THC Spring Hiking Schedule

MARCH

Wednesday March 5 Tang Museum, Saratoga, NY

Visit the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College in Saratoga. Special exhibit: "Molecules That Matter", combining a century of science and art. The exhibition explores aspirin, isooctane, penicillin, nylon, polyethylene, DNA, DDT, Prozac, etc. If there is sufficient interest and reasonable weather, we could walk in the Skidmore Woods in the afternoon. Call Susan for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170

LENGTH: To be determined by the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: Should be less than 80 miles round-trip.

Tuesday March 11 Garnet Hill, North River, NY

We will cross-country ski where we can ski down a hill and take the bus back up to the ski shop. This is one of the finest X-C areas in the east. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 P&R, call Judy for details.

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

LENGTH: Several miles of groomed trails for your pleasure.

ROAD DISTANCE: 150 miles round-trip.

Sunday March 16 Kenneth Dubuque State Forest, West Hawley, MA

We will follow old roads and trails in a former hard scramble farming area to a stone lean-to for lunch. Wildlife is possible, I have seen bear, porcupines and moose tracks here. Meet at the Tamarac Plaza on Rt. 2, across from the Tamarac School at 8:30 a.m.

CONTACT: Willard Hoyt at 399-4992 or willhh@earthlink.net

LENGTH: 4 miles, ascent of 400 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 130 miles round-trip.

Tuesday March 18 Ski Lapland Lake, Northville, NY

Lapland Lake frequently has snow later than other cross county ski areas. We will see. Contact Katie for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at 439-4308 or khenriks@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: Several trails for your choice.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 130 miles round-trip.

Tuesday March 25 X-C Ski Local Area

Contact Judy, as she will check local ski areas for the best snow conditions.

Must contact Judy for meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: TBD

ROAD DISTANCE: TBD

Saturday March 29 Merck Forest, Rupert, VT

Enjoy the miles of varied trails at Merck Forest. We should find something suitable whether the conditions dictate a hike, ski or snowshoe. This is also Merck Forest Maple Sugaring Weekend and there will be maple sugaring demonstrations and tasting. Of course the real point is a pancake breakfast with maple syrup and sausage produced at the Merck Forest farm center. Contact Bob for any details, meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: TBD.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 125 miles round-trip.

APRIL

Tuesday April 1 Rotary Scout Reservation, Poestenkill, NY

We will hike the Cloudburst Road over to Bernie Pond for lunch among the pines.

Meet in Menands at 9:15 a.m. Call Dale for further details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262

LENGTH: 5 to 6 miles, ascent of 500 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 30 miles round-trip.

Tuesday April 8 Bike Local Area

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

Mondays April 14, 21 & 28 and May 5 TCT Work Days

In addition to the "OFFICIAL TRAIL CLEARING DAYS" (April 19 & May 3) Colin will be walking the Taconic Crest Trail on the above mentioned Monday dates, with "The Saw". He'd appreciate company if anyone can make any of these dates, or at least do a car pick-up at the end of a trail section, in the late afternoon to avoid walking back. Please contact Colin if you can help in any way and for info on meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Colin Campbell at 438-9628 or holesinhead@aol.com

Tuesday April 15 Bike Local Area

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

Thursday April 17 Mount Greylock, Williamstown, MA

We will meet at the Cumberland Farms Store at the intersection of Routes 22 & 43 at the light in Stephentown, NY at 8:00 a.m. and continue into Williamstown to the Hopper Road trailhead, off Green River Road (Route 43). We will ascend the lovely Hopper Trail to the summit and enjoy the stupendous views. We will return the same way. It could be muddy there in the spring. Heavy rain cancels. Contact Karen or Lori in advance in case the meeting plans change.

CONTACT: Karen Ross at 794-7474 or kcoyross@aol.com

Lori McCarron at 587-1957 or mmccarr2@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 8 miles and 2400 feet of vertical.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Mount Greylock. Call Lori to car pool from the

Albany area.

SATURDAY APRIL 19 TACONIC CREST TRAIL WORK DAY

This is one of two OFFICIAL Club Workdays. The End to End is only two weeks away and we need to post new trail signs, trim back brush and generally make OUR TRAIL as inviting as we can for our members and quests. Most hikers will be seeing our trail for the first time and we want them to enjoy it. Meet at the Route 4&43 Park & Ride at 8:30 a.m., bring lunch, drink, gloves and your favorite tools, if you wish. The Club will also supply tools. MUST call Colin to help plan which sections of the trail we will be grooming, Sunday will be the rain date.

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

LENGTH: TBD.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip, car-pooling too.

Sunday April 20 Schodack Island Paddle, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY

We'll meet at either the canoe launch or main boat launch at Schodack Island State Park. Plan to be in the water and ready to go by 9: a.m. We will paddle/explore until 4:00 p.m. Best for touring kayaks, but strong canoers are welcome. Wet - or dry -suit recommended. We will try to find some short hikes during lunch. If there is time and interest, we can hike the trails in the State Park. Contact Dave for reservations.

