Monday, May 30, 2011

THC Summer Outings Schedule 2011

Message from the President

Come celebrate National Trails Day (Saturday, June 4) with the Taconic Hiking Club. Even if you can't make it out in the morning as we help our friends at Grafton Lakes State Park spruce up their trails for the summer season, please join us for the annual potluck picnic and meeting (details below). Bring a dish to pass and enjoy swapping stories about all the great times you've had out on the trails, bike paths and waterways.
You'll definitely want to be on hand for the club meeting, as we will be announcing proposed changes to the THC bylaws. These changes, to be voted on by the entire membership at a later date, are necessary to stay current with the times and to keep the club going strong in the future.
I want to thank you all for your hard work and support during my first six months as president. I'm proud to serve such an active and dedicated group. I hope to see all of you out for a day of fun and important club business.
Respectfully,
R.J. Hydorn

Friday, June 3: Hudson River between Spier Falls and Sherman Island Dams
Rescheduled from May 20th.
This will be a leisurely paddle on a pretty stretch of the river up near Moreau Lake. We may see some ducks, and other residents, as well as botanizing along the way. Call Lynn for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125 before 9:00PM.
LENGTH: About 6 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles.

Saturday, June 4: THC Annual Potluck Picnic
Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY
The GLSP opens at 9:00AM 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 AM we will meet at the Shaver Nature Center, 194 Shaver Pond Road and be given our assignment for trail clearing. Please remember that our friends at GLSP are very supportive of the THC, including allowing us to use the pavilion free of charge for our picnic. As with any project, “many hands make light work”. Don’t forget to bring your work gloves, hand clippers and any other trail clearing tools.
• Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK APPITIZERS.
• 1:00 PM POTLUCK 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 are also recommended. Games to play and pictures of your latest adventures make for more fun.
• 2:00 PM: A short THC meeting. This will include the announcement of proposed changes to the THC bylaws.
• Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.
Please contact RJ Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056 and let him know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert).

Monday, June 6: Bear Mt. via Bee Line Trail, CT
This is a short, steep climb up the backside of Bear Mt. from the Mt. Washington State Forest in MA. We will have the option to return the same way or via the Sages Ravine trail or the Old Charcoal Road trail.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH: 5-plus miles depending on the return route.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round trip.

Friday, June 10: Walkway over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, NY
This bicycle trip is planned to the Poughkeepsie area where we will bike on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, which connects to the bridge. We will cross over the bridge and visit the Farmer’s Market, which begins at 3:00 PM at Pulaski Park in Poughkeepsie. Plan to bring a lunch and to bike at least 13 miles. Contact Mary for further information.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH: Approximately 13 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Around 200 miles round-trip.

Saturday, June 11: Bear Mountain, Arden, NY
This is a reschedule from the hike of March 26. We will hike from the crest of the hill of Arden Valley Road and follow the Appalachian Train north, over Black and Bear Mountains to the Hudson River. We will need to spot a car. We will meet at the “old” Schodack Town Park & Ride off Route 9 and 20 via I 90, Exit 11 E. Please contact Phil for the meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 13 miles, ascent of about 1300 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 220 miles round-trip, with car spot.

Sunday, June 12: Paddle the Hoosick River
Join Colin and Dick for their paddle on the Hoosick River. Call either Colin or Dick. A car spot will be needed. We will meet at Stewarts, Rt. 7 and Rt. 22 in the Town of Hoosick at 9:30AM.
CONTACT: Colin Campbell at holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629 or Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: About 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: From Troy it's about 20 mi. to Stewart’s and another 6 or 7 to the put-in at North Pownel, VT.

*** PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE ***
*** Monday. June 13: Windham and the Escarpment Trail, Maplecrest, NY ***
This is the third time for scheduling this hike in the Catskills. This time we’ll go unless it’s raining. We will ascend Windham from the Peck Road trailhead, then follow the Escarpment Trail towards Black Head. We will descend via the Burnt Knob Trail to a spotted car. Hope the black flies have all gone north by this time. We will meet at 8:00 AM in the Delmar Park and Ride on Elm Ave.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: Approximately 6.5 miles and about 1500 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE:: About 90 miles round-trip..

Thursday, June 16: Paddle Lake Piseco
Lake Piseco in the Speculator region is a popular four-mile lake. Early in the season there should be minimal recreational activity. We will leisurely paddle about ten miles exploring the coves and contours of this attractive mountain lake. We will meet by the south entrance to JC Penny’s at Crossgates Mall at 8:00AM.
CONTACT: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Paddle distance approximately 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 160 miles round-trip.

Saturday, June 18: Paddle Locks in Waterford, NY
From the Waterford Visitors Center we will paddle thru locks two, three, four, five and 6, going from the Hudson River to the Mohawk River. These set of lock lifts are the highest in the World. Meet at the south end of First Street in the Village of Waterford. Please contact Phil for the meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 3 miles with a total lift of 170 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your home to the Waterford Visitors Center.

