Visit us at Long Island Mountaineer · 2015. 12. 28. · Visit us at NEWSLETTER OF THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB LONG ISLAND CHAPTER JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2012 B y the time you read

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NEWSLETTER OF THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

LONG ISLAND CHAPTER JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2012

B y the time you read this we will be well into the New Year, meaning that most of our New

Year’s resolutions have already been broken – espe-cially if you have the usual menu of give-ups and guilty self-improvement! So this might be the time to give a try at some resolutions relating to your favorite hobby. Why not make a resolution to enjoy the great outdoors just a little bit more this year? You could….

• Join one of our Club’s excellent outings, or even better volunteer to lead one!

• Take advantage of our best kept secret: Winter. This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors – with no bugs, crisp clear air, and open views. All you need is a little more gear to keep your body warm and your feet from slipping, and a willingness to take on the adventure of this wonderful season.

• Come to an ADK-LI meeting for knowledge and inspiration! We have some great programs planned about outings our members have taken and also some wonderful educational opportunities. If you come to our February meeting, you can learn about how to read the geology around us.

• Read and be motivated. The new 46’r Club book Heaven Up-h’isted-ness, the History of the Adiron-dack Forty-Sixers and the High Peaks will whet your appetite for climbing some of those high peaks of the Adirondacks. Winter is a great time for browsing your favorite maps and guide books for those summer adventures.

• Attend our Lapland Lake adventure Feb.10-12, and learn more about cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Beginners and experts are always welcome and there is plenty of good ADK -LI hospitality for all.

• Try out some trails close to home. With the sum-mer crowds gone, the trails and backwoods of Long Island become truly magical. A good winter storm can lead to days of excellent skiing and snowshoeing right here in our own backyard.

I hope to see you soon. Don’t let the New Year of outdoor opportunities pass you by.

Visit us at www.adkli.org

Long Island Mountaineer

Highlights: In This Issue • Profile: Get to know the many sides of Mike

Vetrano, our new president, and Betty Horstmann , vice president. (page 2)

• Columbus Day Weekend – Then and Now . A look back at our big annual event – with a preview for 2012 (see p. 10)

• Outings Highlights: (Schedule begins on page 4) • Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Times Square

(Harriman, that is.) Saturday, Dec. 31st. (page 5)

• New Year’s Day Hike – Leatherman’s Trail, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Sunday, Jan. 1 (page 5)

• Catskills: Nature's Pathways at Halcott Mtn. Wild Forest. Saturday, Jan 7. Trailless hike following natu-ral pathways and animal tracks. (page 5)

• Hike/X-C Ski Outings on Eastern L.I. Jan. 7, 14, 28, and Feb. 4. (see pages 5 & 6)

• Plan Ahead: Winter Weekend in the Catskills. March 16-18. (see details on page 7)

Resolutions President’s Corner Mike Vetrano

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www.adkli.org L.I. MOUNTAINEER JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2012

As you may know, there have been a few changes to our chapter’s leader-ship. Jeanne Millspaugh decided not to continue as president due to her increased responsibilities at her job. Mike Vetrano, who had been vice president, has taken on the presi-dent’s responsibilities, and asked Betty Horstmann to be vice president. We see officers’ names in the news-letter, and may meet them on hikes or other events, but what do we really know about them? Here’s an introduc-tion to the people behind the titles.

Mike Vetrano has been an active hiker since his col-lege days when he en-countered his first high peak, Slide Moun-tain, in 1976. After that, he hiked mostly

in Harriman and the Catskills until he discovered the Adirondacks in 1994 during an ADK High Peaks Traverse. He climbed four peaks that weekend, and joined our chapter soon after. He would go on to become a 46’r (#5939), bagging Whiteface on Columbus Day weekend in 2006. But before finishing the 46, Mike completed the Catskill 3500 series in 1998. His favorite hikes are Black Mountain and Pine Meadow Lake in Harriman, Slide Mountain in the Catskills, and Al-gonquin in the Adirondacks, which he has climbed in all four seasons. An ADK canoe trip in 2004 introduced him to the joys of canoe touring in the Adiron-dacks, and he bought his first canoe.

Outdoor activities have blended beau-tifully with Mike’s passion for photog-raphy. “I have always been an avid photographer,” he says, “and have found the mountains and wilderness of New York to be wonderful subjects in any season.” To sharpen his skills,

he has attended workshops with pro-fessional nature photographer Carl Heilman. Mike generously shares his expertise by offering presentations and advice on cameras, photography tech-niques and digital technology.

He is really “into” technology, which led to his becoming the ADK-LI webmaster. His interests extend to astronomy and aviation (although not active, Mike holds an FAA private pilot’s license.) When not hiking, he ministers as a Catholic priest here on Long Island and teaches a course on medical ethics in the School of Medicine at Stony Brook Uni-versity. It seems fitting that an article by Mike will appear in the 46r’s Peeks magazine this spring. The title: “The Compassionate Forty-Sixer”. Betty Horstmann joined ADK-LI in 1999 following her first Columbus Day Week-end. She has been active in the Club ever since, in-cluding as an organizer of the Columbus Day Weekend for the past seven years. Betty is now passing that responsibility on to a new team (see page 10), but says she loved it, and will continue to attend the big weekend for many more years. While she enjoys hiking the Adirondacks, most of her hiking is on Long island trails. She also enjoys biking and skiing. Betty has enjoyed hiking out West and would love to go out there again, espe-cially to Bryce and Zion. However, Betty’s real passion is com-petitive running, and she races most weekends. She has done the Boston Marathon three times, Philadelphia twice, as well as the Marine Corps and Long Island marathons numerous times. She also has traveled to Italy, France and Greece to race. In Greece, she ran on the original course that Pheidippides

