Tuesday, August 25, 2009

THC Fall Outings Schedule 2009

SEPTEMBER

Thursday, September 10: Paddle North-Hudson Luzerne

We will put in at the DEC boat launch south of Luzerne. We will paddle north against the current up to the Town and then ride the current back to the launch area. This will be an easy leisurely paddle of about five miles. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride at 0830.

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

LENGTH: About a 5 mile paddle.

ROAD DISTANCE: 80 miles round trip.

Saturday, September 12: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Bike Ride, MA

Ride along this11 mile, level and scenic rail trail in Massachusetts. We will start our ride from the Adams Visitor Center and bike south on the trail through Cheshire to the end, near the Berkshire Mall in Lanesboro. Those who want an easy ride can make the return trip on the same trail for a total of 22 miles. People wanting a bit more of a challenge can take the country roads back along the western side of the Cheshire Reservoir for a round trip total of about 25 miles. There is a scenic place for lunch with restrooms along the way. Meet at 9:00 AM at Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt. 7, east of Troy in Brunswick.

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

LENGTH: 22 to 25 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles round trip.

Monday, September 14: Bike Around Schroon Lake

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the I87 Exit 9 Park & Ride.

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

LENGTH: 27 miles round trip.

ROAD DIST ANCE: About130 miles round trip.

Tuesday, September 15: Berlin Mountain, Berlin, NY

This will be a short day to weed whack and prune tree branches on the Taconic Crest Trail from Petersburgh Pass up to Green Hollow. Bring you favorite tools, lunch and drink. Meet at 10:00AM at Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt.7, east of Troy in Brunswick.

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

LENGTH: About 3.0 miles round-trip. ROAD DISTANCE: About 25 miles round-trip.

Saturday, September 19: Mount Greylock, Lanesboro, MA

We will hike Mt.Greylock via the Cheshire Harbor & Gould trails. Though the Cheshire Harbor trail climbs the steep east side from Greylock Glen, beginning at 1600 feet, it is the easiest route to the summit at 3491 feet. With a short distance on the Appalachian Trail we reach the top. As an alternative return, we hike the Gould Trail with a stop at Peeks Brook Falls, and then connect with the CH trail to the parking area. Lunch will be on the top with an option to eat at the newly renovated Bascom Lodge, and also time to 1visit the war monument if desired. After hike option in Adams at the Freight Yard Pub. NY meeting place is at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt. 7, Brunswick, east of Troy at 8:45AM. Since there is no NY contact person please be prompt so carpooling can be organized quickly. This is joint trip with other clubs.

CONTACT: Judy Wolgast at judywolgast@yahoo.com or 413-447-7786. On the day of the hike please use 413-822-0305.

LENGTH: 3.3 miles to the summit with an ascent of 1891 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 150 miles round trip.

Sunday, September 20: AT/Long Trail from VT Rt. 140 to VT Rt 103

We will hike over Bear Mountain, past Spring Lake and down to Clarendon Gorge on the Appalachian/Long Trail. Contact R.J. for meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: 6.3 miles with 630 feet of ascent and 1030 feet of descent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 150 miles round trip, plus a short car spot.

Monday, September 21: Columbia County Exploration

We will hike something not to strenuous in the area (Sunset Rock or Beebe Hill). After lunch we can visit Mrs. Roger’s Book Barn, a wonderful used bookstore in Craryville. Call Susan for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: To be determined by the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined by the hike location.

Tuesday, September 22: Hudson River Paddle, Sherman Island

This is a leisurely flatwater paddle on the Hudson between Spier Falls Dam and the Sherman Island Dam. If we’re lucky, we’ll have some fall color to enjoy along the way. Call Lynn for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125 before 9:00 p.m.

LENGTH: About 7 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 100 miles round trip.

Thursday, September 24: Bike Southern Washington County, NY

This will be a bike ride called “Tour De Farm”, via mostly scenic back roads to four protected farms and enjoying the history of this area. We will view a few of Grandma Moses’ painting sites and her farm, which is still in operation. We will ride across the Buskirk Historic Covered Bridge too. Please call Phil for meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: 22 miles round-trip with just a few rolling hills.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles round trip.

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 3: Snow Hole, NY

Join us for this beautiful time of the year to hike to the Snow Hole, on the Taconic Crest Trail. Call Margaret for details and meeting time at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt. 7, east of Troy in Brunswick.

