Footprints Newsletter of the Adirondack Mountain Club Foothills Chapter Volume 4, Issue 10 Oct 2014 Upcoming Events Sept. 19-21 Sept. 26-28 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 19 Nov. 12 Fall Outing Keene Valley & Surrounding Area Ragnar race Lake George Chapter meeting Gloversville Senior Center Trail maintenance workshop - Blue Mt. Falls Trails day LOJ Trails Committee meeting _ Weitzle cabin LOJ Chapter meeting Gloversville S/C Dan Kerwood bee presentation ~ 1 ~
Sounds from the Chair by Jody Rothmeyer Let continue where we left off 2 months ago with the descriptions of the various Chapter Chairs and appointed positions. Treasure. The treasurer shall receive that portion of the annual membership fees granted it by the Club (i.e. Chapter Share) and such other monies as may be donated, granted, earned, or collected by the Chapter, shall pay the Chapter expenditures upon approval of the Executive Committee, shall keep the financial records of the Chapter, shall assist the Chair in preparing a proposed annual budget, and shall submit to ADK Headquarters an annual financial report of the Chapter, at the end of the Chapter fiscal year. These records should be published to the membership in the newsletter. Director. The Director shall represent the Chapter at meetings of the Board of Directors of the Club and shall report to the Executive Committee and Chapter membership on Board of Directors discussions and decisions. ~ 2 ~
Suggested reading A child s walk in the Wilderness by Paul Molyneaux Applachian Trail book. Check local libraries. [----------------------------------------------------------------------------] Tracking the Foothillers NPT maintenance trip Sept. 4 7, 2014 Leader: Jody Rothmeyer We had a very good day to hike in to Cedar Creek lean-to. Not too cold but yet not too hot, with blue skies. I hiked in alone with Alan Morse coming in later. The trail was deserted except for a conservation group that was putting in new bog bridging in one section. They were doing an excellent job and I was able to try out some of the section they had already completed. After talking with them for a short time I continued on so that I could get to the lean-to to get the 65lb+ pack off my back (yes, I did it again. I tend to over pack a little). Once I got to the lean-to, I took a break to take in the view and to just listen to the sounds around. What a peaceful place. As I got up to start to do some side cutting, I was met by Alan (who made great time getting in) coming up the trail. Well, you know that I had to take another break because of this. As we sat in the lean-to talking, a husband and wife team that were going north, stopped and chatted with us for about half an hour. After they continued on, we got our tools together and headed off to the north to do some side cutting that needed to be done. It was about an hour later, while working on the trail, that we were once again interrupted by 2 gentlemen that were heading south. As they approached, we found that they were going to be joining us in the lean-to for the night. As they continued on, we started up the work that we were doing until it started to get dark. Once we got back to the lean-to, we started to get our beds and meals ready as we talk with our visitors. It got dark quick so as we watched our first campfire flicker, I crawled into my sleeping bag and fell off to sleep. Thru out the night, I was woken a few times to first the pleasant call of the loons, then what ~ 3 ~
sounded like a fight between them. Our own BATTLE OF THE LOONS show. The next couple of days were a mix of sore feet and tired legs. I was amazed at how well the trail was. We ended up taking out about 8 blow-down and side cutting only about 5 miles of the trail. There were some blow-down that we were not able to take care of because of their size but there were trails that were already made, going around them. The last day we were there, we decided to stay at the Pillsbury lean-to. On the way there we were caught in the only rain that fell this weekend but by the time we got to the lean-to, it had stopped and the temp had fallen to a comfortable degree. Once we changed out of our wet clothes, we began to collect firewood for our last campfire of the trip. Needless to say, we had over done the collection, I think, to the point that whoever stays there next won t have to collect any for their fire. Sunday mornings hike out went pretty fast. When we reached the parking lot and started to leave, we were blocked from leaving the parking lot by vehicles that were coming in to hike Pillsbury Mt. The reason I know they were hiking Pillsbury Mt. is because many of them were our own members, which included Arlo Klinetob and Thora Blackwood among others. All in all, even with the problems I ve been having with my left foot (Planters Fasciitis), I am so glad I went on this trip. It wasn t that difficult and it gave Alan and myself time to get to know each other a little more. Thank you Alan and I hope that you and others will come next year as well. ~ 4 ~
