The

Cloudsplitter

Vol. 75 No. 4 October-December 2012

published by the ALBANY CHAPTER of the ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

The Cloudsplitter is published quarterly by the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and is distributed to the membership. All issues (January, April, July, and October) feature activities schedules, trip reports, and other articles of interest to the outdoor enthusiast.

All outings should now be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org . Echoes should be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org with your login information.

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

Submission deadline for the next issue of The Cloudsplitter is November 15, 2012 and will be for the months of January, February, and March, 2013. Many thanks to Brandon Ellis, an art student from Tupper Lake High School, and to his teacher Kathy Eldridge for his sketch of "Autumn in the Adirondacks."

October 3, November 7, and December 5 (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.

October 9 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Your Paddling Safety Bag. You have one dry bag to hold your safety items for paddling trips. So what do you put in it? Experienced paddlers from the chapter will share their ideas. Program: ADK St Regis Paddle Outing and Bog River/Lows Lake Outing: Two great areas to explore by water with the ADK. Phil Seward will guide us on two of the most spectacularly beautiful areas of the Adirondacks, a veritable paddler's paradise. First, he'll tell us about the St. Regis Lake Area and its 18,000 acres of pristine lakes, ponds and waterways which the ADK-led outing has explored each summer for 30 years. Next, to Bog River/Low's Lake, controversial but spectacular backcountry area great for camping and paddling. This 3 day trip shows the beautiful scenery you can enjoy and the fun of camping with good friends.Phil is immediate past Albany Chapter Chairperson. He has been kayaking for 10 years and is a ADK 46er, Catskill 35er, NE 111er and has also done high altitude climbing out West and abroad.

November 13 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: First Aid Essential Skills. We will review the most essential bits of knowledge and skills for backcountry first aid. Program: Verplanck Colvin, Adirondack Surveyor: Jim Schaller will tell us about this remarkable native of Albany who made the first recorded ascent of Seward in 1870 and never looked back. Jim will share with us the history of Colvin's surveys and wilderness explorations, including his life story and "Following in his Footsteps" today. We'll visit familiar ADK summits and lakes and maybe even a few places you've never been. An avid hiker himself, Jim Schaller is an ADK 46er (#1180) and can certainly share a lot about his own travels in the footsteps of Verplanck.

December 11 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Lightweight Stoves and Cook-gear. Small cook stoves have changed a lot since the Svea. Bring your favorite compact camp stove and cook gear to show and tell us why you like it.. Program: Moose, Goose, and Remnant Dinosaurs: Karl Parker, Senior Wildlife Biologist for NYSDEC Region 4 will give a powerpoint presentation on prominent on-going wildlife issues in the Albany area wildlife. Karl received his M.S. degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and holds professional certification as a Certified Wildlife Biologist from The Wildlife Society.

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

It is remarkable just how fast a long hot summer can go by. I have mixed feelings in a number of ways. Although we needed the rain, we all took full advantage of the dry weather for all of our summer outings. John Antonio picked a great summer to start his “sweat and swim” series of outings, where he often hiked to a great swimming location. Although I don't want the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer to end, it is nice to feel the cool of the evening in these late summer days. And of course we can all look forward to a full schedule of fall outings, complete with brilliant autumn colors and fleece jackets. The property we have for those hikes is also on the verge of expanding. It's been a slow process, but the wheels are turning, and we are getting closer to the point where the Finch Pruyn property will become part of the Preserve. 1500 acres is also scheduled to be added to the Jay Mtn. Wilderness area as part of a land swap with the NYCO Wallastonite mining company. The “swap” involves mining rights on 40 acres which will also be added to the park after the mine is spent and restored. Another proposal hinges on the resolution of a century-old land title dispute in the Raquette Lake area. The settlement of this case will clear the way for the state to purchase valuable parcels in that area like the Marion River carry. At its June meeting, the ADK Board of Directors voted to support these two proposals. Anyone who stayed at the Johns Brook Lodge this summer had the opportunity to see the renovations that were done last spring. Thanks from all of us to all the volunteers and staff who made this happen. And a thanks also has to go out to the trails crew and volunteers who built the new bridge over Marcy Brook to replace the bridge at the Marcy Dam that was lost during Hurricane Irene. All of this work will make our hikes safer and more pleasurable. So let's get out and enjoy the outdoors, especially new members choosing a first outing. It's lots of fun with lots of great people. Happy trails. John Sheehan, Fall 2012

THE CLOUDSPLITTER

October-December 2012 Vol. 75 No. 4

Albany Chapter – Adirondack Mountain Club October – December 2012 Combined Activities Schedule

Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Oct 2 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Bethlehem McGuire, Jacobson B 4 (Thu) Adirondack Paddle 'N' Pole Club Day Macha 5 (Fri) Fred's Favorite - Fish Hawk & Indian Head Ross, McCarron B+ 6 (Sat) Seward, Donaldson, & Emmons Berens A+ 8 (Mon) Kids Hike to Plotter Kill Rosenblatt C 9 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING-St. Regis Outing 10 (Wed) Sleeping Beauty Fall Foliage Hike Traver C+ 10 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Rotterdam Macha, Cavanaugh B 10 (Wed) Westkill Johnson B+ 11 (Thu) Vanderwhacker Mountain Breslin B 12 (Fri) Race Mountain to Bear Mountain Sheehan B+ 13 (Sat) Thacher & Thompsons Lake St Park Trails Schaller C+ 13 (Sat) Saddleback//Armstrong/ Upper Wolf Warren A+ 13 (Sat) Jay Range Siegard B+ 13 (Sat) Paddle Henderson Lake Reilly B 14 (Sun) South Mountain Loop Johnson B+ 16 (Tue) Jay Range Antonio B+ 16 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River Mapes C 16 (Tue) Blue Ledges Trail Breslin C+ 19 (Fri) Greylock & Williams Susko B 20 (Sat) Bald Peak Seward B+ 23 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River Macha B 24 (Wed) Plateau Johnson B+ 25 (Thu) Warren County Bikeway Breslin B

4 Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating 26 (Fri) Loop Hart B+ 27 (Sat) Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) Trail Work Pisaneschi B 27 (Sat) Sawyer and Chimney Mountains Klinowski B 28 (Sun) North Point Loop Johnson B+ 30 (Tue) Pharaoh Phun #1 Antonio B 30 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River Lock 7 Pisaneschi B Nov 2 (Fri) Hour Pond Sheehan B 3 (Sat) Redfield Berens A+ 3 (Sat) Panther Mountain Siegard B+ 4 (Sun) Hudson River Paddling Macha A 4 (Sun) New Member Orientation Rosenblatt, Sheridan 9 (Fri) Pharaoh Phun #2 Antonio B 13 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING-Verplanck Colvin 14 (Wed) Folded Rock Traver C+ 17 (Sat) Big Indian, Doubletop, Graham, Balsam Lk Warren A+ 17 (Sat) Crane Mt. Seward B 17 (Sat) Black Mountain Klinowski B 18 (Sun) Hunter Mountain Johnson B+ 20 (Tue) Pharaoh Phun #3 Antonio B+ 23 (Fri) Snow & Rooster Comb Reilly B Dec 1 (Sat) Street and Nye Berens A 4 (Tue) Shelving Rock and the Knapp Estate Breslin C+ 7 (Fri) Hopkins & Spread Eagle Mountains Reilly B+ 9 (Sun) Cross Country Ski - Leader's Choice Macha B 9 (Sun) Plotter Kill Rosenblatt C 11 (Tue) Greylock Mountain's Neighbor(s) Antonio B+ 11 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING-Wildlife presentation 12 (Wed) Holiday Getaway Battlefield Hike Traver C+ 14 (Fri) Rooster Comb & Snow Mountains Hart B+ 15 (Sat) Lewey, Cellar, & Blue/Ridge Mountains Warren A+ 15 (Sat) Beginner's Snowshoe Klinowski B 21 (Fri) Santanoni Great Camp XC Ski Hart B 21 (Fri) Seymour Mountain Reilly A+ 22 (Sat) Reilly B 29 (Sat) Pharaoh Lake XC Ski Seward B 29 (Sat) Cross Country Ski Wright C Jan 1 (Sun) Feeder Canal Park Fiske C

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

for about 2 hours. Scheduled trips launch rain or shine. Send Rich Macha [email protected] a request ACTIVITIES to be included in the ADK Paddlers Email List for reminders of upcoming events (ADK Members only) DESCRIPTIONS and updates. It is suggested that you obtain a good roadmap of the Capital District or use www.mapquest.com for directions to the launch site General Information for Evening Paddling locations. It is customary, Trips: after the paddle for the group Leader to pick a nearby On most Tuesday evenings from May thru October restaurant and convene the Paddlers Committee the ADK Albany Chapter paddles various waterways Meeting (PCM) to socialize, plan future trips and in the Capital District area. The slow group ("Lily- enjoy a meal with old and new friends. Everyone who Dippers") goes as slow as the slowest paddler and paddles is automatically a Committee Member and is may be best for short wide boats or less skilled invited to participate. paddlers. The moderate group is for most everyone The following are the Albany Chapter guidelines to else and goes about 3 to 3.5 mph. If there is enough participate in the Evening Paddles: interest, a fast group will be formed. Expect to paddle