CONTACT: Dave Pisaneschi at 459-5969 or disanes@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: TBD.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the Schodack Island State Park.

Tuesday April 22 Bike Ride to Lake George, NY

We will bike from Fort Edward to Lake George. The first 8 miles will be on the "Feeder Canal Park Heritage Trail". The next 9 miles will be on the "Warren County Bikeway". Meet at the Clifton Park I-87 Exit 9 P&R at 8:30 a.m. MUST call Dick day before the ride.

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

LENGTH: About 35 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round-trip.

Thursday April 24 Local Bike Ride

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

Friday April 25 Merck Forest, East Rupert,VT

Come join me for a late winter/early spring ramble around the beautiful grounds of Merck Forest in Vermont. Hopefully the snow will be gone and we'll be getting a sense of spring in the lush and lovely hills of the Green Mountain State.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125 for time and meeting place.

LENGTH: Depends upon group interest

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 140 miles round-trip.

Saturday April 26 Hike the Appalachian Trail in Salisbury, CT

We will hike up the Barrack Matiff and up and over Mount Prospect, with a couple of nice views along the way across the Housatonic Valley. Mostly a moderate hike with steep sections. Expect to keep a brisk, but not breakneck, pace. Contact R.J. for meeting place and time, will have a car spot also.

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

LENGTH: About 7.6 miles, ascent of 1000' and decent of 700'.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 150 miles round-trip, with car spot.

Monday April 28 Siuslaw Forest, Acra, Greene Co., NY

This 147 acre model forest demonstrates forest management practices that preserve water quality. Trails are moderate and our pace will be too. Meet at Elm Avenue P&R in Delmar at 9:15 a.m.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet 273-4262.

LENGTH: 3 miles, ascent of 300 feet. ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round-trip.

Tuesday April 29 Local Bike Ride

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

Wednesday April 30 Spring Walk, Schoharie County, NY

Come wander through a couple of preserves in the karst area of Carlisle. The exposed limestone features crevices, sinkholes and abundant wildflowers. Meet in Menands at 9:15 a.m.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet 273-4262

LENGTH: 3 miles, ascent of 100 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 100 miles round-trip.

MAY

SATURDAY MAY 3 TACONIC CREST TRAIL WORKDAY

This is OUR second OFFICIAL Club Trail Day for cleaning up the trail. If we have enough people we can split up and cover more miles. Meet at Route 4 & 43 P&R in

North Greenbush at 8:30 a.m. On both Saturdays we'll end with ice cream and etc at the nearest Stewart's, supplied by the CLUB. Again, Sunday is the rain date. MUST contact Colin for pertinent details.

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

LENGTH: TBD.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip, car- pooling too.

Saturday May 3 Mattison Hollow Access Trail, Berlin NY

We will be having a spring flower amble on Madison Hollow access trail - easy hike through open woods with a stop at a waterfall, for a snack or lunch. This will be a joint hike with the Rensselaer County Land Conservancy. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Berlin High School parking lot, to car-pool to the trailhead.

CONTACT: Doree Cox at 658-2643 or Nick Conrad at 658-2643.

LENGTH: 2.3 miles (stream crossing at 1.2 miles).

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Berlin High School.

Saturday May 3 Taconic Crest Trail, Berlin, NY

We will spot cars and hike this southern section of the TCT from Madden Road to Mattison Hollow Road. Our route will take us over Rounds Mountain with its bare summit and spectacular views. Contact Dave for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Dave Pisaneschi at 459-5969 or disanes@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 10.6 miles, ascent of about 3000 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Dave for reservation and possible car-pooling.

Sunday May 4 Val-Kill Trail, Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., NY

There are 4 to 5 miles of trail east of Route 9 connecting the Roosevelt Historic sites. I hope to continue past Val-Kill to Top Cottage. We will watch for flowers and returning birds. Meet at Schodack Park and Ride at 8 am or main lobby of the Wallace Visitor Center at 10 a.m.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet 273-4262

LENGTH: 5 miles, ascent of 200 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 150 miles round-trip.

Tuesday May 6 Prospect Mountain

We will explore a new route to this summit via Rattlesnake Cobble. The guide book correctly states that the conventional way to Prospect Mountain is badly eroded and we have found a much nicer hidden "marked" trail. Please contact Judy for time and meeting place.

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

LENGTH: About 3.3 miles round-trip, total ascent about 1700 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round-trip

SATURDAY MAY 10 TACONIC HIKING CLUB'S END TO END

Once again this is Leap Year for The Taconic Hiking Club's sponsored End To End hiking event. As we go to press we have more that 20 of the full roster of 25 entrants signed up for this endurance test. As a result we need volunteers for Friday May 9^th and Saturday May 10th, (afternoon and evening) for camp setups and take-downs, car drivers, kitchen helpers, and trail safety sweeps.

