Please note that any activities or events noted in this section are in the past.
Summer 2011 Message from the Chapter Chair
Summer is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the nice weather. We are fortunate to live in an area that offers a multitude of outdoor activities from which to choose. We have great local preserves with hikes for everyone to enjoy. Within a few hours, we can be in the Adirondacks, Catskills, Berkshires, Taconics, or Green Mountains, just to name a few. We also have excellent waters for paddling, and many scenic bike paths. Our hike leaders do a wonderful job of taking advantage of everything our area has to offer, so I encourage you to come out and join us.
Sign up for electronic delivery of the chapter newsletter to make sure that you don’t miss future issues. We’re excited about moving to an all-electronic format, and anticipate new opportunities to bring interesting content to our readers.
Please note that our annual chapter meeting and elections will be held on November 17th. Send nominations by August 26th to Wally Herrod,
[email protected] or 518-758-9463.
We have a new publicity chair! Thank you, Sandy Andersen, for volunteering your PR expertise to get the word out about our club and activities to the local media. Sandy’s experience will be a valuable asset to our chapter.
Stacey Michon
Spring 2011 Message from the Chapter Chair
As I am writing this, we are in the midst of yet another winter storm, but hopefully by the time you read it the snow will all be melted and warmer weather will be here. We have lots of great activities planned this spring. We have our annual spring chapter meeting and potluck on April 18th, and our summer picnic at Schodack Town Park on June 23rd. Randy and Amy MacDonald have organized another Vermont hiking weekend on June 24th. This is a popular event and always fills up-so sign up soon to secure your spot.
I am very excited about the series of beginner hikes we are offering starting on Earth Day. This will be a series of eight hikes, some flat and some with small elevation gain. If you have been thinking about coming out on a hike but haven’t because you are inexperienced or worried about keeping up, come join us. These hikes will be at a pace where everyone can keep up and more importantly enjoy themselves. The hike schedule and information for beginning hiking is on our website.
Finally, the executive committee has unanimously decided that our chapter will be switching over to an electronic newsletter in the near future. Not only is it better for our environment, an electronic newsletter will allow us to provide more content, and also save the chapter money that we can use to provide more programs and opportunities for our members to enjoy. Keep an eye on our website for details.
Stacey
Winter 2010 Message from the Chapter Chair
Hello fellow Chapter Members. First, I would like to extend many thanks to Wally Herrod for the excellent work he has done these past few years. He has left some big shoes to fill! I am honored and excited to serve as your new chapter chair. I hope I do as good a job in the future as Wally has in the past. The executive committee and I plan to continue growing and improving our chapter.
We have volunteer positions open and I encourage you to come out and get involved with your chapter. Time commitments for these positions vary from a few hours a month serving on the executive committee to helping out on a trail maintenance day. No contribution is too small. We encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to attend an executive committee meeting to get more information.
Don't forget our annual potluck and chapter meeting on January 1st at the home of Frank and Dee Wind. The Winds do an excellent job of hosting this every year and it will be a great time. Also scheduled in January is the AMC Annual Meeting, which will be held in Danvers, MA. If you are interested in learning more about the AMC I strongly recommend you attend. Aside from the annual meeting and dinner, there are several workshops scheduled, and an open house at AMC headquarters on Joy St.
We have lots of activities for all levels scheduled this winter, from beginner skiing and snowshoeing, to more advanced high peak trips. I hope to see you all out on the trails.
Stacey Michon
Fall 2010 Message from the Chapter Chair
This will be my farewell
greeting to you, as my
term as chapter chair
expires. I was new to the
AMC four years ago when
I was in the right place at the right
time for the opportunity to help lead
the chapter, first as co-chair with
Enny Dufur, then as chair. I have
learned much, and met so many
wonderful, dedicated people since then. I urge others
to step up for the Chapter. That said, we have a full slate
of capable officers in the wings to carry us forward. It
has been especially gratifying to see the expansion of our
outings program, and our ever-current website. Be sure
and get out there with us on the trails, snow and waterways!
Wally Herrod
Summer 2010 Message from the Chapter Chair
Greetings to everyone. I am thrilled
with the number and variety of trips
and activities that our chapter has
offered during the period April-June,
2010. Just in
On the Western Slope itself,
there were 38 participation opportunities, and
this doesn’t even count the weekly mid-week
and HARP offerings. I and the rest of the
Executive Committee have been able to meet
many new faces, and we have been making
efforts to put forth to those who have joined us the notion that if they
like what they are getting out of the chapter, might they consider
stepping forward and helping with chapter leadership.
Jeff Carden, our webmaster, has been terrific, as has been the
support given to me by our other officers. Also, we have a number
of new trip leaders, instead of just the few who have been leading
trips for many years. The Summer 2010 issue includes 33 outings lead by 15
people. This bodes well for the future. Please visit our website
often, as things do change, and put activities that interest you on your
calendars as you become aware of them, rather than have AMC “out
of sight, out of mind.”
Hope to see you soon! Wally Herrod
Spring 2010 Message from the Chapter Chair
Ah Spring!.... and hikers' minds turn to what are the best ways to get out and enjoy it. Take a look at our many hiking and other activity listings and set aside some dates now to join us. We feature regional hikes for people of all abilities. A goal we have in the Mohawk Hudson Chapter this year is to recruit and train more leaders. Leaders are awarded a fine LL Bean fleece jacket embroidered with our logo and the words "Hike Leader." Check out the
FAQ on our improved website for details.
Another aim is to activate and acquaint more of the members we do have with the opportunities the chapter offers to meet and network with others who enjoy what you do, and also encourage them to help us lead the chapter into the future. We have expanded our weekend-long and conservation activities, and continue to offer mid-week, weekend and HARP (hiking at a relaxed pace) trips. Your participation in attending, leading, and serving in chapter committee work and governance is vital.