CONTACT: Margaret Parks at 728-6690.

LENGTH: 4 miles round trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles round trip.

Tuesday, October 6: Dickenson Fire Tower, Grafton, NY

We will walk along Long Pond Road via the Fire Tower Trail to the restored Dickinson Fire Tower. We will have lunch at the summit and allow small groups to climb the tower and enjoy this panoramic scenery. Our return will be via the Chet Bell

Trail. We will meet at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt.7, east of Troy in Brunswick at 9:30 AM. This will be a joint trip with other clubs.

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

LENGTH: About 3 miles round trip with an ascent of 300 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 30 miles round trip.

Monday, October 12: Vanderwacker Mountain

Vanderwacker is a fire tower peak in the southern Adirondacks with good views of the high peaks on a clear day. Maybe there will be a little fall color left. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride, at 8:00 AM.

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

LENGTH: 5 miles round trip, 1650 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 180 miles round trip.

Tuesday, October 13: French Mountain, Queensbury, NY

We will walk one mile on the Warren County Bike Trail before following the marked trail to the summit of French Mountain. We will meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride on Fire Road at 9:30 AM. This will be a joint trip with other clubs.

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

LENGTH: 4 miles round trip with an ascent of 900 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 90 miles round trip.

Saturday, October 17: End to End Meeting, Clifton Park, NY

This will be the first meeting of the volunteers to help stage the End to End for, May 15, 2010. Pam Bailey and Gayle Fountain will be co-chairs for the event, but many volunteers are needed. Please plan on staying for lunch (provided by THC) and bring your ideas and desire to help create another successful End to End Endurance Challenge. We are meeting at 17 Washington Lane, Clifton Park at 11AM.

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain 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, October 18: AT/Long Trail from USFS 10 to VT Rt 140

We will start with an easy walk in to Little Rock Pond. From there we will climb up to White Rocks Mountain, then down to views from the White Rocks Ledges. The finish is a steep descent to Roaring Brook with cascade views. Contact R.J. for meeting place and time.

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

LENGTH: 8.3 miles with 900 feet of ascent and 1140 feet of descent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 130 miles round trip, plus a short car spot.

Sunday, October 18: Deadline THC Banquet Reservations

See Sunday, November 1 for full details. Today is the last day to contact Doree with your reservations at 658-2643.

Tuesday, October 20: Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Hogtown, NY

This hike will be a moderate stroll to a great summit. Depending on road or trail conditions, we will either start from Hogtown or from Dacy Clearing. We will meet at 9:30AM at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. This will be a joint trip with other clubs.

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

LENGTH: From Hogtown, 6.8 miles, round trip, with an ascent of 1038 ft. or from Dacy Clearing, 3.8 miles, round trip, with an ascent of 700 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 130 miles round trip.

Saturday, October 24: Lake Minnawaska

Lake Minnawaska is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge and has outstanding views of the nearby Catskill Mountains. Call Margaret for carpooling arrangements and meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Margaret Parks at 728-6690.

LENGTH: 4 to 10 miles depending on the interest of the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 180 round trip.

Tuesday, October 27: Mount Greylock, Lanesboro, MA

Mt. Greylock is the highest point in MA (3491 ft.), providing great views of northwest MA and parts of NY and VT. We will hike via the Cheshire Harbor Trail to the summit. We will meet at 9:00AM at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt. 7, east of Troy in Brunswick. This will be a joint trip with other clubs.

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

LENGTH: 6.5 miles roundtrip with an ascent of 1929 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 85 miles round trip.

NOVEMBER

SUNDAY, November 1: Taconic Hiking Club Annual Banquet

This year’s Annual Meeting and Banquet will be a Buffet Lunch at the Burden Lake Country Club, 162 Totem Lodge Road, Averill Park, starting at noon. The menu will include:

Fresh Fruit Tossed Salad

Bruschetta Homemade Bread

Potato Salad Tuna Salad

Pasta Gardinera Chicken Strips

Beef Kebobs

Dessert, Coffee & Tea

The cost will be $17.00 per person

To make reservations contact Doree Cox at 658-2643 before October 18th.

Directions: From the Albany Area. Take I-90East to exit 8 (Defreestville, NY Rt. 43). Follow exit to the third traffic light and turn right on Best Road (County Rt. 55). Follow Best Road for 4 ½ miles to Rt. 150 (Traffic light) and go straight (County Rt. 50) another 3 ½ miles to Totem Lodge Road and turn left. Follow Totem Lodge Road, go past old clubhouse, barn and two houses then turn right at entrance.

