Bill Bechtel Sept.-Nov. 2006 Newsletter

I have always been a hiker. As a youth I hiked the "Blue" and "South" Mountains in Pennsylvania. Those are local names for the mountains bordering the north and south sides of Lebanon Valley. The Appalachian trail runs along the "Blue" mountain ridge. I have hiked some of this trail and after hiking the Adirondacks I can tell you it is pretty boring.

I grew up in Lebanon, PA, attended Penn State University for much too short a time, and have been working for General Electric in Schenectady since 1970. When I went on my GE interview I had no clue where Schenectady was. However, now after hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing and sailing in the Adirondacks and Catskills, I would never return to Pennsylvania or move farther South as so many of our friends are doing.

My wife Karen and I have been living in Glenville since 1972. During that time we raised three sons and now in addition we have three daughter-in-laws and five wonderful grandchildren with another on the way. I am sure that some or all of them will become my hiking buddies as I grow older.

Ray Bouchard July-Sept.2005 Newsletter

Ray is one of those guys who probably wishes he bought the life-time membership to ADK. He's been part of the GF-S Chapter for 25+ years. Whew!

If the name sounds familiar, it probably is. After a brief hiatus, he is back leading for us. Yea! A retired Saratoga Springs High School chemistry teacher, he's been paddling in the Adirondacks for many years while mixing in a little hiking, snowshoeing and skiing to balance out the year. Also familiar to lots of vet leaders including: Jack, Jim, John S. and Jacki.

With over 10+ years as a Disaster Relief Volunteer with the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities, helping others is certainly part of who Ray is. We're glad he's in tip-top shape, and taking some time away from the home-owner chores and his garden to share his enjoyment of the outdoors. Good to see you, Ray!

Alison Darbee Sept-Nov 2008 Newsletter

After years of childhood vacations to the Adirondacks, Alison Darbee finally moved in 2003 from the flatlands of WNY to Lake George. The first few people that I met got me out on the local trails and took me up my first high peak. I was hooked.

My journey with the ADK began in the fall of 2006. Since then I’ve become an aspiring 46er and overall avid hiking fan. Winters find me doing all forms of skiing, snowshoeing, and shoveling! I’m fulfilling my dream of living inside the “blue line” and working as an elementary art teacher at Lake George Elementary. When indoors, my nose is usually buried in a variety of books or my hands are busy filling blank canvases. I’m looking forward to a future of exploring more peaks and trails with my fellow outdoor enthusiasts!

Ailleen Genett July-Sept. 2005 Newsletter

I began moderate hiking in the mid-90's when I moved to Albany from Manhattan. Not until I moved back to the Capital Region in 2000 from Philadelphia did I step up the hiking intensity. Living here makes you realize the innumerable outdoor recreation opportunities. I am a winter 46er and I've hiked in the Green Mountains, White Mountains and Catskill Mountains.

Jessica Gottung Jan.-March 2005 Newsletter

Jessica is a lifetime resident of Saratoga county and member of ADK for about 4 years. She has been hiking for 10 years and is looking forward to sharing her experience and love for the outdoors by leading hikes and snowshoe excursions. She is interested not only in the challenging high peak hikes, but also strolls around wilderness lake and other areas for well-rounded Adirondack fun that people of all levels can enjoy.

As a registered dietitian, Jessica is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle for all, so keep an eye out for her activities.

Alex Lombard

Alex is a native of Queensbury and is a current full-time student at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam where he studies Piano Performance.

Last August, Alex became an ADK 46er by climbing all the 46 peaks in only 12 weeks. This past winter he climbed 37! He can't wait for next season to complete his winter 46.

A certified Wilderness First Responder, he currently leads small outing trips for SUNY Potsdam. This summer he plans on leading trips to the remote trail-less High Peaks as well as other areas of interest in the High Peaks region.

Jonathan Lane

I am a born explorer and adventurer. I have climbed the tallest of mountains - twice. I have swum with the fiercest of sharks. I have wrestled the strongest of beasts. And now I am about to begin my latest, and probably most extreme, endeavor yet - lead ADK outings!

Ok, ok, so I may have embellished a tad about my wild adventures, so here's the low-down about me, your newest outings leader. I grew up in a small town at the base of the Tug Hill Plateau, received my AS degree at SUNY Cobleskill, earned my BS degree at RIT, then accepted a wonderful job in the beautiful town of Saratoga Springs. I have gained much leadership experience from various sources, including sports, the Boy Scouts, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, being President of the Outing Club at SUNY Cobleskill, and from managing a successful team in my workplace.

I look forward to learning, teaching, and exploring with the many wonderful and interesting people who make up ADK's GF-S Chapter. I am also currently working toward the 46 High Peaks and Fire Tower Challenge, and continue to enjoy recruiting new members so that they, too, may have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the ADK. I have had the privilege to hike with ADK leaders Pat Desbiens, Ron Lester, and Neal Andrews, among others.