Hope to see you soon! Wally Herrod
Winter 2010 Message from the Chapter Chair
Welcome to our website! Mohawk Hudson Chapter is the smallest among the 12 chapters in the Appalachian Mountain Club, but we are going strong, and welcome your stepping forward and helping us to expand our range of outdoor and committee activities. As I take on being the chapter chair, instead of co-chair, I would like to encourage more of our members of all ages to share your talents and skills, so that our chapter becomes known for "hiking and other activities for people of all ages and abilities."
One of the strengths of our chapter has been offering distance- and difficulty-friendly hiking trips for folks who love to be with others love exploring in the outdoors, but don't see hiking as an athletic event. Our mid-week and HARP (hiking at a relaxed pace) are very popular, with a nucleus of regulars, and frequent new or occasional joiners. We welcome your ideas for new activities, such as biking or kayaking, and hope you will consider offering to lead for us friendly trips that might not be too physically challenging, as these seem to be most popular, and what we do well.
If you are a younger AMC member and/or find that the number of more strenuous hikes we offer is too few, we welcome your input and participation in our leadership training so that the chapter can offer more of this type of activity also. We would welcome someone engaged in the on-line social networking scene to organize and lead AMC/MH activities. For people who like trail-building activities, we have trails north and south of the Capital District in need of people to be active trail maintainers. If you are an armchair enthusiast, consider joining our Conservation Committee to work on land use, environmental and related activities. And, as always, ask your friends to join and be part of the fun!
So explore the website, and let me know your ideas. Wally Herrod
Fall 2009 Message from Chapter Co-Chairs, Enny & Wally
As summer draws to a close and fall sets in, Wally Herrod and I are looking forward to enjoying the cooler
weather. We are hoping to see all of you out on the trails. As Billy and I step down from our respective positions (co-chair, membership chairman), we are looking forward to having a bit more time in which to visit our children and growing grandchildren. We have enjoyed the years working with all of you and intend to continue filling in when needed. These three years have seemed to go by so very quickly and it was fun to watch the enthusiasm spread and the chapter membership grow.
I especially want to say how enjoyable it was to work with Wally and to discover that we felt the same way about most of the issues that came across our phones and computers. I especially will miss the strategy talks that seemed to take place weekly.
- Our best to all and happy trails, Evelyn and Billy Dufur.
A rousing vote of thanks must go to Enny and Billy for stepping forward at a time three years ago when our chapter might have folded up its tent and gone home. Important changes have since happened and we have a lively group with a future ahead of us. I really want to see a great deal of participation in our activities this year. Let's get out on the hikes and use our new website and AMC's
http://trips.outdoors.org to add on more hikes and activities. Let's send in trip reports, communicate with each other, and join in fun of the annual dinner in a new location. Two more things, please consider going to AMC's
Member Center and electing an e-mail newsletter to save on paper, printing and mailing. Also, consider joining our amcmh Yahoo! Group.
- Wally.
Summer 2009 Message from Chapter Co-Chairs, Enny & Wally
Greetings to everyone, and particularly all of our new members. We hope you will find some hikes and activities to your liking in this issue of our
newsletter. Our hikes are chosen to provide a variety of location and difficulty from which to choose. If you have a favorite place you'd like for us
to hike, or if you would like to lead a hike or trip, let our Outings Chair, Kevin Cox, know. Or, if it you like mid-week hiking, where trips are
usually not chosen or announced until a few days before, contact Gerry Weber or Enny Dufur with your ideas.
The expenses of printing and mailing our newsletter are a large part of our budget, and for this reason this issue has fewer pages. We still hope to
keep WS coming out quarterly, and we are planning to keep members abreast of hikes added or changed through a new website design. You can help us go
green and save green by opting to receive a message when the new Slope is available at our website rather than receive a paper copy. Sign up at AMC's
Member Center (
www.outdoors.org/membercenter. Also, all of MH trips and those of other chapters
which are open to you as well are always available through
trips.outdoors.org.
Trail Conditions
If you are heading up to the Adirondacks in the next couple of weeks, you may want to check the DEC's trail conditions page
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html before you go. Because of Hurricane Irene there are a number of trails closed in the Eastern region of the Adirondacks and some campgrounds are currently closed and may or may not be open by Labor Day. Route 73 Is washed out in the area of St Huberts and the Adirondack Loj road is closed. Some information can be found at the Adirondack Explorer site,
http://adirondackexplorer.org/out-takes/ .
For information on conditions in the Catskills, visit the New York - New Jersy Trail Conference site at
http://www.nynjtc.org/
You can find information on travel in NY at
http://www.511ny.org/
Update 09/09/2011 - Adirondack Loj Road and many of the trails in the Eastern Region have re-opened.
November 17 - Annual Chapter Meeting/Election
The Mohawk Hudson chapter will hold its annual meeting and election of officers on Thursday evening, November 17 at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant in Troy N.Y.
Moscatiello’s,
www.moscatiellos.com , located at 99 North Greenbush Road (Rte 4, just south of Hudson Valley Community College), Troy, N.Y., will serve a buffet dinner, salad, dessert and coffee/tea/soda. A cash bar will also be available.
Chapter Member Rich Vertigan will be our featured speaker, giving a presentation on his cross country cycle last summer.
In the summer of 2010, Rich Vertigan bicycled from Seaside, OR, to Rehoboth Beach, DE, a journey of over 4,000 miles and 3 months on the road. Along the way, he saw America's small towns and people up close, enjoyed their hospitality, climbed mountains, and followed rivers as he pedaled his way across the country. Come join us as Rich presents a slide show of his experiences on the road and the scenic wonders that he found along the way.
Officer Nominations for 2012
In accordance with the Chapter by-laws, the Nominating Committee presents the following nominations for the year 2012: Stacey Michon, Chair; Arthur Fontijn, Vice-Chair; Sharon Bonk, Treasurer; and Cliff Prewencki, Secretary.
Our by-laws provide that any five Chapter members desiring to place additional candidates in nomination may do so by sending to the Secretary post-marked no later than ten days before the Annual Meeting a nominating paper stating the office to be filled, the proposed candidate's name, and written verification of consent from the nominee to serve if elected.
