ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL    

Reports from Chapter activities during 2009

Jan 3 (Sat) FEEDER CANAL PARK
Leader: Dave Fiske

It was a pretty nice winter day--sunny most of the time. We walked alongside the Hudson River along several parts of the trail. A hearty lunch awaited us at the Rock Hill Bakehouse Cafe in Glens Falls (although Ray was cheated out of his anchovies). An urban walk through town brought us back to the cars. Participants: Kathy Shepherd, Katie and Ray Henrikson, Laura Fiske, Lee Schaller, and Robbie and Arlene (whose last names I don't know, since I misplaced my sign-up sheet--sorry).

Jan 3 (Sat) GRAHAM & BALSAM LAKE
Leader: Norm Mueller

The outing today got off to a bit of a late start due to some treacherous conditions on Mill Brook Road and also on Todd Mountain Road. There had been some snow over night, and the roads had not been cleared yet. One vehicle that did not have four-wheel drive had a tough go of it.  Our group today was a good sized one and consisted of the following members: Kevin Cox, Jim Dean, Jim DeWaal Malefyt, Shashi Narayan, Carol Nestor, Hilaire Meuwissen, Jonathan Mossop, Kathy Pacuk, Lisa Weismiller, and the leader. It was a nice snowshoe through the fresh and fluffy snow and Jonathan was kind enough to take the trail breaking responsibility all the way to the summit. We also encountered a short but heavy snow squall as we made our ascent after turning off the Dry Brook trail and onto the Balsam Lake trail. At the summit, we took a nice break and chatted with another group of hikers that were planning on going over to Doubletop. On our way over to Graham, we ran into a Catskill 3500 Club group and also Linda Kolnick, who had signed up for my hike but decided to join the other group when we didn’t show up on time. When we reached the summit of Graham, we were forced to take refuge in the remains of the old building there in order to escape a biting wind. We took an extended break as Kathy passed around some of her fresh baked cookies for all of us to enjoy. I always look forward to that! Then we made our way back to the Dry Brook trail, back to our vehicles and found great relief in seeing a plowed and sanded Mill Brook Road .

Jan 7 (Wed) PROSPECT MOUNTAIN
Leader: Don Berens  

The forecast of day-long "wintry mix" encouraged some participants to drop out of the planned trip to Tongue Mountain .  The reality of "wintry mix" encouraged Don Berens and Kathy Pacuk to shorten the drive and the hike, by shifting the objective to Prospect Mountain from the Lake George Recreation Center near Northway Exit 21.  The highway was indeed slick and the trailhead parking lot was unplowed when we put on snowshoes in 26 degree light sleet.  But in the woods, which we had to ourselves, we barely noticed the precipitation.  The trail was well packed but covered by shallow wet snow over a crust.  We summited in wind and snow flurries with no views and waved to a pair of snowmobilers who spent even less time at the top than we did.  We retraced our steps to the trailhead which had been plowed in our absence, and finished with a visit to ADK HQ.  It was not the most scenic of days to hike, but a mediocre half-day in the woods can be better than many of the alternatives.  

Jan 10 (Sat) PINE BUSH PRESERVE XC SKI
Leader: Gene Reilly

It was a toss-up whether to attempt XC skiing or switch to a snowshoe outing as the snow conditions were not favorable for skiing.  There had been warmer temperatures / rain since the last snowfall, followed by cold again so that there was a significant icy crust over the snow, with only marginal additional snow cover on top of it.  Of the seven hearty souls to sign up, four were aware of the leader’s concern and came prepared to snowshoe, one decided to bare boot it and the other two brave adventurers carried on with the XC skis.  The Discover Center made an ideal meeting place as several folks had never been there before and found the well designed layout and educational exhibits both interesting and entertaining while the group gathered.  For the first leg of our excursion we went a short distance on the trail right behind the Discovery Center to the high point of the land where there were some good views – some were surprised at the height of the Albany landfill to the east, while the Catskills could barely be discerned in the distance – on a good visibility day the ‘three sisters’ of Blackhead, Black Dome and Thomas Cole can be clearly seen to the south.  We descended the far side of the dune and continued on the trail in a clockwise direction until veering left for the connector trail under Route 155 where it crosses the NYS Thruway – it was an interesting ‘urban hiking’ experience being right next to the highway with the traffic noise, cold and wind.  Continuing west we completed a relatively flat triangular trail that initially paralleled the Thruway and then turned away into the woods.  We passed several large open snow covered meadows which I could recall being overgrown with brush in the past – evidence of the efforts to clear out invasive plant species and restore the habitat to its proper condition.  We drove to another trailhead located near the Point of Woods development where we embarked on the second leg of the outing.  There we followed the red trail and blue trail loops for another couple hours, circling over and around the Great Dune.  Enjoying this cold but delightful day were Dave Ganje, John Tracy, Bonnie Prushnok, Michael, Aaron VanDerwiel, Maria Garcia, Luis Pacheco, Rachel Smith, Brendan Reilly and the leader.

Jan 12 (Mon) CAT & THOMAS MOUNTAINS
Leaders: Lori McCarron & Karen Ross

Six enthusiastic hikers set off for Thomas on a clear cold January morning. The trail to Thomas, up an old logging road, went quickly, as the trail had been broken through the deep snow. The trail from Thomas to Cat, through the woods, was another matter; steep slopes and unbroken 2 – 2.5 ft. deep snow made for slow progress.  Lunch on top of Cat was a delight with clear skies, no wind, and a great view of frozen Lake George . While the nominal leader, Katie Henrikson, stayed at home with a pulled muscle, the hike was enjoyed by Charlie Beach, Ray Bouchard, Lori McCarron, Tom Ostrowski, and Karen Ross. Thanks to Lori and Karen for stepping in to lead at the last minute.

Jan 13 (Tue) COLE HILL SNOWSHOE
Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver

Eight people signed up for this event but the three degree temperatures, with wind, kept a few folks away.  Those who went were treated to superb snow conditions on a day of clear, deep blue, sky.  The woods kept the wind at bay, but we kept moving, stopping for only one break just long enough to soak in the sunshine on a bridge crossing the marsh.  Stalwart winter outdoors people were Phil Hawkes-Teeter, Bob McCarty, John Tracy, Deb Wein, and the leader.

Jan 17 (Sat) TABLETOP AND TR MOUNTAINS
Leader: Don Berens

The forecast was for cold.  In fact, we drove through a pocket of minus 20 degree air near Schroon Lake.  But when Don Berens, Kevin Cox, Michael Jensen, Dan Lockhart, Denise Mongillo, Shashi Narayan, Kathy Pacuk and Bob Scaife left the ADK Loj parking lot at 7:10 in morning twilight, it had warmed to zero.  We had some clouds and occasional snow flurries, but also some hazy sun throughout the day.  The trail was well broken to Indian Falls where we admired the obscured view of Colden and the MacIntyre Range before heading up toward Tabletop on a well packed herd path covered with a couple inches of unbroken snow.  Near and at the summit, we viewed the rime-covered spruce up close and the cloud-covered peaks in the distance.  The descent back to the trail was quick, and soon we were bashing a snow trench on the seldom used herd path to TR.  We followed rabbit tracks and intermittent survey tape through occasional spruce holes to a small clearing indistinguishable from the summit clearing, declared our objective met shortly after noon, and again descended to the trail for a bite to eat.  We all returned to the cars by 2:30, basked in the plus 10 degree heat wave, and then drove home before dark.  

Jan 22 (Thu) PILOT KNOB RIDGE
Leader: Jim Schaller

This late January day brought relatively mild temperatures in the high 20’s, but mostly cloudy skies. We started at the parking area for the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Pilot Knob Ridge and used snowshoes all day. After a steady climb, we reached the Gazebo at the open area where a former house had been illegally built. The leader recounted the story which all found to be of interest!  Then we took the blue trail up a series of zig-zags to the “upper” loop. A scramble took us into a pine and hemlock forested ridge along a now frozen stream gorge. So no waterfalls views today! We retraced our beaten down path through the snowy woods to the clearing where we had lunch in the woods out of the wind. Views were good but were of the mostly developed southern end of Lake George . Then we followed the old road (that formerly led up to the house)  and trail back down to the cars. Hiking were: Karen Ross, Lori McCarron, Anneliese Lawson, Anita Whalen, Tom Ostrowski, Jeff DeLisle, Walt Addicks, Katie and Ray Henrikson, Bonnie Schaller, and the leader Jim Schaller.  

Jan 24 (Sat) HALCOTT MOUNTAIN
Leader: Norm Mueller

The outing today started on a clear and cold morning at the Rte. 43 parking area. The temp was in the 20s and it was a bit windy, but the sun was promising to shine brightly today. The members of the group today were: George Baranauskas, Jim De Waal Malefyt, Mary MacDonald, Hilaire Meuwissen, Kathy Pacuk, Stephen Smith, and the leader. We were fortunate to find that some kind soul was nice enough to break a trail for us all the way to the summit and directly to the canister. I would have preferred a more direct route straight to the ridge, and then follow it to the summit, but following the broken trail was a more attractive option. Even though the distance to the summit is only 1.5 miles, the steepness of the ascent still makes it a formidable task. I had assured the group early on that it would be a piece of cake. A couple of hikers had suggested that eating your Wheaties was the requirement for this hike, but we were at the summit before you know it. They say that time flies when you are having fun. We signed in at the register and Kathy began to pass around her home-made cookies. The oatmeal and raisin are always my favorite! After a couple of group photos, we made our return trip which was great fun as there were several spots in which to get good butt-slide going. We got back to our vehicles just in time for lunch.  

Jan 25 (Sun) BERRY POND SNOWSHOE 
Leader: Walt Hayes

This trip was rescheduled from January 24 to avoid conflict with the services for Almy Coggeshall. The day was bright and cool.  Starting temperatures were well below zero but got up to the mid teens by lunch.  We saw many snowmobiles on the roads of the Preserve but no other snowshoers.   We started out carrying snowshoes on the hard packed trails of the Village Recreation Center but soon put on the snowshoes.   There had been no non-motorized use of the preserve since the last snow.  We could see old snowshoe tracks from before the latest snow.  We were able to visit the blue heron rookery close up on the frozen pond.  Good views from the pond of the overlook.  The views from the overlook were more open without leaves on the trees so the pond was visible from the overlook and we could see Potash Mountain over toward Hadley Mountain.  The views from the east overlook of Lake George are spectacular.  We bushwhacked back to the Village Recreation trails via the State Land just north of the Village property. Roman Laba, Jeff O'Donnell and the leader.  

