Monday, May 24, 2010

THC Summer Schedule 2010

Saturday, June 5: National Trail’s Day
Trail work will be done in Grafton Lakes State Park at 9:30 A.M. Please go to the maintenance garage to find our assigned trail. Bring your own tools, rakes, lopers, pruners or anything else you might need for trail work.

Saturday, June 5: THC Annual Potluck Picnic at Grafton Lakes State Park
The GLSP opens at 9 A.M. and closes at dusk for hiking, boating and swimming. We are once again at the Amphitheater Pavilion (by the beach).
Our activities for the day are:
• At 9:30 A.M. we will meet GLSP Office and be given our assignment for trail clearing.
• Noon to1 P.M. POT LUCK APPETIZERS.
• 1P.M. POT LUCK salads, desserts and treats along with THC supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks (lemonade and iced tea) and condiments.
• Please bring your own soda, beer or wine.
• Lawn chairs and games are recommended.
• 2 P.M. short THC meeting.
• Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.
• Please call Doree at 658-2643 to let her know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert). If no answer leave a message.

Sunday, June 6: Mt. Antone, Rupert, VT
Using the back entrance of the Merck Forest and Farm Center, we will ascend the Masters Mountain Trail on a series of switchbacks to the summit of Mt.Antone (2600 ft). From there, we will explore more of the preserve via Antone Rd and Old Town Road.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH: 6 miles and an ascent of 1600 ft.
ROAD DISTANCE: 110 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, June 8: Taconic Crest Trail - Petersburg Pass to Route 346.
We will begin at elevation and hike north for 8.35 miles over rolling hills and then descend to road, with a possible stop at the Snow Hole. Bring lunch, rain gear. Car shuttle required. Early start. Must contact leader for starting time and place.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH: Approx. 7.65 miles and approximately 1556 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: Less than 75 miles round-trip.

Thursday, June 10: Mohawk River and Erie Canal walk in Waterford
Join Etta at her house as the starting point and walk in the Northside area to view the Cohoes Falls from the Waterford side. We will then walk to Lock 6 and walk along Flight Lock Road past Locks 5 & 4. After crossing Lock 4 we will return to Etta’s by way of the pasture, this will be a nice countryside walk. Please call Etta for directions and starting time.
CONTACT: Etta Menges 233-8310.
LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles with minimal elevation changes.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Etta’s in Waterford.

Saturday, June 12: Paddle the Hoosick River
Join Colin and Dick for their paddle on the Hoosick River. Call either Colin or Dick for meeting time and place, a car spot will be needed.
CONTACT: Colin Campbell at holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629 or
Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: 14 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Colin or Dick for information.

Wednesday, June 16: Evening Bike Trip
We will meet at a designated location for a moderately paced ride. Call Rosemary for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Rosemary Daley at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH: From 17 to 24 miles, depending on the group.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined by leader.

Wednesday, June 23: Bike Lakes of Chester, NY
This ride will take us through the towns of North Creek, Olmsteadville, Pottersville, past Loon Lake, Friends Lake, the Hudson River, Weavertown and back to North Creek. The roads will provide a couple of long, sustained, yet gentle climbs. Please contact Phil for meeting place and time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: 38.5 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 120 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, June 23: Evening Bike Trip
We will meet at a designated location for a moderately paced ride. Call Rosemary for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Rosemary Daley at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH: From 17 to 24 miles, depending on the group.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined by leader.