Our annual meeting and election is scheduled for November 17, 2011. Nominating Committee members are Wally Herrod, Chair; Enny Dufur; and Gerry Weber.
It's Time to Enter the 2011 AMC Photo Contest!
AMC's 17th annual photo contest is now open to all members, with more prizes than ever up for grabs. This year's Grand Prize winner will receive a spot in an upcoming photography workshop and an accompanying stay at an AMC destination. Winners of the "Kids, Families, and Adults Outdoors," "Scenics and Nature," "AMC in Action," and "People's Choice" categories will receive prizes from Black Diamond, Deuter, Merrell, and Outdoor Research.
For full rules and entry instructions, visit
www.outdoors.org/photocontest. Entries will be accepted until November 15, with the winners appearing in a spring 2012 issue of AMC Outdoors.
Indian Kill Cleanup
On September 11th, 4 club members and guest cleaned up a quarter of a mile of the Indian Kill and adjoining trail in the Indian Meadows Park and hauled the trash another quarter of a mile
to the spot where the Town of Glenville would later pick it up. Participating were John Tifft, Jeff Carden, Sandy Andersen, Sharon Bonk, and Ruth Labrie.
AMC's Annual Fall Gathering - October 14-16, 2011
Registration is now open for the AMC's Annual Fall Gathering which will be held October 14-16, 2011 at Sargent Center, Hancock, New Hampshire, near Mt Monadnock. For more information see the
flyer or visit the
website
2011 AMC Shuttle Service
In case you find yourself in the White Mountains this summer, here's the AMC Shuttle Service
schedule and
map
Saturday,October 1st - Volunteers Needed for Bridge Rehabilitation on Section 32 of the Long Path, East Berne, N.Y.
Due to the fury of Hurricane Irene, one of the bridges spanning a creek in the Cole Hill State Park on the Long Path was knocked off one of its banks and pivoted around to where it now sits entirely on the south bank of the creek. We need a total of about six to ten volunteers to help restore the bridge. This work may involve some heavy lifting.
The project will be overseen by Raymond Flavell who works for the NYS Thruway Authority and is a volunteer partner of the NYNJ Trail
Conference. He has at his disposal, heavy moving equipment which he will be able to bring to the site to help with our efforts. Andy Garrison, also with the NYNJ Trail Conference, will be assisting as well.
The project has the OK of the DEC of New York, a requirement since it is located within a state park.
The bridge is located just off of Willsie Rd. in the town of East Berne, N.Y. which is about a forty five minute drive from Albany. If interested please contact John Tifft via email at
[email protected] or by phone at 518 439-5686. Information as to meeting place, time, and what one needs to bring will be cheerfully relayed.
Cardigan Lodge Registration Due July 25th
Registration for the Chapter weekend at Cardigan Lodge near Bristol, NH is due July 25th. There are only a few spots open so register soon.
Friday-Sunday, September 23-25 –
Chapter Weekend, Cardigan Lodge,
Southern White Mountains, NH
AMC’s Cardigan Lodge has all levels of hiking
trails right out the front door! We’ve reserved
three 5-person bunkrooms with shared bath,
and one 2-person private bunk with shared
bath. Price includes 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners,
and 2 trail lunches and taxes.
Cost is $133 per
person for the whole weekend. (If we meet
AMC’s discount level, everyone will get a few
dollars back.)
One spot on this trip has become available. Contact Stacey Michon
[email protected] or 518-269-1858.
by August 20th if you are interested.
Mid-Summer Hiking and Chapter Picnic August 20th
The Chapter has rented a covered pavilion for the whole day (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.) at
the north beach area of North Lake State Campground, off Rte. 23A in Haines Falls,
N.Y. Beach, changing building and bathrooms are nearby. Bring your own food,
frisbees, pictures, gear to sell, and stories. We’ll provide charcoal for grilling, and
plan to dine around 4 p.m.
Children are welcome, as are guests and members of
other AMC chapters who wish to get to know this
wonderful area in the Catskills. There’s plenty of hiking:
we can provide maps, and arrange for a Leader to show
the way to such places as Badman’s Cave,
Boulder Rock, Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock,
Mary’s Glen, and Inspiration Point.
Ask for directions at park entrance station; there
is a NYS parks vehicle use fee. For more information,
and to register in advance, contact Leader: Wally
Herrod, 518-758-9463 or
[email protected]
July 8-10 Flat Water Kayak Weekend in West Brookfield Massachusetts.
Join the Mohawk Hudson Chapter for a Flat Water Kayak Weekend in West Brookfield Massachusetts, July 8-10.
We will be staying on the river at the Copper Lantern Motor Lodge.
- Friday Afternoon Paddle at Lake Wickaboag
- Saturday Paddle 8.5 miles on the Quaboay River. Dinner Salem Cross Inn.
- Sunday Paddle 7 miles on the Swift River.
Weekend lodging $130 to $150 +tax double.
Contact Randy MacDonald,
[email protected], 518-766-7675 before 9pm.
June 23rd - Quarterly Chapter Meeting/Picnic
Once again, our June picnic will be at Schodack Town Park (on Rte 150 just north of the Exit 11, Rte 20 Park and Ride in Schodack).
Map There are trails that wind through the woods so come early and walk in the woods by the creek. The picnic will be in the pavilion so come rain or shine. Activities will get started around 5pm.
The chapter will supply dogs, burgers, veggie option, and soda. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. No alcoholic beverages allowed in the park. Contact: Arthur Fontijn, 518-477-7992, or
[email protected]
Please register so that we know how much food and supplies to prepare.
June 24-26, Hiking Weekend In Vermont
Join the Mohawk Hudson Chapter June 24/26 for a weekend in Weston Vermont. We will be staying at the Colonial House Inn and Motel. Price will include 2 breakfasts, 2 trail lunches and 2 dinners. Price will be $179 pp.to $216. ppdo $235.to $272.single including all taxes and gratuities.
