Footprints. Foothills Chapter. Upcoming Events. Newsletter of the Adirondack Mountain Club ~ 1 ~ Volume 4, Issue 8 August 2014

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1 Footprints Newsletter of the Adirondack Mountain Club Foothills Chapter Volume 4, Issue 8 August 2014 Upcoming Events August August 24 Sept. 4-7 Sept. 10 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 No Meeting Chapter picnic 12:00 noon-wells town pavilion Fall Trail Maintenance Adopted portion of NPT Chapter meeting Gloversville Senior Center 7PM Chapter meeting Gloversville Senior Center 7PM Trail maintenance workshop Blue Mt. ~ 1 ~

2 Sounds from the Chair by Jody Rothmeyer In last month s newsletter, I talked about becoming a volunteer. In this, and the next few, Sounds from the Chair, I will be describe some of the duties of the elected Chairs as well as some of the appointed. The descriptions of the elected are straight from our Chapter by-laws. If you are interested in any of the Chair positions, contact either the individual Chairs or the Chapter Chair. Chair. The Chair shall be the chier elected official and spokesperson for the Chapter. The Chair shall call and preside at all meetings of the Chapter and Executive Committee, shall create all adhoc committees with the adive and consent of the Executive Committee, shall propose a budget for the next fiscal year for approval by the Executive Committee, and shall perform all other duties ordinarily devolving upon the office of the Chair. Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair shall/may chair the Outings Committee. Shall be responsible for establishing a schedule of outings throughout the year and shall perform the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair. The Vice-Chair supports all other members of the Executive Committee as well as Appointive Positions. Continue next month ~ 2 ~

3 SUGGESTED READING A child s walk in the Wilderness by Paul Molyneaux Applachian Trail book discussed at last month s meeting. Check local libraries. [ ] Tracking the Foothillers Jay Mountain July 12, 2014 Leader: Gail Livingston The trail to the height of land and first 360 degree view was great thanks to the efforts of the ADK trail crew who built the upper 1.2 miles of trail, and a Student Conservation Crew financed by DEC who opened the lower 1.5 miles in We had unobstructed views of the Great Range, Hurricane, Whiteface, and even glimpses of Lake Champlain. It was an incredible panorama, and as Al said, worth the climb alone. Now on to the "mere" 1.5 mile walk of "open" ridgeline. The fires of 1906 and 1908 left this ridge bare, creating one of the longest open walks in the Adirondacks. However, we discovered that along with bare rocks there were lots of narrow paths that twisted and turned through brush and small trees as well as some rock scrambles. The construction of the cairns that pointed the way were interesting to contemplate and somewhat took our minds off our tiring legs! The ridge had a few ups and downs and when we finally reached what we thought was the summit it was a hallelujah moment. That moment was short-lived when a friendly fellow hiker pointed out one more down and up to the true summit! We decided the view couldn't be any better than what we were seeing right there with the expanse of mountains all around and Lake Champlain in the distance so we sat and enjoyed our lunch and our achievement. Participants: Arlo Klinetob and Al Morse. ~ 3 ~

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5 Bennington, Vermont 10K Walk (6.2 miles) Wednesday, July 16, 2014 Leader(s): Gail Livingston An army of ten Foothillers and guests marched into Bennington, scene of the famous battle in the Revolutionary War. We were ready to soak up some history, culture, support the local economy, and, of course, enjoy a great lunch! As we walked we admired the beautifully kept houses and grounds. At The Old First Church, established in1762, we were told how the first congregants endured 3 hour services in their square family pews, keeping themselves warm by propping their feet near a hot coal-containing metal box in the center. Even prisoners attended the service in the own section in the balcony. Outside we perused some of the gravestones in the adjacent cemetery where soldiers and parishioners alike were buried, taking special note of Robert Frost's grave. On the Bennington Monument where we rode to the top in an elevator and took in views from the four points of the compass. Thora marveled at the changes since she had visited as a child when she had to climb all 400+ steps to the viewing area which was open to the elements so you could step right out to the railing and look up at the top as well as below. Then on to the museum where we viewed paintings by Grandma Moses and other artists, the history and samples of the first Bennington pottery, the story of the battle, and much more. We refueled our bodies with food and drink at the Madison Brew Pub and then, when we couldn't eat a bite more we did--at the Crazy Russian Girls Bakery. Our final stop was the Pottery Yard where we encountered our first moose, half in and half out of the front window, wearing his muck boots. Must have been a rainy day when he stopped. Participants: Thora Blackwood and daughter Laura, Nancy and Marty Kested and son Brian, Kathy Schlotzhauer, Sue Ringanese, Valerie Levine, and Linda Nowak. ~ 5 ~