5 1) Respect Other Users of the Waterways -- Steer membership is required. The store is at 2123 clear of fishermen. Don’t forget their fishing lines go Central Ave. in Colonie and will be open 10:00 well out into the water. Stay close to shore when a.m.-8:00 p.m. www.onewithwater.com. Leader: motorboats are out. The red & green buoys mark the Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] deep water channels - stay between the buoys & shore. Paddle in a tight group when crossing large bodies of water. Oct 5 (Fri) A FRED'S FAVORITE - FISH 2) Launch on Time -- Please be in your boats on the HAWK CLIFFS & INDIAN HEAD (B+) water and congregated near shore before the launch Fred Schroeder hiked here many times at all time. People launching after start time are not times of the year, for he loved the cascades of officially with the group. The leaders will conduct a Gill Brook and the views up through the Ausable short On-the-Water Meeting with the group to Lakes with the brilliant colors of fall reflecting discuss the water, weather conditions and plans for down the cliffs onto the lakes below. We'll be the paddle. doing a loop up the Ausable Road, will turn off 3) Duty of the Paddler -- It is the responsibility of the onto the Gill Brook Trail and climb up to and paddler to stay with the group and know who the leaders are - If you don’t know, ask someone. around the rocky craggy summits of both 4) Leaving the Group - The leaders take a outcrops, to eventually come out steeply down headcount at the On-the-Water Meeting. Therefore, to the Ausable Rd. again. It will be 10 miles of please notify one of the leaders if you need to leave autumn trekking with 2400' of pleasant vertical. the group for any reason. ADK is not responsible for Leaders: Karen Ross, 794-7474, paddlers who choose not to paddle with the group. [email protected]; Lori McCarron, 587-1957, 5) Required Gear -- All paddlers must bring along a [email protected] white light (a headlamp is good), a whistle (a pealess one is best) and must wear a PFD (Personal Oct 8 (Mon) KIDS FIND THE WAY ON Floatation Device aka life jacket). There are no exceptions to these requirements. It is also a good COLUMBUS DAY-- TO PLOTTER KILL(C) idea to bring raingear, water, bug-dope (mosquitoes For the Columbus Day holiday, we'll let the are quite active in summer at dusk) and an extra set young explorers scope out the hard-to-find trail of clothes in the car. markers and keep us on the right path! The 6) Clothing -- Other than in July & August all Plotter Kill has beautiful waterfalls, but staying paddlers should not wear cotton clothing - if you must on the trail is very confusing. Making a game of wear cotton, bring along a full change of clothing in a having the kids keep track of where we are, and dry bag. Expect to have your feet in the water when where we're going, will help keep their interest launching. Some of the launch spots are slippery and during this hike of approximately 4.5 miles. We'll have underwater debris. Waterproof footwear (most experienced paddlers use neoprene booties or take our time to make sure little legs can keep mukluks) is highly recommended. up! Contact leader for details; email contact 7) Guests - You may bring a guest. He/she is your preferred. Leader: Marie Rosenblatt, (518)723- responsibility and must adhere to all of the Evening 0223, [email protected] Paddle Guidelines. Oct 9 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING Oct 2 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - 113 Sand Creek Rd., Colonie. HUDSON RIVER BETHLEHEM (B) Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Be on the water by 5:45 p.m. We will paddle meeting on "Paddling Safety Bag." You have upstream for an hour then return. Take the NY one dry bag to hold your safety items for Thruway to Exit 22, go left (N) on Rt. 144 for paddling trips. So what do you put in it? about a mile, and go right on Barent Winnie Experienced paddlers from the chapter will Road to the boat launch next to Henry Hudson share their ideas. Park. We will be returning after sunset, so make Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will sure you have a white light with you (this is a be followed by a presentation, "ADK St Regis legal requirement). No need to sign up -just Paddle Outing and Bog River/Lows Lake show up. See General Info for Evening Paddling Outing." Phil Seward will guide us on two of the Trips. Leaders: Tom McGuire, 391-0508, most spectacularly beautiful areas of the [email protected], Lauren Jacobson, Adirondacks, a veritable paddler's paradise. Anthony Lamanno First, he'll tell us about the St. Regis Lake Area and its 18,000 acres of pristine lakes, ponds and Oct 4 (Thu) ADIRONDACK PADDLE 'N' waterways which the ADK-led outing has POLE CLUB DAY explored each summer for 30 years. Next, to Club members get 20% off regular price on Bog River/Low's Lake, controversial but everything in stock (15%-20% off canoes and spectacular backcountry area great for camping kayaks) including cross country skis (winter is and paddling. This 3 day trip shows the beautiful coming!) and most special orders. Proof of scenery you can enjoy and the fun of camping

6 with good friends.Phil is immediate past Albany Oct 11 (Thu) VANDERWHACKER MTN. (B) Chapter Chairperson. He has been kayaking for Vanderwhacker Mountain (off Rt 28N between 10 years and is a ADK 46er, Catskill 35er, NE Minerva and Newcomb,NY) has a DEC well- 111er and has also done high altitude climbing maintained fire tower with great views of the out West and abroad. high peaks as viewed from the southern Adirondacks. The trail is 5.4 miles round trip with Oct 6 (Sat) SEWARD, DONALDSON, & 1650’ ascent. I have not taken this trail in EMMONS (A+) several years, but most of it is fairly moderate We will hike nearly 16 miles and climb about though steadily uphill. There is a steep but 3700’ up the herd path on the north side of manageable section above the caretaker cabin Seward, over to Donaldson and Emmons, and to the top. Hopefully there will still be some fall down the Calkins Brook herd path. Bring lots to color. Meet-up time will be 8:00 a.m. at a place eat and drink, seasonal clothing, a headlamp determined by participants. Email sign-up with fresh batteries, and a persevering spirit. preferred. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, Depart 3:00 a.m. from the Northway Exit 9 Park [email protected] & Ride. Leader: Don Berens, 783-1302, [email protected] Oct 12 (Fri) RACE MTN. TO BEAR MTN. (B+) I planned this hike for July, but blueberries and Oct 10 (Wed) SLEEPING BEAUTY FALL through hikers on the AT didn't seem to be a big FOLIAGE HIKE (C+) draw. So let's try for spectacular color in Oct. It isn't autumn without a trip to see the fall colors Connected by the , Bear Mtn. in the Lake George area! Sleeping Beauty is a is the highest peak in Connecticut, while Race gem on the East Side of the lake. We will hike with its open top and great views is just across 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1300’, going the border in Mass. We will spot cars and do a up from Dacy Clearing and heading down hike through of about 9 miles. Meet 8:00 a.m. at around Bumps Pond. Email contact preferred. the Defreestville Park & Ride. Leader: John Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, Sheehan, 674-8121, [email protected] [email protected] Oct 13 (Sat) THACHER & THOMPSONS Oct 10 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE - LAKE STATE PARK (C+) MOHAWK ROTTERDAM (B) From the Nature Center, we'll take all or parts of Be on the water at Kiwanis Park by 5:30 p.m. four trails in Thompsons Lake Park to the We could go downstream and around Dalys Salisbury Trail. We'll follow that to Thacher Park. Island and/or upstream past the Mabee Farm There we'll hike parts of the Perimeter Trail, (the Mabee House dates back to 1670 and is the Long Path, and Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail oldest standing building in the Mohawk valley) to to Old Stage Road and then to Carrick Road and Lock 9. Take Exit 1A off I-890 to Rt.5S in to spotted cars. The trails go through varied Rotterdam and take a right into Kiwanis Park woodlands, by a beaver pond, through soon after leaving the highway ramp. We will be overgrown fields, and by open fields. We'll also returning after sunset so make sure you have a visit both Hang Glider Cliff and High Point for white light with you (this is a legal requirement). extensive views of the valley below. Plan for No need to sign up - just show up. See General lunch at High Point. The distance is 7.25 miles Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Rich with minimal ascent. Meet 9:30 a.m. at the Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Nature Center Mike on Cavanaugh, Nature Center 378 -5744, Way [email protected]; off Lisa Backman. Ketchum Road (Co. Rt. 256 - off N.Y. Rt. 157) Oct 10 (Wed) WESTKILL (B+) Leader: Jim Schaller, 861-7452, This hike will follow the Devil's Path from the [email protected] Spruceton trailhead to Diamond Notch Falls, where we will take the DN trail and a short road Oct 13 (Sat) SADDLEBACK, GOTHICS, walk to the spotted cars at the parking area for ARMSTRONG, & UPPER WOLF JAW (A+) the Spruceton Trail (to Hunter Mtn.). The We'll hike up the stream that drains the new distance is 8 miles with 2200' up and down. At a slide on Saddleback. Hurricane Irene scoured steady 1.5 MPH pace, plus breaks, this hike will this stream bed and left enormous piles of probably take 6-6.5 hours. Carpooling can be uprooted trees along the side. It is exciting to arranged to meet the leader at the parking area see Irene's work up close. We'll climb the new for the Spruceton Trail at 8:30 a.m. Rain, or no slide on Saddleback. A certain degree of comfort sign ups by Oct. 7 cancels. Email contact with steep and exposed terrain is recommended. preferred. Leader: Cal Johnson, (845) 246-2006, (Climbing the slide is dependent on weather. If it [email protected] is wet, we'll stick to the trail.) Our route back to

7 the Garden takes us over Gothics, Armstrong, site. After browsing around there we will and Upper Wolf Jaw. If time and energy allow, continue on the Escarpment Trail and then take we'll climb Lower Wolf Jaw. Approximately 15 the Harding Road trail back down to Palenville. miles (16 if we hike Lower Wolf Jaw) and This hike will provide many fantastic views of the approximately 4800’ elevation gain. (5500’ if we Hudson River Valley and . hike Lower Wolf Jaw). Meet 4:00 a.m. at the Distance is around 10 miles with around 2000' Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Claudia up and down. At a steady 1.5 MPH pace, plus Warren, 731-6446, [email protected] breaks, this hike will probably take 7-7.5 hours. Carpooling can be arranged to meet the leader Oct 13 (Sat) JAY RANGE (B+) at the trailhead parking lot on White's Rd. in The Jay Range is a series of high knobs that Palenville at 8:00 a.m. Steady rain or no sign- were burned off in the great forest fires of the ups by Oct. 11 cancels. Email contact preferred. early 20th century. They offer open ridge walks Leader: Cal Johnson, (845) 246-2006, with 360 degree views and interesting rock [email protected] formations. The trip is not overly difficult by the stats, but it is steep on the way up and there are Oct 16 (Tue) JAY RANGE (B+) a few steep pitches that can require using all I'm rescheduling this from the summer outings four limbs, so one must feel comfortable with schedule. This is "perhaps the best hike in the brief slab climbing, though they certainly are not Adirondacks" according to Lisa Densmore's technical. There is no trail, but there is a strong article in the July/August 2012 issue of herd path. It's the kind of ridge where you could Adirondack Explorer. It's a 6.5 mile round trip enjoy spending the whole day on one knob, or that gains 2300’ with unending views. Leader: you can have fun skipping from open summit to John Antonio, 462-2765 open summit. The trip is around 8 miles and about 2000’ of vertical, depending on how far Oct 16 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - and how curious we end up for the day. MOHAWK RIVER (C) Leaders: Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, We will head upstream on the Mohawk. Be on [email protected] the water by 5:30 p.m. From the Latham Circle drive north on Rt.9, take a right just before the Oct 13 (Sat) PADDLE HENDERSON LAKE (B) Crescent Bridge and launch at Freddie's Park; I've often read with great interest about paddling you can also launch on the other side of the river on Henderson Lake, and I've also seen paddlers and meet on the water by Freddie's Park. We with lightweight boats going to or coming from will be returning after sunset so make sure you the lake. Well, now that I have a lightweight boat have a white light with you (this is a legal that will be easy to carry the short distance to requirement). No need to sign up - just show up. the put-in, it is 'bout time' I paddled it, especially See also General Info for Evening Paddling with the potential for brilliant fall foliage to add to Trips. Leader: Alan Mapes, 817-1512, the experience! Come and join me. I've rated it a [email protected] 'B' only because of the short carry to the lake, but I don't think it's very far. Please contact the Oct 16 (Tue) BLUE LEDGES TRAIL (C+) leader prior to October 10th to introduce yourself This trail takes us to a very unique part of the and discuss further details on where and when Hudson River where there are spectacular 300 to meet. No sign-ups prior to Oct 10th may foot high ledges at a horseshoe bend in the cancel the outing. Leader: Gene Reilly, 281- river. The trail is fairly moderate and five miles 7796, techvalleytrekker-at-yahoo.com round-trip. If the footing is risky due to weather, we will not descend the final 200’ to the river's Oct 14 (Sun) SOUTH MOUNTAIN LOOP (B+) edge. We will still have a great view. There still This will be a historiological expedition!! Starting should be some fall color in this area. We will in Palenville, we will hike up an unmarked path leave the Capital District from a location to Palenville Lookout, site of the former Half-way determined by participants at 8:00 a.m. It will House. We will be passing through old stone take about 2 hours to get to the trailhead. E-mail quarries. From there we will take a short out and sign-up preferred. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783- back to the Indian Head lookout, and then follow 9154, [email protected] part of the Rip Van Winkle Horse Trail System, crossing the former Otis Elevating Railway bed, Oct 19 (Fri) MOUNTS GREYLOCK & and then ascending to the former Catskill WILLIAMS (B) Mountain House site near North Lake. From We'll take the Appalachian Trail from Notch road there we will follow the Escarpment Trail, via over Mt. Williams on the way to the highest point Boulder Rock, to the former Kaaterskill Hotel in Massachusetts. October is a great time to