Planed hikes are:
- Friday afternoon West River Trail South Londonderry to Winhall Campground and return. 4 miles C-3-3
- Saturday option 1 Stratton Mountain 7.7 miles round trip 1730 feet elevation change B-3-C
- Saturday option 2 Grout Pond Area Trails Various Trails C-3-C
- Sunday Hamilton Falls Vermont's tallest waterfalls 7 miles B-3-C
Contact Randy MacDonald,
[email protected],
518-766-7675 before 9 PM.
Joy Of Hiking For Beginners
Beginning on Earth Day, April 22nd, a series of hikes will be offered for people with little or no
experience with hiking and non-AMC members are especially welcome. If you've felt hesitant to venture forth on preplanned hikes with people with more experience for fear
of embarrassment or ridicule then this is the perfect opportunity to begin to learn how wonderful hiking can be. The trained leader(s) will combine education with exercise, providing tips on how to make hiking more enjoyable.
There are various reasons for hiking. Some people hike for exercise or to spend time in nature. It's also a chance to spend time with friends or family. Hiking provides an overall feeling of wellness that comes with an infusion of fresh air, and also if one is going up, the sense of accomplishment of "making it to the top". Another reason to spend time hiking is to increase your sense of balance, that becomes more important as one grows older. Hiking trails, in general , present a softer terrain for one's feet than the harder surface that normal walking or running encompasses. There's also more opportunity to challenge one's mind to learn more about the plants, trees, animals, weather and geology that surround us that we, unfortunately, have become insulated from.
There will be four hikes of one to three miles in length along a level terrain. The starting time will vary, see the links below for more information. We will pause periodically and take our time with the hike. Please bring water and or sports drink for hydration during the hike, along with a lunch or supper as appropriate and extra snacks for energy during the hike. See our expanding set of
How To articles for more information about what else to bring.
For more information about the Beginning Hikes, contact program coordinator John Tifft 518-439-5686
[email protected]
June 11th Family Outing Day At Noble View Outdoor Center
AMC will be holding a family Outing Day at the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA, June 11th from 10am - 3pm. This is an event for and about kids. There will be trail games and activities for the children and forums for the adults. Bring a lunch and spend the day or take advantage of special rates and stay overnight.
See the
brochure for more information.
May 21st Robert Ingalls Preserve Clean up
The Rensselaer Land Trust will be cleaning up trash at their newest preserve on Saturday, May 21st from 9am to 3pm. Because of limited parking at the preserve, volunteers are asked to meet at the
Crooked Lake House on Route 43 and then carpool to the preserve at the intersection of routes 23 and 26. Much of the area is steep and is likely to be muddy so a good level of physical fitness is required. Wear appropriate clothes and bring gloves, water and lunch. Trash bags will be supplied.
If you are interested in helping out, please contact Paul Schroeder with the Rensselaer Land Trust at
[email protected] (518) 674-2480.
Publicity Chair Needed
We are looking for a volunteer to serve as publicity chair. Responsibilities include: sending out information about our club activities to local newspapers each month, maintaining the chapter's Facebook page, and attending chapter and executive committee meetings. The publicity chair is a voting member of the executive committee. This is a great way to become involved with the chapter and only requires a time commitment of a few hours each month.
AMC Spring Fling: April 29-May 1, 2011
The AMC Spring Fling will be held April 29th through May 1st at AMC's Mohican Outdoor Center in Blairstown, NJ.
Enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, campfires and some great food while basking in the spring weather of New Jersey.
Call AMC Reservations at 603-466-2727 to book your spot. For more details on AMC's Mohican Outdoor center, visit
www.outdoors.org/lodging/mohican
April 30th - Tomhannock Reservoir Cleanup
The chapter will be assisting the Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) clean up the Tomhannock Reservoir on April 30th. This primarily involves picking up trash along the roads that surround the reservoir but last year we ended up cleaning the embankment on the far side of the dam that had seen a lot of dumping. It's a lot of fun and good for the environment. Let Jeff Carden, 518-328-7967,
[email protected] know if you plan to participate so he can tell the RLT how many of us to expect. The cleanup will go from 9-12 am so get there a little early to sign in. The starting point is the NYS DEC public access parking lot on Rt 7 in Raymertown, just to the east of the causeway over the reservoir. Bring gloves, water, snacks, and dress appropriately. Trash bags will be provided.
April 16th - Hudson Heldeberg Rail Trail work
On April 16th the chapter will be assisting with trail work on a 2 mile stretch of the Hudson Heldeberg Rail Trail in Delmar. This trail will follow the former D&H; railroad line, ultimately from the Port of Albany to Voorheesville. For more information on this project see the Friends of the Rail Trail site at
http://www.mohawkhudson.org/fort.htm
A lot of the work will involve clearing brush that has grown since the railroad was closed and people with tools such as loppers, clippers, and even chainsaws are especially welcome. If you are interested in helping with this worthy project, contact Trails Chair, John Tifft at
[email protected], 518-439-5686
April 9th - EMS Club Day
EMS Club Day is on Saturday April 9th. Our chapter will have a table at the Niskayuna Store. Stop by to see us and get 20 -25% off everything in the store if you show your AMC membership card. This is a great opportunity for us to get the word out about our chapter to the local community. If you are interested in volunteering for a few hours, contact Stacey Michon, at
[email protected], or 518-269-1858.
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
On Monday, March 21 from 7-9pm, Jennifer Hanson will be holding a slideshow and book signing at the William K Sanford Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road in Colonie. Her book, Hiking the Continental Divide Trail, details her 6 month adventure hiking from Mexico to Canada. More information can be found on here website at
http://www.hikingthecdt.com/
March 9th - Screening of the Movie, Gasland
The Mohawk Hudson chapter has arranged for a screening of the movie,
Gasland at the East Greenbush Library, 10 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY. This is a free screening and open to the public. The movie will start at 6 pm and will be followed by a discussion on "fracking" (Hydraulic fracturing) led by Langhorne Smith PhD, the NYS Acting State Geologist.
Gasland is a documentary directed by Josh Fox and details his journey across America investigating the impact of natural gas drilling.
Dyken Pond Activities This Weekend
The Friends of Dyken Pond are holding a few activities this weekend that may be of interest.
