BOOTPRINTS Volume 5 Issue 1 January 2001 The turnout was unbelievable 120 Rodrigues. Their energetic and well- Memories of the PVHC Holiday Party by AnnMarie & Leah Visconti

he weekend after the holiday party, we went on Ta backpack to Mt. Alander. It was cold, but fortunately we were able to stay in the cabin with a wood stove. All night it thundered and rained. While cozy and warm in our sleeping bags and apparel, we dreamed of the party the weekend before. Holiday Party at the Springfield College Pueblo - photo by John Klebes What a great time was had by all. With three big rooms to enjoy, plus people. How nice it was to see guided efforts, led to our event one could dance the night away or everyone together verses a few being held at this 'fantastic and sleep by the fire. Leah and people at a time on a hike. I want to atmospheric' place: The Pueblo it is Stephanie were complaining this take this opportunity again to thank called, a part of Springfield College; weekend on our backpack that their Wayne, Sue, Lisa, Rob, John, Bill Inside, it is a sprawling place of legs were "killing " from dancing for (at the door), Dave (kids' deep, large 'wood motif'; another four hours straight. The disc jockey entertainer), Sue and Dick (slide words, 'lots of wood, everywhere'! was really in to music/dance mood. show), and all that helped set up Also present; two fireplaces, plus- a The food was terrific; we have such and clean up. It was truly a great dance floor! Wayne, who teaches at good cooks in our midst. The slide effort. Springfield College, found us this show was fun I hope all enjoyed. It - AnnMarie & Leah Visconti - 'wonderful joint', plus made all the was such a good idea to have so arrangements to secure it for the many door prizes. Of course I Club. He and Sue Ziff, made sure thought it was fixed until I also won. 'That Wonderful that we had (very good) directions, Holiday to get to the place. They spearheaded and commandeered Party!' all (or 'most all), of the 'mix', that by Gary Dolgoff made this party, such a fantastic success. "'Hats off' to you folks!" As many of you Seriously, though- their dedication, know, the Clubs' friendliness, and goodwill, are what annual Holiday our Club thrives on, and seems to Gathering, was an attract. Yaybo!! event looked forward I arrived, pretty much right on to, by many of us time (around 6:30 pm). Already, I members (about recognized legions of Club 120-130 attendance members, many of them 'dressed this year?). up nice', which wasn't required- but This year, some was done by many, with the new 'enhancing recognition that this was, indeed- a ideas', were tried special event! Those Dancing Divas at the Holiday Party out, spearheaded by There was, of course, easy, photo by AnnMarie Visconti Sue Ziff and Wayne friendly mingling; both with 'old, Page 2

very last tune of the evening), was "We are Family", a tune we all enthusiastically danced to, in an interactive manner. ...And then it was over- when it was, 11:30 pm, or later! So- come next year, why dontcha? "Methinks you'll be glad you did!" PS- If any of you come up with any ideas for 'outings and events', and/or some hikes, bicycle rides, 'woods maintenance days', etc- let us know! Email, and; come to our general meetings (on the first Tuesday of each month), come to our bi-monthly Hike Planners' Dancing up a Storm at the Holiday Party - photos by AnnMarie Visconti Meetings; Come on our hikes!! familiar faces', and- with various Club. 'new faces' (recently-joined folk, or Following were those who were just 'checking it hours of lively out') dancing: some What can I say? There's just this slow, much fast, wonderful 'Club Chemistry', that just plus a lot of 'in- makes it all so- right! Lively between'. A conversations, gentle (and highlight of the sometimes boisterous) laughter, dance-floor was great food (and plenty of it!), awards the 'kids brigade': given to 'whomever led the most lively, entertaining 'things' (hikes, etc.)- Dave Rotondo to watch; it gave won that one, having led many, you a warm feeling many hikes this year, many of which in your tummy, to - Gary Dolgoff - are his famous (or infamous- only watch those 'lil things' (and some, kidding!) 'moonlight hikes', and the NOT-so little!) twirl, whirl, and jump write-in vote (still unannounced, as around the floor, in response to of this writing) for the person in the those syncopated beats! Club who has just done the most The next to the last song (Donna 'blood sweat and tears', for the Summers' "Last Dance", was the

