Bicyclist Road Class on Wednesday Evenings

LCI Claire Nolan and LCI Bert Schou

are Offering

a League of American Bicyclists Road 1 Class

held on

Three Consecutive Wednesday Evenings

July 9, 16 and 23.

from 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Location - SUNYA Downtown Campus Draper Hall

On Washington Avenue between South Lake and Robin Streets

Room Draper 146

Fee: $40.00 includes course materials

Open to Anyone - 14 and older

with a Bicycle and a Helmet
Lights are recommended

http://www.thebicyclesite.com/rulesofroad/nys-rules-of-road-quiz.html

To Register:

Call 518 209-6477 OR 518 221-8693

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Summer Lecture Series

Overlook Rattlesnake Lecture, Sunday, July 6

Every year hundreds of people encounter timber rattlesnakes on Overlook Mountain. But what do these creatures do besides bask in the sun and occasionally rattle to give people a good scare? Paul Perri, a local ecologist who has studied rattlesnakes in the Catskills for years, will talk about their habits, history, and protected status in a lecture on Sunday, July 6th at 1 pm by the Overlook Mountain fire tower. Early in our history the rattlesnake was considered for our national symbol, losing out to the bald eagle, but it later suffered from poaching and indiscriminate killing. Now protected, it plays an important role in the forest ecosystem. And Overlook Mountain is a great place to see them.

Paul Perri works for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. He earned a masters in environmental science at Bard College. His talk is the second in a summer series of natural history lectures sponsored by Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Stewards. For further information, contact Will Nixon (679-5853, will@willnixon.com) or Dick Voloshen (679-2580, volo@hvc.rr.com).

* * * * *

“Fire and Ice and Geology on Overlook Mountain”

Sunday, August 3rd 10 am (2 hour lecture walk). Meet in the Overlook Mountain parking area.

Robert Titus, the popular Catskills geologist, will lead a hike up Overlook Mountain that examines bedrock on the way up and glacial striations on top. He will help us to imagine the Ice Age glaciers that once covered the mountain. Bring a lunch.

“New York State Forest Rangers”

Sunday, August 10th 1pm (1 hour lecture). Meet at the fire tower cabin on Overlook Mountain.

Come meet your local Forest Ranger. Learn about the history of the NYS Forest Rangers and how they play a role in your community. Get tips on backcountry preparedness, safety and how to enjoy the natural resources with minimal impact.

“A Tale of Two Forests” - RSVP for the hike to Will Nixon will@willnixon.com or at 845-679-5853

Sunday, September 7th Noon (15 minute lecture and a 2-3 hour hike). Meet at the fire tower cabin on Overlook Mountain. Please RSVP for the hike, as it is limited to a small group.

Michael Kudish, the Catskills forest historian, will give a brief talk at the summit on the Overlook forest, followed by a hike toward Echo Lake to examine the forest communities found on the mountain.

“New York State Forest Rangers”

Sunday, October 5th 1pm (1 hour lecture). Meet at the fire tower cabin on Overlook Mountain.

This lecture covers the topics described in the previous “New York State Forest Rangers” lecture with a focus on cold weather preparedness.

“Nature Hike and Poetry Salon”

Sunday, October 12th 10am (2 1/2 hour nature hike) and a poetry salon at 1pm (1 hour reading). Meet at the Overlook Mountain parking lot for the hike or join the poetry salon at the fire tower cabin later.

Rich Parisio, a NYSDEC Naturalist, will lead a nature hike up Overlook, followed by a talk about Catskill nature writing and mountain poetry. You are welcomed to read your favorite or your own poem(s). Bring a lunch.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

All lectures will be canceled in the event of rain or thunderstorms.

From the Village Green in Woodstock, NY, take Rock City Road 2 ½ miles up the mountain to the Overlook trailhead parking lot on the right. The hike up Overlook to the fire tower and cabin is rated moderately difficult and takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours. It is an old carriage trail, 2.5 miles long with a vertical elevation of 1400 feet.