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Adirondack Mountain Club Long Island Chapter

2012 Executive Committee President

Mike Vetrano [email protected]

Vice President Betty Horstmann

[email protected] Treasurer

Nancy Hodson (516) 692 5754 Secretary

Alice Scanlon (516) 759-2732 Director to Main Club

Martha McDermott (631) 581-4574

Alternate Directors to Main Club Carol McHugh (718) 423-4083

Micheline Kagan [email protected] Board of Directors

Kathy Daly [email protected]

Sue Kenyon [email protected]

Ed Moran [email protected]

Ross Moore [email protected]

Bill Schneider [email protected]

Mike Vaughan [email protected]

Committee Chairs Conservation

Steve Goldstein [email protected] Education

Tom Farre [email protected] Hospitality

Arlene Scholer (516) 354 0231 Mountaineer

Micheline Kagan [email protected]

Orrie Frutkin [email protected] Membership

Michael Vaughan [email protected]

Outings Elie Bijou [email protected]

Programs Jeanne Millspaugh (516) 723-9269

Publicity Sue Stricker (631) 470-2197

NYNJ Trail Conference Diane Grunthal

[email protected] Trail Maintenance

Pat Wachter (631) 669-6450 WebSite

Mike Vetrano [email protected] Yahoo Group Moderator

Allen Grunthal [email protected]

Get to Know Your Chapter Officers

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Our Officers –continued from p. 2

ran in 490 B.C. from Marathon to Athens with word that the Persian invaders had been beaten in battle. It must have been especially thrilling for Betty, a retired Social Studies teacher, to relive that dramatic piece of history.

Betty has won countless trophies and awards, includ-ing being named the Metropolitan Athletic Congress' Overall Female Champion in 1998 when she won her age group in every single MAC race she entered. She and her husband Fred just bought a house in Florida, and look forward to spending winters there, which will include hiking and exploring in a warmer climate. They will also continue ballroom dancing which they have been doing weekly. We look forward to Mike and Betty’s capable and enthusiastic leadership of our chapter.

The Directors from all chapters of ADK meet every three months to review business matters and projects the club is undertaking. Martha McDermott, our club’s Director, has been very good about reporting on these proceedings. I at-tended the December meeting as the Alternate Director, and was very interested to see how this non-profit organization functions as a business while still attending closely to its mis-sion of conservation, education and outdoor recreation. First, let me say that this is mostly an organization of volunteers, and while there are paid personnel, such as the executive director, directors of membership and development, as well some administrative personnel, most of the financial man-agement and various committees are all volunteers. That’s very impressive, as they are talented, committed people who strive to make ADK a success.

Here are some of the highlights of the December meeting:

• Membership has increased somewhat since last year to over 16,000 households (L.I. has 448 households or 676 members). Membership retention is approximately 80%. (Don’t forget to renew!)

• Executive Director, Neil Woodworth, continues to lead the battle against hydraulic-fracturing drilling for gas in New York State. ADK has successfully persuaded DEC Com-missioner Joe Martens to prohibit “hydro-fracking” in all state forests and parks, and in wildlife management areas. A problem still exists with private owners selling mineral rights to their lands, which, if adjacent to state lands, may have an impact. Additionally, ADK is calling for mandatory treatment of all contaminates in post-fracking “production water.” It’s a very complex problem that will be in the news, public discussion and the courts for a long time.

• In the last Director’s Report, Martha mentioned that as a result of lost revenues (over $100,000) from the ADK Loj, campground, parking and High Peaks Information Center sales after the big storms, ADK expects to re-cover approximately $60,000 from insurance.

• The Professional Trail Crew was able to repair the foot bridge over Johns Brook, which had been washed away during Storm Irene. The new bridge sits seven feet higher above the stream, and the new center pier has been thor-oughly anchored to the supporting boulder.

Director’s Report Micheline Kagan

Welcome New Members! Robert Benjamin, East Northport

Robert Berman, Syosset Victoria Bijou, East Hampton

Ronald Caronia, Syosset Susan DeVinney, East Quogue

Miguel Garcia Diaz and Olga Talanova, East Setauket

Lori Heppner, West Hempstead Jennifer Hovestadt and Daniel Molloy,

East Yaphank Kevin Kumerle, Selden

Joe and Lorraine Levano, Garden City Tom McCloskey, Wantagh

Adrian Peracchio, Huntington Eileen Reilly, Patchogue

Christopher Snowden and Nicole Firmbach, Commack

Joan and Raoul Vegosen, Valley Stream Neil Weintraub, Roslyn Heights

Welcome Back John Andresen, Aquebogue

Susan Connor and Jim Poulos, Miller Place James Filiault, Huntington

Ed Hyshiver, Port Jefferson Robert and Cathy Koch, Ronkonkoma

Robert Piazza, Coram Maxine and Robert Yale Riley,

Rockville Centre

Continued on p. 11

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LONG ISLAND ADK OUTINGS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY — FEBRUARY 2012 LEADERS: To list a hike for the March-April Mountaineer issue, contact Elie Bijou [email protected] Following the outing, be sure to mail the “Release of Liability/Sign-In Form” to Elie Bijou, 920 E. 17th St., Apt 608, Brooklyn NY 11230. Also send “Trip Report” to Micheline Kagan at [email protected] Forms for leaders can be downloaded from www.adkli.org Click on “For Leaders.” HIKERS: Be sure to check www.adkli.org for additional outings, which may be added from time to time!