8 climb Greylock and this route provides great sign-up preferred. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783- views from both summits as well as a nice ridge 9154, [email protected] walk between them. The distance is 6+ miles with approximately 1500’ ascent. Leader: John Oct 26 (Fri) SAWTEETH LOOP (B+) Susko, 383-1284, [email protected] We'll hike Sawteeth via the Pyramid-Gothics trail from Lower Lake and return via the old "Scenic Oct 20 (Sat) BALD PEAK (B+) Trail" along the 'teeth' on the mountain's south This is a great hike with open views along the side. Approximately 10 miles including the river trail to enjoy the beautiful fall colors in the trail with 2275‘ ascent from Lower Lake. Leader: Adirondacks. The trailhead is located off Exit 30 Tom Hart, 229-5627, [email protected] on Rt. 9 near New Russia and heads west into the Giant Wilderness area. The hike is 7.8 miles Oct 27 (Sat) TACONIC CREST TRAIL (TCT) RT with an elevation gain of 2448’. Leader: Phil TRAIL WORK (B) Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] We'll cover the section of the TCT from Robinson Hollow to Mattison Hollow. This will Oct 23 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - involve blow down removal and drainage work. MOHAWK RIVER (B) We'll also replace missing trail markers. Be on the water at 5:30 p.m. at Lions Park by Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, the old train station in Niskayuna. From the [email protected] Northway drive west for 3.1 miles and take a right on Rosendale Rd which goes downhill and Oct 27 (Sat) SAWYER AND CHIMNEY (B) then curves left. Soon after that turn right into These are two interesting short hikes that are the parking area. We will be returning after close to each other. Sawyer Mtn. is a 2.2 mile sunset, so make sure you have a white light with roundtrip (630’ ascent) and is located in the Blue you (this is a legal requirement). No need to sign Ridge Wilderness Area. The trailhead is located up - just show up. See General Info for Evening between Indian Lake and Lake Paddling Trips. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, off Route 28/30. After the first hike we will drive [email protected] down the road to Chimney Mtn. in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. This trailhead is off Oct 24 (Wed) PLATEAU (B+) Route 30. This is a 2.0 mi. roundtrip with 760’ This hike will follow the Devil's Path up the west ascent. Chimney Mtn. is a unique area, and side of Plateau to the intersection of the offers a lot of interesting geological features, Warner's Creek trail, which we will take down to including caves. Plan on an early start. For the intersection of Notch Inn Rd. and Rt. 214 reservations, please call by Thursday, Oct. 25th. (spotted cars). It is 7 miles with 1850' ascent Leader: Carl Klinowski, 274-8410, (most of that in the first 1.3 miles, so it's a very [email protected] steep climb) and 2140' descent. At a steady 1.5 MPH pace, plus breaks, this hike will probably Oct 28 (Sun) NORTH POINT LOOP (B+) take 5-6 hours. Carpooling can be arranged to This loop hike will follow the Escarpment trail meet the leader at the Devil's Tombstone from Schutt Rd. to North Point and the return via parking area by at 8:30 a.m. Rain, or the Mary's Glen and Rock Shelter trails. There no sign ups by Oct. 21 cancels. Email contact are many great vistas on the hike, and with preferred. Leader: Cal Johnson, (845) 246-2006, leaves off the trees, there will be even more [email protected] views. At 5.8 miles, we will take a short out and back to Lookout Rock and Sunset Rock, on top Oct 25 (Thu) WARREN CTY. BIKEWAY (B) of a very unique rock outcropping. The distance We will park in Queensbury off Rt. 254 and bike is about 10 miles with around 1200' of elevation to Lake George Village. We'll spend some time gain/loss spread out over the hike. At an in the Lake George Battlefield Park before average pace of 1.5 MPH, plus breaks, the hike returning to Queensbury. Then we'll go toward will probably take 7-7.5 hours. Carpooling can Glens Falls and stop at the Coopers Cave be arranged to meet the leader at the trailhead Brewery for ice cream or a beer (yes, they have parking area on Schutt Rd., a right turn just both!) before returning to our cars. Total trip will before the gatehouse to the North/South Lake be around 18 miles. There is a very short on- State Campground, at 8:00 a.m.. Rain, or no road section and a hilly section in the Glen Lake sign ups by Oct. 25 cancels the hike. Email area. The rest is fairly level. All parts are paved. contact preferred. Leader: Cal Johnson, (845) This is always a fun ride. Meet-up time and 246-2006, [email protected] place will be determined by participants. E-mail

9 Oct 30 (Tue) PHARAOH PHUN #1 (B) a.m. from Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Now that we have your attention with the phunny Don Berens, 783-1302, [email protected] spelling, here is a quote from Barbara McMartin's "Discover the Eastern Adirondacks." Nov 3 (Sat) PANTHER MTN. (B+) "The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area has the This one is for Maria. Panther is a lovely Catskill highest concentration of crystal clear lakes and high peak. The Giant Ledges on the way are ponds accessible from good hiking trails of any worth the trip for themselves. We'll be past the of the Adirondack regions. Each pond has a fall colors, but we'll enjoy the views. This is a special character created by the varied relatively easy 5 mile 1500’ elevation trip, but it waterfronts, rock ledges and quiet coves, and can be challenging if conditions are difficult. Be each has a unique vista of mountains, cliffs, and prepared for ice (some sort of foot traction wooded shorelines." With an introduction like device required.) No calls after 9:00 p.m. please. this, how could you not be raring to go? So --- let Leaders: Steve & Leslie Siegard, 768-2393, us explore this beautiful area in a series of three [email protected] hikes and experience some of the natural wonders of this area. For Pharaoh Phun Number Nov 4 (Sun) HUDSON RIVER PADDLING (A) 1, after spotting a car at the Crane Pond Road, Starting out from Stuyvesant we will paddle we will explore at least a half dozen ponds on an south passing an old ice factory chimney, the approximately 9-mile journey. Aren't you eager beaches at Gay's Point & Stockport Middle to visit Lilypad Pond, Crab Pond or have lunch Ground, as well as Rattlesnake Island. Expect to at the Oxshoe Pond lean-to! Leader: John paddle at least 15 miles at a pace of about 3 Antonio, 462-2765 mph. With breaks, we could be out for up to 7 hours. We will be able to ride the incoming tide Oct 30 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - back to the put-in. Participants will be expected MOHAWK RIVER LOCK 7 (B) to stay in a compact group. This outing is best Be on the water by 5:30 p.m. We will paddle for touring kayaks with sprayskirts. Leader: Rich upstream past interesting cliffs. From the Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Northway drive west on Rt.7 for 4.5 miles, turn right on Mohawk Rd and go to the end, take a Nov 4 (Sun) NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION left on Rosendale Rd. for a short distance then Time: 11:00 - 4:00 Place: Albany Bush take a right on Lock 7 Rd. As you approach the Discovery Center. If you are new to the Albany lock bear left to get to the boat launch. We will Chapter - or even not so new - and are be returning after sunset, so make sure you interested in making the most of your have a white light with you (this is a legal membership, please join us! You will have the requirement). No need to sign up -just show up. opportunity to meet and talk with some of our See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. experienced leaders and Executive Committee Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, staff, as well as other new members. There will [email protected] be informative presentations, history, benefits of the Adirondack Mountain Club, and an Nov 2 (Fri) HOUR POND (B) opportunity for questions and discussion in a Hour Pond is one of the many small ponds relaxed, informal environment. Lunch (pizza, nestled between the lower peaks of the central water, soda, dessert) will be provided, but feel Adirondacks. A new trail was opened within the free to bring your own if desired. NOTE: Books past few years from the Thirteenth Lake and maps will be available for purchase at trailhead. I have been past the intersection many member discounts. For the complete agenda, times on my way to Peaked Mtn., and I've please RSVP to Sue Sheridan 518-765-3409 or always wanted to explore the trail. The hike will [email protected] by October 29, 2012. be about 8 miles with little elevation gain. Meet For directions, please visit the APB Discovery 7:30 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Center's website: Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, http://www.albanypinebush.org/discovery- [email protected] center/admission-and-hours#directions Leaders: Marie Rosenblatt, 723-0223, Nov 3 (Sat) REDFIELD (A+) [email protected]; Sue Sheridan, 322- We will hike about 17 miles and climb about 5266, [email protected] 3000’ past a lake and cascading streams to a herd path summit on the last full day of daylight Nov 9 (Fri) PHARAOH PHUN #2 (B) savings time this year. Bring lots to eat and Starting from the Putnam Pond campsite, we will drink, seasonal clothing, a head lamp with fresh do a counter clockwise circuit of Putnam Pond batteries, and a persevering spirit. Depart 4:00 and "collect" at least four ponds in the