Wear good walking shoes, be prepared for foul weather, bring water, sunscreen, snacks, etc. For further details or last minute program cancellations call: 845-679-5853 or 845-679-2580 or email will@willnixon.com or volo@hvc.rr.com

In The Good Ole Summertime...click on photos to enlarge

An example of a high peaks ladder on Saddleback Mountain.

Nearing Mt Marcy's Summit

Headed toward Gothics

View west from Mt Colden

Cycling to Woodhull Firetower

Riverkeeper's Photo Blog

Riverkeeper - John Lipscomb has a photo blog: http://rianfletcher.blogspot.com/

Here's a paddling blog: www.cknewyork.blogspot.com

June 11th, 7pm, Lecture about our oil predicament

Retired University of New Hampshire professor Clifford Wirth will be

in Troy for the evening of Wednesday, June 11, to present his analysis
of just how serious is the predicament that we are facing. Following
his presentation, Prof. Wirth will join a panel of local policy makers
to enlighten us about energy/conservation oriented initiatives and
challenges with which they are engaged here in the Hudson-Mohawk
region.

So join us at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Avenue, at
6:00 PM for a pot luck dinner and then lend your ear at 7:00PM for
Prof. Wirth and the panel.

Clifford Wirth leads a group of professionals with diverse backgrounds
in academics, energy policy, oil industry, engineering, electric
utilities, economic development, applied policy analysis,
environmental science, and local, state, and federal government. The
group is experienced in practical problem-solving, contingency
planning, and risk management. They are dedicated to advising
individuals and organizations on how to best handle the challenges of
Peak Oil. There is more information on the web at

http://www.peakoilassociates.com/

The Community Renewable Energy (CoRE) Project is a loosely constituted
group of concerned citizens from the Hudson-Mohawk region who work to
raise awareness of energy issues and advocate for conservation and a
migration to less energy intensive public infrastructure. For more
information or to join our mailing list, visit our website at

http://hm.swapspace.com/

http://www.thesanctuaryforindependentmedia.org/node/165

DEC's Hudson River Research Reserve Program

Explore the marshes free on educational trips with NYSDEC's Hudson River Research Reserve.

No experience is necessary
One trip per person, reservations required
Canoes, paddles and safety gear are provided
Bring food, water, hat and sunscreen
Prepare to be knee-deep in water

Call: 845-889-4745 x105


http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/33037.html

THC Summer Schedule 2008

JUNE

Wednesday June 4 Paddle Round Lake, NY

This will be a repeat of May 20^th, when there were 15 Heron nests all full.

We will meet at 5:45 pm at Northway Exit 9 in Clifton Park on Fire Road or on Route 9 in Round Lake at 6:00 pm.

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

LENGTH: About 2 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 15 miles round-trip from NW Exit 9.

Saturday June 7 Taconic Hiking Club Pot Luck Picnic, Grafton, NY

The Grafton Lake State Park opens at 9 a.m. and closes at dusk for

hiking, biking, boating and swimming. We are once again at the

Amphitheater Pavilion (by the beach). Our activities are:

1 At 9 a.m. we will meet at the GLSP Office and join with park

volunteers across the U.S. on National Trails Day. We have

been assigned to groom the Perkins Trail, which is behind the

Maintenance Building.

2 Car shuttle from the Mill Pond Parking Lot will start at 11 a.m.

and bring those who chose to the Amphitheater and end at noon.

12 am – 1 pm Pot Luck Hor d’orves

1 pm – Pot Luck salads, desserts and treats along with THC

supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks and condiments.

Please bring your own wine, beer or other choice and chairs.

5 2 pm – Short THC Meeting

Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.

Please call Doree Cox at 658-2643 to let her know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (hor d’orves, salads, dessert or something else special). Please leave a message if Doree doesn’t answer the phone.

Picnic games would also be a nice addition

Sunday June 8 Paddle Hoosick River, North Pownal, VT

Must contact Colin or Dick for meeting time and place, car spot

Will be needed too.

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

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

LENGTH: 14 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Colin or Dick for information.

Monday June 9 Kayaderosseras Creek Paddle, Saratoga, NY

We will put in at Kelly Park in Ballston Spa and paddle to Saratoga Lake, where we will have other spotted cars. Must contact Judy for time and meeting place.

