Hudson-Mohawk Group Outings

Hudson-Mohawk Group Outings

This is the current Winter 2006 - 2007 schedule.

The Newsletters also have outings information.

For outings leadership opportunities, contact Joe Gardner at 518-439-8719 or hmk-outings_at_newyork.sierraclub.org (substitute the usual "@" symbol for "_at_").

Please note that an "Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability" sheet must be signed by outing members prior to all outings.

( KEY: H - Hiking/snowshoeing/skiing; E - Education;
C - Conservation; T - Trail Work )

( In all email addresses, substitute the usual "@" symbol for "_at_". )
* * *

March 24, 2007; Saturday: Hike in the Pine Bush Via Public Transit
Meet on the CDTA #12 bus!! CDTA Bus #12 Washington Avenue Route leaves Broadway and Orange at 8:35 AM, Washington Avenue Armory at 8:45 AM, Washington and Allen Sts at 8:55 AM, and University at Albany Collins Circle Bus Stop (where there is plenty of car parking) at 9:03 AM. We will get off the bus at Crossgate Commons. From there we will walk over the Rapp Road Bridge, then along Rapp Road to the entrance to the Village of Colonie Nature Trails. Those wishing a relatively short hike can hike around these trails then back to the Crossgate Commons bus stop. Or walk north on Lincoln Ave. to Route 5/Central Ave. for the #55 bus and avoid having to go through Crossgates Mall. For those wanting a longer walk, we will hike through to the Pine Bush Visitor Center on Route 155. We'll stop there awhile to discuss enhancing non-automobile access to the Bush, adding walking paths at the sides of Rapp Road and sidewalks on the Rapp Road Bridge, and anything else we may have noticed. After this we can ajourn for lunch to the nearby Yonder Farms. From Yonder we can walk out to Route 5/Central Ave. and get the #55 bus back. Celebrate Spring by joining us for a car-free early Spring day in the Pine Bush. Save gas, have fun and fresh air and good exercise. The hike is free and the public is welcome! (H,E)

For more information, contact trip leader John Wolcott at 518-465-8930 .

April 14, 2007; Saturday: Highway Cleanup, Route 9, Latham
Join us for a clean-up of our Adopt-A-Highway site. We have a two mile stretch of Route 9, from the bridge over the Mohawk River south, and will work from 9 AM to 11 AM. Bring work gloves; HM Group will provide the collection bags, etc. Parking will be in the lot behind Troy's Landscaping Supplies, on the west side of Rt. 9, approximately in the middle of our two mile stretch. (And consider recharging your energy reserves afterward by attending Honest Weight Food Co-op's 11 AM - 2 PM Washington Park picnic.) (C, T)

For more information, contact Virginia Boyle Traver at 518-489-5758 or by email to virginiabt28_at_hotmail.com.

April 21, 2007; Saturday: New Member Hike at Mt. Greylock (B-)
For anyone, not just new members, this is a perfect introduction. A 6 mile round trip, with a 1400 foot elevation gain. The trail leading from Notch Rd. to the summit of Greylock rises over the shoulder peaks of Mt. Williams and Mt. Fitch. Lots of variety and great views. Meet 8:30 AM, Defreestville Park & Ride at Routes 4 7 43. Joint Sierra Club and ADK outing. (H)

For more information, contact Virginia Boyle Traver at 518-489-5758 or by email to virginiabt28_at_hotmail.com.

April 22, 2007; Sunday: Schodack Island Paddle (B)
We'll meet at either the canoe launch or main boat launch at Schodack Island State Park. Plan to be in the water and ready to go by 9:00 AM. We will paddle & explore until about 4 PM. Best for touring kayaks, but strong canoers are welcome. Wet- or dry-suit recommended. We will try to find some short hikes during lunch. If it's possible, we can hike the trails in the State Park. Joint Sierra Club and ADK outing. (H)

For more information, contact David Pisaneschi at 518-459-5969 or x _at_x .