Congratulations to our Year 2000 Recognition Award Recipients

Dave Rotondo John Klebes Mike Gross Jennifer Lamothe During this years Holiday Party we started a new tradition in the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club by awarding our most active Hike & Event Coordinators with a Recognition Award and $25 Monetary Prize. To show our appreciation to the people who make the club great we started off by acknowledging the over 40 Event Coordinators who volunteered their leadership over the past year. We than gave special recognition to our top three (actually four due to a tie) leaders for there contributions over the year. Thanks to all 40 of you for taking the club through a fantastic year. The results of the voting for the Volunteer of the year award will be announced at the January 2001 meeting. Page 3

mountain, and when we got on top slope of Mount Frissell, the trail three hours later, the temperature crosses the highest point in the and wind chill were way below zero. state of (el. 2380 feet) I Survived an Ed We stopped at an unheated and it affords a scenic vista of Lake Laroche Forced shelter on the south side of the Riga in Salisbury, Connecticut, in mountaintop where we ate lunch. the distance. A short way further March! (Bascom Lodge and the War west on the trail is the granite by Dick Forrest Memorial were both shut up tight for monument, which marks the spot the winter.) My fingers surprised me where the , d Laroche is not your by feeling painfully frozen, even out Connecticut and New York borders normal in-your-face drill of the wind. I had to shake them to meet. Einstructor. But if you go on warm them up. Ed Laroche found a The hike took place on a bright, one of his hikes, you will soon learn friend when a mole in the shelter sunny day, but the frigid wind the meaning of the word, “difficult.” jumped up on his boot. Ed, blowing in from the north probably I went on one, and actually however, spurned the mole’s accounted for the fact that our survived! One of the definitions of a friendship by kicking him off, and group encountered only a couple of march is “a long, tiring journey on saying “I don’t want that thing on other isolated hikers on the trail. foot.” Well, Ed sure gave us our me!” Before leaving the shelter, The group of us left a signed entry marching orders. Also, Ed has a both AnnMarie and I put on in the journal, which is stored at the reputation for more aggressive crampons because the trails had top of Mount Frissell, and we then hikes and backpacking trips. His many icy patches. Though, Jerry posed for group photos at the tri- reputation is well deserved. In fact, wore his crampons all day. I also state stone monument. We Ed took us through 20 to 40 donned a balaclava to protect my continued westward to the top of degrees or more below zero wind face from the bitterly cold wind. in New York and chill on the top of Mt. Greylock, and Amazingly, when my face warmed then, hugging the ridge line, we thought nothing of it. up, so did my hands. hung a left onto the South Taconic To be fair to Ed, he led a great I have to confess that the forced Trail and proceeded to the stone hike up Mt. Greylock on Saturday, march was really unforced and cairn which is at the summit of December 23. The other four of us, pleasurable, although I liked the end South Brace Mountain. We stopped Jerry Cyr, Dick Forrest, Ed Kleciak, of it the best. Ed Laroche would for a wind-chilled lunch break on the and AnnMarie Visconti, were willing really not have made a very good top of South Brace Mountain, but participants. For the record, Ed did drill instructor. He’s far too nice. But even though there was a panoramic not actually have to twist our arms, I am proud to say that I survived a view of the Catskill Mountains to the and we were not exactly forced to “difficult” Ed Laroche hike. west, the chilly conditions did not climb the mountain. Ed took us up - Dick Forrest - prompt any of us to linger over our the Roaring Brook Trail for 2.6 miles luncheon snacks. to the Sperry Rd. campground, and Following our abbreviated meal then another 1.8 miles up the stop, the group backtracked along Hopper and Appalachian trails to the same route over Mount Frissell the summit of Greylock. We ended Tri-State Border Hike and Round Mountain, back to the up marching 8.8 miles for the day. spot on Road by Don Leis On the way down, both Ed’s took a where we had left our vehicles. We short detour to see Deer Hill Falls. th thereafter adjourned for a warmer n Saturday, October 28 , I was surprised by the bitterly and more leisurely meal break at Norm Plante led a group cold weather, although each of us the Station "20" restaurant in Great of six intrepid souls on a O Barrington. Despite the bitingly cold was properly prepared for the climb. blustery wind-swept trek to the peak The clouds were rapidly scudding wind gusts, the hike did succeed of Mount Frissell in the across the sky from the brisk wind, quite well in allowing the hike southwestern corner of and the sun came out only participants to leave their work-a- Massachusetts. The trail to Mount occasionally. (Characteristically, the day stresses and aggravations Frissell wends its way along the sun comes out at the end of Ed’s behind, a sentiment that was duly Massachusetts/Connecticut border hikes.) Snow crystals were floating noted in the written entry, which we before junctioning into the South down from the trees, which were added to the journal at the peak of Taconic Trail in New York State. swaying and cracking in the wind. Mount Frissell. - Don Leis - The trail, which includes several We trudged through a snow cover steep rocky stretches, traverses of about two or three inches on the over the top of Round Mountain (el. "The best climber in the world ground. The snow layer helped to 2296 feet) and then continues over is the one having the most minimize our slipping on the ice the top of Mount Frissell (el. 2653 layer beneath. The temperature was fun." feet). Descending the southerly close to zero at the base of the - Quote from Alex Lowe Page 4