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

LENGTH: Approximately 6.5 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined the day of paddle.

Thursday June 12 Paddle Hudson River, Hudson, NY

The historic town of Hudson provides the launch for this leisurely

paddle. We will start by paddling around one of the more interesting

lighthouses on the Hudson River followed by circumnavigation of the

Middle Ground Flats, an island that separates the river into two flats.

We will meet at Route 4 Defreestville P&R at 8:30 am.

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

LENGTH: Expected to be 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 75 miles round-trip.

SATURDAY June 14 Hike the AT in Cornwall Bridge, CT Continuing a series of hikes on the AT, we will travel from Cornwall Bridge to Kent. This one has a bit of everything. We’ll hike over Breadloaf Mt., Sharon Hill, Caleb’s Peak and Fuller Mt. Between the mountains at each end is a lovely five-mile stretch of relatively flat terrain along the east bankof the Housatonic River. Expect to keep a brisk, but not breakneck pace.

Must contact R.J. for meeting place, time and car spot plans.

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

LENGTH: 12.1 miles, ascent of 1500 ft.& decent of 1500 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 170 miles RT with car spot.

Monday June 16 Hadley Mountain, Hadley, NY

This will be a short hike to a fire tower. If black flies are out, we won’t be out too long. Fine views of the southern Adirondacks. Meet at Northway Exit 9 in Clifton Park off Fire Road at 9 am.

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

LENGTH: 3.6 miles round-trip, ascent of 1525 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles round-trip.

Wednesday June 18 Paddle Poultney River

Put in at Cogman Rd and paddle to the boat launch on South Bay. Flat water.

CONTACT:Must call! Dick Hughes 371-7655

or rhughes913@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 10 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles one way DRIVE TIME: 1.5 hours

MEET: I87 Exit 9 P& R 8:30 AM

Wednesday June 25 Sleeping Beauty Mt., Hogtown, NY

The first mile and a half is on a mostly level dirt road, then we climb

a trail with several switchbacks to the summit. This a moderate walk

with a great destination. We will meet at the Northway Exit 9 in

Clifton Park at 9:00 am.

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

LENGTH: 6.8 miles round-trip, ascent of about 1000 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 135 miles round-trip.

Saturday June 28 Hike the AT in Kent, CT

This section begins in Connecticut, ending in New York and crosses the

state line a few times along the way. Highlights include; Schagtioke

Mt. And the Schagtioke Indian Reservation, a covered bridge and

waterfalls at Bull’s Bridge and views from Ten Mile Hill. 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 at 283-6056 or rjhydorn@lycos.com

LENGTH: 11.5 miles, ascent of 1400 ft. & decent of 1200 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 200 miles RT with car spot.

Monday June 30 Bike Ride

Contact Judy for details, meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: Contact Judy.

ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Judy.

JULY

Wednesday July 2 Buck Mt. And Pilot Knob Ridge, Lake George, NY

Buck Mountain is an old favorite on the east side of Lake George, with

wonderful views of the lake. We will start from the trailhead near Camp

Chingachgook. After hiking this mountain we will drive to the Pilot Knob

Ridge trailhead and take a short hike up the new Preserve. Meet at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride in Clifton Park of fFire Road.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at 439-4308 or 494-7405 or

khenriks@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: Buck Mt. 6.2 miles RT, ascent of 1900 feet.

Pilot Knob 2 miles RT, ascent of 700 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles round-trip.

Tues - Wed July 8 & 9 Paddle Raquette River, Tupper Lake Area

We will paddle from Stony Creek or Axton Landing to Tupper Lake, flat water all the way. We will camp one night about half way through.

CONTACT: Must call! Dick Hughes 371-7655

or rhughes913@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 16 mile/ 7 miles first day

ROAD DISTANCE:150 miles one way. DRIVE TIME: From I87 Exit 9 P&R 3hrs.

MEET: Clifton Park Exit 9 P&R @ 8:00 AM

Wednesday July 9 Hike Berlin Mountain, Petersburg, NY
This will be moderate paced hike to the highest mountain in Rensselaer

County. We will spot a car at Southeast Hollow and start hiking from

Petersburg Pass. Must call Phil for starting place and time.