WINTER ALERT: Winter Hiking Enthusiasts: Look in the schedule for hikes that require “full win-ter gear.” Snowshoes can be rented or purchased; prices vary greatly. Reserve rentals early – supply is usually limited. Crampons must be purchased (prices range from about $95 to $200.) REI and Eastern Mountain Sports sell crampons, and rent and sells snowshoes. Campmor: crampons and snowshoes for sale only. EMS: Glen Cove Road, Carle Place, 516-747-7360. REI: Glen Cove Road, Carle Place, 516 873 8540. Campmor: Route 17, Saddle River, New Jersey; product info: 800-525-4784; orders: 800-226-7667.

CARPOOLING/PARKING LOCATIONS

Due to limited on-street parking at our old meeting place (LIE Exit 32 westbound service lane shopping strip), we suggest Outings meet at one of the following locations for carpooling: Christopher Morley Park parking lot (Searingtown Road, just north of LIE Exit 36.) In parking lot, turn right and go to end, the Park & Ride area.

Lake Success Shopping Center (Union Tpke, west of New Hyde Park Road) LIE to Exit 34 or Northern State Pkwy to Exit 26, New Hyde Park Rd south. After gas station, turn right on to Union Tpke. Turn left at first traffic light to enter Lake Success Shopping Center. Turn left and go past HSBC bank for carpool site. Park at east end of lot. MEETING PLACE IS LEADER’S CHOICE. HIKERS: BE SURE TO ASK LEADER PLACE AND TIME TO MEET.

OUTING RULES AND PROCEDURES – PLEASE READ REGISTRATION FOR ALL OUTINGS IS REQUIRED. Call leader several days in advance if you have any questions. Leaders accept reservations on a first-come, first-served basis after the outing is officially listed in the Mountaineer or on the Outings page at the ADK -LI web site – www.adkli.org

Leaders may refuse to take anyone not registered or prepared. Registered participants are expected to show up or call the leader to cancel. Simply sending or leaving a message does not constitute registration. If you do not receive a re-ply to your message, it is your responsibility to follow up and contact the leader prior to the deadline for registration. Participants should provide leader with their phone numbers in case of last minute changes.

Guests are welcome on all outings. Where space is limited, members of the ADK Long Island chapter will have priority. If you go on two or more outings, please help support the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Long Island chapter by becoming a member (see application in this issue.)

GROUND RULES Minors (younger than 18 years) must have signed permission of a parent or guardian. Participants are responsible for their own safety and comfort. Food, snacks, water and extra clothing/raingear must be carried by participant. Check with leader to learn of any special requirements for the hike. Hiking boots are recommended for all ADK hikes.

UPDATED CARPOOL RATES A $5 surcharge will be added to the following suggested guidelines whenever gasoline prices are more than $4 per gal-lon. Carpool rates shown are for roundtrip per rider: East End $10, Harriman $18, Shawangunks $25, Catskills $35, Adi-rondacks $60 (all rates for roundtrip.) For upstate rides: If 2 riders, deduct $2 each; 3 riders deduct $3 each; 4 riders de-duct $4 each from these rates. Drivers set the final rate. Leaders should try to equalize number of riders in each car.

HIKE CLASSIFICATIONS (Hike classifications are subjective. If you are uncertain if you are up to the hike, consult the leader.) A: Strenuous, long distances over rugged terrain with lots of climbing or more than 35 miles on bike.

B: Moderate, shorter distances with less climbing or 10-30 miles on bike. Moderate hikes may have some steep climbing and/or rugged terrain, but are less demanding than strenuous hikes.

C: Easy, short distance over flat terrain at a leisurely pace or 10 miles or less on bike. Suitable for beginners .

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• B Saturday, December 31 Harriman Park – NEW YEARS EVE AT TIMES SQUARE. Let’s celebrate New Years Eve at Times Square! Silly hats, noise makers and champagne! Get a jump on the New Year as we celebrate at high noon at the “crossroads of the trails” in the wilds of Harriman State Park! A seven-mile hike up and down the RD trail to some inspiring views from Black Rock and Bald Rocks, and on to our midday celebration at Times Square. After Times Square we’ll explore the spectacular Pine Swamp Mine and return on the Dunning and RD trails. Joint with NHOC. Snow and ice traction devices required depending on conditions. Leader: Lanny Wexler (516) 644-5867 or e-mail [email protected]

• B Sunday, January 1, 2012 Westchester – Ward Pound Ridge. Relaxed start time. We're going to follow the Leatherman Trail. Snack overlooking the reservoir and early dinner option afterward. Leader Micheline Kagan, 516-659-8852 before 9 p.m. Thurs-day, December 29.

