... [ The information on this page updated:
May 26 2022 ]
January 2021
Haystack and Basin from the Garden Sat, Jan 9, 2021, Jeff Mans and Jen Ferriss
- Eventually petered out as an offical GFS hike, but the leader still climbed Haystack and Basin taking the
well traveled Shorey Shortcut to and back from the Range Trail. Beautiful day and a dazzling display of crystal
diamonds at night with my headlamp on the return.
Pyramid and Gothics Sun, Jan 24, 2021, Steve Mackey
- We were all gearing up, for a cold windy day, but it wasn't that bad. All the extra clothing we brought
along ended up going for a ride in our packs. On top of that it was clear and sunny, so the weather was A+.
The skiing was also good. There was plenty of snow, and it was packed down by the snowmobiles that go back
and forth to the Ausable Lakes. We wore our snowshoes the rest of the day, and broke trail from the Sawteeth
intersection to the top of Gothics. The pictures came out so good, that we put a
Google Album together that
you can check out if you desire.
photos.app.goo.gl/QQbzfLZyPbD4TTrs9
When we got to the top of Pyramid,
and saw the awesome view, I told everyone, "the view is just as advertised". Scott took some great pictures of
little tiny hikers, way off in the distance, when we climbed Gothics. We timed everything right and ran into
Mo and Jim Coutant, who were skiing into Rainbow Falls, when we got back down to the lake. Nice group of strong
hikers and good skiers. Participants - David Pawlick, Ben Norford, Scott Anderson, Liz Mulshine, Steve Mackey,
Tammara Van Ryan, and Chris Lincoln.
YM: Prospect Mt Loop via Lake George Rec Center, AKA the Better Way Sat, Jan 30, 2021, Megan McLaughlin
- Luckily the forecasted high wind chill did not discourage the group from going out, because it ended up being a cold
but beautiful day without wind. Eight of us set out, and the group quickly evenly splitting into a faster and slower group.
We parked by the Rec Center ball fields, entered the woods just below the ski trails and began snowshoeing. Was a very
enjoyable snowshoe and a great hike for the first time snowshoers in the group, who were able to experience a beautifully
broken trail with out any daunting obstacles. The way up was very beautiful following the frozen brook in the beginning
and reach the summit with a beautiful clear sky and great views. We were able to enjoy some time on top before heading
down the road, were after using the snowmobile cut over we popped out of the woods right to our waiting vehicles.
Participants: Megan McLaughlin, Rich Rogers, Avanti Shirali, Danielle Sanzone, Davey Kelley, Andrew John, Lauraly Grossman,
Kendra Schieber, & Sean Driscoll.
February 2021
Seward Range with 2 night camp Tue, Feb 2, 2021, Jeff Mans
- Camping and hiking in a snowstorm, oh my! A homemade sled carried a heavy load for winter camping up the winter road
and about 1/2 mile down the Blueberry trail until one of the wooden x-county ski tips broke, and the sled was abandoned
until our return. Shouldering multiple packs, we broke trail to the Blueberry lean-to and made camp for the night as the
snow continued to fall. A rather curious and active mouse became our companion for the next few days, and posed for a
farewell shot before we bid adieu. The next morning we made breakfast and started off towards Seward with a foot of new
fallen snow on the herd path, with more found at higher elevations as the snow continued to filter down. Going was slow,
as we often broke below the faint tracks that had been left about a week earlier. Instead of mph, our progress was marked
by hours per mile, as we only advanced up Seward before returning to our lean-to and the comfort of a hot meal and warm
shelter for the night. On the third and final day, we were greeted by pleasant and sunny conditions, but on account of
the sled rescue before us, we broke camp and winched our winter packs on our backs to waddle out back to the sled. Some
reference was made to heavy packs and strong legs, and a cameo was produced. Back at the sled we used our snowshoes to pack
a path back and forth to the Ampersand Road before we returned and were able to manhandle the sled out to the Ampersand Road,
where we soon found ourselves in good company and out to the winter parking area in record time, almost like being levitated
and transported through space and time. Good company, warm shelter, no hunger pains and a winter wonderland that can't be
beat unless you're counting peaks. Sled modification to include indestructible downhill skis next trip.
Participants: Jeff Mans, Jim Zwynenburg, and Greg "Hurt Foot" in mind and spirit.