May 20, 2007; Sunday: A Tour of Mt. Rafinesque
Mt. Rafinesque has been a popular scenic attraction since it received its name in the 1830s. The summit has been preserved and is now owned by Hudson Valley Community College. In celebration of Brunswick Hometown Heritage Days, in recognition of the 2007 Brunswick Bicentennial, join Brunswick Town Historian Sharon Zankel and Warren F. Broderick of the New York State Archives, as they lead a hike through woodlands to the open summit for scenic views and a glimpse of an unusual plant found growing there by a pioneer botanist nearly 200 years ago. The hike will cover between 2 and 4 miles and will be moderately steep in places. Copies of literature on the history of Mt. Rafinesque will be provided gratis to attendees. Meet at 1 PM at Brunswick Town Hall, Town Hall Road, in Center Brunswick to car pool to the hike location. Participants should dress casually for inclement weather, wear hiking shoes or hiking boots, and bring necessary beverages. (H,E)

For more information, contact Sharon Zankel at 518-279-9714 or by email to szankel_at_aol.com; Phyllis Harrison at 518-279-9775; Warren Broderick at 518-235-4041 or wbroder_at_nycap.rr.com; or phone the Rensselaer-Taconic Land Conservancy at 518-238-2832 or e-mail to RTLC_at_RTLC.org.

Summer
Usual Weekly Activities, Typically Beginning in May

Sundays, May through September: Bike Rides Sunday morning bike rides in the Voorheesville/Helderburg area. Start about 7:15AM, usually finish by 9:AM. A great way to start the day. Joint Sierra Club and Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club rides.

For information, call leader Steve Redler at 518-434-1540.

Weekday, Spring through Fall: The Saratoga Saunter
An easy weekday morning walk. We will visit a variety of natural areas in Saratoga County with the objectives of better understanding our bioregion and making some new friends in the process.

For information, call Bill Koebbeman at 518-399-5027.

Weekly, beginning in May: Walks at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Weekly walks open to the public, led by the staff of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center. Call the Center at 518-872-0800 for more details.

Approximately a Year's Past Outings

January 14, 2006; Saturday: Santanoni Preserve
Join us for our annual XC-ski to this great estate, Camp Santanoni. We will review the history of this unique area and see how the work is progressing to preserve this Great Camp. Always a great trip for beginner or experienced skiers. (H,E)

For more information, call John at 518-370-4932.

January 29, 2006; Sunday: Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area
Snowshoe, hike or x-country ski in the Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area's 4,594 acres of uplands in the Town of Berne, Albany County. Learn of the State acquisition of open lands beginning in the early 1900s. An easy 4.5 mile loop with a stop for lunch. Bring water and lunch. (H,E)

For details, including time and meeting place, call Joe Gardner at 518-439-8719.

February 4, 2006; Saturday: Woodlawn Preserve
A fun showshoe in the unique Woodlawn Preserve (note: the July meeting referred to in this link was in 2003), just added to the New York State Open Space Plan. We will learn why it is a priority area and enjoy this little known jewel of a preserve. Last year there was no snow, so we enjoyed a great winter hike. One way or another it is a great outing in the center of the Capital District. (H)

For more information, call John at 518-370-4932.

February 18, 2006; Saturday: Hop Field, Thacher State Park
Enjoy your choice of snowshoeing, skiing, or hiking in beautiful wintery John Boyd Thacher State Park. You will learn how this area was saved from becoming a limestone quarry by the namesake of our March 18 outing (see below). Warm-up area available. (H,E)

For more information, call Joe Gardner at 518-439-8719.

March 18, 2006; Saturday: Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Snowshoe, ski, or hike the beautiful lakeside of Thompsons Lake at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center. Learn about the many programs for young and old offered at this educational center. (H,E)

For more information, call Joe Gardner at 518-439-8719.

July 29, 2006; Saturday: The Opalescent River and Hanging Spear Falls
A 13.85 mile loop with some wet crossings if the water is high. Bring sneakers if you wish. Enjoy Flowed Lands with one of the best views in the High Peaks. We will start at the Upper Works parking area.

For more information, call John at 518-370-4932.

August 5, 2006; Saturday: The Blue Ledges
An easy hike of 2.5 miles takes you to the ledges below the Hudson River Gorge. Around noon, while you sit on the beach and soak your feet in the river, you can watch the rafters paddle past you. An easy 5 mile round trip to this unique spot.

For more information, call John at 518-370-4932.