Jan 31 (Sat) GIANT & ROCKY MOUNTAINS 
Leader: Don Berens

We had just about every kind of fun you can have on snowshoes.  Don Berens, Michael Jensen, Tim Kase, Dan Lockhart, Carol Nestor, Bob Scaife and Laurie Schweighardt met at the Giant Mountain trailhead near Chapel Pond before the 7:15 sunrise but when it was already light.  It was about 10 degrees all day and mostly sunny.  Below the Giant's Washbowl, we overtook two hikers and thereafter broke trail the rest of the way up in fresh powder and drifts over a firm track.  Views of the Great Range opened as we climbed the open ledges of the Ridge Trail.  We had heard that the trail to Giant was marked with blue, so when we saw that deep blue color overhead, we just went up and up between snow covered trees gleaming brilliantly in the sun until we summited at 10:30.  The steep 800 foot descent toward Rocky was covered in unbroken shin-deep powder that let us ski down on our snowshoes telemark style.  As we climbed the gentler slopes of Rocky Peak Ridge, we watched the wind rip snow off the trees and carry it briskly toward Vermont .  When we emerged on the open summit at noon, the views were literally staggering.  In fact, looking upwind, the views hit us in the face at about 40 mph!  We descended back into the trees for a lunch break, then re-climbed most of Giant - some of us detouring for a view at the edge of the icy slides on Giant's east face.  The descent was notable for the views of the High Peaks, for one broken snowshoe (the binding separated from the frame), and for some long sitz glissades which were sometimes elegant but always fun.  During the day, besides Giant and Rocky, we saw thirty of New York's High Peaks and two of Vermont's, plus Lake Champlain, Schroon Lake, and numerous ponds.  It was as exhilarating as snowshoeing gets.  

Feb 7 (Sat) DIAL & NIPPLETOP
Leader:  Don Berens

Don Berens, Marc Bachand, John Harris, Michael Jensen, Doug Luke, Keith Martin, Arnie Tran and Kay Tran left the Ausable Club parking lot at 6:20 under a full but hazy moon.  At the gate house register we put on snowshoes and turned off headlamps.  In another 15 minutes, we left the Lake Road and started the 2 mile, 1,700 foot climb on packed trail to the shoulder of Noonmark where the 1999 fire has opened fine views.  High clouds did not obscure our views of Dix, Lower Wolf Jaw and many peaks in between.  The well-packed trail took us down and up to Bear Den by 9:00.  There, Keith decided he was not having a good day and turned back down the well trod marked trail to the car to wait for us.  As we traversed Dial and continued up the ridge, snow had drifted in the track so we did some real route finding, trail breaking, and spruce hole excavation.  As we neared Nipple Top, two other parties of two each caught up with us.  We summited before noon, but the vaunted view was obscured by wind driven cloud and we soon retreated to a calmer spot for a bite to eat.  The steep descent to Elk Pass was nicely covered in boot high unbroken powder which let us skate down with ten-foot strides and without falling over (much).  We continued to break trail to the Colvin junction whence fresh tracks led us back down to the Lake Road .  By pre-arrangement, Doug left to climb Lower Wolf Jaw (successfully we later learned), and the rest of us returned to meet Keith in the parking lot by 3:10.  The tracks of others helped us to do this 14 mile loop in under nine hours.  Interestingly, while our hiking temperatures ranged from +5 to +25, we recorded temperatures on the morning drive of -5 and on the afternoon drive of +44, a swing of nearly 50 degrees in less than twelve hours!   

Feb 7 (Sat) DOUBLETOP
Leader:  Norm Mueller

The outing today was to be a great one for a few reasons. First, it was to be the day that one of my fellow hikers would be finishing the winter 35’s. Secondly, it was a full group on this hike which was a first for me. And third, the weather was supposed to be great! It was quite cold to start, but the temp was supposed to reach 40 and it was to be very clear and sunny. The members of the group today were: George Baranauskas, Jim DeWaal Malefyt, Lilo Hackel, Pat Johnston, Tim Kase, Alan Kovacic, Barry Leibowitz, Denise Mongillo, Laurie Schweighardt, Lisa Weismiller, and the leader. We started off on the Seager trail headed toward the Flatiron Brook. We were fortunate to find that someone had broken a trail for us which made it a rather nice snowshoe to the summit. As we approached the summit, you could see that the Balsams were thickly coated with a very heavy combination of ice and snow that caused the tips of the lowest branches to touch the ground. It is amazing how much the trees can bend without breaking. Some of the hardwood trees had ice hanging off the branch tips in a manner that looked and sounded like wind chimes as we brushed up against them. The more direct route to the canister was obstructed by a wall of icy branches which forced the group to circle around to find it. Congratulations go out to Denise as she becomes a winter 35’r today! Hugs and pictures, and the sharing of decadent chocolate laden snacks were in order while we took a nice long break before retracing our steps back to the Seager trail. The temperature was beginning to rise to the point where the surface of the snow was now beginning to stick to the bottoms of our snowshoes. Even though this was annoying, it was still so nice to feel the warmth of the sun after such a cold start earlier that morning. As we were making our way back to the parking area, we noticed an interesting phenomenon. Along the steep banks on one side of the trail, there was snow that started to slide down and ball-up as it rolled down causing a tight curl like you would see as you pull an ice cream scoop across a freshly opened box. These curls would continue to roll and get larger till they would fall over and look like a swirling bowl on its side. This had some hikers snapping pictures of it. It is things like these that make being outdoors all the more interesting.  

Feb 11 (Wed) TONGUE MOUNTAIN
Leader: Don Berens

Feb 12 (Thu) NEW TRIP LEADERS WORKSHOP        
Leader:  Virginia Boyle Traver

We have six new leaders in the Albany ADK. Please welcome Dave Esmond, Stephanie Graudons, Danielle Leonard, Pete Morrison, John Sheehan and Don Yackel to our roster. Look for their trips in upcoming Cloudsplitters!  

Mar 4 (Wed) PINE BUSH SNOWSHOE                      
Leader:  Virginia Boyle Traver

A late winter day with a few inches of new snow and clear blue sky was perfect for a morning's outing.  Although there was not enough snow for snowshoeing, we walked trails through woods and meadow, viewing areas newly opened from last year's controlled burns, and entering secluded areas with rustic bridges crossing streams.  Basking in March's strong sunshine were Patricia Robelotto, Claudia Summers, John Tracy, Deb Wein, Rachel West, and the leader.

Mar 11 (Wed) TONGUE MOUNTAIN                            
Leader:  Don Berens

Don Berens, Dan Lockart and Kathy Pacuk enjoyed a 35 degree rain falling from low clouds at the Clay Meadow trailhead.  We snowshoed east on soft wet snow, on rainwater running over soft ice, and on soft ice over running water, up to the Saddle on the ridge crest.  There we turned south, climbed into the wind and clouds, and yo-yo'ed over the many bumps of the range.  By day's end, we climbed about 3,000 feet without ever going over 1,800 feet above sea level.  In the blowing mists, we rarely knew what bump we were on and all morning we never saw Lake George from any of the trail lookouts.  While he was in front, Dan saw first four deer and then another; we all saw lots of fresh tracks and droppings.  Generally, we slogged through sticky snow on the north-facing uphills, and snowshoed over patches of snow less ground littered with oak leaves on the south-facing downhills.  After noon, and south of First Peak , we removed our snowshoes for the descent of the south-facing cliffs and finally descended below the clouds for views of the islands in the Narrows of the frozen lake.  Two of us took the spur trail to Montcalm Point on the lake shore at the very southern tip of Tongue Mountain .  Then, again wearing snowshoes, we all turned north on the trail along the shore of Northwest Bay .  We hiked the last hour in sunshine as it warmed to 44 degrees back at the trailhead. Out like a lamb.  

Mar 14 (Sat) DIX & HOUGH MOUNTAINS                   
Leader:  Don Berens

Fantabulous!  Awesom-acious!  The whole hiking day was literally cloudless!  Don Berens, George Baranauskas, Darcy Castine, Tim Kase, Dan Lockart, Denise Mongillo, Bob Reinhart and Laurie Schweighardt began at 6:00 am in 15 degree starlight.  As we crested the first ridge fifteen minutes later, we saw the waning gibbous moon; just two days past full, reflecting off the frozen surface of Round Pound.  As we climbed to the second ridge, we saw the orange-red pre-dawn glow back beyond the pond.  The day would only get brighter.  Snowshoes clattered on the hard-packed trail beside the Boquet River whence we had views through the leafless hardwood forest to Noonmark behind and Dix ahead.  Beyond the lean-to, from the bottom of the slide, our steps shattered inch-thick plates of crust which skittered down the unbroken crust beside the trail.  The climb to Dix was in every way breath-taking because it was steep (1,650 feet in a mile) and beautiful with distant views of Giant, Whiteface, the entire Great Range, Allen, Santanoni, Elk Lake, Schroon Lake and Lake Champlain, and near views of ice encrusted spruce poking out of the snow, all sparkling in the sun.  At the Beckhorn of Dix, we left the marked trail and found the herd path descending south on the ridge toward Hough.  As the temperature climbed toward 40 degrees, the globules of clear ice departed their sunny treetop perches, clinked through the icy middle branches, and thudded into the softening snow below.  We reached Hough at 12:25 pm and looked north toward the Beckhorn which we now re-climbed.  Very much to our delight, though not to our surprise, we descended the steep mile from Dix in less than half the time it had taken us to ascend.  Back on the low-angle bottom of the slide, some of us experimented with belly-sliding on the crust, controlling the speed by kicking boot toes down through the slick surface into the soft snow beneath.  In these unique conditions, it worked safely.  The walk out was supported by sticky but firmly packed snow.  Laurie broke a snowshoe with a mile and a half to go; Don broke another with a tenth of a mile to go.  But no worries.  We returned to the cars in full daylight by 5:45 pm EDT, having walked about 16 miles and - as George's GPS said - climbed over 6,000 feet.