Valentine's Day Singles Mingle & Sweetheart's trek - Moreau State Park Sun, Feb 14, 2021, Jen Shepherd
- Our hike began with a 9am meet-up. We went with microspikes and left the snowshoes in the car since the trail/road didn't require more than spikes. It was a leisurely to moderate pace kind of day. No real wind but definitely a gray morning. We enjoyed some loops around the lake, visited the outdoor fire by the warming hut and had some conversation over cocoa/coffee/tea. There were a few people ice fishing on the lake but we opted not to cross the ice. Nobody felt like an unanticipated swim. Eight participants total including leader and a dog: Diane A., Sarah J., Ben N., Sharon B, & Beau (dog), Lucinda C., and Steph.
Avalanche Pass Sun, Feb 21, 2021, Steve Mackey
- Another great winter ski trip. Half of us met at Panera, and the other half met at South Meadows. Joe brought short bushwhacker type skis, so we gave him a little head start. We took a little break at Marcy Dam, and we managed to feed one chickadee, one sunflower seed. We regrouped before the big climb up to Avalanche Pass. I had some old skins that I had brought along, with very little stick left to the glue. I thought I'd at least give them a try. They worked fantastic and I was able to climb with ease, and descend, as if I knew what I was doing. (I felt a little guilty). The rest of the group looked like professionals. I waited at one of the hard spots on the way out, and all the video I got was of skiers being under control and looking good. At the lake, we spent a little time checking out the "hitch up Matilda" and the "Trap Dike." We ended up getting done early enough, and got to have a beer at the new Paradox Brewery. Participants: Jim Schneider, Matt Karkoski, Joe Babcock, Jim Amell, Maureen Laskey, Steve Mackey.
March 2021
St. Patty's Day on Spruce Sat, Mar 13, 2021, Jen Shepherd
- We couldn't have ask for a nicer day to be out on the trails. A bit brisk with a light wind but bright and sunny! After some cancellations, four of us embarked on our adventure. The trail was a bit icy down low but manageable in spikes. We made decent time to the summit where we met two lovely ladies from the Albany chapter. We had an excellent chat about a mutual friend and Schenectady chapter member Herb Terns and his awesome new book Iron Sharpens Iron. Great story about the Iron Man challenge. It's always fun running into chapter members on hikes. We stayed long enough to take some photos from the tower and make our way down before we got too chilly. As it got later into the morning, more people were making their way up to the summit. The sun was warming up the trail and conditions were changing from a nice hard pack with ice patches to slightly melted with ice patches. Everyone made it down without incident with plenty of time left in the day to enjoy the sunshine. Participants: Diane A., Cindy C., and Ben N.
Boreas Ponds Sat, Mar 13, 2021, Steve Mackey
- Our trip ended up being after a thaw, so the skiing conditions weren't ideal. Boreas Ponds is sort of in a "snow belt," so there was plenty of snow for a base. Unfortunately it had frozen, so that there wasn't a good grip on the uphills, and on the downhills, if you got in the tracks you were in for a bumpy ride. Then on the way out, the snow had softened up quite a bit, and there were random places where your skis would suddenly sink in about a foot. It still was far superior to walking or snowshoeing. The weather was really nice, and the view was outstanding. We had lunch in the new lean-to, and it might be the nicest lean-to in the Adirondacks. After lunch, we skied around the ponds for a while. We stayed close to the shore because out in the middle the snow had all blown away. Real nice trip. I'll probably lead it again next year. Participants: Ellen Wetherbee-McDevitt, Jen Ferriss, Joe Babcock, Shelly Nevard, Cathy Gilchrist, Steve Mackey.
Phelps Sat, Mar 20, 2021, Jen Ferriss
- I thought perhaps that changing the meet-up time to 8 am would give us a better chance of getting a parking spot at the Loj, but alas we missed the cut off by a few cars at 7:45 am. Luckily Mike and Anthony had spots and were able to take our bags so the 1 mile walk from South Meadows served as a warm up without effort. We arrived at Marcy Dam to a full deck; winter campers were enjoying breakfast and recommended skipping the bridge to enjoy the views and walk across the ice. I made the decision to take the new re-route past the Marcy Dam #4 Lean-to. The trail was hard packed and post holed so we all switched to snowshoes to make the rest of the way less of a hop and more of a float on snow. The detour turned out to be unnecessary but a welcomed diversion to see the new trail. Phelps was a popular destination but we had plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the blue skies, sun, and views during our extended lunch break. We made it back to the cars at the HPIC at a steady pace, enjoying the warm spring air. If you hike with me, ice cream always follows. Joe and I enjoyed our first Martha cones of the season. Hikers: Jen Ferriss, John Acacia, Joe Babcock, Mike Fuller, Tyler Gross, Mark Seymour and Anthony Szmul.
