Summer Adirondack Mountain Club Keene Valley Chapter

Transcription

1 Adirondack Mountain Club Keene Valley Chapter I hope you have had a great year. Winter was lovely here with lots of powder for backcountry skiing. I was fortunate enough to ski into the Boreas Ponds once this winter. It s a 6.7 mile ski one way to the dam. It is really a spectacular addition to the Forest Perserve, but these lands are still unclassified by the DEC. There has been much debate since the state purchased them. I recently went back to the Boreas ponds, hauling my Hornbeck the 3.6 miles to the dam since Gulf Brook Rd has reopened for the summer. I m often asked what my opinion is on the fate of the Boreas Ponds. Should road access be allowed all the way to the dam? Should it be allowed to where it currently is, with a 3.6 mile walk or bike to the dam? Or should it be cut off at Blue Ridge Parkway? My viewpoint has changed in the past year. Here s why: We ve seen an increasing number of hikers in the High Peaks. The DEC is under-staffed for the number of visitors to the region. Now the Governor s plan for the former Frontier Town at exit 29., and the proposed plans for Hut to Hut facilities in the Boreas Ponds seem to commit funding and staff elsewhere. All of these things have lead me to change my opinion on the Gulf Brook Rd. I think we need to protect this area from the masses, not Summer 2017 opening the road all the way to the dam. At this point I am leaning towards closing the road altogether. I like the idea of a shorter haul for bringing a canoe in, but if it s too short of a walk, it will be a draw for more people. On topic of overuse, it saddens me that hikers have become so disrespectful that the owners of Owl s Head in Keene have decided to close the trail to this popular mountain on weekends, 4pm on Friday to 7 am Monday. It will close permanently at the end of summer. We will be addressing a number of other local trail issues later in this newsletter. I hope you will join us for our annual meeting and potluck in August 22; details are near the end of the newsletter. ~Lisa Godfrey, Keene Valley Chapter Chair June evening view from Boreas Ponds 2017 Lisa J Godfrey

2 Update by Lisa Godfrey Last spring ADK educational staff, the Ausable River Association (ARA), David Thomas-Train and I teamed up to address a growing problem on some of our local trails. This year ADK is continuing to push the leave no trace ethic. Just like Spring, the ARA Port-o- Potties have once again returned to the Giant, Cascade and Chapel Pond trailheads with one catch. The DEC is now mandating that all of the porotpotties in the ARA program be handicap-accessible. This has doubled the cost for each one. The DEC has aggreed to cover the additional cost for this year, but is not promising that future funding will be made available. The Ausable River Association is looking for a large donor to cover the additional cost for future years. If you are interested in donating please contact Brendan Wiltse brendan@ausableriver.org The suggestion was made a few years ago for construction of permanent vault privies. at some trailheads, but negative responses derailed the initiative. The irony is there is one between the Cascade Lakes. The problem is DEC funding. Apparently, the Cascade Lake privy is are funded through fishing licenses which do not cover general DEC operations. I think it maybe time to push for a more permanent solution. If you wish to help, please write Robert Daley, Supervising Forester for the High Peak Region. Tell hin you want the DEC to put in permanent vault privies at the Cascade, Giant (Roaring Brook) and Chapel Pond trailheads: Leanto Did you know our chapter owns a private Leanto? and it is available for member use? The leanto is on a 5-acre piece of land within a couple of miles of Keene Valley, an easy hike. Yet it is deep in the forest. It sits on a rise in a shady hemlock grove overlooking an emerald green swimming hole. The roof of the outhouse is bright red. It is quite near, but out of sight and earshot of a couple of popular trails. There are no trails to the leanto. The property was given to the Keene Valley Chapter in the 1960s, by a long-time summer family. Use is free for Chapter members, but not many take advantage of this. The leanto is used mostly by local summer camps, but there are plenty of open dates on the calendar for reserving it. If you would like to do so, please me at badtts@kvvi.net, and convince me that you are a Chapter member, while indicating your group size and desired dates.. I will get back to you with the necessary details. Robert Daley, Forester NYSDEC PO Box 296 Ray Brook, NY Via r5.ump@dec.ny.gov In an issue related to the ARA Port-o-Potty program, The Saranac Lake Wild Forest UMP has been revised and is open for public comment. Please consider writing a letter in support of a permanent vault toilet at Monument Falls on Route 86 between Lake Placid and Wilmington.. The Unit Management Plan process is the best way to address this problem. Use the same and address as above. This is first come-first served. The leanto is not publicized beyond this group.

