THC SPRING OUTINGS SCHEDULE 2011

MARCH

Sunday, March 6: Huyck Preserve, Albany County, NY
This hike is rescheduled from our Winter Schedule.
Got whiff of a new trail here – come explore with me - hike or snowshoe. Call Dale for time. Leave from Elm Avenue Park and Ride in Delmar.
CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: 3 to 5 miles with ascent of 350 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: 50 miles.

Saturday, March 12: Snowshoe along the BNRC Hoosac Range trail in North Adams, MA
This will be a 6 mile round trip along the ridgeline of the scenic new Berkshire Natural Resources Council Hoosac Range trail. Some climbing at the beginning and end, but mostly moderate up and down along the ridgeline. Keeping to a moderate pace, this should take 4 to 5 hours snowshoe on the trail, depending on conditions.
CONTACT: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-8512 for meeting place and time.
LENGTH: 6 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Bob for details.

Sunday, March 13: Taconic Crest Trail, Cherry Plain, NY
We will hike from Southeast Hollow to Robinson Hollow. This hike will be almost 9 miles total along the Taconic Crest Trail, including access trails. It is similar to the one cancelled on January 8th, but with more hiking along the crest. The trip requires a car shuttle. Contact Mary for further information.
CONTACT: Mary McDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH: Approximately 9 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Mary for meeting place and time.

Tuesday, March 15: Berlin Mountain, Williamstown, MA
This hike is rescheduled from February. Near Williamstown we will take the Berlin Pass Trail to the Crest Trail, travel south to Berlin Mountain and descend by way of the Class of 33 Trail, a loop of less than 5 miles, but with some steep sections. Snowshoes and winter gear required. Call Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles with ascent to be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Susan for details.

Saturday, March 19: Merck Forest Hike & Pancake Breakfast, Rupert, VT
Celebrate the Spring Open House weekend at Merck Forest and Farm Center, in Rupert VT. Enjoy a variety of old roads and trails and save room for the generous pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausage, coffee, and more). Yes, it is mud season but it's also maple syrup season. Breakfast is from 10 -2, so we can
walk/hike first then enjoy a late breakfast. Also farm tours, wagon rides, etc. Meet at Wal-Mart Park & Ride off Route 7 in Brunswick, but could vary depending on response. Call for confirmation and starting time.
CONTACT: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512.
LENGTH: A few miles with moderate ascent, depending on group preference and hunger.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approx. 110 miles round-trip.

Friday, March 25: Bike Ride, Clifton Park, NY
We will bike the back roads of Clifton Park. This date may change depending on the weather. Meet at 10 AM, 19 Lace Lane, Clifton Park.
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: Approximately 20 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Clifton Park.



Saturday, March 26: Bear Mountain, Arden, NY
We will hike from the crest of the hill on Arden Valley Road and follow the Appalachian Trail north, over Black and Bear Mountains to the Hudson River. We will need to spot a car. We will meet at the “old” Schodack
Town Hall Park and Ride off Route 20. Contact Phil for meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 13 miles, ascent about 1300 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 220 miles round-trip, with car spot.

APRIL

Tuesday, April 5: Tongue Mountain, Lake George, NY
We will start at the northern end of Tongue Mountain, at the trailhead on Rt. 9N, and travel south to the Clay Meadow trail head. There should be some good views of Lake George, before the trees leaf out, and possibly spring flowers. If snow, snowshoes may be required depending on the weather. Meet at 8:00AM at the Park & Ride at Exit 9 of the Northway.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: 6.8 miles and 1800 feet of ascent, a side trip to Deer Leap would add 2 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 120 miles round-trip.

Sunday, April 10: Savoy Mt. State Forest, MA
We will try some new trails going south from Adams Rd. on the Savoy Karary Kats Trail and the Tilton Brook Trail and back on the Kamuck Trail to the fire tower on Borden Mt.
CONTACT: Willard Hoyt at willardh2@junocom or 732-2390 for meeting time and place.
LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles and an ascent of 400 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: about 100 miles.

Tuesday, April 12: Pine Cobble, Williamstown, MA
We will take the Class of ’98 Trail to the AT trail head south to the Pine Cobble trail. Some steep sections, but rewarding views of the Hoosick River Valley, impressive cliffs with quartzite outcroppings, and, if we’re lucky, spring migrants and trailing arbutus. Relaxed pace, bring your camera. Contact Susan for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.
LENGTH: About 4 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Call Susan for details.