August 12, 2006; Saturday: Rediscover The Battle For Bennington
Beginning at 10 AM, two knowledgeable speakers will discuss the Battle of Bennington. Michael Gabriel is Professor of History at Kutztown University. He will speak on the importance of the battle, closely related to the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolution. Philip Lord is former curator of history at the New York State Museum. He will speak about land use and settlement patterns on the Battlefield site, where traces of the battle that took place in August of 1777 can still be identified. Following the lectures and lunch on your own, visit the monuments atop the hill where a major part of the battle took place, as well as an ancient spotted hawthorn tree which may have witnessed the battle, and take a short hike at 1 PM to view a historic rural landscape that has retained much of its scenic appearance. An historical display prepared by the Walloomsac Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, can be viewed as well. Meet at the Visitor Center at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, on Caretaker Road, just south of State Route 67 at Walloomsac.

For more information contact Warren Broderick at 518-235-4041 or wbroder2_at_nycap.rr.com; or Melissa Miller at 518-279-1155.

August 26, 2006; Saturday: Highway Cleanup, Route 9, Latham
Join us for our clean-up of our new Adopt-A-Highway site. We have a two mile stretch of Route 9, from the bridge over the Mohawk River south, and will work from 9 - 11 AM. (C, T)

For details call Virginia Boyle Traver at 518-489-5758.

September 10, 2006; Saturday: Birding at Peebles Island
Observe peregrine falcons, ospreys, bald eagles, sandpipers, yellowlegs, herons, egrets, chimmney swifts, and ducks on woodlands and river at Peebles Island State Park. Meet at 8 AM at the U-Haul on Ontario Street in Cohoes. From there, we'll carpool to share the park entrance fee of $6 per vehicle. (E)

For more information, contact Frank Murphy at 518-577-8005.

September 21, Thursday; Stony Ledge
Join us for a Fall hike in the Mt. Greylock Reservation to Stony Ledge from Roaring Brook Road. Stony Ledge is a great spot for a view, lunch, a bit of exercise, and only an hour from home. We will leave Albany at 9 AM and be home before the kids get off the school bus. This is a joint outing with the Albany ADK. (H)

For more information and meeting place, contact the hike leader, Virginia Boyle Traver at 518-489-5758 or virginiabt28_at_hotmail.com.

September 30, 2006; Saturday: Siamese Ponds Trail Work
We will hike in from the Rt. 8 trailhead to the ponds, with special emphasis on the section of trail from the lean-to to the ponds. Activities will include trail work (brushing out, water bars, etc.) and trash removal. Nothing is going to be difficult or physically demanding, but this is a work trip. This is your chance to join the Wilderness Committee on a work trip into the Chapter's adopted wilderness area and give something back to the mountains. Bad weather postpones to the next day or following weekend. No calls after 9 PM please. A joint outing with ADK - Albany Chapter. (H, T)

For more information and reservations, contact trip leader David Pisaneschi at 518-459-5969 or dpisanes_at_nycap.rr.com.

October 7, 2006; Saturday: Cascade Lakes Project, Adirondacks
Help with Hudson-Mohawk Group's semi-annual cleanup project along the Cascade Lakes. Take a short hike in the afternoon. (H, T)

For more information contact Ralph and Doreen at 518-346-2818.

October 14, 2006; Saturday: Tragedy By The Side Of The Road
The first road from the present Troy, New York, toward Bennington, Vermont, was opened about 1742, almost two decades before Bennington's first settler arrived. This early road went from the house of Jacob Vanderheyden (now Troy) to a settlement called Hoosick. A small portion of the narrow Colonial highway remains intact at Potter Hill and contains stonework that has changed little in over 250 years. Along this road stands a remarkable marble obelisk erected to the memory of John Potter, a beloved local citizen who died from a fall off his wagon in 1806. Local historian Warren F. Broderick, and Charles Filkins III of the Hoosick Township Historical Society, will discuss the history and course of the ancient highway. Nearly two centuries later, on July 26, 1930, about two miles to the east in a place known as Shingle Hollow, now part of Tibbitts State Forest, Bennington taxi driver Mike Kane was found shot to death in his taxicab. Following six years of relentless investigation by the New York State Police, three conspirators were finally brought to justice for their heinous crime. Hoosick Town Historian, Philip Leonard, will tell us about the remarkable story of the sensational Prohibition-era murder case. Following lunch on your own, take an easy hike along Route 7 to visit the marble monuments that commemorate these two tragedies. We will have the rare opportunity to walk a short stretch of Colonial highway that has not changed since it was bypassed in the 1830s. Meet at the Louis Miller Museum, 166 Main Street, Hoosick Falls, at 10 AM. (E, H)