Mar 26 (Thu) ROUND MOUNTAIN                              
Leader:  Jim Schaller

Originally, there were eight sign-ups, but cancellations and no-shows left just four hikers setting out for Round Mountain in the Adirondacks .  We hoped the vague weather forecast was right—“cloudy, with showers and rain by late afternoon”.  It did prove right, as we had no rain, except a few sprinkles, all day. The sun even came out for awhile on the ascent.  As we began the climb up the old Dix Trail- we soon found the path to be hard-packed snow, some bare spots, and many stretches of ice!  Stableicers became the “Footwear Du-Jour”.  We reached the first ledges on the climb, and got the first views of Dix and the Great Range on either side of Noonmark.  Soon we reached the summit, and then the views east and north were added- to Giant and Whiteface Mountains . The Red trail descends (ATIS markers gone) along the “Weston” trail route.  The very steep descent was quite icy, requiring care, and slow going. It did pass interesting rock formations, and ice falls along the way. We finished in good time- and ran into rain during the drive south! Hiking were: Lori McCarron, Marcia Hanson, Bonnie Schaller, and the leader Jim Schaller.

Mar 28 (Sat) MACOMB MOUNTAIN                            
Leader:  Don Berens

Don Berens, Roman Laba, Dan Lockart and Bob Scaife left the Clear Pond parking lot (1,914 ft) in pre-dawn light at 6:20 in 32 degree temperatures under partly cloudy skies, with a forecast of unseasonably warm weather.  The gravel road to the summer trailhead was bare of snow with a few ice patches.  The trail to Slide Brook was mostly firm snow, but - because of soft snow bridges over the streams - we all switched to snowshoes before we reached the lean-to at 7:50, having briskly covered 4.2 miles in only 90 minutes.  In the morning shadow of Macomb's bulk, the herd path was firm all the way to the slide, most of which was covered in snow and ice with only a few islands of rock or rubble.  We switched to crampons and found variable snow conditions ranging from hard granular "corn" snow to shin-deep post-holes and occasional water ice crust over snow.  Above the slide, we cramponed on firm herd path to the summit (4,405 ft) which we reached at 10:05.  We lingered for a half hour on top, admiring the views of Dix, Marcy, Santanoni and many other peaks.  For our descent, the slide was half in sun and half in shade, with fine views over Elk Lake .  We switched back to snowshoes in the softening snow under the mid-day sun, spent a little while cleaning up litter at the lean-to, and returned by 1:30 to the car at Clear Pond where it had warmed to 54 degrees.  By our return to Clifton Park , the temperatures exceeded 70.  A grand early spring day!  

Apr 9 (Thu) SPRUCE MOUNTAIN                             
Leader:  Dave Esmond

As advertised, Spruce Mountain was indeed an easy climb, a good spring “warm-up” hike. Numerous woods-road switchbacks intersect the trail, which is fortunately well marked by both stone cairns and Saratoga Plan markers. At 73 feet the firetower is the highest in the Adirondack park, now nearly overtopped by the hemlocks surrounding it. The leader took full credit for the great weather, but the fun and lively conversation were totally attributable to our crew of hardy hikers – Lori McCarron, Susan Roberts, Jim and Bonnie Schaller, Leslie Siegard, Anita Whalen, and Bob Whitaker.  

Apr 16 (Thu) ASHUWILLTICOOK RAIL TRAIL           
Leader:  Virginia Boyle Traver

We had perfect day for our ride through the Berkshires. A friendly group, who first hung together chatting and then spread out into those who looked for a work-out and others along for a more moderate ride, we all savored the blue sky, scattered wildflowers, and a great cruise through lovely scenery.  Enjoying this spring outing were Don Berens, Paul Breslin, Bernadette Glynn, Carolyn McLoughlin, Steve, Leslie, and Adam Siegard, and the leader.  

Apr 18 (Sat) SCHROON & BRANT LAKES BIKE        
Leader:  Don Berens 

No flats!  Little rain!  Excellent day!  George Baranauskas, Don Berens and Aileen Genett car-pooled to the bike (er, boat) launch at the southern outlet of Schroon Lake .  It was mostly cloudy, calm and a little under 50 degrees, all good signs.  There were snow banks beside the parking lot and a vulture circling overhead, maybe bad signs.  We warmed up by peddling easily north along the lake's west shore on Route 9.  Morning auto traffic was light and the lake was free of mid-summer motor boats.  After a brief break in the hamlet of Schroon Lake , we swung around the north end of the lake and climbed our longest hill.  East Shore Drive was framed by tall white pines through which sun sometimes shone and in which woodpeckers hammered and thrushes sang.  The rolling, often sand-covered road led us between the lake shore and the western edge of the Pharoah Lake Wilderness and by trailheads leading to Gull and Spectacle Ponds.  We took our late morning lunch break in the rocking chairs on the porch of the General Store in Adirondack , remounting our bikes just as the fire house whistle blew at noon.  A serene ride past more snow banks, spring peepers and Beaver Pond brought us to the north end of Brant Lake.  We rolled south along the west shore, listening to loons (on the lake, not on the bikes).  From the hamlet of Brant Lake , it was a short ride to East Schroon River Road.  Ten minutes from the end, we felt a light spritz which we were reluctant to call rain.  We decided it was no more than dew falling from the trees or sweat flying off the rider in front.  Curiously, though, windshield wipers were activated on the ride home.

Apr 23 (Thu) SOUTH TACONIC TRAIL & ALANDER               
Leader: Jim Schaller

We picked a day when the weather was a bit unsettled – ushering in a warm front in the days to come. But this day was wild and wooly! Four of us started up the steep South Taconic Trail’s southern trailhead – to the ridge running north to South Brace Mtn. We enjoyed seeing the first spring wildflowers along the southerly facing slopes. At Brace Mt, we began to be pummeled by strong west wind-driven snow pellets! Actually, the clouds were gradually lifting, and we were treated with decent views –of the Catskills –and Berkshires all day.  We did the side trip over to the “Tri-State Corner” monument – and up to Mt. Frissell , Mass. (passing the high point in Connecticut ). Then- on up the ridge –to Alander Mt. Intermittent light snow eventually turned to sleet and rain showers—between otherwise clear stretches of weather. We stopped briefly at the cabin on Alander’s summit before beginning the steep descent to a spotted car. We had a nice day in the South Taconic highlands. Hiking were: Lori McCarron, Walt Addicks, Bonnie Schaller, and the leader Jim Schaller.  

Apr 25 (Sat) EARTH DAY/TRAILS DAY – CLEANUP THACHER PARK
Leader:  Jim Schaller

The winter’s ice storm, and snowstorms, still left lots of damage to clean up in Thacher Park ’s picnic areas, and Thompson Lake’s campground by April. Calls for assistance went out to ADK, “Friends of Thacher Park”, various running clubs, Girl Scouts, and other outdoor groups. A general call went out for help via local media, as well. So- on Saturday, April 25, a large- but welcome crowd descended on Thacher Park ’s “Paint Mine” pavilion.  Work crews were divided up, and sent off in a dozen directions with leaders- to attack the forest debris with rakes, saws, and just a good hard day’s work lugging limbs, branches, and cut-up logs to roadside, for a “chipper” to get later. Tarps were used to haul raked-up leaves, pine needles and small blowdown to the road. Wood chips had been distributed to spots- to be raked out into worn or wet areas. Luckily—by this time- nearly all hiking trails throughout Thacher Park had been cleared by volunteers, or Park staff. I was given the solo task of replacing missing signs along the Escarpment Trail’s wooden post & beam fence. The “Danger – Steep drop-off; Do not cross fence”-etc. signs are repeatedly stolen, or vandalized. From the Indian Ladder Trail to the Overlook, over 50 signs were replaced! By noon or so, most workers wrapped up their work areas, and returned to Paint Mine- where the “Friends” group sponsored a picnic barbeque lunch for all volunteers. Burgers and hot dogs, along with salads and all the “fixin’s” in the shady pavilion- were a welcome break for all (did I mention that the temp. hit somewhere around 90 deg. this day – warmest of the spring season so far !) Chris (Park super.) thanked all for the help in keeping Thacher Park nice. Please excuse me if I leave out anyone who attended - as the crowd was large, and “intros” were difficult for all.  ADK’ers attending were: Walt Addicks, Jim and Bonnie Schaller, Sue Roberts, Anita Whalen, James and Leslie Harnett, Barb Northrup (p.s. - thanks for bringing the cookies!!), Hank & Marlee Bickel, Dave Esmond, Mary Folsom, Will Golden. A special guest appearance was made by our Thacher Park Mentor- Fred Schroeder!!!

Apr 25 (Sat) BOQUET RIVER GORGE                       
Leader:  Bob Scaife

Blue sky, a warm sun, a roaring river and the promise of adventure greeted Don Egan, Wayne Gray, Roman Laba, Ron Toseland and the leader, at the East Dix trailhead.  A short walk in the unseasonable morning warmth brought us to the herd path’s crossing and then re-crossing of the North Fork . Here we departed the beaten path and set a course for the upstream wilds.  After enjoying the first real treat of this walk, a 25 foot spectacular and nameless falls pouring down the face of a massive stone wall, we pressed on until the valley widened into a broad and open park.  Following the meanders of the now-peaceful river we were greeted by unusual vistas of Spotted Mountain and East Dix through the widely spaced and still-leafless trees.  At the mouth of the gorge, the character of our walk abruptly changed.  Scrambling uphill to avoid rocky impediments, descending steeply through dense forests or venturing gingerly out onto mossy cliff edges for a view of the torrent below, we made our sometimes ungraceful way up the gorge.  As we climbed, so did the river.  It narrowed, steepened, grew louder and rose to meet us as we traversed beneath bands of cliffs whose shadows cooled remnant snow and ice.  Venturing out onto the huge boulders constricting the stream’s path, we could feel them trembling at the water’s force.  At last we reached a 40 foot falls walled by sheer cliffs and could follow the river no further.  Our escape was steep, but only once precipitous, and we arrived at the rim of the gorge at noon, 3 hours and ¾ miles beyond our entry.  Route discussions intermingled with short hikes brought us to and into and out of a snowshoe-bunny-inhabited forest bog and finally to the Dix Mountain trail.  An intrepid member of our group procured transportation from the Dix trailhead to our cars parked at the North Fork Bridge and we were soon on our way home to wash off the mud, sweat and spruce needles, having had a fine and challenging day in a wilder corner of the Adirondacks .