Thursday, April 14: The Hoosac Range Trail, North Adams, MA
This is a new trail on property recently acquired by Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The well-known Peter Jensen has designed a trail that runs along the ridge for a 3-mile traverse on high ground from Rt. 2 east of North Adams to the Busby Trail in Savoy Mtn. State Forest. At this time of year there will be views, but there also might be snow, so bring some foot gear appropriate for conditions. Plan on 4 hours on the trail. Meet Karen at 8:30AM at Cumberland Farm store at intersection of Rts. 43 and 22 in Stephentown, NY or at 9:15AM at the trailhead at the top of Rt. 2 east of North Adams. There is a parking area on the south side just east of the wigwam up there.
CONTACT: Karen Ross at kcoyross@aol.com or 794-7474.
LENGTH: 6 miles with approximately 700 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Karen for details.

Saturday, April 16: Trail Clearing, TCT
This winter saw a lot of heavy snow and ice on the Taconic Crest Trail. We have reports of extensive blow down on the trail and we have a lot of work ahead of us to clean this up. We will provide some tools for usage but please bring your own if you want too. For meeting place, time and section to be cleared contact Colin. Rain date is Sunday.
CONTACT: Colin Campbell at holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629.
LENGTH: Contact Colin.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Colin.




Sunday, April 17: Taconic Crest Trail, Trail Work
We'll cover the section of the TCT from Robinson Hollow to Mattison Hollow. This will involve blow down removal and drainage work. Bad weather postpones to the following weekend.
CONTACT: David Pisaneschi, at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969 for meeting time and place.
LENGTH: Contact Dave for details.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Dave for meeting place and time.

Sunday, April 17: Bike Columbia County, NY
We will start in Castleton on Hudson and bike south on Route 9J for 10 miles. Then change routes through the hamlet of Stuyvesant, Stuyvesant Falls and onto Kinderhook, the home of Martin Van Buren. We then bike north to our starting place. Please contact Phil for the meeting place and time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: Thirty miles round-trip, moderate terrain.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Phil for details.

Tuesday, April 19: Trail Work Berlin Mountain, Petersburgh, NY
We will remove dead blow down, install trail markers, as needed, and clean-out water bars. Plan to meet at the Wal Mart Park and Ride off Route 7 in Brunswick at 10:00AM.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com 371-8585.
LENGTH: We will work no longer than a total of 4 hours on the trail.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 60 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, April 20: Barberville Falls, Poestenkill, NY
Barberville Falls should be beautiful with the spring runoff from the Poestenkill. This is Rensselaer County’s scenic spot and is managed by the Nature Conservancy. Between 3-4 miles; depending on how wet/muddy the trails may be. Half-day activity: be back in time for lunch. We will meet at Poestenkill Library Parking Lot.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042 for meeting time.
LENGTH: 3-4 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 8 miles round-trip.

Thursday, April 21: Peebles Island, Waterford, NY
This will be a nice walk around a State Park with the hopes of seeing bald eagles or blue heron flying overhead.
CONTACT: Etta Menges at 233-8310.
LENGTH: Approximately 2.5 miles loop, with minimal elevation.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Peebles Island State

Friday April 22: Good Friday Hike – Berlin Mountain, Petersburg, NY
We will hike from Petersburgh Pass to SE Hollow over Berlin Mountain, looking for views and spring flowers. Join us for this 6.9 mile hike and enjoy the glories of spring.
CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonal003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.
LENGTH: Approximately 6.9 miles with car spot.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Mary for meeting place and time.

Saturday, April 23: Trail Clearing, TCT
This will be more of the same as April 16th, but hopefully, on drier ground. If you have a favorite section you want to revisit and clean up suggestions will be taken. For meeting place, time and section to be cleared contact Colin. Rain date is Sunday.
CONTACT: Colin Campbell at holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629.
LENGTH: Contact Colin.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Colin.


Wednesday, April 27: Recruitment hike for prospective leaders, Beebe Hill, Austerliz, NY
THC needs new destinations and new leaders for all seasons and all types and levels of activities. Hike a leisurely mile to the fire tower and during lunch (brownies provided) share your interests and suggestions on this topic. All club members invited, whether or not you are a current or a future leader. The club will provide guidance and support, including teaming you up with an experienced co-leader if you wish. Susan Roberts and Gayle Fountain are co-hosts for this event.
CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170 for meeting time and place.
LENGTH: About 2 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 48 miles from Schodack Park & Ride round-trip.

