2012 SPRING SCHEDULE

TRAIL WORK SCHEDULE: The club's End-to-End is set for Saturday, May 12. This means trail clean-up has to be done in the first weeks of May and during April. Club group dates are Saturday, May 5th and Saturday, April 28 with the Sundays, (6th & 29th), substituting as "rain days". In addition Colin will be going out at least one day a week in this period, (April & early May), and will welcome company. Carpools can be arranged with pickup sites selected as convenient and we'll share gas costs. Call him for these weekday hikes; he's too young to be out there by himself.

The club has tools but your own loppers and gloves are probably more convenient. A lunch is also a good idea.

IMPORTANT: During this period anyone wanting to "get out" and do a few hours hike on their own is invited to consider simply walking along a section with clippers, loppers or a rake (for water bar cleanout). Get some friends together and make it your own "National Trails Day", a payback to the outdoors and our own Club Trail! Please call Colin in advance for any directions or ideas and PLEASE report any such individual hikes and work to him. We want to recognize your volunteer trail work at the summer picnic.

HELPFUL HINT: If you are/may be an entrant for the End-to-End this is a good way to familiarize yourself with our trail and see first-hand what 29 + miles of this terrain and trail markings will be like.

QUESTIONS: Colin Campbell, ph 438-9629; e-m at holesinhead@aol.com

MARCH

Wednesday, March 7: Cherry Plain State Park, Berlin, NY

Be prepared for snow, ice, or mud. Nature will dictate appropriate footgear. Blue Trail, Nature Trail, (3-4 miles) perhaps more as group wishes. Meeting time and place 9 AM Hannaford Parking Lot, West Sand Lake (Intersection of 43/150).
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at 674-0042 or sboqc@mindspring.com
LENGTH: To be determined by group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 30 miles round-trip.

Thursday, March 8: Prospect Mountain, Bennington, VT

Prospect Mountain, just east of Bennington, VT, is an under- used cross-country ski area. The snow is usually good there for some time into the spring, if there is any to start with. There are trails for all abilities. We will leave from the Rt 4 and 43 Park and Ride. Call the Katie for departure time.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: 100 miles round-trip. .

Wednesday, March 14: Schorr Conservation Area, Canaan, NY

This will be a hike or a snowshoe. A lovely woods walk in a Columbia Land Conservancy property. Easy paced with lots of time for photos and exploration to reach a great lookout. If we have time, we’ll stop at the Borden Pond Conservation area (easy & short) on our way to Chatham for ice cream.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: Approximately 3 miles with some elevation.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round-trip from Schodack Park and Ride. Contact Susan for details

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.

APRIL

Saturday, April 7: Yokun Ridge including West Stockbridge Mountain,

Stockbridge, MA

Starting from Olivia’s Outlook, we will go up the Charcoal Trail to the ridge and then explore the less prominent and used Ridge Trail to its end. Early April will still have great views. We are returning to the cars via the Walsh Trail. Meeting time/ and place is 9 AM: Schodack Park and Ride Exit 11E off I 90
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk 674-0042 or sboqc@mindspring.com or Dona Burdick at djb20022000@yahoo.com .
LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles, with steep sections at the beginning on the Charcoal Trail.

Distance;: Approximately 70 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, April 10: Green Mountain, Danbury, VT

This is generally a gradual climb through the woods with a few steep ledges and some good views. We will leave from the Brunswick (near Walmart) Park and Ride. Call Dale for details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: About 6.6 miles with an ascent of 1000 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 150 miles round-trip.

Thursday, April 12: Bethlehem Rail Trail, Albany, NY

In the mud season, staying in the "burbs” seems like a good idea. The Bethlehem Rail Trail will eventually go from the Port of Albany to Voorheesville. There is a 2 mile section that is officially open, and an additional 2 miles that is easily traveled. We will do the trail to a spotted car. There are several other short hikes nearby in Bethlehem that we can also do. Call the Katie for details.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: 4 miles or more, depending on the group's wishes
ROAD DISTANCE: Your home to Delaware Ave, Delmar.