• Tuesday January 3 – ADK-LI Monthly Meeting. All Welcome. “Hiking the Dordogne Valley of France.” Historic castles, prehistoric cave paintings, fabulous food and splendid scenery. Photos by Mich-eline Kagan, Sue Kenyon and Alice Scanlon. See time, place and directions on back page.

• B+/B Saturday, January 7 – Manorville County Park: Hike or X-C Ski. There are many old woods roads which make good ski trails. Probably will be unbroken. We can hike on the Paumanok Path there if there is no snow. Contact leader, Michael Vaughan at [email protected] (preferred) or 631-495-6888 by Thurs, Jan 5.

• A Saturday, January 7 – Catskills: Nature's Path-ways at Halcott Mtn. Wild Forest. Experience and efficiently navigate the wilderness. Read the land and sky for direction while traveling off-trail using far less energy than what is commonly thought of as bushwhacking. On this journey, we will be starting up toward the trailless summit of Halcott Mountain. Our goal is to take natural pathways and also follow tracks left by wild animals, letting those take us where they will. Mileage is variable, as well as verti-cal gain. Halcott Mtn is typically a 1500-ft ascent and a 4+-mile bushwhack. We expect to be in the woods from 10 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. on a winter day. and will be traveling the animal paths in that area. Note: Although Halcott is a challenging Catskill

3500-foot peak that many hikers wish to add to their peak-bagging list, we can't say for sure that we will summit, as nature's journey is the goal. Contact leader: David Koehler [email protected] (preferred) or 917-613-2043.

• A Saturday, January 7 – Catskills: Friday and Balsam Cap. Bushwhack to two of the more remote 3500 Club peaks for the price of one. Join me for the first of my series of winter 3500 Club peaks. This hike is trailless. Full winter gear required. Register by Thursday, Jan. 5th with Jerry Licht at (516) 477-8602. More winter hikes to come. Watch the ADK-LI Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adkli/

• B Saturday, January 14 – Hudson Highlands Sugar Loaf Hill from Castle Rock Unique Area. Hike or snow shoe. Approximately 5 miles depending on weather or trail conditions. Leader Micheline Ka-gan, 516 659 8852 before 9 pm Thursday, Jan 12.

• C Saturday, January 14 – Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge in Lloyd Neck. View idyllic winter scenery of woods, water, and wildlife, and with luck, some harbor seals. Two hours in a.m. Beginners and families welcome. Register by January 13 with leader Nancy Hodson. [email protected] or 516-692-5754. (Alternate date Jan 21.)

• B+ Saturday, January 28 – Eastern Long Island Hike or Ski. Location to be determined, Hither Hills (Montauk) is a possibility. There are many old woods roads that make good ski trails. Trails will probably will be unbroken. We can hike on the Paumanok Path if there is no snow. Contact leader, Michael Vaughan at [email protected] (preferred) or 631-495-6888 by Thurs, Jan 26.

• A Sunday, January 29 – Fir and Big Indian. The second in my winter series of trailless peaks. Two 3500 Club peaks for the price of one. 10 miles, 7 on-trail, 3 off-trail. Full winter gear required. Register by Thursday, January 26th with Jerry Licht at (516) 477-8602 (phone only, no e-mail.) More winter hikes to come. Watch the ADK Long Island Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adkli/

• B+ Saturday, February 4 – Eastern Long Island Hike/Ski – Leader's Choice. Possibility of Theodore Roosevelt County Park (Montauk) with its many old woods roads, which make good ski trails, and they are generally unbroken. If there is no snow, we can hike on the Paumanok Path. Register with leader, Michael Vaughan at [email protected] (preferred) or 631-495-6888 by Thurs, Feb 2.

• A Saturday, February 4 – Catskills: Blackhead 7+ miles. From Big Hollow Road we’ll journey 3 miles ascending 1700 ft to the summit of Blackhead. De-pending on winter conditions and the group we may

Outings Schedule Be sure to check www.adkli.org for additions,

changes and corrections.

Outings continue on next page

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include Black Dome and some other treasures along the way. Blackhead is a peak required to be hiked in the winter for those who are working on their Catskill 3500 peaks. Register with leader David Koehler [email protected] (preferred) or 917-613-2043.

• A Sunday February 5 – Catskills: Mt. Sherrill, 3540-ft. Sherrill is a complete bushwhack ascent of 1800 ft, and distance of 6 miles. Please bring full winter gear, includ-ing snowshoes, warm clothes, lunch, snacks and at least two liters of water. Pace slower moderate. Joint with ADK- NoJ-Ramapo and Schenectady. Please contact leader to register: Elie Bijou [email protected] or 718-377-2990 (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri & Sat to 6 p.m.)

• Tuesday February 7 – ADK-LI Meeting. All Welcome. “Adirondack Geology: Young Mountains and Old Rocks” Glenn Richard, naturalist/educator. The ‘Dacks are much younger than the rocks that comprise them, some over a billion years old. This illustrated presentation explains the phenomena that created the rocks and are still creating the mountains. See time & place directions on back page.

• X-C Ski Weekend February 10-12 – Lapland Lake in the Lower Adirondacks. 2 nights lodging, day/night ski passes, tubing, ice skating, wood sauna, wine & cheese party, pot luck dinner. Cost $250. Space is limited. See details on page 7. For reservations, contact Micheline Kagan. 718 746-4753

• A Saturday February 11 – Catskills: Leader’s Choice. Hike to one or more Catskill 3500-ft. peaks. Full winter gear and previous winter hiking experience re-quired. Leader: Jeff Ritter 718-279-3431 (call before 10 p.m.) Register by Thursday, Feb. 9.

