's voice is one that represents your views well, also consider planned giving. Catherine Forbes is our new Director of Membership and Development; please reach out to her at [email protected] or via telephone at 518- 668-4447. Whatever way you choose to participate, take pride in our accomplishments to date, and look to ADK to provide the right leadership going forward. --Tom Hart, Spring 2016

Albany ADK Members Annual Photo Contest

The Albany Chapter of ADK presents the Albany ADK Members Annual Photo Contest. Some of the most beautiful images of our natural world are captured through the camera lenses of Albany ADK members. For the contest, we invite you to submit your photos in any of the following four categories:

1. Scenic Nature 2.People Outdoors 3. Wildlife 4.Wildflowers/Fungi

Only current Albany Chapter Members are eligible to enter the contest. You may submit up to three photos in each category. Prizes will be presented at the Annual Banquet on May 17, 2016. You do not need to be present to receive your award. The deadline for submission of photos is April 24, 2016.. Photos being submitted must be taken in the Northeast. We want ADK members to be able to visit and enjoy the general areas where the photos were taken. Some of the most dramatic and inspirational moments from nature can be captured in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, nature preserves, and other wilderness areas of the Northeastern states.

Prizes: The winners in each of the four categories (total of 12 prizes) will be chosen by an impartial judge. Each winner will receive one of the following prizes.

1st Place $50 2nd Place $25 gift certificate 3rd Place $15 gift certificate

Please refer to the Albany Chapter website www.adk-albany.org for further details about the contest.

4 THE CLOUDSPLITTER

April-June 2016 Vol. 79 No. 2

Albany Chapter – Adirondack Mountain Club April -- June 2016 Combined Activities Schedule

Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Apr 2 (Sat) Slide Mountain Susko B 9 (Sat) Mount Equinox, Vermont Seward B+ 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--The Rensselaer Plateau 13 (Wed) Blueberry Mountain Antonio B+ 16 (Sat) Earth Day in the Pine Bush Work Project Plaat/Reilly 18 (Mon) Creek Paddle Beach B 20 (Wed) Saratoga Battlefield Biking Traver C 20 (Wed) New Member Orientation & Open House Rosenberry 22 (Fri) Pole Hill Pond Antonio B 23 (Sat) Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) Trail Work Pisaneschi B 26 (Tue) Evening Paddle - , Niskayuna Macha/Pisaneschi B 27 (Wed) TCT--Potter Mtn. Rd. to Tower Mtn. Sheehan B 28 (Thu) Albany County Rail Trail Beach C 30 (Sat) Buck Mountain Prichett B 30 (Sat) Fall Stream-- to Fall and Vly Siegard B 30 (Sat) Storm King Art Center Reilly C May 3 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River, Latham Snopkowski/Murray B/C 6 (Fri) Rooster Comb and Snow Antonio B+ 7 (Sat) Mohawk River Clean-Up Pusatere C 7 (Sat) Ausable Waterfall Hike Reilly C+ 7 (Sat) "I Love My Park Day" at Thacher Park Schaller 8 (Sun) Schodack Island Paddle Pisaneschi B 10 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River, Glenville Dewes/Saville B/C 11 (Wed) New & Prospective Trip Leaders Workshop Traver 14 (Sat) Bike Prospect Mtn. Highway Berens A 14 (Sat) Gertrude's Nose & Millbrook Mtn. Seward B 17 (Tue) ADK BANQUET-- 18 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Mohawk Lock 7 Luchsinger/Murray C 24 (Tue) Evening Paddle - , Bethlehem Cavanaugh/Mapes B/C 26 (Thu) Battenkill Paddle Beach B 28 (Sat) Pico Peak Priest B 28 (Sat) Susquehanna River Sojourn Luchsinger C 28 (Sat) Bike Highland, NY to Hopewell Junction Seward B Jun 1 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Round Lake Saville C 4 (Sat) Siegard B 4 (Sat) National Trails Day - Thacher Park Schaller 5 (Sun) Snowy Mountain Priest B+ 7 (Tue) Evening Paddle- Mohawk River, Niskayuna Murray/Orr B/C 11 (Sat) Owls Head (Long L.) & Adirondack Museum Kase B 11 (Sat) Bike Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Seward B 12 (Sun) Sheehan B 14 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--Photo Potpourri 15 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Hudson River, Coeymans Mapes/Cavanaugh C 17 (Fri) Susko B 18 (Sat) Algonquin at an Easy Pace Priest A 18 (Sat) Seven Lakes Ride--Rensselaer County Siegard A 18 (Sat) YM: Lower Wolfjaw via Bennie's Brook Slide Czapranski A+ 18-19 (Sat-Sun) Intermediate/Novice Whitewater Instruction Dewes A

5 Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating 19 (Sun) Taconic Crest Trail to the Snow Hole Sheppard B 21 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk & Hudson Rivers Filarecki/Luchsinger B/C 22 (Wed) Bear Mountain, CT Traver B 25 (Sat) Sam's Point, Ice Caves and Waterfalls Seward B 28 (Tue) Evening Paddle Mohawk, Kiwanis Park Orr/Dewes B/C 29 (Wed) Hopkins via Mossy Cascade Brook Ross/McCarron B+

Note: YM denotes Young Members group

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

2) Launch on Time -- Please be in your boats ACTIVITIES on the water and congregated near shore before the launch time. People launching after start time are not officially with the group. The DESCRIPTIONS leaders will conduct a short On-the-Water Meeting with the group to discuss the water, weather conditions and plans for the paddle. 3) Duty of the Paddler -- It is the responsibility General Information for Evening Paddling of the paddler to stay with the group and know Trips who the leaders are - If you don’t know, ask someone. On most Tuesday evenings from May thru 4) Leaving the Group - The leaders take a October the ADK Albany Chapter paddles headcount at the On-the-Water Meeting. various waterways in the Capital District area. Therefore, please notify one of the leaders if you There are at least two groups. The slow group need to leave the group for any reason. ADK is ("Lily-Dippers") goes as slow as the slowest not responsible for paddlers who choose not to paddler and may be best for short wide boats or paddle with the group. less skilled paddlers. The moderate group is for 5) Required Gear -- All paddlers must bring most everyone else and goes about 3 to 3.5 along a white light (a headlamp is good), a mph. If there is enough interest, a fast group will whistle (a pealess one is best) and must wear a be formed. Expect to paddle for about 2 hours. PFD (Personal Floatation Device aka life jacket). Scheduled trips launch rain or shine. It is There are no exceptions to these requirements. suggested that you obtain a good roadmap of It is also a good idea to bring raingear, water, the Capital District or use www.mapquest.com bug-dope (mosquitoes are quite active in for directions to the launch site locations. It is summer at dusk) and an extra set of clothes in customary, after the paddle, for the group the car. Leader to pick a nearby restaurant and convene 6) Clothing -- Other than in July and August all the Paddlers Committee Meeting (PCM) to paddlers should not wear cotton clothing - if you socialize, plan future trips and enjoy a meal with must wear cotton, bring along a full change of old and new friends. Everyone who paddles is clothing in a dry bag. Expect to have your feet in automatically a Committee Member and is the water when launching. Some of the launch invited to participate. spots are slippery and have underwater debris. Waterproof footwear (most experienced The following are the Albany Chapter guidelines paddlers use neoprene booties or mukluks) is to participate in the Evening Paddles: highly recommended. 7) Guests - You may bring a guest. He/she is 1) Respect Other Users of the Waterways -- your responsibility and must adhere to all of the Steer clear of fishermen. Don’t forget their Evening Paddle Guidelines. fishing lines go well out into the water. Stay close to shore when motorboats are out. The red & green buoys mark the deep water channels - stay between the buoys & shore. Paddle in a tight group when crossing large bodies of water.