Saturday, February 5 Guided Cross-Country Ski Trek 1pm - 3pm. Free. Meet at Center's parking lot.
Last weekend in our Adult Wildlife Tracking Series:
Alcott Smith, exceptional tracker, veterinarian, naturalist and story-teller will be sharing his expertise this weekend in outdoor wildlife tracking workshops. Alcott will entertain as well with a myriad of stories of run-ins with skunks, raising black bear cubs and the nutritious value of eating ants!
These programs are outdoor, field intensives where you will learn not just about tracks, but what the animal was doing, how it was behaving and how to read other animal signs including scent marking, rubs, browse and more.
Workshops are as follows:
Saturday, February 5: 9 am - 4pm. Explore the Rensselaer Plateau. Meet in Taborton. Two openings due to cancellation.
Sunday, February 6: 9am - noon and/or 1pm - 4pm. Meet at Dyken Pond Center. Limited openings.
Pre-registration required by contacting Lisa Hoyt at (518) 658-2055 or
[email protected].
Workshops will be held regardless of weather. Participants should be physically fit and be prepared to spend time in the outdoors for a full or half day. Details will be provided upon registration.
For a complete calendar of events, please visit The Friends of Dyken Pond website at:
www.dykenpond.org.
Registration is Open for AMC’s 135th Annual Meeting!
The 135th Annual Meeting of the Appalachian Mountain Club will be held on Saturday, January 29th, 2011, at the Four Points Conference Center by Sheraton in Norwood, Massachusetts. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Char Miller, historian, award-winning author, and forest service history expert will be our keynote speaker.
Dr. Miller is the director and W. M. Keck Professor in the Environmental Analysis Program at Pomona College, Claremont, CA. He is author of the award-winning Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, Deep in the Heart of San Antonio: Land and Life in South Texas, and Ground Work: Conservation in American Culture. Most recently, he is editor of the companion volumes, Water in the 21st-Century West and River Basins of the American West, and of the forthcoming Cities and Nature in the American West.
In 2004-05, Miller was the Centennial Lecturer for the U.S. Forest Service, delivering more than 100 speeches across the country on the historic conflicts and contemporary dilemmas that have confronted our National Forests and Grasslands and the agency that manages them.
Special Recognition...NH Senator Judd Gregg will be recognized with the AMC Lifetime Achievement Award during dinner.
To register or obtain more information about this event, Dr. Miller, or the AMC, visit the
Annual Meeting web page.
Chapter Book Sale
The chapter is selling a limited quantity of AMC books and maps of local interest. Please contact
Sharon Bonk if you want to purchase one of these books.
Proceeds of the sale go to the chapter's treasury. The books will be available at the annual meeting on
November 18 and at the January 1 Potluck and Quarterly Meeting.
Here's a list of the books for sale:
AMC Guide to Winter Hiking and Camping by Y. Maurer & L. St. Clair $16.95
Quiet Water New York, 2nd ed. $19.95
Paddling with Kids by Bruce Lessels & Karen Blom. $14.95
Best Day Hikes in the Berkshires by Rene Laubach (4 season guide to Western Massachusetts) $18.95
Massachusetts Trail Map: Northern Berkshires; SW Ma, Wachusett Mountain. $6.95
Massachusetts Trail Map: Mt. Tom; Mt. Holyoke; Blue Hills $6.95
AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley by Peter Kick (4 season guide to 60 trials) $16.95
Catskill Mountain Guide, 2nd edition. (with map) $23.95
AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains by Robert Buchsbaum (4 season guide to 50 trails in the White Mountain National Forest) $16.95
Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, 3rd. Edition. (with map) $23.95
Not Without Peril by Nicholas Howe. (150 Years of misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire. $18.95
Hunting Season Starts
Please visit the DEC
website to find this fall's hunting season
dates, and be sure to take the precaution of wearing bright orange or other
bright colored hats and clothing when going into the woods during these
periods.
January 7-9th Vermont Cross Country Ski / Snowshoe Weekend
Join the Mohawk Hudson Chapter for a weekend in Weston, Vermont.
We will cross country ski at Wild Wings Ski Center.($14.)
Snowshoe in the Green Mountain National Forest
We will be staying at the Colonial House Inn and Motel.
Cost ($161. to $196. ppdo $228. to $250. ppso)
Includes 2 breakfasts,2 trail lunches and 2 dinners, all taxes
and gratuities.
Please note, registration is full for this event.
Temporary DEC Road Closures
Some of the DEC roads in our area are closed to motor vehicles because the state currently lacks the funds to maintain them. The roads are still open to the public and parking is available at the gates, so this just means your hike may be longer than expected.
Check the
DEC Website for a list of roads affected and news about this issue.
2011 Chapter Office Nominations
In accordance with the by-laws, the Nominating Committee presents the
following nominations for the year 2011:
Stacey Michon, Chair
Art Fontijn, Vice Chair
Myra Fedyniak, Treasurer
Kathleen Helfrich, Secretary
Please note that the name of Martha Waldman was previously listed as the nominee for 2011 chapter secretary and that was incorrect. It is really Kathleen Helfrich who is the nominee for chapter secretary.
Our by-laws provide that any five Chapter members desiring to place
additional candidates in nomination may do so by sending to the Secretary
post-marked no later than ten days before the Annual Meeting a nominating
paper stating the office to be filled, the proposed candidates name, and
written verification of consent from the nominee to serve if elected.
Our annual meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2010.
Proposed By-Laws Available for Review
Every 5 years the Chapter's By-Laws are reviewed and the revisions are voted on at the Chapter's Annual Meeting. This will occur this year at the Annual Meeting on November 18th. You may read the proposed revisions
here.
If anyone has comments about the By-Laws revision, please contact
Wally Herrod, Chapter Chair.
Annual Chapter Meeting, November 18th
Mark your calendars and hold November 18 for our annual chapter dinner meeting and chapter elections at the Crossgates Restaurant and Banquet House. There will be a Social Hour from 5:30-6:30, followed by dinner and then the
Business Meeting & Program described below.