• A, B, C Sunday, Feb 12 to Monday, Feb 20 – Adiron-dacks. A Week at Keene Valley. Actual trips to be de-termined, but will probably include a snowshoe climb of Hurricane and skiing on the Jackrabbit Trail. I am tenta-tively planning to rent a vacation home for the week in KV. For details and to register, contact leader, Michael Vaughan at [email protected] (preferred), or 631-495-6888 at by Feb 7.

• A Saturday, February 18 – Catskills: Plateau Mt. Hike approximately eight miles with a steady 2200-ft ascent up the Devil’s Path to an elevation of 3840-ft with beautiful views. A steep trail hike at a leisurely pace. Participants must have hiking experience and full winter gear. Joint with 3500 Club. Register with leader Sue Kenyon, [email protected] or 917-613-2042 by February 16.

• A Saturday, March 3 Catskills – Indian Head Loop and Kaaterskill Falls A moderately strenuous 6.5-mile, scenic 5-star view hike, plus experience the frozen win-ter splendor of Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest waterfalls in

New York State. 1,600-ft elevation gain. Add 1.6 miles for the march in to and out of Kaaterskill Falls. FULL WIN-TER GEAR REQUIRED, INCLUDING SNOWSHOES AND FULL CRAMPONS. RAIN/SNOW DATE SUNDAY MARCH 4. Lanny Wexler (516) 644-5867 [email protected]

• A Saturday, March 10 – Catskills – Peekamoose, Ta-ble and possibly Lone Mountains. We will attempt Peekamoose and Table. These two peaks, at 3843-ft and 3847-ft respectively are the most southerly of the Catskill 3500 peaks. Ascent: 2000 feet. Distance: 7 miles. If we have enough time, we'll attempt Lone. Please bring stan-dard winter gear, including snowshoes warm clothes, lunch, snacks and at least two liters of water. Pace is slower moderate. Joint with ADK-NoNJ-Ramapo and Schenectady. Please contact leader to register: Elie Bijou [email protected] or 718-377-2990 (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri & Sat to 6 p.m.)

• A Saturday March 17 – Adirondacks – Phelps Mt. Please join me for a great winter climb. We'll ascend the normal way and then descend via a slide, which is often used by skiers. Elevation: 4161 feet. Ascent: 2000 feet. Distance: about 9 miles. Please bring standard winter gear, including snowshoes warm clothes, lunch, snacks and at least two liters of water. Pace is slower moderate. Joint with ADK–NoJ-Ramapo and Schenectady. Please contact leader to register for carpool information: Elie Bi-jou [email protected] or 718-377-2990 (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri & Sat to 6 p.m.)

• B Saturday, March 31 – Harriman Park: Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail (SBM) Part 1. We will hike the southern-most third of this trail from the southern terminus to the Equestrian Center off the Pine Meadow trail. With all the ups and downs, the distance is about 8 miles. We'll spot vehicles at each end. Pace is slower moderate. Joint with ADK-NoNJ-Ramapo chapter. Register with leader Elie Bijou [email protected] or 718-377-2990 (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri & Sat to 6 p.m.)

• NR Friday to Sunday, March 16–18 – Winter Weekend. Hiking and Skiing in the Catskills. Lodging and Meals at Hilltop Acres in Jewett NY near Hunter, Windham and the Devil’s Path with many peaks over 3500 feet. Downhill and cross-country skiing nearby. Leader: Alice Scanlon. For de-tails and reservation information, see page 7.

Outings continue from page 5

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X-C Ski Weekend February 10-12

Friday-Sunday Lapland Lake

Nordic Ski Center Northville, NY

Cost: $250 per person includes: ô Two nights (Fri/Sat) lodging

ô Saturday night wine and cheese party ô Saturday pot luck dinner

ô Pass for X-C skiing, day & night ô Tubing

ô Ice skating ô Ski/snow shoe rentals

ô 50% discount on group lessons ô Authentic wood-burning Finnish Sauna

Final payment check due by Jan 15th

For further information contact: Micheline Kagan, 718 746 4753

[email protected] Make checks payable to: ADK-LI SKI

Mail to: 171-08 Gladwin Avenue Fresh Meadows NY 11365

Space is limited, so reserve early! Call or e-mail Micheline for availability.

ADK-LI WINTER WEEKEND

FRIDAY – SUNDAY, MARCH 16-18, 2012 Hilltop Acres Resort, Jewett, NY

LEADER: Alice Scanlon

In the Catskills near Hunter, Windham, the Devil’s Path and many 3500-ft peaks. Downhill & cross-country skiing nearby.

Cost: $200.00 per person ($185 per person + $15.00 party fee)

INCLUDES: 2 nights lodging – Friday & Saturday

2 breakfasts – Saturday & Sunday 2 trail lunches – Saturday & Sunday Saturday night wine & cheese party

Saturday night dinner, including wine St. Patrick’s Day celebration after dinner

ACTIVITIES: Hiking*, downhill & x-country skiing

Saturday & Sunday (*Traction aids, snowshoes & crampons required) Downhill skiing at Windham on Saturday

EARLY RESERVATION RECOMMENDED $50.00 deposit + $15 party fee required by February 10, 2012

(Deposit non-refundable after March 5th) Hilltop Acres does not accept credit cards.