Sunday, November 8: Dalton to Cheshire, Berkshire County, MA

Woods Road climbs North Mountain gradually and a foot trail descends over The Cobbles to Cheshire. Meet at Schodack Park & Ride and contact Dale for meeting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchett at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 8 miles with an ascent of 1200 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 90 miles round trip.

Monday, November 9: Paddle

Dick Hughes has changed his paddle on Monday, November 9 to the Kaydeross Creek.
The meeting place has also changed to the Northway Exit 12 Park and Ride at 9:30 A.M. Please contact Dick
at 371-7655 or rhughes913@nycap.rr.com regarding any questions that you may need answered.

Tuesday, November 10: Pillsbury Mountain, Perkins Clearing, NY

THIS TRIP MAYBE CHANGED DUE HUNTING SEASON, CONTACT SUSAN.

There is a fire tower at the summit (3574ft.) of Pillsbury Mountain. The view from the summit of Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lake, to the south, is striking. Call Susan for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 677-4170.

LENGTH: 5.4 miles with an ascent of 1677 ft.

ROAD: DISTANCE: About 200 miles round trip.

Sunday, November 15: Alander Mountain, from the East, Berkshire County, MA

Expect grand views from the top and a cabin for shelter. Our loop will use parts of South Taconic Trail and Ashley Brook Trail. Meet at the Schodack Park & Ride and contact Dale for meeting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchett at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 7 miles with an ascent of 840 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 104 miles round trip.

Sunday, November 15: Winter schedule activities are due.

Today is the deadline for your contribution to the THC winter schedule. Please keep planning the many activities to keep us busy during the beautiful winter season.

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

LENGTH: Any length hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski trip or for the brave and hardy, a bike ride.

ROAD DISTANCE: There are no limits.

Monday, November 16: Mt Tremper

This is a Catskill Mountain steep climb, with a non -functional fire tower. If the leaves are all down there will be views of other Catskill peaks. We will meet at 8:00 AM at the Delmar Park and Ride on Rt. 32.

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

LENGTH: 6 miles round trip with 2000 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 135 miles round trip.

Sunday, November 22: Savoy State Forest, Berkshire County, MA

After exploring Tannery Falls, we will follow Ross Brook to the Balanced Rock and descend on Balanced Rock Trail. Trails are fairly sheltered. We will get our views roadside. Meet at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride on Rt. 7, east of Troy in Brunswick and contact Dale for the meeting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchett at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 5 miles with an ascent of 500 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 110 miles round trip.

Friday, November 27: High Peaks, Keene Valley, NY

This will be a “Black Friday Hike” to work off your turkey feast. Please contact Phil before Thanksgiving for particulars.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 200 miles round trip.

Sunday, November 29: Ashley Hill Brook Trail, Mt. Washington State Forest, MA

This trail climbs gradually toward the South Taconic Trail and a nearby view point. 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

Just a reminder

  • THC membership dues run from January 1 to December 31 and the cost is $10 per year. This means we all owe our dues money to Dick Hughes, 19 Lace Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065 on or about January 1, 2010.
  • If you have helped with trail clearing on the Taconic Crest Trail you may be eligible for free membership in the THC. Anyone who has worked on two trail clearing events is eligible. Just contact Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
  • The End to End is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2010. A volunteer workers meeting will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the home of Phil and Gayle Fountain, 17 Washington Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065. The meeting will start at 11AM (stay for lunch) and will be over by 1PM. Last year we had a large number of workers and it made the End to End a very successful and manageable endeavor. Please come to the meeting, or call 371-8585, and volunteer to help with, trail maintenance, kitchen, sweeps, sherpas or car movers just to name a few of the many areas of workers needed.
  • Cascadian Farms, a manufacturer of granola bars and other organic food items, is partnering with NYS Parks to help raise money for trails. For every visitor to www.parkvistor.com/cascadianfarm, Cascadian will donate $1 for State Park trail’s maintenance and promotion. The promotion expires November 15, or as soon as a $25,000 cap is reached. New York State is the only state participating in this initiative, so please encourage your friends and family to go to the website and generate some free money for NYS trails. A link can also be found at: www.nysparks.state.ny.us/.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

ACTION ALERT: YOUR HELP IS NEEDED BY AUG 28th PUSH BACK WILDERNESS FORCES; CAN YOU WRITE A LETTER???