April 2021
May 2021
June 2021
Pharoah Mountain Sat, Jun 5, 2021, Jeff Mans and Joe Babcock
- A fine day on hand, we drove back as far as we could towards Crane Pond, stopping at the last parking area before the real 4x4 ford across the final stretch of road to Crane Pond, to begin our annual trip to Pharoah Mountain and the Pink Lady Slippers in full bloom. A faux 4x4 vehicle had attempted to cross the last flooded section of Crane Pond Road and paid the price as it sat in the water, with the occupants nowhere in sight, and surely looking for a tow truck and hefty bill upon their return. The co-leaders broke into an advance group and a following group to meet certain time commitments that day, and we quickly made the summit and survey marker where the old fire tower once stood, and then off to the many rock look-out points to be rewarded by the panoramic views and dozens of wild orchids, the Pink Lady Slippers, in full bloom! After waiting until everyone had arrived at the summit, the leader had to depart to attend a celebration of life, and left the group under the able leadership of Joe B., who led the group on a further exploration of the summit area, and took a side tour on the return trip to Oxshoe Pond and lean-to. A nice and wild day, all pretty in pink. Looking forward to next year's trip. Great group. Participants: Jeff Mans and Joe Babcock, co-leaders, Anthony Szmul, Ingrid Wilke, Cathy Flemming and Christopher Lovett.
Cold River Valley through Hike and Camp from Long Lake to Upper Works: June 12-14, 2021 Sat, Jun 12, 2021, Jeff Mans and Jim Zwynenburg
- On a beautiful Saturday, we took a scenic boat cruise to the northern end of Long Lake with the Sewards in view, and landed at Plumley Point. We quickly found the Northville Placid Trail towards Shattuck Clearing and the Cold River. After crossing two towering foot suspension bridges, we rested at Cold River lean-to #3 and went swimming. Refreshed, we continued on the NPT to the Seward lean-to and found the best swimming hole at Millers Falls for another wash, rinse and repeat, and then on to the Oluska lean-to for the night. On day 2 we decided to continue along the NPT to visit the Rondeau Hermitage, explore the remnants of old logging operations, and on to Duck Hole, the Preston Ponds, and the Henderson Lake lean-to, where we spent our second night, given the forecast for rain the next day. After dinner and a relaxing campfire, our slumber was broken by the clap of thunder at 2:30 am that continued to roll though the night for a few hours and light up the forest. Flashlights shone in tents, and not even Mr. Sleep himself could deny he didn't sleep through the night. After braving the storm and staying mostly dry, the clouds held up and we exited at Tahawus and new parking area at Upper Works, and then had breakfast at the Long Lake Diner. Great adventure and group, with a definite return trip to Millers Falls and the Seward lean-to. Participants: Jeff "Mouth" Mans and Jim "The Wizard" Z. (co-leaders), David "Ocho" White, and Anthony "Can Carry" Szmul.
Woodhull and Bald Mountain Fire Towers Sat, Jun 12, 2021, Joe Babcock and Jennifer Ferriss
- We assembled a part of our group at the chosen parking area at 5:30 and headed north to pick up Suzanne in Warrensburg. We continued on with a pleasant drive to the trailhead for Bald Mountain. We met up with Amy, Gemma, Ingrid, Cindy and Pixie, where we headed up the shorter hike of the day. The trail was in good shape, other than a steep wet spot early in the hike. The views along the trail, as well as at the summit and in the tower, were great on this clear day. We spent some time on the summit visiting with fellow hikers before heading down and moving on to the next longer hike of the day. Other than foolishly trusting Google with a suggested shortcut, the trip to Woodhull was a happy adventure. We decided to park at the first parking area for Woodhull and hike the extra miles, a good choice since we were committed for a day of hiking and the trail was fairly flat for most of the trip. I was surprised by the easy climb up to the tower and noticed a lack of scrambling that comes with most of the fire tower hikes. We came across a man who was doing trail work, who had brought his tools in by bike. It looked like there was some maintenance on the last section of the trail that would keep him busy. The cabin was locked at the tower, but we did get some limited views from the stairs below. We enjoyed a quick lunch at the summit and then all headed back down. On our way out, Suzanne pointed out a mossy damp bog that had round leaf sundew growing. This is a carnivorous plant that gets some extra nutrition from insects that are trapped after being lured by the plant. Always great to learn more about the Adirondacks! Pixie did not have any trouble hiking these two trails as with the other participants: Jen Ferriss, Joe Babcock, Erin Roberts, Mary Dabulas, Kimberly Labrecque, Suzanne Rancourt, Ingrid Wilke, Amy Bateman, Gemma Reinhard, Cindy and Pixie Cross.
