October—December, 2004 Notes from the Trailhead: As the leaves begin to change color and we prepare for our annual NJ-Chapter Fall Outing, I can’t help but get excited about the changing seasons. I am one of those people who is lucky enough to love each season as it arrives. In June, July, and August, summer is my favorite season… In September, October, and November, fall is my favorite season… you get the idea. Each season holds something special. For our chapter, one of the special events is our an- nual Fall Outing. Each year we get together to enjoy the spectacular fall colors and camaraderie of a weekend in the Catskills. This year’s event is once again at the Alpine Inn, which was a long time favorite location for our chapter. We are discussing the possibility of moving the event to the Berkshires or the Poconos, so don’t miss what could be our last event in the Catskills for a while. As always, we invite you to join us for the day hikes, even if you can’t join us for the weekend. Speaking of changes, it is time for us to consider changes in our leadership. Our current chapter leaders, my- self included, are on the final stretch of our terms in office. It’s hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly. The positions that will be available are: Chair; Vice-Chair, Out- ings; Vice-Chair, Membership; Vice-Chair, Conservation; Vice-Chair, Education; Secretary; Treasurer; and Director. I will be appointing a nominating committee by the end of Oc- tober. If you are interested in serving on the nominating committee, or you or someone you know is interested in run- ning for one of the positions, please let us know by telephone (888-856-7030), by email ([email protected]), or US Mail (ADK-NJ Nomination, 503 N Franklin Tpke, Box 2, Ramsey, NJ 07446). I’ll see you on the trails…Christopher Tausch, Chapter Chair page 1 ~Chapter Officers and Committee Chairs~ Chapter Chair: .Christopher Tausch 201-819-3034 .................... [email protected] Secretary: ..................... Betty Heald 201-967-2937 [email protected] Treasurer: ..........Evelyn Slockbower 201-684-1648 ......... [email protected] Director: .................... Marilyn Adair 201-327-5822 [email protected] Membership: ................. Phyllis Key 201-768-5573 ........................ [email protected] Activities: ......................Karen Rose 201-825-8166 [email protected] Newsletter Editor..............Lilo Kassel 845-353-0573 ..................................... [email protected] Education: .................... Donna Ellis 973-764-2537 ..................... [email protected] Conservation: ..............Ned Gardner 973-656-0543 [email protected] NYNJTC Delegate: .... Phyllis Stewart 201-327-6319 ............ [email protected] Special Outings: ........Rob Lehmann 201-847-1218 ............................ [email protected] Trail Maintenance: .. Bob Williamson 201-768-8873 ....................... [email protected] Publicity: ................. Phyllis Stewart 201-327-6319 ............ [email protected] XCountry Skiing: ...........Ed Fanslau 201-652-1496 Hiking w/ Children: Deanna Felicetta 845-735-8533 Adirondack Mountain Club—North Jersey Chapter 503 N Franklin Turnpike, Box 2, Ramsey, NJ 07446 For Additional Information, contact.: (888) 856-7030 • www.hikeleader.com Trail Talk is published four times per year, in January, April, July and October. The deadline for submissions is generally one month prior to publication date. page 2 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Murray and Jeanne Bodin - Hartsdale NY Jim Burnet - Madison NJ Laurel Cummins - Montclair NJ Matthew Dank - Rivervale NJ Howard Kessler - Bloomfield NJ Harry, Kathleen Connelly, Kathleen and Alexandra Agnostak-Fair Haven NJ David Clay- North Brunswick NJ Nancy & Steven Fazio- West Paterson NJ Stephen Fox-Mountain Lakes NJ Brenda Holzinger & Len Giusti-Morristown NJ Rick Malik-West Orange NJ Gary Glasgall- Westwood NJ Thomas Grissom-Mahwah NJ Jon Klischies-Westampton NJ Diane, Richard, Brittany and Lexi Tarabour- Red Bank NJ Richard, Candace and Matthew Weeks- Basking Ridge NJ Sign up for ADK-North Jersey's E-Trail Talk! Over 130 members have already signed up for "E-Trail Talk", our email notification system. You will be advised immediately whenever: • A hike is cancelled or changed • A key environmental or conservation issue comes up. • Announcements are made of upcoming • ADK-NJ meetings and events. Just go to www.hikeleader.com and look for “Join our mailing list" at the bottom. You will receive an email asking you to confirm your desire to join the email list. You can "opt out" of the list at any time. If you have any questions, send an email to our Webmaster, Rob Lehmann at [email protected] page 3 Walter Markl and Norm Brandinger on top of Mount Adams in New Hampshire. Congratulations to Walter Markl who com- pleted his requirements for membership in the 3500 CLUB, #1526. Donna Ellis took the picture. 