Thursday, November 28, 2013

THC 2013-14 WINTER SCHEDULE


 

DUES NEWS

Your annual dues payment of $10.00 needs to be submitted by January 1, 2014 to

Mary MacDonald

27 Woodside Drive

Clifton Park, NY 12065

We hope you will join us for another year of hiking and other activities. Thank you.

 

NEW WEB SITE

The Taconic Hiking Club has a new web site:

http://taconichikingclub.org/

Please take a moment to check it out. 

 

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 7 2013 End-to-End Meeting, Clifton Park, NY

All interested in helping with the May 17, 2014, End to End, are invited to a organizational meeting at Gayle Fountain’s home, 17 Washington Lane, Clifton Park. Soup and sandwiches will be served at the noon meeting. Please come with your ideas on how make this an even more successful event than in the past. If you can’t make this meeting, call Gayle to let her know where you would like to volunteer.

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

LENGTH: Approximately 2 hours with lunch.

ROAD DISTANCE: A short drive up the Northway.

 

Sunday, December 8: Hackensock Mountain, Warrensburg, NY

This the rock prominence that looms over Warrensburg. Not too high; not too remote – a good chance to check out your readiness for winter hiking. There are views of the village and the hills to the west. We can visit the Museum of Local History in the afternoon. Bring micro spikes and perhaps snowshoes. Contact Dale for details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: Approximately 3 miles with an ascent of 700 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 90 miles round trip.

 

Tuesday, December 17: Hike or snowshoe Taconic Crest Trail Petersburg Pass to

Route 346, Petersburg, NY

The last section of our trail includes a side trip to the Snow Hole. Conditions may require winter gear, a strenuous trip at a relaxed pace. Please contact Susan by December 15th to facilitate car-spot plans.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: Approximately 7 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Petersburg Pass.

 

Friday, December 20: Snowshoe to Hour Pond, North Creek, NY

This trip starts at the end of Thirteenth Lake Road. There are quite a few interesting ups and downs with at least one stream crossing. The view of Bullhead Mountain from the pond should be excellent. This is considered an intermediate snowshoe trip and will also requires full winter gear. Winter hiking is difficult and can be cold and windy with low wind chill temps. Contact Mary for details.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: About 8 miles round trip

ROAD DISTANCE: TBD

 

JANUARY






Sunday, January 5: Taconic Crest Trail: Tower Mountain Road to Route 20, Lebanon Springs, NY


Approximately 6 ½ miles on the trail with about 1 mile along access trail. A car shuttle will be necessary. This is considered an intermediate snowshoe trip and requires full winter gear. Winter hiking is difficult and can be cold and windy with low wind chill temps. Please come prepared for a great day in the snowy outdoors. Contact Mary for details.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: About 6½ miles round trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 



Tuesday, January 7: Snowshoe at Field Farm, Williamstown, MA

We will explore 4 miles of trails past fields, woods and wetlands with mountain views in all directions. Snowshoes and/or micro spikes may be required. Meet at 9:30am at Routes 4 & 43 Park and Ride in Defreestville or at 10:30am at Field Farm trailhead.

CONTACT: Gretchen Gedroiz at ggedroiz@gmail.com or 463-1210 or Rob Bayly at

karpbayly@gmail.com or 279-4402

LENGTH: 4 miles of rolling hills

 

Thursday, January 9: Hike or snowshoe Hennig Preserve, Providence,

Saratoga County

This preserve now joins additional trails on County land that pass old stone walls, mill sites,and old foundations. Diverse habitats include a glacial esker. There are North and South loops, you can do one or both. Minimal climbing, but conditions may require some form of traction or snowshoes. This a joint activities with the Crooked Canes. Contact Susan for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: Approximately 4-6 miles depending on the interests of the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round trip from Clifton Park.


Sunday, January 12: Open house at Tony Eldering, Altamont, NY

This will be a potluck get together after a hike/snowshoe/ski at a nearby location. The hike will depart at noon, but please arrive by 11:30 a.m. if you are going to hike so that we can select a hike and be ready to leave by noon. The choices for the hike are Thacher State Park, Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, Tawasentha Park or Western Turnpike Golf Course. All are 15 minutes from my place. Food will be served at 3:00 p.m. Please contact Tony by January 6th with your potluck offering. My address is 402 Kelly Circle, Altamont, NY 12009 but it will not show up on your GPS! Type in 136 Brandle Road, Altamont and you will get here.
CONTACT: Tony Eldering at
tonye11@verizon.net or 861-6828
LENGTH: To be determined by group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Altamont

 

Tuesday, January 14: Rochester Hollow, Big Indian, NY

Rochester Hollow is an intriguing preserve in the Catskills, almost to Ulster County. The woods are full of old stone fences, tall, and in very good condition. There are a couple of loop trails that will allow us to explore the scene in winter. The area was described in a recent edition of Adirondac, the ADK publication. Snowshoes and/or micro spikes will be required. Meet at 8:00 AM in the Elm Ave and Rt 32, Delmar, Park and Ride. Contact Katie for details.