Irishtown to Stony Pond Trail Maintenance Date: September 12, 2014 Leader: Gail Livingston Our forester had warned me that the 28N entrance to Stony Pond would have some poles on the ground as DEC was planning to "open up" the first mile of the trail, but the size and number of the poles was amazing. As we walked that first mile we could not believe the amount of pressure-treated lumber that had been hauled in and left at several places along the trail. It was mind boggling to see how that much lumber could possibly be used. When we signed out at the end of the day, we found in the log book that a Student Conservation crew of 7 had spent 10 days doing the hauling and building one footbridge. It will certainly be interesting to see the "new" section of trail next summer. Once we arrived at the Stony Pond lean-to we took a short break to admire the view of the pond and enjoy Mary Jane's excellent energy bars. Then our work began as we put up a few needed trail markers and continued the side-cutting we had begun in June. We lunched at the campsite on Big Sherman and Al made an interesting discovery: hanging on the tree from a new stringer were two gutted and rather dried brook trout. Can't you just see the picture when the fishermen arrived home? "I thought you brought the fish!" "Well, I thought YOU brought the fish." Fortified with lunch and Mary Jane's raisin-walnut cookies we continued working as we headed back to the trailhead. Many thanks to my excellent and faithful crew: Al and Mary Jane Morse and Arlo Klinetob. ~ 5 ~
Mount Gilligan & Split Rock Falls Sunday Sept. 14, 2014 Leader: Jody Rothmeyer After a day of rain and having to stay inside while at camp, it was nice to be in the woods. It was a beautiful partly cloudy day and one that was perfect for hiking. Not hot but just a little cool when we started out. It was a steep hike up Mount Gilligan but ended with some nice veiws. The trip to Split Rock Falls though was a nice and very short hike. The falls were amazing. What a veiw. We spent about an hour there first going to the bottom of the falls with some of us climbing amoung the rocks for a better view of the falls for the camera shots we were trying to get. ~ 6 ~
Outings Schedule Sept. 2014 Irishtown Trail Maintenance Saturday, October 4, 2014 Leader(s): Gail Livingston Rated: C+ Information: This will be our last work day for this year. We will enter from the Irishtown trailhead and admire the 2 and 1/2 miles of trail we cleared in July and August. As we approach the outlet of Big Sherman Pond we'll complete the clearing of that short section, and then concentrate our efforts from the outlet to the campsite on Big Sherman with sidecutting and blow down removal. It's been so rewarding to see what we've accomplished in our four previous trips, and I've been very fortunate to have such a dedicated and hardworking crew! Please consider joining us and have the satisfaction of contributing to the enjoyment of this wonderful trail. 6 miles round trip. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Gail Livingston (pepperjack@frontiernet.net or 725-6202) Severance Hill Oct. 12, 2014 Leader(s): Jody Rothmeyer Rated: C Information: This is a 2.4 mile round trip hike up a small mountain with an elevation of 1638 ft. Views of Schroon Lake, Paradox Lake, and Pharoah Mountain will be had along the hike. Come see the fall foilage. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Jody ~ 7 ~ Rothmeyer (rojo12547@yahoo.com or 518-224-1576) Vanderwhacker Mt. Saturday, October 18, 2014 Leader(s): Gail Livingston Rated: B Information: The ADK Guide describes the summit of Vanderwhacker as providing "perhaps the finest panorama of the High Peaks to be seen from the southern Adirondacks." I last hiked this mountain in 2005, and the fire tower was still able to be climbed to provide a great 360 degree view. There is also a fire observers cabin. 5.4 mile round trip with an ascent of 1650 feet. Elevation: 3385 feet. Buck Mountain Thursday, October 9, 2014 Leader(s): Sharon Getman Rated: C+ Information: Join me for this moderate popular hike to an open summit along Lake George. The trail rolls along through coniferous forest with a few small stream crossings. There will be several short steep sections as we transition to deciduous growth. The views from the summit include the Tongue Mt Range, Black and Sleeping Beauty, and Lake George. 2.3 miles one way with an ascent of 1130. Contact Leader(s) to sign-up: Sharon Getman (gogimpygo@yahoo.com - 518-673-5216)