3 Little Mountain, Big Problem by David Thomas-Train Baxter is our Keene Valley neighborhood little peak, a steep or gentle hike, depending which way you go along the 3 - mile loop from Beede Road to the ridge top. This trail is only occasonally hiked and in relatively good shape, except where it intersects and follows the superpopular route up from Route 9N at the top of Spruce Hill. Sometime in the 1990s, an outdoor magazine featured that short trail as one of the best family hikes in the Northeast, and so kissed it to death. The once-attractive trail became degaaded and washed out along its steep sections, while its mellow sections widened out into several lanes. Repair was called for, so two times the ADK Pro Trail built switchbacks and reroutes around the worst of the erosion. Our Chapter joined The Mountaineer and the Hurricane Chapter in funding some excellent remedial trail work. Baxter has several summits, two of which are heavily visited by hikers along steep final approaches. Those two trail segments are now also in very rough shape, muddied, widened, and washed out. The same remedy is called for: a trail footprint with a gentler grade, and where the route is not movable, water drainage structures and some rock steps to harden the path and make it erosion-resistant. The Executive Committee of the Chapter is looking into the project and the process of repair; we re in close touch with the leaders of ADK s Trails Program, which will scope the work out.; we ll soon approach several prospective joint funders. Some of your dues accrues annually, so we have funds to use. The tourist trail on Baxter will soon be fully re-designed and laid out as an environmentally sustainable path to the top of the little peak of Keene Valley.

4 On Top Of Old Poke-O They started out being paid $60 a month for their half-year, all-weather stints in the fire tower. Overall, there were twenty-one Fire Observers on Poke-O- Moonshine from 1912 through Most came from nearby Keeseville, and the first three worked in the original wooden tower before the current one was built in That makes the fire tower 100 years old. It was part of a crop of standardized steel towers that New York State built in response to the catastrophic forest fires of the early 20th Century. Drought, high winds, lightning, heaps of logging slash, and sparks from lumber-hauling trains had combined to burn almost a million acres of New York forest over two decades. The Observers worked spring through fall. They spotted fires, reported them by radio telephone, and taught hikers about careful use of the woods. Most fire tower mountains also had an Observer s Cabin within short hiking distance from the summit. Sometimes spouses or family might come to visit. Poke-O-Moonshine had two cabins side by side, but by the 1990 s both were ruined, ironically, by fire. An old apple tree stands next to the remnant foundation. The rusted coils of an old refrigerator slump in the back part of the footings. By the 90s, the fire tower at Poke-O was in rough shape. The steel was rusty, the wooden floor and stair risers punky, the concrete footers crumbling. DEC was planning to take it down. The first tower restoration, at Blue Mountain, had just come off successfully, with the fire tower staffed by student interpreters. Some of us from Keeseville and nearby had the same idea. In 1997, The Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine held its first meeting, hosted by Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), the Park-wide historic preservation organization. We were off and running, to be joined over the years by local businesses, ADK chapters, summer camps, hundreds from near and far, and DEC. AARCH s Executive Director, Steven Engelhart, led us in those early years and kindly gave us office space in Keeseville. Restoration of the tower was Job One. It needed new concrete footers, steel diagonals, flooring and stairs, safety fencing, windows, and paint. DEC oversaw the project and funded much of it, with Ranger Gary