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

LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles, with 500 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 140 miles round trip.

 

Saturday, January 18: Yokun Ridge, Lenox MA

This BNRC site straddles West Stockbridge and Lenox and has a good variety of scenic trails. We can do a few miles of snowshoeing or make it a hike, depending on conditions. Let’s try the southern trails and ridge rather than the northern ridge trails that we have done in the past. Either way, it’s the same starting point from lovely Olivia’s Overlook. Contact Bob for details.

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

LENGTH: Variable, depending on whether it is snowshoe or hike.

ROAD TRIP: Under 100 miles round trip.

 

Tuesday, January 21: Leader’s Choice

Dale has chosen Lapland Lake to do a cross-country ski outing. Dress Warm! Meet at Northway exit 12 at 9 a.m. Please contact Dale to let her know you are coming and for more details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Saturday, January 25: 29th Annual Winter Festival, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY

This is a full day of outdoor winter activities, including a X-C skiing trek or snowshoe hike sponsored by the Taconic Hiking Club. The club will also be hosting a information booth at the main building and could use a few volunteers to help get the word out about the THC and the Taconic Crest Trail.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@laycos.com or 283-6056 for THC info or GLSP at 279-1155 for complete list of the day's events.

LENGTH: Depends on your choice of activity.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to GLSP.

Friday, January 31: Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield, MA

The plan now is that we will be snowshoeing at Pittsfield State Forest from the gate along the Ghost Trail and Mountain Trail. We will then travel past Berry Pond and down Turner Trail to complete our circuit of approximately 6 miles. Wherever we go will depend on trail conditions. Winter gear is required. Bad driving cancels. Mary MacDonald will be leading the trip. Call 371-1293 or email at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com  We will cancel if too icy or too cold. Call to sign up and plan car pools.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Mary for details.

 

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 1: Beginner Snowshoe, Hand Hollow Conservation Area,

New Lebanon, NY

The leader has 2 extra pairs of snowshoes so even if you don’t own a pair; please join us for a relatively flat 2-3 mile circuit of a Columbia Land Conservancy property. If snow isn’t sufficient, another locale will be considered. We will meet at Schodack Park and Ride at 9:45AM or Hand Hollow at 10AM, contact Sharon for details.

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

LENGTH: 2-3 mile circuit.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round trip.


 
Saturday, February 1: Snowshoe or Hike, TCT Cherry Plain, NY

Snow shoe or hike From Robinson Hollow to Mattison Hollow. Total distance about 8 miles.

CONTACT: David Pisaneschi, 459-5969 dapadk@gmail.com

LENGTH:  Approximately 8 miles

ROAD DISTANCE:  TBD 

Tuesday, February 4: Snowshoe Hopkins Forest, Williamstown, MA

We'll plan to snowshoe both the Upper and Lower Loops for a little over 4 miles, crossing the middle and north branch of Birch Brook while passing thru beautiful forest. Our starting point, Rosenburg Center, is heated. Snowshoes and/or micro spikes may be required. Meet at 9:30am at Routes 4 & 43 Park and Ride in Defreestville or at 10:30am at the Rosenburg Center.

CONTACT: Gretchen Gedroiz at ggedroiz@gmail.com or 463-1210 or Rob Bayly at

karpbayly@gmail.com or 279-4402

LENGTH: a little over 4 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to meeting place

 

Wednesday, February 5: Cross Country Skiing, Notchview Reservation, Windsor, MA

Trustees for Reservations property, $10 fee for non-members. Warming hut with gear storage space makes it nice to loop back to. Property has mostly intermediate trails in the woods and through open fields which can be toasty warm or cold and windy. http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/berkshires/notchview.html. We will meet at Schodack Park and Ride, 8:30AM. Contact Sharon for details.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles round trip.

 

Saturday, February 8: Snowshoe, Fred Schroeder and Hang Glider Trails,
Thacher Park, Knox, NY

This will be a moderately paced loop hike or snowshoe starting on the Fred Schroeder Trail and connecting to Hang Glider Trail.  These are relatively new trails at the north end of Thacher Park.  There are 2 overlooks of the Capital District along the way.  The round trip is 5 miles and the total elevation gain approximately 400 foot. 

CONTACT:  Martha Waldman, martha829r@aol.com  or 518-869-5109

LENGTH:  Approximately 5 miles

ROAD DISTANCE:  Your house to Thacher Park area.


