Monday, November 28, 2011

2011-12 Winter Outings Schedule

At a recent Board of Governor’s meeting it was decided that the Taconic Hiking Club would have a slogan to be used for club activities. Our past recording secretary, Janet Jones, suggested the club slogan for 2012 would be “Get out and stay out!” Let’s take Jan’s advice and enjoy all these wonderful activities.

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 3: 2012 End to End Meeting, Clifton Park, NY
All interested in helping with the May 12, 2012 are invited to a organizational meeting at Gayle Fountain’s home, 17 Washington Lane, Clifton Park. Soup and sandwiches will be served at the noon meeting. Please come with your ideas on how make this an even more successful event than in the past. If you can’t make this meeting, call Gayle to let her know where you would like to volunteer.
CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: Approximately 2 hours with lunch.
ROAD DISTANCE: A short drive up the Northway.

Thursday, December 8: Catallo Island, Waterford, NY
This will be a hike, XC ski or snowshoe, depending on conditions, in the area around Etta’s house. This is the area she refers to as “Catallo Island” (it looks like an island on a map). We will have hot drinks and snacks at Etta’s house afterwards. Contact Etta for details.
CONTACT: Etta Menges at 233-8310.
LENGTH: To be determined that day.
ROAD DISTANCE: From your house to Etta’s in Waterford.

Saturday, December 10: Moreau State Park, Ganesvoort, NY
This a joint hike with ADK. This popular state park is a short drive up the Northway and sports good views and interesting terrain. This could be a snowshoe or a hike, depending upon the weather. Be sure to bring some type of traction device--Stabilicers or Microspikes--as it could be icy. Meet at 8:00AM at the Exit 9 Park & Ride in Clifton Park. Call or email Cliff by Thursday, 12/8.
CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com or 768-2907.
LENGTH: To be determined..
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 70 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, December 14: Somewhere in the Catskills, NY
This will be a hike or snowshoe depending on conditions at a “to be chosen location” in the Catskills. Contact Susan for more details, including 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.

Saturday, December 17: AT Jug End to the Berkshire School, Egremont, MA
Bring your poles and stabilicers for a relatively steep ascent to the ridge, with several great views, but a gentle descent. Car spot required along with an early departure. Contact Sharon for details.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles with an ascent of 900 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 90 miles from the Schodack Park & Ride.

Tuesday December 20, Thacher State Park
Ski or Snowshoe the Escarpment Trail. Meet at Elm Ave Park & Ride in Delmar. At 9:30 AM
CONTACT: Dick Hughes Rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: 4 to 5 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 22 miles round trip.

Tuesday, December 27: Potter Hill Rd to Tower Mt Road, Stephentown, NY

This is a snowshoe trip on the Taconic Crest Trail. Full winter gear required and good conditioning – winter hiking is difficult. Contact Mary for details.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1294.
LENGTH: Approximately 6 - 7 miles including access trails depending on trail accessibility. ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, December 28: LEADERS CHOICE
This will be snowshoe, hike or XC, depending on conditions. Contact Judy for details.
CONTACT: Judy Brandow at hwesterh@nycap.rr.com or 482-4610.
LENGTH: Contact Judy.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Judy.


JANUARY

Saturday, January 7: 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 George for the starting time. Full winter gear will be necessary.
CONTACT: George Astle at 728-6690.
LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round-trip.

Sunday, January 8: Wilton Preserve, Ganesvoort, NY
We will check out the preserve on this moderate XC ski trip. Let's see what is in this beautiful nearby area. Contact Mary for more details closer to the date of the trip. Full winter gear required.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1294.
LENGTH: To be determined by the group.ROAD DISTANCE: 7 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, January 10: 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.

Thursday, January 12: Grafton Park, Partridge Run OR Lapland Lake, NY
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 Grafton or Partridge Run. If snow conditions are iffy or it’s really cold, we’ll go to Lapland Lake. Wherever we go, bring your lunch, warm drink and warm clothes. Call Lynn for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125.
LENGTH: Depends on where we go but most likely not more than 5 – 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Depends on destination.

Saturday, January 14: Dyken Pond, Rensselaer County, NY
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, at height of the Rensselaer Plateau, has 6+ miles of trails to explore. No warming hut so be prepared with hot drinks and a lunch. Come to leader’s house afterward for hot chocolate. Contact Sharon for details.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: 3-4 miles, depending on snow conditions and group interest.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 30 miles round trip from the Hannaford in West Sand Lake.

Monday, January 16 (MLK Holiday): Notchview Reservation, Windsor, MA
This Trustees of Reservations property is part of the Hoosac Range and at an elevation of 2000’, so there should be snow on the 30km of groomed intermediate and novice trails. There is a $12 fee for non-members and a warming lodge with space for gear storage. Insufficient snow will have leader reconsider another skiing location, possibly Prospect Mountain in Woodford VT. Contact Sharon for details.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: 3-4 miles, depending on snow conditions and group interest.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round trip from Defreetsville.