5 Friedrich leading most of the early work parties. Poke-O s tower had been the first to have an Osborne Fire Finder, the circular table map of the tower s view-shed, so we installed a replica as the centerpiece of the tower cab. By 2002, the main work was done, and we were ready to open the doors; we hired our first Fire Tower Steward that summer and began to focus on hiker education and interpretation of the human and natural history of the mountain. ADK helped us put together a teaching brochure geared to 11 stops along the Ranger Trail. AARCH assisted with interpretive panels for the tower s cab. In 2005, we held our first celebration, with a formal opening of the tower. The next year, we began cooperating with the SUNY Potsdam Environmental Studies Program, which trained its students for summer-long placements as Fire Tower Stewards. This year, our 20th Steward will be greeting and educating hikers on top and along the two trails. In 2008, we broadened our mission and worked with the Adirondack Nature Conservancy to protect 200 acres on the south side of Poke-O. This land straddled the old access road to the Observers cabin and was threatened with logging. The Conservancy conveyed it to New York State, assuring a second access to the mountain. Named the Observers Trail, it s wider and gentler than the Ranger Trail, and it hosts our ski trips, mammal tracking hikes, and Spring wildflower walks. Soon, we ll work with DEC to fully connect the two trails into a four-mile loop. Because of severe erosion on the steep Ranger Trail, in 2011 DEC proposed closing it: But it was a popular route, with great wildflowers, a cool lookout, and unusual geology. We thought long and hard, and began to fundraise to save the trail. Good trail work is expensive, so we set a target of $250,000 for the rehab. Astoundingly, the fund recently surpassed $213,000, with the goal of completion by the end of this Centennial year. The ADK Pro Trail Crew and Tahawus Trails have partnered with us in the project, which will take four years to complete. So far, their beautiful solid work has built almost 200 stone steps, two major re-routes, ten water-bars, and a bridge. Hiker feedback has been glowing. Our efforts at Poke-O began with the tower and have grown from it to cover much more, but they all remain rooted in the fire tower and its original mission: to protect the forest and educate hikers in its care. Today, this is called low-impact use and environmental education, but it s still the same work. So, now that the tower s 100 years old, what do we do? Have a party! The weekend of July 28-30, there will be a Poke-O art exhibit, slide show, hike to the summit, songs, speeches and cake, and a music-and-dinner fiesta. Please visit us at for details, to RSVP for the events, and to support 100 more years of stewardship on top of Old Poke-O! Written by: David Thomas-Train Photos by: Lisa J Godfrey

6 Growing the future Our chapter is active in the Keene Valley community year round. Did you know we have sponsored a trip to the Upper Lake for the Keene Central School junior class for many years? The Ausable Club supplies the camp and our chapter supplies meals and chaperones. We also have sponsored field trips including a 6th grade Lake Champlain field trip aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Out on the lake, the students learned about the ecology, geology, and human history of the lake basin. A field trip for the Kindergarten and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grades in September to tour of Essex Farm (complete with delicious snacks fresh from the farm) was also sponsored by our chapter. Following the tour, the students hiked to Lake Champlain on the nature trails at Noblewood Park for a picnic lunch and exploration of forest and dune ecology. As part of my role as Chapter Chair, I chaperone a yearly fire tower and natural history hike with 3rd and 6th graders up Poke-O Moonshine with David-Thomas Train as a guide.

7 Farm to Table Local food options outside of the Sunday Market at Marcy Field Rivermeade Farm Market NYS Rt 73 Keene Valley, NY p Local Veggies, Maple Syrup, local meats and more Sugar House Creamery 18 Sugar House Way, Upper Jay NY (across from the old schoolhouse) p Farmstore open Wed, Sat, & Sun Farmstead Cheese, Raw Milk, Eggs, and other products by Sugar House and neighboring farms Asgaard Farm 74 Asgaard Way, Ausable Forks NY Farmstore Thurs 2pm-6pm Sat 10-2p, Keene Valley Farmers Market Pork, Beef, Goat,Goat Milks Cheeses, and other farm products Mace Chasm Mace Chasm Rd, Keeseville NY p Weekly deliveries, Keene Valley Farmers Market, Self serve freezer in butcher shop open Tues-Sat Pork, Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Eggs and Sausages, also serving tacos and burgers thurs and fri eves at Ausable Brewing Ausable Brewing Company Mace Chasm Rd Keeseville, NY Tap room open Thursday/Friday 2-8 and Saturday 12-8 Evening food truck schedule. Thursdays 5-close Mace Chasm Food truck Taco Night Fridays 5-close??? Saturdays 5- close??? North Country Creamery Mace Chasm Rd Keeseville, NY p Cafe Open seasonally Firday-Sunday 9am-3pm Farm Store Tuesday - Sunday 9am-3pm yogurt, cheese The above is not a complete list. For more info on local foods check out:

8 Outings Our chapter did a good job of increasing the number of trips and leaders over the past year and we have already added a new leader and some new trips for the 2017 summer season. But we are always looking for more people who want to offer their favorite hike or paddle to others. It is also the best way we know of to meet those who share our love of the mountains, trails and lakes. As you look at the schedule take note that for the months of July and August the ATIS program offers the bulk of the outings. Unless otherwise noted those trips are for adults only as they run a very comprehensive junior program. Please me if you have any questions, trip requests or (even better) would like to lead a trip. There is always room for more! See you on the trails Karen Doman kqdoman@frontier.com Outings Schedule PARTICIPANTS PLEASE NOTE: Although Adirondack weather conditions in summer and fall are generally mild, storms can move in quickly at higher elevations and can include high wind, rain, hail, snow, and lightning. Some stream crossings may become dangerous. Stormy weather and rapid changes can also affect boating trips. Always consider the weather forecasts carefully and bring appropriate clothing and gear to the outing. Please be mindful that we are guests on ATIS and KV hikes and must comply with their policies and procedures. Also, please contact the leader in advance, as details of the outing may have changed. Thursday, June 15, is the first day to sign up for shared trips. Saturday, July 1 Owl Head Lookout HURR This will be a family hike at a slower pace. At elevation of 2530 feet, Owl Head Lookout offers fantastic views of Giant and Rocky Peak and the Roaring Brook valley. Level B, 5.2 miles, 1300 ft ascent Leader: Julie Mercier (Canada) j u l i e m e r c i e r h o t m a i l. c o m Tuesday, July 4 Nun-da-ga-o Ridge HURR Come help celebrate Independence Day on this loop hike with great views and many ups and downs. Level B, 6 miles, 1800 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou a d i r o n d a a o l. c o m Thursday, July 6 Ausable River - Paddle ATIS We will depart from the Rt 9 bridge near Peru and paddle to Lake Champlain. Six boat limit. Leaders: Walt & Augusta Gladding Friday, July 7 South Bay of Lake Champlain - Paddle ATIS This will be a seven mile round trip. Leader: Tony Goodwin

9 Friday, July 7 Full Moon on Big Crow HURR We will hike Big Crow in the evening and enjoy the views of the universe of stars and the full moon illuminating the mountains and valleys. Headlamp or other lighting required. Level C, approx. 1.4 miles, 600 ft ascent Leader: Ellen DuBois a d k e d u b o i g m a i l. c o m Saturday, July 8 Tour de Keeseville Cycling HURR We will begin in Keeseville and ride on quiet back roads through apple country with possible stops at Rulfs, Ausable Chasm, North Star Museum, and best of all, the Fresh and Fancy Bakery at the end of the ride. Helmet and water required. Distance: 16.5 miles, moderate difficulty Leader: Michael Battisti m b a t t i s t o u t l o o k. c o m Saturday, July 8 Stag Brook Falls HURR This is a great hike for families. Meeting at Whiteface Ski area, we will hike the Stag Brook trail. Lots of waterfalls and rocks. After leaving this trail we will follow a ski trail to mid station where we will enjoy our bag lunch. Leader: Ellie McAvoy e l l i e _ m c a v o m e. c o m Sunday, July 9 Bennies Brook Slide HURR This slide on Lower Wolf Jaw was greatly enlarged by tropical storm Irene. The grade is moderate for most of the length but gets steep near the top. Non-technical climbing, but good traction footwear is helpful. Level A, miles, 2500 ft ascent Leader: Peter Slocum p s l o c u m 4 g m a i l. c o m Sunday, July 9 Hardy Road East Trails HURR We will hike and explore the multipurpose trails east of Hardy road. Level C, about 3 miles, less than 1000 ft ascent Leader: Bert Yost bertyost@frontiernet.net Monday, July 10 Geology Walk ATIS Climb to the top of Roaring Brook Falls and discuss the geology of the area. Leader: Thaddeus Bejnar t h a d d e u b e j n a r. c o m Tuesday, July 11 Hike Baldhead & Moose Mountains ATIS This 7-mile hike will be on unmarked herdpaths and involve some easy bushwhacking. Leader: Peter Biesemeyer Wednesday, July 12 Boreal Bog Botanical Hike HURR This will be a leisurely nature hike viewing the natural diversity on the beautiful Boreal Life trail at Paul Smith s VIC. Lunch will follow at the St. Regis Café at PSC. Reservations by July 5 are required for lunch. Leaders: Merle & Roger Tanis or m e r l e t 1 4 g m a i l. c o m Wednesday, July 12 Allen Mountain ATIS This hike will be on trails and herdpaths to a remote peak. Level A, 18 miles, 3500 ft ascent Leader: Tony Goodwin