Tuesday, February 11: Cat Mountain Snowshoe, Bolton, NY

The trail to Cat Mountain follows a logging road, cutting south from the Thomas Mountain trail approximately 0.15 miles past the gravel pit. The logging road continues for 1.3 miles before turning off of the road to ascend 736 feet to the summit of Cat. The summit offers a 270° view of Lake George and the Adirondacks. Contact Mary for details

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: About 5 miles round trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 90 miles round trip.

 

Wednesday, February 12: Dyken Pond Snowshoe, Grafton, NY

There is ‘always’ snow here and lots of animal tracks. We will take the Long Trail and add some other loops to make it 5-6 miles. Be prepared: no indoor warming hut. We will meet at Defreetsville Park and Ride (Exit 8, I90), 9AM or Poestenkill Library parking lot, 9:20, contact Sharon for details.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round trip.

 

Saturday, February 15: Spring schedule activities are due

Yeah, we’re thinking spring! It is time to send in your bike rides, hikes or kayak trips for our spring schedule. Let’s make this our busiest spring ever!

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

LENGTH: You decide.

ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited.

 

Wednesday, February 19: Grafton Lakes State Park X-C Ski or Snowshoe, Grafton, NY

The depth of snow determines whether it will be skiable around Long Pond or the other rocky trails in this park. We will meet at the Winter Entrance of Grafton Lakes State Park at 10AM, contact Sharon for details.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to GLSP.

 

Wednesday, February 19: OK Slip Falls, Indian Lake, NY

The state has not officially opened the trail to OK Slip Falls, but I have been there and I can find it again. The trail is unmarked for part of its length, but is not difficult to follow. The falls are quite dramatic in warm weather, and we will hope to find them frozen. Micro spikes or (I hope) snowshoes will be required. Meet Exit 9 Park and Ride in Clifton Park at 8:00 AM.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson, Henriksonk@beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

LENGTH: About 6 miles, 500 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 140 miles round trip.

 

Friday, February 21: Ski Notchview, Windsor, Massachusetts

This Trustees of Reservations' 3,000-acre property has 17 kilometers of groomed ski trails, and at 2,000 feet, usually has good snow. The Visitor Center has a wood stove and rest rooms. Trail fee approximately $12. Contact Susan for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: You decide how much you want to ski.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles round trip from Schodack Park and Ride.

 

Tuesday, February 25: Leader’s Choice

So you don’t have to ski alone, we’ll get a group together. We’ll go wherever we can find snow. Contact Dale for details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, March 8: Leaders Choice Cross Country Skiing (intermediate)

We will go where there is snow. For the last two winters we had snow in March, so let’s assume we will have it in 2014. Contact Sharon for details.

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

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Saturday, May 17: End to End Challenge, Pittsfield State Forest, MA

Please volunteer to help make the 2014 End to End a successful event. Information is on the THC Blog (taconichikingclub.blogspot.com). If you (or someone you know) would like to volunteer to help us run the event contact:

R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@laycos.com or 283-6056

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

Look forward to seeing you on the 17th!

Monday, November 25, 2013

NEW THC WEB SITE

The Taconic Hiking Club has a new web site.

http://taconichikingclub.org/

Please take a moment to check it out!

Saturday, November 09, 2013

2014 TCT End to End Endurance Challenge


Here is some important information for the May 17, 2014, Taconic Hiking Club’s Endurance Challenge – the End to End. 

 

On Friday, May 16th at approximately 7PM there will be a meeting of all the entrants at the Berry Pond Campsites in the Pittsfield State Forest.  This orientation will be conducted by Colin Campbell, THC trails chairman, who will go over the maps of the Taconic Crest Trail and will answer questions about the trail itself.  No meals will be provided on Friday night.

 

Due to the early starting time (5:30AM) all are encouraged to camp at Berry Pond where drinking water and a latrine will be available even though the park is not opened to the public.  Wake up will take place at 5:00AM and a hot breakfast will be served to all.  Juice, tea and coffee will also be provided.  The hikers will then be led out of the park by our official bagpipe starter at 5:30AM.  Anyone who does not camp at Berry Pond should adhere to these times.  Those coming later will be allowed to hike but will not be permitted to start after 6:30AM.

 

Participants must bring another person to move their vehicles from Berry Pond to the end at Rt. 346 and to transport the weary hiker home. We feel that it is in the best interest of hiker safety that she/he not drive home after a grueling 29 mile hike. A list of participant names and contact information will be provided so that perhaps people can car pool.