Tuesday, January 17: Thacher Nature Center, Voorheesville, NY
Hike or snowshoe the Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail, about 5 miles, minimal elevation. If you want to try snowshoes, this is the hike for you. Snowshoe rental available at the Center. Meeting place will be the Schodack Park & Ride, call Susan for details.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be determined by the group.ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined by starting place.


Saturday, January 21: Grafton Lakes State Park Winter Festival, 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 or x-country ski event will be planned for that day. Contact Gayle or check the Winter Festival Schedule for further details. 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 22: 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. Don’t be late! Please call Kathy by January 15th 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.

Tuesday, January 24: Shaker and Holy Mountains, Hancock, MA
This “moderate” hike leading from Rt. 20 across from Hancock Shaker Village to ruins and religious sites atop hills in Pittsfield State Forest has one steep stretch in its 790’ ascent, but otherwise is a lovely woods walk.
There are “perfect stone walls,” a reservoir, and sweet Shaker Brook to see as well as the remains of a waterworks dam and the “Sacred Gap,” a natural amphitheatre. These trails used to be gentle and cushioned; however many are rutted by ATV and dirt bike use. Hopefully we will be able to appreciate the history of this well-used landscape. Contact leaders for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Karen Ross: at kcoyross@aol.com or794-7474 or Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or
674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately 6.5 miles with
ROAD DISTANCE: It depends on where you’re meeting us.

Wednesday, January 25: LEADERS CHOICE
This will be snowshoe, hike or XC, depending on conditions. Contact Judy for details.
CONTACT: Judy Brandow at hwesterh@nycap.rr.com or 482-4610.
LENGTH: Contact Judy.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Judy.

Tuesday, January 31: 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.

FEBRUARY

Sunday, February 5: Beebe Hill, Columbia County, NY
We will ski a loop mostly in the woods, then 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 details.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 4 to 5 miles with ascent of 350 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: 65 miles.

Wednesday, February 8: Shenantaha Creek Park to Round Lake
Ski the bike path starting in Malta near the junction of East Line Rd.and Rt. 67 to Round Lake Village and return. Call Dick for meeting place
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at Rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: 4 to 5 miles
ROAD DISTANCE: 18 miles round trip.

Saturday, February 11: Merck Forest, VT
I tried this trip last year, but the weather didn’t cooperate. So let’s try again - 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 Lynn for details.
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

Tuesday, February 14: Peaked Mountain Pond. North Creek, NY
This will be a snowshoe hike. We will go in on the trail from 13th Lake, and up to the pond, this is a not-too-hard hike. From the Pond, those who wish can ascend to the top of Peaked Mountain, a fairly steep, stiff climb. Meet at the Exit 9 Park and Ride in Clifton Park, contact Katie for the starting time.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: 6.6 miles round-trip to the pond, with 700 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round trip.

Wednesday, 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 or 371-8585.
LENGTH: You decide.
ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited.

Saturday, February 18: Tower Mountain Road to Route 20, Lanesborough, MA
This is a snowshoe trip and will require full winter gear on the Taconic Crest Trail. Winter hiking is difficult and can be cold and windy. Please come prepared for a great day in the snowy outdoors. . We will have a car shuttle. Contact Mary for more details.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1294.
LENGTH: Approximately 6½ miles and about 1 mile along the access trail. ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, February 19: Hand Hollow, Columbia County, NY
This will be a snowshoe. Contact Dale for details.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Wednesday, February 22: LEADERS CHOICE
This will be snowshoe, hike or XC, depending on conditions. Contact Judy for details.
CONTACT: Judy Brandow at hwesterh@nycap.rr.com or 482-4610.
LENGTH: Contact Judy.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Judy.

Saturday, February 25: Hopkins Forest, Williamstown, MA
We will start from the Rosenburg Center at 10AM and will be skiing (or hiking if no snow) the Lower Loop and Upper Loop trails. For more information regarding the trails: http://hmf.williams.edu/public/trail-map/
CONTACT: Rob Bayly at ckarp00000@aol.com or 279-4402.
LENGTH: 4.1 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Williamstown.

Tuesday, February 28: Pine Ridge Cross Country Ski Center, Poestenkill, NY.
Variety of trails, if no local snow, we will go to Lapland Lake. Meeting place will be the Schodack Park & Ride. Call Susan for details.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: To be determined by the group.ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined by starting place.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, March 25: Merck Forest, Rupert, VT
Celebrate the Spring Open House weekend at Merck Forest and Farm Center, in Rupert VT. Enjoy a variety of old roads and trails and save room for the generous pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausage, coffee, and more). Yes, it is mud season but it's also maple syrup season. Breakfast is from 10 -2, so we can walk/hike first then enjoy a late breakfast. Or if some of you want to eat first, go ahead and we'll all rendezvous later. Prefer to meet at Brunswick (near Walmart) Park and Ride, but could vary depending on response. Call for confirmation and starting time.
CONTACT: Bob Armao bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512.
LENGTH: A few miles with moderate ascent, depending on group preference and hunger.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles round trip.

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