Apr 25 (Sat) CASCADING WATERS VII                       
Leader:  Gene Reilly

Due to widespread and heavy rain on April 4^th, this hike was postponed to April 25^th when we had great weather.  Temperatures for Albany were predicted to be in the 80’s and it was a clear, sunny day up in the Adirondacks.  Due to the amount of snow and ice still to be found in the Rainbow Falls canyon we even had to don jackets to keep the chill away.  All along the West River Trail the water was flowing heavily with spectacular cascades and waterfalls in the Ausable River, at Wedge Brook falls, Beaver Meadow Falls and Rainbow Falls.  Eating lunch at Beaver Meadow Falls required us to move some distance away or else be continually showered with mist from the roaring waterfalls.  We could not get as close to Rainbow Falls as in past trips due to the amount of ice/snow and the heavy ‘rain’ falling from the canyon wall opposite the falls. We all got very wet but dried off fine once back out in the sun on the AMR road.  We were such gluttons we even made part of our return along the Gill Brook to take in more cascading waterfalls and pools.  Look for some of our photos on the chapter website!  Participants were Kathy Quoi, Yvonne DeMarino, and Charlie Holster (who drove up from Long Island, and didn’t regret it at all!), and the leader, Gene Reilly.  We’re already looking forward to next year’s Cascading Waters hike!  

May 12 (Tue) DORSET PEAK - VERMONT
Leader:  Charlie Beach

The day was cool and clear—ideal for good hike. We climbed on a system of unmarked roads/trails which made the climb immeasurably more enjoyable than a bushwhack. These trails had been cleared somewhat more since last year. We encountered a variety of spring flora as we gained altitude. Whoever maintains the summit has a sense of humor- a summit sign in reverse and a double doorknob tree. Enjoying the day were: John Antonio, Lori McCarron, Bob Heffley, Josh Rose, John & Kelly Sheehan, Claudia Rosenholtz and the leader Charlie Beach. 

May 13 (Wed) WAKELY AND PILLSBURY                   
Leader:  Don Berens

This was billed as a "Tower Two-Fer," a trip to two fire tower peaks among the Adirondack 100 Highest, southwest of Indian Lake .  Don Berens, Wayne Gray, Kathleen Helfrich and Dan Lockart with his dog Mickey enjoyed a near cloudless morning drive on the Cedar River Road to the Wakely Mountain trailhead which we had to ourselves .The hardwood forest was not yet in full leaf, so we had considerable sun warming us from 40 degrees into the mid-60s.  Two miles of gentle grades led us to a drained beaver pond featuring a decidedly sub-prime beaver lodge.  Then the steepening trail took us past witch hobble and purple trillium into a spruce and balsam forest and through clouds of early black flies swarming so thick that they cast shadows.  Fortunately they had not yet achieved mid-season aggressiveness and a breeze near the summit dispersed many of them.  We explored the unlocked, abandoned observer's cabin and the views from the eight-story fire tower, the tallest in the Forest Preserve.  The descent was uneventful, but warmer and accompanied by more black flies which - to avoid unwanted ingestion - inhibited our conversation.  We took a lunch break in the hamlet of Indian Lake where Dan decided to drive home early and the rest of us resolved to head to Pillsbury for a second, shorter hike.  The approach past Perkins Clearing to the Pillsbury trailhead used narrow, rutted dirt roads, but the parking lot was already occupied by three cars.  Our foot path crossed the Miami River then immediately climbed. .  A hundred feet below the summit, in the north-facing, spruce-shaded hollows, we saw a few lingering patches of snow, probably in their last week of existence.  Pillsbury's observer cabin was boarded closed, but the upper flights of the tower staircase offered 360 degree views of forests, lakes and mountains, including Wakely, Crane, Snowy, and - beyond Snowy - a few of the High Peaks.  A breeze and the lowering sun made the descent pleasant.  Just before the Miami River Bridge , Kathleen pointed out a spruce grouse just eight feet off the trail. We took Routes 30 and 29 back to the Capital District, thus exploring alternative roads as well as alternative trails outside the High Peaks .  

May 14 (Thu) LONG PATH – THACHER PARK             
Leader:  Jim Schaller

A total of six hikers turned out on this cloudy, showery day to hike the Long Path through Thacher State Park .  Starting at Beaver Dam Road , we followed the trail down to the overlook on Rt. 157. Then- hiked the Escarpment trail section- providing good views of the valley.  The trail took us through mixed woodlands, and stops at Hang Glider and High Point Cliffs – provided more views. Showers, mixed with dry spells made a decent hiking day, and all enjoyed the varied terrain, woods, fields, and wild flowers of the spring in Thacher Park . We covered the ten miles in good time- Four hours on the trail when we ended at Old Stage Road. Hiking were: Karen Ross (& “Louie”), Anita Whalen, Lori McCarron, Sharon Bonk, Bonnie Schaller and the leader Jim Schaller.

May 16 (Sat) INDIANKILL WILDFLOWERS HIKE        
Leaders:  Ted & Sue Wright

Our annual wildflowers hike was rewarded with Jack-in-the-pulpit, toothwort, mayapples, wild geranium, bishop's cap, foam flower, wake robin, Solomon's plume and true Solomon's seal, meadow rue, fringed polygula and one garter snake. Sue and the rest had lunch at the waterfall while Ted scurried back to give a talk on Dutch life in Albany for the Colonie town celebration of the Hudson quadricentennial at Schuyler Flats. The trail blazes in Indiankill are inadequate and one needs the ECOS Schenectady County Natural areas map to get out. Hikers were: Gail Carr and three granddaughters, Patty Costas and Lis Schultze-Allen from Germany .

May 16 (Sat) OWLS HEAD & PITCHOFF                    
Leader:  Gene Reilly

This turned out to be another great day despite the threatened chance of rain.  We got off to a great start with everyone being on time, enjoyed breakfast at The Silo (exit 19) and had no trouble getting parking places for both cars.  We opted to leave Owls Head until the end of the day and focus on accomplishing the major portion of the hike first, and it turned out to be a good decision as we later unanimously decided to postpone Owls Head to another time.  It was mixed overcast with periods of sun now and then when we started but the weather deteriorated to strong gusty winds and rain / hail hitting us sideways by the time we were on some of the most exposed rock outcroppings / ledges on the middle section of the hike.  We had already had some great views from the balanced rocks and even took a few photos but were glad to have rain jackets at this later point!  We soldiered on and were soon rewarded with drier weather and even a few more glimpses of sunlight.   Wet, sore, tired and muddy at the end were first time hiker Jill Tedd, Lenny Maglio, Mike Mason, Maria Schollenberger, Ron Toseland, and the leader, Gene Reilly.  

May 16 (Sat) SW HUNTER & HUNTER
Leader:  Cal Johnson

Starting at the Spruceton trailhead, we took the Diamond Notch trail to the Devil’s Path for the ascent to the herd path to SW Hunter.  No real bushwhacking was required to get to this “trailless” peak, since the well defined herd path follows an old railroad bed for about a ½ mile before the path turns left to the summit.  After registering our visit in the canister, we backtracked to the Devil’s Path to continue on to the Hunter Mountain trail, which leads to the summit of Hunter.  Gary Hoekstra, the area Catskill supervisor for the NY-NJ Trail Conference and a fire tower interpreter, joined us for the hike and opened the caretaker’s cabin.  He would have opened the cab on the tower, but since we spent the day inside of a cloud, with frequent drizzle, that wasn’t a good idea.  We couldn’t even see the cab from the bottom.  After taking a break in the cabin, we headed down the Spruceton Trail to our cars, leaving Gary to spend the night in the cabin and be available for hikers on Sunday.  The temperature was very comfortable for hiking, but there certainly weren’t any views on this trip.  Hikers were: Charlene Shafer, Lori McCarron Gail Bradney and the leader.

May 21 (Thu) PADDLE HUDSON RIVER FEEDER CANAL
Leaders:  Bill Valentino & Jim Schaller

Well, a wilderness experience it was not, but it was fun anyway.    The Feeder Canal extends between Glens Falls and Hudson Falls .  It is the only surviving part of the original Erie Canal system.  It is rarely more than two feet deep but still carries water needed for the locks on the Champlain Canal .  Our group paddled the Feeder Canal on a beautiful warm day in May.  The trip began just below the Big Boom which, in yesteryear, held logs cut in the Adirondacks for sorting and shipping to the mills.  The five mile trip offered some stark contrasts.  You begin by moving through beautiful forest in which the sides of the canal are lined with the original cut stones that were used on the Erie Canal .  The middle of the trip takes you right through the industrial center of Glens Falls at one point right directly under a Finch Pruyn paper mill. If you reach up in your boat you can touch the bottom of the plant.  The trip ends moving through an attractive wooded residential area and terminating at Martindale Park .  The most difficult part of the trip was the spotting and shuttling of a dozen cars. Between Glens Falls and Hudson Falls there were two “turn-abouts” which ended up distributing cars in multiple haphazard directions requiring “reorganization” of the group.  Trip participants included Millie and Danny Grossberg, Paul Breslin, Lynn Filarecki, Karen Ross, Marlee and Hank Bickel, Bob Heffley, Katie and Ray Henrikson, Charlie Beach, Etta Menges, Doree Cox, Emily Reed, Doris Bindt, Bonnie Schaller and the leaders.  

May 22 (Fri) SPRUCE PEAK AND GRASS MTN.
Leader:  Charlie Beach

This was another climb on road/trails on a warm sunny day. These trails are not marked. Off our route were many side roads, most probably used for logging at one time are dead end. The black flies were our companions when the wind took a break. We bushwhacked to Spruce from the col between the hills. Spruce summit is fairly flat and with the brush undergrowth the marker is not prominent. After returning to the col, the climb to the Grass summit was relatively easy on a road which appeared to be used often.  Not surprisingly, two motor bikes passed us on the way to Grass. On the way back we visited a stream gorge which was inviting for a refreshing dip on this warm day. Enjoying the outing was: Walt Addicks, George Baranauskas, Leslie Siegard, and leader Charlie Beach.