10 northeaster section of the Pharaoh Lake Nov 17 (Sat) CRANE MTN. (B) Wilderness. Depending upon the route, we can We'll do a 4.9 mile loop mile with 1150’ ascent expect 8 or 10 miles of hiking. Leader: John climbing up two ladders, one 6’ and the other 15’ Antonio, 462-2765. tall. The peak offers views of Lake George, Speculator, Snowy and several other mountains. Nov 13 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING Lunch will be at the Crane Mt. Pond and then 113 Sand Creek Rd., Colonie. we'll return 2.5 miles back to the parking lot. Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, meeting on " First Aid Essential Skills." We [email protected] will review the most essential bits of knowledge and skills for backcountry first aid. Nov 17 (Sat) BLACK MOUNTAIN (B) Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will At 2646’, Black Mountain on the east side of the be followed by a presentation, "Verplanck lake is the highest peak in the Lake George Colvin, Adirondack Surveyor." Jim Schaller area. The roundtrip is 5.0 miles with 1046’ will tell us about this remarkable native of Albany ascent. We will have some good views of the who made the first recorded ascent of Seward in length of Lake George and the NYS State Police 1870 and never looked back. Jim will share with communications tower. For reservations, call by us the history of Colvin's surveys and wilderness Thursday, November 15. Leader: Carl Klinowski, explorations, including his life story and 274-8410, [email protected] "Following in his Footsteps" today. We'll visit familiar ADK summits and lakes and maybe Nov 18 (Sun) HUNTER MOUNTAIN (B+) even a few places you've never been. An avid This hike will start at the Notch Lake parking hiker himself, Jim Schaller is an ADK 46er area and go up the Devil's Path to the Devil's (#1180) and can certainly share a lot about his Acre lean-to. From there it goes up the Hunter own travels in the footsteps of Verplanck. Mountain Trail to the fire tower, taking a short out and back to a great vista about .25 miles Nov 14 (Wed) FOLDED ROCK (C+) before the tower. After taking in the fantastic Views from Folded Rock benefit from seasons 360° views from the tower, we will head down when there are no leaves on the trees so mid- the Spruceton Trail and then the Colonel's Chair November should be perfect. The first mile is a Trail to the summit of the Hunter Mountain Ski fairly rugged uphill, and then levels onto a ridge. Bowl. Our descent will be on some open ski The summit overlooks the bucolic Battenkill trails and bike paths between the trails. The Valley in eastern Washington County. We will distance is about 7.5 miles with 2040' ascent hike 3 miles with 1000’ elevation gain. Email and 2440' descent. At a steady 1.5 MPH pace, contact preferred. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, plus breaks, the hike should take around 5-6 322-0950, [email protected] hours. Carpooling can be arranged to meet the leader at 9:00 a.m. at the ski area parking lot, Nov 17 (Sat) BIG INDIAN, DOUBLETOP, where the lodge will be open, providing the GRAHAM, & BALSAM LAKE MTN. (A+) convenience of rest rooms. Rain or no sign ups We'll start from the Seager trailhead. (A bonus is by Nov. 15 cancels the hike. Email contact that we pass three covered bridges on the way preferred. Leader: Cal Johnson, (845) 246-2006, to the trailhead.) Our route to Balsam Lake [email protected] Mountain will be a combination of on trail and off trail hiking. has a fire Nov 20 (Tue) PHARAOH PHUN #3 (B+) tower (another bonus!). The route from Balsam On the third Pharaoh Phun trip we will visit Lake to Graham starts on trail. We leave the trail Pharaoh Lake , the namesake of this wilderness to summit Graham, a trailless peak. The area. We will go via Grizzle Ocean on an 11.5 bushwhacking continues as we head over to mile round trip trek. This is a repeat of a trip we Doubletop, and then we pick up a trail again just did recently, and all were in awe of the beauty of before arriving at the summit of Big Indian. We this lake. Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765 finish the day on trails, completing a big loop as we travel from Big Indian back to the trailhead. Nov 23 (Fri) SNOW & ROOSTER COMB (B) Approximately 15 miles, approximately 3300’ Here are another two mountains I've never hiked elevation gain. Meet 5:00 a.m. at the Thruway before, but have heard and read a lot about. Exit 21 & Ride. Leader: Claudia Well, it is 'bout time' to do them! The elevation Warren, 731-6446, [email protected] gain will be 1750’ with a round trip distance of 5.3 miles. I've rated it a 'B' despite the ascent being a little on the high side for this level, because I intend to have a slow pace (which

11 might increase the time a bit but - hey . . . what Dec 9 (Sun) PLOTTER KILL (C) can I say)? Please contact the leader prior to Yes, it's the Plotter Kill again! When we hiked it November 20th to introduce yourself and obtain this summer, we agreed we needed to details regarding where and when to meet. No snowshoe it this winter. Let's hope for early sign-ups by 11/20 may cancel the outing. snow so we can get out for a Sunday morning Leader: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, snowshoe before the holidays roll in. Expect a techvalleytrekker-at-yahoo.com brisk pace of 4 - 6 miles and getting home early for making cookies, watching NFL, or beating Dec 1 (Sat) STREET AND NYE (A) through the crowds at the mall (where we'll have We will hike about 9 miles and climb about 2600’ conveniently left our cars!) Contact leader for to a relatively accessible pair of herd path details; email contact preferred. Leader: Marie peaks. Bring lots to eat and drink, seasonal Rosenblatt, 723-0223, [email protected] clothing, a headlamp with fresh batteries, and a persevering spirit. Depart at 4:30 a.m. from Dec 11 (Tue) GREYLOCK MOUNTAIN'S Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Don NEIGHBOR(S) (B+) Berens, 783-1302, [email protected] Starting from the Hopper Road trailhead, let's take a different twist on today's hike. In the past Dec 4 (Tue) SHELVING ROCK AND THE many of us have taken the Hopper Trail to the KNAPP ESTATE (C+) summit of Greylock, but today we will visit its If there is enough snow (doubtful at this time of northern neighbor(s). We will quickly leave the year), this will be a snowshoe trip. I have not Hopper Trail and take the Moneybrook Trail, explored this section of the wild forest on the eventually winding our way up to Mt. Prospect. southeast side of Lake George before. There Depending upon conditions and group abilities are numerous trails and interconnections that and interest, Mt. Williams will also be considered align with the carriage roads that were part of as part of today's journey. If we do both peaks, the Knapp Estate. We will spend about five we can expect to hike about 10 miles with 2000' hours exploring about 8 miles of trails. Maximum elevation and to be out between 6 to 8 hours. elevation change will be less than 800’. Meet-up Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765. point will be determined by participants, leaving the Capital District at 8:30 a.m. Email contact Dec 11 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING preferred. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, 113 Sand Creek Rd., Colonie. [email protected] Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. prior to the meeting on "Lightweight Stoves and Cook- Dec 7 (Fri) HOPKINS & SPREAD EAGLE (B+) gear. Small cook stoves have changed a lot Written up in an Adirondack Explorer article (see since the Svea. Bring your favorite compact "High Praise for Low Peaks") this 3,183’ camp stove and cook gear to show and tell us mountain reportedly has great views. I am rating why you like it.. it a "B+" due to the elevation gain of 2,120, the Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will round trip distance of approximately 6.4 (maybe be followed by a presentation, " Moose, Goose, 7.4 if Spread Eagle is added) and the time, as I and Remnant Dinosaurs." Karl Parker, Senior am a bit slow ascending. For a trail description Wildlife Biologist for NYSDEC Region 4 will give see Trail #51 in the ADK Guidebook for the High a powerpoint presentation on prominent on- Peaks Region. Please contact the leader prior to going wildlife issues in the Albany area wildlife. December 4th to introduce yourself and obtain Karl received his M.S. degree from SUNY more details about where and when to meet. No College of Environmental Science and Forestry sign-ups by December 4th may cancel the and holds professional certification as a Certified outing. Leader: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, Wildlife Biologist from The Wildlife Society. techvalleytrekker-at-yahoo.com Dec 12 (Wed) HOLIDAY GETAWAY Dec 9 (Sun) CROSS COUNTRY SKI - BATTLEFIELD HIKE (C+) LEADER'S CHOICE (B) Okay, we're already eating too many cookies Our first choice will be to ski in the Green and are in the festive crunch that comes Mountains in the Woodford, VT area on between Thanksgiving and New Year's! What snowmobile and/or backcountry trails. Difficulty better way to feel rejuvenated than to take a will be on the easy side of intermediate. We'll go morning hike on the Wilkinson Trail at the elsewhere if I think conditions are better Saratoga National Battlefield? The trail is 4.2 someplace else. Expect to ski 7 to 10 miles and miles long with 300’ elevation gain. We'll take a be out for 4 to 6 hours. Leader: Rich Macha, brisk pace as we wind through field and forest, 346-3180, [email protected] so come prepared to get warm on a chilly

