The

Cloudsplitter

Vol. 76 No. 1 January-March 2013

published by the ALBANY CHAPTER of the

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 814 Goggins Road home page: www.adk.org c/o Karen Ross P.O. Box 2116 , 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 February 15, 2013 and will be for the months of April, May, and June, 2013. Many thanks to Gail Carr for the beautiful cover illustration of a winter elk herd.

January 2, February 6, and March 6 (1st Wednesdays) Business Meeting of Chapter Officers and Committees 6:00 p.m. at Little’s Lake in Menands Chapter members are encouraged to attend - please call John Sheehan at 674-8121

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

January 8 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Used Gear Sale. Bring your used gear to sell and look for some bargains at our annual sale. No education session will be held this month to make time (and room) for the sale. Program: Ice-Climbing in the Adirondacks. Have you ever driven on Rt.73 near Chapel Pond in the winter and spotted people ice climbing. Ever wonder how they got up there. Tom Denham started ice climbing when he was 40 and give a slide presentation on this unique sport in the Adirondacks. He will also demonstrate some of the gear that is involved.

February 12 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Camp Cooking. Several members will share their secrets for good meals while on backpacking and paddling trips. Program: Seneca Ray Stoddard. Noted photographer, naturalist, cartographer and Saratoga County native Seneca Ray Stoddard (1844-1917) focused his camera and pen on the recreation industry in the Adirondacks. He left a treasure trove of turn-of-the-century American visual history. Craig Williams, Curator at the NYS Museum will present a sampler of the artist's work and insights into the man.

March 12 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Weather on Your Phone. Many of us carry smart phones on our outdoor trips these days. Meteorologist John Kent will share some good sources for weather information that can be called up through the phone. Program: Paddling in the Adirondacks and Beyond. Rich Macha, known to his loyal fans as "The Skipper," will take us on a water tour of the Adirondacks and other locales where he has paddled over the past years. Expect great photos and great stories.

2 ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

Not all trips fit cleanly into one of these categories. Some leaders may use A- or B- designations. Whenever you are unclear about a rating for a trip, leaders will be happy to explain what their designated rating means.

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

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

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

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

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

3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

After the summer drought of 2012, the Fall season has shown a different side of nature's wrath. Our playground dodged the bullet this time but so many others did not. Let's not forget our brothers and sisters in our , New Jersey and Long Island chapters. There are so many ways to help. Usually it's a simple donation to the Red Cross or a similar NGO, but being the rugged outdoors people that we are, I would hope that some would consider some hands-on volunteer work.

It seems that each quarter there is some big news from the main office. This quarter it's that the Club has formed a foundation called the ADK Foundation. Periodically the club receives large donations for specific projects to support our mission. Those donors usually want some control over or at least input into how the contribution is used. The Foundation will be a related but separate entity, governed by its own board, half of whose members will be ADK Board members. The Club also has the option to decline a donation if it is earmarked for a project inconsistent with its mission.

Closer to home, the chapter will be looking to fill some key volunteer positions this year. Joe Polsinelli, our chapter treasurer, will be stepping down from that position at the end of this election cycle. We have an annual budget of about $30,000 that is managed by the finance committee. This position does not require any financial wizardry, just the ability to keep organized records and the time to write a handful of checks per month and attend the monthly Executive Committee meeting and 3 or 4 Finance Committee meetings per year. If you would like to get involved and give something back to the chapter, please contact me or our finance committee chair Thea Hoeth. Both phone numbers and e-mail addresses are in the Cloudsplitter and on the website. Also, the Chapter is considering hosting the club wide 2014 Fall Outing. Before making a commitment, however, we are looking for a person to chair a committee to organize such an event. It will be a significant undertaking but at the same time, it can be very rewarding.

John Sheehan Winter 2013

THE CLOUDSPLITTER

January-March 2013 Vol. 76 No. 1

Albany Chapter - Adirondack Mountain Club January – March 2013 Combined Activities Schedule

Month Day Destination Or Event Leader Rating Jan 1 (Tue) Slide Kase B 3-5 (Thu-Sat) Club Days Adirondack Paddle ‘N Pole Macha 5 (Sat) Street & Nye Scaife A 6 (Sun) Pa's Falls XC Ski Macha B 6 (Sun) Moreau State Park Beginner Snowshoe Pacuk C 8 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--Used Gear Sale & Ice Climbing 9 (Wed) Hand Hollow XC Ski Traver C 9 (Wed) Moxham Mtn. Sheehan B 10 (Thu) Pack Demonstration Forest Breslin C 12 (Sat) Table Top & Phelps Berens A+ 12 (Sat) Santanoni Great Camp XC Ski Seward B 12 (Sat) Wright Kase B+ 12 (Sat) Buck [Young Adult Group] LaBarge/Spadaro B 15 (Tue) Pharaoh Phun #1 Antonio B+ 18 (Fri) Porter Mtn. Loop Hart A 18 (Fri) Prospect Mountain Snowshoe Henrikson B 19 (Sat) Big Slide Mtn. Young A 20 (Sun) Bennett Hill Hart C 21 (Mon) Huyck Preserve XC Ski Macha B 25 (Fri) Moreau State Park Antonio B

4 Month Day Destination Or Event Leader Rating Jan 26 (Sat) , Armstrong, Upper/Lower Wolf Jaw Warren A+ 26 (Sat) Colden Scaife A 27 (Sun) Grout Pond & Somerset Reservoir XC Ski Macha B 27 (Sun) New Member Orientation Feb 1 (Fri) Puffer Pond Hotdog Roast Antonio B+ 2 (Sat) Family Snowshoe - Moreau Lake State Pk. Rosenblatt C 2 (Sat) East Siegard A+ 2 (Sat) Garnet Hill XC Ski Wright C 5 (Tue) Berens A 7 (Thu) Grafton State Park Breslin C 8 (Fri) Alander Mtn. Sheehan B 9 (Sat) Macomb, , & East Dix Warren A+ 9 (Sat) Berens A 10 (Sun) Stony Pond Thru Ski Macha B 12 (Tue) Slide Mountain---A Fred's Favorite Ross/McCarron B 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--Seneca Ray Stoddard 15 (Fri) Palmertown Mtns Traver B 15 (Fri) Antonio B+ 16 (Sat) Dix Mtn. Young A 16 (Sat) Siamese Ponds Wilderness Snowshoe Rosenblatt B 16 (Sat) Moose Mtn. Pond XC Ski Seward B 18 (Mon) Snow Hole XC Ski Macha B 22 (Fri) Jack Rabbit Eastern Section Hart B 23 (Sat) Algonquin, Iroquois & Wright Scaife A+ 23 (Sat) Rocky Peak & Giant [Young Adult Group] LaBarge/Spadaro A+ 24 (Sun) Lost Pond XC Ski Macha B 27 (Wed) Westkill Susko B Mar 2 (Sat) Nipple Top Kase A 7 (Thu) Taconic Crest Trail & Snow Hole Breslin B 8 (Fri) Hopkins Mountain Antonio B+ 9 (Sat) Pharaoh Lake XC Ski Seward B 9 (Sat) Santanoni, Panther, Couchsachraga Warren A+ 10 (Sun) Raquette Falls XC Ski Macha B 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--Paddling 13 (Wed) Pool Session Macha 15 (Fri) Indian Pass Sheehan B 16 (Sat) Mt. Marcy Scaife A+ 16 (Sat) Slide Siegard B+ 20 (Wed) Pool Session Macha 21 (Thu) New & Prospective Trip Leader Workshop Traver 22 (Fri) Phelps Hart B+ 30 (Sat) Noonmark Kase B+ 30 (Sat) Algonquin [Young Adult Group] LaBarge/Spadaro A+ 31 (Sun) Equinox Mtn. & Preserve, Vt. XC Ski Siegard A

