Wednesday, November 25, 2009

THC Winter Hiking Schedule 2009 - 2010

End to End Endurance Challenge on May 15th has reached its maximum number of entrants and is now closed.
Please volunteer your help at this event! Contact Pam Bailey 235-4322


Sunday, November 29: Ashley Hill Brook Trail, Mt. Washington State Forest, MA
This trail climbs gradually toward the South Taconic Trail and a nearby viewpoint. We will return by the same trail. We will meet at the Schodack Park and Ride. Call Dale for starting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchett at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 8 miles and an ascent of 650 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 110 miles round-trip.


Thursday Dec 3rd,Bike ride in Round Lake at the bike path parking area.
Meet at 10:00am. Bring a lunch.
We will bike to Saratoga, Ballston Spa and back to Round lake. Mostly on roads with little traffic.
Length about 30 miles
Contact Dick Hughes 371-7655 or rhughes913@nycap.rr.com


Saturday, December 5: Windham High Peak, Windham, NY
The route up to the summit from Route 23 follows a section of The Escarpment Trail. The grade varies from gradual to moderate, making it a nice climb and a great introduction to hiking a Catskill High peak. We will meet in Delmar at the Elm Avenue Park and Ride, please contact Phil for the meeting time.

CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: 6,6 miles round-trip, ascent of 1785 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 80 miles round-trip.



Sunday, December 6: Savoy Forest, Berkshire County, MA
We will use parts of several trails including the old Florida Road and the North Pond Loop. Meet at the western end of Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt.7, east of Troy in Brunswick. Call for starting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchett at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 5 to 7 miles depending on snow cover and an ascent of 800 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 110 miles round-trip.



Monday, December 7: Windham High Peak, Windham, NY
An old favorite in the Catskills, that is easy to reach and a good, day hike. Crampons or Stablicers required. Meet at the Delmar Park & Ride on Rt. 32 at 8AM.

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

LENGTH: 6.5 miles round-trip with 1800 ft. of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: 80 miles round-trip.



Monday, December 14: Bike Ride or XC Ski
Weather will determine which activity we will do. For details, starting place and time contact Judy.

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

LENGTH: To be determined by the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.





Sunday, December 27: Coudry Hollow and Comstock Hollow, Rensselaer County
Both Hollows are off South East Hollow Rd. near an access to our trail and should provide some back road walking for those who just want to get out! Meet at the Fire House in Postenkill and call Dale for starting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchett at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 4 miles and an ascent of 350 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 25 miles round-trip.





Monday, December 28: Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY
We will hike the Becker Hollow Trail to the second highest peak in the Catskill Mountains. Be prepared with gear for winter conditions. We will meet at the Elm Avenue Park and Ride in Delmar, please contact Phil for meeting time.

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

LENGTH: 2200 feet of ascent, about 2.08 miles to the summit.

ROAD DISTANCE: 100 miles round-trip.





Friday, January 1: New Year’s Day Party CHANGED To JANUARY 24
See Sunday, January 24 for details.




Monday, January 4: Snow shoe
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.



Thursday, January 7 or Friday, January 8: Taconic Crest Trail

Route 20 to Tower Mountain Road

Want to try your Christmas snowshoes close to home, work toward the winter patch, scout the trail prior to the spring End to End, explore a section you might adopt as a trail maintainer – or just enjoy the TCT in the most fun season of the year.

Needed for every trip: appropriate winter gear, the ability to hike the specified distance at a steady but relaxed pace, car-spotting, and minimum of four people. The choice of Thursday of Friday will depend on weather and group composition, so please call no later than Tuesday to help decide meeting date, time and place.

Maps and trail guides available from The Book House, Stuyvesant Plaza or Kathy Wolfe at nanwolfe88@yahoo.com or 482-0424.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts, 766-4170.

LENGTH: 6.1 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip.



Saturday, January 9: XC Ski at Garnet, Hill, NY

This is a trip sponsored by CASTA. Adults $15 and $7.50 for 17 years & under. Guests cannot participate in more than 2 bus trips without becoming a member. Call Dave Esmond at 439-4656 to reserve your seat. Checks must be made out to CASTA and received prior to the trip by sending payment to Dave Esmond, 79 Devon Rd., Delmar, NY. Please check the Hotline (458-1418) for news on actual bus trip destinations the night before the trip. Changing snow conditions may make it necessary to go to a backup location. Call Dave for more information.