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

LENGTH: 28 miles, ascent of 7800 feet and descent of 9400 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Berry Pond in Pittsfield St.Forest, MA

Monday May 12 to May 22 State Park, Murfreeboro, Arkansas

I am planning a camping trip to the Center of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. I am scheduling 2.5 days driving each way with 4 to 5 days staying in the State Park, digging for diamonds. If there is any interest we may paddle in a nearby lake. Must call Mary Ann for pertinent information.

CONTACT: Mary Ann Nicholas at 729-2963

LENGTH: Group decision.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 1400 miles one-way.

Tuesday May 13 Local Bike Ride

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

Saturday May 17 Hike the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut

We plan to hike a strenuous 10-mile section on the AT up and over Mount Easter, plus a mile of access trail. The reward is several spectacular views along the way. There will be difficult and steep sections in some areas. Expect to keep a brisk, but not breakneck, pace. Contact R.J. for details of car spot, meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: 11 miles with car spot, ascent of about 1000 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 175 miles round-trip, with car spot.

Sunday May 18 Canoe or Kayak, Schenectady, NY

We will spot a car(s) at Lock 7 and start our paddle from Schenectady Community College. If you don't have a boat, call and I will try to match you with someone. MUST call Dick to arrange car spot. We will meet at Lock 7 at 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m at Schenectady Community College, under the Route 5 Bridge.

CONTACT: Dick Hughes at 371-7655 or rughes913@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 9 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 50 miles round-trip

Tuesday May 20 Paddle Round Lake, NY

This is a very nice small lake that is easy on the gas consumption. There are several Great Blue Heron nests with more chicks than nests, about a mile east of Route 9. We will meet at the Northway Exit 9 in Clifton Park on Fire Road at 5:30 P.M. or at Round Lake at 5:45 P.M.

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

LENGTH: 3 to 4 miles round-trip, if we play nice.

ROAD DISTANCE: 20 miles round-trip from NW Exit 9.

Thursday May 22 Hoosick River Paddle, Buskirk, NY

A casual trip on a flatwater section of the Hoosick from the Buskirk covered bridge to the takeout at the Johnsonville Dam. There are some nice channels and marshy areas for exploring and botanzing. I plan to spot cars at the takeout so that wind will not spoil our downriver jaunt this time. Hopefully there will also be less mud!

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki 674-2125 for meeting time and location.

LENGTH: About 5 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 50 miles.

Tuesday May 27 Local Bike Ride

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

Saturday May 31 Plant Seedlings, Berlin, NY

This will be the FIRST EVER ! Re-planting ATV damaged area on the Berlin Pass. This is part of our Taconic Hiking Club campaign to take back OUR trail from ATV damage and is part of a joint three-year project with NYS Department of Conservation. This first year is a test and only approximately 200 seedlings will be planted. We also plan to set-up a small exhibition on Petersburgh Pass with leaflet handouts from various organizations and guide anyone interested to hike up to Berlin Mountain. June 1st is rain date. MUST contact Colin to register, and for meeting place and time.

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

Saturday May 31 Leaders Choice in Massachusetts or Vermont

We want to do a hike in the Berkshires or Southern Vermont but couldn't decide where by publication time. We will probably do 6 to 10 miles over moderate terrain. Contact R.J. or Bob for details, meeting place and time.

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

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

LENGTH: TBD.

ROAD DISTANCE: TBD.

ADVANCE EVENTS

???day June ?? Canoe/Kayak Hoosic River

Pownal, VT to Hoosick Falls, NY

Length: 14 miles

CONTACT: Colin Campbell Holesinhead@aol.com 438-96290

or Dick Hughes Rhughes913@nycap.rr.com 371-7655

Sunday August 3 thru Saturday August 9, 2008, Saranac, NY

This will be paddle trip on several water ways, with minimal portage's,

with very short lengths. Kathy will be reserving beds for 12 to 14 people,

so sign-up early. You MUST submit a non-refundable deposit of $50.00

with your reservation. Meals, car-pooling and any questions you have can

be discussed with Kathy.

CONTACT: Kathy Wolfe at 482-0424 or nanwolfe88@yahoo.com

LENGTH: Each day will be discussed with the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: From the Capital District to Saranac Lake about 300 miles RT.

Fri., Sat & Sunday August 22, 23 &24 Valcour Island, So. Plattsburgh, NY

Camp-out, paddle and clean-up Valcour Island. CONTACT: Colin Campbell Holesinhead@aol.com 438-96290

or Dick Hughes Rhughes913@nycap.rr.com 371-7655

ROAD DISTANCE: 285 miles Round Trip.