THC NEWS - TRAIL REPORT

A group of dedicated volunteers spent a recent Saturday working on the northern (Route 346) end of the Taconic Crest Trail, repairing damage caused by illegal ATV usage in that area.
 

Taconic Hiking Club members Mary MacDonald, Tony Eldering, Walt Adkins and George Astle along with New York State DEC Ranger Joe Hess (also a club member) braved the mud and rain to perform routine trail maintenance, replace vandalized bridges and build new ones.

" We had a small crew but got a great amount done," Ranger Hess said. "Everyone ignored the rain for quite a long while, until it became really steady. Overall, I was very pleased."

It should be noted that Ranger Hess and his truck were instrumental in getting the materials up to the site.

The THC will monitor the area to see if there is new ATV destruction at the location this summer. There will also be plenty of other projects to be done, so keep an eye out for calls to action in the near future.

Our sincere thanks goes to these members getting "down and dirty" in keeping our trail a pleasant hiking experience for the public. WELL DONE to everyone!

Colin Campbell, Trails Committee Chaiman

THC SUMMER OUTINGS SCHEDULE

Sunday, June 9: THC Picnic, Schodack Town Park, Nassau, NY

Taconic Hiking Club Annual Pot- Luck Picnic

Our activities for the day are:

 Join George Astle for a bike ride or hike the park on your own. There is no swimming or boating at this park.

 Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK APPETIZERS.

 1:00 PM POTLUCK salads, desserts and treats along with THC supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks (lemonade and iced tea) and condiments.

 Please bring your own soda, beer or wine.

 Lawn chairs and games are recommended, as well as pictures to share.

 2;00 PM short THC meeting

 Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.

Margaret Parks will be handling reservations so please contact her at margaretparks213@gmail.com or 250-5452 to let her know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert).

 

Saturday, June 1: National Trails Day Work Party at Grafton Lakes SP, Grafton, NY

Spend the morning of National Trails Day working on the trails at Grafton Lakes State Park. The good folks at GLSP let us store tools and supplies there for use on the Taconic Crest Trail, so helping them get ready for the busy summer season is the neighborly thing to do. Plus, they'll have a picnic lunch for all the volunteers and a chance to win prizes. Call R.J. for details.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn or rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: From your house to Grafton Lakes State Park.

 

Monday, June 3: Potter Mountain Rd to Tower Mountain Rd., Pittsfield, MA

We will hike the 2nd section of the TCT from North to South to avoid the long uphill of the Tower Mountain access. This section goes through Pittsfield State Forest. Steady but relaxed pace will allow

us to photograph and appreciate the special qualities of "our" trail. New or "out-of-shape" hikers are welcome. Very hot weather cancels. Call Susan for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170.

LENGTH: About 5.5 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to trailhead, plus car spot

 

Tuesday, June 4: Paddle Hudson River-North of Spier Falls, Lake Luzerne, NY

This segment of the Hudson River, near Moreau Lake State Park, is a surprising unspoiled and secluded wilderness; mostly forested with plentiful animals and waterfowl. We will plan on a leisurely flat water paddle of less than 9 miles with lunch either at the takeout or on one of the flat rocks enroute. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 8:00AM

CONTACT: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686

LENGTH: Less than nine miles

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 60 miles roundtrip

Saturday, June 8: Huyck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY

The Huyck Preserve offers 2,000 acres of varied terrain--forest, field, lake, and pond. It also affords great views of the Rensselaervile Falls, which plummet 60 feet over sandstone and shale. There are lots of trail options here, but elevation will be minimal and total length will be about 7 miles. This is a joint outing with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Call Cliff for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.

LENGTH: Approximately 7 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Sunday, June 9: THC Picnic, Schodack Town Park, Nassau, NY

 

Tuesday, June 11: Peaked Mountain Pond and Trail, Johnsburg, NY

This gradual climb 7.2 miles through woods and along stream brings hikers to the pond below the summit. The last section is rather steep and short. Hikers then emerge at the summit with wonderful views and a great spot for lunch. We hike from Thirteenth Lake near North River. Call Mary for starting time and place.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: Approximately 7.2 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 160 miles round-trip.

 

Wednesday, June 19: Paddle Hudson River, Tivoli Bay, Albany, NY

Tivoli Bay is a large intertidal marsh with creeks and pools, aquatic plants, birds, big flopping fish and snapping turtles. It is part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and is managed as a field laboratory for research. We will explore this very interesting environment and hopefully picnic on an island. We will paddle a total of about six miles. To the extent possible we will car pool since the parking area in Tivoli is a small slip of land just on the other side of the railroad tracks.

