Trip Reviews - 2009
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January 2009
Buck Mountain Annual New Year's Day Hike Thu, Jan 1, 2009, Reg Prouty and Bob Aspholm
A great bright sunny New year's day greeted 15 of us as we made our way up the West side
of Buck Mtn. A cheery group helped Bob and Reg sing "Auld Sang Syne" on the summit. Bob
even had all the words written down this year and we were even on the same key! Thanks go
out to Jack for leading the hares up first. What a great way to start a fresh new year off!
15
15 Participants : Reg Prouty, Bob Aspholm, Bruce Cushing, John Susko, Andy Janz,
Jason Lasky, Bill Carpenter, Erin Blair, Jayne Bouder, Wayne Mc Farren, Jack
whitney, Kathy Quoi, Jeff Sullivan, Alan Gee, and Liz Gee.
Murphy, Middle and Bennet Lakes Sat, Jan 3, 2009, Ray Bouchard
We certainly lucked out with a nice sunny day for a change and 6 congenial people to
share it. The going was easy because of the crust on the first foot of snow which was then
topped off with another 4" of fluff. The area is rich in history including some paint (red
iron oxide) pits near Bennett Lake so I'd like to return this summer to do some exploring
and maybe check out some of the beaches that I read about.
6 Participants : Ray Bouchard,
Maureen Jones, Margie Litwin, Kristen Ross, Melissa Ross, Art Ostrov.
Introduction to Snowshoe Hike Sun, Jan 4, 2009, Pat Desbiens and Sandy Yellen
Cat Mountain was chosen for this beginner snowshoe. Eight participants with
varying levels of experienced showed up. Everyone participated to the very best of their
ability level with the rewards being a great day to be in the woods plus a clear, fantastic
view of Lake George and environs from the summit. Congratulations to Sandy on her first
hike as a co-leader - we look forward to having you lead hikes for the Chapter.
8 Participants : Rich Myette, Jim Purdy, Ronny Purdy, Jack Whitney, Lee DeBerry, Chris Grahan,
Sandy Yellen, Pat Desbiens
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Jan 6, 2009, Maureen Coutant
We decided to explore Coles Woods in Glens Falls. When we got there, we chose to use
snowshoes as the trails seemed too icy for skis. We had a great walk and conversations and even
broke a sweat! We met the GF electrician who was fixing the lights on one of the loops, so at
least 2 loops are working. Hopefully, we'll get out for a ski under the lights soon!
4 Participants : Maureen Coutant, Sam Lantz, Licia Mackey, Judy Rist
High Peak - Basin Sat, Jan 10, 2009, Jack Whitney and Jean Holcomb
Despite brutal cold seven folks showed up for this hike. To my astonishment most of
them were not peak baggers but simply people who wanted a 17 mile stroll up an
exhausting, icy, dangerous summit in below zero temps. Fortunately it was too cold to be windy
and Basin rewarded us with beautiful sunshine and the miricle of a marshmellow world
all to ourselves. Also to our delight the trail had been broken so our trip was as
trouble free as possible. The toughest climbing of the day was on the Shorey Short Cut (what
a joke!) In the end we all made it by hanging tough and helping one another. Great
going guys!
8 Participants : Jean Holcomb, George Barenaskas, Colin Buckhurst, Dan
Monroe, Trisha Lockwood, John Hartzell, Jim and Casey Jones.
Ampersand Mountain Sun, Jan 11, 2009, Steve Mackey
The climb up Ampersand was pretty tough. Heidi said the climb is only a couple of
hundred feet less than Cascade. We had a partial view and could see Ampersand Lake, but not
the Sewards. Gary had this neat move where he fired a couple of thermoses down the
trail. I think if he practices it little bit, it could be a good defense against bears and
snakes. I was having a little trouble with my snowshoes and while I was busy studying them, I
managed to walk into a blowdown that was about six feet high, (it would have made the
highlights of "America's funniest home videos").
6 Participants : Gary & Andrew Rodd, Heidi Karkoski, Don Marshall, Steve & Licia Mackey
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Jan 13, 2009, Maureen Coutant
I'd heard great things about the groomed trails here, but had never been able to use
them until now. We'd hiked this area a couple of times, so we knew it would be a great ski.