Dinner Choices: Baked Salmon; Stuffed Breast of Chicken; Pasta Primavera
Reservation checks @ $28/pp payable to AMC/MH must be received by November 8. Send check including dinner choice(s) and phone number to Sharon Bonk, PO Box 464, W. Sand Lake 12196
Our speaker will be Bernie Grossman giving a presentation with the working title: A North Slope Raft Trip in Search of North America's Seventh Chickadee. Here's a description from Bernie about his talk:
"The Black-capped Chickadee is one of everyone's favorite birds, but there are six more chickadee species in North America. I realized that through visits to our two sons and a couple of birding trips, I could see all seven in one year. My talk describes these bird species briefly as well as our trip to Alaska to look for the Gray-headed Chickadee which is found only on Alaska's North Slope and into the Yukon Territory of Canada. After a stop in Denali, we joined our group and flew into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I will show pictures of Denali and our raft trip down the Marsh Fork of the Canning River including the scenery, flora and fauna we experienced."
Bio: Bernie and Chris Grossman grew up in Illinois and met at Grinnell College in Iowa. After graduate school, they lived in Utica and then the Capital District where their two boys were born. Bernie taught at Utica College and then worked as a chemist at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory for 32 years, while Chris taught computer science at Schenectady County Community College. They have been retired for almost 6 and 5 years respectively.
Their serious hiking experience started through their association with Utica College and the new ADK chapter there. After their move to the Capital District, they joined the Schenectady ADK chapter. They are 46r #4301 and #4302 and participate in the weekday AMC hikes. They have hiked in Norway and Olympic National Park with the ADK and independently three times in Banff and Jasper. They have watched wolves in Yellowstone in the winter and have had close encounters with polar bears at Churchill, Manitoba.
Both have held positions with the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, and their birding travels have included trips to Northern India, Alaska (twice), Colorado and SE Arizona. Trips to Costa Rica and Bhutan are planned for 2011.
2010 AMC Fall Gathering October 15-17, 2010
Registration is due, September 30, 2010
Prindle Pond Conference Center Hilltop, Charlton, MA
Hosted by the Worcester Chapter
- Explore Central Massachusetts by hiking, cycling, paddling,
rock climbing and more…
- Family-oriented activities will be offered, too, so bring your
children & grandchildren!
- Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow AMC members in the evening
starting with a social hour followed by lively entertainment and
a bonfire to wrap it all up.
For more information see the
brochure or visit
www.amcFallGathering2010.com
Highland Center Registration Due August 21st
Time is running out to register for the chapter's Highland Center Weekend which takes place September 24-26. Don't miss out on this opportunity to spend a weekend in the White Mountains during the fall foliage season.
We have 3 types of rooms reserved: private double ($264pp); 4 person bunk room ($162pp); and bunks in the Shapleigh bunk house ($126pp).
Rates include dinners Friday and Saturday, breakfasts Saturday and Sunday, and taxes. Hiking options include A, B, and C level hikes.
Contact Sharon Bonk for details and to make reservations. (
[email protected], 518-674-0042). Final payment is due on August 21st. Please make checks payable to Sharon C. Bonk
September 1 - 6 White Mountains Hut to Hut Hike
The Mohawk Hudson Chapter is planning an expedition to the White Mountains this September.
The plan is to meet at Pinkham Notch to stay at Joe Dodge Lodge. On September 2nd , we ride on the AMC bus shuttle to Valley Way/Appalachia trailhead. Then, we will hike up to Madison Spring hut and climb up Mt. Madison. On September 3rd , we will be hiking up Mt. Adams, Mt Jefferson and Mt Washington and stay at the Lake of Clouds Hut. On September 4th , we will hike up Mt. Monroe and go to Mt. Isolation and stay at Mizpah Springs Hut. September 5th , we can hike Mt. Jackson and head down to the Highland Center. We could attempt to do the 3 peaks near the Highland Center. Then, we will ride the shuttle back to Pinkham Notch.
The rates for Joe Dodge Lodge are $63.00 for an adult AMC Member for Shared Room/$69.00 for non member
$72.00 for Family Room/ $80.00 non-member
$88.00 per person member/ $97.00 for non-member @ huts
$17.00 per person for AMC SHUTTLE BUS
If you are interested in coming along, please contact Kevin Cox by August 1st at 518-279-4839 (before 9PM) or
[email protected].
July 31st - RLT's Hoosic River Boating and Fishing Day
On July 31st the Rensselaer Land Trust is sponsoring a boating and fishing day as part of the dedication of the new Eagle Bridge boat launch. There will be fishing events and a guided tour down the Hoosic. See the attached
flyer for more information.
Membership Chair Needed
The chapter is looking for someone to volunteer to be the Membership Chair.
The Membership Committee performs the
important and invaluable role of sustaining
the chapter by recruiting new members,
communicating with them about the
chapter and its activities. The chair is a member
of the chapter Executive Committee attending its
bimonthly meetings and the four chapter meetings.
The chair also is liaison to AMC Membership Office
for questions, reports, mail label production and
other administrative tasks. The new chair will attend
a training meeting at AMC headquarters in Boston in
January. Committee members organize new member
events, greet members at meetings, and answer questions
about the chapter from prospective members.
Please contact
Wally Herrod if
you are willing to serve.
Wednesday, July 7 - Friday, July 9, Hiking and Paddling in Harriman Park
Stay overnight in rustic Camp Thendara as a guest of the
Thendara Mountain Club. Camp Thendara is located off Seven Lakes Drive between Tirorati and Kanuwauke Circles. Hiking available from the camp, Reeves Meadow or Silvermine. After hiking, return to the camp and use the Thendara Mountain Club's kayaks and canoes or swim in Lake Tiorati. (It is not possible to launch your own boat from the camp, and the park requires a permit to use one of their launch sites.) Hiking Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Overnight charge is $12/night plus the shared costs of simple, but nutritious breakfasts and dinners. Share in meal preparation and cleanup. Bring your own lunches, towel, bed linens.