Meet 8:00AM at Delmar Elm Ave. Park & Ride Lot.

CONTACT: Bill Valentino 439-9686

LENGTH: Total paddle distance is expected to be 6 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 160 miles round trip

 

Saturday, June 22: Schenectady CCC to Rotterdam Junction, Schenectady, NY

About 18 miles RT of relatively flat cycling with great views of the river We will be on Route 5S for about 1.5 miles each way in Rotterdam Junction in the vicinity of Mabee Farm. We will meet at the Schenectady County Community College Parking Lot closest to trail heading EAST, at 10AM

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 18 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Schenectady CCC.

 

Wednesday, July 3: Amsterdam to Auriesville bike ride, Amsterdam, NY

We’ll bike along the Erie Canal Path trail with brief detour (about ½ mile on a lightly-traveled rural road) for a brief visit to Schoharie Crossing Historic Site (with rest rooms). We will then will continue on as far as Auriesville Shrine, and turn around. On the return trip, we’ll take a short ice cream (or snack) stop at Karen’s on Route 5S. We expect to be back before late lunch time, especially if you have had ice cream to tide you over. Meeting point will be in Amsterdam where there is a parking lot along the trail, call for location and start time. Helmet required. Steady or heavy rain cancels. Trail is paved in most sections, but some short sections are very fine gravel, suitable for road, hybrid & mountain bikes.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 18 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Tuesday, July 16: Paddle Kunjamuk River, Speculator, NY

Paddling the Kunjamuk has always been a challenge with its twisty-turny oxbows, shallow areas and beaver dams; but it has always been enjoyable. We will probably stop short of Elm Lake. Consequently this will be a paddle of less than 10 miles round trip. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 7:30AM.

 

CONTACT: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.

LENGTH: Approximately a10 mile paddle

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately150 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, July 30: Paddle Historic Lake George Islands, Lake George, NY

We will launch from either one of three areas (to be determined later depending on the conditions) and paddle around some of the historic Lake George Island such as Recluse, Dome and Green Island. We will have lunch and a swim at Sweet Brier Island assuming the Canada geese problem has been addressed. This will be a leisurely flat water paddle of about eight miles under relatively sheltered circumstances for Lake George. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 8:00AM.

CONTACT: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.

LENGTH: Approximately 8 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 160 miles roundtrip

 

Friday, August 2: Mount Greylock via the Gould Trail, Adams, MA

We will take the eastern approach to Greylock on a new trail that is a delight for its good footing and gentler slope than other approaches. We'll start at the W. Mountain Road trailhead and enjoy the deep summer woods, the Peck's Brook Shelter, a nearby waterfall, and that stunning summit. Lunch is available for purchase at Bascom Lodge, but the lines and wait can be long in summer.

CONTACT: Karen Ross at kcoyross@aol.com.

LENGTH: 6+ miles with approximately 2000’ vertical.

ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Karen for details.

Saturday, August 3: Windham High Peak, Windham, NY

Windham High Peak is the most northern of the Catskill Peaks over 3500' in elevation. We will hike 6.6 miles round trip with about 1800' of elevation gain. If the weather cooperates, we will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the southern Adirondacks, Berkshires and Green Mountains. Contact Martha for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com or 869-5109.

LENGTH: 6.6 miles round trip with 1800 foot of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round trip.

Sunday, August 4: Vroman’s Nose, Warnerville, NY

Approximate hike time should be about an hour with additional time to browse around and have lunch. Dogs permitted on a leash. The trail surface is a dirt path with moderate difficulty. After hike we will go to Bohringer’s Fruit Stand for ice cream. Meet at 10:00AM off of Route 88 Schoharie/Middleburgh Exit at the Park & Ride. Call Sue-Ann for details.

CONTACT: Sue-Ann Karker (518) 234-1438.

LENGTH: Approximately 1.8 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: From Park & Ride to trail head approximately 45 miles.

Tuesday, August 14: Madden Road to Robinson Hollow, Berlin, NY

The third section of the trail will reveal the reroute around Rounds Mountain necessitated by four- wheeler damage from over a year ago. Steady but relaxed pace; you don't need to be a fast or experienced hiker to enjoy this. Call Susan for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170.

LENGTH: Approximately 5.5 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to trailhead, plus car spot.

