THC FALL SCHEDULE

TACONIC HIKING CLUB ANNUAL BANQUET

Sunday, November 3

This year's banquet will be a sit down luncheon at Paolo Lombardi's Ristorante at 104 West Sand Lake Road (Route 150) in Wynantskill from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to the meal, there will be a brief business meeting and guest speakers. Authors Robert and Johanna Titus will present The Hudson Valley in the Ice Age, A Geological History & Tour.  

 

Robert Titus, PhD, is a paleontologist by training who has done considerable professional research on the fossils of upstate New York. He teaches in the Geology Department at Hartwick College. His previous books—The Catskills: A Geological Guide (3rd edition, 2004), The Catskills in the Ice Age (revised edition, 2003), The Other Side of Time: Essays by “The Catskill Geologist” (2007)—were published by Purple Mountain Press.

 

Johanna Titus, MS, has a degree in molecular biology. She teaches in the Allied Health and Biological Sciences Department at SUNY Dutchess. Robert and Johanna write regular columns for Kaatskill Life magazine, the Register Star newspaper chain and the Woodstock Times.

 

ENTREES: Pollo Alla Marsala, Salmon Arrosta and Lasagna Della Casa

SIDE DISHES: Italian-style potatoes and Broccoli Romano

Other items: Garden salad, Italian bread, coffee, tea, soft drinks and cake for desert.

COST: $22 per person.

CONTACT: Margaret Parks at 728-6690 or margaretparks213@gmail.com before Oct. 15th to reserve your spot.

DIRECTIONS: Depends on where you're coming from. Best bet is to go to www.paololombardis.com, click on the Contact link, and go to the Google Maps application.

 

 

WILDERNESS FIRST AID 

Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, 2013           

Take Wilderness First Aid and enjoy sleeping in your own bed.  This course will be offered locally at Little’s Lake in Menands, NY.  This Fall, the Adirondack Mountain Club Winter Mountaineering School is offering a Certified Wilderness First Aid Course from the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI). 

 

This Wilderness First Aid Course will be taught over a weekend encompassing 8 hours of instruction on Saturday and 8 hours on Sunday. Topics will include patient assessment, hypothermia, hyperthermia and heat illness, fractures, dislocations, and backcountry medicine.  Classroom lectures and discussions are supplemented by practical work and problem solving exercises.  The course will be taught by Dr. Eric Shaw, a highly trained emergency room physician, and the ADK Winter Mountaineering School Medical Director.  

 

The class will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, 2013.  Cost for the class will be $160.00 per student.  Participants will receive a Wilderness First Aid certification card upon successful completion of the course.

 

Class size will be limited to 20 students.  A minimum of 8 students are needed to hold the course.  

 

For additional information, and to reserve a spot in the class call Carl at (518) 274-8410 or (518) 810-3015 or cklinowski@nycap.rr.com.  Checks for the class should be made payable to “Winter  Mountaineering School.” 

TACONIC CREST TRAIL CONDITIONS

Robinson Hollow Access

Susan Roberts reports that the dirt road leading to the DEC parking area at Robinson Hollow is heavily eroded very difficult to drive in an ordinary passenger vehicle. Please use caution when attempting to reach the parking area. Use of a four-wheel drive vehicle with adequate clearance is recommended. If you are unable to reach the parking area and decide to park lower down on the road, please be aware that it is private property and not to block the road or any driveways. We will provide updates if/when conditions change.

 

SEPTEMBER

Thursday, September 5: Paddle Lake Durant & Rock Pond, Blue Mountain Lake, NY

Lake Durant is a small but very attractive and productive lake. There is an abundance of aquatic vegetation and water fowl and some strange large boulders. It is a lake with character. We can expect a leisurely paddle of less than six miles with lunch at the State park. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 8AM.

CONTACT: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 200 miles round trip.

 

Monday, September 9: Canoe Kayak upper Schroon River, Schroon, NY

We will put in below the Schroon River Falls and paddle to Schroon Lake Village town beach. It’s a winding river with a little current. Call Dick for the details. Meet at I87 Exit 9 P & R to figure out car-pooling

CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.

LENGTH: 10 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 150 miles round-trip.

 

Tuesday, September 10: Greenberg Preserve, Bennington, VT

Property of 96 acres includes meadows, woodlands and wetlands connected by roads, trails and an old trolley line. Pace slow enough to enjoy flora and fauna. If group wants to do more there are other easy trails nearby. Meet at Brunswick Park & Ride at Walmart on Rt. 7 in /Brunswick. Call Dale for details.

CONTACT: Call Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 2 miles or more.