May 23 (Sat) MT. GREYLOCK BY BICYCLE
Leader:  Don Berens

Jun 6 (Sat) NATIONAL TRAILS DAY AT THACHER PARK
Leader:  Jim Schaller

On 2009’s National Trails Day Albany ADK worked again in Thacher State Park . A total of around 20 volunteers participated, but that included “Friends of Thacher Park” and others who saw the news on the Park’s website or in media announcements. Only a few ADKers came. We completed building a new extension of the Yellow marked “Perimeter Trail” from Carrick Road to Old Stage Road. That makes a new connection to make longer “loop” hikes easier. Also trail bypass sections were done on the Yellow Trail at the Beaver Pond to avoid a muddy shoreline area  and on the Salisbury Trail to avoid a section of old road abused by illegal truck and ATV use. Volunteers used the DR Brush & Field mower to mow sections of the Salisbury , Meadow Loop, and new Yellow Trails the previous weekend. The Park, with help from Friends of Thacher Park, again treated us to a picnic barbeque lunch at mid day at the Horseshoe Picnic area.  We want to thank the park workers and “Friends” for the free passes and a great lunch. Three of us went back out in the afternoon to begin marking the new Salisbury Trail section with white discs, and new trail signs. With these trails completed, a new Park map will be planned after the trails are “GPS’d”.  ADKers present were Jim & Bonnie Schaller, John Susko, Dave Esmond, John Klunowski and Susan DeAngelus, with a special appearance by Thacher Park mentor and legendary trail builder—Fred Schroeder.  

Jun 6 (Sat) EAST DIX VIA SPOTTED MOUNTAIN
Leader: Bob Scaife

On a cool, clear early June morning the flat, rocky head of Elizabethtown # 4, and the steeply rising back of Spotted Mountain beckoned from high above the rushing Boquet.  Following the East Dix herd path along and beyond the North Fork , we turned East through the open woods and quickly reached Lilypad Pond, a pleasant, shallow and aptly named pond.  We proceeded with compass in hand, and with as much directness as nature permitted, to and across the South Fork of the Boquet and up the forested slopes to the cliffs that wall the northwest face of E’town 4.  Our upward progress blocked, we chose left and a hundred yards later congratulated ourselves as a break appeared in the rock ribs of the mountain.  Ascending a forested gully through the lower cliff band, we emerged onto the first of a series of open ledges and paused to enjoy both the expansive views and the abundance of Pink Lady’s Slippers.   A scramble from ledge to ledge, with intermittent short meanders between stunted birches, led to the bald pate of E’town 4.  Descending to the foot of E’town’s summit and traversing the rocky shoulder of Spotted, we began to follow its spine upward.  The sun warmed us to a sweat but clouds gave us occasional shade and we climbed into a pleasant breeze.  From the broad, open summit of Spotted our destination peak, East Dix, rose at the end of a mile of rocky, bumpy, wild and beautiful ridge.  Cloud shadows drifted across the springy face and arms of Dix as we zigzagged up the ridge, often moving effortlessly on the open rock, sometimes not so much.  Pushing through the last and thickest brush, we emerged to a view of the East Dix slide and paused to chill on the brow of the windy cliffs before claiming the summit.  Our return leg, along the usual E. Dix herdpath, was refreshed by the shaded cascades and pools of the Boquet South Fork. 

Jun 7 (Sun) CATSKILL CREEK/RAMSHORN MARSH KAYAK
Leader:  John Hoffman

This outing couldn't have been any better.  Since this was my first trip as leader, there was a bit of anxiety, to say the least.  So, maybe beginner’s luck was in part responsible for a great day.  Nine of us met and launched from Dutchman's Landing in the Village of Catskill . The weather was warm and sunny, the wind was light, and the tide was in our favor.  We first set off to explore Catskill Creek and were able to paddle upstream as far as the railroad bridge, where the very clear water quickly became too shallow to continue.  As only good luck would provide, one of our bunch is a local (Ken Goldfarb), and served as our historian and tour guide.  We met very little powerboat traffic and were warmly greeted by the folks enjoying their Sunday morning with their boats in the many marinas along the creek.  So, out the Catskill we went and then downstream on the Hudson to Ramshorn Creek.  We slowly made our way up Ramshorn, enjoying the quiet and the feeling of being in deep wilderness, even though we were less than a mile from traffic lights and city hall. We managed a lunch stop at the Audubon dock where we rested and further discovered what a friendly bunch had stumbled together. Lunch was livened up not only by good conversation but by homemade butterscotch oatmeal cookies provided by paddler Joy Gudz. Our return to the Hudson proved interesting, paddling against incoming tide in a very crooked stream.  But all seemed to go well. We returned to Dutchman’s Landing, recording 8.62 miles of enjoyable travel.  

Jun 11 (Thu) PUTMAN POND PADDLE
Leader:  Bill Valentino

Like so much of June this year, the day of our trip to Putnam Pond was overcast and chilly.  Between the marginal weather and because we were early in the season we had Putnam Pond pretty much to ourselves.  It is an attractive place, located in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness and surrounded by high peaks. There was ample evidence of beaver and we had a loon for company for a short part of the way.  We stopped at a campsite on an island for lunch.  If you stood in the face of the wind while you ate, the black flies would divert and consider one of your companions who were less exposed to the wind.  But it was a nice paddle nevertheless enjoyed by John Pecoroni, Betsy Kaido, Dave Esmond, Susan Roberts, Ken Charuk, Eric Washburn and the leader.  

Jun 12-14 (Fri-Sun) JBL TRAIL WORK WEEKEND                                                                                                               
Leader:  Mery Seeman-Sokal

Members of ADK Chapters from many parts of the state met on Friday afternoon at the Marcy Field parking lot.  We divided trail work tools and food enough to feed the 14 volunteers and 2 staff members for 2 days.  Adding to our personal gear, our packs bulged a bit.  We hiked in with little problem from black flies or other fine critters and reached JBL before 4:00 p.m.  While all set about laying claim to their bunks and spreading out territorial gear, I followed the Big Chef, Marilyn Gillespie, into the kitchen.  With incredible dispatch, we had a fine spaghetti dinner on the table by 6:00 pm.  ADK staff then explained the work to be done:  move rocks, clear drainage and cut back blowdown on the trail up and over Big Slide and Yard Mountain .  The Crews would be divided in half, each starting at the opposite end of the trails, meeting on the crest.  Please watch for next year’s announcement of the JBL Trail Work weekend.  It occurs every year around the beginning of June, it is free of charge, and the trail work won't kill you (according to my husband).  It is usually advertised under Trail Work in the Adirondack magazine, or you can contact the Trail Dept. at the Main Club Office. And, look for me in the kitchen, as I am delighted to report that I passed my apprenticeship and will return next year, as well!  

Jun 13 (Sat) SUGARLOAF
Leader:  Cal Johnson

After everyone arrived at the Stewarts shop in Haines Falls , we proceeded to the Roaring Kill trailhead.  We took the Roaring Kill trail to the Mink Hollow trail to get up to the Devil’s Path for the hike over Sugarloaf.  A few people found the ascent to be extremely difficult, taking over 2 hours to climb what would normally take about 30 minutes for a “B” hike.  The bulk of the group got far ahead and I learned later that they finished the hike over 3 hours ahead of the last few, who found going down the east side of Sugarloaf to be equally as difficult.  At the col between Sugarloaf and Indian Head we went down the Pecoy Notch trail to the Roaring Kill trail and out to the cars.  As the Pecoy Notch trail turns west from the descent we passed a rather substantial beaver dam, where there used to be just a very small pond.  Further down, the trail passes through Dibble’s Quarry, where overly ambitious locals constructed stone chairs, fire pits and walkways from the pile of rubble left by the quarry work.  Hikers were: Maria Garcia, Luis Pacheco, Martha Waldman, Christina Miller-Lezniak, Beth Johansen, Ron Toseland, David Koehler, Stephan Kass, John Kwasnowski, Maria, Ken Class and the leader, Cal Johnson.  

Jun 20 (Sat) ADIRONDACK HIGH PEAKS BIKING
Leader:  Don Berens

No one signed up to join the advertised bicycle ride up and down the Chapel Pond and Cascade Passes .  So the leader instead rode the annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race from Wilmington to the castle at the top of the highway.  Because the road gains 3,600 feet at an average grade of nearly nine per cent, it was the toughest eight miles I've ever pedaled.  But it was a congenial, though masochistic, group of cyclists, and the predicted rains held off until after the ride, so when all the riding was over, all the riders were satisfied.  

Jun 25 (Thu) PADDLE SOUTH BAY OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN
Leader:  Bill Valentino

After one of the coldest, wettest Junes on record, our paddle in South Bay on Lake Champlain was one of the first indicators of summer.  We had sun for most of the day with temperatures in the mid 80’s.  After about five miles of paddling and approaching the grassy, marshy southern limit of our trip we encountered a group of young people who worked for the Nature Conservancy.  They each had plastic laundry baskets balanced on the front deck of their kayaks which contained the water chestnuts they were harvesting.  They explained how hand harvesting of certain invasive species such as water chestnuts can make a significant difference to the ecosystem.  Apparently this small group has been at it for a few years.  I was startled to see that on this trip we could paddle an additional ¼ to ½  mile farther south into the vegetation than we had been able to three years ago because of this hand harvesting effort.  The leader selected a “paddling subcommittee” to range ahead of the main group and find a suitable lunch spot.  Unfortunately, and almost immediately, you could hear loud sucking sounds as each paddler exited their boat and watched as their sandals or water-shoes were pulled off their feet by the claylike mud substance which lined the shore.  At this point, after a couple of hours of paddling ensconced in a hot kayak, tired and with a great desire to eat, most of us just had to get out of our boat.  So with one foot in the boat and another stuck in the mud, we ate lunch standing like a covey of odd storks. The DEC boat launch at South Bay may have the worst latrine in the Adirondack Park , but we all agreed it was a wonderful paddle.  Our group included Marlee and Hank Bickel, John Lane and Mary Flanders, Lynn Filarecki, Charlene Shafer, George Hallenbeck, Bill Smollin, Howard Stoller, Mark Pettrone and the leader. 