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

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

5 Jan 8 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING ACTIVITIES 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. Used Gear Sale. Bring your used gear to sell and shop for DESCRIPTIONS some bargains at our annual sale. No Education Session will be held this month to make time Jan 1 (Tue) SLIDE (B) (and room) for the sale. Be sure to label each This is a nice climb to the tallest of the Catskill item with a price. Ten percent goes to the High Peaks. It will be six miles and 1600’ of chapter as a contribution. climbing. Leader: Tim Kase, 766-4264 Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will be followed by a presentation, Ice-Climbing in Jan 3-5 (Thu-Sat) CLUB DAYS AT the Adirondacks. Have you ever driven on ADIRONDACK PADDLE'N'POLE Rt.73 near Chapel Pond in the winter and Club members get 20% off regular price on spotted people ice climbing? Ever wonder how everything in stock (15%-20% off canoes and they got up there? Tom Denham started ice kayaks) including cross country skis and climbing when he was 40 and will give a slide snowshoes. Proof of membership is required. presentation on this unique sport in the The store is at 2123 Central Ave., Colonie. Adirondacks. He will also demonstrate some of Check website or call for store hours: the gear that is involved. www.onewithwater.com 346-3180. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Jan 9 (Wed) HAND HOLLOW XC SKI (C) The four miles of trails in this New Lebanon Jan 5 (Sat) STREET & NYE (A) Nature Conservancy area are just begging to be We'll snowshoe 9 miles and climb 2600' to visit skied! The forest is riddled with old roads rolling two herd path High Peaks. These peaks provide over hill and dale. Snowplow and herringbone a great introduction to the joys and rigors of skills are necessary. I expect this to be a half- winter hiking in the Adirondacks and will reward day outing. Keep your fingers crossed for good us with a few lovely views along the way. The snow coverage. Email contact preferred. days are short and the snows could be deep, so Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, be sure there are fresh batteries in your [email protected] headlamp. Meet 5:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Bob Scaife, 439-7322, Jan 9 (Wed) MOXHAM MTN. (B) [email protected] I have never climbed this mountain before, but then almost no one else has either. It's a brand Jan 6 (Sun) PA'S FALLS XC SKI (B) new trail that just opened this past summer. Pa's (aka Winding) Falls on the Bog River There is about 1000' of ascent over 5.4 miles. makes for a spectacular winter destination as With lots of viewpoints overlooking the Central the river drops over 20' between icy rock walls. Adirondack Region, Adirondack Explorer calls it Expect 10 miles of easy intermediate skiing "a scenic treat". At 2361' it's not close to a high along old logging roads in the Round Lake Tract. peak, but those lower peaks can be gems of Destination will be changed if I feel snow their own. Let’s see for ourselves. Meet 7:30 conditions are much better elsewhere. Leader: a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Sheehan, 674-8121, [email protected]

Jan 6 (Sun) MOREAU STATE PARK Jan 10 (Thu) CHARLES L. PACK BEGINNER SNOWSHOE (C) DEMONSTRATION FOREST (C) This hike is designed to fit individuals who want This is the closest original growth forest to the to learn to snowshoe or to try it again. It is a Capital District and is located in Warrensburg. I beautiful hike around Moreau Lake of 1.5 to 3 have always wanted to visit this area. There are miles with almost no climbing. I was hoping we 10.5 miles of trails, but we will only do about four could sing Christmas carols if anyone is miles. Participants will be able to opt out early as interested and is not sick of Christmas music by we will be doing two trails. If there is no snow, then. If you don't own snowshoes, I can give you this will be a hike on fairly flat terrain with a great information on renting them. Families are chance to see winter nature in action. We will welcome. Children under 18 have to be locate Grandmother's Tree which is estimated to accompanied by a parent. Call before Jan. 2. be over 325 years old. We will leave the Capital Meet time and place to be arranged. District at 9:00 a.m. Leader: Paul Breslin. E-mail Leader: Kathy Pacuk, 756-6529, preferred. 783-9154, [email protected]. [email protected] Jan 12 (Sat) TABLETOP & PHELPS (A+) favorite hats are encouraged in recognition of We'll hike from the ADK Loj almost 13 miles and National Hat Day. Leader: Tom Hart, 229-5627, 3500’ to Table Top, a herd path peak with [email protected] limited views, and to Phelps, a trailed peak with fine views, weather permitting. Bring seasonal Jan 18 (Fri) PROSPECT MOUNTAIN clothing, lots to eat and drink, a headlamp with SNOWSHOE (B) fresh batteries, and a persevering spirit. Depart This was a nice hike in the fall; now we can do it 5:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: on snowshoes or Microspikes, depending on Don Berens, 783-1302, [email protected] conditions. We will start north of Lake George Village, hike over the top of Prospect, and finish Jan 12 (Sat) SANTANONI GREAT CAMP at spotted cars in the Lake George Recreation XC SKI (B) Area, south of the mountain. Meet 8:00 a.m. This is a moderate 10 mile round trip to the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Great Camp Santanoni on Newcomb Lake in the Leader: Katie Henrikson, 533-7441, Adirondacks. It will be mostly flat skiing on the [email protected] access road to the camp. The location may change due to snow conditions at the time. Jan 19 (Sat) BIG SLIDE MTN. (A) Please check the Albany Chapter website We will hike the standard route from the Garden www.adk-albany.org for possible changes. across Brothers Ridge to the summit of Big Slide Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, at 4240’. I plan to return by descending to Johns [email protected] Brook and back to the garden. The round trip will be approximately 10 miles, with a limit of 8 Jan 12 (Sat) WRIGHT (B+) hikers and the leader. Snowshoes, crampons This Adirondack High Peak tops out above and winter hiking gear required. Leader: Skip treeline with great views. It's known as a windy Young, 356-2621, [email protected] peak in winter, so full face coverage and goggles will be required. It's 7.6 miles and 2400’ Jan 20 (Sun) BENNETT HILL (C) ascent. Leader: Tim Kase, 766-4264. Bennett Hill is a wonderful local asset in nearby Clarksville. The hike will be a Sunday afternoon Jan 12 (Sat) BUCK [YOUNG ADULTS] (B) winter hike featuring views of the Helderbergs, Buck Mountain is a 6.6 mile hike with 2,000+ Albany and beyond. We will take an easy pace elevation gain. It's a relatively short hike with over a distance of 3.5 miles and 400’ of rewarding views. Snowshoes and Microspikes elevation - perfect for testing out winter gear or or Stabilicers are required. Leaders: for those wanting an introduction to winter James LaBarge, (518)763-8886 hiking. Conditions will dictate type of "gription" [email protected], and Tycho devices to use. Leader: Tom Hart, 229-5627, Spadaro: [email protected] [email protected] (401)787-7708. Jan 21 (Mon) HUYCK PRESERVE Jan 15 (Tue) PHARAOH PHUN #1 (B+) XC SKI (B) This is rescheduled after being knocked out by The Huyck Preserve is in Rensselaerville in Hurricane Sandy, only this time it's without the southwest Albany County. Elevations are in the car spot. Starting from the Crane Pond parking 1700' to 1900' range, and the area is more likely lot, we will snowshoe into Crane Pond, passing to hold snow than the immediate Albany area. by Alder Pond. Next on our list will be Oxshoe We will ski the new Partridge Path trails, which Pond, a great lunch spot with a lean-to consist of three loops. The terrain is hilly, but overlooking the pond. From here, we could push trails tend to be smooth and wide and include on to Crab Pond or head back to Alder and do some beautiful open hardwood glades. Expect 8 an easy bushwhack on its southern side. miles of intermediate skiing. Leader: Rich Conditions and time will dictate the final route. Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 Jan 25 (Fri) MOREAU STATE PARK (B) Jan 18 (Fri) PORTER MTN. LOOP (A) It's close to home, has an abundance of trails, Leaving from Marcy Field, we will ascend the great views, and enough variety to keep us steeper trail crossing Blueberry Mountain on the happy for at least 4 to 6 hours of hiking. With the way to Porter (3275' ascent, 4.5 miles). Return addition of its new winter warming hut, the will be via the shorter trail to the Garden where possibility of skiing and even skating could be we will have spotted a car. Total distance 8.3 included in the day's activities. Leader: John miles. Winter gear required (duh!)- special or Antonio, 462-2765.