Wayne Macfarran May-July. 2009 Newsletter

Wayne has been a member of the Glens Falls/Saratoga Chapter of the ADK for two years. He was a Cub Scout leader for one year and from 1997-1999 was a Trustee for the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church. Wayne has had hiker leadership training with the AMC and to start off, he will be leading hikes which may in the future branch out to include kayaking/canoe trips. Wayne lives in Fort Ann and works for GL & V as a Quality Assurance Technician. He has two grown children, one is 26, and the other is 19.

To quote Wayne: "In 1998, I moved from Dix Avenue out into the country approximately three miles north of Fort Ann, where I can be in touch with nature. I love the outdoors and the activities that it is associated with, such as hiking, fishing, camping and boating. I have hiked the trails in the Hog Town area many times in all seasons. Last summer I went to New Hampshire and hiked Baldface Mountain Loop. Recently, I hiked Rooster Comb with a friend. Now it is time to adventure outward and start the 46 Peaks. Welcome Wayne, we look forward to the outings you will be posting.

Lorraine Mackenzie July-Sept. 2005 Newsletter

Lorraine "lives" in Blauvelt, N.Y. (Catskill country), but "lives it up" closer to the Adirondacks at their future-retirement home in Queensbury. A Chapter member for 3 years, "Mom" has worked many years as a Girl Scout leader and is experienced in training for both winter and overnight activities.

With lots of experience hiking in Harriman Park, the goal of becoming a 46er has brought her more regularly to the Adirondacks. She hikes with veteran leaders including: Jack, Pat, Jean and Jayne. I was excited to meet her in the fall and to learn of Jack's encouragement. It's great to have you aboard, Lorraine!

Daniel R. Monroe, Jr. July-Sept. 2009 Newsletter

Dan is an avid hiker who just recently completed climbing the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondacks, as well as, completing the fire tower challenge. Dan lives with his wife in Hudson Falls. Before retiring, he was a successful businessman owning his own plumbing company in addition to a motel.

Dan is the father of three adult children. He served as an assistant scout leader when his children were growing up. Dan is now enjoying his retirement, hiking with his wife and joining many outings of the Glens Falls/Saratoga Chapter. Dan states that he looks forward to co-leading some hikes and then taking on leadership duties. /p>

Rich Myette May-July. 2009 Newsletter

Rich has been hiking, camping and boating in the Adirondacks and other places around the country all his life. He has led many excursions. He also enjoys ice and in-line skating, biking, skiing (nordic and alpine), snowshoeing, bushwhacking, swimming and hugging trees. He's a counselor in his other life and active in community organizations. Welcome Rich and we will look forward to your outings.

Jonathan Mogelever Jan.-March 2005 Newsletter

Jonathan first became involved with ADK in 1989 and has been a member of the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter for two years.

His experiences include exploring and living in the Cascades and Rocky Mountains, several bicycle tours across different parts of the U.S., and working at John's Brook Lodge and the Adirondack Loj.

Now he lives in Glens Falls and enjoys hiking and skiing on trails throughout the Adirondacks and Catskills.

Gary Rodd Nov.-Jan. 2007 Newsletter

Having grown up in Amsterdam, NY, I moved to Glens Falls in 1970. I retired from my parole officer career in 2002, having served 36 years with New York State. I have been an active ADK member for three years, biking, rollerblading, hiking and kayaking in the Capital Region as well as the Adirondacks. I am starting my third season as an adaptive ski instructor with Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch. I have found my new passion, Nordic walking which I believe is an activity that easily transitions into Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. I'll be leading Tuesday morning Nordic walking at 9 a.m. at Crandall Park in Glens Falls. Please join me for a new way of enjoying the pleasure of regular walking. I have extra poles for people to try out before deciding on buying poles. Nordic walking gives you an all-over body workout and burns at least 30% more calories than regular walking. You get more bang for your buck without undue stress! Group interest and fitness determines length and speed of activity.

Rich Speidel July-Sept. 2005 Newsletter

I grew up in Waterford and became fond of the Adirondacks at a young age through summer vacations at Augur Lake near Keeseville.

After working as a conservation educator on Staten Island during the 1980's, I gradually make my way north. I lived in New Paltz for eight years while working for the Department of Environmental Conservation, before transferring to the DEC office in Warrensburg in 1998.

Since coming to the area, I have served as a tutor for Literacy Volunteers of Glens Falls, and recently sand with the Adirondack Voices community chorus.

I have been a member of ADK's Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter for seven years, and have met many friendly and interesting folks on hikes and XC ski outings. It was only through the help of knowledgeable ADK trip leaders that I miraculously completed the 46 High Peaks (which took a mere 27 years).

Since taking an ornithology course 25 years ago, I have enjoyed watching birds, especially during the spring migration. I led two bird walks for the Chapter this past May and hope to offer them again next spring.