ROAD DISTANCE: 66 miles round-trip.

 

Wednesday, September 11: Catskill Escarpment Loop, Catskill, NY

This is a loop of approximately 5 miles, on a scenic and historic trail with its 500 foot cumulative gain using the Escarpment Trail to Sunset Rock and Inspiration Point. We will return using the Schutt Road Trail. We will meet at Defreetsville Park and Ride on Rt 4, south of Rt 43 intersection at 8:45 AM.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles round-trip.

 

Saturday, September 14: Storm King Mountain, West Point, NY

This Hudson Highlands peak offers great views and interesting trail options for a modest amount of effort. Total elevation gain will be about 1100 feet, with a length of about 6 miles. Call Cliff for details.

CONTACT: Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com or 768-2907.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Saturday, September 14: Walkway over the Hudson bike ride, Hudson, NY

About 15 miles total with 2 hour ride down to meeting place depending on where you live. We will meet at Exit 18 diner in New Paltz at 9:30 am. Please call George to express your interest by September 13th.

CONTACT: George Astle at (508)735-2116.

LENGTH: Approximately 15 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to meeting place in New Paltz.

 

Sunday, September 15: MH bike path from Schulyer Flats Park to Port of Albany, Menands, NY

This is a close and easy bike ride on a Sunday afternoon. We will do a 12 mile cycle from Watervliet to Albany and return. Want 2-3 miles more? Add them by riding to and in the Albany Rural Cemetery (which includes about 1 mile of road). Meet at Sculyler Flats Cultural Park, 595 Broadway, Menands at 1 PM.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 15-18 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the park.

 

Tuesday, September 17: Taconic Crest Trail, Robinson Hollow to Southeast Hollow, Stephentown, NY

Come with me and see why they call it "Misery Mountain". Leisurely pace, plenty of time for birds, photos, plants. Call Susan for meeting time, place, and car spot arrangements.

CONTACT: Susan at 766-4170.

LENGTH: About seven miles, including access trail.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to meeting place.

 

Saturday, September 21: Bike ride on the Ashuwillicook trail, Adams, MA

Ride about 17 miles on a flat surface. We will meet at the Brunswick Walmart on Route 7 at 9:30AM Please call George to express your interest in going by September 20th.

CONTACT: Call George Astle at (508) 735-2116.

LENGTH: Approximately 17 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Sunday, September 22: Canoe Round Lake, Round Lake, NY

Round Lake is located just off Exit 11 of the Northway. Call George for details of the 10AM meeting spot.

CONTACT: Call George Astle at (508) 735-2116.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Monday, September 23: Bike Glens Falls to Lake George, Glens Falls, NY

Trip is mostly on a popular bike trail. Call Dick for details. Meet at I87 Exit 9 P & R to figure out car-pooling.

CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.

LENGTH: 20 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: 70 miles round-trip.

 

Friday, September 27: Hike Vanderwhacker Mountain, Minerva, NY.

Vanderwacker is a fire tower mountain with extensive views of the high peaks. In late September there may even be some color change in the valleys. Meet at the Park and Ride in Clifton Park, Exit 9, at 7:45.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at HenriksonK@Beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

LENGTH: 5.5 miles with an ascent of 1600 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 200 miles round-trip.

 

OCTOBER

Friday, October 4: Bike Schylerville Lock 5 to Fort Edward, Schylerville, NY.

We will bike from Lock 5 to Fort Edward on the West Shore Road along the Champlain Canal to Fort Edward and return on Route 4 to Lock 5. One hill to climb then rolling road to Fort Edward, mostly level on the return. There is local farm traffic on West Shore Road and a wide shoulder on Rt. 4. Call Dick for details.

CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com, or 371-7655.

LENGTH: Approximately 25 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Schylerville Lock 5.

 

Sunday, October 6: Hike Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, NY

We will hike about two hours. Meet at south gate in Menands Routes 378 and 377 at 10AM. Please call Margaret to verify you are coming by October 5th.

CONTACT: Call Margaret Parks at 250-5452.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the cemetery.

 

Tuesday, October 8: Rochester Hollow, Big Indian, NY

Thanks to Alan Via and his book, "The Catskill 67", I discovered this gem of a hike. The place has an interesting history; Alan wrote an extensive description in a recent edition of Adirondac. Meet at the Elm Avenue Park & Ride, Delmar. Call Susan for meeting time.

CONTACT: Call Susan at 766-4170.

LENGTH: Under five miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 140 miles round-trip from Elm Avenue.