6

Apr 2 (Sat) SLIDE MOUNTAIN (B) Apr 13 (Wed) BLUEBERRY MOUNTAIN (B+) Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the For this trip, we will take the trail up from the Catskills with good views from the summit. We'll Marcy Airfield in Keene Valley. Our destination do a loop hike taking the Curtis-Ormsbee trail on will be the large boulder on "Blueberry West." the way up which provides additional views While Blueberry is not a high peak, you still get a before returning on the more direct Slide- good workout in the 5 mile round trip with 1900’ Cornell-Wittenberg trail. The distance is 6-7 of elevation gain. It is possible we will need miles with 2000’ of ascent. At this time of year, traction at this time of year. For your work, if the we might need snowshoes and/or day is clear, we will be rewarded with microspikes/stabilicers. Leader: John Susko, outstanding views. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the 383-1284, [email protected] Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765. Apr 9 (Sat) MOUNT EQUINOX, VT (B+) At 3848’, Mt. Equinox is the highest mountain in Apr 16 (Sat) EARTH DAY IN THE PINE southwestern Vermont with views on a clear day BUSH WORK PROJECT of the rest of the Taconic Range, the Green Come celebrate Earth Day a little bit early by Mountains, the Valley of Vermont, and the volunteering on a conservation project in the Adirondacks. This is a 6.8-mile hike with 2840' of Pine Bush. A variety of activities suitable for all elevation gain. The summit property has the ages will be taking place, but the Albany Saint Bruno Scenic Viewing Center, which is Chapter is hoping to have our volunteers privately owned by the Carthusian Monks and focused on a specific parcel of new land that is visitors are welcomed. Contact leader via email in need of clean-up. This parcel is bordered by only for details and provide your most recent Pinehurst Blvd. on the north, New Karner Road hiking experience. Winter footgear will likely be on the east, and Charles Blvd. on the south. The required. Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, Riggi property includes part of the Kaikout Kill [email protected] drainage that has quite a bit of debris which must be removed up a steep slope. We hope to have enough volunteers to form a human 'bucket brigade' where individuals spaced Apr 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING nearby one another form a line up the slope so 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY that debris can be simply passed from one to another up the line. The Discovery Center and Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. --South End Preserve staff will direct and supervise Bike Link. The Capital Roots organization is volunteers for whatever work is necessary, so all working to improve "walkability and bikability" in volunteers should meet at the Discovery Center the Capital Region. Erin Fleming-Shaw Walsh prior to 9:00 a.m. If circumstances do not permit will tell us about their efforts that are supported work on the Riggi parcel, volunteers will be by a five year grant from NYS Dept. of Health. redirected to other available projects. All This effort fits nicely into their mission of equipment will be provided. If participants have increasing physical activity and increasing food waders they could prove useful. The Kaikout Kill access. drainage can be muddy. Please dress appropriately for the weather and outside Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will working conditions and bring drinking water. be followed by a presentation-- Discover the Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Rensselaer Plateau, the fifth largest Deadline for sign-ups is Friday, April 8th. Meet unfragmented forest in New York State, with 9:00 a.m. at the Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Lisa Hoyt, executive director of the Dyken Pond Center, 195 New Karner Road. Leaders: Mark Environmental Education Center. Lisa will tell Plaat, 462-4062, [email protected];Gene us about this gem in our own backyard, focusing Reilly, 281-7796, techvalleytrekker-at- on its ecological significance, the mammals who yahoo.com reside there, and its abundant recreational offerings (hiking, paddling, snowshoeing, and Apr 18 (Mon) KAYADEROSSERAS CREEK tracking). The Dyken Pond Center is a PADDLE (B) Rensselaer County park and is high in This pleasant flowing stream from Ballston Spa biodiversity of flora and fauna in a hidden away to can be quite an attractive run spot. in the spring. There are a few short rapids in the first half. We plan to paddle this length (9.5 mi.) plus another 1 mi. to take out on the lake, or

7 we'll do less depending on the water level. An Apr 23 (Sat) TACONIC CREST TRAIL (TCT) additional side trip to Lake Lonely can be TRAIL WORK (B) considered if there is interest. Expect to We'll cover the section of the TCT from encounter some tree blockage requiring portage Robinson Hollow to Madden Road. This will or push-through. This is suitable for kayaks and involve blow down removal and drainage work. canoes. Participants must be able to maneuver This trip will involve an overall elevation gain of their boats around obstructions which can be about 1000’ and about an 8-mile round trip, hazardous in flowing water situations. Dress depending on what needs to be done. The more appropriately for cold water. PFDs required. trail work needed will reduce the overall When signing up, please advise me of previous distance. Regardless, we'll plan to be back at stream paddling experience. Adverse weather the trailhead by 4:00 p.m. Bad weather conditions and/or high water will postpone the postpones to the following day or weekend. trip. Leader: Charlie Beach, 459-9127, Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, [email protected] [email protected]

Apr 20 (Wed) SARATOGA BATTLEFIELD Apr 26 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - BIKING (C) MOHAWK, NISKAYUNA (B) In celebration of the centennial of our National Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. at Lions Park Park Service and National Parks Week, we will by the old train station in Niskayuna. We will go to our nearby National Historic Park, paddle for about 1.5 hours going around the Saratoga Battlefield. Join me as we bike the ten- islands and possibly upstream to Lock 7. From mile loop road of rolling hills through meadow the Northway, drive west on Rt.7 for 3.1 miles and woodland. We will take time to stop at the and take a right on Rosendale Rd. which goes historic sites along the way in appreciation of our downhill and then curves left. Soon after that, history and our park. Email contact is preferred. turn right into the parking area. No need to sign Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, up - just show up. See General Info for Evening [email protected] Paddling Trips. Leaders: Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected]; Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, Apr 20 (Wed) NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION [email protected] & OPEN HOUSE Don't miss this semi-annual event, held from Apr 27 (Wed) TCT--POTTER MTN. RD. TO 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the William K. Sanford TOWER MTN. (B) Town Library, 629 Albany-Shaker Road in The Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) meanders over Colonie. Designed for new members and the NY/Mass state line for about 30 miles. This anyone interested in finding out more about the section is all in Mass. between Rt. 43 and Tower Adirondack Mountain Club, the Open House Mtn. Rd. Last fall, a group of us hiked the showcases all that ADK offers. Attendees have southernmost section from US Route 20 to the opportunity to meet experienced hike Tower Mtn. That gave me the idea to continue a leaders, paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts and northern march. We will start at Rt. 43 with a car to learn more about the Club's efforts to promote spotted on Tower Mtn. Rd. This hike will be 7 conservation, advocacy, recreation, education miles with 1000' of elevation gain. Meet 8:00 and stewardship of the State's wilderness areas. a.m. at the Defreestville Park & Ride. Leader: Food, refreshments and raffle prizes will be John Sheehan, [email protected] or provided! RSVP to: Doug Rosenberry, 265- 674-8121. 6018, [email protected] Apr 28 (Thu) ALBANY CO. RAIL TRAIL (C) Apr 22 (Fri) POLE HILL POND (B) We will explore the new trail from Albany to This trek is one of the newer trips in the Lake Voorheesville. The route runs along the George region. In addition to the beautiful Pole Normanskill Creek cataract ravine under the Hill Pond, the hiker is rewarded with an Thruway, through Delmar, and by rural woodlots outstanding view of Lake George. The trail has to the west. The trail is paved {mostly} to Delmar some fairly steep sections to navigate, and on a and hard dirt/gravel the rest. It is suitable for recent trip we discovered it has a loop option mountain bikes and hybrids. Expect 14 miles RT that winds its way back to the trailhead along a with elevation gain out of Albany. Bring a snack beautiful stream. It is 3.3 miles to the pond with and water. A Stewarts Shop is near the end in 1280’ elevation gain. As this hike becomes Voorheesville. Leader: Charlie Beach, 459-9127, known, it is sure to be a favorite. Meet 8:30 a.m. [email protected] at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765