YM Sunset Hike: Hackensack Tue, Jun 15, 2021, Megan McLaughlin
- Cancled due to rain.
YM Sunset Hike: Sleeping Beauty Tue, Jun 29, 2021, Megan McLaughlin
- A successful sunset outing not ruined by rain! Beautiful day with a great group. Participants: Megan M, Rich R, Tom C, Tim H, Johanna G, David K, Alana G, Tanya L, Jeff N, Kelly S, Michelle M, Ben U, and Casey O.
July 2021
YM Sunset Hike: Cat Mt Tue, Jul 13, 2021, Megan McLaughlin
- Rescheduled due to thunderstorms, and then rescheduled date canceled due to thunderstorms.
YM Sunset Hike: French Mt Tue, Jul 27, 2021, Megan McLaughlin
- Canceled due to thunderstorms
August 2021
Camel's Hump via the Long Trail Sat, Aug 7, 2021, Jennifer Ferriss
- I'm still looking forward to finishing my VT 4000 this summer. Two miles South of Vergennes, VT, my tire had a blow out. Luckily we were able to limp into a pull off and enjoy the high peaks during the sunrise while we tried to figure out how to pull off the lug nut covers. A neighbor and AAA came to the rescue; within the hour we pondered how long the doughnut tire could really last and if it would be ok on the dirt road leading to Camel's Hump. Rational thoughts prevailed and we headed back to NY and had a great morning hiking the Black Mountain loop. Hikers: Jen Ferriss, Joe Babcock, Pam Delsignore, Beth Post, Karen Provencher and Erin Roberts.
Potash Mountain Sat, Aug 21, 2021, Steve Mackey
- The newsletter was a little late this edition, so the trip was in between newsletters. We still got 10 hikers, so it was a good turnout. We got a couple of good ideas on some plants to possibly label on the Nature Trail. The trail was in good shape, and I didn't notice anything that needs "fixing." We did notice some broken glass near the summit, which we cleaned up as best we could, and also there were some missing trail markers on the loop trail down from the summit, so Jungle replaced some of them. We had lunch on the summit and took a nice break at the cliffs near the top, checking out the view. If you have never hiked Potash, please feel free to check it out on your own; you won't be disappointed. Participants: Linda Frees, Neal Van Dorsten, Steve & Licia Mackey, "Jungle" Jim Mosher, Katie Henrikson, Laura Fiske, Alan James, Margie Litwin.
September 2021
Indian Pass from Upper Works Sun, Sep 5, 2021, Jen Ferriss and Joe Babcock
- Thankfully everyone was flexible with the hike plans to change to Saturday to enjoy the best weather of the holiday weekend. We arrived around 6:50 am on Loj Road with a DOT sign stating that the lot was full and to seek other hikes. Like most, we traveled down the road and settled easily next to the South Meadow lot. Beginning with the 1 mile warm up hike up the road, we then made our way up the short trail to the summit of Mount Jo where in haste we tried to blow away the thick morning clouds to get a glimpse of Algonquin. Heading down the Rock Garden trail, our next stop was Rocky Falls. What a gem of a swimming hole with the soothing soundscape of the falls, camp sites and a new lean-to. At Scott's Clearing Jeff insisted that we walk to the brook and check out the old dam remnants and a beautiful view of Indian Pass and Wallface - we were glad we did.The climb through Indian Pass was a gnarly wet puzzle of boulders, but we made our way to our first close-up view of Wallface and some climbers attempting a difficult route before we made our way to Summit Rock. After a late lunch, more gawking at climbers and the stunning view of the Santanoni Range, we reversed our footsteps in good time. Indian Pass was less of a puzzle on the descent and we found a short cut to avoid a muddy wet climb. We made it back in time to eat at the Hungry Hiker and be on our way as the sun was setting. 5-star reviews from our hikers: Anthony S, Kimberly L, Joe B, Dave W, Erin R, Jeff M and Jen F.