10 Thursday, July 13 Surf and Turf Mirror Lake HURR We will first paddle the circumference of beautiful Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, then we ll walk around the lake getting a different perspective. We will finish by enjoying a cool beverage at a brew pub (optional). Leader: Kathleen Blaisel kblaisel987@gmail.com Thursday, July 13 Iron Mt to Owls Head Lookout HURR This is an easy to moderate hike to Iron Mt with outstanding views of the Champlain Valley. We will bushwhack to Owls Head and return by marked trail to the trailhead. Car spot required. Level B, 6.5 miles, 1500 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou a d i r o n d a a o l. c o m Thursday, July 13 South Creek Second Pond - Paddle ATIS Leaders: Jim & Emily Pugsley Friday, July 14 Boreas Ponds Hike ATIS This is a mostly flat hike on the road to Boreas Ponds. Leader: Christine Bourjade Monday, July 17 Colvin & Sawteeth Mountains ATIS This will be a rugged hike of these high peaks via Shanty Brook. Level A Leader: Maggie Sheldon Tuesday, July 18 Taylor Pond - Paddle ATIS Leaders: Bob & Nancy Kohlbecker Thursday, July 20 Montreal Art Museum ATIS We will visit two exhibits of contemporary art in Montreal. Leader: Muriel Luderowski Thursday, July 20 Mount Adams KV We will hike to the summit and fire tower of Mount Adams near Upper Works. Leaders: Bevan & Jonathan Stanley Friday, July 21 Goodnow Mountain ATIS This hike leads to a summit and fire tower with extensive views, plus a possible visit to the nearby ADK Interpretive Center. Leader: Elisabeth Craven Saturday, July 22 Map & Compass Fundamentals HURR We will meet at ADK Café and car pool to Crow Clearing. The hike and map and compass work will be along Nundagao Ridge. We will wander around up along the ridge, and demonstrate and practice whatever techniques the group wants (straight line bearing travel, navigating by terrain features, triangulation, offsets, etc.). Some bushwhacking. Level B Leader: Tom DuBois e t d u b o i s m a i g m a i l. c o m

11 Saturday, July 22 Long Pond and Long Pond Mt paddle & hike HURR We will park at the western end of Long Pond on Floodwood road. The carry to the put-in is ¼ mile. We will paddle across Long Pond up to the northwest arm to the trailhead. We will plan to eat lunch on the summit. Level C (hike), 3.2 miles, 930 ft ascent Leader: Bethany Krawiec b e t h a n y k h o t m a i l. c o m Monday, July 24 Grace Mountain ATIS This hike is to a remote peak in the Dix Range. Level A Leader: Bob Wei Tuesday, July 25 Street and Nye Mountains HURR This is a hike to two of the easier 4000 ft peaks (Nye falls a bit short of 4000 ft) from the Adirondack Loj trailhead. Bring water shoes for the crossing of Indian Pass Brook if conditions are wet. Climbing is steep in places but generally moderate. Pace will be slow to moderate. Level B, 9 miles, 2600 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou a d i r o n d a a o l. c o m Tuesday, July 25 Big Crow for Breakfast ATIS We will hike this small peak in Keene. Bring your own beverage. Limit of 15 participants. Leaders: Walt & Augusta Gladding Wednesday, July 26 Phelps Montain ATIS We will climb this familiar peak by a different route, via the Klondike herdpath. Level A Leader: Christine Bourjade Thursday, July 27 Kushaqua - Paddle ATIS Leader: Marcia Mosey Friday, July 28 Moose & McKenzie Mountains HURR We will start from the Whiteface Club road, ascend Moose, then traverse the long ridge to McKenzie, and descend to the road and cars. Some of these trails are minimally maintained and blowdown can be expected. Level A, 9 miles, 3000 ft ascent Leader: Bob Hunter r h u n t e t w c n y. r r. c o m Saturday, July 29 Tour de Ausable Cycling HURR We will start at the Jay Green and follow the East Branch of the Ausable to Hulls Falls. A stop at Cedar Run Bakery will allow us to refuel for the return to Jay. Helmet and water required. Distance: 22 miles, moderate difficulty Leader: Michael Battisti m b a t t i s t o u t l o o k. c o m Monday, July 31 Wright Peak HURR A challenging hike to this peak in the MacIntyre Range above treeline. Level A, 6.8 miles, 2400 ft ascent Leader: Leonard Zelkowitz l e o n a r d o d z e l a o l. c o m