7 Jan 26 (Sat) GOTHICS, ARMSTRONG, Sheridan 765-3409 or by e-mail at UPPER WOLF JAW, LOWER WOLF JAW (A+) [email protected] by January 23, 2012. We'll climb Gothics via the True North Slide. The For directions to the Discovery Center please approach to the True North Slide brings us visit their website at www.albanypinebush.org. directly under the north face of Gothics, which is a magnificent sight. This is a low angle slide, a Feb 1 (Fri) PUFFER POND HOTDOG good introduction to slide climbing in the winter. ROAST (B+) Crampons required. The rest of the hike will be How far would you snowshoe for a grilled hot on trails, over Armstrong, Upper and Lower Wolf dog, served up at a lean-to, nestled below a Jaw. It is approximately 13.5 miles with about mountain at a magnificent Adirondack pond? If 4500’ elevation gain. Meet 4:00 a.m. Northway you sign up for this trip, it will be 11 miles round Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Claudia Warren, trip, with every step along the way guaranteed to 731-6446, [email protected] be a sheer delight. John Antonio, 462-2765

Jan 26 (Sat) COLDEN (A) Feb 2 (Sat) GARNET HILL XC (C) Colden is one of the most beautiful High Peaks Garnet Hill is under new management since last to visit in winter, with a lovely approach and a year. It's in the best natural snow belt of the magnificent summit. Our 12.8 mile round trip Adirondacks. Bring a lunch. The cost is $10 with 2900' of climbing will take us through snow- (senior $7) Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Northway laden winter-wonderland forests, perhaps Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Ted Wright, (518) sparkling in a bright winter sun, and up into the 280-8016, [email protected] frigid and windswept arctic environment of a January High Peak summit. Full winter gear Feb 2 (Sat) FAMILY SNOWSHOE - including crampons and balaclava or face mask MOREAU LAKE STATE PK (C) are required. Meet 5:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Get your marshmallow sticks ready! We'll Park & Ride. Leader: Bob Scaife, 439-7322, snowshoe around the beautiful nearby Moreau [email protected] Lake State Park before picking a nice spot to make a campfire, s'mores, and hot chocolate - Jan 27 (Sun) GROUT POND & SOMERSET oh yeah! Snowshoes for adults and children RESERVOIR XC SKI (B) available for rent at the Park office (call them Located in southern Vermont south of Stratton directly for more information on rentals 518-793- Mountain, the Grout Pond area has 10 miles of 0511). Contact leader for trip details; email cross country ski trails, and the Catamount Trail contact preferred. Leader: Marie Rosenblatt, adds many miles more. Starting from Kelley 723-0223, [email protected] Stand Rd. we will ski a loop including skiing along the shoreline of Somerset Reservoir with Feb 2 (Sat) EAST DIX MOUNTAIN (A+) its view of Mount Snow. Expect to do about 10 The South Bouquet is one of the most beautiful miles of intermediate skiing. Destination will be valleys in the Adirondacks. The real point of changed if I feel snow conditions are much leading this is simply to be back there again. better elsewhere. Leader: Rich Macha, 346- East Dix is a treasure in itself, with a great slide 3180, [email protected] with wonderful views. The slide can be icy, so full boot crampons and slide experience are Jan 27 (Sun) NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION required. An ice ax is optional, but can be helpful Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Albany Pine for the headwall on the top and for self-arrest. Bush Discovery Center. If you are new to the Depending on conditions, interest, and time, we Albany Chapter or even not so new and are may do a little self-arrest practice on a safe spot interested in making the most of your on the slide. It's about 12 miles and 3000’ of membership, please join us. You will have the climbing. Leader: Steve Siegard, 768-2393, opportunity to meet and talk to some of our [email protected] experienced leaders and Chapter officials as well as other new members. There will be Feb 5 (Tue) ESTHER MOUNTAIN (A) informative presentations regarding activities, That's right, just Esther, without Whiteface. This history of the club, benefits of membership and hike from the ASRC will be under 7 miles and an opportunity for questions and discussion in a under 2500’. But it's a chance to visit one of the relaxed and informal environment. Lunch (pizza, herd path 46 in winter. Bring seasonal clothing, beverage and dessert) will be provided, but feel lots to eat and drink, a headlamp with fresh free to bring your own if you wish. Books and batteries, and a persevering spirit. Depart 5:00 maps will be available for purchase at member a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Don discounts. For a complete agenda, contact Sue Berens, 783-1302, [email protected]

8 Feb 7 (Thu) GRAFTON STATE PARK (C) after which the wide trail drops 850' in 2 miles, a High up on the Rensselaer Plateau, this area blast in good snow conditions. It will be about 8 often has snow when we don't. We will plan to miles total for the trip. Solid intermediate skills take one loop of about 3 miles around Long are necessary. The destination will be changed Pond and then for those who want more, we will if I feel snow conditions are much better do a Shaver Pond loop of about two miles. Each elsewhere. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, participant can decide which to do--3 or 5 miles. [email protected] The back-up plan is a winter hike of these trails. We will leave the Latham area at 9:00 a.m. Feb 12 (Tue) SLIDE MOUNTAIN--- Leader: Paul Breslin. E-mail preferred. 783- A FRED'S FAVORITE (B) 9154, [email protected]. Fred Schroeder headed down here often in the winter to enjoy the deep snow pack and the Feb 8 (Fri) ALANDER MTN. (B) pleasant loop hike up into the Balsam firs. We're I have tried to climb Alander in the winter twice taking the Curtis-Ormsbee route up to the now. The first time there was too much snow to summit and will come down the Wittenberg- get there, and last year there was no snow and it Cornell-Slide trail for a total of 6 miles and 1700' didn't feel or look like a winter hike. Let's try vertical. Winter gear, including crampons, once more for a winter hike to this great little required. Contact leaders for time and place. mountain in the South Taconics. From Bash Leaders: Karen Ross, 794-7474, Bish Falls we will climb significantly for the first [email protected]; Lori McCarron, 587-1957, mile; then we'll have a more gradual ascent [email protected] along a ridge with great views all the way to the summit. There is a cabin near the top which will Feb 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING make a great lunch spot if the weather is harsh. 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY Meet 7:30 a.m. Defreestville Park & Ride. Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. Camp Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, Cooking. Several members will share their [email protected] secrets for good meals while on backpacking and paddling trips. Feb 9 (Sat) MACOMB, SOUTH DIX, Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will & EAST DIX (A+) be followed by a presentation, Seneca Ray We will approach these three trailless peaks Stoddard. Noted photographer, naturalist, from the east, via West Mill Brook. This is a cartographer and Saratoga County native beautiful and seldom used approach up the Seneca Ray Stoddard (1844-1917) focused his eastern ridge of Macomb, offering views to the camera and pen on the recreation industry in the east into Vermont. From the summit of Macomb, Adirondacks. He left a treasure trove of turn-of- we'll follow the herd paths to South and East the-century American visual history. Craig Dix. From the col between East and South Dix, Williams, Curator at the NYS Museum will we will bushwhack back to West Mill Brook and present a sampler of the artist's work and join our tracks from the morning. This will be insights into the man. approximately 12 miles, all of it off trail with about 4400’ elevation gain. Meet 4:00 a.m. Feb 15 (Fri) PALMERTOWN MTNS. (B) Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Claudia The Palmertown Mountains are a ridge in Warren, 731-6446, [email protected] Moreau State Park that overlook the Hudson and mountains beyond. This time of year we not Feb 9 (Sat) SANTANONI PEAK (A) only enjoy beautiful views from rocky We will hike about 10 miles and climb about outcroppings but also see the "bones" of the 3000’ to Santanoni via the East Ridge herd path. forest. We will spot cars and hike the rolling Bring seasonal clothing, lots to eat and drink, a Western Ridge Trail 5 miles with 600’ elevation headlamp with fresh batteries, and a gain. I'm hoping for a sparkling winter day with persevering spirit. Depart 4:30 a.m. Northway lots of snow and a clear blue sky. Email contact Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Don Berens, 783- preferred. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322- 1302, [email protected] 0950, [email protected]

Feb 10 (Sun) STONY POND THRU SKI (B) Feb 15 (Fri) NOONMARK MOUNTAIN (B+) After spotting cars in Irishtown, we will ski the 2 This will be 6.6 miles round trip with 2000' miles to Stony Pond from Route 28N. Crossing elevation gain. We will climb via Round Pond the pond, we will follow the inlet to remote and the Felix Adler trail. (Fred - yes, it's Center Pond, a good spot for lunch. Returning to Noonmark again - up the traditional Boy's Club Stony, we will continue over to Sherman Ponds route.) Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765.