incline offering everyone some good cardiovascular exercise (and a few bee stings along the way). As we neared our destination the woods opened up almost like a door welcoming us to view and partake of its hidden refreshment. We traversed down to the stream where we hung out for a while soaking up the sun, the open sky, the vast rock formations, the tranquil pools and the cascading mini-falls -- a mere curtain raiser for the grand finale! Crossing the stream without soaking our hiking shoes was nearly impossible for us short- legged folks, but with a little help Mt Adams Backpacking, Spur Trail above Crag Camp -photo by John Klebes from Dick and his hiking stick, we all made it over no worse for wear. folk are. A group of people who We hiked up the other side of the The Start of Winter barely know each other and within a falls stopping at lookout point to few hours we are sharing food and have lunch. After hanging out there on Mt. Adams good stories like close friends. for a while we hiked down a very Between crackers and cheese, by John Klebes well-groomed path to our final sausage and pepperoni, popcorn, destination -- the base of the falls. candy, and leftovers we ate like t was the weekend before The falls were flowing strongly, kings. A real party on the mountain Thanksgiving when Mike although I don't believe they were at that night. Rattelle and I headed up the their full strength. Some of us took I During the night the stars were Lowe's Path toward the Grey Knob our hiking shoes off and refreshed fantastic. Great views of the Milky cabin. We started out with snow our feet in the VERY cold water. Way and someone actually saw a flurries and a light dusting of snow Others from the group sat in private falling meteor. Then around in the valley. They had gotten snow areas to meditate (or sleep!) 11:00pm the clouds rolled in. I didn't the night before so by the time we Although there was an abundance get a picture of the ravine because got to the cabin we had a base of of sightseers that day, the thunder it was to dark and in the morning we about 17 inches. The trees were of the falls provided almost a white were socked in again. Fourth trip coated with a thick layer of snow noise (or should I say wet noise), and still have no picture. In the and ice and it looked like a winter which nearly silenced their voices. morning we had very poor visibility. wonderland. Due to the snow After about an hour of being The weather was nice but overcast flurries we had no view on Saturday and in the fog. We hiked up to during the day. At sunset the sky knights castle that overlooks the cleared and filled with color. We ravine and could just make out the could have seen the sunset better cabin below us as the clouds from Grey Knob but the cabin was started to burn off. Due to the poor full. We stayed at Crag Camp visibility Mike and I decided to forgo overlooking the King Ravine. the summit of Adams. Hope to Shared it with a small group of boy make a repeat trip in March. scouts from Longmeadow, MA. Also - John Klebes - a group of college kids. Nineteen people in all. It was below freezing in the cabin and the water kept Hiking Bash Bish freezing in our pots and water bottles. Falls During the evening we all by Sandy Lisella swapped stories of our recent mountaineering adventures. One of he weather couldn't have the scout leaders shared the details been more perfect and the of his summer guided trip to the Thike was both invigorating summit of . It always and tranquil. We hiked up one side Bash Bish Falls amazes me how friendly us outdoor of the falls which was a decent photo by Sandy Lisella Page 5