12 Monday, July 31 Osgood Pond/Jones Pond Outlet - Paddle ATIS Leaders: Jim & Emily Pugsley Tuesday, August 1 Whitewater Rafting on the Hudson HURR Join a guided rafting trip through the Hudson River Gorge with Wild Waters (6 to 8 people per raft plus guide). Previous experience is not required. Fee of $89 includes lunch and dinner. Deadline is July 14. Call leader for more details or see Leader: Chris Barnes christinelbarnes@gmail.com Tuesday, August 1 Vanderwhacker Mountain KV Level B Leader: Betsy Richert info@betsyrichert.com Wednesday, August 2 Seymour Mountain ATIS Level A, 14 miles Leader: Bob Wei Wednesday, August 2 Full Moon on Beer Walls HURR We will hike to the top of a climbing wall near Chapel Pond (no rock climbing involved and we will avoid the cliff edge) in the evening and enjoy the spectacular views above and below. Headlamp or other lighting required. Level C, approx. 0.5 miles, 300 ft ascent Leader: Ellen DuBois a d k e d u b o i g m a i l. c o m Thursday, August 3 Hitchins Pond and Low s Ridge paddle & hike HURR We will paddle 3 miles from Lows s lower dam, through pretty Hitchins Pond to the upper dam. From there the hike to Low s Ridge is 2.2 miles. We will plan to eat lunch on the ridge. Spectacular views. Level C Leader: Bethany Krawiec b e t h a n y k h o t m a i l. c o m Thursday, August 3 MacDonough Mt (formerly Slip Mt) ATIS We will bushwhack to this remote mountain in the Jay Mountain Wilderness. Leader: Peter Biesemeyer Friday, August 4 Sentinel Range hike HURR This will be an easy walk on a logging road in the Sentinel Range Wilderness, going as far as an old lumber camp (expect some blowdown and rough conditions). Call leader to confirm by August 2. Leader will have two dogs so don t bring a dog without permission. Start at 70 Stewart Mt Way (need AWD or 4WD), or park at Springfield Road. Level B, 3.5 miles Leader: Jae Burke Friday, August 4 Mount Cold Trap Dike ATIS We will ascend Mt Colden via the Trap Dike. Level A+, slide climbing and very steep terrain Leader: Sam Hoar, Sr Saturday, August 5 Mount Haystack HURR A strenuous hike to the third highest peak in the Adirondacks. We will hike from the Garden. Level A+, 17.8 miles, 3400 ft ascent Leader: Julie Mercier (Canada) juliemercier6@hotmail.com