 

Thursday, August 15: Fall activities are due

Fall will be here before we know it. It is time to send in your bike rides, hikes or other activities for our fall schedule. Let’s make this our busiest fall ever!

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.

LENGTH: You decide.

ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited

Thursday, August 29: Escarpment Trail, Thatcher Park, Berne, NY

Why go far from town in August? We will spot cars at the south end of the park, then drive to the Old Stage Rd. trailhead and hike back. The first part of the hike is through lovely woods. When we reach the Escarpment Trail, we will be treated to great views of most of Albany County. The Indian Ladder Trail will be included in this hike. Call for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at HenriksonK@Beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

LENGTH: Approximately 5.5 miles with negligible ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Under 20 miles round trip from Delmar.

 

Occasional Cultural Outings

During the summer I will attend performances at Glimmerglass Opera, Cooperstown, Tanglewood, Lenox, MA, Jacob's Pillow, Becket, MA and rehearsals of the Berkshire Choral Society on Saturday mornings in July, Sheffield, MA. If you are interested in joining me, call and I'll let you know when I'm going. Susan Roberts 766-4170.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, September 5: Paddle Lake Durant and Rock Pond, Blue Mountain Lake, NY

Lake Durant is a small but very attractive and productive lake. There is an abundance of aquatic vegetation and water fowl and some strange large boulders. It is a lake with character. We can expect a leisurely paddle of less than six miles with lunch at the State park. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 8AM.

CONTACT: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 200 miles round trip.

Saturday, September 14: Storm King Mountain, West Point, NY

This Hudson Highlands peak offers great views and interesting trail options for a modest amount of effort. Total elevation gain will be about 1100 feet, with a length of about 6 miles. Call Cliff for details.

CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Sunday, November 3: Taconic Hiking Club Annual Banquet, Wynantskill, NY

This year's banquet will once again be a sit down luncheon at Paolo Lombardi's Ristorante at 104 West Sand Lake Road (Route 150) in Wynantskill from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to the meal, there will be a brief business meeting and guest speakers. Authors Robert and Johanna Titus will present The Hudson Valley in the Ice Age, A Geological History & Tour.

Entrees: Pollo Alla Marsala, Salmon Arrosta and Lasagna Della Casa

Side dishes: Italian-style potatoes and Broccoli Romano

Other items: Garden salad, Italian bread, coffee, tea, soft drinks and cake for desert.

Cost: $22 per person.

CONTACT: Margaret Parks at 250-5452 or margaretparks213@gmail.com before Oct. 30.

DIRECTIONS: Depends on where you're coming from. Best bet is to go to www.paololombardis.com, click on the Contact link, and go to the Google Maps application.

Announcements

Please note the Taconic Hiking Club has a canoe that is available for members use on a scheduled club activity.  Contact Colin Campbell at Holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629

THC NEWS - MEMORIAL SLATED FOR MAY 25

A memorial tribute service for long time Taconic Hiking Club member Carolyn Hammet will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013, at Caroline's home at 349 Tamarac Road, Brunswick, NY.

Open hours will be from 2 PM to 5 PM and a service will be held between 3 PM and 4 PM. Refreshments will be served.

Please join Carolyn family and friends in a tribute to her very active and interesting life.

Message from Trails Chairman Colin Campbell

We (NYS DEC and the Taconic Hiking Club) have been alerted that the Massachusetts Cystic Fibrosis Chapter will be holding its annual fund raising hiking event on the Taconic Crest Trail on June 22! The good news is more publicity for our trail, which may help combat ATV problems, and we do NOT have to handle the logistics as if it were our End-to-End. No water runs up Mattison Hollow, no 35-mile sweeps organization, no medical worries, etc, etc. They are doing it all ! You can hang out on Petersburgh Pass and drink a cold one, watching 50 + hikers trudge, dash, sweat on by.

However, they are doing this as a 25-mile one day event, starting at the north end. Yes, Route 346. And right now the first 3/4 mile needs a lot of clean-up work resulting from last year's ATV destruction. We will need at least 5-6 people (more are welcome) ready to dig mud, spike planks, move old displaced bridge sections, replace earlier broken bridging and generally get down and dirty. We also can use loppers cutting back briars/branches and bushes.

I am scheduling this for Saturday, May 11. Meeting at Route 346 at 0930 hours. Yes, I know Mother's Day is Sunday but we are working around the availability of a DEC truck/Ranger and this way you can rest on your laurels/blisters the next day. The truck will lug the heavy stuff up the hill and then it's up to us. Joe Hess and I will sketch out the work there and what we don't get done that day we can work at on following weekends since the heavy stuff will already be up there.

