Thursday, September 25, 2008

Albany Chapter of ADK Will Meet on October 14th at 6:30pm at West Albany Fire House

The Albany Chapter of ADK is starting up its regular monthly meetings on October 14th. We have some great presentations and educational sessions for hikers and kayakers. Come join us if you can.

The Albany Chapter's monthly informal meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month, October through June. The meetings consist of a brief chapter business meeting followed by an interesting program, usually with slides. Refreshments are also served.

The public is always welcome to attend any of the Chapter functions. These meetings and accompanying education and program presentations start at 6:30 p.m. at West Albany Firehouse (Station #1), 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, New York.

Directions to West Albany Firehouse: Take Rte. 90 to Exit 5, Everett Rd. Take Everett Rd. (if coming from the west on 90, turn left onto Everett at the top of the ramp. If coming from the east on 90, turn right at the top of the ramp.) Proceed north past Exchange Street (site of former Tobin Packing Company) and turn left onto Sand Creek Rd. Continue ½ mile to the Firehouse on the right. Park in the rear of the building.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Overlook Mountain Lecture Series Finishes on Sunday, October 12th with Richard Pariso

The Overlook Mountain fire tower summer lecture series began in June with a talk about bears. Then came rattlesnakes, geology, and forest history. On Sunday, October 12 the series will finish with poetry. Richard Parisio, an educator for the DEC who carries quotations from Nineteenth Century Catskills nature essayist John Burroughs in his pockets to help identify bird calls, will lead a hike from the Overlook Mountain parking area starting at 10 a.m. to appreciate the arrival of autumn. Then at 1 p.m. the group will gather at the summit cabin for a poetry salon to share pieces by our favorite poets, including ourselves. We'll celebrate the spirit of the natural world transformed into words.
For information, contact Will Nixon at will@willnixon.com or 845-679-5853, or Dick Voloshon at volo@hvc.rr.com or 845-679-2580. The 2.5 mile hike up Overlook follows an old carriage road that climbs 1400 feet. To reach the Overlook Mountain parking area from the village green, take Rock City Road 2.5 miles. This walk is sponsored by the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Stewards.
Will Nixon
P.S. My own modest contribution to Catskill poetry is “My Late Mother as a Ruffed Grouse” which you may read at http://www.foothillspublishing.com/2008/id62.htm.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Fred Schroeder's Leadership and Compass Training Class at Little's Lake Cabin on September 15th



Follensby Pond Sold to The Nature Conservancy

Follensby Pond Sold to The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy has purchased Follensby Pond for $16 million. The announcement was made Thursday by its Keene Valley-based Adirondack Chapter.
The 14,600-acre property is southeast of Tupper Lake and contains the 920-acre Follensby Pond, reportedly the largest privately held lake in the Northeastern United States.
State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis applauded the sale in a joint announcement with the conservation group.
Follensby Pond is listed in the state Open Space Conservation Plan. Last updated in 2006, the plan identifies priority lands to add to the Forest Preserve, said Mike Carr, executive director of the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
John McCormick, who bought the land in 1952, said in a statement that he envisions the land eventually becoming a part of the Forest Preserve.
"I have every confidence that The Nature Conservancy and New York State will work together over the next few years to make that happen," he said. The property contains five hunting camps whose leases will be extended for "several" years, said Nature Conservancy spokeswoman Connie Prickett. Details on the future of those camps, she said.

Follensby Pond also has historical value. Ralph Waldo Emerson and other 19th century writers visited it 150 years ago.

Again, Mike Carr of The Nature Conservancy.
The land will not be immediately opened to the public and the conservation group will continue to pay taxes on the property, the announcement said.
Thursday's news comes more than a year since the conservancy announced a $110 million deal in which it bought 161,000 acres of timberland from Finch, Pruyn Paper Company in Glens Falls.
Negotiations with the state are continuing over how much will be purchased for Forest Preserve.
Last month, the conservancy put 90,500 acres up for sale for timber harvesting. The lands are protected by easement and are off-limits to developers.