9 Feb 16 (Sat) DIX MTN. (A) Feb 23 (Sat) ALGONQUIN, IROQUOIS & We will take the well-traveled trail from Rte. 73 WRIGHT (A+) past Round Pond and up the ridge to the scenic We'll climb above the trees and stay there for summit of Dix at 4857’. The round trip will be hours to enjoy the beautiful snow of late winter approximately 13 miles, with a limit of to 8 hikers on this traverse of a magnificent mountain ridge. and the leader. Snowshoes, crampons and Be prepared for snow, ice and blustery winds. winter hiking gear for cold, windy conditions It's 11 miles with 4800’ elevation gain. Full winter required. Leader: Skip Young, 356-2621, gear, including crampons and balaclava or face [email protected] mask, is required. Meet 4:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Bob Scaife, 439-7322, Feb 16 (Sat) SIAMESE PONDS [email protected] WILDERNESS SNOWSHOE (B) We'll snowshoe in to the beautiful Siamese Feb 23 (Sat) Ponds Wilderness. This is an 8-mile round trip & GIANT [YOUNG ADULTS] (A+) with a few hundred feet vertical rise over the The hike will be about 10 miles round trip and shoulder of Eleventh Mountain, then a gentle, will include the peaks of Giant and Rocky Ridge. rolling trail parallel to the East Branch of the Beautiful views can be seen from the top of both Sacandaga River. We'll break for lunch at our mountains. Snowshoes and Microspikes or destination of the lean-to at the crossing of the Stabilicers are required. river. On a sunny day, it doesn't get much better Leaders: James LaBarge, (518)763-8886, than this for a refreshing walk in the woods. [email protected], Email contact preferred. Leader: Marie and Tycho Spadaro: [email protected] Rosenblatt, 723-0223, [email protected] (401)787-7708.

Feb 16 (Sat) MOOSE MTN. POND XC SKI (B) Feb 24 (Sun) LOST POND XC SKI (B) This is a 7 mile round trip to Moose Mountain Starting from the Little Pond trailhead (elevation Pond in the Adirondacks. The trail is a moderate 2,400') on Route 9 in Woodford, VT we will ski a ski to the Pond's Leanto for lunch. The location couple of miles on a snowmobile trail before may change due to snow conditions. Please entering the Glastenbury Wilderness Area. After check the Albany Chapter website www.adk- taking an off-trail shortcut, we will pick up the albany.org for possible changes. Leader: Phil Long Trail/Appalachian Trail (now at over the Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] 3000' mark) passing Little Pond Lookout and bypassing Little Pond Mountain in search for the Feb 18 (Mon) SNOW HOLE XC SKI (B) elusive gem, Lost Pond. It will be 10 miles of Starting from Petersburgh Pass on Route 2 at intermediate backcountry skiing. The destination the NY/MA border, we will head north on the will be changed if I feel snow conditions are Taconic Crest Trail, staying above 2000' in much better elsewhere. Leader: Rich Macha, elevation. There are some great views along the 346-3180, [email protected] way, and we will visit the cave-like Snow Hole. It's about 6 miles round-trip of intermediate Feb 27 (Wed) WESTKILL (B) skiing with a couple of steep hills. The This is one of the more attractive hikes in the destination will be changed if I feel snow Catskills with good views near the top and trails conditions are much better elsewhere. Leader: that follow two streams. It is also the only Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Catskill peak that has a sign to mark the top. If conditions are right we will spot cars and make Feb 22 (Fri) JACK RABBIT TRAIL XC-- this a through hike. The distance is 8 miles with EASTERN SECTION (B) 2000’ ascent. At this time of year, snowshoes From the Rock and River Lodge on the east end and crampons or other traction may be needed. of the Jack Rabbit Trail, we will ski the backside Leader: John Susko, 383-1284, of following along the Old [email protected] Mountain Road. If there is less snow, we will ski to the plowed section of Old Mountain Road and Mar 2 (Sat) NIPPLE TOP (A) return (7 miles, 1000' elevation). If conditions are Spectacular views are our reward for the steep excellent, we will continue on to Cascade XC climb to this Adirondack High Peak. It's 13 miles Center for a 12 mile schuss including lunch at and 3400’ ascent. Leader: Tim Kase, 766-4264 the Center along with some pie to celebrate National Cherry Pie Day. Leader: Tom Hart, 229-5627, [email protected]

10 Mar 7 (Thu) TACONIC CREST TRAIL-- Mar 12 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING THE SNOW HOLE (B) 113 Sand Creek Rd., Albany, NY Hopefully there will still be some snow. If not Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. Weather on this will be a plain old winter hike. I have never Your Phone. Many of us carry smart phones on hiked this section of the Taconic Crest Trail, but our outdoor trips these days. Meteorologist John it is supposed to be one of the most popular. Kent will share some good sources for weather The Snow Hole itself supposedly has snow all information that can be called up this way. year--thus the name. The round trip will be six Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will miles with about 400 feet of elevation change. be followed by a presentation, Paddling in the There should be nice views of the Little Hoosick Adirondacks and Beyond. Rich Macha, known River Valley and Mount Greylock. We will leave to his loyal fans as "The Skipper," will take us on the Latham area at 9:00 a.m. Leader: Paul a water tour of the Adirondacks and other Breslin. E-mail preferred. 783-9154, locales where he has paddled over the past [email protected]. years. Expect great photos and great stories.

Mar 8 (Fri) HOPKINS MOUNTAIN (B+) Mar 13 (Wed) POOL SESSION With a little over 6 miles and a 2080’ vertical Tentative info - dates, fees, etc subject to rise, Hopkins is a scenic gem. We will go up and change. Come practice rolling, rescues, etc. on down the Mossy Cascade Trail and hopefully your own or take a rolling class. 8:00-9:30 p.m. still have time for a piece of pie at the Noonmark Schenectady Jewish Community Center, Diner. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765. Balltown Rd., Niskayuna. Call or email first to reserve your space then send (Rich Macha c/o Mar 9 (Sat) PHARAOH LAKE XC SKI (B) APnP, 2123 Central Av, Schenectady NY From Pharaoh Road near the end of Brant Lake 12304) a check made out to "Adirondack we'll ski about 4 miles on Trail #50 into Pharaoh Mountain Club Albany Chapter." All kayaks Lake Leanto #1. We'll have lunch at the leanto brought to the pool must be absolutely clean and ski back on the frozen lake and pick up the inside and out. Fees: practice on your own $12 trail back to the cars for a round trip of 8 miles ADK member ($16 non-member); with ROLLING on flat terrain. The location may change due to INSTRUCTION - $29 ADK member ($39 non- snow conditions. Please check the Albany member). Kayak rental $20 extra if needed. For Chapter website www.adk-albany.org for updates, get on the ADK Paddlers Email List possible changes. Leader: Phil Seward, 527- (ADK members only) by sending me a message. 1851, [email protected] Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Mar 9 (Sat) SANTANONI, PANTHER, COUCHSACHRAGA (A+) Mar 15 (Fri) INDIAN PASS (B) These three trailless peaks are well worth the Sometimes looking up can be as much fun as effort it takes to get to them. We'll climb Panther looking down. Only 500' of ascent over 4.4 miles first, going up the herd path along Panther of hiking (8.8 mi RT) from the Upper Works Brook, then head next to Couchsachraga and trailhead will bring us to the base of the cliffs of lastly to Santanoni. We'll return via the "old/new Wallface. There is a lot of history to this area, trail," picking up the marked trail below Bradley and it is said to be one of the more scenic areas Pond. Plan on approximately 14 miles, most of it in the Adirondacks. Maybe we'll even get to see off trail with about 4200’ elevation gain. Meet some ice climbers. Meet 7:30 a.m. Northway 4:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: John Sheehan, 674- Claudia Warren, 731-6446, [email protected] 8121, [email protected]

Mar 10 (Sun) RAQUETTE FALLS XC SKI (B) Mar 16 (Sat) MT. MARCY (A+) This will be 10 miles round-trip of intermediate March is a beautiful month to visit Marcy. The back country skiing to the falls on the Raquette snows are deep and well consolidated and the River. The two 15’ drops on the Raquette River days are getting longer and warmer. We'll are spectacular in summer and even more so in snowshoe nearly 15 miles and climb 3300' to winter. From Coreys we ski along an old tote enjoy the 360 degree views from the top of this road with rolling terrain. The destination will be wonderful mountain. Full winter gear including changed if I feel snow conditions are much crampons and balaclava or face mask are better elsewhere. Leader: Rich Macha, 346- required. Meet 5:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & 3180, [email protected] Ride. Leader: Bob Scaife, 439-7322, [email protected]