Some rooms are double occupancy with shared bath.

To register and for additional information, Call or e-mail Alice Scanlon

(516) 759-2732 or [email protected]

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Looking Back Micheline Kagan

NEW! SEND TRIP REPORTS TO: Micheline Kagan E-mail: [email protected]

OCTOBER 8 (COLUMBUS DAY OUTING) BROTHERS TRAIL Herb Coles, June Fait and Judy Adams went to check out condition of the Brothers Trail after tropical storm Irene. Our chapter has maintained this trail for years. The trail was in the best condition that we have ever seen it. The DEC had been there, and every blow-down had been cut and cleared. It was also reasonably dry in loca-tions where it is always wet with running water. We met a Trail Steward with whom Herb had corresponded for years, and he agreed to come back and repaint arrows and blazes on the rock. It was a clear, warm and beautiful day! Distance covered was seven miles.

NOTE: The storm did significant damage to the roads and trails in the Catskills and Adirondacks. Damage to farmland and hundreds of dead livestock took its toll. The Hudson River ran brown for two months. I am sure we will read more in the Adirondac Magazine. We on Long Island had just a heavy rainstorm. We were lucky...this time.

OCTOBER 9 (COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND) JAY AND SADDLEBACK HIKE After hurricane Irene swept through the area causing widespread damage in the High Peaks, we were surprised when Columbus Day weekend appeared without a rain cloud. On Sunday, Nancy Fender, Shelley Weber, Michael Vaughan and Keelin

Murphy joined me, Elie Bijou, on this outing. Jay Moun-tain (3600–ft.) has among the nicest views in the Adiron-dacks, offering 360° views from its five sub-summits and main peak.

The weather was cooperating, with temperatures in the 60's when we signed the register at about 9:30 a.m. and began hiking along an unmarked but beaten path that follows the boundary of a finger of state land. We hiked the mile and a half in woods toward the first sub-summit, crossing a small bog. There was a bit of blow-down, but far less than the damage in the High Peaks. About two hours later, we reached the slide, the first opening, which is filled with a friable shale-like rock. We took in the view, and had our first casualty of the day, when Nancy lost her footing on the “ball bearing” rocks. The group took a route in the woods, and soon crossed solid open rock leading to the first peak. The best views were to the west (Whiteface, 4876 ft.) and north (Lyon, 3830 ft.), and the ridge of Jay to our east.

Each sub-summit was more spectacular than the last. The second one gave us a view of our second peak, Saddleback (3615 ft.), a trailless summit, not to be con-fused with its loftier namesake on the 46’r roster. As we worked our way along the ridge, we could see Hurri-cane to our south, followed by the peaks of the Giant massif, Green, Rocky Peak Ridge and Giant itself. To the southwest the Dixes and the peaks around the Aus-able Club were visible, as was the entire Great Range culminating in Mt. Marcy.

At the fourth sub-summit, I realized that we didn't have enough time to do the entire planned hike, due to our late start. We hied our way to the summit, sucked in the views, and hightailed it toward the cars. It was now 4:00 and I promised the group that we would be out before sunset, i.e., by 6 p.m. The group advanced along the ridge in record time, waiting every so often for a sole laggard. At the slide, we had another mishap where said laggard landed on his backside. “Ouch! That hurt,” I said, as I dusted myself off! The light was failing, but we reached the cars just before dark. We said our goodbyes, and the hikers returned to ADK Loj and I to my place in Elizabethtown.

OCTOBER 15 WARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION (WESTCHESTER) On a bright, breezy day, Orrie Frut-kin led Micheline Kagan, Pat Tomaselli and Goodie Frutkin on a 7-mile “variety pack” hike of Ward Pound Ridge trails. Although the fall color change was just starting, the woods had that beautiful WPRR glow. Fol-lowing the summer storms and recent heavy rains, the Cross River was very full. Trails were muddy or boggy in many places, but still passable. Some of the wood walkways on the Brown trail along the River had washed out, and one was in the river. Elsewhere in the woods, we saw cascades we had never seen before. Sadly, many trees were down almost everywhere, add-ing to the hundreds that were blown down or broken by micro-bursts in prior years. The rocky glen along the Blue trail south of the fire tower seemed especially hard

Looking Back continued on next page

With this issue, Micheline takes over the Looking Back column from Ron Engasser, who was trip reports editor since the January-February 2009 issue. Thank you Ron for helping make Looking Back one of the most popular sections of the Mountaineer.

Keelin Murphy, Nancy Fender, Michael Vaughan and Shelley Weber take in the view from Jay Peak.

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Hilltop Acres Resort Jewett, NY

Small resort near Hunter Mountain in the Catskills. Beautiful mountain views. Private lake and woods.

Ideal for hiking, skiing or a relaxing getaway. Central European cuisine.

Modestly priced. Open all year.

Tel: 518.734.4580 www.windham-area.com/hilltopacres.htm

hit, but this only added to its primeval character. We stopped for lunch at Indian Shelter Rock, and Mich-eline treated us to her homemade brownies. Yum! Our small group enjoyed a relaxed hike on varied trails, good conversation and an early return to L. I.