Thursday, June 24: Mohawk River at Lions Park
This is a “clean-up” trip of sorts. The Nature Conservancy has, for several years, been pulling water chestnut out of South Bay and it has made a huge difference in the Bay. I though it would be nice to do that here and help our local rivers in the same way. Sooooo, this trip won’t cover much distance, but we’ll spend a couple of hours during the morning pulling out chestnuts (the aquatic version of crab grass!), botanizing and bird watching. Bring a pail or crate of some sort to put the chestnuts in. The Nature Conservancy folks told us that it makes great compost as long as it’s kept well away from water sources. Leader: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125. Call for meeting time & place.
CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125 before 9:00 P.M.
LENGTH: Not much.
ROAD DISTANCE: Mileage from your home to Lions Park

Thursday, June 24: Acra Point.
Starting at the Big Hollow Rd. parking lot, we will do a loop up to Acra Point and the Escarpment trail. We can hope for some pinksters in bloom. We will meet at the RT 32 Elm Ave. Park and Ride in Delmar at 8:30 A.M.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: 5 miles and approx.1000 ft of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 80 miles round-trip.

Monday, July 5: Taconic Crest Trail
We will hike Mattison Hollow Road to Petersburg Pass. Must call Judy for starting time and place.
CONTACT: Judy Brandow at hwesterh@nycap.rr.com or 482-4610.
LENGTH: About 10.21 miles with approximately 3382 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 75 miles round-trip

Wednesday, July 7: Kunjamuk River Paddle
The Kunjamuk is another excellent Adirondack backcountry paddle. This trip will involve negotiating many sharp turns and several beaver dam crossings; but has always been an enjoyable paddle. Please contact Etta for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Etta Menges 233-8310.
LENGTH: Approximately 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 150 miles round-trip.

Saturday, July 17: Tanglewood Rehearsal
Join us for the rehearsals of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Pre-rehearsal lectures are at 9:30AM, rehearsal at 10:30AM (of some or all of a performance scheduled for that weekend). Admission is $18. Bring lunch & a beverage. Some people may wish to go on to another Berkshire attraction (Jacob’s Pillow or Shakespeare & Co.) in the P.M.. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 60 miles.

Saturday, July 17: Shrewsbury Peak, North Shrewsbury, VT
Rescheduled to August 15th


Saturday, July 24: Tanglewood Rehearsal
Join us for the rehearsals of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Pre-rehearsal lectures are at 9:30AM, rehearsal at 10:30AM (of some or all of a performance scheduled for that weekend). Admission is $18. Bring lunch & a beverage. Some people may wish to go on to another Berkshire attraction (Jacob’s Pillow or Shakespeare & Co.) in the P.M.. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 60 miles.

Wednesday, July 28: Bike ride
Round Lake to Saratoga State Park and return via the back streets in Ballston Spa.
Bike path and secondary roads will be traveled where possible.
Meet at Round Lake bike path parking area. Call me if you are not familiar with this area.
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: 26 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Round Lake. Parking at the bike path parking area.

Wednesday, August 4: Pedal Otsego Lake, Cooperstown, NY
Otsego Lake is a small lake located in Cooperstown, NY and is the source of the Susquehanna River. The lake was known to James Fenimore Cooper as Glimmerglass and was a feature in several of his novels. Please contact Phil for meeting place and time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: Approximately 20 miles round-trip, we may explore more, if the group is willing.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 180 miles round-trip.

Sunday, August 8: Paddle Minerva Stream, Essex Co., NY
RESCHEDULED for Sunday, August 15th

Sunday, August 15: Fall schedule activities are due
Today is the deadline for your contribution to the fall schedule. Please continue to do your part in helping to keep our club as diverse and active as it has been, you really make a difference.
CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: Any length of a bike ride, hike or paddle.
ROAD DISTANCE: No limit.

Sunday, August 15 Shrewsbury Peak, North Shrewsbury, VT
This is a short, steep climb to a series of views on rocky outcroppings on the south summit of Shrewsbury Peak (3720 ft). We have the option to make it a loop hike with the Black Swamp Trail, which is reached on the way to the wooded north summit.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH: 4-5 miles and approx. 1500 ft. of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 180 miles round trip.

Sunday, August 15th Paddle Minerva Stream, Essex Co., NY
This is winding stream with beaver dams. We will mosey along to enjoy nature. Meet at Exit 9 Park and Ride at 9 A.M.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 5 to 7 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 188 miles round-trip.