-Jacob Resneck, 9-19-08 Crossposted from 46r List

Sunday, September 14, 2008

THC members hiked Vermont 4000 footers, Mts Ellen and Abraham, via Section 8 of the Long Trail on 9/8/08


Recognize Camel's Hump?




Looking back at Mt Ellen from the summit of Mt Abraham


Friday, September 12, 2008

Albany County Legislature Approved Bike Trail Development: Albany to Voorheesville and Patroon Creek Trail

Great news...
On Monday night, the Albany County Legislature approved measures to purchase the Hudson-Heldelberg Railroad bed from Albany to Voorheesville, and fund the development of the Mohawk-Hudson (Patroon Creek) Trail into a bike trail.
Several people from the public spoke in favor of the measures in an impressive and inspiring display of support. There were members of four pro-bike organizations who spoke, and all gave intelligent and impassioned reasons for supporting the trails. I was really impressed with person after person who gave such intelligent arguments for supporting the trails, and touched by the way the speakers gave personal accounts of how the trails will help them and the community.
It was evident to me that the speakers created an atmosphere of hope and community pride throughout the meeting.
This became even more pronounced when the legislators spoke on the proposals. Several of them followed the lead of the public speakers and gave their own versions of why they support the trails and bicycling in general. Some of them have been working on these issues for years, and they got to bask in the support for a short time.
The inspiring atmosphere brought out some forward thinking, as one legislator proposed a way to produce more funding to pruchase and create more publc trails, and another suggested creating a county wide body to coordinate trail creation and connect the many small trails we now have.
All in all, only one person spoke in opposition, and only because he was in favor of keeping the Heldeberg Trail for train or alternative vehicle use.
The Legislature approved both measures by unanimous vocal assent.
Many thanks to everyone who attended and participated, and those who couldn't make it but gave moral and organizational support. We can congratulate ourselves for the work we've done to accomplish this, and think about where we want to move on to next.
Now, let's go out and send somebody to Congress who will help us do even more.

Ken von Geldern, Albany Bike Coalition

Saturday, September 06, 2008

VIEWS FROM THE TOP - POSTING TRAIL CONDITIONS

Non members can still post trail conditions. Go to the appropriate trail conditions forum and post using NEW THREAD. Non member posts will not show up until a moderator approves them. If you want to post in the discussion forums (Q&A etc) you must be a member. New members must be sponsored by existing members. Full details on registration can be found under Site Help:

http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10451

Have an existing member email me and cc: you on the email to sponsor

per Darren Almeida

www.viewsfromthetop.com

1. Trail/Mountain names in the title

2. Date of the hike

3. Special equipment useful or required?

4. Brief Comments - Lengthy descriptions go into Trip Reports Forum

5. Your name and email address


Friday, September 05, 2008

Serious Bike Security Necessary in Albany Now: U-Lock at Least and consider taking bikes inside stores/restaurants with you...

Teen Gangs cut cables and resell bikes faster than police can investigate. It's really important for you to know the serial number of your bike.

Step one: U Lock.

Step two: Sheldon Brown's Lock Strategy

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

THC Fall Banquet is 2pm on Sunday, November 16th, Reservations a must by November 9th, $25pp

BEST WESTERN SOVEREIGN HOTEL
1228 Western Avenue (across from SUNY)

2pm for the Social Hour (cash bar)
3pm for the Extensive Hot and Cold Buffet

Reservations ($25 per member) must be received by November 9th:
Mail your check to: Gayle Fountain, 17 Washington Lane, Clifton Park NY 12065

Slate of Officers for 2009 and 2010 will be voted on at the banquet:
President, Dale Blanchet
Vice President, R.J. Hydorn
Treasurer, Richard Hughes
Recording Secretary, Janet Jones
Corresponding Secretary, Judy Brandow

The THC thanks the nominating committee of Marty Connor, Phil Fountain and Susan Roberts for all of their efforts.