Questions and reservations to Sharon Bonk by Monday, July 5.
[email protected] or 917-864-7437.
Vermont Hiking Weekend June 25-27
Join the Mohawk Hudson Chapter for a weekend in Weston, Vermont.
A hike will be planned for each day, allowing time to explore the
Vermont
Country Store. We will be staying at the Colonial House Inn and Motel.
Price will include 2 breakfasts, 2 trail lunches and 2 dinners.
Price will be $161 pp. to $196 pp including all taxes and gratuities.
For more information contact Randy MacDonald
[email protected] 518-766-7675 before 9 PM.
Wilderness First Aid - May 8-9, 2010
Due to the popularity of the Wilderness Medical Associates Certified Wilderness First Aid Course offered this past December, this course is being offered this Spring on Saturday and Sunday May 8 and 9, 2010.
This Wilderness First Aid Course will be offered in Menands, NY by the Adirondack Mountain Club Winter Mountaineering School, and it will be taught by Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). You will be able to attend this class, learn first aid skills, and avoid the long drive to a distant location. You can stay at home and enjoy sleeping in your own bed.
WMA has offered courses in Wilderness First Aid since 1981. This 16-hour course will be taught over the weekend on a Saturday and Sunday, and will cover topics including patient assessment, fractures, hypothermia, hyperthermia and heat illness, fractures, dislocations, and backcountry medicine. Classroom lectures and discussions are supplemented by practical work and problem solving exercises. WMA instructors have extensive outdoor experience, and have been selected for their expertise in emergency medicine, as well as their teaching skills.
The fee for this course is $190.00 per student and includes class materials and certification fees. Participants will earn a First Aid certification card upon successful completion of this course. This card is accepted by NYS if you are seeking to become a New York State licensed guide.
Wilderness Medical Associates has a web site at
www.wildmed.com. For additional information, and to reserve a spot in the class call Carl at (518) 274-8410. Class size will be limited to 18 students.
Second Annual Spring Fling
AMC is holding its Second Annual Spring Fling on April 30 – May 2, 2010 at AMC’s Mohican Outdoor Center in Blairstown, New Jersey.
See the attached
flyer 1,
flyer 2,
flyer 3 for more information.
Registration for the second annual Spring Fling at Mohican Outdoor Center is now open. From Friday, April 30, to Sunday, May 2, members and non-members will be gathering again at the Mohican Outdoor Center in the Delaware Water Gap where you can look forward to a weekend of hiking, biking, paddling, Irish Dancing, food, fun, and festivities. Stay in one of Mohican's newly renovated multi-bed cabins with kitchen and indoor bathroom, or enjoy some tenting. For more information or to register, call 908-362-5670 or e-mail
[email protected]. For more information about the AMC's Mohican Outdoor Center, check out our website at
www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/mohican.
April 22nd - Quarterly Chapter Meeting and Potluck
The AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter April Potluck will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 1400 Washington Avenue, across from Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany. A social hour will begin at 5 P.M., followed by supper and a short quarterly chapter business meeting. We request that people with last names A-H bring a hot dish, I-P bring a dessert, and people Q-Z bring salads or cold dishes. The chapter will provide drinks and tableware. A small fee of $3.00 for individuals and $5.00 for couples will be collected to offset expenses, and there will be a 50-50 raffle. Various items of interest will be for sale or displayed.
After the meeting, we will be able to enjoy a power point presentation and question-and-answer period with Christine Young, Esq. Christine is the new Executive Director of the Rensselaer Land Trust, an organization we hope to be partnering with in our chapter conservation as well as recreational activities. Her outdoor interests include kayaking, hiking, X-C and downhill skiing, snorkeling, tracking, swimming and snowshoeing.
Rensselaer Land Trust is a nationally-accredited not-for-profit organization for the purposes of protecting and preserving real property in Rensselaer County, property which can be shown to possess significant natural features, scenic vistas, open spaces, natural habitats or agricultural significance, or historical or archeological value, by obtaining, possessing or exercising control over these areas and making them available for public purposes and of promoting their preservation and appropriate use. Christine will be speaking about what a land trust is, what RLT’s mission is, how they protect property and natural resources, and give an overview of some of its protected properties.
Call Kathleen Helfrich at 518-279-9621 with any questions. Please make every effort to attend!
Meeting With Rensselaer Land Trust - An Opportunity For Collaboration
On January 14, Conservation Committee Chair Art Fontijn and Chapter Chair Wally Herrod met in Troy with Christine Young, Esq., Executive Director of the Rensselaer Land Trust, to discuss how we might work together to further their goals and those of the AMC in the rather vast rural and mountainous area of Rensselaer County. Rensselaer County has a total of 39 "natural areas" that are described in the Land Trust's book. A "natural area" is one that "represents desirable environmental features and qualities that will be maintained into the future because of the absence of development or other major disturbance. They are open to the public for hiking, and sometimes for boating, skiing, and other passive recreational activities. Since Rensselaer County is so close for most of our chapter members, maybe our Mohawk Hudson Chapter could become more familiar with and assist in publicizing and maintaining some of these valuable resources, just as the Adirondack Mountain Club does in Adirondack Park. The Land Trust runs many hiking trips to these areas, and also does trail work, natural and historic educational programs and stewardship. There seems to be a great possibility that our chapter can combine its resources with their members to the benefit of all. It would also give our chapter more of a sense of mission.
Art and I would like to hear from our chapter members if they would like to participate with our conservation committee on fostering and taking advantage of these opportunities, or to give your reactions. Thanks. Wally and Art.
Moose Hunt
The Mohawk Hudson Chapter will be joining the Rensselaer Land Trust in a search for signs of moose in the Capital District Wildlife Management Area on March 13th.
Here's the write up on the event from the Rensselaer Land Trust.
Sightings of moose on the Rensselaer Plateau have been on the increase in recent years. The unbroken expanses of forests and wetlands provide wide-ranging wildlife such as moose the room they need. Kate Hubbs of The Nature Conservancy will lead a search for signs of moose at the Capital District Wildlife Management Area in Berlin (near Cherry Plain State Park). If snow cover allows, this will be a snowshoe hike; participants must supply their own snowshoes. If there is not enough snow for snowshoeing, we will hike.