11 Mar 16 (Sat) SLIDE (B+) be a possible addition if late winter conditions This is another one for Maria. This is a required are excellent. Leader: Tom Hart, 229-5627, winter summit if you are working on the [email protected] Catskills. It's a nice hike, not too steep, to the highest summit in the Catskills. Expect great Mar 30 (Sat) NOONMARK (B+) views at the top. Distance is 6 miles round trip. This summit has unobstructed views in all It's the last weekend of winter, so full winter gear directions of the surrounding High Peaks. It's is required--snowshoes, and crampons. Poles five miles and 2175' of climbing. Leader: Tim are also helpful. No calls after 9:00 p.m. please. Kase, 766-4264. Leader: Leslie Siegard: (518)768-2393, [email protected] Mar 30 (Sat) ALGONQUIN [YOUNG ADULTS] (A+) Mar 20 (Wed) POOL SESSION Starting from the Adironondak Loj we'll hike up 4 Tentative info - dates, fees, etc subject to miles to the summit of Algonquin and back for a change. Come practice rolling, rescues, etc. on total distance of 8 miles and around 3000 feet of your own or take a rolling class. 8:00-9:30 p.m. elevation gain. Microspikes, Stabilizers and/or Schenectady Jewish Community Center, snowshoes are required depending on Balltown Rd., Niskayuna. Call or email first to conditions. Leaders: James LaBarge, (518)763- reserve your space then send (Rich Macha c/o 8886, [email protected], and Tycho APnP, 2123 Central Av, Schenectady NY Spadaro: [email protected] 12304) a check made out to "Adirondack (401)787-7708. Mountain Club Albany Chapter." All kayaks brought to the pool must be absolutely clean Mar 31 (Sun) EQUINOX MTN. & inside and out. Fees: practice on your own $12 PRESERVE,VT. XC SKI (A) ADK member ($16 non-member); with ROLLING Depending on the size, abilities, and interests of INSTRUCTION - $29 ADK member ($39 non- the group, we will ski a through-trip over member). Kayak rental $20 extra if needed. For Equinox, skiing up the trail and down the road, updates get on the ADK Paddlers Email List or we'll ski around the Preserve, which is easy to (ADK members only) by sending me a message. moderate-advanced groomed trails, or both. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, Equinox is one of the Northeast 100 highest at [email protected] 3840’ and has 2800’ elevation gain from the preserve side. The top has beautiful 360 degree Mar 21 (Thu) NEW & PROSPECTIVE TRIP views to the to the north and LEADER WORKSHOP east, the Vermont and Massachusetts Leading trips is easy and fun--you can pick your mountains to the south, and the Adirondack favorite places to share with others! Come join High Peaks to the west. Depending on us for a casual gathering to find out what leading conditions, crampons and/or snowshoes could ADK trips entails. We will discuss guidelines for be needed for about a mile of the trail to the top. being a leader, share experiences, and The ski down the road is more challenging than brainstorm ideas and concerns. Email contact Greylock, in comparison being twice as steep preferred. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322- and more windy. Leaders: Steve Siegard, 768- 0950, [email protected] 2393, [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, [email protected] Mar 22 (Fri) PHELPS (B+) We will ascend nearly 2000' to Phelps with a round trip distance of 8.8 miles. Table Top will

BULLETIN BOARD

Albany Chapter Invites Applicants for 2013 DEC Summer Environmental Camps The Chapter will again sponsor one or more youngsters to attend the DEC summer camps. These camps are for boys and girls ages 11 through 17. If you are interested, first visit the DEC website (www.dec.ny.gov). If you have questions about the camps, contact Randy Caccia, Camps Administrator by phone at 518-402-8014 or [email protected]. Then, contact Chapter member Thea Hoeth at [email protected] to inform her of your interest in being sponsored by the Chapter. All camps run from June 30 through August 17, 2013. Camp Rushford takes campers ages 11 through 17. Camp Colby is for those 11-13 years old. Camp DeBruce is for those 11-13 years old and Camp Pack Forest for campers aged 11 through 17 years.

12 ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL

Aug 15 (Wed) CEDAR LAKES Leader: John Sheehan The western Adirondacks is an area not as frequently visited by the Albany Chapter as the High Peaks and the central section. The area has a reputation for its natural beauty, and I thought it was worth a good look. I've hiked a little on the NPT and I wanted to see more. Not being familiar with the area, I checked out the trail on my own before the hike. I found the trail easy to follow but the trailhead not easy to access. I added 2 miles to my scouting adventure so as not to risk damage to my car. It was clear that I would need a high ground clearance vehicle to get a group of hikers to the trailhead. Fortunately someone did sign up with a vehicle that fit that description. So along with me, Jim Coward, Bridget Delany and Lori McCarron piled into Jane Davis' CRV for about an hour and a half ride to the trailhead. Our thanks to Jane for being a good sport and offering the use of her car, especially since she told the story on the way out of how her daughters boyfriend recently ruined his car on that road. As a matter of incredible coincidence, between the time I listed this hike and the date of the trip, a neighbor, who also enjoys hiking, let me borrow a book that she thought I would enjoy called "Excuse Me Sir, Your Socks Are On Fire." It was written by seasonal ranger, Larry Weil, who patrolled this very area for a number of summers back in the mid to late 70s. The book was about his experiences on the trail and manning the Pillsbury Mtn. fire tower which is also accessed from that trailhead. It was a fun read and it made me appreciate the area even more. The first mile or so of the trail was well worn and appeared to have been a road in the not too distant past. Although it was hard to tell with this very dry summer, the trail crossed a number of wetlands and muddy areas. With the bridge over the largest of the wetland areas in a state of disrepair, this could be a much more interesting crossing during a wet summer. We arrived at our destination around noon, just in time for lunch. The map promised us a lean-to near the dam of this man-made lake but none was to be found; there were just camping areas. I believe these were among the shelters that were removed, because they were too close to a lake. On this beautiful hot summer day we took plenty of time to enjoy lunch, linger along the shore of the lake for a while and refuel for the 4.5 mile walk back.

Aug 17 (Fri) GIANT'S NUBBLE Leader: John Antonio As described in Tim Starmer's book, "Five-Star Trails in the Adirondacks," this trip has enough climbing and plenty of the majestic views that are associated with the High Peaks to make this a recommended hike to those who are looking to challenge themselves a bit beyond the "C hike" designation. The trail and the vistas certainly did not disappoint any in our party of nine. The bonus feature of the day was the appearance of the Giant Washbowl's resident beaver who strutted his stuff before our eyes right on cue ...especially to first time beaver-sighters Deb and Peter Holst, our new-found hiking companions from Australia. Yes, we completed our swim portion of the trip in Chapel Pond and closed out our perfect day with snacks at a Stewart's shop. Our group: Lori McCarron, Mark Schoonmaker, Steven Soka, Marie Rosenblatt, Debra and Peter Holst, Tom Hart and Molly, and Mark Janey.

Aug 22 (Wed) PROSPECT MOUNTAIN Leader: Katie Henrikson It was a fine day and a congenial group; some of its members were recovering from injuries, so the pace was quite relaxed. We up a snowmobile trail that was completely washed out by Irene and had been bulldozed back into shape a couple of times in the last year. Despite the absence of trail markers, there was no doubt about where the trail went. Our trip down the south side of the mountain was through extensive hemlock forests and led us to the Lake George Recreation Area. The only excitement of the day was trying to make our way through the maze of ski trails back to the cars. Enjoying the fine day were Dan Archer, Charlie Beach, Sharon Bonk, Peg Grogan, Ray Henrikson, Anneliese Lawson, Kendra Pratt, Anita Whalen, and the leader.

