2013 THC SPRING SCHEDULE
FRIENDLY
REMINDER
Please check your mailing label to see if your dues is current, (unpaid
members will no longer receive a schedule). Your dues covers the period of
January 1 to December 31.
Taconic Hiking Club 2013-14 Officers
President: Cliff Prewencki (cprewencki@aol.com )
Vice President: Terry Tamer (terrytamer7@gmail.com )
Treasurer: Mary MacDonald (mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com )
Recording Secretary: Martha Waldman (Martha829r@aol.com )
The official address of the Taconic Hiking Club is:
Taconic Hiking Club
c/o R.J. Hydorn
2 Miller Ave.
Troy, NY 12180
c/o R.J. Hydorn
2 Miller Ave.
Troy, NY 12180
Taconic Crest Trail Guide Books and Map Sets
c/o MaryAnn Nicholas
7 Hampton St., Albany, NY 12209
518-729-2963
Membership information for the Club and to change or add contact information:
Terry Tamer
2A Lacy Lane
Loudonville, NY 12211
326-3584 or terrytamer7@gmail.com
Membership dues are paid to:
Mary MacDonald
27 Woodside Drive
Clifton Park, NY 12065
Dues are due on January1st. Annual dues, $10.00 and $5.00 junior members (under 18)
27 Woodside Drive
Clifton Park, NY 12065
Dues are due on January1st. Annual dues, $10.00 and $5.00 junior members (under 18)
To contribute an activity for the seasonal schedule send information to:
Report Trail Conditions of the TCT to:
Colin Campbell at 438-9629 or holesinhead@aol.com
Sunday, March 3: Rheinstrom Hill
Audubon Sanctuary, Audubon, NY
Snowshoe
or hike wooded trails. Meet at Schodack Park & Ride (Exit 11E). Call Dale
for starting time.
CONTACT:
Dale Blanchet at
273-4262.
LENGTH:
3 miles
round-trip with an ascent of 300 feet.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Approximately
80 miles round-trip.
Tuesday, March 5: Keleher
Preserve, Clarksville, NY
Come
snowshoe the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s newest preserve. It lies mostly
in the Town of New Scotland at an elevation of 1600 feet. We will hike about
1.5 miles to an overlook for lunch and complete the loop to return. Meet at the
Elm Ave. Park & Ride in Delmar. Call Dale for starting time.
CONTACT:
Dale Blanchet at
273-4262.
LENGTH:
3 miles
round-trip with an ascent of 350 feet.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Approximately
22 miles round-trip.
Tuesday, March 9: Taconic Crest
Trail, Petersburg Pass to Route 146, Petersburg, NY
We will
hike or snowshoe this northern section of the Taconic Crest Trail. Come
prepared for winter weather. Anyone looking to complete a section for the
winter end-to-end patch might want to complete this section. We will hike south
to north. Bring lunch/snack. For starting time and place contact Mary.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at
mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH:
Approximately 8
miles.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Saturday, March 16: Farmers
Market and walk, Troy, NY
A fun
thing to do is stroll among the produce and craft stalls; buy lunch from one of
the food vendors. I’ll put on an orange hat at lunch so you can find me. At 1pm
we will leave for a walk in Troy including a tour of EMPAC, the arts center at
RPI. Parking is available in the parking garage. Contact Dale if you have any
questions.
CONTACT:
Dale Blanchet at
273-4262
LENGTH:
1-2 miles
round-trip with an ascent of 200 feet, including steps.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Your
house to Troy.
Sunday, March 24: Merck Forest
and Farm Center, 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). Breakfast is from 9-1, so
we can walk/hike first then enjoy a late breakfast. Could be mud, could be
snow/ice, hard to predict. If some of you want to eat first, go ahead and we'll
all rendezvous later. Meet at Brunswick Park and Ride, near Wal-mart. Meeting
location could vary depending on response. Call for confirmation and starting
time.
CONTACT: Bob Armao at 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.
Saturday, March 30: Harrier Hill
to Greenport Conservancy. Hudson, NY
Harrier
Hill is a new Scenic Hudson property with a new trail connecting it to the
Columbia Land Conservancy in Greenport. We will spot cars at both ends. Both
properties have great views of the Hudson across to the Catskills, but the walk
will be in the woods and meadows. Trails are likely to be wet and muddy with
several steep and potentially muddy hills. For starting time and place contact
Sharon.
CONTACT:
Sharon Bonk at
sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Tuesday, April 9: Bog Meadow
Trail, Saratoga, NY
Let’s
search for some early spring flowers at this trail near Saratoga. We will walk
about 4 miles along an old railroad line through a wetland with viewing
platform at the southern end. Should we have more time we will walk another
nearby trail. Bring lunch/snack. Call Mary for starting time and place.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at
mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH:
Approximately 4
miles.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Approximately
40 miles round-trip.
