Saturday, March 31, 2007

Please Submit Your Hikes for the Summer Schedule by May 15th

Please submit your hiking trip information to Phil Fountain pfounta1@nycap.rr.com

or Tony Eldering eldering@nycap.rr.com by May 15th in order to have it included in the Summer Schedule.

As you can see, photos of hiking trips can be displayed on our club blog. Why not take your camera next time and submit a good photo of a THC activity?

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Please report any encounters, incidences of ATV use you witness on the Taconic Crest Trail to DEC

As a follow up to our meeting with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Mar 22 ( which I thought went well), please report any encounters, incidences of ATV use you witness on the Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) to DEC.
You can email DEC ranger Patrick Kilpeck at:
pkkilpec@gw.dec.state.ny.us

or you can call it into DEC at:

1-877-457-5680

Please provide time, date, location and description of vehicles and riders.

Thanks for your help in protecting the TCT !
David Pisaneschi
ADK
Conservation Chair

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Hiking the Catskill Mountains in Spring Can Still Mean Snow!



Thursday, March 15, 2007

ACTION ALERT! March 22nd 7pm ATV use on TCT

The DEC rep for this meeting next Thursday has notified Colin Campbell and Phil Fountain of the Taconic Hiking Club that in order to be admitted to the meeting you must notify DEC in advance to be on a list and then show a PHOTO I.D. to get in.

So....you can send your name in to Marisa Tedesco marisatedesco@nycap.rr.com directly or let me or Colin or Phil know. But make sure you have your name in if you plan to come--and pass the word.
Thanks, Karen Ross

Friday, March 09, 2007

ACTION ALERT! March 22nd 7pm ATV use on TCT



ACTION ALERT!
PLEASE SPEAK OUT AGAINST ILLEGAL ATV USE ON THE TACONIC CREST TRAIL
Illegal ATV use has been severely impacting the Taconic Crest Trail for years. ADK and the Taconic Hiking Club are meeting with DEC officials to address these concerns. Please attend this important meeting and speak out. Please bring any photos of ATV use and trail damage. This is also your chance to tell DEC about any encounters you've had with ATV/ORV riders on the Taconic Crest Trail. Even if you haven't hiked on the Taconic Crest Trail much, please come. Your attendance is important.
WHERE: DEC Headquarters
625 Broadway
Albany
WHEN: March 22
TIME; 7:00PM
Please bring ID with you since the security desk will ask to see it. Someone from ADK will me there to meet you. Parking on the streets is free after 6:00 PM. Question? Contact David Pisaneschi 459-5969 or at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com






Friday, March 02, 2007

Winter Bushwacking Halcott Mountain, Catskills




SPRING 2007 OUTINGS SCHEDULE

Thursday March 8 Balsam Mountain, Arkville, NY

This will be a winter hike to one of the four peaks needed in winter

and summer to obtain the Catskill 3500 patch. We will summit from

the Rider Hollow trailhead. MUST contact Betty for meeting place

and time of departure. Bring your snowshoes and crampons.

CONTACT: Betty Dykstra 279-0936 or bcdykstra@earthlink.net

LENGTH: 5.2 miles, ascent of 1620 feet

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 200 miles round-trip.

Friday March 9 Hike and Free Movie, Williamstown, MA

Meet at Williamstown Public Library across the street from the

Williams Inn at 12 noon. Lunch at the Rosenberg Center and then

Hike in Hopkins Forest. Back to the Clark Art by 4 pm to see

Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Must call Doree for details.

CONTACT: Doree Cox 658-2643.

LENGTH: Several trails of various lengths.

ROAD DISTANCE: Call Doree Cox.

Thursday March 15 Hunter Mountain, Spruceton, NY

This is a massive mountain that supports a large ski area as well

as several hiking trails. The summit is flat and covered with spruce

and fir, but a state fire tower is located on it from which there are

excellent views. Meet at the Route 32 Elm Avenue Park and Ride

in Delmar at 8 am.

CONTACT: Phil Fountain 371-8585 or pfountain@1nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 5.2 miles round-trip, ascent of
ROAD DISTANCE: 125 miles round-trip.

Saturday March 17 Kane Mountain (think green), Canada Lake, NY

This hike follows an old jeep road to the summit where views can

be attained from the steps of the fire tower. The most spectacular

Vista is across the Mohawk Valley and south to the Catskills, where

Blackhead, Black Dome and Thomas Cole stand out. Meet at the

Northway Exit 9 in Clifton Park, off Fire Road at 8:30 am.

CONTACT: Jan O’Hare 383-4768 or johare1@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 1.8 miles round-trip, moderate ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 120 miles round-trip.