Aug 24 (Fri) BLUE LEDGES Leader: John Antonio It was an easy and laid-back trip along the 2.3 mile path to the famous 300 feet tall cliffs known as the Blue Ledges. With only about 300 feet elevation change to the and its swimming pools, it is clear to see why this is such a popular destination. Most of our group took advantage of the cooling waters and swam while the remaining members of the group took in the sights of these magnificent cliffs. Much to our surprise, we saw no rafts or rafters on today's trip. It seems no "bubble" is released on

Fridays, leaving us with the entire area to ourselves. No complaints about that on our part! Our group included John Sheehan, Patty Costa, Dave Keep, Tom Glover, Roman Laba, Mark Schoonmaker, Kendra Pratt, Anita Wahlen, Charlie Beach, Tom Hart and Molly, and one (sorry!) unreadable name

Aug 29 (Wed) WARNER HILL Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver We had a perfect day, 70 degrees with a clear sky. Everyone enjoyed the hike along the Appalachian Trail through various ecosystems--a grass-covered floor in a hardwood forest, wonderful aromas through the hemlocks, evidence of former farmland, interesting natural rock and stone formations, and clusters of white birch trees. Although I had hiked to Warner Hill twice before, I had not been in five years. My memory was that the summit had a very limited view through growing trees. My guidebook confirmed this. What a surprise when we came through the summit meadow to the rocky high point and a nearly 180 degree open view greeted us! With binoculars we could see the City of Pittsfield, Mt. Greylock, and three clusters of windmills. Enjoying the outing were: Charlie Beach, Gail Carr and her two granddaughters Blythe and Celeste Whittam, Katie and Ray Henrikson, Karen Lydon, Diane Reinhart, Jim Torriani, Ann Wood, and the leader.

Sep 6 (Thu) BRANT LAKE PADDLE Leader: Bill Valentino Our outing on Brant Lake was a triumph of pleasurable paddling over mass confusion. It began with an auspicious start. The leader allowed 45 minutes for his usual 25-minute trip to Exit 9 Park and Ride. Unfortunately that day the trip took two hours. I had read in the paper, with relief, that a repair project for the east side of the Kosciusko Bridge would begin the following day. Unfortunately DOT didn't read what I did and started the project a day early, compressing a three-lane bridge into a one-lane bridge just in time for the morning rush hour. By the time I realized that the traffic was coming to an almost complete halt, I was trapped in an entrance lane and couldn't escape. After over an hour of creeping at a snail's pace I could see ahead that there was no real work going on at the bridge, just the instillation of barriers in preparation for the next day with workers hanging around watching the chaos. Fortunately, the other paddlers who were meeting me had either started driving earlier than I did and avoided the mess or had the good sense and luck to be able to extricate themselves before becoming trapped. When I didn't show up on time they realized what happened and loyally waited for me an extra hour and a half at the Park and Pide. Bless them! Unfortunately we had another segment of our group who were to meet us at the boat launch. They waited almost an hour beyond our scheduled meeting time and reasonably began without us. Fortunately, the main group, despite the travail and a late start also had a good time. But we never did meet the rest of our group. According to Paul the main group must have crossed over from the east side of Brant Lake to the west side as the small group was having lunch on the east side. The main group found a steep wooded area on the west side and were probably eating as the small group paddled home on the east side. Their Echo submission is as follows: [Three paddlers arrived at the Brant Lake put-in and, when the leader and group from Albany did not arrive within a decent interval, set off for the north end of the lake. We admired the various types of architecture in both the old and new and the large and small camps, and the forest in the undeveloped spaces in between. Maybe we saw an osprey. The lake was delightfully quiet, with few other boats around on a weekday in September. Enjoying the day were Paul Breslin, and Ray and Katie Henrikson.] From the leader's perspective, the day concluded almost like it began with an unplanned event. Paul Breslin from the small group had waited around for the main group to finish and to find out why we were so delayed. He was being extremely helpful and reached out to grab the bow of my canoe as I came in. Naturally I jumped out of the canoe at that point and promptly disappeared, performing a classic inadvertent wet exit by forgetting how quickly the bottom dropped off in that area. Next time I will make sure everyone has my cell phone number and I theirs. We all paddled an enjoyable ten miles. The combined group included Susan Roberts, Dave Esmond, Etta Menges, Charlie Beach, Paul Breslin, Ray and Katie Henrikson and the leader.

Sep 8 (Sat) LOOP, LAKE GEORGE Leader: Nola Royce Despite a questionable forecast, six of us and a delightful pup went out to Tongue Mtn. All day the wind was strong, and the clouds kept rolling over the hills all around us. At each point where we could have turned around, we decided to continue, because the weather was holding in our favor. We had nice views all across the tops of the peaks along the way down toward the tip of the tongue. At the junction to the Northwest Bay Trail, we decided to go directly there. On this particular day, soaking our feet or other body parts in the lake didn't appeal. The weather was still on our minds. As we walked back toward the Clay

Meadows Trailhead, we continued to have lovely views of the lake even though the weather got more windy and we began to hear thunder in the distance. Few boats had been out on the main part of the lake and only one boater was hanging out in the bay. We stopped for a break at a beach where boaters come ashore and while we munched a bit, Mika, the pup, went for a swim. As we were relaxing, the weather turned more ominous, so we scurried off toward the trailhead. The sole boater headed for shore too. When we could see the rain coming across the bay, we stopped to put on rain gear and then we got clobbered! The pup didn't seem to care , we didn't either. We were going to get soaked, but that was it. By the time we got back to the cars, we looked like drowned rats but still had had a good hike. After peeling off the wet attire and changing into dry clothes, we drove home with the heat on. By the time I came down the hill off Exit 7 of the Northway going toward Albany, I was treated to the most beautiful rainbow over Troy and a sweet orange-pink sunset all the way back to Delmar. The wet clothes and hiking boots would dry out eventually, and I had a smile on my face. My companions on the hike were: Helen, Bruce, Christiana, Yanni, Kathy and her pup, Mika.

Sep 15 (Sat) ALLEN MOUNTAIN Leader: Don Berens At sunrise we had already waded across the 15-inch deep Hudson River, put on socks and hiking boots, and detoured around the north end of Lake Jimmy to avoid the partially gapped boardwalk sinking into the lake. We had used headlamps to sign the trail register and to pack away our water shoes, but we did not need headlamps to walk. Don Berens, Erica Boudreau, Bruce Coles, Emily Coles, Sandra Foley and Penny Fulleringer set a brisk pace under mostly cloudy skies, with temps in the mid-50s, and with occasional light drizzles. Although it had rained overnight, the dry summer had left the trail and herd path relatively mud-free. Most of us rock-hopped across the Opalescent River and kept the tops of our boots dry, but Bruce enjoyed a barefooted ford. We reached Allen Brook at 10:15 and began the last climb. The blend of the gradient (1,600+ feet in a little over a mile) and the views (the nearby brook and the distant ridges) was breathtaking. Although it was late astronomical summer, it was early meteorological autumn, with hints of yellow birch and red maple leaves. From near the summit, we saw that the tops of Redfield, Skylight and Haystack were hidden by clouds, but to the east we saw Nipple Top, Dix and Macomb. We left Allen's top at noon and enjoyed increasing blue sky and sun with temperatures rising into the mid-60s. After re-crossing the Opalescent River, with 15 miles done and 4 miles to go, some of us slowed from the morning pace. An energy gel, food, drink and a rest stop at the observer's cabin restored our spirits. We again skirted Lake Jimmy, waded across the Hudson and returned to the cars at 5:30, well before the last Saturday sunset of the summer.

Oct 5 (Fri) A FRED'S FAVORITE--FISH HAWK CLIFFS & INDIAN HEAD Leaders: Karen Ross and Lori McCarron How lucky we were to have one day of sun in between the week of rain and fog that preceded this day and the forecast for two more days of rain to follow. It was time to head north to check out the foliage and to remember how much Fred Schroeder loved the colors from the vantage points of these two cliff escarpments. Some freakishly warm temperatures in the 70s made us squeamish, but the colors were ripened beautifully, and the palette spread out before us as we entered the Ausable Club grounds was stunning. The road walk went by in a flash as we were distracted by the mating antics of brook trout and by the roaring Ausable. Gill Brook was full up too, and we delighted in thinking about which pool, which cascade, which flume, and which waterfall would make for the best dip--on a hot summer's day of course. From the height of Fish Hawk Cliffs we watched six guide boats make their way up the Ausable Lakes below, probably taking in supplies to the Upper Lake camps for the hunting season. We wondered how they could make such good progress in the stiff winds. We hunkered down for lunch on Indian Head as a shower and formidable wind came through from the lakes below, and we skittered about the wide expanse of rock. Wet leaves, wet rocks, and wet roots--our favorite footing--made for a careful descent down to the lake road for the 3.5 mile exit walk. Always ready for the unexpected, we took a little detour to "The Flume," and a few hardy souls/idiots jumped in for a "refreshing" swim. Yes, it was bracing, and no one fell asleep walking out, getting pie at Noonmark, or driving home. Tripping lightly amongst the leaves, blown about the cliff edges, fascinated by fishy afternoon spawning, savoring the colors, and splashing in the were John Antonio, Maria Garcia, Mark Schoonmaker, Maureen Roeth, Karen Cedar, Joanne Longo, Mark Janey, Tom Hart, Jim Coward, the leaders and NO AMR dogs.