CONTACT: Dave Esmond at 439-4656.

LENGTH: Your desire.

ROAD DISTANCE: Bus trip



Monday, January 11: XC Ski at Garnet Hill, NY

Expect a great day of skiing if the snow is good. If not we can climb Balm of Gilead Mountain with snowshoes or crampons, depending on conditions. Meet at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride at 8AM.

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

LENGTH: Balm of Gilead is about 5 miles round-trip with about 1000 ft. of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 200 miles round-trip.



Wednesday, January 13: Slide Mountain, Ulster County, NY
This one of my favorite winter hikes in the Catskills. We will meet at the Elm Avenue Park and Ride in Delmar, please contact Phil for meeting time.

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

LENGTH: About 5.5 miles round-trip, ascent of 1700 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 200 miles round-trip.



Thursday, January 14: Snow shoe or walk, Crescent, NY
We will walk or snow shoe along the Mohawk River on the Mohawk Towpath Byway. Meeting place will be at Terminal Road in Crescent (the first right off the Crescent Bridge on Rt. 9 heading north from Colonie). We may decide to add the new Halfmoon Town Park trails to our walk. Call Gayle for starting time.

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain pfount1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.

LENGTH: 3.5 miles and if we add the town park an addition 1.5 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Crescent.



Monday, January 18: XC Ski
For details, starting place and time contact Judy.

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

LENGTH: To be determined by the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.







Thursday, January 21 or Friday, January 22: Taconic Crest Trail

Tower Mountain Road to Madden Road

See January 7 for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts, 766-4170.

LENGTH: 7.83 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip







Saturday, January 23: XC Ski: Mountain Top, Vermont
See January 9 for details.

CONTACT: Dave Esmond at 439-4656.

LENGTH: Your desire.

ROAD DISTANCE: Bus trip.





Sunday, January24: Potluck “New Year’s Day Party and Outing”
Meet at Kathy Wolfe’s house at noon. We will hike, XC ski, snowshoe or just ramble, depending on weather conditions. For those of you who just want to join the party please arrive by 2PM. Please call Kathy by Monday, January 18 to let her know what kind of dish you will be bringing.

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

LENGTH: To be determined that date by the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Kathy’s.



Thursday, January 28: Garnet Hill or Santanoni Preserve
Let’s go skiing! Trip destination will depend on snow conditions. If there’s plenty of snow and it’s not bitter cold, we’ll go to Santanoni. If snow conditions are iffy or it’s really cold, we’ll go to Garnet Hill and ski out and take the bus back. Contact leader for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125.

LENGTH: Santanoni – approx 10 miles RT, not much elevation; Garnet Hill – as much or as little as you want

ROAD DISTANCE: Depends on destination.



Saturday, January 30: End to End Meeting, Clifton Park, NY
This will be our second strategy meeting for the May 15th End to End Endurance Challenge. Join us for lunch (provided by the THC) and help out with the final plans for another exciting event. We are meeting at 17 Washington Lane, Clifton Park at 11AM.

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

LENGTH: Hopefully 2 hours including lunch.

ROAD DISTANCE: Just a short drive on the Northway to Exit 8A.



Sunday, January 31: Partridge Run State Wildlife Management Area
There are many trails to ski or snowshoe near Albany. If there is no snow we will hike. Call Willard for details, starting time and place.

CONTACT: Willard Hoyt at willard2@juno.com or 732-2390.

LENGTH: To be determined with a minimal ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 50 miles round-trip.





Monday, February 1: XC Ski Saratoga State Park, Saratoga, NY.

We will meet at the warming hut on the golf course, just to the left side off the Avenue of the Pines Road. There are no groomed ski trails here but it is a fun novice area. Contact Phil for meeting time.

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

LENGTH: Varies according to your endurance.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your place to the Saratoga State Park.



Thursday, February 4: XC Ski
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.





Thursday, February 4 or Friday, February 5: Taconic Crest Trail

Madden Road to Mattison Hollow Road

See January 7 for details

CONTACT: Susan Roberts, 766-4170.