6 George Landis Arboretum July 14, 2014 Leader: Fred Breglia Organizer: Michael Divak Twenty-one faithful hikers showed up to explore the Arboretum on a very hot day. Fred led us on Woodland Trail to the Great Oak, an old growth tree standing in a field. From there a short walk brought us into an old growth forest. Fred showed us ways to identify old growth trees. From there we followed a new trail not yet opened to the public to a second old growth forest along a beautiful ridge. We returned along a farm road to the Arboretum Meeting House where we ate our lunches while enjoying a fabulous view overlooking the Schoharie Valley. A good time was had by all. Outings Schedule August 2014 Glasgow Mills/Hillabrandt Lake & Vly Saturday, July 26, 2014 Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer Rated: C 6.6 RT HIDDEN VLY. E of East Stoner Lake (1.2 miles from Rt.10). In the Shaker Mtn WF. Old logging road has a rope tied across it at start - no trail markers but easy to follow the 2 miles to Hidden Vly. A shallow lovely lake dammed by beaver. This hike also takes us past the old mill historic site. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Jody Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com) or West Branch Sacandaga River, Shaker Place Area, Day Picnic Sunday, July 27, 2014 Leader(s): Paul Kalac Rated: C Information: Have you ever wanted to take your family for a short canoe paddle to a nice backcountry Adirondack campsite. Here is a great picnic destination on the West Branch of the Sacandaga River off Rte 10 near Shaker Place. This trip requires watercraft to get to. We ll do an hourlong paddle upstream on the river to a secluded campsite, roast hotdogs and hamburgers over a fire in a stone firering, and chill. Pack a picnic lunch with some great treats and drinks, don t forget the kids, and join us for a day of paddling, sun and roasting. This trip will be dependent on warm sunny weather for a comfortable, relaxing day. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Paul Kalac (kalac@frontiernet.net or ) ~ 6 ~

7 Cascade Mt. & Porter Mt. Saturday, August 2, 2014 Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer: B 6.2 RT It is one of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks (36th) and is located in the Adirondack Park. Its name comes from a series of waterfalls on a brook near the mountain's base. Once on the summit, we will take a side trip to Porter Mt. where there are wide views available from the summit, particularly of the Johns Brook Valley to the east (which Porter blocks from Cascade); it is often less crowded than Cascade. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Jody Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com) or Nine Corner Lake, Pine Lake Area, Day Picnic, Swimming Sunday, August 3, 2014 Leader(s): Paul Kalac Rated: C Information: Have you ever wanted to take your family for a swim in a backcountry Adirondack lake? Let s check out this popular hotspot for swimming in the southern Adirondacks. Nine Corner Lake is a premier swimming lake, and while visiting we can check on the condition of its campsites in regard to cleanliness. Pack a picnic lunch with some great treats and drinks, don t forget the kids, and join us for a day in the sun, maybe fishing, maybe swimming, definitely snacks. This trip will be dependent on warm sunny weather for comfortable picnicking and such. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Paul Kalac (kalac@frontiernet.net or ) Chase Lake over night trip Saturday & Sunday, August 9-10, 2014 Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer Rated: C 2.5 OW Information: Lots of twists and turns and stream crossings. A nice hike close to home. Lean-to on the lake. Ups and downs but no major elevation. Contact Leader(s) to signup: Jody Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com) or Fawn Lake, Speculator Area, Day Picnic and Swimming Sunday, August 10, 2014 Leader(s): Paul Kalac Rated: C Information: Have you ever wanted to take your family for a swim in a backcountry Adirondack lake? Fawn Lake near Speculator is one of the finest swimming lakes in the whole Adirondack Park. Why? Imagine a nice sandy beach sloping very, very gradually, crystal clear water over clean sand, as you wade out however far you like. There is also good smallmouth bass fishing among the reeds and rushes to both sides of the sandy swimming area. The trail to Fawn Lake, a wilderness lake with NO development, is short, around a ½ mile, so packing in a picnic basket and a fishing rod is no trouble. The enthusiast outdoors person can carry ~ 7 ~