Oct 6 (Sat) SEWARD, DONALDSON, & EMMONS Leader: Don Berens This was a mostly Saratoga-Glens Falls ADK group that allowed an Albany Chapter member to lead. Katherine Bannigan, Don Berens, Susan Keely, Eleanor Molinary, Klaus Sommerlatte, Ravi Verma and Joanne Walczak left the trailhead at 6:05 a.m. with headlamps in 45 degree rain that would continue until mid-afternoon. During a break at the already occupied Blueberry lean-to, and while huddled outside under the eave, we thought of reasons why this was the best possible weather: (1) full waterfalls and streams; (2) no need to carry sunscreen; (3) no worry about heat stroke; (4) no need to carry skin moisturizer. Soon after, we left the trail and started up the herd path on the north side of Seward. The deepening mud and steepening grade slowed us so we had time to enjoy the wet rock slabs and high steps. As we climbed into the blowing cloud, some - but not all - added layers for the chill to come. We topped Seward at 11:15, then quickly descended out of the wind into thicker trees to add those extra layers. Two of us now had 44 of the 46 peaks. In a remarkable display of patient self-control, we walked past Donaldson without climbing the last five feet, and first visited Emmons at 1:35. Then we returned to finish Donaldson at 2:45 where Susan and Joanne completed their first 46. We celebrated with Dog Bites and Pale Ales supplied by Ravi, then headed down. After briefly losing the way (the trouble with hikers who are not easily discouraged is that they are not discouraged even by brush piles built to discourage taking a false path), we settled into a steady descent as the rain stopped and the clouds began to break apart. At the crossing of the rain swollen Calkins Brook, we lost and retrieved a pole, but lost no hikers even briefly. The lowering sun poked through the clouds to brilliantly illuminate the mostly yellow-leafed forest. Perhaps the sun, but perhaps also the scent of the cars and thoughts of dry clothes spurred all to quicken the pace over the last 3.4 miles and to reach the cars at 6:30 p.m., moments after sunset and without further need of headlamps. A satisfying end for a persevering group.

Oct 8 (Mon) KIDS FIND THE WAY ON COLUMBUS DAY - PLOTTER KILL PRESERVE Leader: Marie Rosenblatt It was a cool, crisp, beautiful early fall day when six kids, six parents/grandparents, and the leader set off from the trail head on Rt. 159 to find their way through the wilds of the Plotter Kill Preserve. "Kids find the way on Columbus Day" was just that. From the very first trail marker until the very last over 5 miles later, these kids did not fail in their task to keep us on track! Four year-old Ben, six year-olds Adrian and Fernando, ten year-old Sam, and young teens Veronica and Nicole proved young eyes to be sharp and spotted even the most elusive trail markers on this trail that has boggled all us adults at one time or another. The kids had maps and spotted land marks to remind us where we were and that there were short-cuts to take us back to the cars if we'd like to cut the hike short. Each time, the question "do you want to cut across here to the cars, or keep going" was met with a resounding, "Keep going!", while the leader and adults Aunt/Uncle Maria Garcia and Luis Pacheco, mom Olga Febus, mom and grandparents Natalie Cavanaugh, Mark and Elaine Klein had to jog to catch up as the kids once again took off down the trail. All too soon, we found ourselves at the end of the trail and our spotted cars on Coplon Road.

Oct 10 (Wed) SLEEPING BEAUTY FALL FOLIAGE HIKE Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver The forecast called for partial sun until heavy rains were to arrive late in the day. Drizzle began to fall before we even left Latham and continued all the way to Dacy Clearing where we entered a cloud. Eleven participants showed great fortitude, first starting up the trail in their fleece jackets and then gradually adding rain gear. Colored leaves were in abundance through the woods, while vibrants reds and yellows dotted the trail. Deep hemlock greens with wet black trunks contrasted with dramatic gray rocks and yellow maples. At the summit, we could barely see ten feet ahead of us, and opted for lunch under the evergreens just below. Bump Pond looked serene as the rain came down harder, yet still everyone visited, admired the leaves, and trudged on. Truth be told, all eleven seemed to enjoy the outing. They were Timothy Farley, Karen Lydon, Robert Priest, Lee and Ruth Schaeffer visiting from the Susquehanna ADK, Claudia Summers, Jim Torriani, Janet Tully-Kuzman, Deb Wein, Rachel West, and the leader.

Oct 13 (Sat) THACHER & THOMPSONS LAKE STATE PARK TRAILS Leader: Jim Schaller A beautiful autumn day greeted us at the Thacher Park Nature Center. After spotting cars, we started out on our 7.25 mile jaunt. After traversing Thompsons Lake Park trails and stopping at the old Knox Schoolhouse #5 and viewing the old CCC fire alarm ring, we took the Meadow Loop and Salisbury Trails to Thacher Park. Then we got on the Perimeter Trail to continue past the Beaver Pond, soon joining the Long Path. We took the side trail out to Hang Glider Cliff and our lunch spot to enjoy great views of the

valley below and the distant mountains in Vermont, the Taconics, Lake George and the Kaydeross Range. The Long Path later took us to High Point Cliff and more views. We finished by taking the Long Path and Perimeter Trail to the Quarry and the spotted cars. A total of thirteen hikers went, six from ADK and seven from the Friends of Thacher Park. ADK'ers were Barbara and Tom Esmond, Pat McPhee, Linda Neil, and Bonnie Schaller.

Nov 3 (Sat) REDFIELD Leader: Don Berens Darkness and downed trees. No power lines; only battery-operated lights. Those among us who survived this week's Superstorm Sandy might have thought they were still in metro NYC. But Dan Archer, Katherine Bannigan, Don Berens, Alan Gutman, Tom Hart, Dan Lockart, Marie Rosenblatt, Ravi Verma, and Tom's dog Molly were instead at the Upper Works trailhead. When we began at 6:40 a.m., light rain and 32 degree snow were falling, but the gibbous moon and Venus were visible through the thin clouds. In the dimness, some saw as many as fifty shades of grey, but others saw only a poor imitation of twilight. In the glow of headlamps, a black ribbon of wet trail snaked between whitened tufts of dried grass guarded by snow-plastered trees. Quite a change since the mid-60's temperatures of only a week ago. Today, in intermittent snow showers, we walked along and across Calamity Brook, past Flowed Lands, down the ladder at Colden Dam (Molly too) and past the green waterfalls of the Opalescent River to the Uphill Lean-To by 10:40. After a break there, we started up the herd path along the Uphill Brook and its unnamed tributary, following a fresh set of upward pointing boot prints. Twenty minutes below the summit, we met the descending print-makers (not Currier & Ives, but Quebecois hikers) and we reached Redfield just before 1:00 p.m. All visible peaks were white. The tops of Skylight and Allen were hidden in cloud, but Blake, Nipple Top and some of the showed themselves from time to time. Our feet soon turned downward and our talk turned to cryoglobulins; a long cold hike on a short November day will do that to people. 's frosted top was visible as we returned to Colden Dam. We re-crossed Calamity Brook five minutes before sunset, covered another mile in the dusk, and used our headlamps for the last two miles of our exit which we completed at 6:45 p.m., just over twelve hours after we began. We certainly did not waste any daylight and used some of the dark too. Most of the now wet and muddy hikers told the leader they had enjoyed the trip; that's what ADKers do.