OCTOBER 25 STONETOWN CIRCULAR, RING-WOOD, NJ Six hikers, including leader Diane Grunthal Goodie and Orrie Frutkin, Sheila Lipshie, and Sue and Denis Stricker traversed five miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain to cover half of the Stonetown Circular in Ringwood, NJ. We hiked over four mountains amid glorious sunshine on a perfect fall day.

NOVEMBER 5 SCHUNEMUNK MOUNTAIN LOOP Ten hikers led by Bill Schneider were Richard Golden, Michael Kaiser, Micheline Kagan, Jim Luning, Pat Sanders, Shelly Weber, Sue (sorry, no last name avail-able), Pat Wachter, and Orrie and Goodie Frutkin. We hiked on a brisk, but beautiful fall day in the northern Hudson Highlands. Although other areas had suffered severe tree damage from the early October snowfall, there were few blow-downs on Schunemunk, mostly in the oak forests at lower elevation. We had a stiff climb up the Jessup Trail, and were rewarded with a short visit to the pretty cascade on Baby Brook. We followed Jessup to the southeastern ridge of the twin ridges that make up Schunemunk. The ridge offered us expansive views though the pitch pines in all directions. We were also able to see close up, the unusual conglomerate “puddingstone” studded with pebbles of white quartz and pink sandstone. We had lunch on the Megaliths, a group of huge blocks that have split off from the bed-rock. We returned to our starting point via the Dark Hollow Trail, which offered us more views to the east and southeast. Although the parking area was full when we returned to the trail head, we saw nary an-other hiker during our hike, making it seem like we had the 25 miles of Schunemunk trails all to ourselves.

NOVEMBER 19 FAHNSTOCK STATE PARK Leader Micheline Kagan and four hiker – Zahra Asadi, Sheila Lipshie, Judy Odishoo and Bill Schnei-der – covered 6.5 miles on a beautiful, sunny fall day. The group started from Dennytown Road and fol-lowed the AT east, and then we changed to take a ridge trail with nice winter views to the Three Lakes trail. From there we turned back, and took the Old Mine Railroad trail as a side trip before rejoining the Three Lakes trail. The hike had several stream cross-ings, but our trusty poles got us across safely. We passed John Allen Pond both coming and going, and enjoyed lunch alongside Hidden Lake.

Bad Weather? Is ADK-LI Meeting Cancelled?

Find Out Before You Go Out. In case of bad weather or other hazardous conditions:

• Call St. Luke Lutheran Church to find out if the building will be closed or if activities are cancelled: (631) 271-4455

• Check the ADK-LI Yahoo Group for messages http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adkli/

• Contact a Board Member or Arlene Scholer, hospitality chair, (see Officers listing on page 2.)

Looking Back continued from page 8

You should know...

Where’s Arlene? For the first time we can remember, Arlene

Scholer was unable to submit her regular People and Perspectives column for the Moun-

taineer, since she would be away much of November and December. Arlene seemed to be making a strong recovery from her recent injury (she had been raking leaves the last time we talked), and intends to resume her column in the March-April issue of the Mountaineer.

Arlene, we wish you peace, good health and happiness in the New Year. All your friends at ADK-LI miss you.

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Columbus Day Weekend 2011 was one of the best ever. Great people, great hikes, good food. Even the weather cooperated. Kudos and many thanks to our o r g a n i z e r s B e t t y Horstmann and Kathy Daly, Tom Farre, who organized the outings, and everyone who contributed their effort

and the delicious food for the covered dish dinner.

The whole weekend started me thinking about other Columbus Day Weekends (and I have been around for quite a few.)

It all started in 1978 when Larry Braun had the idea for a bus trip to the Adirondacks. It was a time of high gas prices and the bus quickly filled. We had great fun, slept on the way up, hiked our legs off, and then partied on the way home. There were some memorable parties!

Some of us hiked into Johns Brook Lodge to hike there; some backpacked, and Arlene and Jo Ellen always took one of the lean-tos. The rest stayed at

Columbus Day Weekend Then & Now By June Fait

The Tradition Continues: Meet the New Team for

Columbus Day Weekend 2012 Starting with the 35th Columbus Day Weekend – 2012, three of ADK-LI’s most energetic members will be organizing the event — Eunsil Recksiek, Pat Wachter and Kathleen Berger. Watch for complete details and reservation forms in the May-June 2012 issue of the Mountaineer. Mark your calendars now! Friday, October 5 through Monday, October 8, 2012.

the Loj. Quite a few of us were trying to become 46’rs, and the hikes reflected our ambitions.

The bus transportation lasted for six years, until Bill Crump took over, and we switched to carpool-ing. After Bill’s year, Joan Gossner ran the trip for the next four years. Other leaders included Herbert Coles, Jack Gabel, Don Mantell, Rich Ehli, Kathy Mario and Joy Salberg.

Things really changed in 2003 when Joy was able to book the Wiezel Trails Cabin. Now we had a place to gather. At first, it was just a wine and cheese party, and a fee was collected for the first time. Before that, we would put out wine and cheese in the Loj liv-ing room and have a quiet get to-

gether. There were other guests to consider, and the festivities were more subdued.