Saturday March 24 Pine Orchard, Wells, NY

You will find the trek to Pine Orchard among the most delightful of

nature walks. The giant trees here, some 15 feet in circumference,

are the eastern equivalent of the Olympic rain forests’ redwood.

This hike will be in the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest Area. Meet at the

Northway Exit 9 P & R in Clifton Park, off Fire Road at 8:30 am.

CONTACT: Jan O’Hare 383-4768 or johare1@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 4.8 miles round-trip, minimal ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 125 miles round-trip.

Saturday March 31 Severance Hill, Schroon Lake, NY

This small mountain has several open views on the summit and

overlooks on the way up. A tunnel leads under the Northway

at the start of the hike. This hike is in the Hoffman Notch

Wilderness Area. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride

in Clifton Park, off Fire House Road at 8:30 am.

CONTACT: Jan O’Hare 383-4768 or johare1@nycap.r.com

LENGTH: 2 miles round-trip, ascent of 713 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 160 miles round-trip.

Thursday April 5 Campmor, Paramus, New Jersey

This will be a shopping trip to a popular hiking, boating, biking,

camping and etc store. There is an ESM store next door too.

MUST contact Judith for info on meeting place and time. We

Will be stopping for lunch on our way back home.

CONTACT: Judith Maguire 477-2177 or judith33@localnet.com

LENGTH: About a two-hour car ride.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 250 miles round-trip.

Saturday April 7 Good Luck Cliffs/ Lake, Arietta, NY

First, there is a level walk on a marked trail to a secluded lake

and then we can backtrack to an unmarked trail that leads up a

short steep climb to an open ledge with fantastic views. This trek

will be in the Ferris Lake Wild Forest Area. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 P & R in Clifton Park, off Fire House Road at 8:30 am.

CONTACT: Jan O’Hare 383-4768 or johare1@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 5.8 miles round-trip, ascent of about 700 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: 125 miles round-trip.

Saturday April 14 Chimney Mountain, Indian Lake, NY

This is a very interesting hike to an unusual geological formation

and broad views over the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area.

Meet at the Northway Exit 9 P & R in Clifton Park, at 8:30 am.

CONTACT: Jan O’Hare 383-4768 or johare1@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 2.8 miles round-trip, ascent of 900 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: 175 miles round-trip.

Sunday April 15 Buttercup Farm, Dutchess County, NY

This Audubon sanctuary has 640 acres of grasslands, forests and

wetlands. There are 6 miles of trails. We will take time to observe

flora and fauna. A donation to the Audubon will be appreciated.

Meet t the Schodack Park and Ride at 8:30 am.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262

LENGTH: 4 miles, ascent of 300 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 120 miles round-trip.

Saturday April 21 Bike to Lake George, NY

We will bike from Fort Edward to Lake George’s Million

Dollar Beach. The first four miles will be on the Feeder Canal

Park Heritage Trail. The next nine miles will be on the Warren

County Bikeway. Meet at Clifton Park Northway Exit 9 Park

and Ride off Fire Road at 8:30 am. Must call Dick for info.

CONTACT: Dick Hughes 371-7655 or rhughes913@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 26 miles round-trip, ascent minimal.

ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round-trip.

Sunday April 22 Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY

This will be a hike around Martin Dunham Reservoir. We will do

three trails in this area; Gartler Trail, Double Bit Path and Dunham

Trail. This will be three more trails towards obtaining the Grafton

Lakes State Park patch. Meet at the winter entrance at 9:30 am.

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

LENGTH: Approximately 4.5 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your home to the GLSP winter entrance.

Wednesday April 25 Bald Mountain, Bennington, VT

Come join me on this pleasant climb to the summit of Bald Mountain

in Bennington VT. We’ll be using the trail from Woodford Hollow –

a pretty walk through the woods. Pace will be leisurely. Call for

meeting time and place, BEFORE 9:00 pm.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki 674-2125
LENGTH: About 4 miles round-trip, ascent of 1600 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 70 miles.

Thursday April 26 Indian Ladder Farm, Altamont, NY

This will be a leisurely bike ride to Indian Ladder Farms where

we will stop for coffee and muffins. We will also visit the many

animals on exhibit. We will meet at the Elm Avenue Park & Ride

in Delmar at 10:00 am.

CONTACT: John Pecoroni 439-7898 or jpecoroni@yahoo.com

LENGTH: 20 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the Delmar P & R.

Sunday April 29 Local Spring Walk

Not too far, not too fast – just a chance to enjoy Spring. Possibilities

include Rheinstrom Hill Audubon sanctuary in Columbia County, they

also would appreciate a donation. Meet at the Schodack Park and

Ride at 9 am.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 3 miles, ascent of 300 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 80 miles round-trip.