13 Monday, August 7 Lake Placid Peninsula Trail ATIS After the hike, we will have an optional lunch at a place chosen by the group. Leader: Janet Schoat Monday, August 7 Mirror Lake - Paddle ATIS We will paddle Mirror Lake and enjoy the full moon. Leader: Barbara Dwyer Tuesday, August 8 Catamount Mountain HURR This is one of the lesser known but very worthwhile hikes located northwest of Whiteface. Be prepared for steep climbing and an expansive view from the summit. Level B, 4 miles, 1500 ft ascent Leader: Leonard Zelkowitz l e o n a r d o d z e l a o l. c o m Tuesday, August 8 King Philip s Spring Cliffs ATIS Another roadside distraction. This will be an easy 20 minutes to the cliffs from the spring on Rt 73. Non-technical. Leader: Peter Biesemeyer Wednesday, August 9 Owls Head Lookout and High Bank HURR We will hike up the North trail to Giant to these two landmarks with great views. Level C, 7 miles, 1800 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou a d i r o n d a a o l. c o m Wednesday, August 9 Missisquoi Bay, Vermont - Paddle ATIS Leaders: Walt & Augusta Gladding Wednesday, August 9 Hoffman Notch KV We wil hike this scenic trail through magnificent woods. Leader: Janet Hentschl Thursday, August 10 Route 73 Roadside Clean-up HURR The Chapter has adopted a section of Rt 73 in Keene to pick up trash along the road side. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the parking area next to the river opposite Airport Road. Leader: Wesley Krawiec w e s l e y. k r a w i e g m a i l. c o m Friday, August 11 Walk on the Wild Side HURR We will visit the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, checking out the indoor displays and hiking the trails, including the Wild Walk. Cost is $15 per person for a group of ten or more. Leader: Kathleen Blaisel kblaisel987@gmail.com Friday, August 11 Nun-da-ga-o Ridge & Weston Mt ATIS Leader: John Hutchins Friday, August 11 Lower Part of Upper Saranac Lake - Paddle ATIS Leader: Marcia Mosey Saturday, August 12 Clements Pond HURR We will hike to Clements Pond on the trail from Styles Brook Road.Level C: about 3 miles Leader: Barbara Juh bjjuh@msn.com

14 Sunday, August 13 Hardy Road West Trails HURR We will hike and explore the multipurpose trails west of Hardy road. Level C, about 3 miles, less than 1000 ft ascent Leader: Bert Yost bertyost@frontiernet.net Monday, August 14 Poke-O-Moonshine Loop KV Leader: David Thomas-Train Tuesday, August 15 Pitchoff Mt ATIS Route (traverse or boulders) will be decided by the group. Level B Leader: Annie Janeway Wednesday,August 16 Floodwood-Fish Creek-Follensby Clear-Polliwog - paddle HURR The put-in is on Floodwood road after spotting cars at Polliwog Pond. We will cross over Floodwood, down Fish Creek, up Spider Creek into Follensby Clear Pond, and have lunch. From there it is a short carry to Polliwog and the cars. Bethany Krawiec bethanykr@hotmail.com Thursday, August 17 Gothics/Armstrong/Upper Wolf Jaws ATIS This hike over three high peaks will be a long, hard, day. Level A+ Leader: Christine Bourjade Friday, August 18 Pharaoh Mountain ATIS Six mile round trip of this mountain near Schroon Lake. Level B Leader: Tony Goodwin Sunday, August 20 Pray n Play HURR We will take the boat to Chapel Island in Upper Saranac Lake for the 11 a.m. service. Paddling and picnicking afterward. Leader: Marcia Mosey m g m o s e y 1 8 e a r t h l i n k. n e t Monday, August 21 Elizabethtown #4 ATIS This hike of a mountain in the Dix Mountain Wilderness is an easy bushwhack along well-worn herdpaths. Leader: Christine Bourjade Tuesday, August 22 Gray and Skylight HURR We will ascend these two peaks from the Loj trailhead via Lake Arnold and Feldspar Brook. Level A, 17 miles, 4000 ft ascent Leader: Julie Mercier (Canada) j u l i e m e r c i e r h o t m a i l. c o m Tuesday, August 22 Split Rock Mt (New Russia) HURR We will meet at the Giant trailhead and drive over to the start. The route follows woods roads and then bushwhacks through mixed forest. Level B, approx.. 6 miles, 1000 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou a d i r o n d a a o l. c o m Tuesday, August Plattsburgh Museum ATIS We will tour the 1812 museum plus two brewpubs on the base oval. Leaders: Walt & Augusta Gladding