Friday, April 13: Bald Mountain, Woodford, VT

This nearby mountain has views of Bennington. We will leave from the Brunswick (near Walmart) Park and Ride. Call Dale for details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: About 6.1 miles with an ascent of 1580 feet and a descent of 2150 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 70 miles round-trip

Monday, April 16: Sunset Rock, Copake Falls, NY

A pleasant 5 mile loop in the Taconic State Park. There may be some early wildflowers and spring migrants and there is the old iron works to explore. Some elevation, but, easily paced.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 50 miles round-trip from Schodack Park and Ride. Contact Susan for details.

Thursday April 19: Bennett, Middle and Murphy Lakes, Northville, NY

Contact Mary for details.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at 371-1293 or mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com
LENGTH: Total distance 7.6 miles along a trail with some short, steeper sections.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Saturday, April 21 Earth Day Tomhannock Reservoir, Raymertown, NY

Clean-up, 9AM-Noon

Sponsored by the Rensselaer Land Trust and the City of Troy. The Tomhannock Reservoir is the source of drinking water for over 100,000 residents of Troy and other Rensselaer County communities. Groups will collect trash along a half-mile stretch of the shore. Garbage bags will be provided. Bring gloves. Rain does not cancel. Meeting place and time 9 AM at NYSDEC public access parking lot along NYS Route 7 in Raymertown, just before the causeway over the reservoir.
CONTACT: Register early with Paul Schroeder, RLT Volunteer Coordinator, at 674-2480 or pschroeder1@nycap.rr.com or Sharon Bonk, THC liaison, at 674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately ½ mile.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Raymertown.

Tuesday, April 24: Natural Bridge Trail, North Dorset, VT

From Emerald Lake State Park this trail climbs with some steep sections. By using Old County Road we can descend a different trail to the park. We will leave from the Brunswick (near Walmart) Park and Ride. Call Dale for details
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: About 3.5 miles with an ascent of 900 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 130 miles round-trip.

Saturday, April 28: Taconic Crest Trail Work Day

This is a scheduled trail-clearing day to prepare for the End to End challenge on May 12^th. Contact Colin for details. Rain date is Sunday, April 29^th.
CONTACT: Colin Campbell, ph 438-9629; e-m at holesinhead@aol.com

MAY

Saturday, May 5: Taconic Crest Trail Work Day

This is a scheduled trail-clearing day to prepare for the End to End challenge on May 12^th. Contact Colin for details. Rain date is Sunday, May 5^th..
CONTACT: Colin Campbell, ph 438-9629; e-m at holesinhead@aol.com

Saturday, May 12: End to End Challenge,

Pittsfield State Forest, MA

Please volunteer to help make the 2012 End to End a successful event. Information is on the Taconic Hiking Blogspot. If you would like to volunteer contact:

Trail Work – Colin Campbell at 438-9629 or Holesinhead@aol.com

Sweeps – Gretchen Gedroiz at 463-1210 or grethchen.gedroiz@abbott.com

Kitchen – Kathy Wolfe at482-0424 or nanwolfe88@yahoo.com

General – Gayle Fountain at 371-8585 or pfounta1@nycap.rr.com

Look forward to seeing you on the 12^th!

Tuesday, May 15 – Treadway Mountain. Putnam Pond, NY

Wonderful views of the Eastern Adirondacks are available from the summit of this mountain in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area. We will begin and end at Putnam Pond. For details contact Mary.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at 371-1293 or mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com .
LENGTH: Elevation gain 830 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Mary.

Tuesday, May 15: Summer schedule activities are due

Here comes summer! Time to send in your bike rides, hikes or kayak trips for our summer schedule.

Let’s make this our busiest summer ever!

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: You decide.
ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited.