because we us our food not only changed there take for habit of finding food, but made them granted that it sick and in some cases, and will always be changed there whole life cycle. We there. (myself saw evidence of the so-called included). biodegradable items and what they We did and are doing. Different parts of camped in this country are more concerned almost every than we are because they have lost state and what we still have and in some national park cases take for granted. I believe and the that God left us in charge of this evidence of planet. It's about time that we took things like that responsibility. We are all guilty camp fires, in some form or another. We need going to the to talk it over and become more bath room in aware of what we do in the woods the woods, - Ray Tibbetts - Bash Bish Falls (Aug 26, 2000) - photo by Sandy Lisella leaving trash, even washing These Boots Are mesmerized by the whole waterfall up and experience, the group headed back showers, became an issue. Some Made for Walking rivers and lakes didn't permit any to the vehicles where we by Marilyn Martino form of motorized units on it. exchanged names, phone numbers We saw wildlife on the shores of and email addresses. Gary We all know someone who has the river that was spectacular, but apparently led a convoy to get ice been affected by breast cancer – a were told by guides that it was cream afterward while others of us wife, mother, sister, daughter, becoming less an less because of headed back home. This was my friend, co-worker… Recently a the motorboats polluting the water very first hiking experience as a long-time friend was diagnosed and and people leaving trash. On the new PVHC member. I didn't know a has to go the full route (you know Salmon River we had to carry a single soul when we met up in the what I mean). special unit to go to the bathroom, morning and headed out, but in no I decided to help in a way I could the land and water was so fragile. time at all I felt completely and I am requesting your support. I Fires while camping (which comfortable and safe. The will be joining thousands of others everyone loves) became less and experience was just what the doctor who will be participating in the less as we traveled west, for various ordered! It was a feast for the Boston Avon Breast Cancer 3- reasons, using up resources which senses and the image of the day Day (60 mile) Walk on May 18-20. kill the trees which make the will stay vivid in my memory for a In its seven-year existence this animals go away because they very long time. effort has raised nearly $80 million didn't have food to eat. We went Thank you for letting me share, for breast cancer research, care places that fined you if you got off - Sandy Lisella - and support services. the trail for any reason. We also I will have more information by kayaked in places that were so mid-January, but know that you can Something to Think beautiful and clear water, because spread your pledge over 10 months they didn't permit motors, fires, or on your credit card, e.g., a $100 About cleaning fish in the water. donation can be paid $10 per by Ray Tibbetts Learning to take a bath in the month – it won’t hurt at all and it’s a woods is inconvenient but we have tax deduction. Plus, all pledge n our recent camping trip to do it. Not only to keep clean and information goes directly from you across the country; what healthy, but to protect our lakes and to the campaign (so, no worries, I Owe found as far as streams. The farther west we went won’t have your credit info for a minimum impact or saving the the more fragile things got. What personal shopping spree.) environment. We found many we enjoy in the northeast is Please contact me if you have different views and ideas. Most of fantastic, but won't last if we don't any questions, want a pledge form what we found was different from change our ways. Fires in the or are thinking about joining me on what we were used to. Overall what wilderness was nonexistent, fires in the trek -- I welcome your call, we found is that the people (in established campgrounds were need your support and would love general) in the northeast are very discouraged but permitted. We the company. [email protected] lax or lazy when it comes to couldn't leave anything out at night or telephone 562-0012. protecting our forest. I think its because of animals. Rangers told approx. 1/2 mile to Ashely, take a approx. 1 mile to McLeans (1/2 mile left and park there in front of the past Ashley Reservoir) and park on Early February gate. the right side of 202...will have to Movie & Dinner Evening (see - Florinda - cross the street for the entrance. schedule for day, time, and meeting - Florinda - place). Come with Gary Dolgoff and