The Union hiring hall number here is 518-438-9629. Ask for Colin. All prospective applicants who become perspiring appointees will earn a beer at the summer picnic. Plus a loud "attaboy !".

 

And "thank you, thank you very much !" ..........................Colin

2013 THC SPRING SCHEDULE

FRIENDLY REMINDER

Please check your mailing label to see if your dues is current, (unpaid members will no longer receive a schedule). Your dues covers the period of January 1 to December 31.

Taconic Hiking Club 2013-14 Officers

President: Cliff Prewencki (cprewencki@aol.com )

Vice President: Terry Tamer (terrytamer7@gmail.com )

Treasurer: Mary MacDonald (mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com )

Recording Secretary: Martha Waldman (Martha829r@aol.com )

Corresponding Secretary: Sharon Bonk (sboqc@mindspring.com )

The official address of the Taconic Hiking Club is:

Taconic Hiking Club
c/o R.J. Hydorn
2 Miller Ave.
Troy, NY 12180

Taconic Crest Trail Guide Books and Map Sets

c/o MaryAnn Nicholas

7 Hampton St., Albany, NY 12209

518-729-2963

 yayanicholas@gmail.com

Membership information for the Club and to change or add contact information:

Terry Tamer

2A Lacy Lane

Loudonville, NY 12211

326-3584 or terrytamer7@gmail.com

Membership dues are paid to:

Mary MacDonald
27 Woodside Drive
Clifton Park, NY 12065
Dues are due on January1st. Annual dues, $10.00 and $5.00 junior members (under 18)

To contribute an activity for the seasonal schedule send information to:

Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com

Report Trail Conditions of the TCT to:

Colin Campbell at 438-9629 or holesinhead@aol.com

 

Sunday, March 3: Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Audubon, NY

Snowshoe or hike wooded trails. Meet at Schodack Park & Ride (Exit 11E). Call Dale for starting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 3 miles round-trip with an ascent of 300 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, March 5: Keleher Preserve, Clarksville, NY

Come snowshoe the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s newest preserve. It lies mostly in the Town of New Scotland at an elevation of 1600 feet. We will hike about 1.5 miles to an overlook for lunch and complete the loop to return. Meet at the Elm Ave. Park & Ride in Delmar. Call Dale for starting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 3 miles round-trip with an ascent of 350 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 22 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, March 9: Taconic Crest Trail, Petersburg Pass to Route 146, Petersburg, NY

We will hike or snowshoe this northern section of the Taconic Crest Trail. Come prepared for winter weather. Anyone looking to complete a section for the winter end-to-end patch might want to complete this section. We will hike south to north. Bring lunch/snack. For starting time and place contact Mary.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: Approximately 8 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Saturday, March 16: Farmers Market and walk, Troy, NY

A fun thing to do is stroll among the produce and craft stalls; buy lunch from one of the food vendors. I’ll put on an orange hat at lunch so you can find me. At 1pm we will leave for a walk in Troy including a tour of EMPAC, the arts center at RPI. Parking is available in the parking garage. Contact Dale if you have any questions.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262

LENGTH: 1-2 miles round-trip with an ascent of 200 feet, including steps.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Troy.

Sunday, March 24: Merck Forest and Farm Center, Rupert. VT

Celebrate the Spring Open House weekend at Merck Forest and Farm Center, in Rupert VT. Enjoy a variety of old roads and trails and save room for the generous pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausage, coffee, and more). Breakfast is from 9-1, so we can walk/hike first then enjoy a late breakfast. Could be mud, could be snow/ice, hard to predict. If some of you want to eat first, go ahead and we'll all rendezvous later. Meet at Brunswick Park and Ride, near Wal-mart. Meeting location could vary depending on response. Call for confirmation and starting time.

CONTACT: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512.

LENGTH: A few miles with moderate ascent, depending on group preference and hunger.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles round trip.

Saturday, March 30: Harrier Hill to Greenport Conservancy. Hudson, NY

Harrier Hill is a new Scenic Hudson property with a new trail connecting it to the Columbia Land Conservancy in Greenport. We will spot cars at both ends. Both properties have great views of the Hudson across to the Catskills, but the walk will be in the woods and meadows. Trails are likely to be wet and muddy with several steep and potentially muddy hills. For starting time and place contact Sharon.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Tuesday, April 9: Bog Meadow Trail, Saratoga, NY

Let’s search for some early spring flowers at this trail near Saratoga. We will walk about 4 miles along an old railroad line through a wetland with viewing platform at the southern end. Should we have more time we will walk another nearby trail. Bring lunch/snack. Call Mary for starting time and place.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round-trip.