LENGTH: 9.85 miles..

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip.



Saturday, February 6: Grafton Lakes State Park Winter Festival
Join us at Grafton Lakes State Park for their Annual Winter Festival. We will snow shoe around Long Pond about 10 AM (contact Gayle). We will meet at the Concession stand on the beach. If there is interest we will also ski one of the well-groomed ski trails around 1PM (contact Colin). If you are available to sit at the THC table in the GLSP Maintenance Building please contact Kathy.

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585 or Colin Campbell at holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629 or Kathy Wolfe at nanwolfe88@yahoo.com or 482-0424.

LENGTH: Snow shoe around 3 miles, ski run to be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to GLSP winter entrance and Concession stand.





Saturday, February 6: Taconic Crest Trail

Petersburg Pass to Mattison Hollow Road

We’ll spot cars and climb Berlin Mountain with its bare summit and views of Mount Greylock. We’ll continue over Berlin Pass and come out through the Mattison Hollow Access Trail. For starting time and place contact leader, no calls after 9PM please.

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

LENGTH: About 10 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip.



Saturday, February 6, Mountain Meadows, VT
See January 9 for details.

CONTACT: Dave Esmond at 439-4656.

LENGTH: Your desire.

ROAD DISTANCE: Bus trip.





Monday, February 8: Halfmoon Canal Trail, Halfmoon, NY

We will either walk, XC ski or snowshoe along the Old Champlain Canal depending on Mother Nature. We will meet at the north end of the path in the parking lot off Upper Newtown Road in Halfmoon, just off Rt. 32 heading towards Mechanicville.

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

LENGTH: 6 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Upper Newtown Road.



Thursday, February 11: XC Ski at Prospect Mountain
This XC ski area east of Bennington is not as well known as some in the Adirondacks, but has some pretty good skiing. We will meet at 8:30AM in the Schodack Park & Ride off Exit 11E, I90.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 70 miles round-trip.



Saturday, February 13: Leader’s Choice Snow Shoe
For the hikers not leaving town for President’s Day weekend, join Bob on a local area snowshoe. Call for location, starting time and place.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Leader’s choice.



Monday, February 15: XC Ski
For details, starting place and time contact Judy.

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

LENGTH: To be determined by the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.





Thursday February 18 or Friday, February 19: Taconic Crest Trail

Mattison Hollow Road to Southeast Hollow Road

See January 7 for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts, 766-4170.

LENGTH: 7 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip.



Saturday, February 20: XC, Snow Shoe or Walk, Albany, NY
This will be a winter non-golf experience along the Normanskill, a XC ski or snowshoe, within the city of Albany. Depending on the group it can be a workout or a relaxing stroll from Delaware Ave. (by the Capital Hills Golf Course) and back to Colin’s house for hot chocolate, cookies and soup. Skis and/or snowshoes are suggested and if no snow, good boots with cleats, etc. for ice. Must call Colin for starting time.

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

LENGTH: 3 miles or group choice.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Colin’s.



Friday, February 26: XC Ski, Merck Forest, VT
Come join me for a leisurely, relaxed ski around Merck Forest. There are numerous old roads and trails to explore here that provide very pleasant skiing – we’ll avoid the steepest hills! They do request, though it’s not mandatory, a very modest donation to help keep the farm going. Call leader for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125.

LENGTH: Approximately 5-8 miles, depending on group interest

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 130 miles round-trip, car-pooling to determine fee



Saturday, February 27: XC Ski, Mt. VanHovenberg, NY
See January 9 for details. This trip will cost $20 to cover the longer bus ride.

CONTACT: Dave Esmond at 439-4656.

LENGTH: Your desire.

ROAD DISTANCE: Bus trip.





Thursday, March 4 or Friday, March 5: Taconic Crest Trail
Southeast Hollow Road to Petersburg Pass

See January 7 for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts, 766-4170.

LENGTH: 7.2 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip.



Sunday, March 7: Siamese Ponds XC Ski
Starting from the trailhead on Route 8 we will ski out to the ponds. Total round-trip distance will be 12 miles. Those interested in a shorter trip can turn around at the lean-to on the Sacandaga for an 8-mile round-trip. Call David for starting time and place, no calls after 9PM please.

