Tuesday, November 23, 2010

THC Winter Outings Schedule 2010-2011



Sunday December 5: Taconic Hiking Club Annual Banquet
Historic Grafton Inn – Route 2, Grafton NY – 1PM
The menu will be a hot and cold buffet with one of Elsie’s Famous desserts.
Glasses will be provided if you choose to bring your own wine or beer.
Cost will be $15.00 per person.
Guest speaker will be Marvin Bubie who will present a slide show on his newest book, “Along the Erie Canal” with the municipal seals of the cities, towns and villages.
Reservations, with payment, should be sent by November 28 to:
Gayle Fountain
17 Washington Lane
Clifton Park, NY 12065

The slate of officers to be voted on at the banquet are:
President R.J. Hydorn
Vice President Clifford Prewencki
Corresponding Secretary Sharon Bonk
Recording Secretary Jan Jones
Treasurer Mary MacDonald

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 4: Birch Brook Trail to TCT, Williamstown, MA
This hike will start from the Hopkins Memorial Forest of Williams College, via Bulkley Street in
Williamstown. We will meet at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride in Brunswick off Route 7. Please contact Phil for meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: 6.8 miles round trip, ascent of about 1500 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, December 8: Buck Mountain, Lake George, NY
This is an old favorite hike. We will climb to the summit from the Pilot Knob Road on the eastern side of Lake George for wonderful views of the lake. Meet at 8:00AM at the Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride, off Fire Road in Clifton Park.
CONTACT: Katie Kenrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: Approximately 6.6 miles with 2000 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 110 miles round-trip.

Saturday, December 11: TCT, Petersburgh, NY
Be prepared for winter conditions on this hike from Petersburgh Pass to the northern most terminus of the TCT, at Route 346. On the way we will visit the renown Snow Hole This hike will require a car spot. Please contact David for meeting place and time.
CONTACT: David Pisaneschi at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH: 8.4 miles with ascent of about 1600 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact David for info.

Sunday, December 12: Huyck Preserve, Albany County, NY
Got whiff of a new trail here – come explore with me - hike or snowshoe. Call Dale for time.
Leave from Elm Avenue Park and Ride in Delmar.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 3 to 5 miles with ascent of 350 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: 50 miles.

Thursday, December 16: Thatcher Park, Voorheesville, NY
Herald the holiday season by enjoying the trails here with old friends. Depending on snow conditions, and your inclinations and abilities, one can hike, ski, or snowshoe, with an opportunity to warm up and review the exhibits inside the Emma Treadwell Nature Center. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be determined by the group.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined by starting place.

Tuesday, December 21: Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY
We will hike the Becker Hollow Trail, on the first day of winter to the second highest peak in the Catskills – 4040 feet. Be prepared with gear for winter conditions. We will meet at the Elm Avenue Park and Ride in Delmar. Please contact Phil for meeting tine.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 4.4 miles round-trip, ascent of 2200 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 100 miles round-trip.

Thursday, December 23: Taconic Crest Trail - Petersburg Pass to SE Hollow
This winter hike may require snowshoes. Contact Mary for further information.
CONTACT: Mary Mac Donald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH: Approximately 5.2 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 75 miles round-trip.

JANUARY 2011
Happy New Year!

Sunday, January 2: Tibbetts Forest, Hoosick, NY
This will be an afternoon snowshoe or hike depending on trail conditions. It is intended to work off the football blahs. We will meet at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride off Route 7 in Brunswick, to arrange car-pooling. Please contact Sharon for meeting time.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: About 4 miles round-trip, with minimal ascent of about 250 feet.
ROUND DISTANCE: About 45 miles round-trip.

Thursday, January 6: Escarpment Trail, Maplecrest, NY
This hike is rescheduled from November. In the Catskills, we will ascend to the Escarpment Trail, via the Burnt Knob access trail on Big Hollow Road, continue to Windham High Peak, then descend to Peck Road where will have spotted a car. We will meet at the Elm Ave Park and Ride in Delmar at 8:00AM.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: About 6.5 miles with about 1500 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 90 miles round-trip.

Saturday, January 8: TCT, Berlin , NY
We will go from Mattison Hollow to SE Hollow; this is another hike towards the THC cumulative winter End to End patch. Full winter gear required including snowshoes and we will spot cars. For starting time and place please contact Mary.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH: About 6 miles, ascent of about 1250 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 75 miles with car spot.

Thursday, January 13: Haystack Wilmington, VT
About one and one-quarter hours from the Capitol District, this gem of a mountain is located in the Pawlet hills of Vermont, near Granville, New York. Less than four miles round-trip, with steep sections, the summit offers 360-degree views and a good place for lunch. Winter gear required. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: About 4.8 miles round-trip with 1020 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 160 miles round-trip.



Saturday, January 15: Saratoga National Park, Stillwater, NY
We will XC ski, snowshoe or hike the Wilkinson Trail, in the Battlefield. We will meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride, off Fire Road. Contact Phil for the starting time. Full winter gear will be necessary.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: Approximately a 4.2mile loop with other options available.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 35 mile round-trip.

Tuesday, January 18: XC Ski in Woodford Hollow, Bennington, VT
Old rail bed along Bolles Brook beckons. While snowmobiliers use the beginning of this gradual climb, we may have to break trail. Expect on minor stream crossing. Since we will return the same way, snowshoers can form their own group. Leave from Park and Ride on Hoosick Road. Please call Dale for time.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 5.2 miles with ascent of 450 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: 65 miles.

Saturday, January 22: Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton NY
Join us for a fun filled day of winter activities at Grafton Lakes State Park Winter Festival. We will set our club table up, to hand out club literature, at 10:00AM in the maintenance building. Please consider donating some time to “man the booth”. A snowshoe is planned for 11:00AM around Long Pond. Contact Gayle for meeting place.
CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: Approximately 2.5 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 40 miles round-trip.