 

Saturday, October 12: Leader's Choice Hike, Tri-State Area

Depending on how Bob's balky back and my gimpy hip feel, we'll do a moderate hike of intermediate distance somewhere in the Greater Capital District, the Berkshires or Southern Vermont to kick off the Columbus Day Weekend.

CONTACT: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512 or R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Sunday, October 13: Salem Art Works Sculpture Park, Washington County, NY

Trails wind through 119 scenic acres. Galleries too! Meet at Brunswick Park & Ride at Walmart on Rt. 7 in Brunswick. Call Dale for details.

CONTACT: Call Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 2 or 3 miles, hilly part is rutted.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 85 miles round-trip.

 

Monday, October 14: Columbus Day Hike, Windham, NY

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 Meet at 8:00 AM in the Delmar Park and Ride on Elm Ave.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at HenriksonK@beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

 LENGTH: Approximately 6.5 miles and about 1500 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 120 miles round-trip.

 

Thursday, October 17: Hike the Old Champlain Canal Towpath, Waterford, NY.

This hike will start at the northern end of the towpath at Upper Newtown Road. We will then head towards the village of Waterford and end behind the Waterford Museum. A car spot would be best. Contact Etta for details.

CONTACT: Call Etta Menges at 233-8310.

LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Upper Newtown Road parking area.

 

Sunday, October 20: Snow Hole Hike, Petersburg, NY

We will start this hike at 9:00AM to the Snow Hole. Meet at Petersburg Pass parking lot. Please call Margaret to verify you are coming by October 19th.

CONTACT: Call Margaret Parks at 250-5452.

LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Petersburg.

 

Tuesday, October 22, Mount Anthony, Bennington, VT

This hike offers good views, interesting geology and a chance to check the stone work at the Everett Mansion. Meet at Brunswick Park & Ride at Walmart on Rt. 7 in /Brunswick. Call Dale for details. CONTACT: Call Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 4 miles with an ascent of 1250 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 66 miles round-trip.

 

Sunday, October 27: Walk the Schenectady Stockade, Schenectady, NY

We will meet at Schenectady County Community College to walk the Stockade area of Schenectady at about 1:00 PM. This will be a two hour walk through this historic area. Call Margaret to verify your interest by October 25th.

CONTACT: Call Margaret Parks at 250-5452.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the SCCC parking lot.

 

Sunday, October 27: Hoosac Range Trail and Spruce Hill, North Adams, MA

We will take the recently established BNRC Hoosac Range trail along the ridge above the Adams/North Adams Valley. There are great views of Mt Greylock to the west, and a few more to the north and east along the way. Depending on the leaning of the group we can do an out and back or thru hike to Savoy Mt. State Forest.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056 or Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512.

LENGTH: 5-8 miles with moderate ascent and descent.

ROAD DISTANCE: 75 miles round-trip.

 

NOVEMBER

Monday November 4: Taconic Crest Trail, Southeast Hollow to Petersburg Pass, Petersburg, NY

This section of trail, the fifth in my odyssey, goes over Berlin Mountain, the highest point in Rensselaer County. Call Susan for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: Call Susan at 766-4170.

LENGTH: About seven miles, including access trail.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to meeting place.

 

Wednesday, November 6: Cat and Thomas Mountains, Bolton Landing, NY

NYS has acquired the Cat and Thomas Reserve but it continues to be managed by the Lake George Land Conservancy. We will take the Orange Trail to Thomas Mountain and then the Blue Ridge Trail to the summit of Cat Mountain, returning to the parking lot down Cat via a new Yellow Trail. Meet at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride (Fire Road) at 8:30AM.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles with an elevation gain of about 1600 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round-trip.

 

Sunday, November 10: Beebe Hill, Austerlitz, NY

This is a nice little hike on State Forest land in Columbia County. We'll make a gentle climb to the summit where a fire tower awaits for those who wish to get a view of the surrounding landscape. We'll loop back to the parking area via a different trail and then have the option of hiking nearby Turkey Hill and or to No Bottom Pond. Meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Schodack Park & Ride. Please contact the leaders by 9 p.m. Saturday to confirm.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056 or Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512.

LENGTH: 3-plus miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: 50 miles round trip from the Park & Ride.

 

Friday, November 15: Winter Activities due

Winter will be here before we know it. It is time to send in your bike rides, hikes or other activities for our winter schedule. Let’s make this our busiest winter ever!

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.

LENGTH: You decide.

ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, May 17, 2014

END TO END

Plans are being made for our End to End one day hike of the Taconic Crest Trail.

Please volunteer to help with trail clearings, car moving, food planning, hike sweeps or general support.

If you are interested in helping please contact R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056 or Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.