Jane Glushik on a spirited "Movie Early March Friends of the Mt. and Dinner Evening"! (Followed by Hike and Birthday cafe-fest! (See : a stroll). We will go to a film theatre, Schedule) then have dinner together, during Join John-Paul Boisvert, Gary Jan 28th, 9:30am which we can discuss the movie, Dolgoff, and Jane Glushik, on an Suits & Boots: and just generally 'chat around'. For easy-moderate walk followed by a Enjoy a hike on a cold winter's those of you who still have the visit to an Italian 'pastry and coffee' morning and soak in a hot tub after! energy after dinner, we will walk off place, to celebrate two birthdays! We'll meet at the main gate of J.A. the food, with a stroll (length of the After the pastries and- perhaps an Skinner State Park, Route 47, walk determined by the weather, urban 'stroll', to 'walk off', all that Hadley, for an easy 3-5 mile hike. and the general 'mood of the goodness!! After the workout, we'll go to East crowd')... Any questions, etc.- call Heaven Hot Tubs in Northampton Gary at 413- 584-8564. Best time to for a 1/2 hour soak in the tubs. call- 9-11 pm. March 9-11, 2001 Please feel free to join us for the hiking portion only, if you wish. Grey Knob Cabin Backpacking Preregistration is required by Jan February 16-19, 2001 on Mt. Adams in the Whites 21st. Leader: Suzanne Love 586- Join us as we take the Lowe's Springfield Camping & Outdoor 8553. Path, 3.5 miles to either Grey Knob Show at the "Big E" Cabin at treeline, Crag Camp on the Feb 10th, 10:30am The Hiking Club will have our edge of King Ravine, or tenting at A Poetic Journey own booth again this year at the the Perch, depending on availability. Come hike the Robert Frost Trail Springfield Camping & Outdoor Weather permitting; we will attempt with poetry. We will do a nice, easy, Show at the "Big E" fair grounds in the summit of Mt. Adams, 2nd hike along the Robert Frost Trail, West Springfield. Volunteers are highest peak in the northeast. connect with Northside/Sweet Alice needed to help work the booth. Summit attempt is optional. Trails back to the visitor center. Please signup at the January or Overnight fee at the camps is $8.00 Bring your favorite lines of poetry, if February meetings or you can call and winter camping clothing and you wish. Meet at the Notch Visitor me at (413) 786-3620. Volunteers equipment is required. Call hike Center. Leader: Suzanne Love 586- for Monday are especially needed. coordinator for details and to review 8553. Snow shoes or crampons - John F. Klebes - equipment. may be necessary. Foul weather - John Klebes - cancels. Bring lunch and drinking water. February 17, 2001 March 17, 2001 Ashley Reservoir McLeans Reservoir March 10th, 10:30am Lithia Springs Reservoir Florinda Peck will lead a hike Florinda Peck will lead a hike Explore Lithia Springs in late winter. around Ashley Reservoir at around McLeans Reservoir at th th We'll meet at the Notch Visitor 10:00am on Saturday February 17 . 10:00am on Saturday February 17 . Center and carpool a short way to Meet at the Ashley Reservoir. The Meet at the McLeans Reservoir. the trailhead. From there we will directions to the reservoirs is as The directions to the reservoirs is as hike or snowshoe along easy trails follows: Take I-91 north to exit 15, follows: Take I-91 north to exit 15, to the Lithia Springs Reservoir. (Holyoke Mall), turn left at the lights (Holyoke Mall), turn left at the lights We''ll stop for lunch and then loop at the bottom of the ramp.....go at the bottom of the ramp.....go back to the beginning. Snowshoes through next set of lights and turn through next set of lights and turn may be necessary. Bring lunch and right at the next lights on to right at the next lights on to drinking water. Leader: Suzanne Homestead Ave. ...go to next set of Homestead Ave. ...go to next set of Love 586-8553. lights at rte. 202 and turn left.....go lights at rte. 202 and turn left.....go Page 7

