Mid-Hudson TRAILS Trails Page 2 Title Name E-mail Phone Chapter Chair Daniel Jones, Jr. [email protected] 845-485-7969 Vice Chair Peter …

Mid-Hudson TRAILS

News & Activities of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club Winter 2014

www.midhudsonadk.org

In This Issue

Feature Story : Front Cover

Outing Schedule: Pages 3-7

Save The Dates: Page 7

Outings Log : Page 8-9

News & Events: Page 10-11

MHADK Annual Holiday Party

& Pot Luck Supper Sunday, December 7. 2014 at 5:00pm

Locust Grove, The Samuel Morse Estate,

Rt. 9, Poughkeepsie

Please RSVP Carole Marsh by Thursday December 4th

845-849-2044 or [email protected]

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour

this historical home with its traditional

holiday decorations for the special rate of $10.

Tours will begin at 4pm and must be

reserved in advance with Carole by the RSVP date

Bring to share an appetizer, main dish, salad or dessert

Group photo taken on the trip to the White Mountains, N.H. in August

See Article on Page 10 for full story

Mid-Hudson Trails Page 2

Title Name E-mail Phone

Chapter Chair Daniel Jones, Jr. [email protected] 845-485-7969 Vice Chair Peter McGinnis [email protected] 845-454-4428 Secretary Ellen Zelig [email protected] 845-473-5557 Treasurer Ralph Pollard [email protected] 845-462-3389 Chapter Director Bill Beehler [email protected] 845-473-5557 Chapter Director Stanley Augie [email protected] 845-632-1248 Club Director Jean-Claude Fouere [email protected] 845-462-0142 Alt. Club Director Brenda Harding [email protected] 845-565-8566

Past-Chapter Chair Lalita Malik [email protected] 845-592-0244

Elected Officers

Title Name E-mail Phone

Conservation Sayi Nulu [email protected] 845-264-2270 New Members Jennifer Anderson [email protected] Publicity Skip Doyle [email protected] News Media Michele Van Hoesen [email protected] 845-691-7442 Education Chair Don Urmston [email protected] 845-457-4552 Social Events Carole Marsh [email protected] 845-849-2044 Website Tech Support Ted Ripley Duggan [email protected] 845-657-7057 Newsletter Editor Bill Daley [email protected] 914-703-7028 Database Admin Eli Cohen [email protected] Outings Co-Chair Sue Mackson [email protected] 845-471-9892 Outings Co-Chair Ginny Fauci [email protected] 845-399-2170 Outings Log Editor Sue Mackson [email protected] 845-471-9892 AT Trail Supervisor Bill Beehler [email protected] 845-473-5557 Trails Chair Tom Amisson [email protected] 845-592-1572 Water Trails & Paddles Russ Faller [email protected] 845-297-5126 NY-NJ Trail Conf. Del. Salley Decker [email protected] 845-454-4206 Website Content Mgr. Georgette Weir [email protected] 845-462-0142

Committee Chairs & Other Volunteers

Officers & Committee Chairs

December 2014—February 2015


Outing Leader’s Picnic Our annual gather-

ing honoring those

who've led outings

over the past year

was hosted at the

residence of Lalita

Malik on a beautiful

Saturday afternoon

with mother nature being kind in delay-

ing rain. Everyone was cheerful and

there was plenty of good food and

drinks. It should be noted that careful

planning went into the picnic to be earth

friendly. Very little waste is produced by

using reusable serving dishes flat ware

and cloth napkins. All food scraps were

composted. All dishes were gathered

and put in the dish washer to conserve

water. Choice of soft music added nice

ambiance to the picnic. It should be not-

ed last year outing leaders picnic hosted

by Pete and Carol McGinins was also

done with reusable dinnerware and thus

reduced consumption at our group level

(though not edible consumption). Every

conservation committee meeting I attend

in Albany, requests participants to bring

their reusable coffee cups and thus elim-

inate disposable foam cups. Sue pre-

sented the new signup sheet with

change from home phone number to

emergency contact number. We had

wonderful peach crumble and ice cream

for desert (no waste there). Ended with

Lalita showing those interested her So-

lar Panels and the rain garden, an envi-

ronmentally way to stop water erosion.

No Kid Left Inside “Three-Seasons at Heart Lake” ADK program brings elementary school-age kids to Heart Lake where they spend several field days in three dif-ferent seasons learning about outdoors recrea-tion, environmental education, tracking and a general appreciation for the natural world. The field days are complemented with related in-classroom lessons. The Mid-Hudson Chapter made a donation of $1,200 to the ADK in support of this worthy education program for children. If you are aware of similar programs organized by local schools or by other organizations, programs that bring kids to the outdoors and expose them to the natural environment, let us know by con-tacting Jean-Claude at [email protected]. Your Chapter would like to know more about these programs, and will consider providing some support to them.


Outings Guidelines



GENERAL OUTINGS GUIDELINES

Notify leader of your intent to join an outing at least 2 days

prior to the outing.

Be at designated meeting place 10 minutes prior to the sched-

uled departure time.

Car pooling is encouraged, riders are expected to share the

expenses equally at a rate of $.20 per mile plus any tolls and parking fees incurred.

Dogs may be allowed on some outings, check with trip leader.

If allowed; bring a leash, be able to control your dog and pro-vide for its needs (especially water).

Guests are welcome to participate in two outings. After that

they are encouraged to become members of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the ADK.

Check out the Ten Essentials

(www.midhudsonadk /outings /ten essentials)

Wear sturdy footwear as required

for season and type of outing.

Be equipped with water, lunch,

snacks, extra clothing and foul weather gear.