The conditions were the best. New snow, freshly groomed, blue sky, and comfortable
temperatures. We met the groomer, a volunteer who puts in at least 100 hours on his own equipment,
and he told us about a moonlight ski there on Sat Feb 7th. Sounds like fun!
9 Participants : Maureen Coutant, Liz Gee, Sam Lantz, Licia and Steve Mackey, Judy Rist, George and
Irene Sammons, Vicky Warren
YMG - Phelps Sat, Jan 17, 2009, Jonathan Lane and Kyle Shollenberger
Wow, was it cold! But sub-zero temps couldn’t keep us inside. Instead we headed
north for colder weather and hiked up a High Peak. We kept moving and stayed warm. It was a
little windy at the summit, so we stayed long enough to snap a few photos, then headed back
down to where it was “warmer” out of the wind. After returning to the trailhead, it was
off to get a well deserved hot meal!
9 Participants : Annie Dagastine, David Davison,
Eliza Davison, Emily Davison, Madeline Kowalik-Bova, Jonathan Lane, Chirstiane
Mulvihill, Kyle Shollenberger.
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Jan 20, 2009, Maureen Coutant
This week was going to be a joint event with our ADKers meeting up with the Moreau
staff for a snowshoe. When my daughter stayed home sick...it became a nonADK trip out to
Moreau. I heard they had a great time! Photos in the gallery!
Winter High Peak :Tabletop Mt. Sat, Jan 24, 2009, Jack Whitney
It was 5 degrees when we started out and the temperatures continued to drop during
the day. We had a quick warm-up walk to Marcy Dam, then headed up the trail turning off
just before Indian Falls. Taking a short break due to the temperatures we were soon off
to the summit. It was blue skies with excellent views on the way up and just off the
summit of Tabletop. It was a great but cold day - congratulations to all.
8 Participants :
Dan Monroe; Kevin Cox; Eberhard Burkowski; Nancy Roderick; Dan Forbush; Lana
Christiamsen ; Chris Lincoln ; Jack Whitney
Stillwater Locks Area Sat, Jan 24, 2009, Rich Crammond
This was a windy cold day and not as much open water as last year. We did enjoy being
outside and saw many other kinds of birds such as the hawks, gulls, ducks and many other
smaller birds. No eagles! It was nice to hike with good people and share our ADK outing.
6 Participants : Reg Prouty, Liz and Alan Gee, Jim and Veronica Purdy, Rich Crammond
Leaders Choice Snowshoe Sun, Jan 25, 2009, Bill Schwarz
Turns out we did go to Moreau Lake State Park--several new trails have been added
from the main parking lot that access recently-acquired state land. This winter,
we've had plenty of snow, and below-zero starting temperatures didn't deter six
snowshoe enthusiasts who enjoyed the bright sun and views of the lake. Free spirits Bob and
Jane went off for their own bushwacking adventure, while the rest of the group walked on
water during the return (but there was a foot of ice on the lake!).
7 Participants : Bob Aspholm, Jane Bouder, Jackie Keven, Margie Litwin, Gary Rodd, Melissa Ross, Bill Schwarz.
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Jan 27, 2009, Maureen Coutant
This week we cross country skied the trails behind Queensbury School. It was the
first time there this year and the first time ever for some of the participants. It was a
bright sunny day and everyone was glad to be out enjoying the wonderful snow!
9 Participants : Maureen Coutant, Liz Gee, Jean Huntington, Sam Lantz, Licia and Steve Mackey,
George and Irene Sammons, Bill Schwarz
Pyramid and Gothics Sat, Jan 31, 2009, Steve Mackey
The ski conditions were excellent, and the view was as advertised. We had a major
storm on the Wednesday before we left, so after the turn for Sawteeth, we got to do a little
trail breaking. If you add in a very steep trail, deep powder, and add a few spruce traps to
keep things interesting, you get an idea of the climb up Pyramid. I have pretty long legs
and when I was breaking trail, I had all I could do getting my leg up high enough to take
the next step. Clear blue sky's with cold wind on the summits (Mike got some frost bite
on his cheeks). I may make this an annual trip.