Florinda Peck shares a poem she wrote about the Christmas Party: FOR SALE: Pioneer Valley Hiking Club For Sale: X-country Ski equipment new and used. It was sure good to join you this year. Adults and children sizes. Solomon boots and I was blessed by many friendships bindings. Many sizes available. Call Rob Schechtman I will cherish in the coming years! 860-668-2758. We hike the beautiful mountains all year long, even when it snows, For Sale: Two pairs of Winter Mountaineering Boots we get rosy cheeks and boy do they glow! Koflach "Degree" Mountaineering Boots, Men's size 7-1/2, worn once. Purchased new for The Christmas Party was such fun $260.00, yours for $90.00. I'm not even making a pun...... Asolo Mountaineering Boots, Men's size 7-1/2, No one had too much of a bubbly brew, worn twice, for sale for $75.00. that's why were all such a healthy crew! Call Doug Borgatti (413) 532-1576 Good times were had by all at the wee hours, we danced and had a ball! PVHC CARDS!!! Yes! We have new, up-to-date The food was a plenty, from nuts to ones! If you want some to give out (in case some of cakes, to the end of the pantry! your friends, or the people you just 'bump into', might Gifts were given and welcomed received want to 'check it out'), let us know. to many to mention I can't even perceive. - Gary Dolgoff -

So come join us next year, {Special thanks to Jane Glushik for having them if you've a mind for good cheer. made-up for the club} The same group of people who gathered this year.

They'll be greeting you---not with bells on their toes, but a kind and smiling face that's not full of woes. Looking forward to all the activities Book Review there's so many to choose from I need to decide-- but I know there always will be a ride. A Walk in the Woods May God bless you each and everyone, "Rediscovering America on the and have a great millennium!! " by Bill Bryson

Florinda stumbled on this book at the library and found its mix of humor, silliness, and true trail experiences Membership Directory Update Irefreshing and lighthearted. I wanting to share Membership Directories were distributed at the Holiday my great find with others but, alas, I find that I may be Party and January Meeting. Those who have not one of the few people who haven't discovered this gem. picked them up will have them mailed during the I really felt empathy for the humorous, and sometimes second week of January. Please make note of the not so humorous, accounts of the impact long trail following amendments to the directory: hiking has on the everyday person. This is not a book about an experienced, well trained, athlete fulfilling his 1. Fran Frimbel - please delete inactive email dream. Bryson's comical account of how he learns to address. hike his own version of the Appalachian Trail will keep 2. Marion Germino - correct email address should you laughing page after page. More then once I could be: [email protected] see myself getting lost, moody, or troubled by the 3. Marty Tilden - new email address: tribulations experienced by the author. But for those of [email protected] us that dream of someday hiking the great AT Bryson say's it best when he describes his excitement and PS: Thanks Jane Glushik for all your help with the type sense of achievement. Where else can one … "be able setting. to stand with my left foot in one state and my right foot in the other and pee across state lines?" This was a - John Klebes - fun book to read. - John Klebes - Page 8

Pioneer Valley Hiking Club Officers & Committees IMPORTANT NOTICES Rob Schechtman, President (860) 205-5351 John Klebes, Vice President (413) 786-3620 Jennifer Lamothe, Secretary (413) 562-4061 Next Club Meetings: Joyce Berg, Treasurer (413) 786-4404 February 6, 2001, 7pm at WEU Scott Cook, Wilderness Experiences Unlimited March 6, 2001, 7pm at WEU Ray Tibbetts, Founder Next Hike Planning Meeting: Standing Committee Chairs February 13, 2001, 7pm at WEU Trail Maintenance: Joe Zawrotny Hike Planning Coordinator: Dick & Sue Forest Deadline for Submissions for next Backpacking Coordinator: Mike Rattelle BootPrints is: February 27, 2001 PVHC Web Page Editor: Ron Gaudreau Intranet Site/Email List: Terry Cripps Special Note: Elections will be held Bootprints Editor: John Klebes for New Club Officers at the Quartermaster: Wayne Rodrigues February 6th Club Meeting Membership: Ann Mundy & Dottie Gates ***Join the PVHC Email List by sending a message to Terry at [email protected]. Bootprints is a publication of the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club. Send your story contributions to the editor at: [email protected] (Email) or by USmail to John Klebes, 157 Thalia Drive, Feeding Hills, MA 01030.

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A publication of the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club c/o Wilderness Experiences Unlimited, Inc. 526 College Highway Southwick, MA 01077