12 December day and work up an appetite for more with time to explore. Leader: Tom Hart, 229- holiday eating! Email contact preferred. Leader: 5627, [email protected] Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, [email protected] Dec 21 (Fri) SEYMOUR MOUNTAIN (A+) On the first day of winter, I will be attempting to Dec 14 (Fri) ROOSTER COMB & SNOW (B+) hike Seymour Mountain, a trailless High Peak. I We'll head up Rooster Comb, with a side trip to am hoping that this early in the season the road Snow, and return along the Flume Brook. Lunch will still be passable to the summer trailhead and will be atop Snow where a perfect small we can avoid the extra mileage often Christmas tree awaits decoration with necessitated by the closing of the road. Still, this environmentally sensitive trimmings. There are hike is rated as an A+ (despite the elevation gain also many vantage points with great views. being approximately 2400’) because the round Round trip will be 7 miles with about 2200' trip distance will be approximately 14 miles and elevation. Traction devices will probably be it could take more than 10 hours. Depending on necessary at this of year, providing a good intro conditions, we may choose to snowshoe or ski hike for winter conditions. Meet 7:00 a.m. at the into and out from the base of the mountain. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: Tom Hart, Participants must be in good physical condition 229-5627, [email protected] and preferably have some winter High Peak hiking experience. Please contact the leader Dec 15 (Sat) LEWEY, CELLAR, & prior to December 14th to introduce yourself, BLUE/RIDGE MTNS. (A+) and to obtain further details such as a meeting These three peaks lie in the West Canada Lake time and place. Leader: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, wilderness area, just west of Indian Lake. They techvalleytrekker-at-yahoo.com are on the Adirondacks Hundred Highest list. We'll start on Sucker Brook Trail and follow it to Dec 22 (Sat) AMPERSAND MOUNTAIN (B) the height of land between Lewey Mountain and I will be staying up in the area the prior night in Cellar Mountain. From there, we leave the trail order to get an early start (pre-dawn?) on this to bushwhack to each of these three peaks. The trip. I would like to reach the summit early in the woods we pass through are, for the most apart, morning to see daylight approach over the High open hardwood forests, delightful for Peaks to the east, but this could be tempered by bushwhacking. Approximately 15 miles and the hiking experience of the previous day. This approximately 3200’ elevation gain. Meet 4:00 hike is rated a B, moderate, due to the elevation a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. Leader: gain of approximately 1790’, and due to the Claudia Warren, 731-6446, [email protected] steepness of the second half of the ascent, despite the mileage and time perhaps being a bit Dec 15 (Sat) BEGINNER'S SNOWSHOE (B) on the low end at about 5.6 miles and less than If you got snowshoes last year but didn't get to 5 hours. Please contact the leader prior to use them, this may be your chance. Pray for December 14th to introduce yourself and for snow. Do your snow dances (as compared to more details such as arranging a meeting place rain dances). Whatever helps. The plan is to and time. Leader: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, have this trip close to the Capital District, but we techvalleytrekker-at-yahoo.com will follow the snow. If the snow doesn't cooperate, we plan to have a short hike (5 to 8 Dec 29 (Sat) PHARAOH LAKE XC SKI (B) miles). Bring your snow shoes, borrow a pair, or I'm hoping for lots of snow this year and a white get a pair of rentals. For reservations, call by Christmas. From Pharaoh Road near the end of Thursday, December 13. Leader: Carl Klinowski, Brant Lake, we will ski Trail #50 into Pharaoh 274-8410, [email protected] Lake Lean-to #1 - about 4 miles. We'll have lunch at the lean-to and ski back on the frozen Dec 21 (Fri) SANTANONI GREAT CAMP lake and pick up the trail back to the cars for a XC SKI (B) RT of 8 miles on flat terrain. Leader: Phil We'll celebrate the first day of winter with this Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] moderate XC along the old roadway to the Great Camp. The round trip distance is short of 10 Dec 29 (Sat) CROSS COUNTRY SKI (C) miles. Bring flashlights in honor of national Let's hope that this winter produces more snow flashlight day, though they won't be needed on than last. We'll go wherever, within reason, this trip. Terrain is gentle with the return trip there's snow, so time and place of meeting are rewarding skiers for their efforts into the Camp TBA. Leader: Ted Wright, 280-8016, with gentle downhills. Lunch will be at the Camp [email protected]

13 ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL

Feb 17 (Fri) ALANDER FROM BASHBISH FALLS. Leader: John Sheehan As I have mentioned many times before, I have recently been drawn to the South Taconics. I have seen the racing brooks in April, the mountain laurel in June, and the colors of autumn, and I have experienced the heat of summer. What I have not seen however is the South Taconics covered with snow in the winter. So I scheduled this hike in February hoping to round out my experience. Although many people loved this snowless winter, it fell short for us snow lovers. With temperatures in the 50s, five hikers, Jim Owen, Claudia Rosenholtz, Patrick O'Mallay, Rob, Rudolf and the leader set off in bare boots to climb Alander Mtn. About halfway up we encountered a little ice on the rocks, so some of us donned Stableicers just to feel a little more secure. After a half mile or so however we were on the open ridge for the last leg of our hike, and the sun had melted any ice that may have formed overnight. When I scheduled the hike, I was thinking that the Alander Cabin near the top would be an ideal sheltered lunch spot for a winter outing. But with the mild weather and the brilliant sunshine we found it comfortable to sit on the rocks at the top and enjoy the views as if it were spring or fall. We checked out the cabin anyway just because it's there and that's what curious minds do . I had scheduled this last year, but there was too much snow, and bad road conditions caused us to change our plans. Look for this trip again next year, lightning can't strike three times in the same place.

Apr 25 (Wed) YOKUN RIDGE Leader: John Sheehan Yokun Ridge is an area that I have driven to, through and around many times and didn't even know it. It is a ridge of land mostly in the town of Lenox, Mass., parallel to US Rt. 7. Our trip began at Olivia's Overlook near Tanglewood and ended at Bousquet Ski Area just outside Pittsfield. My past visits to the area were for music concerts, relaxation or recreational shopping. Although I always recognized and appreciated the natural beauty of the area, I was not aware of the hiking opportunities until I joined the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) and received the maps of their managed areas. The beginning of the hike was along a ridge that periodically offered modest views to the west. The weather that day was somewhat unstable and we found ourselves stopping to layer and delayer numerous times. For a brief time we were even pelted by some significant hail. About halfway through the hike we were on Lenox Mtn. which is the site of a communication tower, complete with chainlink fences and signs of human activity. The guide book warned of the ugliness of this area, but we did not find that at all. It was well kept and we were happy to share our wilderness experience with today's technology. After all, we all carry cell phones into the woods these days. Yokun Seat with its great views, also to the west, was our chosen lunch spot. The weather even cooperated and the sun showed itself throughout our half hour lunch break. As we watched the next wave of weather move in, we decided it was time to move on to our final destination where we had a car spotted. Joining me in this adventure were John Antonio, Lori McCarron, Karen Ross and 'Louie,' Emily Gallagher, Charlene Schafer, and Tom Hart.

May 23 (Wed) ROUND MTN. Leader: John Sheehan Although this is a somewhat rigorous climb, looking strictly at the numbers, I was able to list the hike as a C+. With a promise to go slow, I was hoping to attract those who have not yet seen the views from the top of the world. At least that's the way I feel about this little bump in the midst of the eastern high peaks. I guess everyone is wise to me though, because only regular climbers signed up. Round Mtn. is nestled between its big brothers--Gaint to the east and Noonmark to the west--with views of the adjacent and the just across the Ausable Valley. I don't think I will ever tire of this view. I will not give up on you non-climbers though; you've got to see this at least once in you life. Look for this hike again next year. Joining me on this adventure were Kaytlin McCarty, Charlene Shafer, John Antonio, and Kendra Pratt.

Jun 1 (Fri) WEBSITE ONLY - PADDLING AMONG THE BIRDS ON THE W. BRANCH OF THE Leader: Gene Reilly We had a great day of paddling! The weather turned out perfect following heavy rain a day or two prior, giving us excellent water levels.. As we had unloaded the boats a woman with a head-net walking the road admonished us to get our bug dope and head-nets out as the blackflies were out in full force.

Despite the ominous start, once on the water there were pleasant breezes (at times a headwind!) all day that kept the bugs well away from us and eliminated the need for protective gear - at least most of the time. We were fortunate to have among the participants Charlie Beach, a contributor to the guidebook the leader was using, "ADK Canoe and Kayak Guide East-Central NYS". While Charlie's Sacandaga River write-up was for another section, he was nonetheless very familiar with this section as well. At his suggestion we put-in at the first bridge and consequently enjoyed a very pleasant additional 3 miles of paddling through wooded terrain (the couple of spots where downed trees partially blocked the river were easily negotiated). We passed by the second bridge and diverted up into . The water level in the outlet of Chub Lake was at least 1 1/2 feet higher than Memorial weekend and we easily paddled right over a beaver dam that had required getting out of the kayak just a few days earlier. After circumnavigating Chub lake we had one false start trying to find our way out again. A lone red-winged blackbird stood as a sentinel high upon a dead tree, marking both our entrance and exit with it's song. Downstream we suddenly encountered a large logjam that stretched from bank to bank and maybe 30-40 yards in length. We had to fight past the first few floating tree trunks to reach a path on the left bank where we could take-out and carry a short distance around the jammed elbow in the river. Proceeding down the river about an hour, we took a side trip up into Trout Lake - the passage to and from Trout lake was surprisingly mostly open water without the twisting and turning maze of channels such as protected Chub Lake. We lunched at a high campsite on the North shore of the lake, then returned to the river. The sky had clouded over by this point and we anticipated a possible shower. After negotiating many more turns and bends in the river, enjoying the assistance of the current and viewing a mother goose with her young, we eventually reached our take out just before Shaker Place. We were forced to carry the boats up a fairly steep path on the riverbank to the spotted car as the NYS DEC has not yet developed the more accessible Shaker Place into a designated launch site. The dirt side road down to the river there is still blocked by a padlocked fence/gate despite a proposal included in the draft Unit Management Plan for the Ferris Lake Wild Forest dating back to at least 2005. We retrieved the first car from the put-in and quickly loaded up the boats as the bugs were attacking all four of us at the roadside, where the poor waiters had once again resorted to donning their head-nets. The participants were Sue Jordan, Claire Pospisil, Charlie Beach and the leader Gene Reilly

Jun 2 (Sat) NATIONAL TRAILS DAY - THACHER PARK Leader: Jim Schaller Despite heavy rain Friday night and a somewhat questionable weather forecast, about twenty people showed up for four scheduled trail projects in Thacher and Thompsons Lake State Parks. We worked under cloudy skies with occasional drizzle and fog-- but it was not all that bad of a day. A group from AMC worked on the Long Path widening a trail and placing some rock steps on a slope. Another group walked the Campground and Schoolhouse trails, trimming and clearing trail as needed. A third group helped place sod on the new Nature Center Campground connecting trail and shale on the wet and muddy entrance to the Schoolhouse Trail from the fields. Only a few remained for the picnic BBQ provided by the Friends of Thacher Park. The ADKers participating were: Anita Whalen, Dave Esmond, Sue Sheridan, Jim and Leslie Harnette, Susan Roberts, Martha Schroeder, Jim and Bonnie Schaller.

Jun 2 (Sat) SLEEPING BEAUTY MOUNTAIN Leader: Kathy Pacuk Alissa Caton, April Austin, Jeff Bates, Len Maglio, Sam Gupta and the leader all started down the road at 8:40. Within 5 minutes we came to a truck trying to push a tree off the road. After some brainstorming by the group we were able to remove most of the tree from the road. It was drizzling the whole way up. We arrived at the top at 10:30 in good spirits. It was very foggy and there was absolutely no view. Alas Sleeping Beauty was indeed sleeping. We meandered back to the cars through the rain, arriving at 11:50. It was a great day with wonderful hiking companions in spite of the rain.