For additional information contact Warren Broderick at 518-235-4041 or wbroder2_at_nycap.rr.com, or Charles Filkins at 518-686-4682 or Staff_at_Hoosickhistory.com.

December 10, 2006; Sunday: Leader's Choice XC Ski
Don't wait until January to get your legs into ski shape. We will go wherever there is good snow and easy to moderate backcountry terrain in the Adirondacks or southern Vermont. Expect to ski 8-10 miles and be out for 4-6 hours. Joint Sierra Club and ADK outing. (H)

For more information, contact Rich Macha at 518-346-3180 or apnp_at_prodigy.net

December 24, 2006; Sunday: Balsam Mountain Loop
A moderately paced trail hike up Balsam Mountain. Distance 5 miles; ascent 1600 ft; elevation 3600 ft. Joint Sierra Club and Catskill 3500 outing. (H)

For more information or to register, contact (email is preferred) David and Carol White (#859 & 860) at 315-853-6942 or ccswhite_at_juno.com

December 30, 2006; Saturday: Save The Pine Bush Winter Event
Skate, ski, or hike. Celebrate some of the winter holiday time out of doors by joining Claire Nolan in a walk to her favorite ice skating place in the Pine Bush. Bring skates and skis if there is lots of snow or just skates if it's cold enough but there's not much snow. Meet at 9:30 AM at the SUNYA Bus Stop on Collins Circle at University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. Joint Sierra Club and Save The Pine Bush outing. (H)

For more information, contact John Wolcott, 518-465-8930 or beverwyck1_at_earthlink.net.

January, 2007: ADK Winter Mountaineering School
Want to learn new winter skills? Looking to expand your winter fun? ADK Winter Mountaineering School has been helping hikers for over 50 snow- and ice-filled years. There are three sections. Jan 5-8 is a weekend day hiking section, cost $295. Also Jan 5-8 is the weekend backpacking section, cost $250. Jan 5-11 is a combo section (day hikes and 3 night backpack), cost $350. (E, H)

For more information, call 518-523-3441 or visit http://www.winterschool.org.

January 13, 2007; Saturday: Empire Orienteering Club SKI-O
Try ski orienteering in a Ski-O at Norray Farm (map) in Berne-Knox, NY. This will be an Empire State Winter Games qualifier. Registration and starts will be from 10:AM to noon. A fee is charged. Joint Sierra Club and Empire Orienteering Club outing. (H)

For additional information, contact Meet Director Phil Hawkes-Teeter at 518-872-1993 or philht_at_nycap.rr.com

January 18, 2007; Thursday: Bartholomew's Cobble
A beautiful and easy snowshoe along the Housatonic and up to Hurlburt's Hill at Bartholomew's Cobble, a protected reservation in Sheffield, Mass. About 5 miles and 350 feet of elevation gain. We'll be back before the kids get home from school. Meet 8:30 AM, at the Defreestville 4 & 43 Park & Ride. Joint Sierra Club and ADK outing. (H)

For additional information, contact trip leader Virginia Boyle Traver at 518-489-5758 or virginiabt28_at_hotmail.com

January 27 & 28, 2007; Saturday and Sunday: Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid is a valuable resource on any hike away from cars, and the SOLO course to be given on the RPI campus is a convenient way to learn. Outings Leaders are encouraged to take the course, but anyone can take the course and benefit from the knowledge and skills they learn. The SOLO course on the RPI campus is $120 with a $50 Sierra scholarship on completion. 10% discount for three or more Sierra members. (E)

For more information and to sign up, email Johathan Davis at davisj_at_rpi.edu.