Monday, June 20: Leader’s Choice Canoe Trip
Join Etta on a canoe trip to a mystery location. Contact her for all the details
CONTACT: Etta Menges at 233-8310.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROIAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Wednesday, June 22: Bike Schroon Lake, NY
We will meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride, off Fire Road, and drive via the Northway to Exit 27. This will be a leisurely bike ride around the entire Schroon Lake Loop. Please contact Phil for meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 28 miles round-trip with some mild hills.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 140 miles round-trip.

July

Wednesday, July 6: Bike, Ballston Spa, NY
We will bike from Coons Crossing to Ballston Spa and return. Contact Dick for further information. Please meet at I87 Exit 9 P&R.
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: About 20-25 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Coons Crossing.

Wednesday, July 13: Northville Placid Trail – Durant State Campground to Wakely Dam
We will likely hike north to south on this section of the NPT after arranging the car shuttle. We will have an early start for this12.6 mile hike with approximately 8 miles on trail newly constructed in 2009. We will have 0.7 mile on a road at the end of our hike through old woods and past Stephens Pond.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293 for further information.
LENGTH: Approximately 12.6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 200 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, July 13: Bike Six Lakes of Rensselaer, NY
There are a few moderate hills and an occasional short, steep one, but nothing discouraging. We will tour around Snyder’s Lake, Crystal Lake, Glass Lake, Crooked Lake, Burden Lake and Nassau Lake. We will start the ride in West Sand Lake; this is a town without a body of water, so we can’t count it as the seventh lake. Meet at the Park and Ride off Route 4 and 43 in Defreetsville, please contact Phil for meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: 34 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the meeting place in Defreetsville.

Monday, July 18: New Lebanon, NY
Hand Hollow, a Columbia Land Conservancy Public Conservation area with 5.5 miles of easy to moderate trails, a lake, woodlands and wetlands. Call Susan for further details.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be decided.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 15 miles form the Schodack Park and Ride.

Tuesday, July 19: Black Mountain, Fort Ann, NY
Black is the highest mountain on the east side of Lake George. We will go in from the Hulett’s Landing road, climb the mountain, enjoy the views, and exit via Black Mountain Pond and Round Pond. We will meet in the Park and Ride at Exit 9 of the Northway, in Clifton Park at 8:00AM. Contact Katie for further details.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: Approximately 6.7 miles and 1050 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 120 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, July 20: Paddle Little Tupper to Round Lake, Tupper Lake, NY
Paddling Little Tupper is a wonderful experience but few people take advantage of the beautiful wild lake
right next to it. We will launch at Little Tupper and paddle the few miles necessary to enable us explore Round Lake, have a leisurely lunch and perhaps a swim. The paddle will be about ten miles. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 7:30AM.
CONTACT: Leader: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Approximately 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 240 miles round-trip.

Friday, July 22: Shaker and Holy Mountains, Hancock, MA
We will leave at 9:00AM from the Rt. 20 trailhead at the parking turnout across from Hancock Shaker Village for this lovely and historic hike up Shaker Mountain, where the Shakers from Hancock Shaker Village held their services, and will continue westerly over to Holy Mountain, where the families from the New Lebanon Shaker community sang out their Glories to God. We will trod holy ground and ground that in recent times has been torn up and abused by ATVs. Nice streams cross these trails, and we’ll listen for the songs of long ago. It’s nicely described in AMC’s Best Hikes in the Berkshires.
CONTACT: Karen Ross at kcoyross@aol.com or 794-7474.
LENGTH: 6.5 miles and 790 feet of vertical ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Karen for details.

Saturday, July 23: Paddle the Kunjamuk, Speculator, NY
The Kunjamuk is a beautiful winding stream up in the Adirondacks near Speculator. It will require some skill in frequently turning the boat but the reward will be seeing the beauty of nature up close. The paddle is approximately 10 miles round trip. Contact Terry for a meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Terry Tamer at tjtamer@nycap.rr.com or 435-1704.
LENGTH: Paddle distance approximately 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 150 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, July 27: Tri-City ValleyCats Game Joe Bruno Stadium, Troy, NY
This is "Going Green Night" at "The Joe" as the ValleyCats host the State College Spikes. Let's show our support for the environment and see some great minor league baseball. Tickets will be $5 to $8 depending on how many people sign up and availability of group seating. Deadline to reserve your place is 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 17. Yes, this is a bit early, but it improves our chances of sitting together. In the event of a rainout, your ticket(s) can be exchanged for another home game this season.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH: As many times as you wish to wander the stadium concourse.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Joe Bruno Stadium.

Wednesday, July 27: Stevens Glen and Yokun Ridge South, West Stockbridge, MA
Hike two short but steep trails on Berkshire Natural Resources Council properties near the Stockbridge Bowl. Stevens Glen is 1.2 mile loop and spur with 320’ gain. The ridge trail is 1.6 miles with a 440’ gain. We will meet at the Schodack Park and Ride, Rte 150, Exit 11E off I 90. Contact Sharon for further details.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately 3 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles.