Peaked Hills Bushwhack in Hoffman Notch Wilderness Sun, Sep 12, 2021, Jeff Mans
- Leaving the Dirgylot Hill parking area, we headed under the Northway and along an old tote road until it left us on our own to navigate through the woods until we found the herd path that led up along a stream towards the northern end of the Peaked Hills on the east side of Hoffman Mountain. We decided that our first choice was to bushwhack south and climb East Peaked Hill from the northern side, and eventually to the open rock of its summit with northerly views of the Dix Range and easterly views of West Peaked Hill and the shadows of Hoffman and Blue Ridge Mountains. Next we descended in a southerly direction and followed a ridge over to South Peaked Hill and enjoyed some grassy knolls around its summit with some excellent views south of Schroon Lake, and westerly towards Hoffman and West Peaked Hill, our next destination. The bushwhack up West Peaked Hill was challenging at times, but the views north and east were rewarding, and we were able to find a spot with imposing views of Hoffman Mountain lording over its domain, as described by Thomas Cole in his poem, Song of a Spirit (A solitary realm it is, but here I love to reign), and similar in certain respects to his painting of Schroon Mountain. On the return we got discombobulated a bit, and started following what turned out to be Platt Brook before we set our compasses and GPS and followed them no matter what we thought about which way we should be going. This is always the best bet rather than trusting your familiarity of the forest, which not surprisingly, is not too dissimilar to know the difference sometimes. But we got back on track, found an interesting route, and make it back out in the daylight with time to spare and with everyone accounted for. Great bushwhack. Participants: Jeff Mans (leader), Jen Ferriss, Joe Babcock, Karen Provencher, Erin Roberts and Amy Burkert.
Hopkins Mountain via Mossey Cascade Brook Sat, Sep 18, 2021, Jeff Mans
- On a partially sunny day we made the trek up along the Mossey Cascade Brook, past the waterfalls, and up the final scramble to the expansive summit of Hopkins Mountain. The views up the Ausable Lakes Valley and surrounding peaks were magnificent, and we lingered for a while to relax, take in the views, play name-that-peak, and explore a little further past the summit towards Spread Eagle. Just a wonderful hike. Participants: Jeff Mans (leader), Erin Roberts, Anthony Szmul, George Nisbet, and Cathy Fleming.
October 2021
Elk Lake-Marcy trail to Panther Gorge, Haystack, Marcy, Gray and Skylight - 3 days and 2 nights Fri, Oct 1, 2021, Jeff Mans and Jim Zwynenburg
- A party of 7 started out on a beautiful Friday morning along the Elk Lake-Marcy trail towards Panther Gorge, crossing Stillwater Inlet and the East Branch of the Ausable River through Marcy Swamp on newly restored planking and bridges, and an excellent view back along the Pinnacle Ridge towards Blake Peak. Climbing towards Panther Gorge, we hiked through open woodlands and eventually followed along Marcy Brook to Panther Gorge to set up camp. Although no one was signed up at the trailhead for Panther Gorge, a group had come in from climbing along the Johns Brook Valley, and mostly occupied the lean-to. Given the rainy forecast that evening and the next day, some refuge was found in the lean-to, while others set up tents in the campsite. Dinner and good company found everyone in good spirits and enjoying the beauty of Panther Gorge, Haystack and Skylight, as the twilight shone its last golden rays of the day into night, when the stars shone through the forest trees and outlined the silhouetted mountain profiles, providing a transcendent experience that lingered into the night. The evening brought rain, and it continued throughout the day with increasing winds and gusts reaching at least 50 mph as we climbed steeply out of Panther Gorge to the summit of Haystack. The weather kept us focused on our climbing and footing against the wind, and the joy that comes from not being blown off the mountain. We found some refuge in the col before Little Haystack before we make the final effort to get off the barren stack of rock and down the steep descent before our climb up to Marcy where we huddled at the rock face which bears the memorial plaque commemorating the first ascent of Marcy before defying the raging tempest to step for a moment on the highest ground in New York and descending over Schofield Cobble to Four Corners and back to the respite of Panther Gorge for the evening. The next morning we packed and departed as the weather gradually improved, and went to Elk Lake to catch a glimpse of arguably one of the finest views in the Adirondacks, and on this point, Bob Marshall and I seem to agree. Participants: Jeff Mans and Jim Zwyenburg (co-leaders), Margaret Casagrande, Chris Lovett, Hon. Brian Kavanagh, Eden Forsythe and John Acacia.
Mount Colden Loop Hike through Avalanche Pass Sat, Oct 16, 2021, Jeff Mans
- Bad weather canceled.
Northwest Bay Sat, Oct 30, 2021, Steve Mackey
- It looked like rain, so everyone (which wasn't many) canceled. Since Sunday looked like rain too, I decided that I couldn't handle 2 days of being inside, so I went anyway. It didn't rain, until I was on my way out. I got a whole bunch of blowdowns cut, as well as dug a few trenches, and did a little side cutting. I probably only made it a couple of miles, so there is still a lot of work past my turn around. I got all the blowdown off the bridges, but didn't really fix them. On the first bridge, I put some of the cut logs, so that you can cross it without getting your feet wet. On the second, it needs a new log, and I spyed a good one near by, but it is an all day project, and it would be proper to have DEC involved. All in all, a fun day, and a lot accomplished.
November 2021
December 2021