Saturday, April 13: Moxham
Mountain, Minerva, NY
We will
see great views of the southern Adirondacks from the ridge as we climb 900’ to
the top on a relatively new trail. In April we should beat the buds (to insure
good views) and bugs, but we cannot be sure winter conditions will not be with
us. For starting time and place contact Sharon.
CONTACT:
Sharon Bonk at
sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately 5.4 miles
round-trip.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Friday, April 19: Taconic Crest
Trail, Rt. 20 to Tower Mt. Road,
“Our”
trail is a wonderful resource, diverse, challenging and close to home. Join me
in celebrating it this year and hike all of it, in sections, from south to
north. Plan a full day of hiking with a car spot. Each trip will be a steady
but relaxed pace so we can enjoy, photograph, and explore as we go. This is a
chance to familiarize yourself with sections you may not have done before, or
recently, and those who finish the trail entirely earn a patch to commemorate
this achievement. Call Susan for meeting time, place and questions.
CONTACT:
Susan Roberts at
766-4170.
LENGTH:
Approximately
5.25 miles.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Your
house to Rt. 20 Trailhead.
Saturday, April 20: Slide
Mountain, Shandaken, NY
The
highest Catskill peak is my favorite of the "35," and it offers some
nice views for a moderate amount of effort. Total elevation gain is 1700 feet,
and total distance round trip is 5.6 miles. This is a joint outing with the
Adirondack Mountain Club. Contact Cliff for meeting time and place.
CONTACT:
Cliff Prewencki
at cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.
LENGTH:
Approximately
5.6 miles round-trip with an ascent of 1700 feet.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Tuesday, April 23: Black
Mountain, Lake George, NY
Black is a
prominent mountain on the east side of Lake George. This will be a moderate
hike with great views of the lake. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride
in Clifton Park at 8:00am.
CONTACT:
Katie Henrikson,
at HenriksonK@Beverwyck.com or 533-7441.
LENGTH: 6.7 miles with 1,000 feet of
ascent.
ROAD
DISTANCE:
Approximately 130 miles round-trip.
Saturday, April 27: Taconic Crest
Trail (TCT) Work Day, Stephentown, NY
We’ll
cover the section of the TCT from Robinson Hollow to Madden Road. This will
involve blow down removal and drainage work. Bad weather postpones to the
following weekend. Call Dave with starting time and place.
CONTACT:
David Pisaneschi
at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH:
Approximately 6
miles.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Sunday, April 28: Wildflower Walk, Colonie Town Park
This was orginally slated to be Moxham Mountain, but since that hike was very popular on the schedule this spring, Dale decided to switch things up. Call her for details.
CONTACT:
Dale Blanchet at
273-4262.
LENGTH:
TBA
ROAD
DISTANCE: TBA
Wednesday, May 1; Erie Canalway
bike ride
Come see
the scenic Mohawk River valley between St.Johnsville and Scoharie Crossing ~ 27
miles. The ride is one way and will require car spotting. The trail is mostly
on a renovated railroad bed of gravel or asphalt paving and has minimal
elevation change.. Some of the route is on local roads and village streets.
Near the end we can stop at Karen’s Ice Cream and Produce for refreshments.
CONTACT:
Charlie Beach at
cjnqu7@verizon.net or 459-9127.
LENGTH:
Approximately 27
miles with a car spot.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Wednesday May 8, Moxham Mountain,
Minerva, NY
Moxham is
between Minerva and North Creek. The new trail up the mountain is rewarding,
with views of the northern and western Adirondacks. It should be a delightful
spring hike, before the black flies wake up. Road distance: Meet at 8:00am at
the Northway Park and Ride at exit 9 in Clifton Park.
CONTACT:
Katie Henrikson,
at HenriksonK@Beverwyck.com or 533-7441.
LENGTH: Approximately 5.5 miles with
1,000 feet of ascent.
ROAD
DISTANCE:
Approximately 180 miles round-trip.
Saturday, May 11: Wildflower
hike, Greylock Glen, Adams, MA
Gerry Weber and I will be hiking east of Mt Greylock (Gould Road/Theil Rd
trailhead), near Adams. We expect to do about 4 miles, more of a ramble and
exploration than a hike with a specific terminus. We do not intend to climb the mountain but
stay on trails in the lower slopes. Black flies are there already. Be
prepared! Bring wildflower ID book and camera as well as lunch and
water.
Meeting place: 9 AM Defreetsville Park and Ride,
Rtes 4/43, Exit 8 of I 90. Please register with Sharon Bonk, 674-0042, sboqc@mindspring.com.