8 in a canoe via a shorter ¼ mile path to the lake, and then paddle to the swimming beach. Wheeled canoe carriers are not recommended as both trails to the lake are pretty bumpy, but yes it can be done. I ve found it better to carry an ultralight canoe. Pack a picnic lunch with some great treats and drinks, don t forget the kids, and join us for a day of swimming, sun and fishing. This trip will be dependent on warm sunny weather for comfortable swimming. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Paul Kalac (kalac@frontiernet.net or ) West Branch Sacandaga River, Shaker Place Area, Day Picnic Sunday, August 17, 2014 Leader(s): Paul Kalac Rated: C Information: Have you ever wanted to take your family for a short canoe paddle to a nice backcountry Adirondack campsite. Here is a great picnic destination on the West Branch of the Sacandaga River off Rte 10 near Shaker Place. This trip requires watercraft to get to. We ll do an hourlong paddle upstream on the river to a secluded campsite, roast hotdogs and hamburgers over a fire in a stone firering, and chill. Pack a picnic lunch with some great treats and drinks, don t forget the kids, and join us for a day of paddling, sun and roasting. This trip will be dependent on warm sunny weather for a comfortable, relaxing day. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Paul Kalac (kalac@frontiernet.net or ) Goose Pond, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area Sunday, August 17, 214 Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer Rated: C Goose Pond Trail (37) - The trail has yellow trail markers as it leaves Crane Pond Road. At 0.1 miles cross a high plank bridge over the outlet of Alder Pond. At 0.2 miles the trail crosses a wet area over a couple of moss covered logs. At 0.3 miles the trail climbs gently uphill, levels and then climbs again over rocks as well as roots. The trail now travels gently downhill and at 0.6 miles passes a campsite near the edge of the pond. Across the pond is a view of Pharaoh Mountain. You may see loons in the area. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Jody Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com) or New section of the NP Trail Saturday, August 23, 2014 Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer Rated: C+ Information: We will start at Woods Lake and take the new re-route of the Northville-Placid trail as far as the bridge over the Grant Lake outlet stream and then turn around. The new trail is nicely laid out through beautiful open woods. We will cross two new bridges before our turn-around spot. There may be wet areas. 6.5+miles RT. Contact leader to sign up. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Jody Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com) or ~ 8 ~

9 Nine Corner Lake, Pine Lake Area, Day Picnic, Swimming Sunday, August 24, 2014 Leader(s): Paul Kalac Rated: C Information: Have you ever wanted to take your family for a swim in a backcountry Adirondack lake? Let s check out this popular hotspot for swimming in the southern Adirondacks. Nine Corner Lake is a premier swimming lake, and while visiting we can check on the condition of its campsites in regard to cleanliness. Pack a picnic lunch with some great treats and drinks, don t forget the kids, and join us for a day in the sun, maybe fishing, maybe swimming, definitely snacks. This trip will be dependent on warm sunny weather for comfortable picnicking and such. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Paul Kalac (kalac@frontiernet.net or ) BUCK MOUNTAIN Sunday, Aug Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer Rated: B+ Information:The hike to the summit of Buck Mountain from the lake side trailhead is 3.3 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet; from 300 feet to 2,300 feet. The first mile of trail is wide, a little rocky, primarily flat, and includes a couple of stream crossings. The second mile of trail includes a gentle ascent with wide switchbacks. In addition, it includes some very rocky sections that can be slippery. The final mile of trail narrows to a single track and is ~ 9 ~ significantly steeper than the first two miles. In addition, the final stretch may require the use of your hands to maintain balance on some of the rocks. After 2.5 miles of no view, the forest canopy subsides and, on a sunny day, views to the south and east can include areas as far as Vermont. Elevation: elevation gain of 2,000 feet; from 300 feet to 2,300 feet. Length: 6.6 Miles Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Jody Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com) Mount Gilligan & Split Rock Falls Sunday Sept. 14, 2014 Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer Rated: B Mount Gilligan: Short, steep, and sweet! This little mountain does not deserve its obscurity, since a moderate climb pays off with views of the entire Dix Range, plus Bald peak. Lookouts at the.3 mile,.5 mile, and 1.12 mile points. The 46 foot Split Rock Falls is located on the Bouquet River just off US 9 in the Hammond pond wild forest of the Adirondacks. This waterfall has three separate drops with the upper two separated from the third drop by a large pool. There is a paved parking area off US 9 that is unmarked and many travelers drive right by because they have no idea this scenic waterfall is so close to the road. Length: 6.6 Miles Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Jody Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com)