Jun 27 (Sat) DIAL & NIPPLETOP
Leader:  Mike Becker

The air was humid as we made our way up the pretty Leach trail, with its very large trees and green forest.  Passing the burned area on the shoulder of Noonmark, I was amazed by how quickly the vegetation is growing and obscuring the views from the 1999 fire.  We had fleeting views from the windy and damp summit of Dial, and rain started soon after, making the already-wet trail between Dial and Nippletop extremely muddy.  We made our way carefully down the steep and wet trail to Elk Pass and enjoyed the view of the 3 ponds there.  We could hear the rushing water of Fairy Ladder Falls and see it through the trees.   The poor weather made the side trip to Fish Hawk Cliffs not appealing, so we took the short trail back to the Lake Road and the long walk back to the parking lot.  Hikers included Amy Becker, Pam Barbeau, Charlie Czech, and the leader Mike Becker.  

Jun 27 (Sat) SOUTH MOUNTAIN
Leader:  Cal Johnson

This hike started at the DEC parking lot on White’s Road in Palenville.  We headed out the short yellow marked spur which leads to the Harding Road trail (Long Path).  Just before the intersection, we headed up what was an old quarry road, which zigzags its way up the side of South Mountain .  The path goes through a few long abandoned quarries and then connects to what was an old carriage road up to the former Half Way House at what is now known as Palenville Overlook.  This excellent viewpoint has three large stone chairs, built from remnants of the Half Way House foundation.  The basement area of the former building is still there.  After a break here, we took a branch of the Rip Van Winkle horse trail system, crossing to a former bed of the Otis Elevating Railway and the connecting to the Mountain Turnpike trail, which leads up to North Lake.  There had been some off and on showers, so we took advantage of the pavilion to stay dry for lunch.  After eating we took the Escarpment trail up to the site of the former Catskill Mountain House, to see the great view of the Hudson Valley fog.  We continued on the Escarpment trail to pass Boulder Rock, explore the former Kaaterskill Hotel site, and go down to the intersection for the Harding Road trail, which descends 3 miles down to Palenville.  Hikers were: John Susko, Charlene Shafer and Frank Petramale.  Check out this web site for info and photos of this historic area: http://www.catskillarchive.com/otis/index.htm

Jun 29 (Mon) PILOT KNOB RIDGE
Leader:  Katie Henrikson

The day dawned cool and cloudy, but like many other days this summer, we were not rained on while hiking – only driving to and from the hike. We had the usual geographic view of southern Lake George from the gazebo, and most of the group found the waterfall to be flowing. A fine time was had by Mary Flanders, Alexis Henrikson, Ray Henrikson, Jake Landry and Sharon, Don Lane , Lori McCarron, Jim Torriani, and the leader.  

Jul 7 (Tue) NOONMARK AND ROUND MOUNTAINS
Leader:  John Antonio

I know, Fred, “What, Noonmark again!!?”  But this time we took the Stimpson Trail up instead of the standard Boys Club route of the Felix Adler Trail.  Eight of us left the hikers parking lot at 9:35.  We got strung out somewhat but all arrived at the summit at 11:40 in a cool but mostly clear 57 degrees.  We soaked up the sights and headed down the Felix Adler Trail to regroup once again at the Dix intersection at 12:55.  After deciding to split the group up, three of us headed out on the old Dix trail while the rest of the group shot off to Round Mountain to complete the day’s planned itinerary.  Our smaller group reached the parking lot at 3:15 and the Round Mountain party at 4:20, happy to have completed both of these mountains.  There were no complaints, especially after a stop at the Noonmark Diner for ice cream and treats.  Our group:  John Sheehan, Mark Barrett, Ed Newell, Sharon Bonk, John Tifft, Al Knight, Lori McCarron and the leader.   

Jul 11 (Sat) COLVIN & BLAKE
Leader:  Bob Scaife

With afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast, Mark Barrett, Terryl Brown, Mike Schaefer and the leader set off along the Lake Road at a brisk pace and with firm purpose.  With only a short delay to admire trout pooled behind the small dam on Gill Brook, we were soon ascending the trail toward Colvin.  Overhead the sky was blue and the early sun cast shadows in the forest, but dark clouds already shrouded the summit of the Nipple Top ridge.  As we climbed, the clouds expanded to fill Elk Pass and the south wind began to rise.  Our early start and steady pace brought us to Colvin’s summit not long after 9:00 a.m.  Clouds and haze obscured many peaks, but Sawteeth, Armstrong, the Wolf Jaws, Giant and Rocky revealed themselves intermittently, and the Lower Ausable Lake beneath us still sparkled in the sun.  The weather offered no threat, so we continued our peak-quest southward along the crest of Colvin’s sharp ridge.  All found the steep and rocky descent challenging.  As with many High Peaks paths, the trail to Blake seemed particularly muddy, rooty and eroded this rainy summer.   Though the re-ascent of Colvin proved as challenging as the descent, we found on our arrival that lunch was still being served at the summit.  The steady wind kept our insect friends from the picnic and we enjoyed an extended rest before beginning the return journey.  Visits to Fish Hawk and Indian Head Cliffs, spectacular even with heavy gray clouds covering the peaks, were cut short by the first raindrops of the day, soon followed by many others.  The predicted rumbles of thunder began to echo between the peaks as we neared the end of the long walk out and we were glad to be off the high ridges and not too far from dry clothes.  

Jul 14 (Tue) WAKELY MOUNTAIN
Leader:  Jim Schaller

Some more non-typical July weather met us for our hike. It was only in the high 5’s that morning and it didn’t get out of the 60s until the ride home! The old road in to Wakely is heavily eroded in spots. It was used by the Fire Observer until the early 1990s. Still a nice warm-up walk in, though. Then the foot trail diverges straight up to Wakely’s 3744’ summit. The fire tower rises 80’, and the cab was open. But a chilly breeze kept most of us on the ground, or venturing only part way up the steps for a view under cloudy skies. Various surrounding peaks could be seen—Little Moose, Blue and Snowy Mountains and the Cedar River Flow below. The descent went quickly but cautiously.  Thirteen hikers participated: Cassie and Mark McCracken, Ray and Katie Henrikson, John Sober, Lori McCarron, Gary Wiltshire, Larry Pohl, Bonnie Schaller, Leslie Siegard, and son Adam, with his friend Connor Brinser, and the leader Jim Schaller.

Jul 21 (Tue) SOMERSET RESERVOIR
Leader:  Bill Valentino

Aug 6 (Thu) Canoe Trip- St. Regis Lakes
Leader:  Jim Schaller 

Only one person met us for this trip. We had a good day, and little, or just moderate winds on the loop we took. We paddled up Upper St. Regis Lake, and past the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate, before making the carry over the hill past Echo Pond. At Keese Mills Dam, we continued up river on the St. Regis, stopping for lunch at Peter’s Rock Lean-to on the Lower Lake . A brisk wind hit from the west as we crossed Spitfire Lake , and then crossed Upper St. Regis to the landing.  At one point on the lake a Bald Eagle burst from the wooded shore, and swooped right in front of us! Joining the leader Jim Schaller were Bonnie Schaller and Ray Bouchard.

Aug 7 (Fri) Canoe Trip – Jones Pond to Osgood Lake
Leader:  Jim Schaller

There were six “no-shows” for this trip! So only three embarked from Jones Pond on another nice day. The Jones Pond-Osgood stream had a moderate flow and only one low beaver dam that we could run. We entered Osgood Pond and rounded the point where White Pine Camp’s 2-lane Bowling Alley and “Tea House” are.  Soon we were in the Osgood River moving downstream. Kingfishers swooped back and forth over the water. We went as far as the “rock dam” which held back the lake and river’s waters, before a series of rapids begins. Returning upstream, we had lunch at a clearing which was the site of a former camp. Then it was back to Osgood Pond and the stream to Jones Pond.  We caught a glimpse of an otter in the stream! Paddling were Jim Schaller, George Hallenbeck, and Ray Bouchard.

Aug 8 (Sat) Canoe Trip – Rainbow Chain of Lakes
Leader:  Jim Schaller

Again this day there were six “no-shows”!  And again just three of us set off from the south end of Rainbow Lake to paddle the chain of lakes. This day proved to be the warmest and sunniest of the three. We went down the right (east) shore of Rainbow , and there were few boats out at this early hour. We crossed under the two roads and one old railroad bridge  into Rainbow and then Kushaqua Narrows . We passed the Buck Pond inlets and then found a small island on the end of Lake Kushaqua to have lunch. Our return trip followed the same route as far as the “cut in the esker,” a tiny passage into Rainbow’s western bays and inlets. By this time of day, more boats were about, and we had to take a bit of extra care with wakes from the motors. Back in the marshes approaching the take-out, we spotted a heron with a good-sized fish he was attempting to swallow in one gulp! Paddling were George Hallenbeck, Ray Bouchard, and the leader-Jim Schaller.

Aug 20 (Thu) PADDLE KUNJAMUK RIVER
Leader:  Bill Valentino

We had a great weather day.  To shorten our trip somewhat we launched directly into the bay rather than the usual launch in Speculator near the firehouse.  The Kunjamuk may be the ultimate Adirondack meandering stream.  We experienced numerous twists and turns some of which had us going around almost in a complete circle. Luckily on this trip we only had to get out of our boats once to clear a beaver dam.   We headed up river for a couple of hours then stopped, sat and ate lunch on a bridge.  We resumed up river after lunch but reversed our course and headed downstream just short of Elm Lake in order to beat the afternoon thunderstorms to the area.  Reasonably close to Albany , the Kunjamuk is a great same day flatwater canoe trip. Our group included Charlene Shafer, John Sheehan, Etta Menges, Marty Connor, John Lane , Bruce Barbeau, Kay Valentino and the leader.  