Your help will be appreciated and is needed this time more than ever before. Thanks
Phil Seward
Chairman Albany ADK

Action Alert
Anti-wilderness forces are mounting an organized letter-writing campaign to persuade the Adirondack Park Agency and Governor Paterson to reject a plan to add the Lows Lake area to the Five Ponds Wilderness. We need your support to counter this anti-wilderness effort. Unless you write, this wonderful addition to the Five Ponds Wilderness won't happen. Your letter will not only help turn the tide on this issue, it will let state officials know there is a constituency for wilderness protection in New York that is willing to take action. If you care about the Lows Lake canoe/kayak experience, if you believe there is a place for quiet paddling in the Adirondacks, if you believe wild places are worth protecting, this is the time to speak up.

Written comments must be received by APA no later than Friday, Aug. 28. Below is a sample letter you can use. (It is also posted on the ADK Web site.) Please feel free to personalize the letter. For more details, please read our earlier Action Alert or visit APA's Web site at www.apa.state.ny.us.

Remember, every letter counts.

Thank you your support on this vital issue. If you can please send or e-mail Allison Beals a copy of your letter at allison@adk.org

Allison Beals
Director of Government Relations & Conservation
Adirondack Mountain Club
301 Hamilton Street
Albany, NY 12210
phone: (518) 449-3870
fax: (518) 449-3875

Sample Letter


Richard Weber
Assistant Director for Planning
Adirondack Park Agency
PO Box 99
Ray Brook , NY 12977

Dear Mr. Weber,

As a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) and avid paddler, I am writing to express my support for the classification of the Lows Lake/ Bog River area, along with the surrounding 12,545 acres as wilderness additions to the Five Ponds Wilderness area. Wilderness classification ensures the future protection of Lows Lake, the hub of two multi-day wilderness canoe routes: Bog River to Lows Lake to Little Tupper Lake via Bog Lake, Lake Lila and Rock Lake, and the route from Bog River through Lows Lake to the Oswegatchie River in the heart of the Five Ponds Wilderness. These rare wilderness paddling opportunities prompted the State's initial commitment to acquire these lands and waters.

Despite the extensive water resources in the Adirondack Park, opportunities for quiet canoeing and kayaking, away from the noise and wakes of motorboats, are rare. Of the 34 Adirondack lakes larger than 1,000 acres, only two are free of motors, Lake Lila and Little Tupper Lake. Public use of motorboats is already prohibited on Lows Lake and Bog River Flow by a DEC regulation adopted in 1996. DEC has drafted a proposed regulation that will prohibit all floatplane use of Lows Lake and Bog River Flow after Dec. 31, 2011. Wilderness designation of the waters of Lows Lake and Bog River Flow is consistent with these existing and proposed regulations.

Once again, Mr. Weber, thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

__._,_.___

Friday, August 07, 2009

Dyken Pond Center will host a day-long workshop on lake ecology: August 22nd from 9 to 4, $25

Lake Ecology Workshop

At

Dyken Pond Center

With David Hunt

Grafton, NY – Want to get more than your feet wet? Spend a day studying lake ecology as a scientist. The workshop will be held August 22 from 9 am to 4pm at Dyken Pond Center and will focus on Dyken Pond as an ecological community, with a strong emphasis on its plants and animals, including some rare species in Rensselaer County. We will also study physical aspects of the lake, including lake zones, water chemistry, temperature, and substrate types. A sample plot, water measurements, and species identification will present opportunities for hands-on activities and up-close observations. The program will conclude by pulling together information on historic changes in the lake that have led to its current condition, ways to monitor trends in the lake, and various options for management of the lake to help maintain or restore its features.

Dr. David Hunt is a professional ecologist and botanist with extensive experience in aquatic communities and intimate knowledge of the ecology of the Rensselaer Plateau.

Bring a lunch, footwear that you don’t mind getting wet, and, if you have them, a mask and snorkel. The fee for the session is $25 for the day, $20 for members. Please call the Center at 658-2055, or email dykenpond@fairpoint.net as pre-registration is required for this event.

Dyken Pond Center is a Rensselaer County park located in the town of Grafton, open daily during daylight hours for fishing, non-motor boating, hiking, and nature study. Call the Center or visit www.dykenpond.org for directions and a complete schedule of our summer events.