8 Apr 30 (Sat) BUCK MOUNTAIN (B) May 3 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-- This is a great early spring hike on the east side MOHAWK R., LATHAM (B/C) of Lake George. From the Pilot Knob trailhead, Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. We will paddle it's a 6.6 mile round trip with 2000’ ascent. There upstream past some islands. From the Latham is a great open summit with views of Lake Circle drive north on Rt.9, take a right on Albany George and of the high peaks on a clear day. Marine Service Lane just before the Crescent This is also a great time to see the first Bridge, and launch at Freddie's Park. No need to wildflowers of spring. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the sign up - just show up! See General Info for Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Janice Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Cathy Prichett, 944-3495, [email protected] Snopkowski, 357-8633, [email protected]; Celia Murray, 225- Apr 30 (Sat) FALL STREAM-- 9902, [email protected] PISECO LAKE TO FALL AND VLY (B) This is a moderate 10 mile trip. It is similar to the May 6 (Fri) ROOSTER COMB & SNOW (B+) Kunjamunk or Miami Rivers, but anyone I have We'll head up Rooster Comb with a side trip to talked to who has done it feels it is nicer than Snow and return along the Flume Brook. The either of these. There will be a few brief round trip will be 7 miles with 2200' of elevation portages of less than 100 feet, including over a gain. "Great views are abundant." Meet 7:30 couple of beaver dams. We'll get nice pastoral a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: views of farmland, forests, and small mountains. John Antonio, 462-2765 There is an opportunity for playing in some riffles back at the Piseco outlet for those who are May 7 (Sat) MOHAWK RIVER CLEAN-UP (C) interested. If water levels are high enough, we ADK plans to clean up a section of the Mohawk may push on a couple more miles round trip to River at Lions Park, aka the train station in Mud Lake. Leaders: Steve Siegard, 915-2309, Niskayuna. The ADK volunteers usually find lots [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, of interesting stuff during this event. We will be [email protected] starting at 9:00 a.m. and finishing at 4:00 p.m. It's best if you sign up ahead of time so we know Apr 30 (Sat) STORM KING ART CENTER (C) how many people to expect. However, if you I've often eyed the few large outdoor sculptures decide you are able to volunteer at the last visible to the east when coming north on the minute, it is OK if you just show up ready to Thruway from downstate and thought I'd like to tackle the task. Bring canoe, kayak or rowboat, visit here to see those and others up close. If PFDs, gloves, rugged footwear, change of you've also noticed them and wanted to visit, clothing, rain gear, lunch, water, and any tools here is your chance. Children 4 and under are that may help to pick up trash. If you don't have free; otherwise there are entrance fees of $8 for a canoe, come anyway (bring a life jacket) ages 5-18 and students with ID, $12 for seniors because often people bring a canoe but need a 65 & older with ID, and $15 for other adults. partner. People to comb the shoreline along the Although the grounds are only about 1.5 miles bike path are also needed. Garbage bags and long by .75 miles wide, they encompass 500 drinking water will be provided. There are acres and "visits usually last 4 to 6 hours." restroom facilities at the Park. Directions to Acoustiguides (small hand-held units into which Lions Park: from Exit 6 of the Northway, go west up to two sets of headphones can be plugged) on Route 7 for 3.1 miles, turn right on Rosendale are available for rent at $5.00. We will plan on Road and soon after the sharp left curve at having a picnic lunch on the grounds near the bottom of the hill turn right into the park. You parking facilities where blankets can be spread may drive down to the water if you have a boat on the lawns. More information about the Center to unload, otherwise please park in the upper lot. is available online at www.stormking.org, Leader: Marilyn Pusatere, 588-5953, including a listing of the collection with brief [email protected] backgrounds/images and a map of the grounds. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the CDTA Delaware Ave Park May 7 (Sat) AUSABLE WATERFALLS (C+) & Ride lot - located across from Delaware Plaza Hopefully, all the ice and snow will be gone but (where there is a Bruegger's). Contact the leader the water will be flowing high for a spectacular via email prior to April 8th. Leader: Gene Reilly, waterfalls experience. I've always enjoyed hiking 281-7796, techvalleytrekker-at-yahoo.com this route in early spring. We will visit a number of waterfalls along the Ausable River on the

9 AMR property (alas, private property with no brainstorm ideas and concerns. Meet at 7:00 dogs allowed) - Beaver Meadow Falls, Rainbow p.m., location to be announced. Email contact is Falls, Gill Brook. Total distance of approximately preferred. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322- 10 miles or slightly more and possibly around 0950, [email protected] 1000’ of ascent. Meet 7:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. A quick stop will be made at May 14 (Sat) BIKE PROSPECT MTN. RD. (A) the Lox of Bagels & More at Exit 18 on the way This has become an annual spring event. After a north. Please contact leader via email by May warm-up around the Village of Lake George, 1st. Leader: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, we'll pedal 5-1/2 miles up a 5-1/2% grade to the techvalleytrekker-at-yahoo.com top of Prospect Mountain, offering views of the lake and mountains. The descent (like the May 7 (Sat) "I LOVE MY PARK DAY" ascent) is well paved with wide smooth turns AT THACHER PARK and--before Memorial Day--no auto traffic. We'll Sat. May 7 is New York's state-wide "I Love My follow up the hill climb with some rolling Park Day." In John Boyd Thacher State Park, sightseeing along the lake shore. Bring a bike we'll have activities ranging from Park clean-up, with low gears in good working order, a helmet, maintenance, gardening, and possibly trail work. and a persevering spirit. Leader: Don Berens, Call for details as they become available. A 783-1302, [email protected] picnic/BBQ lunch is planned for mid-day. Meet 9:00 a.m. at the "Pear Orchard" pavilion - near May 14 (Sat) GERTRUDE'S NOSE Park headquarters on N.Y. Rt. 157. You can call & MILLBROOK MTN. (B) the leader or Park Headquarters at 872-1237 for This is a spectacular rock formation of cliffs in updates. Or you can check the Parks & Trails the Minnewaska State Park outside of New New York website at www.ptny.org. Leader: Jim Paltz, NY in the Shawangunk Mountains. We will Schaller, 861-7452, [email protected] cover 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1288' on this moderate hike to Millbrook Mtn., and then May 8 (Sun) SCHODACK ISL. PADDLE (B) we'll continue along the ridge overlooking Meet at the boat launch on the Hudson River Wallkill Valley and onto Gertrude's Nose for side at Schodack Island State Park. Plan to be spectacular views. "Nose" is a Dutch word for a in the water and ready to go by 9:00 a.m. Since rock outcrop and this one is unlike anywhere low tide will be at 1:03 p.m., we'll paddle else in the Northeast. Contact leader via email downriver, around the tip of Schodack Island only for details and provide your most recent and up Schodack Creek. With high tide at 6:20 hiking experience. Leader: Phil Seward, 527- p.m., we'll be able to explore some side 1851, [email protected] channels. This trip is best for touring kayaks, but strong canoers are welcome. Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, [email protected] May 17 (Tue) ANNUAL BANQUET May 10 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - This year the Banquet will be held at MOHAWK R., GLENVILLE (B/C) The Desmond Hotel Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. We will paddle 660 Albany Shaker Road downstream and then go up the as Albany, NY 12211. far as we can, or paddle upstream to the islands Gathering begins at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 below Lock 8. From Erie Blvd. in Schenectady p.m. See flyer p.19. RSVP and pre-payment drive across Freeman's Bridge and take a right required. into the NYSDEC Fishing Access Launch on the Glenville side of the bridge. No need to sign up - This year's speaker will be Paul DeLucia, just show up. See General Info for Evening Founder of Lean2Rescue, Inc.--It started with Paddling Trips. Leaders: Sally Dewes, 346- just one lean-to that needed repair. After 1761, [email protected]; Alison Saville, enlisting his friends and hiking the materials in 899-4031, [email protected] themselves, Paul refurbished the lean-to. After that, and with the support of both the ADK 46ers May 11 (Wed) NEW & PROSPECTIVE TRIP and the NYS DEC, Paul has now enlisted over LEADERS WORKSHOP 150 volunteers and refurbished more than 50 Leading trips is easy and fun. You can pick your lean-tos, in addition to removing and building a favorite places to share with others! Come join number of others. Paul is the sole recipient of us for a casual gathering to find out what leading the 2009 DEC Adirondack Stewardship Award. ADK trips entails. We will discuss guidelines for being a trip leader, share experiences, and