Wednesday May 2 Four Mile Point, Greene County, NY

There are 2 natural areas here. One has an overlook which drops

down to the Hudson shore. For the other we will follow a flat

dirt road to a pond and from thence down a trail. Meet at the

Route 32 and Elm Avenue Park & Ride in Delmar at 9:30 am.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273 4262.

LENGTH: 4 miles, ascent of 100 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 65 miles round-trip.

Sunday May 6 Murphy, Middle & Bennett Lakes, Hope, NY

This will be either a hike or snowshoe thru a network of forgotten

early nineteenth century roads. Car spotting may be an option as

well as a trip to visit the Crock Room Book Store. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride in Clifton Park off Fire Road at

8:00 am.
CONTACT: Linda Altrock 371-1685

LENGTH: 7 miles one way, ascent of 500 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 150 miles round-trip.

Tuesday May 8 Tibbets State Forest, Rensselaer County, NY

We chanced upon some marked but unimproved hiking trails

on the North side of Route 7. One connected with an ATV

trail – so much to explore. Must call Dale for meeting place

and time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262

LENGTH: 4 to 6 miles, ascent of 500 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 45 miles round-trip.

Thursday May 10 Santanoni Preserve, Newcomb, NY

We will hike along the old estate road that is broad and fairly level.

This “Great Camp” is being restored and is truly fascinating. Rustic

logs in a variety of geometric patterns and huge fireplaces in every

room were typical in the late nineteenth century. Meet at Northway

Exit 9 Park and Ride in Clifton Park off Fire Road at 8 am.

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

LENGTH: 10 miles round-trip, ascent minimal.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 220 miles round-trip.

Sunday May 13 Paddle Lock 7, Niskayuna, NY
We will spot a car at Lock 7 off River Road in Niskayuna and then

drive to the area of the Schenectady Community College and start

our paddle from here. If you don’t have a boat, call and I will try to

match you up with someone. Meet at Lock 7, near the boat launch

parking area, must call Dick for time

CONTACT: Dick Hughes 371 7655 or rhughes913@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: Nine miles.

ROAD DITANCE: 48 miles round-trip.

Tuesday May 15 Paddle Round Lake, NY

This is a nice small lake that has a great stream, the Anthony Kill

that leads to Great Blue Heron Rookery. Meet at the Northway

Exit 9 Park & Ride in Clifton Park off Fire Road at 9:30 am or

10:00 am at the Road Lake boat launch.

CONTACT: Judy Brandow 482-4610 or hwesterh@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: About 3 or 4 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 20 miles round trip from Clifton Park.

Thursday May 17 Hadley Mountain, Hadley, NY

This will be a short ride to a nice hike. Views from the fire tower on

Hadley or from the open summit are among the most spectacular in

the Adirondacks. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 P & R at 9 am.

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

LENGTH: 4 miles round-trip, ascent of 1550 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles round-trip.


Saturday May 19 Lake Minnewaska St. Park, New Paltz, NY

This will be a ten mile hike around Lake Awasting. Some of the

most beautiful scenery in NY State is viewed along these trails.

May eat supper in New Paltz. Must call Margaret before May 17

for time and meeting place.

CONTACT: Margaret Parks 785-8267

LENGTH: About 10 miles with minimal ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 150 miles round-trip.

Tuesday May 22 Botany and Bird Ramble, Close By, NY

This will be a hike in a local area to check out the spring flowers

and early returning migrant birds. Please call Susan or E-mail Marty for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170 or

Marty Connor martycon@aol,com

LENGTH: Must contact Susan or Marty for information.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined at a later date.

Thursday May 24 Moses Kill Paddle, Fort Edward, NY

This is a little stream I’ve wanted to paddle for a while. Come

join me for some exploring and botanizing on a nice flatwater

paddle. There may be a couple of places we will have to walk

the boats if the water is really low. Please call Lynn for meeting

place and time.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki 674-2125 before 9:00 pm.

LENGTH: About 5 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round-trip.

Thursday May 24 Goodnow Mountain, Newcomb, NY

The trail to this restored fire tower has also been restored. Both signs

and a booklet describe the natural history of the mountain as well as

the fire tower history. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 P & R at 8 am.

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

LENGTH: 3.4 miles round-trip, ascent of 1030 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 230 miles round-trip.

Because Bill Valentino is away on vacation his May paddles are not

included in this Spring Schedule. Please contact Bill in early April at 439-9686 or billvalentino113@yahoo.com if you are interested.

We will E-mail you as soon as we have his information.

“WINTER 35’R’s” HAVE A NEW MEMBER

With a little help from her friends, Judy Brandow has completed the requirements for the Catskill Winter

35’R membership. To qualify for membership and this patch the 35 highest peaks in the Catskill Mountains

must be climbed between December 21 and March 21. CONGRATULATIONS TO JUDY.