TACONIC HIKING CLUB FALL SCHEDULE 2008

TACONIC HIKING CLUB FALL SCHEDULE

Thursday September 4: Black Mountain, Hulett’s Landing, NY

Black Mountain is always a favorite on the East side of Lake George. This could be a late summer hike, or there could be Fall color. Meet at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride of Fire Road in Clifton Park at 8:00 AM.

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

LENGTH: 5.6 miles round-trip, ascent of 1460 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 150 miles round-trip.


Tuesday September 9: Paddle Kunjamuk River, Speculator, NY

The tranquil Kunjamuk is one of the more delightful little waterways of the Adirondacks. We are planning to end the paddle at Elm Lake. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride off Fire Road in Clifton Park at 8:00 AM.

CONTACT: Etta Menges 233-8310.

LENGTH: 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 170 miles round-trip.


Thursday September 11: Paddle to Yanni’s III, Athens, NY

This will be a paddle on the Hudson River from Stockport Station, in Albany, to Yanni’s III Restaurant, in Athens. This will be for kayaks only and we will have lunch at Yanni’s III. Must contact John for meeting time and place.

CONTACT: John Pecoroni 439-7898 or jpecoroni@yahoo.com

LENGTH: 8 miles round-trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Contact John for information.


Sunday September 14: Greylock Mountain, Lanesboro, MA

We will hike the easy way and enjoy MASSACHUSETTS” highest summit of 3491 feet. Plan to meet at the Wal Mart’s off Route 7 in Brunswick, NY, must contact Phil for time.

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

LENGTH: 12 miles round-trip, ascent of about 1500 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 80 miles round-trip.


Monday September 15: Leadership and Compass Training, Menands, NY

Fred Schroeder is graciously going to provide comments on a general topic of Hike Leadership and Compass Training. Helen Mentz of the Littles Lake is allowing the Taconic Hiking Club the use of their facilitates from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.

CONTACT: Fred Schroeder 459-0853 or marfred2@juno.com

LENGTH: Starts at 7:00PM and will end no later than 8:30 PM.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Littles Lake in Menands.


Monday September 15: Bike Ride

Contact Judy Brandow for details at 482-4610 or hwesternh@nycap.rr.com


Tuesday September 16: Paddle West Branch Sacandaga River, Arietta, NY

A winding river with a languorous current that affords opportunities to explore side streams. We will try to find Good Luck Lake and Chub Lake, a bog. Call Dale for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet 273-4262

LENGTH: About 7.5 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 150 miles round-trip.


Saturday September 20: Long Trial/AT in Danby, VT

Starting at the Big Branch River crossing on the USFS 10, we will hike steadily up to Baker Peak (2850 ft.) and then desend the Baker Peak trail. Highlights include the open, rocky summit ok Baker Peak and crossing the Big Branch on a suspension bridge. Must contact R.J. for meeting place and time as well as car spots.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at 283-6056 or rjhydorn@lycos.com

LENGTH: 7.8 miles (4.9 mi. LT/AT) with ascent of 1320 ft. & decent of 2130 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 130 miles RT with car spot.


Wednesday September 24: Plateau Mountain, Edgewood, NY

This rugged and beautiful new section of the Long Path was opened in 2007. It connects the Warner Creek Trail at Silver Hollow Notch directly to the Devil’s Path on Plateau Mountain. Meet at the Rout4e 32 Elm Avenue P&R in Delmar, call Susan for time.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: About 7 miles if we spot a car, ascent of

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles round-trip.


Thursday October 2: The Three Sisters, Maplecrest, NY

These three peaks, Thomas Cole, Black Dome and Blackhead, are visible from spots in Albany and also from the Oakwood Cemetery in Troy. We will hike from the Barnum Road parking lot up the ridge and across all three peaks. A car will be spotted at the end of Big Hollow Road. Meet at the Route 32 Delmar Park and Ride at 8 AM.

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

LENGTH: 8 miles and ascent of 2660 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 95 miles round-trip.