10 May 18 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE – Clinton-Sullivan expedition and that event is MOHAWK LOCK 7 (C) commemorated by the General Clinton Canoe Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle Regatta each May. Later, the region was made upstream past interesting cliffs. From the known to others in the early 1800's by author Northway drive west on NY Rt.7 for 4.5 miles, James Fenimore Cooper in his Leatherstocking turn right on Mohawk Rd. and go to the end, Tales. There will be a social after the paddle. take a left on Rosendale Rd. for a short distance Leader: Ellen Luchsinger, 235-5526, then take a right on Lock 7 Rd. As you approach [email protected] the lock, bear left to the boat launch. No need to sign up - just show up! See General Info for May 28 (Sat) BIKE HIGHLAND, NY TO Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Ellen HOPEWELL JUNCTION (B) Luchsinger, 235-5526, [email protected]; This ride is on the Hudson Valley and Dutchess Celia Murray, 225-9902, [email protected] Rail Trail via the and is 36 miles round trip. We will ride at a moderate May 24 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - HUDSON pace starting on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail RIVER, BETHLEHEM (B/C) and will stop on the Walkway for views of the Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We could Hudson River before continuing on the Dutchess paddle to the falls on the or cross Rail Trail. The ride is flat through mostly wooded the Hudson and explore Papscanee Creek. areas. We will lunch at Daddy O's Restaurant at Take the Thruway to Exit 22. After the tollbooth, the end of the trail (18 miles) before turning take a left on Rt.144 north for about a mile, then around to return. Contact leader via email only take a right on Barent Winnie Rd. to the boat for details and provide your most recent biking launch next to Henry Hudson Park. No need to experience. Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, sign up - just show up! See General Info for [email protected] Evening Paddling Trips. Leader: Mike Cavanaugh, 378-5744, Jun 1 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE - [email protected] Leader: Alan Mapes, ROUND LAKE (C) 817-1512, [email protected] We will start from the Round Lake boat launch on Route 9. Be on the water at 6:30 p.m. We will May 26 (Thu) BATTENKILL PADDLE (B) paddle around the lake and explore the Anthony We plan to paddle 12-16 miles on a section Kill. Attendees must wear a PFD and follow between Arlington, VT and Salem, NY. This is a paddling guidelines under General Info for flowing stream with some quick water and Class Evening Paddle Trips listed in the front of the 1 rapids. Tree obstructions may be encountered Cloudsplitter. Leader: Alison Saville, 899-4031, which require maneuvering skills. PFDs are [email protected] required. Leader: Charlie Beach, 459-9127, [email protected] Jun 4 (Sat) MOUNT TREMPER (B) We will take the Long Path up this fire tower May 28 (Sat) PICO PEAK (B) peak. The views will be limited unless the fire At 3900’, Pico is one of central Vermont's tower is open, but we're hoping for lots of highest peaks. We'll start near the Inn at the mountain laurel and wild flowers. We'll plan to Long Trail on Route 4. The first 2 miles are start the hike at Phoenicia and end at the car we gentle but steadily uphill. The trail is mostly in spotted at Willow. The distance is 7 miles with the woods, but a short stretch coincides with one 1600’ of elevation gain. Leaders: Leslie Siegard, of the ski trails. We may see some pretty flowers 768-2393, [email protected]; Steve there. Then, we'll come to a lean-to. The last half Siegard, 915-2309, [email protected] mile is pretty steep. We will get great views to the north and east when we reach the top of the Jun 4 (Sat) NATIONAL TRAILS DAY - ski lift. Then, we can take a short walk along the THACHER PARK ridge to a spot that provides views to the south Today is National Trails Day. Here's a way to and west. The round trip is 5 miles with a 1700’ give back to the trails we use and love. In ascent. Leader: Robert Priest, 489-7472, Thacher Park there will be trail projects (to be [email protected] determined), and all are welcome. Call for details as they become available. We'll meet at May 28 (Sat) SUSQUEHANNA RIVER the Paint Mine Pavilion on N.Y. Rt. 157 at 9:00 SOJOURN (C) a.m. Call Park Headquarters (only) for this event Paddle about 8 miles of flat water on the at 872-1237. Leader: Jim Schaller, 861-7452, Susquehanna River near rural Cooperstown, [email protected] NY. The river was the setting for the 1779

11 Jun 5 (Sun) SNOWY MOUNTAIN (B+) Jun 12 (Sun) ALANDER MOUNTAIN (B) Snowy Mountain is the highest peak in the Alander is one of my favorite Taconic peaks. southern Adirondacks. If the fire tower is open, With about 1000' of elevation gain over 7 miles, we will get great views in all four directions. it's one of those low effort/high reward hikes. There are places near the top providing partial This year, we will try for an additional reward views -- one facing north and west, the other and catch the Mountain Laurel bloom. The facing south and east. We'll have lunch at one or summit offers views of the Catskills across the the other, depending on the wind direction. The Hudson River Valley and the other nearby trail starts out gently, close to a brook. Then, it Taconic peaks in NY, Mass and Ct. We will try to turns steadily uphill with a steep stretch near the identify these other peaks from the summit. It's top. The round trip is 8 miles with an ascent of what we do. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Defreestville 2200’. Leader: Robert Priest, 489-7472, Park & Ride. Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, [email protected] [email protected]