 

As hikers progress north from Berry Pond, support sites along the Crest Trail will be at:

#1 Madden Road, Hancock, MA (5.3 miles)

#2 Mattison Hollow (12.8 miles)

#3 Petersburgh Pass (20.9 miles) 

 

At these support sites THC members will have water available for the hikers.  Any prepackaged small bags the entrants have prepared for themselves will be at sites #2 and #3.  We recommend these contain dry socks, lunch, gorp, a flashlight and a jacket for the last site.  These items should be packed in a plastic bag, not paper, and be clearly labeled.  There is a maximum of two bags per hiker and please keep them light.  Hikers are free to carry whatever they wish on the trail. The club recommends a beverage, whistle, compass or GPS, map handouts from the THC, rain gear if appropriate and comfortable, sturdy hiking boots.  Most of the trail is wooded and there will be protection from the sun, but a hat is always useful as well as sunscreen.  There is NO rain date for this event.  If a hiker fails to show on May 12th the registration fee will NOT be refunded.

 

All hikers must clear the Petersburgh Pass site by 4:30PM to avoid problems caused by the remaining 8.35 miles of trail and oncoming darkness at approximately 8PM.

 

Lastly, the THC will schedule two trail work days, usually in the month prior to the End to End. All entrants are encouraged to participate in one or both of these dates to get familiar with the terrain and trail markings.  If you are interested in attending please contact Colin Campbell at 518-438-9629 or Holesinhead@aol.com.

 

A trail map with waypoints that can be programmed to a GPS and a map to Berry Pond will be sent to entrants in April.  I hope this information helps you plan a successful End to End hike.  Feel free to contact me at rjhydorn@lycos.com  or 2 Miller Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 if you need more information.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
 
1) How many years has this event been happening?
"existing as a scheduled event since 1966..."
 
2) What is the fastest and slowest times recorded for this hike?
We don't really keep track of times as we do not encourage it as a race, but as a personal endurance challenge. Someone recalled that we've recently had  two entrants (1 male, 1 female) complete the trail sections and finish somewhere around 1:30 or 2:00. Most people trickle across the finish at 346 starting around 4:00 pm and keep on coming until maybe 7:30 + or -.   Someone else said that in 2008 we had someone (or more than one) finish up at 8:50 with a head lamp.
 
3) Approximate trail miles for each waypoint would be helpful; do you happen to know them?
The trail guide says:
Berry Pond - Potter Mtn Rd parking 3.2
Potter Mtn Rd - Madden Rd parking 2.1
Madden Rd - Rounds Mtn - 1.65
Rounds Mtn - Mattison Hollow access - 6.28
Mattison Hollow access - SE Hollow access - 2.55
SE Hollow access -Berlin Mtn - 2.5
Berlin Mtn - Green Hollow access - 1.2
Green Hollow access - Petersburg Pass parking - 1.6
Petersburg Pass - Snow Hole - 2.75
Snow Hole - Pownal Overlook - .95
Pownal Overlook - Prosser Hollow access - 1.85
Prosser Hollow access - 346 - 2.1   
 
4) What is the driving distance and time from Berry Pond to Rt. 346?
34 miles and about 1 hour
 Directions will be available Friday May 11th or you can request that I e-mail them to you sooner.
 
5)  What does the finish on Rt 346 look like?  Is it a park, picnic area, trailhead parking lot?
HEAVEN!!! Just kidding. It is a small parking area where club members helping out at the finish will park their cars. Participant cars will be parked nearby on a wide shoulder of Rt 346. 
 
6)  Does anything "official" happen at the finish; refreshments, finish board, etc.?
Applause, light refreshments, certificates and patches will be handed out. There is a Stewart's about 3 miles away with gas, restrooms, sandwiches and soup, etc.
 
Support for those running the event will not be guaranteed.
No dogs or other pets are allowed to participate.
Address to the entrance of the Pittsfield State Forest (Berry Pond) for camping Friday night and the start of the hike Saturday morning:
1041 Cascade St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
 
 

2014 TCT End-to-End Registration


End to End Hiking Challenge, May 17, 2014


Registration Form


Please include a $30.00 registration fee.  This fee is non-refundable after March 31, 2014. Checks should be made payable to the Taconic Hiking Club and mailed to R.J. Hydorn, 2 Miller Avenue, Troy, NY 12180.  Completed registration forms will not be accepted until December 1, 2013. There will be a ceiling of 25 entrants for this event, with each application handled on a first received, first served basis. Additional entrants will be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations. All applicants must be 18 years or older.
 

I, the undersigned, declare myself physically fit and able to participate in the above event.  I realize that hiking events such as this are physically strenuous and hereby agree to be solely responsible for my own safety during this 29-mile hike.
 

I also acknowledge, agree and release the Taconic Hiking Club and any and all of its volunteers from any and all liability claims, losses and/or damages for personal injuries or death which may occur while participating in this event.

 
Name__________________________________________
 
Date______________________

Address________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Phone _____________________________

E- mail________________________________

Emergency Contact Name & Phone ____________________________________________


Signature______________________________________
 

Name and address of hometown newspaper for press release after the challenge

________________________________________________________________________