Sunday, May 20: Long Trail/AT, Shrewsberry, VT

Tried to do this last fall, but Hurricane Irene didn't cooperate. Hopefully the trail, and the roads leading to it, will be in good condition. We will travel a short section from Upper Cold River Road in the shadow of Killington Peak down to VT Route 103. Highlights include views from Clarendon Lookout and a short side trip at the end down into Clarendon Gorge.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH: 5.4 miles and approximately 350 feet of ascent and 1200 feet of descent.
ROAD DISTANCE: 155 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, May 23: Alan Devoe Bird Sanctuary, Old Chatham, NY

This is usually a good place for spring wildflowers and migrating birds. We will cover about 3 miles of wooded trails; not much elevation and easily paced. Afterwards, here maybe a baby goat to play with at Susan’s home
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: Approximately 3 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 30 miles round-trip from Schodack Park and Ride.

Thursday, May 24: Cheshire Reservoir Paddle

This reservoir in western Massachusetts looks like a neat place to paddle. The put-in is a little park with bathrooms, picnic tables , and easy parking. Easy access to the water too, it's a boat launch! We'll head around the south lobe of the reservoir in a clockwise direction at a pace suitable for botanizing, picture-taking, etc. We'll either find a place for lunch as we paddle, or back at the little park, depending on how long it takes us. If moving right along at a good pace is your thing, this trip is not for you. If the weather is not suitable for paddling, we'll switch it up and bike the Ashiwilliticook bike trail which runs from Lanesboro north along the reservoir. Please call leader, BEFORE 9:00 pm, for meeting time and place.
LEADER: Lynn Filarwecki, 674-2125
LENGTH: Approximately 5-6 miles
ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round-trip

Remember: Get out and stay out!

Upcoming Events

Saturday, June 2, National Trails Day, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY

A work party will take place at GLSP on National Trails Day.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at 283-6056 or rjhydorn@lycos.com.

Wednesday, June 6: Paddle West Lake/Canada Lake/Lilly Lake, Caroga, NY

Canada, West, and Lilly Lakes are but 60 miles from Albany. But these Adirondack lakes have a wilderness feel about them in places and are abundant with wildlife. Most of the shoreline is privately owned but we should see little recreational activity this early in the season. We will paddle less than nine miles and meet at 0800 at JCPenney’s parking lot at Crossgates Mall.
CONTACT: Bill Valentino at 439-9686 or billvalentino113@yahoo.com .
LENGTH: Paddle Distance 9 miles
ROAD DISTANCE: 120 miles round-trip.

Sunday, June 17: THC Annual Pot-Luck Picnic

Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing, NY

In recent years we've had the picnic at Grafton Lakes State Park on National Trails Day. Some of you expressed an interest in doing other activities on that day, like work on the TCT, and wanted to have the picnic on a different date. So we decided this year to not only change the date, but the location, too. We have secured the large pavilion at Schodack Island, so we are good to go rain (let's hope not) or shine. And, yes, we realize this is Father's Day, but the THC picnic is really a family affair, so bring dad along. Or, if you're the dad (or grandad) bring the kids.

Our activities for the day are:

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, as well as pictures to share.

2:00 PM short THC meeting.

Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.

CONTACT: Margaret Parks, 728-6690. Please call Margaret and let her know how many are coming, how many hot dogs and hamburgers you would like, and what dish you are bringing.

Wednesday, June 27: Paddle Harris Lake, Newcomb, NY

The Paddle from Harris Lake into the beginning of the Hudson River offers beautiful scenery, the occasional river otter and almost always the appearance of loons. We will paddle less than eight miles. We will meet at 0730 Exit 9 Park and Ride.
CONTACT: Bill Valentino at 439-9686 or billvalentino113@yahoo.com.
LENGTH: Paddle Distance 8 miles
ROAD DISTANCE: 190 miles round-trip.

Welcome to the Taconic Hiking Club in the Albany, NY Capital District/Berkshires

Monday, March 19, 2012