Hike Ratings indicate relative

degree of difficulty and may vary with terrain, weather, season, etc. Check with Trip Leader to verify that the trip is suitable for your ability.

Hike Ratings

Class A— Difficult: More than

1500’ climb or more than 8

miles total distance.

Class B— Moderate: Less than

1500’ climb and 6 to 8 miles

total distance.

Class C— Easy: Well-graded

trails and less than 6 miles total

distance.

Walk— Less 4 miles total dis-

tance, suitable for children.

HIKING GUIDELINES

Mid Week Hikes - The leaders offer hikes of varying difficulty to different areas of the Mid Hudson Valley. Hikes may be followed by a stop for refreshments. Leaders: Ginny Fauci, [email protected] 845-399-2170 or Lalita Malik, [email protected] (845) 592-0204. They will be held every Thursday, weather permitting. To add your name to the Mid-Week hike list, go to the bottom of the weekly e-mail to update your subscription. QUICK RESPONSE CROSS COUNTRY SKIING - GET ON THE LIST NOW! (Please Note: This list is a service open only to ADK Mem-bers)- Good snow doesn't last very long around here. That's why you've got to get out and enjoy it right after the storm. If you have the luxury of dropping everything and going out to ski, contact Russ Faller at [email protected] to be put on the Quick Re-sponse X-C Ski List. When there's a good snowstorm, you'll get an e-mail invitation to ski right after the storm ends. This could fall on a weekend or a weekday. If you were on the list last winter, you're still on the list. If you want off the list, contact Russ.

QUICK RESPONSE CROSS COUNTRY SNOWSHOEING - GET ON THE LIST NOW! (Please Note: This list is a service open only to ADK Members)- If you have the luxury of dropping everything and going out to snowshoe, contact Ginny Fauci at [email protected] to be put on the Quick Response Snowshoe List. When there's a

good snowstorm, you'll get an e-mail invitation to snowshoe after the roads are cleared. It could be a weekend or a weekday. Please sign up again as last year’s list was corrupted.

QUICK RESPONSE "SUNDAY SKILLS FOR HILLS WORK-SHOP" for cross country skiers Leader – Ron Gonzalez: [email protected]

Due to our area's variable snow conditions, the date and destination can't be determined in advance. I will hold the workshop on a Sun-day. Contact leader for additional information and to be put on a mailing list. Requirements:

Participants must have metal-edged skis and warm, waterproof boots. Gaiters highly recommended (keeps snow out of the tops of your boots, which can melt and make your feet wet).

Not appropriate for beginner or novice skiers. Activity is designed for intermediate to advanced cross country skiers who want to im-prove their ability to control speed, turn and stop on downhill slopes.

We'll need deep enough snow to be able to ski without damaging our gear. Leisurely Weekdays – Walks or easy hikes on different weekdays during each month

MHADK OUTINGS SCHEDULE Winter 2014/2015 – December, January & February If changes/additions to these hikes occur, they will be found on the website & will be listed in the weekly e-mail

mailto:[email protected]




Date Description Leader Contact Info Rating

Sat, Dec 6 Melzinger Dam Hike, Beacon, NY John Ragusa 917-692-1159 or [email protected]

Class B

Sun, Dec 7 MHADK Holiday Party and Potluck Supper at Locust Grove – 5 PM

Carole Marsh 845-849-2044 or [email protected]

Wed, Dec 10 Holiday tour of "Springwood," the F.D. Roosevelt Home

Salley Decker 845-454-4206 (evenings until 9:30) Walk

Sat, Dec 13 Schunemunk Mountain Georgette Weir & Jean-Claude Fouéré

[email protected] [email protected] 845-462-1909

Class A

Sat, Dec 13 Denning Hill Sue Mackson 845-471-9892 [email protected] Class C+

Sun, Dec 14 Wonder Lake & Laurel Pond Loop Hike Tom Buckley [email protected] Class B

Sat, Dec 20 Christmas at Clermont Open House Salley Decker 845-454-4206 (evenings until 9:30)

Sat, Dec 27 Mt. Beacon Tom Amisson [email protected] Class B+

Sun, Dec 28 X-C Ski or Hike, depending on snow conditions Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or [email protected]

TBD

DECEMBER 2014 OUTINGS OVERVIEW (details follow)

Sat., Dec. 6 Melzinger Dam Hike, Beacon, NY, about 4 miles, Class B, Hike

Leader: John Ragusa- 917-692-1159 or [email protected] We will hike up to the dam from the Route 9D trailhead and continue on the Notch Trail which loops around and comes back to the trail-head. All trails are within the Hudson Highlands State Park. Meet at Scenic Hudson’s Mt. Beacon parking lot on Route 9D in Bea-con at 9:00 am. We will then carpool about a mile down Route 9D to the trailhead. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Sun., Dec. 7 MHADK Holiday Party and Potluck Supper at Locust Grove – 5 PM

Locust Grove, the Samuel Morse Estate is on Route 9 in Poughkeep-sie. Music will be provided by “Lost in the Woods”. Optional tours of this magnificent historic home will be available at a special rate of $10. The tour will begin at 4 PM and must be reserved with Carole Marsh 845-849-2044 or [email protected] by Thursday, Decem-ber 4. Confirm attendance to party with Carole to make known your potluck contribution of appetizer, main dish, salad or dessert. Wed., Dec. 10 Holiday tour of "Springwood," the F.D. Roosevelt Home. (Snow date: Wed, Dec 17)

Leader: Leaders: Salley Decker- 845-454-4206 (evenings) For those who wish to spend time outdoors, you may arrive early and walk the trails behind the home or walk on the Roosevelt Farm Lane Trail (trailhead: next to the Hyde Park Drive-In Theater).

We will tour "Springwood" which will be decorated for the holi-days. No charge for anyone who is 62 or older and has a Senior Pass. However, seniors are allowed to take others, so every ADK member should be able to get free admission as long as everyone stays together. After the tour, those interested will stop at the CIA's Apple Pie Bakery for lunch and/or dessert.

Call leader for meeting time at the Wallace Center at the FDR Nation-al Historic Site. If the "snow date" is not used, we may visit "Valkill" on that date for a tour. Details will be available closer to December 17th. Please do not send e-mails.

Sat., Dec. 13 Schunemunk Mountain 6-7 miles, A level hike or snowshoe

Leaders: Georgette Weir- [email protected] & Jean-Claude Fourere- [email protected] or 1-845-462-1909 We will do a six to seven mile loop with some elevation taking us up the Trestle trail, along the Western Ridge trail, the Sweet Clover trail, the Jessup trail and back along the Otterkill trail. Possible visit to local winery afterwards. Adequate winter clothing and foot wear, spikes or crampons for secure and safe traction on ice, and / or snow shoes depending on snow cover and conditions, are required. Meeting place and time: parking area off Otterkill Road at 9:00AM. Contact hike leaders for detailed information and for car pooling Sat., Dec. 13 Denning Hill C +

Leader: Sue Mackson- 845-471-9892 or [email protected] The AT trail from Graymoor to Fahnestock Park is a quiet path through t he woods with three lookout points and a surprise. Plan to meet at 10 am at the gas station/grocery store at the junction of Route 403 and Route 9 in Putnam County. Hike is less than five miles, 2.5 to 3 hours. Bring a snack and water. Rain or active snow date: Sun, Dec 14. Sun., Dec. 14 Wonder Lake & Laurel Pond Loop Hike – Pat-terson, NY - B; 6+/- Miles – Moderate Pace

Leader: : Tom Buckley- [email protected] Here’s your opportunity to take a break from the seasonal hustle & bustle to enjoy a great time outdoors. We will hike some of the nu-merous trails that Wonder Lake State Park has to offer. Depending on

Winter Outings Schedule







Thurs., Jan. 1 Vassar Walk/late afternoon munching - Walk

Leader: Sue Mackson- 845-471-9892 or [email protected] Yes, we've all walked the paths of this beautiful campus. But tradi-tion brings me back here for a short or longer walk 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Return to my house for soup and cookies and warm drinks--you bring a FEW to share. Meet at the Collegeview Ave parking lot inside the college north gate--at the end of Collegeview--a long block down from Raymond Ave. It's a good idea not to need a bathroom when we head out. Sat., Jan. 10 Harriman State Park Approx. 8 miles A level hike or snowshoe

Leaders: Georgette Weir- [email protected] & Jean-Claude Fouéré- [email protected] 1-845-462-1909 We’ll follow the Long Path to Times Square, on to the AT, follow the

AT to the Ramapo-Dunderberg down to Times Square, back to the parking area. Adequate winter clothing and foot wear, spikes or crampons for secure and safe traction on ice, and / or snow shoes, depending on snow cover and conditions, are required. Meeting place and time: Lake Askoti parking area, off Seven Lakes Drive at 9:00AM. Contact hike leaders for detailed information and for car pooling: Sun., Jan. 11 Roosevelt Estate - Walk

Leader: Sue Mackson 845-471-9892 or [email protected] Up to four miles of trails and, if the day is pleasant, we'll add the mile long Farm Trail - 2 miles up and back. Views of the Hudson through the trees, but this isn't the Vanderbilt. Active rain or snow cancels. Meet at 1:30 pm in the main parking lot near the visitor center.


Thurs, Jan 1 New year's Day 2015. Vassar Walk Sue Mackson [email protected], 845-471-9892 Walk

Sat, Jan 10 Harriman State Park Georgette Weir & Jean-Claude Fouere

[email protected], 845-462-1909 [email protected] , 845-462-0142

Class A

Sun, Jan 11 Roosevelt Estate Sue Mackson [email protected], 845-471-9892 Walk

Fri, Jan 16- Mon, Jan 19

Cross Country Ski Outing at Tug Hill Ron Gonzalez [email protected]

Sat, Jan 17 Wonder Lake & Laurel Pond Loop Hike Tom Buckley [email protected] Class B

Sat, Jan 24 X-C Ski or Hike, depending on snow conditions Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or [email protected]

TBD

Thurs, Jan 29– Wed, Feb 4

ADK Winter Mountaineering School (WMS) www.winterschool.org

Sat, Jan 31 Fahnestock State Park Tom Amisson [email protected] Class B+

JANUARY 2015 OUTINGS OVERVIEW (details follow)

the trail conditions, we may even explore one of the rarely used un-marked trails. No strenuous climbs, just numerous ups and downs over the varied terrain. We will meet at the Wonder Lake parking lot on Ludingtonville Road in Holmes, NY. Email leader for directions and meeting time. Sat., Dec. 20 Christmas at Clermont Open House, Clermont State Historic Site, Clermont Ave (off Route 9-G), Germantown

Leader: Salley Decker 845-454-4206 evenings until 9:30 We'll This free event runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's a great day for families. Weather permitting, there may be some time to walk the trails, so bring hiking boots and water. We will meet in Hyde Park to carpool (cost sharing for gas). Meeting time will be at approximately 10:30 AM. On the way home, those interested will stop at Four Broth-ers Pizza on Route 9-G in Rhinebeck for food. Anyone who needs to leave early should plan to drive alone or with others who have same desire.

For details, please call leader between December 14th and 19th. How-ever, please do not call after 7:00 PM on Friday, December 19th. Weather or poor driving conditions may result in cancellation. http://friendsofclermont.org (518) 537-6622 Sat., Dec. 27 Mt. Beacon 5 miles, 1500' - B+

Leader: Tom Amisson [email protected] Hike or snowshoe up Mt Beacon to Casino and fire tower. Contact leader by email only Sun., Dec. 28 X-C Ski or Hike, depending on snow condi-tions

Leader: Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or [email protected] Intermediate level x-c ski or moderately paced hike. Location & mileage TBD. Location will be within the Mid-Hudson Valley. Con-tact leader for specifics.







Sun, Feb 1 Franny Reese Park and over the Walkway Sue Mackson [email protected], 845-471-9892 Walk

Sat, Feb 7 X-C Ski or Hike, depending on snow conditions Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or [email protected]

TBD

Sat, Nov 8 Tour of "Nobody's Fool" film sites in Beacon Christopher Cring 845-249-5305 [email protected]

Class B

Fri, Feb 13 - Mon, Feb 16

Winter Weekend at Wiezel Cabin at Heart Lake Pete McGinnis [email protected], 845-454-4428

Sat, Feb 21 Fahnestock State Park Georgette Weir & Jean-Claude Fouéré

[email protected] [email protected] 845-462-1909

Class B+/A

Sun, Feb 22 Chapter Meeting Sue Mackson [email protected], 845-471-9892 Class B+

Sat, Feb 28 Wonder Lake & Laurel Pond Loop Hike Tom Buckley [email protected] Class B

February 2015 OUTINGS OVERVIEW (details follow)

Sat., Feb. 1 Franny Reese Park and over the Walkway - Walk

Leader: Sue Mackson- 845-471-9892 or [email protected] Franny's views of the river are best seen when the leaves are down--hence a winter walk here. There is a rutted uphill trail, but the bulk of the walk is flat or paved. Meet at 11 am at the Highland entrance of the Walkway (near the port-a-potties) to walk down to the park. Optional stop for a bite to eat, suggestions accepted.

Sat., Feb. 7 X-C Ski or Hike, depending on snow conditions

Leader: Russ Faller- 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or [email protected] Intermediate level x-c ski or moderately paced hike. Location & mileage TBD. Location will be within the Mid-Hudson Valley. Con-tact leader for specifics.

Fri.—Mon., Jan. 16- 19 Cross Country Ski Outing at Tug Hill

Leader: Ron Gonzalez- [email protected] Go With The Snow! The Lake Ontario lake effect dumps copious amounts of snow on the Tug Hill Plateau and western Adirondacks. We'll take scenic ski tours to a remote wilderness pond and along a snowy "gulf" (ravine). There's also a quaint locals' ski area that's per-fect for telemark skiing. Participants should be experienced cross coun-try skiers who are comfortable on black diamond/advanced trails at the nordic center, and (most importantly) have winter hiking experi-ence. Backcountry capable ski gear is *required*, including metal-edged skis. Lodgings will be very modest (cheap). DEPOSIT required in advance (for lodgings reservations). Please contact the leader with any questions you have, before registering for this trip. Joint with AMC. Sat., Jan. 17 Wonder Lake & Laurel Pond Loop Hike – Pat-terson, NY - B; 6+/- Miles – Moderate Pace

Leader: Tom Buckley- [email protected] Did your New Year’s resolution include becoming more healthy con-scious and exercising more often? Then please join me for a hike at Wonder lake State Park. We will explore some of the main trails that offer scenic views, especially if there is snow cover. No big elevation changes, but enough exercise that you will be satisfied that you are still on track to fulfill your resolution. We will meet at the Wonder Lake parking lot on Ludingtonville Road in Holmes, NY. Email leader for directions and meeting time.

Sat., Jan 24 X-C Ski or Hike, depending on snow conditions

Leader: Russ Faller- 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or [email protected] Intermediate level x-c ski or moderately paced hike. Location & mileage TBD. Location will be within the Mid-Hudson Valley. Con-tact leader for specifics. Thurs., Jan. 29-Wed. Feb 4 ADK Winter Mountaineering School (WMS)

Well into its 7th decade this all volunteer lead program specializes in taking the seasoned 3 season hiker and turning loose their inner win-ter mountaineer. This year offering 4 different program options: Weekend Day Hiking Weekend Backpacking Week Long "Combo" Section-(combines weekend day hiking with

a 3 night backpack) 4 Night Advanced Backpack- (requires previous participation in

either the combo or weekend backpacking sections) All sections run out of the ADKs Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake near Lake Placid, NY in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks. Much more information can be found at the website: WWW.Winterschool.org and look for the program page on Facebook. Sat., Jan. 31 Fahnestock State Park 7 miles, @1000' - B+

Leader: Tom [email protected] Hike or snowshoe the Round Hill/West Mountain loop in Fahnestock Park. Contact leader by e-mail only.





Sun., Feb. 8 Tour of "Nobody's Fool" film sites in Beacon

Leader: Christopher Cring- 845-249-5305 or [email protected] Come join us on a guided walking tour of many of the filming locations featured in the Academy Award winning and critically claimed movie "Nobody's Fool. It was filmed in Beacon and starred Paul New-man, Jessica Tandy, Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The tour will begin at the Yankee Clipper Diner at 397 Main Street, Beacon. Meet at the municipal parking lot located behind the diner at 10 AM. The tour covers 8 prominent filming locations over a 3.4-mile span and will be approximately 2.5 hours. We will also be passing by many of the shops and art galleries along the way. After the tour, we will have lunch at a local cafe (optional). Contact me if you have any questions. Wear good walking shoes, bring water and dress warm. Fri, Feb 13 – Mon, Feb 16 Winter Weekend at Wiezel Cabin at Heart Lake

Once again our Chapter is leading a week end at the Wiezel Trails Cab-in: it will be on President's Week end from Friday February 13 to Mon-day February 16th. Cost will again be $80 per person. Please make check payable to Mid Hudson Chapter ADK and mail to Pete McGinnis, 515 Haight Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Sat., Feb. 21 Fahnestock State Park, B+/A- hike or snowshoe

Leaders: Georgette Weir [email protected] or Jean-Claude Fouéré [email protected] 1-845-462-1909

Depending on snow conditions, 6-7 mile moderately strenuous loop hike on the Charcoal Burners, Perkins, and Fahnestock Trails starting from the pull off on Rt. 301, OR a shorter snowshoe from Dennytown Road parking area on Catfish trail Loop. Adequate winter clothing and foot wear, spikes or crampons for secure and safe traction on ice, and / or snow shoes depending on snow cover and conditions, are required. Optional stop in Cold Spring afterwards for hot tea/soup. Contact hike leaders for detailed information and for car pooling. Sun., Feb. 22 Chapter Meeting, afternoon program and early dinner

Contact: Sue Mackson [email protected] Speaker: Dan Shapley of Riverkeeper, formerly environmental editor of the Poughkeepsie Journal. Sat., Feb 28 Wonder Lake & Laurel Pond Loop Hike – Patter-son, NY - B; 6+/- Miles – Moderate Pace

Leader: Tom Buckley: [email protected] Wonder Lake State Park offers numerous hiking trails that are not too strenuous. Please join me as we will hike some of the trails designed and built by volunteers from the NY-NJ Trail Conference. The crisp win-ter weather should provide the perfect excuse to enjoy some hot choco-late as we admire the views of the snow covered lake & terrain. We will meet at the Wonder Lake parking lot on Ludingtonville Road in Holmes, NY. Email leader for directions and meeting time.

Sat, May 30-31 – MHADK Spring weekend at Camp Nawakwa at Lake Sebago

(Harriman State Park). Contact: Jean-Claude Fouere

Sat, June 6 – National Trails Day. Contact: Tom Amisson or Bill Beehler. Choose

from one of several projects to improve trails in parts of our coverage area.

Sat, June 13 – Paddlefest with Kenco at Kingston Point. MHADK Coordinator: Russ Faller.

Beginning of July – Erie Canal Paddle. Contact: Don and Andrea Urmston. Dates TBA.

Sat, Aug 1 – Volunteer Picnic. Contact: Ginny Fauci or Sue Mackson. Place and time TBA.

September- Hudson Valley Ramble

Sat, Aug 16 – Sun, Aug 22 – Annual White Mountains. Trip Leader: Ginny Fauci.

Sun, Sep 27 – Annual Picnic at Norrie Point. Contact: Carole Marsh. Details to follow.

Fri, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 4, 2015 – MHADK will be hosting the ADK Fall Outing at Hudson Valley Resort in Ker-

honkson. There will be a variety of hikes, walks, biking & paddles planned from Friday afternoon through Sunday. Lalita Malik - Committee Chair, Ginny Fauci – Overall Outings Chair, Sue Mackson – Leisurely Out-ings, Russ Faller – Paddles. More information TBA.

Sun, Oct 25- Planning Meeting. Contact: Pete McGinnis.

Sun, Dec 6- Holiday Party. Contact: Carole Marsh.

All members are invited to assist in any project. There are lots of ways to help.

Looking Ahead in 2015— Save The Dates


Fall Outings Log



Aug 9 Madame Brett Park Leader: Sue Mackson Large group for an easy walk up to the falls, down to the newly opened entry to Dinning’s Point. out to over the felt to see the Cardinal Flow-ers. Hike was enhanced by participant Mathew Kierstead who runs Milestone Heritage Consulting—here’s a part of his self-description: “I'm fairly new to the Hudson River valley and even newer to ADK. I'm interested in attending the Madam Brett Park hike on August 9th, if you are interested in my contribution of some history interpretation. I serve on Beacon's Fishkill Creek Greenway & Heritage Trail Commit-tee. I recently completed a survey of historic sites long the Fishkill Creek corridor and can speak to the history of the creek, its mills, in-dustries, bridges, and adjacent railroad lines….. I'm interested in hikes with a history component in general.” So the rest of our group: Chi ling Liversage, Bobbi Grove, Joan Mattacoccia, Lynn Ezekiel, Deb Pattorossi, Anita Ciminano,Tonya Newsome, David Mitchell, Jean Noack, Jimmy Metrano, Sayi Nulu, Jeff & Ann Gross, Lynn Ritter, Sara Moore, Elizabeth Kudon, got a bit of history with our exercise. Thanks, Matt.

Aug 30 Wonder Lake Leader: Tom Buckley Trails On a bright, comfortably warm, sunny day I led 9 avid hikers on a loop hike of Wonder Lake and Laurel Pond. From the main parking lot on Ludingtonville Road we stated out on the Yellow Trail which is a gradual uphill hike to an open meadow where we looked for wildflow-ers. Unfortunately, the best wildflowers were not yet in bloom, so we continued up to the highest point on the Yellow Trail to the junction with the Highlands Trail. We took the Highlands Trail through the ever-green stand and headed downhill to Wonder Lake to the stonewall that marked the boundary line between Kent & Patterson.

We continued to the southern end of Wonder Lake where we got a full view of the entire lake. Wonder lake was not as photogenic as in past years because it was covered with lily pads. I pointed out that this was particularly bad this year. In prior years there was never such a prolif-eration of lily pads as this year. We exchanged numerous theories as to what was causing this problem and some possible solutions.

We continued around the west side of the lake to the first of 2 earthen dams. Here we found that the wooden bridge built & installed by the NY-NJ Trail Conference had been vandalized. The bridge had been moved off of its foundation and thrown into the ravine where excess water spills over the dam. I took numerous photos to document the vandalism. We were able to safely cross the overflow ravine since it was dry due to the low water level in the lake.

We then gradually gained some elevation along the highest points on the Highlands Trail before going downhill to Laurel Pond. We stopped for lunch at Laurel Pond and I treated everyone to some dark chocolate (a now signature feature of the hikes I lead).

After lunch we continued around the North end of Laurel Pond until we arrived at the start of the Orchard Hill Trail (the “Blue Trail”). This is the trail that I maintain, so I did point out some of the work that goes into maintaining a trail. Earlier in the week I had weed wacked the entire trail and had cut & cleared a couple of downed trees. We contin-ued on the mile long Orchard Hill Trail until we came out to the short White Trail which connected us back to the Highlands Trail. We fol-lowed the Highlands Trail back to the junction of the Yellow Trail that

we had initially started on. At that junction we stayed on the Highlands Trail and then had an easy 0.9 mile hike back to the parking lot.

We covered 6.2 miles. This was slightly longer than the originally planned, hike of 5.5+ miles, but I gave everyone the option to add an-other 0.5+ miles if they wanted to minimize retracing any of our steps. Everyone liked the idea of not retracing steps, so we went with the additional mileage right from the start of the hike. I promised everyone that on my next hike I would again treat them to some more dark choc-olate.

Sept 14 Manitoga Leader: Sue Mackson Trails are on a hillside and we thought the view might be better with the leaves down. Have to try in early spring. Our group, Stan & Ines Augie, Barbara Page, Judy Dollenmayer, Luisa Li, Bill Jacobs, Judy Kito, Eve Sharpe. showed much kindness to each other and enjoyed the late summer warmth. For future reference, entry fee is only suggested.

Sept 27 Long Dock Paddle Leader: Tom Amisson Perfect weather prevailed for this repeat of a springtime outing with worse weather. The paddlers enjoyed sunny skies and calm winds with lots of avian wildlife on the river and creek estuary. Rose Quackenbush, Linda Williford, Ellen DeLace, Ginny Fauci, Bob Lechter-man, Glenda Schwarze, Dave Webber, john Ragusa, Alvin Chappaln, Joan Billows.

Oct 2 Fall Foliage Hike –at North Lake Leaders: Ginny Fauci/Lalita Malik It was a good hike! We had 13 hikers. Started out in low clouds so not a lot of views on way up. But cleared on top and we stopped at the views on the way down. Colors weren't as vivid as I had hoped but still very nice. Photo of all of us on top at North Point. Lalita with shoulder sling—she hiked in the Catskills and the Dolomite with broken shoul-der. Below, from left back:Joe Ferri, Sharon Slocum, Craig Brown, Gin-ny, Anthony Sorace, Jen and David Anderson. In front Shari Aber, Dana Bennet, Lalita, Al Limone, Susan Wegner, and Pete Schwindeller. of the Yellow Trail.


Fall Outings Log



Oct 5 Norrie Gazebo to Mills Mansion and Return C Leader: Sue Mackson with lots of help from Ben Shor Shore path doesn’t look improved to me—but the views out from the woods to the river are ever mesmerizing. Weather, though chilly, was bright and delightful for both picnic hike and, I assume, paddle. Found an old cemetery in the woods. Nearly didn’t find our way back but straggled back to find food still waiting and were glad having got the leg muscles going. Al Poelzl, Rudy Lapar, Cora & Ben Shor, Gwen Car-darelli, Bert Waehler, Karen & Bob Whelan, Dottie & Bill Smith, Gerry & Marie Rubenstahl, Carol Gray, Marie Caruso, Judith Ahrens, Doug Kra-mer, Gnny Fauci.

Oct 11 Fahnestock Park Leader: Jean-Claude Fouere Bryan Cook, Tom Amisson, Ned and Laura Gardner

Oct 12 SilverMine Leader: Mel Kleiman Attendees: Dave Webber, Elena Kleiman

Oct 18 Mt. Beacon Leader: Tom Amisson A small group of five hikers enjoyed a typical fall day of clouds and sun hiking some lesser used trails to the water-fall, fire tower, and remains of an old bottling company. We ended at University Settlement, six miles later.

Oct 19 Blackhead Traverse Leaders: Shari Aber and Joe Ferri A Eleven hikers braced the stiff winds and chill of the Catskills in a just-past-peak fall hike. We took the Escarpment Trail route up Blackhead, then crossed Black Dome and Camel's Hump. We encountered the first snow of the season – the showers the night before had dusted the peaks above 3300 feet. All agreed that the challenging 2400'+ ascent were well worth the views. Participants: Marcella Santino, Peter Schwindeller, Al Desert, Don Kent, Lenore Mennen, Mary Jean Purdy, Lalita Malik, Denise Michelson, Sharon Slocum, and the leaders Joe Ferri and Shari Aber

Oct 21 Audubon Buttercup Sanctuary Leader: Beth Willis Despite forecasts of rain, nine of assembled for a short hike at the Audubon Buttercup Sanctuary in Stanfordville, NY. Of course, as soon as we assembled, it began to rain, but we all decided we would pro-ceed, and it didn’t rain for long. Again, we were fortunate to have Lor-raine Lauer with us, who having lived in the neighborhood for many years, has a lot of knowledge about the sanctuary.

We headed north where the railroad used to run parallel to the Wap-pingers Creek. We decided to use the second crossing, thinking it would be in better shape than the first, but the beavers had again been at work, having started to build a small dam just north of the trail to the bridge, which flooded the trail. Instead we kept heading up to where we could have a good view of Stissing Mountain and its fire tow-

er, and then went around the north side of the pond so we could reach the stone tower constructed by Alistair Martin, the original owner of Buttercup.

Since the weather was holding up, we crossed to the eastern side of the preserve and climbed the hill where we had wonderful views of Stissing Mountain and the whole valley with its autumn leaves and a pumpkin patch. Some sunshine penetrated the gray sky and clouds, and several of us even spotted a subtle rainbow. After eating our lunch while admiring the view, we returned crossing the lower bridge. (Other items of note were some shagbark hickory trees and a great blue heron). Nancy Bastwick, Beth Baumert, Pat Conroy, Karen Flaher-ty, Doug Kramer, Lorraine Laufer, Veronica Lyttle, Mary Scott, and the leader.

Oct 25 Harriman North Trails Leader: Alvin DeMaria Another I changed hike from Black Mtn to West Mtn-Timp. The Red Cross trail was likely to be wet coming down from Black Mtn. Also, two newcomers had never hiked in Harriman previously and West Mtn has many nice viewpoints so I thought that would make a better introduc-tory hike for them. Along the way we added a hiker who lost contact with her Meet-Up group and she (Gaby McCann) hiked with us the rest of the day. Lots of people out (wonderful weather).

Having lunch on the Timp. a hiker recognized me from a trip about 10 years ago. That did not surprise me so much because that trip (Navajo Mtn-Rainbow Bridge) with the Sierra Club was the best backpack I ever did and he felt the same way, so I guess we would remember people from that trip. Looped back on R-D and Beechy Bottom. In pho-to from left: Leader: Alvin DeMaria., Gaby McCann, Sue Mackson: Bill Machonis , David Mitchell . Tonya Newsome is the unseen hiker and photographer (pictured below).


Chapter News & Events



F or the fifth year, I led a group to

the White Mountains of New

Hampshire. This year there were

nine of us; 5 guys, 4 gals. On the

drive up we met at the Vermont Visitor’s Cen-

ter, a wonderful place for lunch on the picnic

tables.

After meeting again at Lafayette Parking area,

we had a short hike up to Lonesome Lake

Hut, where we spent our first two nights. So-

lar panels had been added since the last time

we were here and also halogen lights in each

bunk. After a hearty breakfast the first morn-

ing we headed out to hike North and South

Kinsman, two of the more difficult 4,000 foot-

ers in the Whites. They were new to most of

us but Nathan had been there before “The hike

to North and South Kinsman was the high-

light of the trip for me. I had climbed them

about 25 years before and I was amazed by

how much steeper the trail had become since

then. The middle section going up from Lone-

some Lake Hut was especially steep and diffi-

cult for someone like me, with a sense of bal-

ance becoming increasingly challenged. Com-

ing down was particularly difficult and slow.

The ongoing debate between Ginny and Al D

about the exact location of the summit of

South Kinsman was great fun and helped me

to forget that upon reaching the summit we

would have to come back down.” We never

did find out which of the two summits of

South Kinsman was the ‘true summit’, but I

still think it was the one with the large cairn.

On the way down we took a side trip to Kins-

man Shelter, a newer lean-to, which is where

our group photo was taken. From left to right:

Sue, Pete, Dana, Nathan, Al L, Al D, Ginny,

Tom and Roberta.

The next day we hiked down to Lafayette and

drove around to Pinkham Notch to spend two

nights. We had time before dinner to hike to

Crystal Cascades and continue up to Hermit’s

Cabin at the base of Tuckerman Ravine, alt-

hough 3 of us turned around halfway. The

Kinsman’s had taken its toll!

Weather cancelled our next scheduled hike,

but the gals all packed into a car and headed

into North Conway to the LL Bean Outlet and

EMS. Considering the traffic jam we were in,

half of New Hampshire was also going to

North Conway. On the way back we found a

German Chocolate Store where we all stocked

up on ‘to die for’ chocolate.

Carter Notch Hut was our next overnight; on

our drive to the trailhead, we saw a bear wan-

dering among the cars at Wildcat Ski area.

Nineteen Mile Brook, which is the shortest

way to the hut, had been damaged during

Hurricane Sandy so our stream crossings were

make-shift planks and logs. Good balance was

the key to making it across; we all did, one at a

time. At the top, before reaching the hut, we

hiked around Carter Lake and a small pond.

Roberta enjoyed spending time wandering

around the hut and exploring the landscape, as

did we all. We found caves and rocks to

scramble upon; one rock had a ladder to the

top where we could sit looking down at Carter

Lake. On the way back to the hut, we saw a

family of garter snakes sunning themselves

and the remains of pine nuts which the red

squirrels had feasted on. We still had time

before dinner so off we went to the Ramparts,

a large boulder field that we had fun climbing

up, through and around. The huts were sur-

rounded by high mountains; from the Ram-

parts we could see Carter Dome, which we

were climbing the following morning.

Carter Notch Hut had been totally renovated

since the last time I was there. Nathan said it

best: “The Carter Notch Hut was a bit of a

revelation. The changes to the interior of the

sleeping quarters were so welcome and effec-

tive that they helped me to forget that my only

other overnight there was in February and all I

could think about at that time was how cold I

was and how thin the walls were.” The new

windows were large and let in lots of light, the

new doors actually closed, unlike the old ones,

the new bunks had halogen lights and the

walls were a light color creating a wonderful

atmosphere.

The next morning, after a wonderful breakfast

served by the ‘Croo’, we headed out to tackle

the Carter Ridge - Carter Dome, Middle

Carter and South Carter, all 4,000 footers. It’s

been six years since I did this hike and it was a

lot harder for me this time as the older I get,

the slower I go. The downhill at the end was

the most difficult for me; it didn’t help that

there were no blazes and most of the trail was

a running stream. But I had Dana and Rob-

erta to keep me going. Once I got down the

steep section, I cruised to the trailhead, like a

horse heading to the barn.

On our return to Pinkham for the last night,

we heard about a moose across the street. We

threw down our packs, grabbed our cameras

and cell phones and headed across the street.

We knew the moose was still there because of

the crowds lining the road. It was a female

nonchalantly munching on some greens pay-

ing no attention to anyone on the road. When

she was full, she casually walked over to the

stream and crossed to the woods where she

finally disappeared. During dinner, we found

out that she had walked right through the cen-

ter courtyard and past Tom as he stood there

without a camera. Pete, watching from his

window, grabbed his camera and followed her

across the street. The next morning, after an-

other good breakfast, we

all said our goodbyes to

the Whites for another

year, with the promise that

“we’ll be back next year!”

WHITE MOUNTAINS—AUGUST 2014 By Ginny Fauci


Chapter News & Events



Y ou may have, if you were involved with our Breakfree pro-gram back in the late ‘90s or early ‘00s. Or maybe noted how charmingly he chaired our annual meeting and elec-

tions this past October at the Norrie Point picnic. Or, perhaps, you heard one of the reports he made as Club Director keeping our board informed of happenings up at ADK Headquarters in Lake George.

Dan moved to Dutchess County in 1996 bringing with him a wealth of experience with scouting and outdoor activities in subur-ban Philadelphia, where he and his wife Anita raised their two boys. A friend from church got him involved in the BATONA (Back to Nature) group where they led hikes in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia and backpacks along the AT through his native state.

From 1970-1996 , even before his boys were old enough to be scouts, he served as a Boy Scout leader and then on the Valley Forge Scout Council. He led the first African-American scout troop outside of Philadelphia and was involved with various volun-teer administrative positions in Scouting.

Dan happily tells about those years in PA, his love of backpack-ing there, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and of the remote sections of the AT, all the places BATONA hiked and built trails and about the friends who got him involved in the Buck Ridge Ski Club, white water canoeing, orienteering, and even spelunking.

It was that wide experience and Dan’s work at Poughkeepsie Day School that Tom Lint, one of MHADK’s Breakfree organizers tapped into when he invited Dan to help him work with the pro-gram. Dan remembers Tom as his ADK mentor as well as friend.

The two also had an impact on statewide ADK when they worked to have the following added to its mission statements: ADK en-courages the involvement of all people in its mission and activi-ties; its goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting, and accessible.

Next time you see Dan, ask him about wife Anita’s quilting, or one son’s triumphs in alpine snowboarding in Colorado, or the Boston son’s interesting and successful businesses and about his latest recreation—geocatching.

Maria Beach

John Corona

Danyelle Davis

Jeffrey Ewen

Susan Fontana

Joan & David Fradkin

Robert Lechterman

Michael Lichtman

Laurie Meccariello-Buchal

Tonya Newsome

Sandra Ostrowski

Michael Phipps

Laura Pilkington

Elsie Rattenbury

Sherry Runk

Michael & Deirdre Sellman

David Sides

James Streit

Dale Sutton

Dale Turnipseed &

Marcos Delgado

Elizabeth Zimmer

The Mid Hudson Chapter of the ADK

Welcomes Our New Members!

HAVE YOU MET—DAN JONES, MHADK CHAPTER CHAIR?

“The Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack

Mountain Club would like to sponsor two teenag-

ers for a week at a DEC summer camp. Those

selected will have the opportunity to enjoy a

blend of learning and recreation. Activities may

include hiking, backpacking, water sports and

environmental workshops. There are four camps

to choose from, with ages of participants ranging from 12 to 14 and

15 to 17. Camp sessions are for one week in July and August. If

you, or anyone you know, is interested in nature and outdoor activi-

ties and would like to go to camp for free next summer (Mid-Hudson

Chapter ADK will pay the fee), please apply now. This experience is

available to those with affiliation in ADK. Please send an e-mail as

to why you feel you should be sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Chap-

ter ADK. This may include your outdoor skills or educational pur-

suits, as well as past and present interests and/or experience, ex-

pectations, future plans, environmental concerns and/or anything

else considered relevant in helping us make our decision during the

selection process. Please send the above by January 15, 2015 to

DEC Camp Project Coordinator, c/o Peter C. McGinnis at pmcgin-

[email protected]. For further information from DEC please e-mail at

[email protected].

MHADK SPONSORING DEC SUMMER CAMP FOR TEENS

Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc.

The Mid-Hudson Chapter

PO Box 3674

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID NEWBURGH, NY 12250

PERMIT NO. 8604

To make a change of address, phone or email, send a

message with the specifics to: [email protected] or

call 1-800-395-8080 x22

Stay Connected…..

Adirondack Mountain Club: www.adk.org

Mid-Hudson Chapter: www.midhudsonadk.org

NY/NJ trail Conference: www.nynjtc.org

To be included in the Mid-Hudson Chapter e-mail list or to change

your e-mail please send a message to [email protected]

Documents

Mid-Hudson TRAILS Trails Page 2 Title Name E-mail Phone Chapter Chair Daniel Jones, Jr. [email protected] 845-485-7969 Vice Chair Peter …