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

LENGTH: About 6 miles w/access trail, ascent of 1162 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Call Phil for information.

Tuesday July 15 Paddle Hudson River Tivoli Bays, Tivoli, NY

Tivoli Bay is a large intertidal marsh with creeks and pools, aquatic plants,

birds, big flopping fish and snapping turtles. We will explore this very

interesting environment, picnic on an island and perhaps even swim. Meet

at 8:00 am at the Delmar Elm Avenue P&R lot.

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

LENGTH: A total of about 6 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: 160 miles round-trip.

Saturday July 19 Boston Symphony Orchestra, Lenox, MA

This will be a lecture at 9:30 am and a rehearsal at 10:30 am, (in Tanglewood)

by Schumann and Mendelssohn with guest soloist Garrick Ohlsson, $17.00

admission. Call Susan for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170

LENGTH: Call Susan.
ROAD DISTANCE: Call Susan.

Thursday July 31 Paddle Cedar River Flow, Wakely Dam, NY

Cedar River Flow is a very special place. Well off the beaten path, it takes

a bit of effort to get there and a few people use it. The site possesses a man-

made lake which was a long abandoned holding area for the lumber drives

of yesteryear. This will be a leisurely paddle with plenty of water fowl and

aquatic vegetation that we will, hopefully, successfully navigate. We will

meet at Northway Exit 9 in the Clifton Park P&R off Fire Road at 7:30 am.

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

LENGTH: 8 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: 200 miles round-trip.

AUGUST

Saturday August 2 Boston Symphony Orchestra, Lenox, MA

Tanglewood will be hosting a lecture at 9:30 am and a rehearsal at 10:30 am. Music will be by Albeniz, lalo and Rachmaninoff with guest soloist Yo-Yo Ma Please call Susan for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170

LENGTH & ROAD DISTANCE: Call Susan

Sunday August 3 thru Saturday August 9, Saranac, NY

This will be a 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 482-0424 or nanwolfe88@yahoo.com

LENGTH: Each day will be discussed with the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 300 miles round-trip.

Trip Canceled:
Tues - Wed August 4 & 5 Lake Lila Paddle & Short Hike

We will paddle to the Western end of Lake Lila and set up camp. If we are lucky, the lean-to will be open. The first day we will climb Mt Frederick, an easy climb of 0.85 miles. The second day we will explore Beaver River or Shingle Shanty Brook, two streams that empty into Lake Lila. There is a 0.25 mile portage to Lake Lila.

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

LENGTH: Lake Lila 2.5 miles one way

ROAD DISTANCE: 150 miles one way.

DRIVE TIME: From I87 Exit 9 P&R 3 hrs

MEET; Clifton Park Exit 9 P&R @8:00 AM

Wednesday August 6 Tongue Mountain, Bolton Landing, NY

We will climb to the ridge from Clay Meadow and eat lunch at Fifth Peak lean-to. Optional extension (an extra mile or so) to French Mountain. Summertime traffic on Lake George makes a wonderful sight. Meet at Northway Exit 9 P&R in Clifton Park off Fire Road at 9:00 am.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson 439– 4308 or 494-7405 or khenriks@nycap.rr.com

LENGTH: 4 miles RT<>

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 140 miles round-trip.

Wednesday August 13 Mount Marcy, Keene, NY

Time to do a high peak, why not the highest one. This summit

views more high peaks than any of the others, so lets do it. Must

contact Phil for meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: 14.8 miles round-trip, ascent of 3166 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 240 miles round-trip.

Thursday August 14 Paddle Lake Abanakee, Indian Lake, NY

Lake Abanakee is the outflow and in some respects, the continuation of Indian Lake to the north. Sheltered with some interesting scenery, we can expect a leisurely paddle. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride in Clifton Park off Fire Road at 8 am.

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

LENGTH: Six miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 180 miles round-trip.

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

Camp-out, paddle and clean-up Valcour Island. Must contact Colin

Or Dick for details and information.

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

Colin Campbell 438-9629 or holesinhead@aol.com

LENGTH: Varies from day to day.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 280 miles round-trip.