Saturday, April 13: Moxham Mountain, Minerva, NY

We will see great views of the southern Adirondacks from the ridge as we climb 900’ to the top on a relatively new trail. In April we should beat the buds (to insure good views) and bugs, but we cannot be sure winter conditions will not be with us. For starting time and place contact Sharon.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 5.4 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Friday, April 19: Taconic Crest Trail, Rt. 20 to Tower Mt. Road,

“Our” trail is a wonderful resource, diverse, challenging and close to home. Join me in celebrating it this year and hike all of it, in sections, from south to north. Plan a full day of hiking with a car spot. Each trip will be a steady but relaxed pace so we can enjoy, photograph, and explore as we go. This is a chance to familiarize yourself with sections you may not have done before, or recently, and those who finish the trail entirely earn a patch to commemorate this achievement. Call Susan for meeting time, place and questions.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: Approximately 5.25 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Rt. 20 Trailhead.

Saturday, April 20: Slide Mountain, Shandaken, NY

The highest Catskill peak is my favorite of the "35," and it offers some nice views for a moderate amount of effort. Total elevation gain is 1700 feet, and total distance round trip is 5.6 miles. This is a joint outing with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Contact Cliff for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.

LENGTH: Approximately 5.6 miles round-trip with an ascent of 1700 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Tuesday, April 23: Black Mountain, Lake George, NY

Black is a prominent mountain on the east side of Lake George. This will be a moderate hike with great views of the lake. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride in Clifton Park at 8:00am.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson, at HenriksonK@Beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

LENGTH: 6.7 miles with 1,000 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 130 miles round-trip.

Saturday, April 27: Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) Work Day, Stephentown, NY

We’ll cover the section of the TCT from Robinson Hollow to Madden Road. This will involve blow down removal and drainage work. Bad weather postpones to the following weekend. Call Dave with starting time and place.

CONTACT: David Pisaneschi at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Sunday, April 28: Wildflower Walk, Colonie Town Park

This was orginally slated to be Moxham Mountain, but since that hike was very popular on the schedule this spring, Dale decided to switch things up. Call her for details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: TBA

ROAD DISTANCE: TBA

Wednesday, May 1; Erie Canalway bike ride

Come see the scenic Mohawk River valley between St.Johnsville and Scoharie Crossing ~ 27 miles. The ride is one way and will require car spotting. The trail is mostly on a renovated railroad bed of gravel or asphalt paving and has minimal elevation change.. Some of the route is on local roads and village streets. Near the end we can stop at Karen’s Ice Cream and Produce for refreshments.

CONTACT: Charlie Beach at cjnqu7@verizon.net or 459-9127.

LENGTH: Approximately 27 miles with a car spot.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Wednesday May 8, Moxham Mountain, Minerva, NY

Moxham is between Minerva and North Creek. The new trail up the mountain is rewarding, with views of the northern and western Adirondacks. It should be a delightful spring hike, before the black flies wake up. Road distance: Meet at 8:00am at the Northway Park and Ride at exit 9 in Clifton Park.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson, at HenriksonK@Beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

LENGTH: Approximately 5.5 miles with 1,000 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 180 miles round-trip.

 

Saturday, May 11: Wildflower hike, Greylock Glen, Adams, MA

Gerry Weber and I will be hiking east of Mt Greylock (Gould Road/Theil Rd trailhead), near Adams. We expect to do about 4 miles, more of a ramble and exploration than a hike with a specific terminus. We do not intend to climb the mountain but stay on trails in the lower slopes. Black flies are there already. Be prepared! Bring wildflower ID book and camera as well as lunch and water.

Meeting place: 9 AM Defreetsville Park and Ride, Rtes 4/43, Exit 8 of I 90. Please register with Sharon Bonk, 674-0042, sboqc@mindspring.com.

 

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 1:15 to trailhead from the Park and Ride.

Thursday, May 16: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Lanesborough, MA.

This is a really pleasant bike ride in western Massachusetts, with part of the trail paralleling Cheshire Reservoir. We’ll start from the southern end, and depending on group interest, go all or part way to Adams. Please call leader, BEFORE 9:00pm, for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125.