4 Participants : Mike Fuller, Dan Dolan, WIll McGivney, Steve Mackey
February 2009
Pilot Knob Sun, Feb 1, 2009, Jack Whitney
Temperatures were in the lower 20's when we started - as we ascended the
temperature continued to drop. Taking our time on the way up we stopped at the lookouts, had
great views and saw many ice fisherman (like little dots) all over Lake George. Arriving
at our final summit, the wind was very blustery and everyone donned face masks, had a
quick bite to eat and headed down to a less windy area with the temperature climbing as we
descended. Thanks to all who participated on this great day.
17 Participants : Jill
Eaton,Babette Furman, Art Ostrov, Sharon Rouse, Chris Redgon, Ann Mundy, Jean Holcomb, Ray
Boucher, Jackie Keren, Jayne Bouder, Bill Carpenter, Neil VanDorsten, Stanley, Phil
Alzono; Sandy Yellen; Bob Aspholm; Jack Whitney
Mount Marshall Sun, Feb 1, 2009, Mike McLean
Had a rather large and rather strong group of climbers but the snow conditions and
weather prevented us from making it to the top this day. Made good time to the new lean-to at
Herbert Brook and then the real fun began. Snow, deep snow, and even deeper snow made for
slow going up Herbert Brook, we are forced to follow the faint remnants of a previous
track; straying off the track results in immediate and deep spruce traps. Several folks
enjoyed their turns up front. Lost the old track somewhere along the way and by 2pm we are on
false summit still .24 miles from the top and our progress painfully slow in the deep snow
and spruce traps. Many of the climbers start becoming chilled as the wind whips and the
snow falls and the skies darken. Decided to call it a day and make good time back down on
the well trodden part, all folks made it back to the parking lot by 6pm. An excellent
winter adventure for sure.
12 Participants : Dana Chudziski, Greg Matthei, Carol Nester,
Scot Hays, Dan Moellman, Jim Dean, Dave Kocian, Heidi Karkonski. Nick Silver, Lana
Christiansen, Don Jones, and Dan Monroe
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Feb 3, 2009, Maureen Coutant
The leader was sick this week, so some of the group did a snowshoe trip on their own up
Lake Anne in Moreau State Park. Wish I could have been there!
Crane Mt. and Crane Pond Loop Sat, Feb 7, 2009, Ray Bouchard
The day turned out to be great after all. The temps were in the single digits when I
left home but they reached 36 by the time we reached the summit around noon. The large
patches of bright blue sky beckoned us to linger a while and enjoy the view, unfortunately
the brisk winds suggested that we move on. The descent to the pond was one long,
continuous glissade interspersed with a few whoops, an occassional "Aieeee" and some
prudent tree grabbing. When the going got too rough the butt slide technique was thrown in
for good measure. The snow had softened considerably by the time we had finished our
rather late lunch next to the pond so the final descent to the car was definitely trickier
than the hike up. The top layer of very soft snow was perched on a sheet of ice from a
previous storm and it insisted on sliding out from under us at the most inopportune moments.
So whether we wanted to or not the butt slide was the common mode of transportation.
The good news is we all made it down in one piece and some even suggested they would do it
again in spite of their bumps and bruises. Time will tell. As for me, I'd hike with these
folks anywhere, anytime. They are tough.
4 Participants : Brenda Arley, Ray Bouchard,
Ray Boucher and Vinnie Parmar
Whiteface Sat, Feb 14, 2009, Steve Mackey and Licia Mackey
We had a low turnout, (I guess nobody owns flexible flyers anymore), but it was a
beautiful day and a great trip. We had brilliant sunshine, and very little wind most of the
time. The view of the rest of the high peaks from the high turn was awesome. We had probably
the best ride down ever. The last half mile was really icy and really fast. We had to
avoid a bare spot and go way to the left and the sleds got a little squirrelly. I took a lot of
video and hope to make a little movie.
3 Participants : Jungle, Steve & Licia Mackey
Spectacle Pond Sun, Feb 15, 2009, Pat Desbiens
A perfect day for a leisurely hike to a lovely pond near Schroon Lake. The sunshine
and virtually no wind allowed for us to eat our lunch at the beautiful rocky promontory
listening to the ice creaking and a view of Pharaoh Mt. After arriving back at the trailhead,
six members of the group decided to take the short jaunt into Gull Pond where they were
rewarded with gorgeous views of the cliffs surrounding the pond. A great time was had by all.