Thursday, August 19: West Lake, Canada Lake Outlet to Stewart’s Dam
This will be a leisurely paddle on some pretty lakes and streams in the southwestern Adirondacks. There may be some ducks, and other residents, to see, as well as botanizing along the way. Call Lynn for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125 before 9:00 P.M.
LENGTH: About 10 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 150 miles and may be a little more.

Friday, August 20: Canoe/Kayak
Mechanicville Lock 2 to Waterford Harbor Visitor Center.
Meet 9:30 in Waterford at the south end of 1st street.
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: 7.3 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Waterford.


Thursday, August 26 Overlook Mtn in the Catskills
About 1000 feet of ascent in 2.5 miles. About 100 miles away. An easy hike, even doable on a hot day. The old hotel 3/4 of the way up is great for photography. Meet in the Delmar Rt 32 P&R at 8:30.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson. 439-4308, khenriks@nycap.rr.com


Saturday, August 28: Tanglewood Rehearsal
Join us for the rehearsals of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Pre-rehearsal lectures are at 9:30AM, rehearsal at 10:30AM (of some or all of a performance scheduled for that weekend). Admission is $18. Bring lunch & a beverage. Some people may wish to go on to another Berkshire attraction (Jacob’s Pillow or Shakespeare & Co.) in the P.M. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 60 miles.

Saturday, August 28: Siamese Ponds Trail Work
We'll hike in from the Rt. 8 trailhead to the lean to and finally to the ponds. Activities will include trail work (brushing out, water bars, etc.) and trash removal. Nothing is going to be difficult or physically demanding, but this is a work trip. This is your chance give something back to the mountains. Bad weather postpones to the next day. Please call leader for starting time and place and no calls after 9 P.M. please.
CONTACT: David Pisaneschi at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969
LENGTH: Approximately 8 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Check with leader.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Taconic Hiking Club May Activities

Sunday, May 2: AT in New York from Rte 22 to Old Rte 55

This is section III of the AT in New York. Highlights of this Harlem Valley hike include; Swamp River, the giant Dover Oak and Nuclear Lake.

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

LENGTH: 7.4 miles with 720 feet of ascent and 480 feet of descent.

ROAD DISTANCE: 200 miles round trip with a car spot.

Tuesday, May 4: Cat and Thomas Mountains, Lake George, NY

We will walk up the road to the peak of Thomas, then take the trail to Cat and return via the road. There may be some wild flowers along the way. Meeting place is at the Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 8:30 A.M.

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

LENGTH: 7 miles round trip with an ascent of 1300 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 130 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, May 5: Snowhole, Petersburgh, NY

We will hike north on the Taconic Crest Trail into the “Snowhole” and enjoy the beautiful views along the way. Meet at the Wal-Mart parking lot off Route 7 in Brunswick, NY at 9 A.M.

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

LENGTH: About 6 miles round-trip with ascent of about 700 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles round-trip.

Friday May 7: Hike or bike in Northern Columbia County.

Look for spring wildflowers in a local nature preserve or bike a loop, return to leader's house to eat your lunch and see the baby goats.

LENGTH: 25 miles if biking

Call leader for directions and meeting time

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170

Monday, May 10: Canoe or Kayak, Schenectady.

We will spot a car at Lock 7 and start our paddle from Schenectady County Community College. MUST call Judy for details and car spot.

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

LENGTH: 9 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 48 miles round trip.

Tuesday, May 11 Paddle Mohawk and Hudson Rivers

We will launch from Waterford and will explore the intersecting area of the two rivers including a Hudson River lock and the falls south of Peebles Island. We will eat lunch at Peebles Island. This is intended to be a good seasonal warm up paddle. We will meet at Northway Exit 9

Park and Ride at 0900

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

LENGTH: Paddle distance 8 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 20 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, May 12: Bike Mohawk Trail, Colonie, NY

This will be a gentle bike ride on a paved trail. You must have recent bike experience and provide your own bike and helmet. Meet at 9:00 A.M. at Guptill’s Skating Arena Parking Lot on Route 9 in Latham, NY.