DISTANCE: All the way to Adams and return, 22.4 miles; if group desires, we’ll do less.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 70 miles.

Saturday, May 18: Burroughs Sanctuary, West Park, NY

Slabsides is the rustic retreat of John Burrough, author, naturalist and environmentalist. Built in 1895, now a National Historic Landmark, Slabsides is now surrounded by a 200 acre nature sanctuary with many nature trails. This “open house”, hosted by members of the John Burroughs Association, will include talks and tours, free of charge. Call Susan for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: To be determined by the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 140 miles round-trip.

Saturday, May 18:, Berlin Mountain, Berlin, NY

Berlin Mountain is a Taconic Crest favorite, but we will take the less traveled southern approach. Be prepared for a good stiff walk in the woods, with 2600 feet of total elevation gain and 8.3 miles total distance. This is a joint outing with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Call Cliff for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.

LENGTH: Approximately 8.3 miles round-trip with an ascent of 2600 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Wednesday, May 22: Paddle-Schodack Creek, Schodack, NY

Mindful of the tides we will explore Schodack Creek launching from the hand launch at Schodack Island State Park. There is over five miles of shoreline on Schodack Creek before reaching the Hudson River. We will either retrace our steps back to the hand launch or, in the event it is unanimous we will continue south around the island and return north on the Hudson River, finishing on the motor boat launch with its vehicle access. The park has been designated a State Estuary, and a portion of the park shelters a bird conservation area that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees. The portage conditions from the parking area to the hand launch is about 600 feet. Wheels are helpful otherwise we will help each other with joint carries. Meet 8:30 AM at the Delmar Elm Ave. Park & Ride Lot

CONTACT: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.

LENGTH: Total paddle distance is expected to be less than ten miles

ROAD DISTANCE: 40 miles round trip

Friday, May 24, Blue Circle Cement Trail, Ravena, NY

Join Etta for a beautiful spring hike to check out all of Mother Nature’s springtime glory. Hopefully, the wildflowers will be in full bloom. Meeting at the Elm Avenue Park & Ride in Delmar at 9:30 A.M. Please call Etta to register for the walk..

CONTACT: Etta Menges 233-8310

LENGTH: 2-4 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: About 30 miles round trip.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, June 1: National Trails Day Work Party at Grafton Lakes SP, Grafton, NY

Spend the morning of National Trails Day working on the trails at Grafton Lakes State Park. The good folks at GLSP let us store tools and supplies there for use on the Taconic Crest Trail, so helping them get ready for the busy summer season is the neighborly thing to do. Plus, they'll have a picnic lunch for all the volunteers and a chance to win prizes.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn or rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: From your house to Grafton Lakes State Park.

Saturday, June 8: Huyck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY

The Huyck Preserve offers 2,000 acres of varied terrain--forest, field, lake, and pond. It also affords great views of the Rensselaervile Falls, which plummet 60 feet over sandstone and shale. There are lots of trail options here, but elevation will be minimal and total length will be about 7 miles. This is a joint outing with the Adirondack Mountain Club.

CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.

LENGTH: Approximately 7 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Sunday, June 9: THC Picnic, Schodack Town Park,

Nassau, NY

Taconic Hiking Club Annual Pot- Luck Picnic

Our activities for the day are:

* Join George Astle for a bike ride or hike the park on your own. There is no swimming or boating at this park.

* Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK APPETIZERS.

* 1:00 PM POTLUCK salads, desserts and treats along with THC supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks (lemonade and iced tea) and condiments.

* Please bring your own soda, beer or wine.

* Lawn chairs and games are recommended, as well as pictures to share.

* 2:00 PM short THC meeting

* Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.

Margaret Parks will be handling reservations so please contact her at Margaret.Parks@thurway.state.ny.us or 728-6690 to let her know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert).

THC NEWS

Sad news to report about a long-time Taconic Hiking Club member.

Corinne Hammet reports that her mother, Carolyn Junod Kirby Hammet, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2013.

A number of THC members visited Carolyn during her five-year stay at a nursing home near Port Jervis. "We were always greeted with a smile and a willingness to share stories of THC trips," Corinne said.

Her daughters will have an outdoor remembrance gathering during the summer. Donations can be made in Carolyn's name to the Taconic Hiking Club or Wiawaka Holiday House.

Corinne would welcome notes or phone calls.

2725 Potter Street

Eugene, Oregon 97405

541-852-6787