10 New Member Information: Newsletters are sent via to all members with an on file. If you are not receiving the newsletter through , or if you know someone who isn t, please send a current, legable address to Jody Rothmeyer at rojo12547@yahoo.com. If you are unable to open a PDF attachment, the newsletter is available through the ADK website (adk.org) by following the links for Chapters, Foothills, and then newsletter. A hard copy of the newsletter is mailed every other month (next mailing is July) to all members who have requested a hard copy as well as to those members without an on file. If any new members would like a hard copy sent, please send request to rojo12547@yahoo.com. Monthly meetings are held the 2 nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm at the Gloversville Senior Citizen Center, 53 Church St., Gloversville, NY. A raffle is held at each monthly meeting to support refreshments, equipment purchases, and a general use fund as applicable. Committee membership: New members are encouraged to become active members of the Foothills Chapter by participating on one of the various committees. Please contact anyone from the executive committee if you would like to participate. Wanted: Trips/Trip Leaders Wanted The outings program of ADK Chapters is a principal means by which members and their guests learn about, enjoy and become proficient in outdoor recreational activities. Our chapter has 29 trip leaders and has about 4-5 trips per month. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for trips please let me know. There may be a trip leader who would be able to do it. If anyone who is not a trip leader is interested in becoming a trip leader, please contact Scott Hammons at: adk_foothills_outings@yahoo.com or HIKERS RATING Trip Ratings EFFORT LEVEL A+ VERY STRENUOUS ELEVATION GAIN (FEET) MILES TIME (HOURS) 4, A STRENUOUS 3, B+ MODERATELY STRENUOUS 2, B MODERATE 1, C+ FAIRLY EASY 1, C EASY UNDER 1,000 UNDER 5 UNDER 5 These are general guidelines. Not all trips will fit exactly into one of these categories. Address questions to outing leader. ~ 10 ~

11 The Chapter is looking for someone to take over the newsletter.if you are interested please contact jody Rothmeyer at Foothills Membership, 2014 A Hearty Welcome to New Members: Last Month s Rejoining Members: Last Month s Renewing Members: Foothills Membership: 148 and growing Foothills total chapter share for the month of Apr: $ COME TO OUR FIRST ANNUAL FOOTHILLS CHAPTER COOKOUT/POT LUCK ON AUGUST 24 AT THE TOWN PAVILION IN WELLS, NY. BRING YOUR FAVORATE DISH TO PASS AROUND AND A PLACE SETTING FOR ALL THAT YOU WILL BE BRINGING. BYOB ~ 11 ~

12 Foothills-ADK Chapter Adirondack Club Executive Committee: Chairperson: Jody Rothmeyer Vice-Chairperson: Arlo Klinetob Board Director: Walt Lane Membership: Barbette Rothmeyer Treasurer: Jean Griffin Secretary: Karen Burke Outings Chair: Scott Hammons Education Chair: Michael Divak Conservation Co-Chairs: Shawn Neese Brenda Hammons Newsletter: Chapter Photographer: Greg Maklae ~ 12 ~

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14 (The following is a schedule of trips that are being offered throughout the summer as well as some of the scheduled events for the club. If you would like to add to this list by offering a trip, or other information, feel free to contact me. If it is a trip that you are offering, the information must first go through Scott Hammons first to be approved.) 26 Glasgow Mill/Hillabrant Lake (hike) AUGUST 2 Cascade & Porter Mt. (hike) 3 Nine Corner Lake, Pine Lake Area, Day Picnic, Swimming 9-10 Chase Lake (overnight hike) 10 Fawn Lake, Speculator Area, Day Picnic and Swimming AUGUST 17 West Branch Sacandaga River, Shaker Place Area, Day Picnic 17 Goose Pond (Schroon Lake area) (hike) 23 New Section of the NPT (thru hike) 24 Nine Corner Lake, Pine Lake Area, Day Picnic, Swimming 31 Buck Mt. (Lake George) (hike) SEPTEMBER 4-7 Fall NPT Trail Maintenance (hike) 14 Mount Gilligan and Split Rock Falls (hike & swim) Murphy Lake (overnight hike) Ragnar race (volunteers needed) 28 Belfry Mtn. fire tower (Schroon Lake area) (hike) OCTOBER 12 Severence Hill (hike) (Schroon Lake area) 18 Falls Trails Day 19 Trails Committee meeting ~ 14 ~

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