8th Annual Silent & Live Auction Harvest Moon Madness Saturday, November 13, 2004 Gideon Putnam Hotel Saratoga Springs, NY 6:00 p.m.— 9:00 p.m. $35/person, includes: Hors d’oeuvres and Wine Tasting Dinner Buffet Cash Bar For reservations, preview auction items and more information, check out ADK’s Web site: www.adk.org R.S.V.P November 5, 2004 NORTH JERSEY CHAPTER ADK LOGO PATCHES AND CAPS Caps are $12.00; patches are $2.00. Mail a check for item(s) ordered to: Phyllis Key, 401 D’Ercole Ct. #227 Norwood, NJ 07648. (payable to ADK-NJ). page 4 BE PREPARED!!! As a seasoned hiker, x-country skier and (ex) emergency room nurse, I thought I knew what it meant to be prepared for a “day in the wilds”. I always have my survival backpack when I ven- ture out: space blanket, water, matches, headlamp, extra cloth- ing… I try to use caution and good judgment (I thought). Last winter, while on a back country ski trip with a friend in the Adirondacks, on a tricky section of trail, I had a “mishap”. I had been extra cautious in negotiating my down- hill turns, well aware that there were only two of us, many miles into the woods. The temperature that day was hovering around zero, and it was already late afternoon. As we know, accidents are never planned. I felt a “pop” in my left shoulder as I landed hard on the snow. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn’t get up without assistance. My arm was hurt, not my legs. I thought I could walk, but sort of slowly. A decision was made for us to split and go for help. Neither of us, however, took the time to think things through. Alone in the woods, it doesn’t take long for one’s mind to take over, imagining, of course, the worse case scenario. It was the cold, I think, just knowing how cold it was and how cold it would soon get (below zero all week), that was getting to me… Even though I knew better, it was only a short period of time before I think I started to hyperventilate. Then I became thirsty, no problem, I had water in my backpack. Oops, could- n’t reach it. Nor could I reach any of my other survival gear! Talk about feeling helpless! You see, my left shoulder was broken (displaced trans- verse fracture of the humeral head), ouch! I was using my right arm to support my left and the thought of letting go was inconceivable. In fact, any upper body maneuvering sent a new spasm of incapacitating pain. I could not afford to fall because I wouldn’t be able to use my arms to get back up. My ski boots were intermittently sinking – my balance was off but I couldn’t grab a tree branch or use a pole. I was lucky; help eventually came. I had the experience of riding on an official rescue sled, thanks to the DEC Rangers! I knew about being prepared in the back country but I/we did not take the time to assess the whole situation. The moral of the story: stop, think, take time to assess, and of course, be prepared! Donna Ellis page 5 Make your reservation! FallFall WeekendWeekend inin thethe CatskillsCatskills October 15, 16, 17, 2004 The Alpine Inn, Oliverea, NY www.TheAlpineInn.com Superior accommodations (2 double beds) $210.00 per person Standard accommodations (1 king) $190.00 per person Standard accommodations (2 twin beds) $180.00 per person Deluxe and Chalet Suite (1 King w/fireplace) $270.00 per person Single occupancy Standard (twin beds only) $110.00 supplemental Price Includes: Lodging Friday & Saturday night Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday, Saturday’s trail lunch Wine, cheese and a gourmet dinner on Saturday ALL taxes and gratuities We will schedule hikes for all levels and activities for non- hikers on Saturday and Sunday. You can join us for the An- nual “Kick-off the weekend hike” on Friday, or for dinner on Friday evening at the Alpine Inn - available for $27 plus tax and tip. (Reservations Required) Day-hikers are welcome!! A $100.00 per person deposit will be required. You will be fully refunded if the cancellation is received 10 days prior to your arrival date. To make your reservation call (845) 254-5026. Be sure to mention you are with the ADK-North Jersey group. Questions? Call or email: Ned or Laura (973) 656-0543 - [email protected], Rob or Cheryl (201) 847-1218 - [email protected] Check our website for any additional information and updates: www.hikeleader.com/fallweekend.htm page 6 SAVE THE DATE ADK RAMAPO AND FRIENDS HOLIDAY PARTY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16th 7PM TO BE HELD AT THE FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY, POMONA, NY AFTER DINNER ENTERTAINMENT BY THE BANJO LADY $10 per person and would you like to bring a beverage, appetizer, or dessert ? RSVP TO SUZAN GORDON BY DECEMBER 10th 201-871-3531 or [email protected] A few of our Thursday hikers in Harriman last fall after the rains.