Outings Schedule: Summer 2008

If you'd care to lead a hike or stroll, please contact Outings Chair
Tonda Highley at 845-255-9933 or highleyt@newpaltz.edu.

National dictates as of July 1 that all official Sierra Club Outings be led by a SC member certified in Red Cross Community First Aid AND an online "hike leader training course"!
--Our hike program has been small enough; we are scared this will kill it entirely, so we are desperate to have members come forth who are willing to learn both.
--If a hike is small enough, then it can be called an "activity" and not a true "Sierra outing". Small strolls & hikes can still be offered, done at everyone's own risk.
--State money might be available for the first aid class; stay tuned.
--In the meantime, we will have a FREE overview of Wilderness First Aid-- see June Speaker Social.

Mid-Week hikes: Level C/B. Thursdays (1st and 3rd) bi-monthly.
On the first and third Thursday of the month, we will lead 3-5 hour hikes to different areas of the Mid- Hudson Valley. Hikes are followed by a stop for refreshment or dinner. Contact Lalita Malik, by Tuesday and she will let you know the hike plan, depending on weather and conditions. Leader: Lalita Malik, LalitaMalik@aol.com, (845) 592-0204. Joint ADK.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES:

Sun. June 1, join us for a family outing in Minnewaska State Park. We will hike to Lake Awosting along a relatively flat carriage trail and return along the beautiful Peters Kill surrounded by blooming Mountain Laurel. This hike is meant for families with young children and is a great nature exploration opportunity. The total hike distance is about 4 or 5 miles. Use your best judgment for your child. Please call Bob Marcinik (845) 566-9727 for directions and to reserve. Rain cancels. Fee required to enter park.

Sat. June 21 Catskill Wittenberg - Cornell Mountains A good way to kick off summer outdoors activities ?Starting from Woodland Valley we will climb up the 2,400 feet to the Wittenberg summit at 3,780 foot elevation, on to Cornell Mountain at 3,860 foot elevation, and back for a hike of 9+ miles. Weather cooperating, we will catch a view of the Ashokan Reservoir and will discuss how the geology and topography of the Catskill make it such a natural source and reservoir of water, and stress the importance of preserving the integrity of the Catskill watersheds as they feed New York City with potable water with virtually no chemical treatment. All day hike, bring lunch, water and wear adequate clothing. Contact leaders: Jean-Claude Fouéré JCFouere@optonline.net) or Georgette Weir at 845-462-0142 by June 19th for meeting place and time, and for car pool arrangements.

Sun. June 22 Undivided lot trail loop through Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park. Hike starts at Spring Farm Trailhead, off Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz. Study the unique geology of the area. Fee required for non- Mohonk Preserve members. Strenuous, 10 miles. Start at 9:30AM and end around 4:30PM. Call leader for additional information and/or directions. Tonda Highley 845-255- 9933

Sun. June 29, 10AM - Locust Grove Estate. We will hike the wooded Lane Loop and visit the picturesque lake on the grounds of Samuel Morse's estate. This is a habitat for deer and wild turkey. Nature experiences both adults and kids can enjoy. Off Rt. 9 in Poughkeepsie. Call Mike Boyajian, 845 897 2487. Meet in Locust Grove parking lot, rain cancels.

Sun, July 20, Dry Brook Ridge. Explore the Catskill Mountains, study the geology, and enjoy the wonderful views in the western end. Strenuous, 10 mile hike. Call leader for time and meeting place and possible cancellation due to rain. Dale Hughes 845-586-2232

Sat. Aug. 9: A hike along the Appalachian Trail to Nuclear Lake in Beekman, Dutchess County, a popular spot for swimming and fishing. Learn the history of this remote, lovely lake with the unfortunate name, while exploring a diverse landscape of hemlocks, open woods, and small streams. About 4-5 moderately-paced miles, with gentle ups and downs; class C+. Meet 9:30 am at the trailhead on route 55 in Beekman, but contact leader for exact directions and last-minute changes. Serious rain cancels. Leader: Marie Caruso, 845-452-9086 or mariehv@verizon.net. Joint with ADK.

Sun. Aug, 24th Black Rock Forest. Hike on dirt roads and trails. Discover reservoirs and explore this area of natural and historical significance. Nice view of the Hudson. An easy to moderate hike. Rain cancels. Call leader for time and meeting place. Arlene 246-2069

HIKE RATING SYSTEM
Distance
1. up to 3 miles
2. 3 to 5 miles
3. 5 to 8 miles
4. 8 & up
Elevation Gain
D. under 500 feet
C. 500 to 1000
B. 1000 to 2,000
A. 2,000 & more

Call trip leader beforehand for permission to participate and for any additional information you may need. Know that things, including weather, may change. Remember that your safety and comfort is your responsibility. 

All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard liability waiver. If you would like to read the liability waiver before you choose to participate on an outing, refer to: www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/index.asp or contact the Outings department at (415) 977-5630 for a printed version.

If you have a hike or walk you'd like to share with us (6-8 miles or less), please contact Outings Director, Tonda Highley 845-255-9933, highleyt@newpaltz.edu.

Have you taken any photos that you'd like to contribute to this site?  Please send your digital images to kdm2@po.cwru.edu

The 2002 Outings Leader Handbook replaces all previous versions (Red Book). It is available in print and on the net.