Jun 4 (Sat) GIANT VIA ROCKY PEAK RIDGE Leader: Gene Reilly We spotted a car on Route 73 near Chapel Pond, as we planned on this being a point-to-point hike up the long ridge to Rocky Peak, over to Giant and then down past the Washbowl to the waiting car. The weather was very good although humid. The leader had some difficulty with humidity and pace on the ascents, resulting in a slower than normal pace, but one that suited himself and one or two others. The views along the approach to Rocky Peak Ridge were outstanding, as we ascended through the 'alpine meadow'. By the time we were climbing Giant the leader was still having some difficulty maintaining a steady pace but had gained confidence in the ability and competence of the faster hikers through both

observation and discussion. The leader suggested that the faster hikers go ahead and proceed to the summit of Giant and then down to the highway following the ridge trail, taking care not to divert to the Roaring Brook Falls trail. This suggestion was accepted and those hikers also offered to take the keys for the leader's vehicle at the starting trailhead so that they could retrieve that vehicle to save time at the end of the hike. A revised plan was hatched and agreed upon! Three faster hikers went on ahead while the four slower hikers finished up. The participants were Sandra Foley, Charlene Shafer, Christiane Mulvihil, Sam Polsinelli, Klaus Sommerlatte, Colleen Downing and the leader Gene Reilly. Thanks for retrieving my Jeep for me and stashing the keys where we were able to find them, guys - good hiking with you!

Jun 6 (Wed) WEST LAKE/CANADA LAKE/LILLY LAKE PADDLE Leader: Bill Valentino The weather service called it a "Greenland Block," the stalled front that held cold, moist Canadian air in our area. We hadn't seen the sun for over a week. Yet most of us were anxious to get outside even though the precipitation probability hovered between 50-60 percent. Well it rained on the drive all the way up to the launch and it rained all the way back at the end of the day. But just as we reached the West Lake boat launch the rain stopped. So we had a very small shower and a bit of sun, but overall the weather was pleasant throughout the paddle. We started by paddling south through twists and turns into West Lake, moving around the western contours of West Lake, through Canada Lake and finally into Lilly Lake. We paddled a bit short of Stewart's Landing, stopping for lunch, although Charley and Tim cut their lunch short just to reach Stewart's Landing. Only 60 miles from Albany these Adirondack lakes have a wilderness feel about them in places and are abundant with wildlife. There were two loons calling with a level of intensity none of us had experienced before. Retracing our steps, we paddled a bit over nine miles. We strapped the boats to the car and started back as the rain resumed. Our group included Marlee and Hank Bickel, Susan Roberts, Lynn Filarecki, Charlie Beach, Tim Lawson and the leader.

Jun 7 (Thu) MERCK FOREST Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver We had a break in the rainy week for a beautiful day at Merck Forest. The sun on damp grasses created wonderful aromas, and all the rain had made the forest lush with greens. We were a relaxed group soaking in the sights and smells, hiking at a leisurely pace. Views from the top were sparkling and we could see no dark clouds of predicted afternoon thunderstorms. Just a few sprinkles came down as we reached our cars. Enjoying a great late Spring outing were Tony Hunter, Carol Kobuskie, Karen Lydon, Lorraine Smith, Jim Torriani, and the leader.

Jul 9 (Sat) JABE POND Leader: Gene Reilly Nine paddlers met to go explore this small pond just a bit west of Lake George. The road into the pond was generally pretty good except for two spots--one had a large rock that humped up to potentially bottom out a car if care was not taken, and the other was a bit steep with loose gravel due to fairly recent grading. One car had difficulty making it up the steeper grade and those two paddlers decided to alter their plans and go somewhere else to paddle, despite offers to transfer their boats to another vehicle that had four wheel drive and no difficulty reaching the pond. This left seven of us to paddle around the lake and check out campsites and islands. One island had the remains of a foundation on it. All had a pleasant paddle and enjoyed the company. Participants included Janet and Vern Nordstrom, Don Gavin, Charlie Beach, Tim Lawson, Maria Schollenberger, John Tracy and the leader Gene Reilly.

Jun 11 (Mon) Leader: Katie Henrikson What a lovely early summer day. Seven happy hikers left Petersburg Pass for Berlin Mountain and all arrived in good time. The weather was not too warm, the breeze was just enough to keep the bugs away, and the views were fine. The trail shows some signs of ATV damage, but much less than a couple of years ago, thanks to much effort by the DEC ranger. Enjoying the day were Ray Henrikson, Jennie Maloney, Lori McCarron, Lorraine Smith, Jim Torriani, and the leader, Katie Henrikson

Jun 15 (Fri) TIRRELL POND Leader: John Antonio It was an easy car spot, a perfect weather day, and the hike itself had no surprises just as the guide books and maps had described. We hiked for approximately eight miles, (all of our recent hikes seem to be about eight miles), a 470 foot descent, ("WOOW!! this would be a great ski," says Marie...actually, she

has uttered this statement on the last dozen or so of our trips) to an unbelievably gorgeous pond with a lean-to on each end. We arrived at the Tirrell Pond lean-to too early for lunch so we pushed on and ended up at a sandy beach halfway down the eastern side of the water. It was a perfect picnic spot with outstanding views of the cliffs on Tirrell Mountain. Two members of our party, really prepared for the day, had swimming gear and took advantage of this idyllic spot with a refreshing dip. Our next spot was the O'Neill Flow lean-to where we met up with crews from the Saratoga and Glen Falls ADK chapters digging a new privy hole and cleaning up. Peg, the lean-to adopter, was pretty disgusted (we all were) with the debris left behind by careless campers. "Just how do we get this out?" Peg stated as she pointed to a large folding table in the junk pile. Our Tom ("Strap-man" Tom) took this statement as a challenge and got that usual gleam in his eyes. Out came the ropes, bungees, and yes, the "strap", and before we knew it, our party of five was traipsing the final 3.4 miles in the woods resembling a floating card game, cracking jokes all the way. We left the woods in better shape than we found them and had a great time in doing so. Our group included Bill Shapiro, Tom Hart and Molly, Lori McCarron, Marie Rosenblatt and the leader.

Jun 19 (Tue) OWL'S HEAD MOUNTAIN Leader: John Antonio So many Owl's Heads.... so let's clarify it. This is the Owl's Head that is in the Long Lake - Lake Eaton vicinity. Yes, it's kind of a longish drive for our chapter but we all agreed that it was well worth the journey. We as a group dubbed this as the trip of many firsts. It was the first ascent of this lovely restored fire tower for four of us with its unparalleled views of this section of the Adirondacks. At the base of the tower, as Lori put it, was the first time any of us had ever witnessed actual "flocks of dragon flies." Probably the most notable "first" of the day was lunch-less Lori, she inadvertently packed her backpack sans lunch. Lucky for her, her fellow hikers had plenty to share and she made it all the way to a Long Lake shop to be served a cold treat by a young Serbian lad - another first. Our group consisted of Lori McCarron, Andy Janz, Claudia Rosenholz, Emily Gallagher, Jim Coward and the leader.

Jun 20 (Wed) A FRED'S FAVORITE--BRACE, FRISSELL & ROUND Leader: Karen Ross and Lori McCarron You had to have fortitude and some inner steel OR be completely crazy to go out hiking today. Temperatures peaked at 95º on the trail mid-day, and with the humidity, the heat index was 105º. We were cooked, and mightily well-done at that. We saw nary a soul on any of the trails or peaks all day long. We sizzled on Frissell, roasted on Round, and burned up on Brace. But the bursting mountain laurel spurred us on, the lure of possibly early ripening blueberries helped clear our sweat-blurred vision, and the fear of stepping on a sunning or shade-seeking rattlesnake kept us stepping lively along. This circuit up the steep eastern rocks to Round, along the rocky shoulder of Frissell, through the fern and hemlock valley of the Ashley Hill Trail and then up along the S. Taconic Trail to Brace is one of the most beautiful in the Berkshires. A bonus was a constant round of state-to-state markers and stellae as we wended in and out of , Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Running temperatures all day were John Sheehan, Mary MacDonald, Dona Burdick, Karen Cedar, Katie Henrikson and the leaders.

Jun 22 (Fri) COLVIN & BLAKE Leader: John Sheehan I don't often lead a hike to somewhere I've never been before. This was different though. I really, really needed these peaks. It seems like getting to 46 has been an asymptotic progression. I am approaching it but will I ever get there. This was #42 & #43 for me.. I planned on this date to take advantage of the long daylight hours, but that time of the year is also the hot and buggy season. Although Black Fly season was over at the lower elevations, there were still some at the peaks. The real problem however were the deer flies and those little unidentified biting flies that can be so annoying. The trip from Colvin to Blake has two mini-slides where ladders were recently installed. This is understandable because those areas would pose an injury risk, and it is a long way for rangers to carry out an injured hiker. Those who did this hike pre-ladder however, did not pass up the opportunity to tease us a little for having it so easy. The "wussification of the Adirondacks" they called it. Some of the faster hikers went a little further past the peak of Blake to see the views from some outcrops . Not to extend an already long day however others, including me, started back longing for a water source to filter some water for the last leg of our journey. Gill Brook filled that need nicely. Although the Gill Brook trail is one of the prettiest trails in the park, it is rocky and uneven and my feet were not up for it at this point in the hike. As much as I hate the Ausable lake road after walking it so many times, it was a welcome relief to walk on a flat surface. It's by no means level but it is flat. From there, it was a quick shot back to the parking lot with plenty of daylight to spare.

Joining me on this hot sweaty outing were: Dan Scatena, Bob Shoss, Jack Armitage, Jamie Newton, John Antonio, Lori McCarron, Cecelia Elward, Maria Garcia and George Baranauskus.

Jun 27 (Wed) HARRIS LAKE PADDLE Leader: Bill Valentino Originally twelve members signed up for this paddle. Weather, sickness or injury, or one reason or another caused six to cancel, leaving six of us to make the trip. One weather web site forecast called for rain; the other called for partially cloudy skies. It basically did neither. We had no rain and no sun, just dark, very dark clouds and strong winds. As we drove into Newcomb, crossing over the Hudson on NY 28N the sign next to Harris Lake said "Source of the Hudson" which, we know it isn't. George Cannon the Town Supervisor says the sign is good for tourism. Despite the hyperbole, George runs an attractive town with one of the best cross-country ski experiences-, and one of the best wilderness paddling experiences-Henderson Lake. We found that Harris Lake was nice also. The lake has a small but attractive boat launch and a very appealing town beach a short walk away. We followed the contour of the lake east and joined the outflow of the Hudson. South of the NY28N bridge we had to do some fancy maneuvering between rocks and current, resulting in a change of heart. We dispensed with downstream, reversed course and headed back upstream. We went as far upstream as we could until we ran into the bridge at Campsite Road. The scenery upstream was lush and beautiful. We reversed course and paddled with the light current back into the lake. It was about noon so we found a beach. The temperature kept descending while the wind chill increased, so after lunch we decided to pack it in. It was an uneventful paddle back to the car. In total we paddled a little more than six miles. Our group included Neil Woodworth, Katie and Ray Hendrikson, Dave Esmond, Mary MacDonald and the leader.