Saturday, April 30: Lye Brook Falls, Manchester, VT
Lye Brook Falls, in the Lye Brook Wilderness Area, should be beautiful at this time of the year. Be prepared for wet conditions on this path that was once a logging road. We can stop at the Bennington Brew Pub or Man of Kent on our return. We will meet at Defreetsville (Exit8) Park & Ride.
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042 for meeting time.
LENGTH: About 5 miles round-trip with an elevation of approximately 700 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 130 miles round-trip.

MAY

Sunday, May 1st
I am rescheduling the 4/17 bike ride in Columbia County for this Sunday, 5/1/11. We will not be riding on Route 9J, due to bad road shoulders. The meeting place will at 11:00 A.M. at the entrance to the Schodack Island State Park, off Route 9J
(just go in about 50 yards and wait for the group, don't go in further and pay the entrance fee.)
We will be doing about 20 miles round-trip, from Stuyvesant Town Hall to the cemetery where Martin Van Buren is buried and back the way we came.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.


Sunday, May 1: VT/Mass border via AT and Pine Cobble Trail
The Green Mountain Club erected a new welcome to Vermont /Long Trail sign last year and I want to go and see it. We will do an up and back loop using the Pine Cobble, Class of 98 and Appalachian trails, with great views from the Pine Cobble.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056 for meeting place and time.
LENGTH: About 7 miles with some short steep sections.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approx. 66 miles round trip.

Sunday, May 1: Schodack Island Paddle, Schodack, NY
Plan to meet at the boat launch on the Hudson River side of Schodack Island State Park. We'll paddle around the island and into the upper section of Schodack Creek, taking advantage of the afternoon high tide. Plan to be in the water and ready to go by 9:00AM. We will paddle / explore until about 4:00 PM. Best for touring kayaks, but strong canoers are welcome.
CONTACT: David Pisaneschi, at dpisanes@nycap.rr.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH: To be determined by the consensus of the group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the State Park.
.
Wednesday, May 4: Shaver Pond, Grafton, NY
We will enjoy the trail around Grafton Lakes State Park’s Shaver Pond, before the summer crowd arrival.
We will meet at the Wal-Mart Park & Ride off Route 7 in Brunswick at 9:00AM
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 2.5 mile loop, ascent of about 150 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 30 miles round-trip.

Friday, May 6: Tredway Mountain, Ticonderoga, NY
This mountain in the southern Adirondacks is noted for spring flowers and good views from its open summit. We will start at the Putnam Pond Campground. Meet at 8:00AM at the Park & Ride at Exit 9 of the Northway.
CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at khenriks@nycap.rr.com or 439-4308.
LENGTH: 8 miles with an ascent of 900 feet.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 180 miles.

Saturday, May 7: Bike Saratoga, NY
We will bike some back roads in Saratoga Springs to reach the birthplace of Funny Cide. We will meet at the parking lot of the Saratoga National Historical Park on Route 32, north of Stillwater. Please contact Phil for meeting time.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 15 miles round-trip, more if we bike the Park too.
ROAD DISTANCE: Northway Exit 9 P&R to the Park about 35 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, May 11: Val-Kill, Hyde Park, NY
This will be a moderate hike on woodland paths with some steep hills on both Eleanor’s Walk and FDR’s Top Cottage Trail. We will meet at the “old “ Schodack Town Park & Ride off Route 20 at 9:00 A.M.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: The Val-Kill hike is about a one mile loop and the Top Cottage hike is about two miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 70 miles south of Albany.

Sunday, May 15: Summer Schedule activities are due
Here comes summer! Time to send in your bike rides, hikes or kayak trips for our summer schedule.
Let’s make this our busiest summer ever!
CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com o r371-8585.
LENGTH: You decide.
ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited.

Judy's bike ride, scheduled for May 17, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, May 18.

Wednesday, May 18: Bike Ride, local NY
Colonie Town Park in Latham to Jay Street in Schenectady for Lunch
CONTACT: Judy Brandow hwesterh@nycap.rr.com or 482-4610, for info.
LENGTH: Contact Judy for details.
ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Judy for details.