CONTACT:
Sharon Bonk at
sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles
round-trip.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Approximately 1:15 to trailhead from the Park and Ride.
Thursday, May 16: Ashuwillticook
Rail Trail, Lanesborough, MA.
This is a
really pleasant bike ride in western Massachusetts, with part of the trail paralleling
Cheshire Reservoir. We’ll start from the southern end, and depending on group
interest, go all or part way to Adams. Please call leader, BEFORE 9:00pm,
for meeting time and place.
CONTACT:
Lynn Filarecki,
674-2125.
DISTANCE:
All the way to
Adams and return, 22.4 miles; if group desires, we’ll do less.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Approximately
70 miles.
Saturday, May 18: Burroughs
Sanctuary, West Park, NY
Slabsides
is the rustic retreat of John Burrough, author, naturalist and
environmentalist. Built in 1895, now a National Historic Landmark, Slabsides is
now surrounded by a 200 acre nature sanctuary with many nature trails. This
“open house”, hosted by members of the John Burroughs Association, will include
talks and tours, free of charge. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT:
Susan Roberts at
766-4170.
LENGTH: To
be determined by the group.
ROAD
DISTANCE: Approximately
140 miles round-trip.
Saturday, May 18:, Berlin
Mountain, Berlin, NY
Berlin
Mountain is a Taconic Crest favorite, but we will take the less traveled
southern approach. Be prepared for a good stiff walk in the woods, with 2600
feet of total elevation gain and 8.3 miles total distance. This is a joint
outing with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Call Cliff for meeting time and
place.
CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at
cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.
LENGTH:
Approximately
8.3 miles round-trip with an ascent of 2600 feet.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Wednesday, May 22: Paddle-Schodack
Creek, Schodack, NY
Mindful of
the tides we will explore Schodack Creek launching from the hand launch at
Schodack Island State Park. There is over five miles of shoreline on Schodack
Creek before reaching the Hudson River. We will either retrace our steps back
to the hand launch or, in the event it is unanimous we will continue south
around the island and return north on the Hudson River, finishing on the motor
boat launch with its vehicle access. The park has been designated a State
Estuary, and a portion of the park shelters a bird conservation area that is
home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the
cottonwood trees. The portage conditions from the parking area to the hand
launch is about 600 feet. Wheels are helpful otherwise we will help each other
with joint carries. Meet 8:30 AM at the Delmar Elm Ave. Park & Ride Lot
CONTACT: Bill Valentino at
billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH:
Total paddle
distance is expected to be less than ten miles
ROAD
DISTANCE: 40
miles round trip
Friday, May 24, Blue Circle Cement Trail, Ravena, NY
Join Etta
for a beautiful spring hike to check out all of Mother Nature’s springtime
glory. Hopefully, the wildflowers will be in full bloom. Meeting at the Elm Avenue Park & Ride in Delmar at 9:30 A.M. Please call Etta to register for the walk..
CONTACT:
Etta Menges 233-8310
LENGTH: 2-4 miles
ROAD
DISTANCE: About 30 miles round trip.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Saturday, June 1: National Trails
Day Work Party at Grafton Lakes SP, Grafton, NY
Spend the
morning of National Trails Day working on the trails at Grafton Lakes State Park.
The good folks at GLSP let us store tools and supplies there for use on the
Taconic Crest Trail, so helping them get ready for the busy summer season is
the neighborly thing to do. Plus, they'll have a picnic lunch for all the
volunteers and a chance to win prizes.
CONTACT:
R.J. Hydorn or
rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH:
To be
determined.
ROAD
DISTANCE: From
your house to Grafton Lakes State Park.
Saturday, June 8: Huyck Preserve,
Rensselaerville, NY
The Huyck
Preserve offers 2,000 acres of varied terrain--forest, field, lake, and pond.
It also affords great views of the Rensselaervile Falls, which plummet 60 feet
over sandstone and shale. There are lots of trail options here, but elevation
will be minimal and total length will be about 7 miles. This is a joint outing
with the Adirondack Mountain Club.
CONTACT:
Cliff Prewencki
at cprewencki@aol.com or 766-2907.
LENGTH:
Approximately 7
miles round-trip.
ROAD
DISTANCE: To be
determined.
Sunday, June 9: THC Picnic,
Schodack Town Park,
Nassau, NY
Taconic Hiking Club Annual Pot-
Luck Picnic
Our
activities for the day are:
*
Join George Astle for a bike ride or hike the park on your own. There is no
swimming or boating at this park.
*
Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK APPETIZERS.
*
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.
Margaret Parks will
be handling reservations so please contact her at Margaret.Parks@thurway.state.ny.us
or 728-6690 to let her know how many people are coming and what your
contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert).
posted by Taconic Hiking Club @ 4:47 PM
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