Jun 7 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE- MOHAWK RIVER, NISKAYUNA (B/C) Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. at Lions Park Jun 14 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING by the old train station in Niskayuna. We will 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY paddle for about 2 hours going around the islands and possibly upstream to Lock 7. From Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. Summer the Northway, drive west on Rt.7 for 3.1 miles Gear Sale. Bring your extra camping and hiking and take a right on Rosendale Rd. which goes gear to the sale. As with our winter gear sale in downhill and then curves left. Soon after that, January, we ask that sellers donate 10% to the turn right into the parking area. No need to sign Chapter. Please tag your gear with a price and up - just show up. See General Info for Evening your name. Paddling Trips. Leaders: Celia Murray, 225- 9902, [email protected]; Don Orr, 421-3389, Program at 7:30 Potpourri Night: Now it's [email protected] your turn to share tales of the wild outdoors and adventures with your fellow Club members. We Jun 11 (Sat) OWLS HEAD MTN. (LONG will look forward to your wowing us with your LAKE) & ADIRONDACK MUSEUM (B) slides or photos (Power Point preferred). To get We'll do a morning hike to Owls Head Mtn. that on the roster, contact Thea Hoeth at is just south of Long Lake. There is a fire-tower [email protected] on top and the peak has nice views. The hike is 7.2 miles roundtrip with 1060’ of ascent. After the hike we will visit the Adirondack Museum at Lake. Admission is $18 for Jun 15 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE - HUDSON adults, $16 for Seniors 62 and over, and $12 for RIVER, COEYMANS (C) students. Also plan on a small car pool fee for Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will explore the drivers. We'll meet at 7:00 a.m. and probably the mouth of Hannacroix Creek and the shores return around 6:30 p.m. Leader: Tim Kase, 766- of Schodack Island State Park where bald 4264, [email protected] eagles are often seen. Take the NY Thruway to Exit 22. After the tollbooth, take a right on Rt.144 Jun 11 (Sat) BIKE WALLKILL VALLEY south for about 4 miles, then take a left on RAIL TRAIL (B) Westerlo St. to Coeymans Landing boat launch. This bike ride will start in Kingston and ends in No need to sign up - just show up! See General Gardiner, NY. It is 30.4 miles RT with a stop in Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Alan New Paltz for lunch. The trail cuts through Mapes, 817-1512, [email protected]; Mike wetlands, forest and fields, over the Rosendale Cavanaugh, 378-5744, [email protected] Trestle, and passes a horse farm and views of the cliffs of the Shawangunks. The surface is flat Jun 17 (Fri) RUSK MOUNTAIN (B) with paved and crushed stone and requires a Rusk is one of the trailless peaks in the hybrid or mountain bike for the best traction and Catskills. For this hike, we will make a loop over flat free ride. Contact leader via email only for the east summit before continuing along the ride details and provide your most recent biking to the actual summit and the canister. The experience. Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, distance is about 6 miles with over half off-trail [email protected] and with around 1500’ of ascent. Leader: John Susko, 383-1284, [email protected]

12 Jun 18 (Sat) ALGONQUIN AT AN EASY Jun 18-19 INTERMEDIATE/NOVICE PACE (A) WHITEWATER INSTRUCT (A) We'll take our time hiking from the Adirondack Schenectady ADK is offering this two-day clinic Loj to the summit of Algonquin, the second designed for boaters who have had some highest peak in the Adirondacks. The first previous experience but still need more work to stretch -- 1 1/2 miles -- is gentle. Then, the trail perfect the basic strokes and maneuvers. goes steadily uphill. We pass a scenic waterfall Students should have paddled class 1 or 2 around 2 1/2 miles. At 3 miles, we reach a trail whitewater five or more times and be able to junction. The last mile is as steep as any in the perform eddy turns, peel-outs, and ferries on high peaks. It will be necessary to hang on with class 1 water. They should be able to paddle in hands and feet to get over some of the rocks. a straight line, identify river features including The summit is above tree line. It offers eddies, waves, and holes, and self-rescue in spectacular views and beautiful tundra class 1 and 2 water. Kayakers should have or be vegetation. It is 8 miles round trip with 3000’ of working on a roll and must be comfortable with ascent. Leader: Robert Priest, 489-7472, wet exits. We will start on flat water to refine [email protected] paddling techniques as well as rolls. On the river, we will work on performing crisp reliable Jun 18 (Sat) SEVEN LAKES RIDE, eddy turns, peel-outs, angle control on ferries, RENSSELAER COUNTY (A) and gaining overall experience. Instruction will This route will have two options, 37 miles or 24 start at 8:00 a.m. at a location to be determined miles, with the longer route taking in an extra later and be over each day by late afternoon. loop around Nassau Lake. In running this in the Students must provide their own equipment past, the two groups met back up at Stewarts in including the boat. Cost for the two days of Sand Lake. Starting from Defreestville, this ride instruction is $40. For more information contact takes in Nassau, Burden, Crooked, Glass, instructor Sally Dewes. Last day to sign-up is Crystal, Reichards, and Snyder lakes. The June 10. Leader: Sally Dewes, 346-1761, terrain is rolling with some moderately steep [email protected] section. Besides the lake views, this goes through farm lands with great views. Jun 19 (Sun) TACONIC CREST TRAIL Leaders: Steve Siegard, 915-2309, TO THE SNOW HOLE (B) [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, Celebrate Father's Day with an easy 6.4 mile [email protected] hike on the Taconic Crest Trail from Petersburg Pass to the Snow Hole, which reportedly has Jun 18 (Sat) YM: LOWER WOLFJAW VIA snow year round. Plan on 425' of elevation gain. BENNIE'S BROOK SLIDE (A+) Leader: Kathy Sheppard, 765-2657, This is a slide climb hike. We will start from the [email protected] Garden parking lot in Keene Valley, follow trails to the base of the slide, and follow the slide up Jun 21 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - Lower Wolfjaw to the herd path exit below the MOHAWK & HUDSON RIVERS (B/C) headwall. We will summit Lower Wolfjaw and Be on the water at the Waterford boat launch return to Keene Valley over the Rooster Comb before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle upstream on the trail. Exact start times and meeting places TBD. Hudson to Campbell Island or explore the The hike will cover approximately 10 miles and shores and waterfall of Peebles Island. In about 1700’ of elevation gain. Participants Waterford, from Broad St. turn south onto First should have some prior experience hiking in the St. and drive to the boat launch at its end; or you High Peaks and come prepared with can launch from Lansingburgh at the end of comfortable footwear and appropriate equipment 123rd St. off of Second Ave./Rt.4 and meet the for a day hike. Although the slide climb portion rest of the group on the Waterford side. No need will be strenuous, the hike will be led at a to sign up - just show up! See General Info for moderate pace and speed is not necessary, Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Lynn Filarecki, though some endurance and a tough attitude 674-2125; Ellen Luchsinger, 235-5526, are useful! Contact the leader with any [email protected] questions and to sign up. Leader: Sarah Czapranski, (585) 831-1013, Jun 22 (Wed) BEAR MOUNTAIN, CT (B) [email protected] At this time of year, the southern Berkshires are carpeted with blooming mountain laurel. We should see pink and white flowers on the Paradise Lane Trail. Our hike will continue on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Bear