Wednesday, May 18: Paddle Roundout Creek, Kingston, NY
Looking for an early season tune up, we will paddle Roundout Creek in Kingston. It is a fairly protected, somewhat urban trip but always with the promise of interesting birds particularly raptors. The paddle is approximately 10 miles round trip. We will meet at Rt. 32 Delmar Park and Ride at 8:00AM.
CONTACT: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Paddle distance approximately 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 110 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, May 18: Huckleberry Point, Tannersville, NY
This is one of the finest hikes in the Catskills. If the gods are good, plan to stay awhile to enjoy the flora and views of several mountains. We will meet at the Route 32 Elm Avenue Park & Ride in Delmar at 9:00 A.M.
CONTACT: Phil Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: About 5 miles round-trip, ascent of 1100 feet including return.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 115 miles round-trip.

Canceled: Friday, May 20: Hudson River between Spier Falls and Sherman Island Dams
"I am canceling this Hudson paddle due to river conditions. I have a first-hand report that the river is high and very fast. We'd have a lot of trouble getting back to the launch site, if it's possible at all. Soooo, I'm rescheduling for Friday, June 3. Hopefully, by then the weather and the river will have settled a bit.
Lynn"

Saturday, May 21: Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield, MA
This will be more of a wildflower walk than a hike although this Trustee of Reservations Property includes the moderately strenuous Hurlburt’s Hill, which we may climb for the view, depending on the interests of the group. There is an admission fee of $5.00. We will meet at Schodack Park and Ride (Exit 11).
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042 for meeting time.
LENGTH: Approximately 4 – 5 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 85 miles round-trip.

Wednesday, May 25: Canoe / Kayak Pack Forest Lake, Warrensburg, NY
We will explore a new lake located in a forest demonstration area. The demonstration area is located a few miles north of Warrensburg, NY.
CONTACT: Dick Hughes at rhughes913@nycap.rr.com or 371-7655.
LENGTH: Between 3 and 4 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 110 miles round-trip.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, June 3: Hudson River between Spier Falls and Sherman Island Dams
Rescheduled from May 20th
This will be a leisurely paddle on a pretty stretch of the river up near Moreau Lake. We may see some ducks, and other residents, to see, as well as botanizing along the way. Call Lynn for meeting time and place.
CONTACT: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125 before 9:00PM.
LENGTH: About 6 miles round-trip.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 100 miles, may be a little more.

Saturday, June 4: THC Annual Potluck Picnic
Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton ,NY
The GLSP opens at 9:00AM and closes at dusk for hiking, boating and swimming. We are once again at the Amphitheater Pavilion (by the beach).
Our activities for the day are:
• At 9:30 AM we will meet at the GLSP Office and be given our assignment for trail clearing. Remember “many hands make light work”.
• Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK APPITIZERS.
• 1:00 PM POTLUCK salads, desserts and treats along with THC supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks (lemonade and iced tea) and condiments.
• Please bring your own soda, beer or wine.
• Lawn chairs and games are recommended and pictures to share.
• 2;00 PM short THC meeting.
• Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.

Please call RJ at 283-6056 to let him know you are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert). If no answer, please leave a message.


Sunday, June 5: Bear Mt. in CT via Bee Line Trail
This is a short, steep climb up the backside of Bear Mt. from the Mt. Washington State Forest in Mass. We will have the option to return the same way or via the Sages Ravine trail or the Old Charcoal Road trail.
CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH: 5-plus miles depending on the return route.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approx. 100 miles round trip.

Sunday, June 5, Appalachian Trail, Monterey, MA
This hike will begin at the AT Trail on Rt.23 in Monterey, MA and end approximately at Beartown Mountain Rd. This is not a mountainous stretch of the trail up, it has its ups and downs, of course. It includes Benedict Pond and possibly views of Mt. Everett and the Catskills at on point. We will meet at Schodack Park & Ride (Exit 11).
CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042 for meeting time.
LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 95 miles round-trip.

Thursday, June 16:Paddle Lake Piseco, Piseco, NY
Piseco in the Speculator region is a popular four mile lake. Early in the season there should be minimal recreational activity. We will leisurely paddle about ten miles exploring the coves and contours of this attractive mountain lake. We will meet by the south entrance to Penny’s at Crossgates Mall at 8:00AM.
CONTACT: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Paddle distance approximately 10 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 160 miles round-trip.