Aug 27 (Thu) POKE-O-MOONSHINE
Leader:  Dave Esmond

The guidebooks couldn’t agree on the derivation of the mountain’s name (adaptation of native American phrase for “broken/smooth” vs. reference to the locals’ distilling activity) but they both agreed on the superlative view from the fire tower, which we amply confirmed. Great day, great views, and we had a nice opportunity to chat with a Potsdam student from Rochester doing ‘environmental steward’ duty as part of an internship for his college program. Participating were John Tifft, the Eddy family (Gerald Eddy, Stephanie Neubert, and daughters Arden and Mia), and the leader.

Aug 30 (Sun) SHELVING ROCK MTN. & LAKESIDE TRAIL
Leader:  Wally Herrod

Rain delayed this Saturday trip to Sunday, and it turned out to be 67 degrees and partly sunny for this wonderful hike with terrific people.  After climbing the rustic carriage road and summiting on Shelving Rock Mtn. we feasted on the views and then began our ramble along the ridge trail to the north.  This trail seems to be only occasionally used, and in parts was overgrown.  However, the entire path’s soft duff (rock-free organic matter) was easy on the feet and its climax forest leading to grandiose views down toward Lake George with its many boats provided a feast for our eyes. We then headed rather steeply down to the lakeshore, and hiked 1.3 miles along the water on another carriage road.  There were many stately hemlocks, white pine and cedars.  We heard waves lapping at the shore beside us, and stopped at one of the points for a refreshing swim.  Then we had a steep climb back toward Shelving Rock Mtn. and down to our cars on Shelving Rock Road .  Everyone agreed they wanted to return another day, but not the next day, because we were plenty tired out.   Along on the trip were leader Wally Herrod, Justina Danison, Anita Whalen, Anneliese Lawson, Tom Conry, Susan Jefts, Bob Priest, and Sue Snyder. 

Sep 2 (Wed) Jenkins MtN. – Long & Black Ponds
Leader: Jim Schaller

We met at the Adirondack Visitors Information Center at Paul Smiths. The trail begins there, following the old Jenkins Mountain Road .  PSC has Forest Ecology placards along the road, explaining their Forestry Silviculture program. The trail winds across a couple of glacial eskers before a long woods walk to the open rock summit of Jenkins Mtn.   We enjoyed a beautiful day-= and views of the lakes and distant mountains. About a third of the way back, we cut off on the Long Pond Trail, soon arriving at a leanto on the pond.  We took the easterly trail around Black Pond, and at a footbridge connecting two land points, a loon surfaced just a few feet from us, providing a closeup view of this wild bird we so often hear in the distance with its eerie calls and “yodeling.”  We ended at Keese Mills at a spotted car.  Hiking were Anita Whalen, Tony Calvagno, and Jim and Bonnie Schaller.  

Sep 3 (Thu) Loon Lake Mountain (Fire tower)
Leader: Jim Schaller

Only one other person joined us for this day. Upon our arrival at Buck Pond Campsite, a Ranger gave me information on Loon Lake Mountain that it was again legal to climb the mountain after at least three decades of closure. The summit is State land, but the access was blocked by a lumber company’s hunting club lease. That ended in April 2009. So we changed our schedule from St. Regis Mtn. to Loon Lake . We found the old trail to be unmarked (signs or discs), unmaintained, and badly eroded on steep sections, with lots of blowdown. But the route was marked with orange flagging and was passable. The first mile or so is along a gravel haul road, and then the old trail diverges (straight up!). After winding through spruce on the summit ridge, we came out on the open top and the Fire Tower. The lower set of steps is dangling and other steps are broken, making the tower un-climbable. But great views are had from the open rocks in almost all directions. The St. Lawrence River is to the NW, Lyon Mt. to the NE, Whiteface and other High Peaks to the South.  Lake Kushaqua lies to the West below us.  Only a slight distant haze prevented a perfect viewing day.  It was great to be back on this old Fire Tower Mountain that I first climbed 42 years before! Hiking were Tony Calvagno and Jim and Bonnie Schaller.

Sep 4 (Fri) St. Regis Mountain (Fire tower)
Leader: Jim Schaller

Again there was one other hiker, and we agreed to re-schedule again, doing St. Regis Mtn. instead of Debar Mt.   After a 3.4 mile ascent, with a steep section at the top, we reached the open rock summit. The Fire Tower here is closed  with two sets of stairs removed. But it is hardly needed, as views from the rocky summit are great, reaching from the north to the south, including distant High Peaks and dozens of lakes and ponds beneath. We were surprised to be all alone on the top—at noon!  But we passed a procession of about twenty five hikers while on our descent. At one brief rest stop, a huge old dead tree suddenly came loudly crashing down to earth—only 100 feet off the trail or so.  Wow!  Just one more “force of nature”! Climbing were Tony Calvagno and Jim and Bonnie Schaller.  

Sep 10 (Thu) PADDLE NORTH HUDSON-LUZERNE
Leader:  Bill Valentino

We put in at the DEC boat launch south of Luzerne and paddled north against an easy current up to the Town.  Some of us played in the stronger current near the town and then we all rode the current assist back to the launch area.  Other than losing one of our members on the ride up because of an unfixable tire blow-out this was one of those days of really nothing extraordinary, just plain vanilla fun.  Our group included Marlee and Hank Bickel, Emily Reed, Bob Heffley, Etta Menges, Marty Connor, David Palat, Tim Lawson and the leader.  

Sep 19 (Sat) PHARAOH LAKE & MOUNTAIN
Leaders:  Sue & Ted Wright

On a perfect fall day, fifteen of us set out for the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness. At the parking place, since the road to the trail head is so deeply rutted, rocky and full of puddles, we split into two groups. Those who would climb the mountain (Mary Walsh, Kathleen McGarry, Janice Miller, Anthony Calvagno and John Tift) drove in the only SUV to the trail head, while the rest of us (Gail Carr, her son-in-law Herbert Witham and his daughters Allegra, Blythe and Celeste and her nephew Dan, Frank Visco, and Arthur Fontijn), walked in. We hiked to the peninsula, now called Watch Rock, one of the most beautiful spots in the Adirondacks , had lunch amidst a large group and then returned to our cars by 5:00 p.m. The mountain climbing contingent didn’t reach the trail head until 6:20, a bit longer than expected.

Sep 26 (Sat) AVALANCHE MOUNTAIN
Leader:  Don Berens

This bushwhack hike to a 3,800 foot trail less peak on the first Saturday of autumn was like "pulverized pepper."  It was fine!  The day started frosty (28 degrees on the Loj Road ), warmed to comfortable (56 degrees at 3:30), and was sunny, clear and breezy with colorful foliage all day.  Don Berens, Julie Gibbons, Wayne Gray, Shashi Narayan and Jennifer Reidy made quick work of the walk to Marcy Dam where we had a good view across the water of our peak bracketed by Mount Colden and Avalanche Pass to the SE and the MacIntyre Range and Caribou Pass to the NW.  Another twenty minutes brought us to the Kagel Lean-to, near which we forded Marcy Brook where Wright Brook joins it.  We kept to the right (SE) bank first of Wright Brook and then of its unnamed tributary draining Caribou Pass.   At first, it was mostly open woods in a gently rising broad valley.  Then the narrowing valley on our right squeezed us left into thick spruce up against the steep cliffs of Avalanche Mountain 's NE ridge.  We found a beautiful mossy gully that led us perhaps three hundred feet up through the cliffs to the ridge crest where GPS told us we were only 0.2 miles from the summit.  The trees were thick but we soon saw the summit across a dip in the ridge.  As we approached the dip, we found ourselves atop a 20-foot cliff band, but soon found breaks to allow us to descend the band and continue up the ridge to the summit which we reached before noon.  We admired the bare rock slides on Mount Colden , ate a leisurely lunch, and started back the way we had come through the thick trees.  Within two minutes, we were still in the thick trees, but we were no longer on the way we had come.  We quite unintentionally avoided the ridge-top cliff band and instead dropped steeply but steadily down the shady, sprucey, mossy north slopes of the mountain toward the stream draining Caribou Pass.   We had awesome views of Algonquin and Wright Peaks in the sun above us and of the bright blue pond of Marcy Dam below us.  After we descended to within earshot of the stream, we walked for a while down its rocky bed.  Although the route was lovely, well defined and sure to lead us back to Marcy Brook, it had uneven footing and frequent deadfall blocking quick progress.  So we returned to the SE bank and made our way uneventfully back to the lean-to and to the crowds of trail hikers descending after a marvelous day.  Back in the Loj parking lot, most of us discovered evidence that our euphoria might have been caused by an unusually intense application of "Adirondack Acupuncture" for we found hundreds of flat green-brown needles resting between our clothes and our skins.  

Sep 26 (Sat) GIANT VIA OWL HEAD
Leader:  Bob Scaife

After a last-minute change to the route, George Baranauskas, Roman Laba, Kathy Pacuk, Arnie Tran, Kay Tran and the leader set out from the quiet North trailhead to hike over Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge to New Russia.  A gradual two mile ascent through a lovely hardwood forest brought us to the open rock and panoramic views of the Owl Head lookout.  Here we enjoyed cooling breezes, a cloudless sky and a sunlit vista of mountains in colorful fall drapery.  Leaving this pleasant spot, we descended into the valley of Roaring Brook and hiked for three miles through a sun-dappled forest of maple, beech and birch, catching glimpses of the eastern slides of Giant between the splashes of leafy red and orange overhead.  From the deeply shaded valley between Giant and Green, we began our ascent of Giant.  The temperature dropped as we climbed and we found frost, a chill breeze and a small crowd of hikers awaiting us at the summit.  There and on the steep descent of the sheltered and sunny East side of Giant we shared the trail with a group of St. Lawrence University students celebrating “Peak Day”.  On Rocky Peak Ridge, we found again a brilliant, warm sun and a refreshing, cool breeze.  After exchanges of cameras and photographs among the groups at the summit, we continued on our sunny path, down past Mary Louise Pond to the twin summits of Rocky Peak and then steeply downward to Bald Peak.  Onward and downward, we found ourselves out of season for the blueberries of Blueberry Cobble.  Ever onward and downward from the birches into the pines and oaks, through the dark hemlocks, along the mossy brook, continuing down the very last hill to the trail’s end. Photos from the hike may be viewed at: http://picasaweb.google.com/rpscaife.  