13 Mountain. This trip will be about 7 miles with highway ramp. No need to sign up - just show 1000' of elevation gain. Email contact is up! See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. preferred. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322- Leaders: Don Orr, 421-3389, 0950, [email protected] [email protected]; Sally Dewes, 346-1761, [email protected] Jun 25 (Sat) SAM'S POINT, ICE CAVES & WATERFALLS (B) Jun 29 (Wed) HOPKINS VIA MOSSY This trail climbs to Sam's Point, which has CASCADE BROOK (B+) spectacular views, follows a narrow path through Hopkins' open rocky summit offers an amazing the crevices of the Ice Caves, and continues to vista, including the whole . So we'll Verkeerderkill Falls - the highest waterfall trail in hope for clear views on International Mud Day, a the Shawangunks. The hike is about 8.5 miles day started in Nepal to get kids outside. Getting with 892' elevation gain. Contact leader via "down and dirty" on Hopkins shouldn't be a email only for details and provide your most problem, so we won't have to make our own recent hiking experience. Leader: Phil Seward, mud pit. Cleaning off in Chapel Pond is a likely 527-1851, [email protected] post-hike option. It's 6.3 miles and 2120' vertical up through the old hemlocks that line the Mossy Jun 28 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE MOHAWK, Cascade Brook Trail to the 3183' top. Leaders: KIWANIS PARK (B/C) Karen Ross, 794-7474, [email protected]; Lori Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. We could go McCarron, 587-1957, [email protected] downstream and around Dalys Island and possibly go down and back through Lock E8 if there is interest, or we might go upstream to Lock 9, passing the Mabee Farm (the Mabee House dates back to 1670 and is the oldest standing building in the Mohawk Valley). Take Exit 1A off I-890 to Rt.5S in Rotterdam and take a right into Kiwanis Park soon after leaving the

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped make this issue possible: Virginia Boyle Traver for notifying the leaders and monitoring outings, Barb Esmond for her excellent organization skill and help with the outings files, Chris Imperial for help with the Echoes, and Gail Carr for her consistent generosity in donating her art for the cover illustrations. Their efforts are appreciated.

ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL

Nov 18 (Wed) HOFFMAN NOTCH Leader: John Antonio For this trip in to the "Notch" we started from the northern trailhead. The trail, touted as a "classic ski trip," has been rerouted in recent years and features plenty of bridges and beaver activity. With good snow conditions it seems it would fit the bill as a good ski trip, but it does contain sections of narrow corridors between trees and rocks and steep inclines and descents that would certainly call for good control. At the four mile mark, we had lunch on the frozen shores of "Big Marsh" in brilliant sunshine, with Hoffman Mountain looking down on us across the ice. Our group: Lori McCarron, Mark Schoonmaker, Bo Harris, Peter Kurz, John Susko, Karen Burka, Barb Blum, Anne Rokeach, Maureen Brown, Charlene Shafer, Kendra Pratt, Tim Kase and Doug Rosenberry.

Dec 5 (Sat) DIX & HOUGH Leader: Don Berens By the cold, crisp light of Venus and a crescent moon, we met at the Round Pond trail head. Don Berens, Katherine Bannigan, Laura Hollander, Margaret O'Keefe, Bruce Shreffler, and Chieko Vititow started with headlamps and bare boots on a carpet of brown leaves. The sun rose as we passed Round Pond and saw the first scattered dustings of 36-hour-old snow. It was cloudless all morning. Beyond the Boquet

14 River Lean-To, the snow cover became more extensive, but never deep. At the bottom of the slide, we put on our foot spikes to cross the ice and to climb the steep icy trail beside cliffs decorated with curtains of icicles. One climber, with inadequate traction, slipped and shouted an exclamation which - from a distance - sounded of exhilaration. But no matter; it offered a chance to reclimb a short beautiful section. The last half-mile up to Dix offered near views of snow covered spruce and distant views in three directions. The steep ice gave us time to savor those views. We summited at 11:30 in mid-40s sunshine with no clouds overhead or to the north. But from the southwest to southeast was a distant sea of clouds at about 3,500 feet, above which poked mountain islands of Allen, Boreas and Mansfield. We estimated that a trip to Hough and back over Dix could be done in daylight, but we were unsure whether we could then get back below the steep ice on the north side of Dix before dark. We contented ourselves with a short walk to the Beckhorn on the south end of the Dix summit ridge where we saw the start of the ridge top herd path leading to Hough and the rest of the . The afternoon descent from Dix to the lean-to took almost as long as the morning climb. The sun set with a mile and a half walk yet to go. The end of twilight found us along the shore of Round Pond, admiring the silhouetted hills on the far shore reflected in the gently rippling pond surface. During the last 25 minutes, we turned our headlamps on and turned our thoughts to various gourmet dinners, none of which loomed in our immediate future. We used every minute of daylight (and more) on a fine December day.

Jan 2 (Sat) BIG SLIDE Leader: Don Berens We left the Garden at dawn under a half-moon pointing to the brightening glow in the southeast. As Don Berens, John Kwasnowski, Tom Sharkey, and Patrick Warren climbed toward First Brother, the rising sun cast a golden light off the underside of the clouds and onto the snowy western slides of , normally shaded at that hour. From the open ledges of the Brothers, we had overcast views of the Great Range from Rooster Comb to Basin. There was extensive snow on the spruce branches and underfoot, but it was not deep enough to require snowshoes. We made steady progress through the ridge-top woods. A quarter-mile below the summit, we saw the "Stairway to Heaven" with an inch of untrodden new powder on the steps. Moments later, we emerged at the summit clearing to views of ... fog and cloud. After congratulating the two of us for whom Big Slide was their first Adirondack High Peak in winter, we descended the Slide Mountain Brook Trail. We took our lunch at the Howard Lean-to near the DEC Outpost. Then we walked the well-packed Phelps Trail back to the Garden by early afternoon.

Jan 3 (Sun) BREIA XC SKI Leader: Rich Macha There was very little snow at our planned destination of Dyken Pond so the trip was changed to the BREIA trail system north of Utica where, thanks to lake effect snows, the conditions were excellent for skiing. BREIA does some grooming and most of the main trails had been rolled the day before; some additional powder had fallen since that time. The experience here for the most part is somewhere between touring center and backcountry with wide smooth trails for the most part. We started out from the eastern parking area on Egypt Road and slowly worked our way to the warming hut where we started up a fire in the wood-burning stove and ate our lunches in comfort. After lunch we explored the trails south of Egypt Road. It was snowing heavily by that time and visibility was reduced but we all enjoyed the taste of winter weather. When we got back to the start there was 3" of new snow on the cars. Lynn, Trisha, Jim, Dave and the leader skied close to 9 miles in 5 hours on trails of varying difficulty.

Jan 8 (Fri) JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK - "NORTH" Leader: John Antonio It all worked out as planned--except for the snowshoe part. A gang of us - 17 strong - met at the Outlook and proceeded up to the Ryan Road trailhead. We began our walk in the thin, scant, icy snow and discovered that "gription" on the bottom of our boots was the way to go. We trekked over many of the north trails and stopped occasionally to receive a history lesson and many interesting tidbits and facts on this area from Jim Schaller. A highlight on this trip for many of us was to walk the Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail. This gave us the opportunity to reminisce on our many good memories of Fred and once again share with others how very special a person he was to all he came in contact with. We managed to stop at both scenic outlooks, and then took the Long Path down to the Halies Cave area and finished up on the most southern portion of the perimeter trail. Our group: Jim and Bonnie Schaller, Bo Harris, Peter Kurz, Charlie Beach, Dave Cedar, Linda Davern, Claudia Rosenholz, Lori McCarron, Mike Boucher, Trisha Driscoll, Gary Blose, Barry Gibbs, Pat McPhee, Karen Ross and 'Louie,' John Susko, and two others we picked up on the trail - Marie Rosenblatt and Tom Hart.

Jan 10 (Sun) MOXHAM MOUNTAIN Leader: Nola Royce This hike was cancelled due to rain and cold weather--not a good combination. We have tried twice to re- schedule with those who signed up, and it has not worked out. Maybe we'll have better luck next season.