Meet at the kiosk just outside the entrance to Cherry Plain State Park. (For directions, go to
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/173/getting-there.aspx )
For further information, contact Kate Hubbs at (518) 674-2069 or 690-7864 or
[email protected]
Cross Country Ski Trip in Stowe Vermont
The Connecticut Chapter has extended an invitation to join their 3 night ski trip, February 15th through the 18th. Interested intermediate skiers should contact
Paula Burton right away as they will soon be canceling the rest of the reserved rooms.
Read more about the trip
here.
Trip Leadership Workshop
Four potential leaders attended the Mohawk Hudson Trip Leadership Workship on November 7th with Chapter Co-Chair Wally Herrod. Shown from left to right:
Amy MacDonald, Randy MacDonald, Wally Herrod , John Tifft. Also attending but not shown was Stacey Coppey.
Each year our chapter sponsors a free day-long trip leadership workshop, covering such topics as group dynamics, safety and emergency response, liability, setting your goals, and choosing and promoting your trip. It is appropriate for hiking, canoeing, biking, birding, etc. The day is facilitated by a staff member from the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Winterfest at Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park will be holding Winterfest on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Fun for the whole family including many outdoor activities, demonstrations, exhibits, and more. Click
here for more information.
Hike Leaders and Members Alerted to Hunting Season Dates
Please visit the DEC
website to find this fall's hunting season
dates, and be sure to take the precaution of wearing bright orange or other
bright colored hats and clothing when going into the woods during these
periods. On one trail up Buck Mt. two years ago, our chapter's hiking group
saw 19 hunters! Sometimes you walk right by them, and don't know they are
there unless they whisper, "Hi there."
AMC's 134th Annual Meeting
Here are the details for AMC's 134th Annual Meeting:
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Place: Crown Plaza Boston North Shore, Danvers, MA
Keynote Speaker: Jon Waterman (
http://jonathanwaterman.com )
The event will host committee meetings, volunteer recognition, an expo, and several workshops including Trail
Mapping with High-End GPS, The New England Scenic Trail, Adventuring and Hiking Around the World, Get Real and Get
Active about Climate Change, and many more. Check out the AMC website for more
information (
http://www.outdoors.org/about/annualmeeting/index.cfm)
Publicity/Communications Committee Chairperson Found
Stacey Coppey has volunteered to be the Publicity/Communications Committee Chairperson for the upcoming year.
Membership Chair Found
Kathleen Darby has accepted an appointment to be the Membership Chair for the upcoming year.
Conservation Chair Found
Arthur Fontijn has accepted an appointment to
fill in the vacant position of Conservation Committee Chairman, and will
serve on the executive committee. Anyone who would like to also help with
this newly rejuvenated committee or offer ideas, could contact
Art
(518) 477-7992 or
Wally Herrod.
2010 Chapter Office Nominations
In accordance with the by-laws, the Nominating Committee presents the following nominations for the year 2010:
Chair - Walter Herrod
Vice Chair - Sharon Bonk
Treasurer - Myra Fedyniak
Secretary - Kathleen Helfrich
Our by-laws provide that any five Chapter members desiring to place additional candidates in nomination may do so by sending to the Secretary (currently Sharon Bonk) post-marked no later than ten days before the Annual Meeting a nominating paper stating the office to be filled, the proposed candidates name, and written verification of consent from the nominee to serve if elected.
Our annual meeting is scheduled for November 19 2009.
Mohawk Hudson Chapter gets new website/webmaster
The Mohawk Hudson Chapter has a new website and webmaster. You're looking at the website, here's a little information on the new webmaster, Jeff Carden.
Jeff was born and raised in the Adirondacks outside of Saranac Lake. He spent a lot of time hiking, canoeing, camping and cross country skiing with his family and later the Boy Scouts.
He became a third generation AMC member when his grandmother gave him a life membership for his twelfth birthday.
When Jeff was 16 he bought his first computer and decided on a career in the computer industry.
He came to the Capital District as an intern from Clarkson University and settled here after graduating, working for various software development companies.
This website represents a merger of two major interests in his life.
AMC Mountain Leadership School & Wilderness First Aid
Space Still Available for MLS!
There are still spaces remaining for the August session of Mountain Leadership School. The August program for MLS is August 12th to the 16th.
You may also take Wilderness First Aid, before the start of MLS, which will be August 10th and the 11th. MLS, is a long standing tradition at the AMC.
This year marks its 51st year and is now operating from the Highland Center in Crawford Notch, NH. Participants develop their own leadership skills,
by becoming 'leaders-of-the-day' and managing the group, scenarios and wilderness skills as you travel through the backcountry in the White Mountains.
Each group has two experienced facilitators, who are volunteers from the AMC chapters, who provide opportunities for everyone to develop their own
personal leadership style and learn wilderness skills (including navigation, camp safety, group management and accident scene management.
To learn more about MLS, please see:
http://www.outdoors.org/education/leadership/mls/mls-overview.cfm
Scholarships are also available. Click
here to download the Scholarship Application form.
Questions, Comments, Concerns? email the WebMaster
Due to the fury of Hurricane Irene, one of the bridges spanning a creek in the Cole Hill State Park on the Long Path was knocked off one of its banks and pivoted around to where it now sits entirely on the south bank of the creek. We need a total of about six to ten volunteers to help restore the bridge. This work may involve some heavy lifting.
Mark your calendars and hold November 18 for our annual chapter dinner meeting and chapter elections at the Crossgates Restaurant and Banquet House. There will be a Social Hour from 5:30-6:30, followed by dinner and then the
Business Meeting & Program described below.
Four potential leaders attended the Mohawk Hudson Trip Leadership Workship on November 7th with Chapter Co-Chair Wally Herrod. Shown from left to right:
Amy MacDonald, Randy MacDonald, Wally Herrod , John Tifft. Also attending but not shown was Stacey Coppey.