Sunday, January 23: Moose Mountain Pond, North Hudson, NY
We will ski south from Essex County Route 4 over gentle rolling terrain past Berrymill Pond with views across to Owl Pate Mountains. Call Dale for meeting place and time.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 6.5 miles with ascent of 350 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 175 miles.

Jan 23 (Sat) TACONIC CREST TRAIL (TCT) – ROBINSON HOLLOW ROAD TO MATTISON HOLLOW ROAD
Starting at the Robinson Hollow access trail , we’ll come out through the Mattison Hollow access trail. Total trip distance will be about 8 miles. No calls after 9:00 please.
Leader & Reservations: David Pisaneschi, 459-5969
dpisanes@nycap.rr.com
Time & Place: TBA
Car Pool Fee: TBA



Sunday, January 30: Open House at Kathy Wolfe’s, Albany, NY
Once again Kathy will be hosting a potluck gathering after a hike, or snowshoe in the area. The hike will depart at noon from Kathy’s. Our feast will be served at 3PM. Please call Kathy by January 25th with your potluck offering.
CONTACT: Kathy Wolfe at nanwolfe88@yahoo.com or 482-0424.
LENGTH: To be determined by group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Kathy’s.

Sunday, January 30: Dyken Pond, Grafton, NY
We will do an afternoon snowshoe on the Rensselaer Plateau. Meet at Tamarac Plaza on Route 2 for carpooling. Please contact Sharon for meeting time.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: Several trails with a wide range and minimal elevation.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 30 miles round-trip.






FEBRUARY

Tuesday, February 1: X-C Ski, Beebe Hill, Columbia County, NY
We will ski a loop mostly in the woods, the over the hump to No Bottom Pond. Must be able to control your decent. We will leave from the Schodack Park & Ride, please call Dale for the time.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 4 to 5 miles with ascent of 350 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: 65 miles.

Saturday, February 5: Snow Hole, Petersburgh, NY
Let’s snowshoe to the Snow Hole and see if it needs more snow. Meet at the Wal-Mart Park and Ride off Route 7 in Brunswick at 9:00 AM. Full winter gear will be necessary.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: 6 miles round-trip, ascent of about 700 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 70 miles round-trip.

Saturday, February 5: Blackhead Range Traverse, Maplecrest, NY
We will spot cars at the ends of Black Dome Valley and Barnum Roads. Starting from Black Dome Valley we will traverse the summits of Blackhead, Black Dome and Thomas Cole finally reaching our spotted cars at Barnum Road, 8 miles round-trip. Please contact Dave for meeting place and time.
CONTACT: David Pisaneschi at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH: About 7 miles and ascent of about 2100 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact David for details.

Tuesday, February 8: Berlin Mountain, Williamstown, MA
This year I want to explore access to the Crest Trail from the east. Near Williamstown we will take the Berlin Pass Trail to the Crest Trail, travel south to Berlin Mountain and descend by way of the Class of 33 Trail, a loop of less than 5 miles, but with some steep sections. Snowshoes and winter gear required. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles with ascent to be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Susan for details.

Thursday, February 10: Snowshoe at Charlston State Forest
Meet at Rotterdam Square Mall’s parking lot at the end of K-Marts. The Mall is on West Campbell Road (Route 337). From Albany take I-90 W to Schenectady exit (I-890) W), pass GE Plant to Campbell Road exit.
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: 2 to 4 miles with minimal ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 27 miles for Schenectady.

Sunday, February 13: Cherry Plain State Park, Berlin, NY
This will be an afternoon snowshoe on the Rensselaer Plateau exploring some of the new trails in the park, if snow cooperates. We will meet at the Wal-Mark Park & Ride off Rt. 7 in Brunswick, to arrange car-pooling. Please contact Sharon for meeting time.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: About 3 to 4 miles of exploring with minimal ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Sharon for details.

Tuesday, February 15: Cross Country Skiing at Garnet Hill
This snow is likely to be very good in February at this cross-country ski area in the Adirondacks, west of Warrensburg. Skiing can be as strenuous as you wish-from beginner to expert. We will meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride, off Fire Road, in Clifton Park at 8:00AM.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 150 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, February 15: Spring schedule activities are due
Yay, we’re thinking spring! Time to send in your bike rides, hikes or kayak trips for our spring schedule.
Let’s make this our busiest spring ever!
CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or371-8585.
LENGTH: You decide.
ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited.

Wednesday. February 23: Snowshoe Warren County, NY
Possibilities include Dippikill, Pack Forest, or Lake George Recreation Area. Please call Dale for meeting place and time.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 2 to 4 miles with minimal ascent per trail choices.
ROAD DISTANCE: Call Dale for info.

Friday, February 25: X-Country Ski at Charlston State Forest.
Meet at Rotterdam Square Mall’s parking lot at the end of K-Marts. The mall is on West Campbell Road (Route 337). From Albany take I-90 W to Schenectady exit (I-890), pass GE Plant to Campbell Road exit.
CONTACT: Judy Brandow athweterh@nycap.rr.com or 482-4610.
LENGTH: 2 to 4 miles with minimal ascent per trail choices.
ROAD DISTANCE: 27 miles from Schenectady.


Up Coming Events

Saturday, March 26: Bear Mountain, Arden, NY,
We will hike from the crest of the hill on Arden Valley Road and follow the Appalachian Trail north, over Black and Bear Mountains to the Hudson River. We will need to spot cars. We will meet at the “old” Schodack Town Hall Park & Ride off Route 20. Contact Phil for meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 13 miles, ascent about 1300 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 220 miles round-trip, with car spot.