Jan 13 (Wed) MOUNTAIN MEADOW PRESERVE Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver A fresh inch or two of snow, just enough to cover the ground, gave our day the white, sunny, wintry world we had been missing this year. The initial meadow, just up from the parking area, offered astounding views of at least 180 degrees to the surrounding Berkshires. We hiked about 3.5 miles over old roads and through a beautiful hardwood forest, from Massachusetts to Vermont and back. Rolling terrain provided a varied landscape. The Preserve brochures had boasted 4 overlooks; however, only the first one at the meadow was not grown in. If there was one disappointment on this trip, it was that the other three viewpoints were now part of the forest. With no foliage at this time of year, we could see through the hardwoods enough to catch a glimpse of blue-colored mountains beyond and to have an idea of what we were missing. Nevertheless, we had a great day, and, as always, wonderful camaraderie. Enjoying a wintry morning were Charlie Beach, Maureen Brown, Karen Lydon, James Owen, and Rachel West.

Jan 24 (Sun) HUYCK PRESERVE XC SKI Leader: Rich Macha The trip was changed to Rockwood State Forest (between Johnstown and Caroga Lake) where we had very good snow conditions. Nine skiers enjoyed skiing most of the trails on the south side of Rt. 29A and covered 8 miles in 3.8 hours including a sunny stop for lunch.

Jan 27 (Wed) SANTANONI XC SKI Leader: John Antonio Finally, snow! We called the VIC in Newcomb a couple of days before the trip and were informed that the skiing was great. Imagine that! It even snowed the first hour of our outing! With big smiles on our faces - especially after a liberal application of maxi-glide for some, we glided into the Great Camp probably quicker than most would have wanted. Luck stayed with us--the door was unlocked and we were able to have lunch inside the camp, out of the wind and the elements. As we approached our cars at the trip's end, I overheard members of our party already planning their next ski trip here. That's how memorable a day it turned out to be. Our group: James Leinweber, Peter Kurz, Maureen Brown, Andrea Goodman, Kendra Pratt, Dave Cedar, Mike Boucher, and Lori McCarron.

Jan 30 (Sat) SADDLEBACK Leader: Don Berens Mid-teens and mostly cloudy skies gave the Garden a wintry feel as Katherine Bannigan, Don Berens, Sondra Foley, Chandra Geremick, Maddy Kennedy, John Kwasnowski, Akane Suzuki, and Ken Wehner started at 7:45 in Microspikes. We walked easily over frozen trail with just enough snow to fill in most of the summer low spots. Beyond the Orebed Brook Lean-to, we slowed as the grade steepened, especially at the edge of the 2011 slide where wind had blown ankle-deep snowdrifts over the ladders. In the last half-mile up toward Saddleback, we had glimpses through the trees back to the Cable Route on . We occasionally had seen powder snow blowing off the trees, but still it was startling to step out of the forest onto the summit before noon. A 45-mph west wind blew pellets of frozen snow off the trees below and up over the cliffs. A spectacular view westward was dominated by Basin and Marcy, while fog banks rose from Upper Ausable Lake into the southern bowl of Basin. Our westward gaze was interrupted by the stinging wind in our eyes. We repeatedly turned away to shelter our faces, but just as repeatedly we were drawn back to look again. Our descent of the upper slopes was marked by more or less graceful sliding, sometimes standing more often sitting, usually deliberate, and always fun. Back on easy slopes and in the woods, we settled into an easy rhythm, broken by a break at the lean-to. Temperatures rose to near 32, and glimpses of sun cast shadows during our exit from the Johns Brook Valley, which we completed at 3:45. No headlamp batteries were injured during the making of these memories.

Feb 5 (Fri) TUBMILL MARSH & LILYPAD POND Leader: John Antonio This was The Movable Feast...at the trailhead we divvied up the goods--grill, charcoal, firewood, snacks and appetizers worthy of a super Bowl party, donned our traction and headed out to Tubmill Marsh. Maybe it was the anticipation of diving into one of Rolf's famous franks that inspired our pace because we

arrived at the marsh way too early for lunch. So on we went. Yes, (Claudia) we managed two rather tricky stream crossings and passed Honey Pond with some serious beaver work on its shoreline, and soon found ourselves at Lily Pad Pond. The party began. The kitchen and beverage stations were organized and the grill was fired up. The snacks were "hoovered" as the hot dogs were toasted to ballpark perfection. To finish the picnic, Tom was sent off on a mission so that Marie could pull out a surprise birthday cake for him, complete with candles, hats and noiseless noise makers. A hearty rendition of "Happy Birthday" was performed as we wrapped up the festivities. All agreed that HDH VIII was great. The feasters: Virginia Traver, Marie Rosenblatt, Tom Hart, Peter Kurz, John Sheehan, Maureen Brown, Jim Owen, Karen and Jeff Ross and 'Louie,' Lori McCarron, and yes - we let Barb Esmond come along, too.

Feb 10 (Wed) FOLDED ROCK SNOWSHOE Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver In this no-snow winter, we were treated to a fresh four inches just a day before this outing. In addition, snow fell gently during most of our hike. Fresh snow, fresh air, and great exercise were all ours. Despite the new snow, microspikes were still the necessary foot gear. The first section of the trail to Folded Rock is steep. Bo Harris guided us on an unmarked trail along the brook as an alternative to the old logging road on which we would descend. This trail merged with the traditional trail and we continued along the ridge to Folded Rock. Over lunch, we enjoyed the view of the farms and hills below. We descended on the logging road, being careful not to slip in the snow, patchy ice, and deep leaf covering underneath. Those who enjoyed this wintry day were Brandon Bezio, Mike Boucher, Maureen Brown, Lisa Cassidy, Dave Cedar, Trisha Driscoll, Peter Fedorick, Bo Harris, Sue Jordan, Lori McCarron, Jim Owen, and the leader.

Feb 13 (Sat) THE WOLFJAWS Leader: Don Berens What works at plus 25 might not work at minus 5. Don Berens, Sandra Foley, Kelly Marriott, Ben Mastaitis, Margaret O'Keefe, Rebecca Schmoyer, and Claudia Warren left the Garden at 7:15 under partly sunny skies, with a temperature of plus 2, perhaps the coldest Saturday of the year. Snow cover in the Johns Brook Valley remained thin; neither snowshoes nor microspikes were necessary, though some of us wore them. From the DEC outpost, across the brook, and up to Wolfjaws Notch, most of us wore snowshoes because the snow, though shallow, was trackless. At the notch, we learned that Margaret needed Lower but not Upper Wolfjaw, Ben needed Upper but not Lower, and some - perhaps influenced by inadequate clothing or freezing water bottles - were reluctant to commit to two peaks. So Claudia, Rebecca, and Margaret left for Lower, while Don, Sandra, Kelly and Ben left for Upper. Both routes had extensive ice under thin snow. The LWJ team coped by pulling up on trees along the trail; they summited at 11:25. The UWJ team was stymied by an icy rock bulge -- a near vertical rock-wall rising on the right and a slick, convex slope dropping on the left -- with no acceptable detour. During a pause to change footwear, some hands chilled to clumsiness and some feet chilled to painfulness. Neither snowshoes nor microspikes gave traction on the sub-zero, hard, steep ice; not all hikers had crampons. Both teams reunited at the notch, and with steady downward hiking, we restored warmth to our extremities. By 2:25, all returned to the Garden where it was minus 5. At the Noonmark Diner, the complimentary ice water was amusing, but the hot chocolate was welcoming. Although negative single digit temperatures are comparatively cold for this year, they are by no means as cold as some recent Adirondack winters. Attention must be paid to the preparations needed to keep liquids, hands, feet, and faces warm. Despite climate change, winter remains a challenging season.