In 2005, Betty and Kathy began their tenure. For the first time, we had a Pot Luck Dinner on Saturday night. And it has continued ever since. Betty and Kathy hold the record for running this very successful week-end for seven years!! It’s not easy to keep track of all the participants, res-ervations and finances, while also organizing the dinner, so not every-one brings cheese and desserts. But they did it year after year!

Let the tradition continue!

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JOIN NOW! ADK Membership Application

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X I want to join as an ADK Long Island Chapter member. Please choose a membership level

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Send this form with payment to: Adirondack Mountain Club, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845-4117 ...or bring it to an ADK-Long Island Chapter meeting.

ADK is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership fees are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please allow 6-8 weeks to receive first issue of Adirondac magazine and Long Island Mountaineer newsletter.

0 Senior (65+) $40 0 Senior Family (65+) $50 0 Family Life $1,950

Please send materials for the Mountaineer to both editors - Micheline and Orrie

When you submit an article, photos, news item, or any other material for publication in the Mountaineer news-letter, please send it to both Micheline Kagan ([email protected]) and Orrie Frutkin ([email protected]). We share the editing duties, and both of us need to receive the items you submit, so we can produce with newsletter and get it out to ADK-LI members on time. Thank you.

• One of ADK’s revenue sources is publications. A new publication by Alan Via will soon be released. It’s about the 67 Catskill Peaks under 3,500 feet, but over 3,000 feet. Alan is traveling to many chapters and other hiking clubs to showcase his book. Perhaps he can visit us.

• In a continuing effort to improve Johns Brook Lodge, all the bunk beds and mattresses will be replaced and made more comfy. As part of that effort, there is an adopt a bunk initiative. Each bunk will be named after a high peak, so here is an opportunity to adopt your favorite peak. Donors will be identified with a naming plaque in the shape of a summit marker. Cost is $500 per bunk, naming rights are first come, first served.

• The Cold River Chapter announced that it would host Fall Outing 2012 on September 28-30. Details will be on the website shortly.

• Finally, Deb Zack, Director of Development, thanked all the chapters and individuals who so generously contrib-uted to the general fund. Although many donations are usually tagged for special projects, all donations help ADK to continue carrying out the club’s mission of con-servation and advocacy, environmental education, and responsible recreation.

(Director’s Report continued from p. 3)

ADK Still Going Strong at 90 This item appeared in the December issue of ADK Today, the “occasional compendium of news and views of inter-est to members of the Adirondack Mountain Club. To subscribe, send an e-mail to [email protected] 90 Years Ago

On December 5, 1921 – 90 years ago this week – a group of conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts and business leaders met in New York City to discuss the formation of a new organization. The purpose of the club would be to build trails, encourage people to get out into the woods and educate the public to be good stewards of the Adirondack backcountry. After a second meeting the following April, the Adi-rondack Mountain Club was incorporated. Through-out 2012, ADK will be celebrating its 90th birthday and looking forward to the next 90 years.

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ADK-L.I. 171-08 Gladwin Avenue Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

[email protected]

Join now for last-minute info on hikes, outings, gear discussions and carpooling possibilities. Plus photos and downloads. Don’t miss out!

Go to www.adkli.org and click

(on left side of home page)

Change your address? Don’t tell us — tell ADK headquarters.

They print our address labels.

Write: Adirondack Mountain Club Membership 814 Goggins Road Lake George, NY 12845-4117

Or call: 1-800-395-8080 Or email: [email protected]

DEADLINES FOR MARCH – APRIL

ISSUE OUTINGS DEADLINE: JAN 25

COPY DEADLINE: JAN 30 Send Outings to: Elie Bijou: [email protected]

Send Articles for March-April to: [email protected]

and to [email protected] Leaders, send Trip Reports to:

[email protected]

ADK-LI MONTHLY MEETINGS — ALL WELCOME! TUESDAY, JANUARY 3: “Hiking the Dordogne Valley of France.” Historic castles, prehistoric cave paint-ings, fabulous food, and splendid scenery. Photos by Micheline Kagan, Sue Kenyon and Alice Scanlon. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7: “Adirondack Geology: Young Mountains and Old Rocks” Glenn Richard, naturalist/educator. The ‘Dacks are much younger than the rocks that comprise them, some over a billion years old. This illustrated presentation explains the phenomena that created the rocks and are still creating the mountains. Meeting at 8:00 P.M. Come early at 7:30 P.M. to socialize, network and enjoy light refreshments.

At ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH (Education Building) 20 Candlewood Path at Vanderbilt Memorial Parkway, Dix Hills, NY

DIRECTIONS: (GPS Coordinates Latitude: 40.810493, Longitude: -73.336918 (or N 40° 48' 36”, W 73° 20' 12'') From Northern State, Exit 42 (Deer Park Ave. South) Go south about 2 miles to light at Vanderbilt Parkway. Turn left (east) on Vanderbilt. In about 2/10 mile, turn right onto Candlewood Path. Continue to St. Luke Church.

From L.I.E. Exit 51 (Deer Park Ave. North.) Go north 1 mile to Vanderbilt Pkwy. Turn right (east.) In about 2/10 mile, turn right at Candlewood Path, and continue to St. Luke Church.

Parking: Take narrow driveway on left side of church to main parking lot at the rear of the church. Park and take the steps to the upper level. Look for ADK sign on the outer door of the educational building. Enter. Our room is on left.

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