Nov 9 (Fri) PHARAOH PHUN NUMBER 2 Leader: John Antonio It is no secret that the Adirondacks are home to many gorgeous ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and yes - even beaver ponds. After today's hike, anyone in our group would be quick to step up and declare that none of the above types of bodies of water could be more beautiful than the sights experienced on this trip. Starting at Putnam Pond campsite, we passed Heart Pond, Bear Pon, and stopped at the unbelievably awesome Rock Pond. For sheer beauty, it has to be in the top ten. Our only complaint? That we did not have a dozen lunches to consume, for each rock outcropping overlooking the pond was truly a more spectacular lunch spot than the previous one. Not to be content as mere sightseers, we were carrying Barbara McMartin's "Discover the Eastern Adirondacks" with us which we took turns reading. This added another layer of appreciation to the beauty that surrounded us. Content in heart and mind were Lori McCarron, Claudia Rosenholz, John Iacoponi, Marie Rosenblatt, Charlie Beach, and Tom Hart and Molly.

Nov 14 (Wed) FOLDED ROCK Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver In the midst of a string of gray chilly November days, we lucked out, getting a perfect sparkling day for our hike to Folded Rock. As we began, the trail and forest floor were covered in leaves, but as we increased our elevation, we encountered an inch of snow--just enough to coat the leaves so our boots made an early-winter crunching sound. Mid-day sun created deep shadows across the snow and lit up green moss on rocks and tree trunks. We admired lovely pastoral views across the Battenkill Valley and then headed back down, being mindful of slippery wet leaves on the trail. Enjoying a perfect fall outing were Karen Lydon, Steve Ras, Gene Reilly with Max the beagle, Jim Torriani,and the leader.

CONSERVATION NOTES

Rail Trail Corridor : The Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor (RLPTC) is a railroad right-of-way approximately 119 miles long and generally 100 feet wide. Constructed in 1892 by William Seward Webb, the line was operated continuously by the New York Central Railroad, and then the Penn Central Railroad, until freight service ceased in 1972. In 1974, the Corridor was purchased by New York State. In 1977, the State leased the line to the Adirondack Railway Corporation. After the bankruptcy of the lessee, and following a long period of litigation, the State acquired the remainder of the lease in 1991. Later in 1991, an Interdepartmental Task Force (or planning team) composed of representatives of the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Agency was formed to develop a management plan for the Corridor. Three public forums were held in October of that year to assess public opinion regarding the Corridor's future. More than five hundred individuals attended the forums and nearly one hundred of them gave spoken comments. The written and spoken comments were overwhelmingly in support of resumption of full rail service between Remsen and Lake Placid.

Recreational use of the corridor, particularly by snowmobiles. Following the forums, the Commissioners of DOT and DEC appointed a twenty-four member Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) to consult with the Task Force in the development of the plan. Membership of the CAC included representatives of each of the counties crossed by the Corridor, members of the business community, landowners, sportsmen, environmentalists, railroad interests and recreationists. The planning team completed the Draft Remsen-Lake Placid Corridor Management Plan/EIS (MP/EIS) in consultation with the CAC in September, 1994. Following public review, the Final Plan was completed in September of 1995. There has been recent interest in converting the corridor to exclusively a multi use trail, which would require removing the rails. The proposed trail would be used primarily by snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers in winter. Bikers and walkers would use it during the other three other seasons. The Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) has been actively promoting the development of this multi used trail and has enlisted the services of the Rails to Trail Conservancy (RTC). The RTC issued a report on converting the 34 mile section between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake, at an estimated cost of approximately $2,000,000, which would be offset by the projected proceeds of $5,000,000 resulting from salvaging the rail road ties along the entire corridor. The Town of North Elba considered developing a 9 mile parallel recreation trail from the Lake Placid to Saranac Lake. The RTC study concluded that converting the current rail road corridor to a multi use trail was preferable to a parallel trail due to cost and logistical issues. Other towns along the corridor were beginning to consider the multi trail option as a way to revitalize their local economies. Saranac Lake passed a resolution calling for the State to update the MP/EIS for the Corridor.

While many ADK members are avid bikers, who would welcome the creation of such a long distant trail in the Adirondacks, this must be considered against the adverse impact of such a trail on adjacent public and private lands. The increased snowmobile and illegal ATV use would be virtually impossible to regulate, especially in the most remote section which passes through the Five Ponds and Whitney Wilderness to Beaver River. ADK’s advocacy office has received numerous letters from Adirondack Land Owner Association members echoing these concerns citing the noise, trespassing and litter from current snowmobile use within the existing corridor. There have also been incidents of snowmobile incursions on Lake Lila. In a more recent development, the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society (ARPS), operators of current tourism rail services on the Adirondack Railroad, and Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a major new working partnership. A key goal is to establish high end excursion passenger service between New York City and Lake Placid, utilizing restored Pullman railcars and sleeping cars. The possibility of extending this service along the RLPTC is causing north country officials to reconsider the train option. Prior ADK resolutions (1/26/74, 2/6/82) urged the state to delay removal of the tracks to make possible the restoration of freight and passenger service and resumption of operation. Another ADK resolution (4/16/88) urged that in the event rail service is determined to be no longer feasible, that the Remsen to Lake Placid rail bed be designated as public lands in accordance with the State Land Master Plan. The most recent resolution approved by ADK’s Conservation Committee (11/3/12), which is pending Board approval calls for updating the MP/EIS. The Conservation Committee will continue to monitor this issue and will invite an ARTA representation to their next meeting on March 2.

Finch, Pruyn lands Update: The state has yet to buy the 65,000 acres of former Finch, Pruyn lands from the Nature Conservancy, but the discussion on how to classify them is well under way. DEC has met with environmental activists, sportsmen and local officials and floated a plan that would keep open several dirt roads to provide access to the interior of the two major parcels, the Essex Chain of Lakes Tract and the Boreas Ponds Tract. DEC’s plans would preclude classifying the entirety of the two parcels as Wilderness, since motorized use is prohibited in Wilderness Areas. The most likely scenario is that the classification of both parcels will be split between Wilderness and Wild Forest. Roads and floatplanes are allowed in Wild Forest Areas. The Boreas Ponds Tract promises new opportunities for paddling and back packing. Boreas Ponds, an artificial lake, offers breathtaking views of the High Peaks. Unless the state keeps the access road open, however, paddlers will have to carry more than five miles to the nearest put- in – on LeBiere Flow, a still water on the Boreas River, the lake’s outlet. If paddlers want to launch directly into Boreas Ponds, they would have to continue carrying along the road for about a mile beyond the flow. DEC is proposing to keep the road open to the vicinity of LeBiere Flow. From there, visitors could paddle and portage to Boreas Ponds or hike to the ponds along the closed section of the road. The road would be a snowmobile trail in winter and serve as the boundary between Wilderness and Wild Forest. The majority of the tract – the land north of the road – would be added to the High Peaks Wilderness. If you have questions or want to know more about conservation 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 John Sheehan 674-8121 [email protected] Vice Chairperson Tom Hart 229-5627 [email protected] Finance Thea Hoeth 434-3052 [email protected] Treasurer Joe Polsinelli 573-7689 [email protected] Recording Secretary Jan Peterson 695-3054 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary vacant Members at Large Phil Seward 527-1851 [email protected] Don Berens 783-1302 [email protected] Representatives to the Board Gerry Magnes 452-1163 [email protected] Carl Klinowski 274-8410 [email protected] Gene Reilly 281-7796 [email protected] Banquet vacant Cloudsplitter Karen Ross 794-7474 [email protected] Conservation David Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Tom McGuire 391-0508 [email protected] Education Alan Mapes 439-4086 [email protected] Membership Doug Resenberry 356-3142 [email protected] Nominations Mark Janey 899-6086 [email protected] Outings Virginia Boyle Traver 322-0950 [email protected] Paddlers Rich Macha 346-3180 [email protected] Programs Thea Hoeth 434-3052 [email protected] Public Information Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Refreshments Angie and David Newell 439-4881 Socials Helen Menz 463-3036 Trails Mike Geroux 321-7125 [email protected] Ways and Means Peg Lindgren 489-1395 [email protected] Web Master Pete Sage 733-6566 [email protected] Wilderness Dave Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Young Adults Stephanie Graudons 661-9991 [email protected]

Albany Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club

P.O. Box 2116 Esp. Sta. Non-Profit Organization Albany, NY 12220 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mailed From Zip Code 12288

Permit No. 215

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED