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NEWSLETTER OF THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB
LONG ISLAND CHAPTER SPRING 2015 — APRIL—MAY—JUNE
I t’s been a long, cold snowy winter. Some of us have loved it (me included), and some have been
pining away for spring since before the first flakes fell. As of this writing (end of February), we still have deep snow cover, and I’m looking forward to getting in a ski at Caleb Smith State Park in the morning.
For those who patiently wait for spring all winter, as well as those who relish all four seasons, your patience will pay off soon. And your club has a great array of hikes and other events planned for the coming months.
Check our Outings Schedule (it starts on page 4) in this issue of the Mountaineer, as well as on the ADK-LI website (http://www.adkli.org/html/outings.asp). The online schedule is updated continually with new outings and any changes that came up too late to get into the newsletter.
If you’ve been sedentary all winter, or even if you haven’t joined in our club events because you haven’t seen the right one, take another look.
Y ou’ll find hikes of all levels, both on and off Long Island; bike rides and bike-packing; opportunities
to assist with trail maintenance; and even a novice backpacking trip (shameless plug) coming up during the spring.
If you are new to the club, or for any reason feeling a little shy about joining a hike (first of all, don’t be shy),
keep our June 6th “Meet the Leaders” event on your calendar. Details are still being finalized, but it will be an opportunity to meet the volunteers who lead our outings, get advice, encouragement and more, as well as a chance to participate in hikes of different levels, including easy ones. By all means bring friends and family.
Also, in the coming months, watch for information about our planned Empowerment Series of graduated hikes for members who want to step up to a higher level of skill, conditioning and accomplishment.
W e’ll provide more information via our web site and by email, but also feel free to contact me at any
time at [email protected] with any questions or whatever is on your mind about the club.
Visit us at www.adkli.org
Long Island Mountaineer
Highlights: In This Issue
FEATURES:
Announcing the new Empowerment Hike Series (p. 2)
Where’s the ADK-LI Plaque Hiding? (p. 2)
3 Great Monthly Meeting Programs (Previews on p. 3)
Columbus Day Weekend at ADK Loj (p. 10-11)
OUTINGS HIGHLIGHTS: (Schedule begins on p. 4)
26 Outings – all levels, wide choice of locations
3 Long Island Hikes — Greenbelt and Greenway.
3 Trail Maintenance Hikes — clip, saw and climb.
4 Biking Adventures — 3 Saranac Lake 6er climbs
1 Novice Backpack in Catskills — 1 Dog-Friendly Hike
June 6th—National Trails Day – Meet the Leaders Event
Spring is nature’s way of saying, "Let’s party!"
~Robin Williams
...and let’s hike, bike, and relish the season!
President’s Corner
ED MORAN
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Adirondack Mountain Club Long Island Chapter
2015 Executive Committee President
Ed Moran [email protected]
Vice President Mike Vaughan
Treasurer Nancy Hodson
Secretary Kathleen Berger
Director to Main Club Mike Vetrano
[email protected] Alternate Director to Main Club
Micheline Kagan [email protected] Board of Directors
Kathy Daly [email protected]
Grace Gargiulo [email protected]
Mike Kaiser [email protected]
Sue Kenyon [email protected]
Tom Loscalzo [email protected]
Dave Sweeney [email protected]
COMMITTEE CHAIRS Conservation
Cathy Stare [email protected]
Education POSITION OPEN
Hospitality Arlene Scholer (516) 354 0231
Mountaineer Orrie Frutkin [email protected] Grace Gargiulo [email protected]
Membership Michael Vaughan
Outings Sue Kenyon [email protected] Bill Schneider [email protected]
Jeff Ritter [email protected] Programs
Shelley Weber [email protected]
Publicity POSITION OPEN
NY/NJ Trail Conference Diane Grunthal
Trail Maintenance Pat Wachter (631) 669-6450
Website Mike Vetrano [email protected]
Yahoo Group Moderator Allen Grunthal [email protected]
Where in the Catskills is the ADK-LI Plaque Hiding? Now that Spring is here it’s a good time to start looking for it again.
Pat Wachter, Eunsil Recksiek and Bill Schneider found the ADK-LI Plaque on April 6, 2013 where Ed Moran had hidden it at North Point near North-South Lake. Pat and Eunsil hid it again somewhere in the Catskills to continue this club tradition.
The clues so far are: My song from a famous Rock & Roll group will
guide you where to start: And move like Jagger to a famous Rock-Documentary.
Begin your search on one of two. Like some of you, I am new.
Looking from the view point are the Catskill’s highest peaks. From this point, retrace the trail steps through the rock wall passage until the first Birch tree indicates a turn.
While the markers indicate a right, you must turn left, off the trail. Where a slanted boulder meets the trunk of another birch tree with three
branches, There under three rocks will be my surprise. The prize is just below the 3500 line. Clues along the way: Standing atop of a boulder that looks like a picnic table, is a view to a trail-less peak. Belmont is not the only place the Triple Crown winner can be seen. Nearby is a bushwhack peak, sometimes having a 2nd name.
Our new Empowerment Hike Series will help make you a better hiker – step by step.
If you’re a beginning hiker or have never hiked before, ADK-LI has a plan to empower you to become a com-petent, experienced hiker. It's the Empowerment Hike Series — graduated day hikes of increasing difficulty aimed at building conditioning, confidence and trail skills to make you a stronger, better hiker able to enjoy the outdoors in every season.
The original Empowerment Hike Series was started by Arlene Sholer in 1990, and many of the club’s best hik-ers are “graduates.” Now, the ADK-LI Outings Commit-tee, leaders and other volunteers are developing the new Empowerment Hike Series.
Leaders: If you would like to lead an Empowerment Hike, please contact the Outings Committee through the Yahoo Leaders Group or their e-mails. (See list at left.) We are looking for a variety of dis-tances, difficulty and challenges. Location can be Long Island, Har-riman, Hudson Valley, Ward Pound Ridge, the Catskills...
Watch for details of the Empowerment Hike Series in the next issue of the Mountaineer.
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Wanted: ADK-LI Meeting Ideas
Contact Shelley Weber, [email protected] Share your adventure, outdoor expertise or interest in issues affecting wilderness conservation and recreation by presenting a program at an ADK-LI meeting. It could be a slide show, talk, demonstration, skill workshop or other activity.
Or if you know a person or organization that may be of interest to our members, please let ADK-LI’s Program Chair, Shelley know about them.
Or just contact Shelley with different topics you would like to hear about or have presented at our monthly meetings, and she will try and find a speaker for the topic.
ADK-LI Monthly Meetings For Spring, we have three great programs covering hik-ing, biking and kayaking. Save the dates! You don’t want to miss these adventures and expert information.
APRIL 7 – “ BIKING THROUGH HISTORY” Long-time ADK-LI member Lanny Wexler, will present his nine
-day Great Allegheny Passage cycle ride between Pittsburgh and Washington DC. From the forks of the Ohio River to the tidewater of the Potomac, the linked 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage and 184.5mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath create an unparalleled biking ad-venture. Together they form the longest hiking/biking trail in the nation. Every year thousands of cyclists take this ride
that National Geographic calls “an American classic.” Please come to see this slide presentation of a very excit-ing, unique adventure.
MAY 5 – “MUCH TO DO ABOUT KAYAKS” Whether you’re just getting started in kayaking or have been paddling for a while, you’ll benefit from this evening of information, advice and in-spiration from experts. Steve McDonald and Ann Kaiser, who are both Level 3 kayaking instructors, will share valuable information about the best places to kayak, choosing a kayak, and how to load it on a car. Included in this presentation will be their three-day kayak camping trip to Saranac Lake. Don’t miss this informative and enjoyable talk.
JUNE 2 – “TREKKING IN NEPAL” June Fait and Herb Coles present a wonderful slide talk of their trek in Nepal
surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayas. They'll take us hiking up the gla-cial Mondi Khola River Gorge from 3,500-ft to the Annapurna Sanc-tuary at 13,500-ft. and ringed by mountains. We’ll
see their visits to Gurung settlements, and their meals and stay in a Nepal guesthouse. Don’t miss this presentation of a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Welcome New Members! Matthew Adelmann, Riverhead
Joseph and Lisa Carson, Bayport
Christine Flatley, Mattituck
Rosemary and Brian Gallagher, Point Lookout
David and Jessica Ring, New Hyde Park
Carol and Ashley Haas, Yaphank
Linda Louie, Manhasset
Joseph Orbaczewski, Huntington Station
Doug and Patricia Sohl, Hicksville
Joseph and Gabriela Sorrentino, Huntington
Paul Storch, Syosset
Zachary Strongin, Port Washington
Jim Ansel, Port Washington
Ellen Campuzano, New York City
Joe Cardella, Jr., North Baldwin
Margaret C. Foster, Port Jefferson
Joseph Kistinger, Miller Place
Russell and Dianne Koutrouby, Huntington Station
Susan Murray and Angelo Kandias, Mastic Beach
Frank Pesce, Westbury
Laura Rath, Patchogue
Andrew Rocco, College Point
Jeffrey Trilling, Rocky Point
And Welcome Back!
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LONG ISLAND ADK OUTINGS SCHEDULE FOR APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2015
LEADERS: To list Outings in JULY-AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015 issue of the Mountaineer newsletter, send them to: [email protected]
Following your outing, be sure to mail the “Release of Liability/Sign-In Form” to Bill Scheider, 2631 Central Avenue., Baldwin, NY 11510-3634. Also send “Trip Report” to Micheline Kagan at [email protected]
Forms for leaders can be downloaded from www.adkli.org Click on the “For Leaders” tab.
HIKERS: Be sure to check www.adkli.org for additional outings, cancellations and changes to the schedule!
CARPOOLING/PARKING LOCATIONS
MEETING PLACE IS LEADER’S CHOICE. HIKERS: BE SURE TO ASK LEADER THE PLACE AND TIME TO MEET. Most Outings meet at one of the following locations for carpooling: Christopher Morley Park parking lot (Searingtown Road, just north of LIE Exit 36.) In parking lot, turn right and go to end, the Park & Ride area.
Lake Success Shopping Center (Union Tpke, west of New Hyde Park Road) LIE to Exit 34 or Northern State Pkwy to Exit 26, New Hyde Park Rd south. After gas station, turn right on to Union Tpke. Turn left at first traffic light to enter Lake Success Shopping Center. Turn left and go past HSBC bank for carpool site. Park at east end of lot.
OUTING RULES AND PROCEDURES – PLEASE READ
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OUTINGS. Call leader several days in advance if you have any questions. Leaders accept reservations on a first-come, first-served basis after the outing is officially listed in the Mountaineer or on the Outings page at the ADK-LI web site – www.adkli.org
Leaders may refuse to take anyone not registered or prepared. Registered participants are expected to show up or call the leader to cancel. Simply sending or leaving a message does not constitute registration. If you do not receive a re-ply to your message, it is your responsibility to follow up and contact the leader prior to the deadline for registration. Participants should provide leader with their phone numbers in case of last minute changes.
Guests are welcome on all outings. Where space is limited, members of the ADK Long Island chapter will have priority. If you go on two or more outings, please help support the Adirondack Mountain Club and the L. I. chapter by be-coming a member Go to www.adkli.org and click “Join.” Be sure to select “Long Island Chapter” for your affiliation.
GROUND RULES Minors (younger than 18 years) must have signed permission of a parent or guardian. Participants are responsible for their own safety and comfort. Food, snacks, water and extra clothing/raingear must be carried by participant. Check with leader to learn of any special requirements for the hike. Hiking boots are recommended for all ADK hikes.
CARPOOL RATES We encourage carpooling and sharing expenses. Suggested carpool rates shown here are for roundtrip per rider: Drivers set the final rate with agreement of riders. L.I. East End $10, Harriman $18, Shawangunks $25, Catskills $35, Adiron-dacks $60 (all rates for roundtrip.) Drivers set the final rate. Leaders should try to equalize number of riders in each car.
HIKE CLASSIFICATIONS (Hike classifications are subjective. If you are uncertain if you are up to the hike, consult the leader.)
A: Strenuous, long distances over rugged terrain with lots of climbing or more than 35 miles on bike.
B: Moderate, shorter distances with less climbing or 10-30 miles on bike. Moderate hikes may have some steep climb-ing and/or rugged terrain, but are less demanding than strenuous hikes. C: Easy, short distance over flat terrain at a leisurely pace or 10 miles or less on bike. Suitable for beginners.
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Outings Schedule Check http://www.adkli.org/html/outings.asp
to get the latest updates, additions and changes. In the e-mail Mountaineer, just click on the link!
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B- Sunday, March 29 – Traditional Hiker’s Palm Sunday in Harriman. Moderate pace, about 6 miles beginning at St. John’s-in-the-Wilderness church. We’ll hike the Long Path to the Dunning Trail, check out the Hogencamp Iron Mine, and may have lunch by a lovely waterfall. Depending on the time, we can return via Times Square and the Arden-Surebridge Trail by 3 pm for the annual Hiker’s Service at St. John’s, and then enjoy the always wonderful pot-luck dinner served by the ladies of the church for a mod-est donation. Usually, we meet hikers we know from ADK, AMC, LI Greenbelt, etc. It’s a great way to end the day. Please Register with leader June Fait at [email protected] by Friday, March 27.
Tuesday, April 7, ADK-LI Monthly Meeting All Wel-come! “Biking Through History” Program by Lanny Wexler on cycling the Great Allegheny Passage and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. (see p.3)
B Saturday, April 4. Spring Trail Maintenance on Schunemunk Mountain. Join us for the annual
Spring clearing on our adopted section of the Long Path on Schunemunk. Distance about four miles with good views from the top. Bring
work gloves and loppers or pruners, if you have them. Excellent outing for beginners. Contact
Pat Wachter 631-669-6450 (before 8 pm) by April 2.
B- Saturday, April 11 — Fahnestock State Park Hike (re-scheduled from March 28th.) Moderately paced 7.2 mile loop hike on the Charcoal Burners, Cabot, Perkins and Fahnestock trails with gentle ups and downs. This hike has a little bit of everything that makes Fahnestock a great place to hike in all sea-sons. We’ll pass 3 ponds, open fields, mountain lau-rel thickets and follow a gurgling stream. Excellent hike for fit beginners. Contact leader Bill Schneider at [email protected] (preferred) or 516-378-3043 (before 9 PM) by Thursday April 9th
B Saturday, April 18. Spring Trail Maintenance – Catskills. Join us for Spring Trail Maintenance on our chapter’s adopted section of the Long Path southeast of Peekamoose Mountain. The trail covers Bangle Hill and Samson Mountain. Distance is about four miles. Bring work gloves and loppers or pruners, if you have them. Beginners are welcome. contact Eunsil Reck-siek [email protected] or 631-921-0028 by April 16.
C Sunday, April 19 – Long Island Greenbelt – Part 3. Maureen's Kitchen to Lakeland County Park. Start your morning with a sumptuous breakfast at the
"Vermont-like" Maureen's Kitchen in Smithtown, known for its decadent pancakes and waffles with fruit top-pings! (Cash only, no credit cards.) Then, a six-mile, leisurely hike to burn off those calories through Hidden Pond Park, ascending the Ronkonkoma Moraine with views extending back to Long Island Sound. The hike will conclude in Lakeland County Park. Register with leader Lanny Wexler at [email protected] or call (516) 390-8912, 7–10 pm by April 17.
B- Saturday, April 25 – Long Island Greenbelt – Part 4. Lakeland County Park to Heckscher State Park. A moderately easy flat 10-mile hike. We'll walk through acres of pine woods in Connetquot State Park, then past the fish hatchery to Bayard Cutting Arbore-tum, where we can explore the property’s historic fire-places, stained glass windows. The hike ends on the beach at Great South Bay in sight of Fire Island. Enjoy a late lunch at Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza to conclude our series. Rain date Sunday April 26. Register with leader Lanny Wexler at [email protected] or (516) 390-8912, 7 to 10 pm by April 23.
B Saturday, May 2 – Biking the Wallkill Rail Trail in the ‘Gunks. Bike the scenic and historical Wallkill Rail Trail, which runs from Gardner to Kingston, NY. We will ride 42 miles, all on dirt and gravel, however there are options to ride less. Those doing the shorter ride will miss out on the food and brews. Any kind of bike will do (mountain bike, cylco-cross, hybrid, racing bike). Wider tires are more comfortable. Helmets re-quired. Pace 10-15 mph. Register with leader Jerry Licht by phone only at 516-477-8602 by April 14.
B+ Saturday, May 16 – Bike the Mysterious New Jersey Pine Barrens. The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a mysterious and fascinating region. If you like an
off-beat outing to an unusual location, then this outing is for you. It’s a 40-mile bike ride exploring the back roads of the Pine Barrens. We’ll stop at
Apple Pie Hill for an expansive 360-degree view of the Barrens, visit the Carranza Me-
morial and historic Batso Village. Who knows, we might even run into the Jersey
Devil. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and tick spray. Helmets mandatory. Register with leader Lanny Wexler by Thursday May 14, [email protected], or 516-390-8912, between 7 to 10 pm.
B+ Saturday, May 16 – Harriman, Dog-Friendly Hike. This moderately paced hike will cover 8.5 miles of less frequented areas of Harriman with a few steep ups and downs, and a little bit of everything – views, lakes and a visit to historic Claudius Smith’s Rock, named for a Revolutionary-era horse thief. Hik-ers unaccompanied by dogs are also welcome. Dogs must be leashed and under control of their owners at all times. Register with co-leaders Bill Schneider, [email protected]
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Outings continued from page 5
(preferred), 516-378-3043, or with Eunsil Recksiek, [email protected] by Thursday, May 14.
A Saturday to Sunday, May 16-17 – Overnight Bike-Packing in the Catskills. This great tour was mapped out by our own Rich Ehli and Rich Moore, and written up in Adventure Cycling. The scenic ride will take us through the ‘Gunks, beneath Peekamoose Mountain and around several of NYC's reservoirs. Most of the ride is on paved roads, but the last day we
will use the Wallkill Rail Trail back to New Paltz, whose surface varies from crushed limestone to dirt. This is a self-supported tour, camping out one night. It is for experi-enced cyclists able to maintain their bike in the field. Experienced cyclist with back-
packing experience, but lacking touring ex-perience, will be considered. We will ride 40-45 miles each day. Cylco-cross, mtb, touring, hybrid bike, or road bike will all work. For the rail trail, bikes with 32mm (1 1/4") or wider tires would be best, but you can opt to ride the road. Register with leader Jerry Licht by phone only at 516-477-8602 by May 8.
C+ Saturday, May 16 – Hudson Valley-Tarrytown Area: Rockefeller State Park & Rockwood Proper-ties Walk. Rolling trails at a comfortable pace. Fill the day at Rockefeller with a side trip to Rockwood over-looking the Hudson River at the Tappan Zee Bridge. Register with leader Arlene Scholer only by phone 516-354-0231 any day and all day until 8 pm last registra-tion date: Thursday, May 14.
NR Friday to Sunday, May 22-24 – Chicago Walk. Travel on Amtrak Train to the Windy City. Sleep on train two nights; spend 10 hours touring City on foot. Cost $176 round trip.
See America. Register with leader. Ron Engasser, [email protected] or 631-289-5375
B+ Saturday, May 23 – Memorial Day Weekend Brothers Trail Maintenance and Hike, Adiron-
dacks. Join us for the annual trip to maintain our Chapter’s adopted trail, The Brothers in
Keene Valley. Maximum ascent is 2800-ft. with a steep rock scramble in the first mile. Work de-
pends on what the Winter has left for us. Group dinner after the work. Arrange your own hikes for Sunday and Monday. (See hikes listed below.) Lodging is the re-sponsibility of each individual. Leader will offer sug-gestions. Registration with leader before May 15 is required Herb Coles [email protected]
A- Sunday, May 24 — Two Saranac Lake 6ers – McKenzie and Haystack, Adirondacks. This is a
challenging 12.6-mile hike of McKenzie, elevation 3,822-ft. and Haystack 2,864-ft. with commanding views of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and the Adi-
Urban Outing
rondack High Peaks. No go in rain. Register with leader Lanny Wexler, [email protected], or 516-390-8912, 7-10 pm by Thursday May 21.
A- Monday, May 25 – Saranac Lake 6er – Scarface. The first half of this trail follows old roads
over relatively flat terrain through coniferous forest and past rippling brooks. Eventually the trail begins a steady climb to the summit at an elevation of 3,054-ft. Side trails lead to an open
ledge with views overlooking Oseetah Lake and the Saranac Lake chain. No go in rain. Register with leader Lanny Wexler, [email protected], of 516-390-8912, 7-10 pm by Thursday, May 21.
C+ Saturday, May 30 Map and Compass Work-shop and Hike, Adirondacks. Bushwhack 101: We will learn these two essential pieces of equip-ment, and then go for a hike. Please bring map of the High Peaks, two pencils, compass. Local map will be supplied. Also, long pants, long sleeves, gaiters, work gloves and eye protection are a must. Ascent 800-ft. Pace: Slow. Register with leader Elie Bijou, [email protected] or 518-873-2119. Joint with ADK Hurricane
C Saturday, May 30 – Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway. This three-mile corridor of pro-tected open space between East Setauket and Port Jefferson Station was built for conservation and recreation, such as walking and bicycling. No mo-torized vehicles. It is a paved, winding trail with gen-tle, rolling hills passing through quiet residential areas. Six miles round trip. Register with leader Yoshiko Takeshita, [email protected] or 631-848-6432 by Thursday, May 28.
B Saturday-Sunday, May 30-31, Novice Catskill One-night Backpack A modest back-pack of less than 5 miles each day with 1000-ft or less elevation gain. We will hike to an idyllic site and camp overnight. Possible day hike after setting up camp. Participants should have backcountry hiking experience and preferably some backpacking experience. If you are new to backpacking, you will need some time to prepare for this. If unsure of your readiness call early to discuss (do not wait until May.) Register with leader Ed Mo-ran, 631-724-4540 or [email protected] by May 8
A+ Friday, June 5 – Iron Mountain, Adirondacks Bushwhack 102: Iron Mt. (E’town #2) 2440-ft, and Owl Head Lookout. With a short map and compass refresher, we will hike to OHL and Iron. Necessary to spot cars. Also long pants, gaiters, long sleeves, work gloves and eye protection are a must. Please bring High Peaks Map, two pencils, compass, lunch and water. Ascent: 1540-ft. Pace: slow. Register with leader Elie Bijou, [email protected], 518-873-2119. Joint with ADK Hurricane chapter.
Introduction to Backpacking
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DECEMBER 7 – MANHATTAN WALK. On a cold and windy day a group of 12 hearty hikers braved the winter nasties and walked the High Line. Ron Engasser led Carol Hegman, Eunsil Recksiek and her niece Subin Yoon, Nancy and Mike Hodson, Caroline Tighe, John and Maureen White, Andrew Rocco and Dorothy, and Kathleen Berger. Three of the group joined us at Wash-ington Square Park thanks to cell phones. The leader pointed out the historical significance of certain places along the route. All joined in a brunch at Fraunces Tav-ern to the tunes of fiddle and bagpipes. We all enjoyed a meal of historic flavors, and some also visited the mu-seum upstairs.
DECEMBER 13 – BLYDENBURGH. Ed Moran (leader), Dave Sweeney, Andy Rocco, Jayne Czik (guest), and Susan Mwirk (guest.) With temperatures in the 30’s, light winds and a bright blue sky 12/13/14 was a perfect December day for a hike around Stump Pond at Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown. We all had an enjoy-able and low-keyed hike with plenty of good conversa-tion along the way. The trail was surprisingly dry given the heavy rains of the previous several days, although the lake level was unusually high as was the impressive amount of water spilling over the dam. There were patches of snow remaining off the trail and a couple of the bridges were still icy, but no traction aids were needed. With spirits high and legs still feeling fresh we added a short side trip into Caleb Smith State Park on the Long Island Greenbelt trail and enjoyed the view from the hill looking down at the Nissequogue River. In total, we hiked 7 miles. We hiked a little extra, taking the LIGBT to the gate at Old Willets Path/SR 25 and turning around back to near the dam outlet on Stump Pond. I suggested it as an option when we were nearly done and the group was unanimous, so we did it. It did not change the character or rating of the hike and added a nice view and about a mile to the total distance.
DECEMBER 21 – PLATEAU MTN, CATSKILLS. On the first day of winter hiking, Mike Kaiser, Eric Marko-witz, Shelley Weber and Grace Gargiulo needed Plat-eau as a 3500 Club winter peak. They were joined by co-leaders Pat Wachter and Eunsil Recksiek (with dog Winter) for the 8.5-mile round-trip hike. We started from Notch Inn Road trailhead to Warner Creek trail, then onto Devil's Path to Plateau. The weather was cloudy/misty and high 20’s, but the snow-laden trees were a beautiful sight. Since it was the shortest day of the
Looking Back continued on next page
Looking Back Micheline Kagan
LEADERS: SEND TRIP REPORTS TO: Micheline Kagan E-mail: [email protected]
NR Saturday, June 6, National Trails Day and ADK-LI’s Meet the Leaders event. Details to be an-nounced. Check www.adkli.org and the ADK-LI Yahoo Group for information.
B Saturday, June 13 – Biking the Wallkill Rail trail in the ‘Gunks. Bike the scenic and historical Wallkill Rail trail which runs from Gardner to Kingston, NY. We will ride 42 miles, all on dirt and gravel, however there are options to ride less. Those doing the shorter ride will miss out on the food and brews. Any kind of bike will do (mountain bike, cylco-cross, hybrid, racing bike). Wider tires are more comfortable. Helmets re-quired. Pace 10-15 mph. Register with leader Jerry Licht by phone only at 516-477-8602 by June 11.
A Saturday, June 13 – Mount Marcy, Adirondacks Please join me for my annual ascent of Mount Marcy. Distance: 14.8 miles round trip. Ascent: 3300-ft. Possi-bility of an ascent of TR Mountain (3820-ft.) Pace: Slower moderate. Register with leader Elie Bijou, [email protected], 518-873-2119. Joint with ADK Hurricane.
A Saturday, June 27 – Long Path over Cross and Romer, Catskills. 12-mile strenuous hike starting in Woodland Valley and following the Wittenberg-Slide Trail to meet the newly relocated Long Path. It tracks the upper edges of Cross Mountain Hollow before trav-eling over the mountain. At the southern end of Cross, open rock ledges offer a fantastic vista to the north and the landscape followed by the new trail. From there, the trail descends slightly, then climbs and passes be-low the summit of Mount Pleasant, and descends again before ascending slightly to the summit of Romer Mountain. The trail heads down to Lane Street, just outside the village of Phoenicia. Register with leader Lanny Wexler, [email protected], 7-10 pm, by June 25. Rain date: Sun Jun 28
NR Friday to Friday July 17-24 – Appalachian Trail Conservancy Biennial Conference: Hiking Thru History at Shenandoah University, Winchester VA. Hike the Appalachian Trail that extends 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal to Waynesboro. Events include organized hikes, work-shops, entertainment, historical tours and outings to historic Harpers Ferry, Civil War battlefields and Wash-ington, DC. Registration opens April 15th. For more info, contact Lanny Wexler [email protected], 516-390-8912 by July 10. Or see the Appalachian Trail Conservancy web site http://tinyurl.com/q94n6r7
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year, we kept a steady pace, resting briefly when neces-sary, and managed to complete the entire hike before darkness set in. The ride home was surprisingly devoid of heavy holiday traffic for the last shopping weekend before Christmas. We received multiple gifts that day: a great hike with wonderful friends, and no road congestion. What a wonderful way to start the winter hiking season. Happy Holidays to all!
DECEMBER 27 – WINDHAM HIGH PEAK. After some early-season snow, followed by some unexpected rain, no one really knew what to expect on the trail. Sue Kenyon, Eric Markowitz, Bill Schneider and four 3500 Club aspir-ants met at the parking area on Route 23. The group dis-cussed what kind of traction aids might be necessary, and most decided to bring an assortment of choices. The first part of the Escarpment Trail was frozen, and the group knew it would be muddy by afternoon. When the group got to the junction near the lean-to, there were several patch-es of snow, but they suspected that traction aids would not be necessary. It was overcast most of the day, alt-hough there were a few breaks of sunshine. The air tem-perature was warm enough to make the trail at the lower elevations muddy, as expected. On the ascent, the group was leap-frogging with another group. One person in that group was set to finish the 3500 on Windham that after-noon. At the summit we all congratulated the finisher as well the 3500 aspirants who needed Windham for their tally sheets.
JANUARY 1 – GRAYMOOR TO SUGARLOAF HILL (HUDSON HIGHLANDS.) Led by Micheline Kagan, Kathleen Berger, Judy Adams, Tom Lozcalzo, Maria Mejia, Sue Kenyon, Gary Gil, Ellen Dash, Zahra Asadi, Ken Singh, Sheila Lipshie, Eunsil Recksiek and her dog Winter celebrated the New Year. After a few false starts (couldn’t find the right parking lot, weren’t sure where the trailhead was, and headed in the wrong direction for a little bit), we finally headed off in the right direction on the AT. Also, the people working at the monastery don’t know where the AT is, even though it goes right through the property, and they host through-hikers! The weather was beautiful, and we had a nice relaxed hike up to Sugarloaf Hill where we stopped for a snack and enjoyed the view. We continued on the Osborn Loop toward Curry Pond and back on the AT. Some folks took a short cut and did-n’t do the whole loop, but got back early enough to head up and get the cars. They met us at the convenience store so we didn’t have to do that long uphill on the AT back to Graymoor. Afterward, we enjoyed a delightful din-ner at Table 9. Good way to start the year! JANUARY 10 – MAKAMAH PRESERVE. On a sunny, cold January day, leader Nancy Hodson, Kathy Berger, Ed Moran, guest Deborah Moorhouse, Ken and Debby
L.I. MOUNTAINEER SPRING — APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2015
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Cooperstein, Sherry Buch, Robert Indelicato, and Eunsil Recksiek (with her dog Winter) walked for almost two hours in a couple of inches of snow in the scenic Maka-mah Preserve. Temperature was in the low 20’s, but we were dressed properly and enjoyed the meandering trails with views of the wetlands, woods (and golf course.) We turned toward the LIPA stacks and then backtracked to a different trail in the Preserve. Afterward, we enjoyed a
snack at the nearby Cook’s Scratch Kitchen.
JANUARY 11 – KAATERSKILL HIGH PEAK. Eleven ADK-Long Island hikers joined this Kaaterskill hike, which was a special mark for amazing fellow hiker Grace Gar-giulo; Grace finished her regular Catskill 3500 peaks over the last two years, and Kaaterskill High Peak was her regular 3500 club’s 39th peak! Other participants were Connie Duquette, Mike Kaiser, Allen Grunthal, Claudine Kos, Eric Markowitz, Mike Vaughan, Keelin Murphy, June Fait, Herbert Coles, and Eunsil Recksiek. Our morning at the trailhead was quite busy, since there were at least three hiking groups setting out on the mountain. We coordinated with them to manage the parking situation. As we started out, most of us were on micro-spikes, and Allen on snowshoes. The section of the snowmobile-blue-blazed trail was uneventful, except for the area that al-ways freezes, which reminded us of ice skating. We looked for the little rock cairns marking the herd path to the top of the mountain, but trees blocked our view. Fi-nally, Mike Kaiser spotted them; then our real adventure started. That well-known steep path was very icy, and a challenge to navigate. With the help of our well-seasoned leader Allen Grunthal, our group made it safely to the top to congratulate Grace on her finish and celebrate with yummy dark chocolates. Coming down the same section was hairy, but we were able to manage it safely. Then we enjoyed a nice warm dinner at Last Chance Cheese in Tannersville.
Looking Back continued on next page
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JOIN NOW! ADK Membership Application
Name_________________________________________
Address________________________________________
City______________________State___Zip+4__________
E-mail_________________________________________
NOTE: Your email address will not be distributed to outside organ-izations.
X I want to join as an ADK Long Island Chapter member.
Please choose a membership level
Individual $50 Family $60 Individual Life $1,300 Student $40 * *School_______________________________________
Multi-year membership available at www.adk.org or call ADK headquarters, 1-800-395-8080
For Family membership only:
Spouse_________________________________________
Children (under 18)________________________________
I would like to give a tax-deductible gift in addition to my membership. $______ Check enclosed (U.S. funds only)
Please bill my ___Visa ___MC ___American Express card
Account No. _____________________Exp. Date______
Signature____________________________________
Send this form with payment to: Adirondack Mountain Club, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845-4117
...or bring it to an ADK-Long Island Chapter meeting.
ADK is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership fees are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please allow 6-8 weeks to receive first issue of Adirondac magazine and Long Island Mountaineer newsletter.
“Thank You, George and Tony!”
The late George Form was a stalwart trail maintainer. And his work continues. His brother, Tony Form, made George’s collection of outdoor gear available for ADK-LI to sell with the proceeds to go for build-ing and maintaining trails. The sales came to $289, which has been donated in memory of George to the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference to support its work in the East Hudson Region.
Please help continue and expand our activities, programs and support with a tax-deductible donation. Download the donor form at www.adkli.org — Thank you.
L.I. MOUNTAINEER SPRING — APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2015
Senior (65+) $40 Senior Family (65+) $50 Family Life $1,950
Like ADK-LI on Facebook. Click here for photos, news,
posts, links and more!
Looking Back continued from page 8
JANUARY 31 – WINDHAM HIGH PEAK. On a cold winter day, a group of ADK-LI members hiked Windham High Peak in the Catskills. It was a great day for a winter hike, and the weather was also very appropriate for a winter 3500 finish. (It was Ed’s 35th Catskill Peak hike during the winter). Ed Moran, Connie Duquette, Grace Gargiulo and Dave Sweeney started out from the Peck Road parking area with the temperature at +4º. At the summit, the tem-perature was right around zero, and despite the cold winds, the blue skies and deep snow up high made for an enjoyable day. We all managed to stay quite warm. This was also Dave’s first winter summit in the Catskills. Most of the trail was packed, but in spots the snow had blown in, and we were breaking trail. Afterward, the group celebrat-ed with a meal at Cave Mountain Brewery in Windham.
FEBRUARY 21 – WITTENBERG–CORNELL. Partici-pants were Grace Gargiulo, Eunsil Recksiek and Pat Wachter. The group departed Woodland Valley with sin-gle digit temps and no wind; a nice beginning. Before reaching the Terrace Mountain junction, a cold front swept in with strong winds, snow and wind-chill temps dropping to minus double digits. Winter hikers must al-ways be prepared for the worst, and our group was. We forged ahead to Wittenberg, no views, no stopping as the horizontal snow hit our face like sharp needles. A switch to crampons was needed to ascend the Cornell crack. It was a long, hard, memorable hike that we all enjoyed in spite of the weather conditions. After finishing, we ad-journed to our favorite restaurant for a wonderful and well-deserved meal.
Ed Moran’s 35th Catskill 3500 winter peak and Dave Sweeney’s first. Witnessed by Connie Duquette and Grace Gargiulo.
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www.adkli.org L.I. MOUNTAINEER SPRING — APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2015
38th Annual ADK-LI Columbus Day Weekend Adirondack High Peaks at the ADK Loj
Friday, October 9th to Monday, October 12th, 2015
Columbus Day weekend in the Adirondack High Peak region offers opportunities for everyone – moderate hiking and walking, “bagging” a 46’r peak, paddling, biking, shopping, antiquing, and visiting the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the Adirondack Museum and Wild Center. Enjoy the fall foliage and soak up the unique Adirondack atmosphere. Join other
ADK-LI members for a great outing and great fun!
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT: First-come, first-served! While some accommodations may be available close to Columbus Day, the particular accommodations you want may already be taken. So if you have a preference for accommodations, register early. We may turn some accommodations back to the Loj if there is not a need for them.
Mail registration form with your check(s) for the total payment to Cathy Stare by July 31. (For your conven-ience, if you prefer, you can send two checks, each with half the payment. One check can be post-dated July 31, 2015.)
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellation prior to September 20th may result in a $10 cancellation fee. After that date, check with Cathy Stare for the possibility of a refund.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Adirondack Loj. We have reserved four private rooms (each sleeps two), two family bunkrooms (bunkroom #1 has 6 bunks and 4 are reserved for us; bunkroom #3 has 4 bunks, all ours), as well as the coed loft bunkroom with 12 beds. Breakfast is included for Loj guests. Supper is available to Loj guests if they give advance notice.
Wiezel Cabin has four family bunkrooms, each sleeps four with more room than the Loj, but no meals, lin-ens, or housekeeping services.
Lean-to #1 and #4 in the Adirondack Wilderness Campground Maximum of 6 people per lean-to.
Campground Cabin. Cabin has 4 bunks, shower, small refrigerator and electric stove with utensils, and includes parking spaces for two cars. The cabin provides both privacy and comfort.
SCHEDULE: Saturday and Sunday: several guided outings will be offered. Monday: on-your-own activities.
LODGING RATES: Rates are for a 3-night stay and reflect 10% discount for ADK members and also 3% tax. Rates are given on the registration form (opposite page.)
Further details regarding the weekend will be sent out in September. A list of participants and their con-tact information will be circulated to facilitate carpooling. DIRECTIONS TO ADK ADIRONDACK LOJ, 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd., Lake Placid NY 12946, (518) 523-3441 Link to ADK directions web page: http://tinyurl.com/m2ctxun
Saturday Night Social and Supper: As we have done for the past few years, in lieu of a pot-luck supper, all participants are invited to a social and supper at the Wiezel Cabin provided by the Loj staff. Supper includes appetizers, BBQ (including vegetarian), desserts, lemonade, and iced tea for $24, paid with regis-tration fee. Only soft drinks are provided, so BYOB.
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38TH ANNUAL ADK-LI COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND AT ADK LOJ RESERVATION FORM
COMPLETE THIS FORM: If registering for more than one person, please list all of their names.
PAYMENT: Check must accompany registration form. (If you choose to send two checks, each with half the payment and one check post-dated, enclose both checks.)
MAKE CHECK(S) PAYABLE TO ADK LI and send it with the completed form below to: Cathy Stare, 85-26 105th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418-1127 by July 31, 2015.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER? Please contact Kathleen Berger at 516-320-5597 or [email protected]
QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION? Contact Cathy Stare by e-mail at [email protected] or call 718-551-6472.
Number of people attending________ Is this your first year attending?___________
Name(s)___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
Home phone: _________________ Cell: __________________ E-mail: _________________
*Emergency contact name/ phone# :_____________________________________________ *Please do include an emergency contact name and phone number, and we trust we will not need it!
I/WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN:
___Loj 4-Person Family Bunk #1 (per person): $210 lodging + $24 supper = $234.
___Loj 4-Person Family Bunk #3 (per person): $210 lodging + $24 supper = $234
___Loj Private Room #4 (for two persons): $515 lodging + $48 supper = $563
___Loj Private Room #5 (for two persons): $515 lodging + $48 supper = $563.
___Loj Private Room #7 (for two persons): $515 lodging + $48 supper = $563.
___Loj Private Room #8 (for two persons): $515 lodging + $48 supper = $563
___Loj Loft Co-ed Bunkroom (per person): $185 lodging + $24 supper = $209
___Campground Cabin (four persons max): $520 lodging + $96 supper = $616
___Wiezel Cabin (per person): $76+ $24 = $100. All Wiezel Cabin guests must pay the total amount in one check.
___Lean-to #1 (6-person maximum): First two people: $135 lodging + $48 supper = $183 Add $29 ($5.00 for lean-to + $24 supper ) for each additional person, up to maximum of six.
___Lean-to #4 (6-person maximum): First two people: $135 lodging + $48 supper = $183. Add $29 ($5.00 for lean-to + $24 supper ) for each additional person, up to maximum of six.
____Self-arranged accommodations. Enclose $24 per person for Saturday supper at Wiezel Cabin.
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Join now for last-minute info on hikes, outings, gear discussions and carpooling possibilities. Plus photos and downloads. Don’t miss out!
Go to www.adkli.org and click
(on left side of home page)
Change your address?
Don’t tell us — tell ADK headquarters. They print our ad-
dress labels.
Write: Adirondack Mountain Club Membership 814 Goggins Road Lake George, NY 12845-4117
Or call: 1-800-395-8080 Or email: [email protected]
DEADLINES FOR JULY-AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
SUMMER 2015 ISSUE
OUTINGS DEADLINE: MAY 25 ARTICLES DEADLINE: MAY 30
Send Outings to: [email protected]
Send articles for July-August Sept. to: Orrie [email protected] and
Grace Gargiulo [email protected]
Leaders, send Trip Reports to: [email protected]
ADK-LI MONTHLY MEETINGS — ALL WELCOME!
TUESDAY APRIL 7– “BIKING THROUGH HISTORY” Slide presentation by long-time member Lanny Wexler of his nine-day adventure cycling from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC on the linked 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage and 184.5-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, the longest hiking/biking trail in the nation. (see p. 3)
TUESDAY MAY 5 – “MUCH TO DO ABOUT KAYAKS” Steve McDonald and Ann Kaiser, both Level 3 kayaking instructors will provide important information about the best places to kayak, choosing a kayak, and how to load it on a car. They'll include a presentation on their three-day paddling/camping trip at Saranac Lake. Don’t miss this outstanding talk, just in time for paddling season. (see p. 3)
TUESDAY JUNE 2 – “TREKKING IN NEPAL” Herb Coles and June Fait will give a wonderful slide presentation of their trek in Nepal amid the breathtaking Himalayas. They'll take us hiking up the glacial Mondi Khola River Gorge from Nayapool at 3,500-ft, to the plateau of the Annapurna Sanctuary ringed by mountains at 13,500-ft., and on visits to Gurung settlements stays in a guesthouse. (See p. 3)
Regular meetings start at 8:00 P.M. Come early at 7:30 P.M. to socialize, network and enjoy light refreshments.
WHERE: ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH (EDUCATION BUILDING) 20 CANDLEWOOD PATH AT VANDERBILT MEMORIAL PARKWAY, DIX HILLS, NY
DIRECTIONS: (GPS Coordinates Latitude: 40.810493, Longitude: -73.336918 (or N 40° 48' 36”, W 73° 20' 12'') From Northern State, Exit 42 (Deer Park Ave. South) Go south about 0.8 miles to light at Vanderbilt Parkway. Turn left (east) on Vanderbilt. In about 2/10 mile, turn right onto Candlewood Path. Continue to St. Luke Church. From L.I.E. Exit 51 (Deer Park Ave. North.) Go north 1 mile to Vanderbilt Pkwy. Turn right (east.) In about 2/10 mile, turn right at Candlewood Path, and continue to St. Luke Church. Park and go to Education Bldg. behind main Church building. Look for ADK sign on the outer door. As you enter, our room is on left.
L.I. MOUNTAINEER SPRING — APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2015
ADK-L.I. 171-08 Gladwin Avenue Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