Jun 30 (Sat) MOUNT GREYLOCK BY BIKE Leader: Don Berens Don Berens, Rosemary Daley, Kevin Donovan and Mark Janney beat the predicted afternoon heat by starting their pedal at 9:15 a.m. in Williamstown. We warmed up on ten miles of gentle rollers before leaving Route 7 in Lanesborough and starting the ten-mile climb up Mount Greylock's south side. By prior agreement, we each rode at our own upward pace, savoring the very frequent shade, the somewhat frequent roadside views, and the rare DOWNhill sections. Within 90 minutes, we reunited at the top, where at least two of us had set personal best times for the climb (one because it was a first-time bicycle ascent), and all of us accepted the congratulations of tourists who had driven up. We took it easy on the steep hairpin turns of the ten-mile descent down the north side, then stopped to let our brakes cool and our ears pop, before resuming the descent to Route 2 in Williamstown. Finally, we rode a mostly easy six miles along the Green River punctuated by one more short steep climb that brought us back to the cars in early afternoon, well satisfied with the 36-mile ride.

Jul 6 (Fri) OWLHEAD LOOKOUT AND SPLIT ROCK FALLS Leader: John Antonio It was the first Sweat and Swim hike in the series, and we were really maxed out. Sorry to those of you who got shut out, but club rules and DEC regs do set a limit to the number of hikers for safety reasons and for the well-being of the trails. We started out with a bit of a scramble at the Park & Ride but after some quick shuffling we hit the road and started hiking exactly at 10:00 a.m. The leader was becoming a little concerned with the length of the trip, especially at the pace we were going, and started to wonder if it was going to be too short of a day. However, the maps do show that the bulk of the day's elevation is in the second half of the hike. While never having steep sections that require hand assists or scrambling, it does become steep enough that even Marie had some reservations as to the whether this would be an "enjoyable" ski. At the summit we spent the better part of an hour over lunch and looking at the unique views of the northeastern side of . After the hike, as planned, we did find Split Rock Falls. WOW!! However, we were not the only ones to find this popular swimming hole. As we approached the parking area on the shoulder of Route 9, we discovered another three to four dozen cars!!! No wonder some guide books say to visit this area on a cloudy or even rainy day. The swimming was really great. There are clear, deep pools with tumbling waterfalls. We made an ice cream stop at Stewarts and finished up a great day in the woods. Our group: Marie Rosenblatt, Cathy Gilchrist, Mary MacDonald, Alixandra Pacheco Garica, Luis Pacheco, Maria Garcia, Ann Lapinski, John Sheehan, Karen Ross and 'Louie,' Lori McCarron, Kathy and Olivia Sheppard and Mika, and the leader.

Jul 7 (Sat) BATTENKILL PADDLE Leader: Charlie Beach Our trip started under cloudy skies with light rain showers. After a while the rain stopped and the predicted wind did not materialize. Low water level required us to "read" the water to find areas with the best depth. We caught up to tubing parties, many of whom had beverage coolers along (in case of dehydration?) Along the way their discarded containers and a water pistol became an annoyance. Our tandem canoe came in handy to carry the debris we recovered. We noticed many cans along the river bottom that would require a clean-up group to clear. At one spot conservation officers "carded" a group as we passed. The wildlife along the route was plentiful. Many bird varieties were singing their hearts out, fish were jumping and a yearling deer crossed in front of us. At the Rexleigh covered bridge some youths were climbing through a small opening to reach the roof using screwdrivers for handholds. This was a tricky maneuver to enable a jump into the river. One of our group spilled in a rapid. After completing that rescue we were able to rescue a member of another paddling party in the same spot. This area is about 1.8 miles below Eagleville where the stream makes a sweeping turn. It is a hazardous spot due to the current flowing under the brush on the outside of the stream. Lower levels reduce the stream width here. The cooler and calm weather made the day very pleasant. Enjoying the paddle in 4 canoes and 3 kayaks were Don Orr, Dale Blanchet, Jack Daniels, Gene Reilly, Sue Miner, Mark Janey, Cathy Gilchrist, and the leader.

Jul 7 (Sat) PILOT KNOB RIDGE Leader: James Slavin We had a warm, cloudy and slightly rainy day to hike Pilot Knob Ridge from the Buck Mtn. trail head on Lake George. Jake, Dave, Jeff, George, Lenny and Adam headed up the poorly marked trail. Our goal was the two nice overlooks and the top of the ridge with it's great view of the southern part of Lake George. We made it up and down without losing anyone. I'm still not sure why someone has painted out most of the markers on this trail. Next time I hope we will have a nice clear day so we can see Gore and the high peaks.

Jul 14 (Sat) SANTANONI RANGE Leader: Mike Becker The parking lot was jammed, indicating it would be a busy day on the Santanonis. The weather was warm and sticky as we began our walk along the normally muddy marked trail. The lack of rain this summer made the trail pleasantly dry. We stopped at the pretty cascades along the Santanoni Brook to fuel up and top off water bottles for the steep ascent ahead. Just five minutes past the cascades, a large cairn marks the herd path turnoff for the Santanoni trail. It gets steep quickly, and we were all soon feeling the heat and humidity as we made our way up. Fortunately most of the 70 or people ahead of us went up the Panther Brook trail first. We enjoyed the great view on top of Santanoni and made our way to Times Square for a break. Then it was a long slog down to Couchy, where we met and passed most of the other hikers on the range that day. The slog back to Times Square was even longer in the increasing heat. We took a long break on Panther's scenic summit and helped Bill and Mary celebrate the finishing of their 46, with a presentation of 46er patches and stickers. We took the Panther Brook trail down and returned to the emptying parking lot just as it was getting dark. It was a great day for Bruce Coles, Emily Coles, Sandra Foley, Don Duthaler, Dan Scatena, Bill Farstad, Mary Farstad, and the leader Mike Becker.

Jul 15 (Sun) THE PLOTTER KILL PRESERVE Leader: Marie Rosenblatt After hiking the trail the week before and finding almost no water spilling over the falls, I changed plans and we instead spotted a car at the Coplon Rd. trailhead, then set out from the trailhead on Rt 159. Well, after recovering the Chapter's chairman that is, who was whisked away by an enthusiastic hiker to the trailhead of a nearby town park! Good thing for smartphones, we were soon reunited with our beloved chairman. John Sheehan and Jon Goldstein had the good fortune to find themselves hiking with nine lovely ladies: Suzanne Winkler, Camille Hehn, Diane Reinhart, Maria Garcia, Kathy Sheppard and Mika, Yvette Milillo, Diane Hull, Jennifer Santiago, and the leader. The rain held out, we heard Red-eyed Vireo and Hermit Thrush, found a Luna moth, saw Red Efts galore--the mood was lively--“ what a day! Stopping for a snack at the far end of the preserve near the Jacob's Ladder Falls, we were entertained by Mika, swimming and working hard to clear the pool of rocks. We then tackled the difficult leg of the hike and quickly regained the elevation we had gradually descended before making our way out to Coplon Rd. by noon, leaving us plenty of time to finish our chores at home and rest up for the coming work week.

Jul 16 (Mon) PADDLE FLOW Leader: Bill Valentino Just by chance I read in the newspaper that various Northway exits were to be paved during the next couple of weeks. As luck would have it, the Exit 9 approach to the Park and Ride was to be paved on our meeting day. After some last minute scrambling we avoided the detours and the resulting chaos and moved our rendezvous to the exit 8 Park and Ride which was an acceptable alternative. After an uneventful, two-bathroom ride up to Indian Lake we began the 14-mile approach drive into the site on the well-maintained gravel road. You get the impression that this area is so far off the beaten path that even the locals don't use the place. A noble part of me encourages ADK members to paddle Cedar River Flow because of its beauty and wilderness feel. But my lesser angels tell me to keep my mouth shut or the place will be "discovered." In the Adirondack State Land Master Plan motorized vehicles like motorboats are not permitted in areas classified as "wilderness." Cedar River Flow does not fall into that restrictive category. On the other hand because of its shallowness, its vegetation and submerged rocks, plus the long gravel road ride in you rarely see a motorboat. While not classified as such, this place has a spectacular wilderness feel to it. We launched at Wakely Dam and passed through the man-made lake, which was a holding area for the lumber drives of years past. Crossing the lake and exploring the marshes and vegetation at its end we made a few false steps before identifying the current and finding the mouth of the river. We maneuvered our boats a mile and a half upstream to the lean-to, which was initially occupied by four fishermen in kayaks who vacated at our approach. After lunch it was an uneventful paddle back. For the second straight trip we saw loons, unfortunately silent. The weather was good. There was a balsam smell on the river. In total we paddled about nine miles. Our group included Gene Riley, Marlee and Hank Bickel, Dave Esmond, Dave Sheppard, Susan Roberts, Dale Blanchet, Terry Rodrigues, Clarence Sundram, George Ross, Bill Smollen and the leader.

Jul 21 (Sat) BUCK MOUNTAIN Leader: Kathy Pacuk Adam Kirkman, Trudy Krivitzky, Jeff Branstein, Jennifer Santiago, Len Maglio, Jodi Balsam, Uzma Qureshi, April Austin, Katie Pacuk and the leader all left the parking lot at 8:20 in good spirits. Everyone was treated to beautiful views at the top at 10:40. We had perfect weather in the 80's with a nice breeze. We finished at 1:20.