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

LENGTH: 8 or 12 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Call leader for details.



Monday, March 15: Spring schedule activities are due
Today is the deadline for your contribution to the spring schedule. Please continue to do your part to keep our club as diverse and active as has been in the past. We are trying to surpass the 121 activities that we scheduled for 2009 and we need your help.

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

LENGTH: Any length you want.

ROAD DISTANCE: There are no limits.





Thursday, March 18 or Friday, March 19: Taconic Crest Trail

Petersburg Pass to Route 346

See January 7 for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts, 766-4170.

LENGTH: 7.65 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip



JUST A REMINDER
Dues are due January 1 ($10 per year) for those of you that haven’t already renewed your membership.



January 24th is the new date for the New Year’s Day Potluck Party at Kathy Wolfe’s house.



Participate in two trail clearings and receive free THC dues for the following year.



End to End Endurance Challenge is May 15th. Please volunteer! Contact Pam Bailey, Gayle Fountain, Gretchen Gedroiz, Dick Hughes or Kathy Wolfe.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

MUST READ for End to End Details for May 2010

Here is some important information for the May 15, 2010, Taconic Hiking Club’s Endurance Challenge – the End to End.

On Friday, May 14th at approximately 7PM there will be a meeting of all the entrants at the Berry Pond Campsites in the Pittsfield State Forest. This orientation will be conducted by Colin Campbell, THC trails chairman, who will go over the maps of the Taconic Crest Trail and will answer questions about the trail itself. No meals will be provided on Friday night.

Due to the early starting time (5:30AM) all are encouraged to camp at Berry Pond where drinking water and a latrine will be available even though the park is not opened to the public. Wake up will take place at 5:00AM and a hot breakfast will be served to all. Juice, tea and coffee will also be provided. The hikers will then be led out of the park by our official bagpipe starter at 5:30AM. Anyone who does not camp at Berry Pond should adhere to these times. Those coming later will be allowed to hike but will not be permitted to start after 6:30AM.

While the THC will strike the tents and load your equipment into your car, we are encouraging you to either car pool or bring a companion to help with this. We are trying to keep the number of THC shuttle drivers to a minimum. Please be sure all your camping equipment is labeled with your name and entrant number. It is also very important that your car keys are also tagged (provided at Berry Pond) with your name, car model, color and license plate number and given to Dick Hughes, who is in charge of the car shuttle. This is important if the club is moving your car to the finish line at RT. 346 near North Petersburgh, NY. We are including a list of the other hikers and their information to encourage the carpooling option.

As hikers progress north from Berry Pond, support sites along the Crest Trail will be at:
#1 Madden Road, Hancock, MA (5.3 miles)
#2 Mattison Hollow (12.8 miles)
#3 Petersburgh Pass (20.9 miles)

At these support sites THC members will have water available for the hikers. Any prepackaged small bags the entrants have prepared for themselves will be at sites #2 and #3. We recommend these contain dry socks, lunch, gorp, a flashlight and a jacket for the last site. These items should be packed in a plastic bag, not paper, and be clearly labeled. There is a maximum of two bags per hiker and please keep them light. Hikers are free to carry whatever they wish on the trail. The club recommends a beverage, whistle, compass or GPS, map handouts from the THC, rain gear if appropriate and comfortable, sturdy hiking boots. Most of the trail is wooded and there will be protection from the sun, but a hat is always useful as well as sunscreen. There is NO rain date for this event. If a hiker fails to show on May 15th the registration fee will NOT be refunded.

All hikers must clear the Petersburgh Pass site by 4:30PM to avoid problems caused by the remaining 8.35 miles of trail and oncoming darkness at approximately 8PM.

Lastly, the THC will schedule two trail work days, usually in the month prior to the End to End. All entrants are encouraged to participate in one or both of these dates to get familiar with the terrain and trail markings. If you are interested in attending please contact Colin Campbell at 518-438-9629 or Holesinhead@aol.com.

A trail map with waypoints that can be programmed to a GPS and a map to Berry Pond will be sent to entrants in April. I hope this information helps you plan a successful End to End hike. Feel free to contact me at pambailey22@yahoo.com or 39 Fane Court, Troy, NY 12182 if you need more information.