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

LENGTH: 15 to 25 miles round-trip, with minimal elevation.

ROAD DISTANCE: 3 to 4 miles to the Bike Path Parking Lot

Thursday, May 13: Bike Ride, Lake George.

We will bike from Fort Edward to Lake George. First 4 miles will be on the “Feeder Canal Park Heritage Trail”. The next 12 miles will be on the “Warren County Bikeway”. Meet at Exit 9, Park and Ride at 8:30 AM, must call Dick before the ride.

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

LENGTH: 32 miles round trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round trip.

Saturday, May 15: End to End Endurance Challenge

Today our End to End will start at 5:30 A.M. at Berry Pond in the Pittsfield State Forest.

We are planning to have the hikers led out of the camping area by our own bagpiper, Neil Roberts. After the contestants have left the area the sweeps will be in place and make sure everyone reaches the next area. In the mean time all camping and kitchen equipment will be packed up and the car moving will begin to Rt. 346 and the end of the Challenge. Come and offer your support to the hikers and all the volunteers needed to insure a successful endeavor.

Wednesday, May 19: Sugarloaf Quarry, Kaaterskill Falls Tannersville and Palenville, NY

The first hike is on a trail towards the summit to Sugarloaf Mountain. It is a fascinating and unexpected place, featuring extensive stonework crafted out of the remnants of an old stone quarry. The second hike will be a trip to Kaaterskill Falls, which is the highest falls in NY State

(260 feet). Plan to walk on a road and then hike on a marked trail to the center part of the falls. We will meet at the Elm Avenue Park and Ride in Delmar (off Route 32) at 9:00 A.M.

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

LENGTH: Quarry – about 2 miles round trip with ascent of 200 feet. Falls – about 2.5 miles round-trip with ascent of 350 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 90 miles round-trip.

Thursday, May 20: Paddle Kayaderosseras and Fish Creek

We will be spotting cars in order to paddle the 6½ miles from Kelly Park in Ballston Spa to the State Boat Launch on Saratoga Lake. This is a very attractive semi rural paddle with the possibility of class I water in spots when the river is up. We should be prepared to wade and clear logjams in just a few places. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 0830.

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

LENGTH: Paddle distance 6 1/2 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 30 miles round-trip.

Saturday, May 22: Bike Washington County, NY

This will be a bike ride in Grandma Moses country, via mostly scenic back roads to four protected farms. We will enjoy the history of the area and view a few of Grandma Moses’ painting sites and her still present working farm. We will also bike across the Buskirk Historic Covered Bridge on our way to Cambridge and back. We will meet at the

Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride, off Fire Road, at 9:30 A.M.

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

LENGTH: 22 miles round-trip loop, with some rolling hills.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles round-trip

Thursday, May 27: Paddle Round Lake, NY

This will be an early evening paddle to search out the Great Blue Heron nests on this small lake. We will meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride, off Fire Road, at 5:30 P.M. or at Round Lake at 5:45P.M.

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

LENGTH: 3 to 4 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: 10 miles from Exit 9 to Round Lake.

Thursday, May 27: Housatonic River and Woods Pond Paddle

This will be a leisurely mostly flatwater, with a touch of quickwate paddle on the Housatonic River between Pittsfield and Lenox. River distance is approximately 4.3 miles and ends in Woods Pond, which is a bit over a hundred acres and about two miles of shoreline. According to the guidebook, Woods Pond is like paddling in a large goldfish bowl – lots of goldfish in it, along with other pond critters and plants. Contact leader for time and meeting place.

CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125 before 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 25.

LENGTH: About 7 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 120 miles.

Taconic Hiking Club Membership Information

45 Kakley St. Robert J. Hydorn

Albany, NY 12208-1805 2 Miller Ave.

Troy, NY 12180

http://taconichikingclub.blogspot.com