Jul 24 (Tue) PEAKED MOUNTAIN Leader: John Antonio Eleven is a lucky number - right? Then let me tell you about our luck today. On our walk along Thirteenth Lake we had a loon sighting which really excited us to point out this magnificent bird to Peter and Deb - our new Australian friends who had never encountered one. The hike up to Peaked Mountain Pond along the brook had no beaver dam that needed to be crossed (like the last time, Claudia R.), another stroke of luck. At the pond there was another loon sighting. Luckily we had a short successful grind up the steep side of Peaked Mountain itself to discover a huge pile of moose scat on the summit - considered to be lucky, by some. On the return journey, lucky for us the rain held off and we had a great swim in Thirteenth Lake. On the last leg of the journey, our luck ran out - five of our group were stung by hornets. Luck turned back in our favor because all our favorite flavors of ice cream were available at the first Stewarts. Our group: Lori McCarron, Deb and Peter Holst, Maria Garcia, Anita Wahlen, Karen Ross, Jim Coward, Cathy Gilchrist, Katlin McCarty and Ripley, Tom Hart and Molly, and the leader.

Jul 25 (Wed) MONUMENT MOUNTAIN Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver We had the rare perfect day in the 70s during this very hot summer. Many participants agreed that doing a shorter hike this July, such as Monument Mtn., when hiking had been difficult with so much heat and humidity, was exactly what they were looking for. A clear atmosphere offered views at the summit from the Catskills in the West to Mount Equinox in the north and rolling Berkshires and Taconics in between. High season in Great Barrington made finding a parking spot a small challenge, but everyone agreed that stopping at SoCo Creamery was a great addition to the outing. Enjoying the day in the woods and in town, our very social group consisted of Charlie Beach and his two charming grandchildren Ryan and Rachel Beach, Carolyn Broadaway, Donna Burdick, Bridget Delaney, Paul Dyer, June Jesmain, Blanche Nelson, Diane Reinhart, John Smircich, and the leader.

Aug 1 (Wed) LAKE GEORGE PADDLE-NORTHWEST BAY TO THE NARROWS Leader: Bill Valentino Some of my shore-bound colleagues had plans to hike the Tongue Mtn. crest, shadowing my nautical group as we paddled from Northwest Bay into the Narrows. The plan called for us to all join up together for a swim at Montcalm Point in the early afternoon. An advantage of paddling over hiking, besides speed and the absence of bugs, is the ability to carry large volumes of food and drink in the dry compartment of a kayak. I was planning on bringing a variety of cold drinks, fruit and cookies for my hiking friends but, alas, the possibility of a thunderstorm caused them to cancel. Thunderstorms were on our mind as well. Most of the time our group paddled close together, talking and enjoying each other's company. A member of our group, Jim, took his Hobie kayak? which you can peddle, paddle or sail. I suspect that if we had experienced a thunderstorm we would have given him and his metal mast a wide berth. Fortunately there were no thunderstorms. It is possible to spend a warm summer day on Lake George without dueling with motorboat traffic. The DEC hand launch from Northwest Bay, the twists and turns of the stream feeding into the lake and a route close to the Tongue Mtn. shoreline gave us something similar to a wilderness experience. As usual, the views on Lake George were magnificent. Allison and Carol picked our lunch island. We had a pleasant and relaxing lunch and swim, sitting on our island and watching the large tourist boats enter the Narrows. The sun was shinning with light puffy clouds. It was a good day. We Paddled about 9 miles. Our group included Allison Savill, Joe and Sam Polsinelli, Carol Swota, Leon Barnish, Jim Israel and the leader.

Aug 18 (Sat) CASCADE AND PORTER Leader: Kathy Pacuk Sam Gupta, Angela Anderson, April Austin, Katie Pacuk, John Gansfuss, Chandra Geremick, Jim Coonley, Gerry Magnes, Bridget Delaney and the leader all started up the mountain at 9:30 a.m. We made the steady climb up as clouds began to dissipate. There was a beautiful 365 degree view at the top of Cascade. For many of the members of the group it was their first two high peaks. The group finished in good spirits at 4:00 p.m.

Aug 18 (Sat) GRAFTON LAKES CANOE/KAYAK Leader: Ted Wright On one of the best days of this hot summer after a Canadian cold front, five of us (Mary Folsom, Renee Peck, Sue Raynis and Sue and Ted Wright) put in to Long Pond and did one and a half times around it. The carry to Second Pond turned out to be rougher than expected (not for wheels) so we voted not to do it. The leaders had lunch at an observation platform and had a swim at the beach while the others finished up and dispersed.

Aug 20 (Sat) WEST BRANCH SACANDAGA RIVER Leader: Gene Reilly Ten of us met at Crossgates Mall to arrange carpooling and boat transport. The weather was sunny and warm - great for being on the water! We put in at the second bridge over Route 10 north of Caroga Lakes. We paddled downstream for about 5 or 10 minutes before taking a side trip up into Chub Lake. We paddled around the lake checking for campsites and enjoying the wilderness view. Returning to the river, paddlers proceeded downstream another hour or so to the outlet of Trout Lake, where we turned up and paddled into that lake and across it. We managed to find our way through some marshy areas to Little Trout Lake also. The group then returned to the river and paddled downstream past two or three camps houses on the left bank before deciding we had gone far enough for the day. We turned around and headed back amid discussion about how nice it would have been to do this trip as a point-to-point paddle with a spotted car. Upon returning to our launch site, most if not all of the paddlers still had a little energy left and agreed to paddle upstream a short distance to the outlet of Good Luck Lake, then onto that lake. We paddled around the shoreline, checking out campsites. A few paddlers even beached and took a refreshing swim. We reassembled after a little while and paddling back down the outlet river to our waiting cars. Participants were Chritiane Mulvihil, Mike Ford, Dan VanUithuizen, Yakov and Kim Polishchuk, Charlie Beach, Mark Janey, Aileen Ganett, Charlene Shafer and the leader Gene Reilly

Sep 16 (Fri) SANTANONI HIGH PEAK Leader: Gene Reilly There were only three sign-ups for this hike. This was probably due to the leader admonishing potential hikers that there was no commitment being made to hike all three of the high peaks in the Santanoni Range. The designated target for the day had been chosen as Couchsachraga since the leader had led a

hike the previous fall taking in Panther and Santanoni peaks, and had had an inquiry about targeting this third peak. The leader felt that while it would be desirable and enjoyable to 'bag' all three, he was not comfortable committing to that with a group of hikers he was meeting for the first time We were on the trail shortly after 8:00 a.m., and the weather was very pleasant. The ascent went without incident and we noted the location of the cairn on the main trail where the more direct herd path descends from Santanoni. The group proceeded over and through 'Harold's Square' and 'Times Square', then down to Couchsachraga. Returning to 'Times Square' the leader was a little surprised to feel somewhat fatigued with the pace and slightly disoriented. After a short rest and some refreshments I felt fine, and we dropped back down to 'Harold\'s Square' where we headed over to Panther. The trip over to Panther and back went quickly and we all agreed we felt ready to take on Santanoni before finishing for the day. The hike over to Santanoni went well, and having had experience with the more direct herd path the previous fall we were able to find it without problem to descend more directly to the main trail. We returned to the trailhead tired but satisfied with an outstanding day. We all thanked one another and then went our separate ways to return home. Participants were Gino Radovic and Rick Molongoski from the Glens Falls - Saratoga Chapter, Trudi Krivitzky and the leader Gene Reilly.

CONSERVATION NOTES Former Finch Pruyn Lands to be added to the Adirondack Forest Preserve. In August the State closed the deal on the acquisition of 69,000 acres of the former Finch Pruyn and other Nature Conservancy lands throughout the Adirondacks. This acquisition is the largest single addition to the Adirondack State Forest Preserve in more than a century. Together, these lands will also allow for the completion of critical links between local communities in the Adirondack snowmobile trail system, providing four seasons of tourism opportunities, which will benefit local businesses. In 2007, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) purchased the entire 161,000 acre property from Finch Pruyn. TNC has managed the 65,000-acre non-easement portion of the property and 4,000 acres of other landholdings with the intent to ensure their protection. Under the agreement reached by the State and TNC, the property will be sold to the State in a phased five-year contract beginning this year. Using funds dedicated for these purposes in the Environmental Protection Fund, the State will pay a total of $49.8 million for the property over five years with $13 million to be paid in this fiscal year. The balance of the funds will be paid in each fiscal year through 2016-17. The State will pay full local property and school taxes on the land. This agreement will provide abundant opportunities for premier hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking and cross-country skiing for a broad array of recreational users in a manner supported by local communities.

The entire 69,000 acres will become part of the “forever wild” Forest Preserve. As the properties come into state ownership, the State will develop recreational plans and determine classifications of the lands to encourage public access and appropriate use of the properties while also protecting their outstanding natural resource values. The Agency will work with DEC to propose land use classifications under the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. As properties are acquired by the State, DEC will work with local governments and Park stakeholders to open these lands for public use. It is anticipated that the more remote, interior areas suitable for backcountry activities will be classified as Wilderness while the more accessible areas appropriate for greater levels of public use, including snowmobiling and vehicular access, will be classified as Wild Forest. Public hearings will be held on the draft classifications before they are sent to the Governor for approval. The 69,000-acre property includes 180 miles of rivers and streams, 175 lakes and ponds, 465 miles of undeveloped shoreline along rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, six mountains taller than 2,000 feet and countless smaller hills. It also includes 5 percent of the Upper Hudson River watershed. In total, the 161,000-acre former Finch property constitutes 12 percent of the Upper Hudson watershed.

These unique assets include: The Essex Chain of Lakes and Hudson River: With 11 lakes and ponds interconnected or within portaging distance of each other, the Essex Chain will provide a seven-mile canoe route, and a much anticipated paddling experience within easy reach of the traveling public. The Boreas ponds: Located in the Town of North Hudson and bordering the High Peaks and Wilderness Areas, this spectacular 22,000-acre property includes as its centerpiece the beautiful Boreas Ponds and provides abundant opportunities for hiking, paddling, hunting, trapping, camping, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The McIntyre Tract: This strategically situated property borders the Southern High Peaks area. Acquiring these lands restores historic access to many popular

destinations in the High Peaks, including Santanoni and Panther Mountains, hiking access from Newcomb Lake to Lake Andrew, and access to Mount Allen in the High Peaks Wilderness Area from a parking area and trailhead leading from the neighboring Conservation Easement Lands. It also includes a large portion of the beautiful . Southern Tracts: These four tracts in Northern Saratoga and Fulton counties have been identified by local municipalities as having high recreational value for their communities..

Thanks to everyone who took the time to sign ADK’s online petition in support of this acquisition. 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

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped make this issue possible: Virginia Boyle Traver for notifying the leaders and monitoring outings and Barb Northrup for her excellent organization skill and help with the outings. Their efforts are appreciated.

ALBANY CHAPTER - OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

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

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

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