Thanks to Jack for taking over the leadership duties for this trip due to Pat's pesky knee
problems.
12 Participants : Michael Koslowsky; Jack Whitney; Anne Chesky-King; Julie
Nathanson; Irwin Nathanson; Ann Mundy; Richy Myette; Joe Paszko; Melissa Ross; Neal
VanDorsten; Sidney VanDorsten and Pat Desbiens.
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Feb 17, 2009, Maureen Coutant
While Maureen was lounging in 80 degree sun and sand, we hustled out in our 30 degree
sun and snow. We snowshoed beyond the ski trails at L.G. Rec. to a well broken but
unmarked trail along a delightful brook (West?). Our objective; a view of the lake, some
exercise, and fresh air. Though I'd scouted on Sun. my maps did not have a trail marked in this
area. Bill suggested we might be on an alternate trail up Prospect. We noted an abundance
of deer (et.al.) tracks, reminding Linda of her apple tree herd, but with the crunch
of our snowshoes had little hope of seeing any wildlife. We crossed the brook a couple
times, gained elevation equivalent to West (Margaret's est.), got a glimps of the lake,
and scooted back the same route, having spent our time. I'll do some research on this
trails destination, for future outings.
4 Participants :Margaret Curtis, Bill Schwarz,
Linda Muller, Licia Mackey
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Feb 24, 2009, Maureen Coutant
We had a chrysral day for our tree id snowshoe up the red trail with Moreau's
naturalist,Dave. We checked out sap and red pine, white and black birch, a hugh beech, and striped
maple. We followed our 'mink" stream to its origin, a spring just off the trail. Porcupine
tracks led us to their well trodden den entrance. There must be some mighty hungry fellows
living there. They had completely denuded 4 large hemlocks nearby. Our bright sun and
clear sky enticed us to extend our trip to the top of the ridge. Good exercise and great
views.
4 Participants : Sam Lantz, Margaret Curtis, Licia Mackey,& Janice.
March 2009
Five Mile Mt. Sun, Mar 1, 2009, Jack whitney
It was 16 degrees under overcast skies with minimal wind when we started at the Deer
Leap Trailhead but soon it was in the 30's - great hiking weather. The first stop of the
day was at the lean-to then onto several lookouts where we had some great views of Lake
George. Taking a short side trip, we hiked up Five Mile Mountain where lunch was enjoyed in
the warm sun. Descending to the trail, we had slight elevation up and then it was down
for the rest of the trip to Clay Meadows where we had spotted vehicles.
9 Participants : Art Ostrov, Joanne Armstrong, Rich Myette Cary Engle, Ray Boucher, Ray Bouchard, Bob Buckley, Phil
Alonzo, Neal Van Dorsten, Sidney Van Dorsten
Marcy, Gray, Skylight Sat, Mar 7, 2009, Steve Mackey
We lucked out with a fairly warm, sunny day. On Marcy, at the intersection with the
range trail, Mike dug up the sign post, so we figured we had at least 6 feet of snow on the
ground. On the summit of Marcy we picked up another hiker who had got separated from her
group, (so now we are allowed to lose a person on some other hike, and still have a 100%
return rate). After Skylight we hiked back over Marcy for the second time and our legs
started protesting since we had done around a mile vertical for the day. We had a strong
group and actually made it out before dark.
7 Participants : Mike Fuller, Jason Lasky,
Cole Hickland, Peter & Sharon Desrochers, Christiane Mulvihill, Steve Mackey.
Tuesday Outing - Leaders Choice Tue, Mar 10, 2009, Maureen Coutant
The Harry Betar trail was a bit sloppy Tues. morn. Despite the slush, the fresh air,
exercise, and company were good. With mended ribs, Gary entertained us with his chairlift
pinning, handle bar vaulting, and Hornbeck bouncing tales. Neil survived to tell of his
encounters with a NH moose, coyotes on Tongue, and the icy waters of L.G. We assured Margaret
she didn’t need a spray skirt, wet suit, or the ability to roll for our Tues. evening
kayak outings. Liz promised to return from England and France for our spring flower and
bird outings. The Feeder Canal trail was mush, so we returned via the back streets of
G.F.
6 Participants : Liz Gee, Gary Rodd, Margaret Curtis, Neil VanDorsten, Licia
Mackey
April 2009
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