Monday October 6: Bike Ride

Contact Judy Brandow for details at 482-4610 or hwesterh@nycap.rr.com


Wednesday October 10: Catskill Scenic Bike Trail, Grand Gorge, NY

This rail trail runs between Bloomville and Grand Gorge, through Delaware and Schoharie Counties. The path is cinder (unpaved) and parallels the West Branch of the Delaware River. Listed as 19 miles, there may be a new section open; distance traveled will be determined by the group. We may divide into two groups (one faster-paced) if there are enough riders. Call Susan for time and meeting place.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: About 19 miles, no more than 400 foot change.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles round-trip.


Sunday October 19: Long Trail/AT in North Dorset, VT

From Mad Tom Notch, we will hike north over Styles Peak (3394 ft.) and Peru Peak (3429 ft.) with views from both summits. From there we will work our way down to Griffith Lake before descending onto the Long Trail. Must contact Bob for meeting place and time as well as car spotting plans.

CONTACT: Bob Armao 271-6512 or bob_armao@yahoo.com

LENGTH: 8.7 miles (5.4 mi.LT/AT), ascent of 1000 ft. & descent of 2700 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 125 miles round-trip with car spot.


Sunday October 26: K. Dubuque State Forest, Hawley, MA

This is a former area of small farms returned to woods. Leader has seen a black bear and a moose tracks there. This is the kind of place where walking an old road one might meet a porcupine coming the other way, which has also happen to the leader. Near the start we will visit a stone charcoal kiln. Contact Willard for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Willard Hoyt 732-2390 or willardh2@juno.com

LENGTH: 6.5 miles with ascent of no more than 250 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 135 miles round-trip.


Saturday November 1: Bromley Mt. Via LT/AT, Peru, VT

With the fall foliage gone, we should have sweeping views from the North (3120 ft.) and south (3260 ft.) summits of Bromley. Plan is to through-hike on the Long Trail/AT from VT 11 and 30 to Mad Tom Notch. Must contact R.J. for meeting place and time as well as car spots.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn 283-6056 or rjhydorn@lycos.com

LENGTH: 5.5.miles with ascent of 1460 feet & descent of 815 ft.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 120 miles round-trip w/car spot.


Tuesday November 4: Peaked Mountain, North Creek, NY

We will hike (Election Day) along the southern edge of Thirteen Lake and up the trail first to Peaked Mountain Pond, and then to the summit of Peaked Mountain. There can be views of the High Peaks on a clear day. Meet at 8 AM at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride off Fire Road in Clifton Park.

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

LENGTH: 6.8 miles round-trip, ascent of 1200 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 150 miles round-trip.



Thursday November 6: Bike Ride

Contact Judy Brandow for details at 482-4610 or hwesterh@nycap.rr.com


Sunday November 9: Hike Rt. 20 to Berry Pond, MA

This will be do trail clearing and installing signs on the Taconic Crest Trail. Wear gloves and bring your small saw, pruners or loppers, the Club will provide tools too. We will meet at the Rt.4 P&R in North Greenbush, must contact Phil for time. We will need to spot cars.

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

LENGTH: 6.48 miles, ascent of 1620 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles round-trip, with car spot.


Sunday November 16: Hike Skyline Trail, Berkshire Co., MA

This mostly wooded area on the east side of the hill will provide protection from the wind. An overlook and a side trail to an interesting rock formation. We will meet at the Schodack Park and Ride, must call Dale for time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: 4 miles with ascent of 400 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: 60 miles round-distance.


Sunday November 23: Moderate Hike, Berkshire Co., MA

Must call Dale for information, meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: About 5 miles with ascent of about 500 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Call Dale for info.


Wednesday November 26: Berlin Mountain, Petersburgh, NY

This will be doing a leisurely walk to the highest summit in Resselaer County..

We are going to check on the shrubs and tree saplings that were planted on June 10th.

Plan is to enter and exit via the Green Hollow access trail. Please contact Colin for meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Colin Campbell 438-9629 or holesinhead@aol.com
LENGTH:
2.8 plus access trail, ascent of ? feet.
ROAD DISTANCE:
Contact Colin.


Sunday November 30: Moderate Hike, Berkshire Co, MA

Must all Dale for information, meeting place and time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: About 5 miles with minimal ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Call Dale for info