HIKERS RATING Trip Ratings EFFORT LEVEL A+ VERY STRENUOUS ELEVATION GAIN (FEET) MILES TIME (HOURS) 4,000+ 10+ 10+ A STRENUOUS 3,000+ 5-10 8-10 B+ MODERATELY STRENUOUS 2,000+ 5-10 6-8 B MODERATE 1,000+ 8-10 5-7 C+ FAIRLY EASY 1,000+ 5-8 4-6 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. 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 518-774-5050. New Member Information: Newsletters are sent via email to all members with an email on file. If you are not receiving the newsletter through email, or if you know someone who isn t, please send a current, legable email 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 email 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 50-50 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. ~ 8 ~
Foothills Membership, 2014 A Hearty Welcome to New Members: Thomas Schaller Last Month s Rejoining Members: Last Month s Renewing Members: Richard & Lorraine Carlson Gail Livingston Jane Riley Jody & Barbette Rothmeyer Mr. Robert Shwajlyk Foothills Membership: 146 and growing Foothills total chapter share for the month of Apr: $87.00 For months now we have had a request in this cloud FOR a Newsletter editor. Well, we now have one. Welcome Carmen Gisondi one of our newest members. Thank you Carmen for taking over. Looking forward on reading your view of the newsletter. ~ 9 ~
Foothills-ADK Chapter Adirondack Club Executive Committee: Chairperson: Jody Rothmeyer rojo12547@yahoo.com 224-1576 Vice-Chairperson: Arlo Klinetob arlok2@icloud.com Board Director: Walt Lane wlane937@nycap.rr.com Membership: Barbette Rothmeyer barbettef@yahoo.com Treasurer: Jean Griffin griffinjean31@yahoo.com 835-4022 Secretary: Karen Burke mustard@klink.net Outings Chair: Scott Hammons adk_foothills_outings@yahoo.com 518-774-1626 Education Chair: Michael Divak divakvax@hotmail.com Conservation Co-Chairs: Shawn Neese sneese1@roadrunner.com Brenda Hammons penguins2b@yahoo.com Newsletter: Carmen Gisondi cmgisondi1@gmail.com Chapter Photographer: Greg Maklae gmaklae@frontier.net ~ 10 ~
Minutes of Foothills Chapter ADK September 10, 2014 Chairperson Jody called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. Three new members were introduced and welcomed: Tricia Wilson, Dennis Wilson and Carmen Gisondi. As chairpersons reported, they also introduced themselves to the new members. Outings Chair, Scott, reported that he and Brenda are official Trail Stewards associated with the Foothills Chapter. He offered training to anyone interested in becoming a trip leader. It was discussed how to request equipment for trail maintenance. The chapter owns quite a bit of equipment (loppers, saws, safety glasses, wedges, etc.). Scott is in charge of the equipment and keeps track of its whereabouts. Ask him, if there is anything you need to borrow. Brenda and Shawn (Conservation Chairs) gave thanks to Jody for leading the fall trail maintenance expedition to our adopted section of the NP trail last weekend. Jody was accompanied by Al Morse. The plan now is to do fall maintenance on the same weekend next year, the weekend after labor day. Mike, Education Chair, talked about an education outreach program that was conducted at Perth school over the summer. He also informed us that at the November meeting there will be a presentation by beekeeper Dan Kerwood. Mike talked about some treatments for plantar fasciitis. Walt talked about his role as board member. He also told us of his recent hiking trips to Moxham Mountain and OK Slip Falls and highly recommended them. He also mentioned that ADK is posting on Facebook about outings and encouraged us to check it out. Jean, treasurer, gave her report with an ending balance on hand of $5146.74. Karen spoke about her role as secretary. Jody talked about the first Chapter picnic, held August 24th in Wells. He hopes to make this an annual event, at the same place and same weekend every year. Jody reminded us about the Ragnar Races. Jody announced that he is resigning as Chair as of January 1st. People should start thinking about filling this position. Gail expressed appreciation for all Jody has done for us. New member Carmen has agreed to take over the publishing of the newsletter. Scott was the 50/50 winner. Adjournment was at 8 pm. ~ 11 ~
(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.) SEPTEMBER 26-28 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 ~ 12 ~