15 Wednesday, August 23 Ticonderoga Marsh - Paddle ATIS This is not wilderness but a nice paddle and we just might see some interesting birds. Leaders: Jim & Emily Pugsley Saturday, August 26 Big Slide Mountain HURR We will climb this great mountain by the Brothers trail. Level A, 8 miles, 3400 ft ascent Leader: Peggy MacKellar m m a c k e l l a r o a d r u n n e r. c o m Saturday, September 2 Whiteface by Canoe HURR This will be a surf n turf classic: paddle to Whiteface Landing and ascend the mountain by the hiking trail along Whiteface Brook. Spectacular views from low and high. Level A: 7 miles hiking, 6 miles canoeing, 2800 ft ascent Leader: Peter Slocum p s l o c u m 4 g m a i l. c o m Tuesday, September 5 Paddle n Picnic HURR We will meet at Lake Everest in Wilmington in the late afternoon. Bring a dish to share hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Leader: Marcia Mosey m g m o s e y 1 8 e a r t h l i n k. n e t Wednesday, September 6 Lyon Mountain HURR This is the northernmost firetower peak with an international view. We will follow the new switchbacked trail built by ADK and climb the tower. Level B, 6.6 miles, 2100 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou a d i r o n d a a o l. c o m Thursday, September 7 Bog and Bear Pond - Paddle HURR Join the leaders for a leisurely, tranquil paddle across the southern end of Upper St. Regis Lake, through Bog Pond, and into Bear Pond. The route includes two short carries. Bring lunch as we will picnic on shore. Leaders: Merle & Roger Tanis or m e r l e t 1 4 g m a i l. c o m Sunday, September 10 Poorman s Downhill HURR We will hike and explore this multipurpose trail in Wilmington. Level C, about 3 miles, less than 1000 ft ascent Leader: Bert Yost bertyost@frontiernet.net Saturday, September 16 Nippletop & Dial HURR The hike to these High Peaks will go up through Elk Pass and back down the ridge via Dial. Level A+, 13 miles, 5200 ft ascent Leader: Peggy MacKellar m m a c k e l l a r o a d r u n n e r. c o m Sunday, September 24 Nun-da-ga-o Ridge HURR We will hike this familiar route and enjoy the views and hopefully the fall colors. Level B, 6 miles, 1600 ft ascent Leader: Barbara Juh b j j u m s n. c o m Wednesday, September 27 Giant Mountain HURR Giant is one of the most popular high peaks, but it is still a challenging climb. We will ascend by the Ridge trail which has great views from the open rock. Level A, 7.5 miles, 3400 feet ascent Leader: Leonard Zelkowitz l e o n a r d o d z e l a o l. c o m

16 Saturday, October 7 Street and Nye HURR This is a hike to two of the easier 4000 ft peaks (Nye falls a bit short of 4000 ft) from the Adirondack Loj trailhead. Bring water shoes for the crossing of Indian Pass Brook if conditions are wet. Climbing is steep in places but generally moderate. Level B, 9 miles, 2600 ft ascent Leader: Peggy MacKellar m m a c k e l l a r o a d r u n n e r. c o m Saturday, October 14 Fall Trail Work Day HURR We need a good turnout of members to help clear the Chapter s trails in the Gulf Brook area. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Crow Clearing. We will trim back vegetation, cut/clear blowdown, and open drainage ditches. Bring tools if you have them. Leader: Joe Bogardus j o e. a d k g m a i l. c o m Sunday, October 29 Halloween on Hurricane HURR Bring your costume and we will dress up on the peak. Level B, 7 miles, 1600 ft ascent Leader: Elie Bijou a d i r o n d a a o l. c o m

17 Annual Meeting/ Pot Luck Dinner Tuesday August 22nd 6:30pm ATIS Cabin, St. Huberts Bring a dish to share The chapter will be providing soft drinks, cups, plates & silverware Questions: contact Lisa or athenastinkdog@gmail.com RSVP to athenastinkdog@gmail.com by Aug 20 Chapter Officers Chairman Lisa Godfrey athenastinkdog@gmail.com Vice Chair Bettyann Dixson Betty11738@aol.com (june to october) Treasurer Barbara Dwyer bsdadk@nybiz.rr.com Secretary Karen Doman kqdoman@frontier.com Director Betsy Richert info@betsyrichert.com Alt. Director Volunteer needed Committees Conservation David Thomas-Train badtts@kvvi.net Outing Schedule Karen Doman kqdoman@frontier.com Trails Maintenance Volunteer needed Newsletter Design Lisa Godfrey athenastinkdog@gmail.com Lean-to David Thomas-Train badtts@kvvi.net Membership Volunteer needed Education Kathleen Wiley kathleen_wiley@yahoo.com We are looking for articles for our newsletter. Please submit written articles with photos, if available to Lisa Godfrey.

18 Keene Valley Chapter of ADK 535 Sandy Street Norristown, PA Hurricane Firetower 2016 Lisa J. Godfrey