Oct 1 (Thu) BLUE LEDGES
Leader:  John Sheehan

It was a crisp autumn day with everything the Adirondacks had to offer—sun, clouds, mud, autumn color and even the few morning snow flurries that the weatherman promised.  A total of 9 hikers enjoyed this moderately paced 5 mile walk in the woods.  The group included a range of hiking skills from the very experienced to first time hikers. The afternoon temperature was comfortable and we enjoyed lunch on the banks of the Hudson River at the base of the cliffs across the water.  We also had plenty of time to explore the views both up and down stream.  The fall colors provided a striking contrast with the “white waters” of the Hudson .  The photo opportunities were plentiful, and a number of us took full advantage.  Although rafting season was still in progress, we did not encounter anyone on the water.  The group included:  Peg Carucci, Jean Jones, Mary Nicotera and Jim Hussey (with their two canine companions), Kevin Sheehan, Fran Balch, Bob Heffley, Brian Washburn and the leader.  

Oct 3 (Sat) SEWARD MOUNTAIN
Leader:  Don Berens

Overnight rain had stopped and wind had blown much of the tree-drip off the green spruce and colorful hardwoods when Don Berens, Randy Caldwell, Don Duthaler, Dawn Mallory, Denise Mongillo, Shashi Narayan and Tim O'Connor met at the trailhead on Saturday morning.  We walked a brisk pace in comfortable (mid-50s) temperatures under overcast skies on the trail past the Blueberry Lean-to, but we slowed considerably on the herd path to Seward.  The unnamed brook draining the north slopes of Seward splashed with white rushing water.  Fungi gleamed in the moist forest, many brown, some gold or pink, and one spectacular horn of shaved white coconut.  We climbed into the clouds, past tiny patches of snow, over occasionally icy rocks, to the breezy, misty summit of Seward for a standing lunch break.  The mud and rocks on the traverse toward Donaldson continued to slow us.  When we reached the herd path junction, we calculated the likely time over Donaldson to Emmons and back, then down to the valley trails, all in anticipation of sunset, and decided not to undertake a long descent and exit in darkness.  Instead, we skipped further peak-bagging and started immediately down the Calkins Brook herd path on which we had occasional rain showers followed by intermittent sun.  The skies dried by the time we reached the trails, where we resumed the brisk pace of early morning.  Rain returned as we were changing clothes at the trailhead.  On our drive from Coreys to Saranac Lake , the sun behind us broke through the clouds to ignite brilliant rainbows in front of us.  While four of us stayed in the North Country Saturday night, the remainder who drove south were treated to further atmospheric delights.  As we drove into Keene Valley, a nearly full moon over Giant Mountain shone on a silver fog bank floating above the Ausable River, and as we descended from the highlands near Lake George, lightning repeatedly flashed across the southern sky.  There may be some hikers who thrive on sunny, cloudless days, but we enjoyed the visual fruits of the Adirondack damp.  

Oct 14 (Wed) GLENS FALLS & LAKE GEORGE BIKE RIDE
Leader:  Virginia Boyle Traver

I thought everyone would cancel when the forecast was for 27 degrees to start the day and 40 by mid-afternoon, but no, my stalwart crew of avid bikers out to have a social ride stood up to the test!  We started out bundled up and shed outer layers as we negotiated hills and valleys.  Colored leaves made for a pretty day, and conversation was lively.  Out for exercise, scenery, and fun were Claudia Summers, Janet Tully-Kuzman, Deb Wein, and the leader.  

Oct 18 (Sun) THACHER PARK- LONG PATH LOOP
Leader:  Jim Schaller

Nearly every weather prediction called for some rain that day, but we decided to give it a go anyway. So, ten folks met at the Nature Center . We started out on the Long Path  from Old Stage Rd. to High Point Cliff. And from there we went on to Hang Glider Cliff.  We enjoyed good views of the autumn colors, and distant mountains were visible under cloudy skies. The rain held off all day, but temps in the low 40’s and a stiff breeze made our stays on the cliffs brief ones. We continued on the Long Path, Salisbury Trail, Blue Trail, and finally the Yellow Trail back to the cars  by noon!  The hike was an introduction to Thacher Park North’s trail system  to some of those on the trip. Sections of the Long Path had just been brushed out only days before.  The group enjoyed the forests and fields of the hike. Those hiking were Anita Whalen, Gina Smith, and son Austin, Martha Waldman, Janet Twardzik, Marie, Neil and Ann Cherkosly, and the leader/ trail-sweep – Jim and Bonnie Schaller.  

Oct 24 (Sat) BASIN & SADDLEBACK
Leader:  Bob Scaife

This trip was officially cancelled because threatening weather made a group hike seem inadvisable.  The leader decided to brave the elements and was accompanied in the endeavor by Kathy Pacuk.  At 6:30 a.m. at the trailhead, the temperature was 45 degrees and skies were overcast.  Soon a steady rain was falling, and so was the temperature.  On the Shorey Short Cut above Slant Rock we began to find a skin of ice on the rocks and trees and stopped to strap traction aids on our boots.  The rain fell harder and the trail became an ankle-deep brook before we reached the Range Trail.  Turning onto the Range Trail toward Basin, we climbed steeply upward through iced waterfalls cascading off the frozen ledges.  When we reached the summit, thoroughly soaked but warmed by our exertions, we found the southwest (windward) side of the rocks coated with a thin layer of ice.  It was not a good day to descend the steep and shadowed north side of Basin or to ascend the Saddleback cliff, so we put our one peak in the bag and turned back.  When we reached the brook crossing above Slant Rock, we found that the placid stream we had easily 2-hopped across three hours before was now a raging white torrent that could not be safely forded.  A short, thick bushwhack and four difficult log crossings brought us safely across all the un-bridged tributary streams and to the east side of Johns Brook, roaring white from bank to bank, 2 to 3 feet above normal flow.   As we slogged downstream beside the thundering brook, the rain ended.  The sun broke through the clouds shortly before we reached the trailhead, at about 5:15 p.m.  On the drive home, in dry clothes and with warm hot chocolate in hand, we agreed it was a great hike, but not one we cared to repeat soon.  

Nov 7 (Sat) DIAL & NIPPLETOP MOUNTAINS
Leader:  Don Berens

A brisk, clear, 20 degree sunrise greeted John Arnason, Don Berens, Kathy Pacuk, John Sheehan and Bryce Waldrop near the Ausable Club.  The bare ground at the register succumbed to thin but widespread day-old snow as we ascended the road to Lower Ausable Lake .  We climbed past Indian Head and its views of the frigid, wind-whipped lake to Elk Pass and its thinly iced ponds.  Four of us donned foot spikes, while one of us went "pointlessly" up the steep, shaded, icy climb to the windy summit of Nipple Top, which we reached under high, dark clouds at 11:00 a.m.  We enjoyed views in many directions as we ambled under the re-emergent sun over the ridge trail to half-open Dial, wooded Bear Den, and the wide open shoulder of Noonmark where we paused to work on our tans.  A steady descent through the 1999 fire clearing brought us back below the snow line.  Then a downhill shuffle through a carpet of beech leaves brought us back to the road and a pleasant stroll back to the cars before 4:00 p.m.  

Nov 7 (Sat) MT. MARCY  
Leader: Bob Scaife

Pam Barbeau, Dan Lockhardt, Denise Mongillo and the leader found clear skies, a dusting of snow and crisp 17 degree temperatures at the trailhead.  The day was too nice to leave any of it unused and the group decided to add Skylight to the day’s agenda.  At Indian Falls we were treated to 2 inches of fresh snow and a wonderful vista of the bright white MacIntyre range against a blue sky.  The snow did not deepen appreciably with altitude.  As we approached Marcy, a dense and intricately patterned layer of high clouds swept in from the west on a stiff breeze, dimming the light and adding drama to the distant views.  Though the temperature had warmed into the mid thirties by 10:40 a.m. when we reached the summit, the wind was chill and our pause was brief.   We descended the steep and rocky southwest face of Marcy carefully to avoid the occasional patches of ice, and some donned crampons for the ascent of Skylight.  After an all-too-brief enjoyment of the broad, open summit of Skylight, we began our return trip. The leader’s belief that the best part of the trip was the opportunity to climb Mt. Marcy twice was not widely shared.  Fortunately the return of a bright sun and the winter-blue sky crowning the mountain above made the re-ascent of Marcy enjoyable for all.  While we had the summit to ourselves in the morning, when we returned at 1:30 p.m., we found many other hikers also enjoying the wonderful late fall day.  A steady pace carried us the 7.2 miles back to the trailhead with a bit of light to spare, but none wasted.  Photos from the hike may be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com/rpscaife.  

Nov 16 (Mon) MT. TREMPER
Leader: Katie Henrikson

We had a beautiful day for this Catskill hike. The sky was bright blue, the temperature was mild and the company was pleasant. The fire tower, closed in August, had been rehabilitated and was open for climbing. A fine day was had by Charlie Beach, Ray Henrikson, Anneliese Lawson, Hilaire Meuwissen, Kendra Pratt, Maureen Roeth, Charlene Shafer and the leader.

Nov 19 (Thu) AUSABLE CLUB – INDIAN HEAD CLIFF
Leader:  Jim Schaller

Eight of us started out at the Ausable Club on a fairly mild, sunny November day. We took the West River Trail which is always a pleasant hike, ranging from going high above the rushing torrent of the Ausable River to right beside it. We stopped at both Wedge Brook Falls and Beaver Meadow Falls for photos. After passing along meadows and wetlands, we arrived at the Lower Ausable Lake , where we had lunch on the edge of the dam.  Then we ascended Indian Head cliff for great views of the Ausable Lakes and nearby High Peaks . A steep “down” and slight “up” took us over to Fish Hawk Cliff, with more lake and mountain views. We then cut over to the Gill Brook Trail , took that out to the Lake Road , and followed that out to our cars. We left the woods at dusk, finishing up a great day’s hike!  Those hiking were: Lori McCarron, John Susko, Susan Roberts, Claudia Rosenholz, John and Jane Husson, and the leader/ trail-sweep – Jim and Bonnie Schaller.

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