CONSERVATION NOTES

Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail Update: On Tuesday January 11, 2016, more than 100 enthusiastic people braved a cold snowy evening to learn about progress on the Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail. To summarize, the project is divided into three phases – phase 1 from Voorheesville to Slingerlands, phase 2 between Slingerlands and Delaware Ave and Phase 3 from Delaware Avenue in Bethlehem to South Pearl Street in Albany. Phase 3, the section from Veterans Park in Bethlehem, to South Pearl Street in Albany is completely paved. The County has invested almost 3.3 million dollars in this

section of the trail, with 80% from federal funds and 20% County funding. Phase 2 between Delaware Ave and Slingerlands will be tackled following the completion of phase 3. Through an agreement between the Town of Bethlehem and Albany County, paving of at least 6,000 additional feet of the trail should take place during 2016. If resources permit, paving might reach as far as Slingerlands. Phase 1 is the section between Font Grove Road and Voorheesville. The optimistic assessment is that work on this area will be completed and the entire trail paved and operational in 2017. Check the website for further explanation of the meeting and issues relating to Slingerlands, the City of Albany, the Hilton Barn, and signage.

Help Monitor Illegal ATV Use of the Taconic Crest Trail (TCT): The Albany Chapter and Taconic Hiking Club have been monitoring the issue of ATV trespass on the TCT. A local forest ranger has been vigorously enforcing state regulations, and has apprehended several riders. DEC has repaired ATV damage on sections of the trail and posted positive signage at several trailhead locations. To help DEC enforce the regulations which prohibit ATV use on the TCT, it’s important that DEC knows where most of this activity occurs. You can help by hiking the trail and reporting signs of ATV use to: David Pisaneschi, Albany ADK, ESP, PO Box 2116, Albany, NY 12220 or at [email protected] Please include descriptions of individuals and vehicles, license numbers, along with date, time and location on trial. PLEASE DO NOT CHALLENGE OR CONFRONT ATV USERS. Any photos of ATVs and damage along the trail would also be useful.

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

ALBANY CHAPTER - OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Chairperson Tom Hart 229-5627 [email protected] Vice Chairperson Frank Dirolf 783-0046 [email protected] Treasurer Jim Coward 915-1924 [email protected] Recording Secretary Jan Peterson 695-3054 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary vacant Members at Large Carl Klinowski 274-8410 [email protected] Don Berens 783-1302 [email protected] Representatives to the Board John Sheehan 674-8121 [email protected] Stephanie Graudons 332-4624 [email protected] Finance Frank Dirolf 783-0046 [email protected] Banquet Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Cloudsplitter Karen Ross 794-7474 [email protected] Conservation David Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Education Alan Mapes 439-4086 [email protected] Membership Doug Rosenberry 356-3142 [email protected] Nominations Mark Janey 899-6086 [email protected] Outings Virginia Boyle Traver 322-0950 [email protected] Paddlers vacant Programs Thea Hoeth 434-3052 [email protected] Public Information Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Refreshments Marlee Bickel 456-7050 [email protected] Socials Helen Menz 463-3036 Trails Gene Reilly 281-7796 [email protected] Ways and Means Sue Jordan 765-5564 [email protected] 301-651- Web Master Ted Letcher [email protected] 8244 Wilderness Dave Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Young Adults Stephanie Graudons 332-4624 [email protected] Josh Baker 728-6419 [email protected]

ADIRONDACK)MOUNTAIN)CLUB!! ALBANY)CHAPTER)3)ANNUAL)BANQUET)TUESDAY)MAY)17,)2016! ! The!Desmond!Hotel!and!Conference!Center!! 660!Albany!Shaker!Road,!Albany,!NY!12211!(518C869C8100)!! Gathering!begins!@!6:00PM,!Seated!Dinner!@!7:00PM!! !! PRESENTATION)BY)–)Paul)DeLucia,)Founder)of)Lean2Rescue,)Inc.!! It!started!with!just!one!leanCto!that!needed!repair.!!ATer!enlisUng!the! help!of!his!friends!and!hiking!the!materials!in!themselves,!Paul! refurbished!the!leanCto.!!!! Soon,!DEC!offered!their!official!support!of!Lean2Rescue,!and!then!ADK! members,!46ers!and!others!joined!by!word!of!mouth.!!The!more!Paul! organized!projects,!the!more!volunteers!have!stepped!up,!restoring!all! 37!Region!6!leanCtos!in!only!four!years.!!!!In!partnership!with!DEC,! Lean2Rescue!has!now!enlisted!over!150!volunteers!and!refurbished!

more!than!60!leanCtos.!!This!includes!the!removal!of!two,!recycling!of! one,!and!building!three!new.!!!! Paul!and!Lean2Rescue!received!the!2009!DEC!Adirondack!Stewardship! Award.!!He!is!happy!to!relay!his!story!to!us!and!we!are!glad!to!have! him!here.!

Menu Each Dinner includes a Desmond Salad, choice of Entrée, Rolls, Coffee, Tea and Dessert

Desmond Salad: Chilled exotic greens topped with sliced mushrooms, mandarin oranges, sliced

almonds, dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, and creamy garlic dressing Entrée Choices:

Chicken Normande – Boneless Chicken Breast, Herbed Apple Stuffing and Sauce Supreme, Oven Roasted Rosemary New Potatoes Vegetable Provence – Sautéed with Herbs de Provence and topped with Grilled Marinated Tofu, Brown Rice Pasta alla Vodka – Penne Pasta in Vodka Cream Sauce with Sweet Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake – Old fashioned Buttermilk Biscuit, Sliced Strawberries and Whipped Cream

RAFFLE:!!Once!again!this!year,!we!thank!Carl!Heilman!for!his!generous!donaUon!of!a!photo!to!be!raffled!off! for!the!benefit!of!Lean2Rescue.!!The!photo!is!beauUfully!maced!and!framed!and!is!valued!in!excess!of! $450.00.!Find!out!more!about!Carl’s!work!and!workshops!at!his!website!at! www.carlheilman.com.!!!(Info!for! Photo!Contest!coming!soon)!! !RESERVATION!DEADLINE:!!TUESDAY!MAY!10,!2016COST!IS!$35!FOR!MEMBERS,!$45!FOR!NONCMEMBERS!! Mail!checks!payable!to!“Albany!Chapter!ADK,”!and!send!with!your!reservaUon!to:!! ADK!Banquet,!P.O.!Box!2116,!Empire!State!Plaza!StaUon,!Albany,!NY!12220!!

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCPlease!return!this!secUon!with!your!reservaUonCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ! Name! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !! Address ! !!!!!!! Phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!email!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#Acending!!!!!!!!!!!@$35!!!!!!!!!!!!@$45 !!! Entrée!Choice:!(one!for!each!acendee):!!!!!!!#ChickenC!!!!!!!!!!#VegetableC!!!!!!!!!!#Pasta!C !! I!wish!to!purchase:!!!#!!!!!!!!!!!!!raffle!Uckets!@$5.00!each!or!3!for!$10.00!C!!for!a!total!of!!$ !!

Special!Requests:!!! ! !!!!! For!more!informaUon,!check!out!the!Albany!Chapter!ADK!website!at!www.adkCalbany.org!!

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

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