Thursday, July 28: Paddle Henderson Lake, Tahawes, NY
Although small, the mountainous backdrop and the isolated nature of the lake make a Henderson
Lake paddle an exceptional experience. On each previous trips we have heard loon calls and there is usually a spirited debate among our group over the names of the various peaks that surround the lake. We can expect to paddle about 6 miles, exploring every curve, cove, and nook of this mountain beauty. From the parking area here is about a 1/3rd of a mile portage, which we will cover with wheels (bring them) or team carries. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 7:30 am.
CONTACT: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 220 miles round-trip.

AUGUST

Sunday, August 7: Savoy Mt. State Forest, MA
We will try some new trails going south from Adams Rd. on the Savoy Kanary Kats Trail and the Tilton Brook Trail and back on the Kamuck Trail to the fire tower on Borden Mt. Contact Willard for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Willard Hoyt at willardh2@junocom or 732-2390.
LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles and an ascent of 400 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 100 miles.

Thursday, August 11: Paddle Schroon River, Schroon Lake, NY
The Schroon River is mostly moving water except for this four-mile stretch. We will start from the Schroon Lake boat launch and paddle the four scenic miles to the Starbuckville Dam. In between we will explore the marshes and observe the birds before turning around and heading back. With side trips the paddle will be less than ten miles. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 8:00AM.
CONTACT: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Paddle distance approximately 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 130 miles round-trip.

Sunday, August 14: Huyck Preserve, Albany County, NY
Come explore with me, let’s hike on this fairly new trail. Call Dale for meeting 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.

Wednesday, August 17: Bike, Saratoga, NY
This will be a bike from Round Lake to Saratoga to watch the early morning horse workouts at the Oklahoma Track. We will be riding a few miles on Route 9, but mostly on back roads. Meet at the Round Lake Bike Trail parking lot at 6:00 A.M.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 30 miles round-trip.
ROAD DIATANCE: Your home to Round Lake.

Saturday, August 20: Canoe/Kayak, Mechanicville, NY
We will paddle from Mechanicville Lock 2 to Waterford Harbor Visitor’s Center. Meet 9:30AM in Waterford at the south end of 1st Street. Contact Dick for further information.
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: About 7.3 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Waterford.

Wednesday, August 24: Berry Pond, Lake George, NY
This is a new property of the Lake George Land Conservancy. We begin at the Lake George Village Recreation Center and climb 800’ (some steep sections) to Berry Pond. We will meet at Exit 9, I 87. Contact Sharon for further details.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles using blue and orange trail loops.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles.

Monday, August 29: Borden’s Pond, Ghent, NY
This is a Columbia Land Conservancy Public Conservation area. Two miles of moderately strenuous hiking trails loop along a small stream and along a forested ridgeline. Within walking distance of ice cream in the Village of Chatham. Call Susan for further details.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be decided.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 15 miles form the Schodack Park and Ride.

CONGRATULATIONS
Rich Vertigan has completed a cross-country trip of over 4000 miles by bike. He traveled from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. What an amazing accomplishment!!
Lori McCarron has completed the entire (35 miles) TCT in the winter and earned a TCT patch for her efforts.
Willard Hoyt has completed the entire (35 miles) TCT in the winter and has also earned a TCT patch.

Upcoming Events

Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11 2nd Annual Plateau Traverse Hike
Cosponsored by the Friends of Dyken Pond, the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center and the Rensselear Land Trust. As part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble we will meet at Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area and take shuttles to the Pittstown State Forest and will hike south back to Pineridge. Participants can then set up a tent to camp for the night and enjoy an evening cooking, eating and sitting around the campfire. In the morning on Sunday we will continue our journey south to Garfield Road in Stephentown. There will be an option short hike to the summit of Turner Mountain. At the end of the day, we will be met by shuttles, and be brought back to Pineridge to pick up our cars. Cost is free, but pre-registration is required.
CONTACT: Jim Bonsteel at jim@bonesteel.com or 794-9160..
LENGTH: We will be traveling approximately 15 miles each day. This will be a very strenuous hike with some off trail bushwhacking and significant elevation change. Participants must be in excellent physical condition.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Pineridge.

Saturday, September 17: Hoosac Range/Spruce Hill, North Adams MA
This is a new trail on Berkshire Natural Resources Council property takes us to Spruce Hill (2566’) in Savoy State Forest. We will have 360 views from the top and a chance of viewing migrating hawks. We will meet at Rte 7, Brunswick Park and Ride. Call Sharon for further details.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: 6 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 700’.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles.

Friday, May 27, 2011

THC Annual Picnic Sat June 4th at Grafton Lakes State Park


Saturday, June 4: THC Annual Potluck Picnic
Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton ,NY
The GLSP opens at 9:00AM 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 AM we will meet at the GLSP Office and be given our assignment for trail clearing. Remember “many hands make light work”.
• Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK APPITIZERS.
• 1:00 PM POTLUCK 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 and pictures to share.
• 2;00 PM short THC meeting.
• Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.

Please call RJ Hydorn at 283-6056 to let us know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert). If no answer, please leave a message.