To pay, mail a check to Jonathan Davis, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1999 Burdett Avenue, 219 North Hall, Troy, NY 12180. Checks can be made out to "RPI Union - Outing". To give time for checks to arrive, he will hold spots open for a week from the time people contact him to sign up.

January 27, 2007; Saturday: Partridge Run X-Country Ski
Ski the trails at Partridge Run State Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Berne in Albany County, NY. Joint Sierra Club, ADK, and Environmental Clearinghouse (ECOS) outing. (H)

For more information, contact David Geisinger at 518-887-3030 or geisinger_at_aol.com.

January 27, 2007; Saturday: Snowshoe in Thacher State Park
Enjoy a winter snowshoe with a warming room, 9 AM to noon, at Hop Field in John Boyd Thacher State Park. Joint Sierra Club, Mohawk Valley Hiking Club (MVHC), and Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) outing. (H)

For more information, contact Joe Gardner at 518-439-8719 or hmk-outings_at_newyork.sierraclub.org.

February 10, 2007; Saturday: Tongue Mtn. Northern Traverse
We will spot cars and hike/snowshoe the northern portion of the Tongue Mountain Range at Lake George, starting from the Clay Meadow trailhead and ending at the trail's s northern terminus on Route 9N. Total distance will be approximately 7.5 miles. Time and place, and car pool fee, are TBA. (H)

For more information, contact outing leader David Pisaneschi at 518-459-5969 or dpisanes_at_nycap.rr.com.

February 10 and 11, 2007; Saturday and Sunday: Wildlife Tracking
A popular winter program of wildlife tracking with Alcott Smith. Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM, will be a full day of field intensive experience. Sunday will be two field intensive half days, 9 AM to noon and 1 PM to 4 PM. Each day will visit a different area and bring new surprises. There will be a fee, and re-registration is a must since there is limited space. Joint Sierra Club and Dyken Pond outings. (E, H)

For more informaation, contact Jim Bonesteel at jim_at_jbonesteel.com or 518-766-5354

February 11, 2007; Sunday: Aiken Wilderness XC Ski
Aiken WIlderness is a high elevation area east of Bennington, VT which gets plenty of snow. We will start from Woodford State Park and explore old logging roads and open beaver meadows. If we get lucky we might see a moose. Expect to ski 8-10 miles and be out for 4-6 hours of intermediate skiing. Joint Sierra Club and ADK outing. (H)

For more information, contact outing leader Rich Macha, 518-346-3180 (w) or apnp_at_prodigy.net.

February 17, 2007; Saturday: Snowshoe at Thacher Nature Center
Think snow, and snowshoe the Center trails at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center and Thompson's Lake from 9 AM to noon. Joint Sierra Club, Mohawk Valley Hiking Club (MVHC), and Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) outing. (H)

For more information, contact Joe gardner at 518-439-8719 or hmk-outings_at_newyork.sierraclub.org.

February 25, 2007; Sunday: Leader's Choice XC Ski
We will go wherever there is good snow. Expect to ski 8-12 miles and be out for four to six hours. Intermediate backcountry skiing. Joint Sierra Club and ADK outing. (H)

For more information, contact Rich Macha, 518-346-3180 (w) or apnp_at_prodigy.net.

March 17, 2007; Saturday: East Dix via Lindsay Brook (A+)
PH: "I have always wanted to climb the Dixes from the Northway side, and the Lindsay Brook route [possibly described in Barbara McMartin's Discover the Northeastern Adirondacks chapter "Under The Northway" ?? (hmk-w)] is described as "interesting" in the guide book. I plan to try to ascend toward Spotted Mountain, and then go along the ridge to East Dix. If conditions, time, group interest, and car shuttles permit, I would like to traverse to South Dix and Macomb, and return to the Northway via West Mill Brook. Approximately 12 miles, mostly bushwhacking." Meeting place is Clifton Park Park & Ride, at 5 AM. Joint Sierra Club and ADK outing. (H)

For more information, contact leader Peter Henner, preferrably by e-mail at peter_at_peterhenner.com, or, if necessary (and only before 9:30 PM), by phone at 518-768-8234.

NOTE: Links to web sites are for informational purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement of the sites or of their content, nor of the organizations maintaining the sites.

URL: http://www.newyork.sierraclub.org/hudsonmohawk/outings.html