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A couple of dozen Laurentian Chapter members celebrated New Year’s Day with a pot luck hors d’oeuvre party at the Outdoor Lodge on the campus of Clarkson University. Exercise was optional, but a number of people went for a short walk, ski, or snowshoe to admire the frozen beaver pond and its now-empty heron nests. On the observation deck, l to r: Jean Giblin, Susan & John Omohundro, Lois & Duncan Cutter, and John Barron. Photo: Fiona Barron.

This was a true snowshoe trip with a good foot of snow. The temperature was -10 F as we traveled past Paul Smiths on our way down to the mountain. It was still quite cold when we began the hike, but the exertion of climbing soon had us warm. Everyone reached the summit ridge where we were met with a frosty crust and bitter winds. Yes, it was a true winter hike but all enjoyed the exhilarating scenery and views. The two for whom it was the first winter hike promised to return for more. A member of another climbing party took this photo of participants John Barron, John Hartzell, Armond & Ann Spencer, Charlie Sheen, and TL Tom Wheeler.

We were treated to a brilliant winter day, not too cold, with beautiful views of Algonquin and Colden (in photo) as we ascended Phelps. The ascent was a steep trudge through fresh fluffy snow with one patch of ice that required crampons to negotiate. We rewarded ourselves with a leisurely lunch on the summit ledge. Photo, l to r: Marsha Akins, Caroline Durant, Nancy Skiff, Nancy Labaff, & TL Lyle Montgomery.

Ann & Armond Spencer TLs, Lois, Duncan & Paul Cutter, Alison & Dick Charles, Tom & Eileen Wheeler, John & Susan Omohundro. After a delightful potluck supper we eschewed the snowshoes and hiked bare boot around the trails on the Spencers’ farm. Questionable ice meant that we stayed on the trails and not on the pond. The moon did its thing and the clouds didn’t do theirs, making for a very pleasant walk.

Debra White TL, Mike McLean, Gloria Daly, Anita Stewart, Andrea Wright Fingers weren’t working well strapping on gaiters for our below zero start at 7:30 a.m. Desires to ski the 3.5 miles in (and out) were dashed due to little snow on the road. Snowshoes and grippers were added for the ascent up the Weld Trail. Bright blue skies cheered us, as we summited at noon. A quick lunch and down we slid/stepped for a speedy return by 3 p.m.!

Ann & Tom Ortmeyer TLs, John & Susan Omohundro, Ann & Armond Spencer There wasn’t much snow on the pleasant loop trail above Parishville, so we had both snowshoers and hikers. We had a nice afternoon jaunt with great winter scenes along the St. Regis River.

John & Susan Omohundro TLs, Ken Coskran, Alicia Schantz Saturday’s snowfall dropped plenty of fresh powder. Fortunately, someone had opened the track to the summit Sunday morning. But the summit was cold, windy, cloudy, and viewless. A chickadee ate from John’s hand at Marcy Dam.

Excellent late-winter weather conditions greeted Laurentian Chapter snoeshowers on Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Temperatures were in the low 20's, with just enough snow to warrant snowshoes. L-R: John Omohundro, Duncan Cutter, Eileen Wheeler (trip leader), Armond & Ann Spencer, and Tom Wheeler. Photo by Susan Omohundro.

Ann & Armond Spencer; Participants: John & Susan Omohundro, Darcy Derouchie, Alicia Schantz. Since no one was foolish enough to go out on April 1 we went out on April 2 and the weather was nice. Our backyard was clear and dry, and the foolish thing we did was forget to take crampons, since the trail was icy and snowy for a fair amount of the way. We had a good time anyway.

A snow covered trail and warm sunshine made an early spring trip feel more like late winter. We shared hot drinks at the Little Osgood Pond Lean-to, enjoyed the Cathedral Pines and tromped back to Paul Smiths. Kids, parents, ersatz grandparents, and dogs all enjoyed a great hike together. There was snow and some ice on the trail but kids, parents and dogs all had a wonderful time in the sunshine. Adults L to R - John Barron, Joel Foisy, Gretchen Koehler, Margaret Madore (TL), Blair Madore (TL), and Mary Jo Whalen. Kids L to R - Niall Barron, Rebecca Miller, Gaetan Foisy, Sylvain Foisy, Cole Madore. Dogs L to R - Ocean, Gromit, Maggie. Photo Jeff Miller.

In what has become an annual rite of spring, Brad Pendergaft (in the stern in photo 1, with son Kyle Pendergaft in the bow) led a white water paddling trip on the Grasse River below Lampson Falls. The week before the trip had been beautiful. The day of the trip the weather predictions were not perfect. Water levels were low. Under partly cloudy skies with some sprinkles, the temperature was in the 60s. Despite the cool, cloudy weather and a few showers, a record turnout of two canoeists, four kayakers, and ten shoreline hiker/spectators took part this year, coming from the Potsdam/Canton region and as far away as Vermont and Ontario.
Photo 1: Brad & Kyle Pendergaft. Jim Bullard.
Photo 2: Matt Scafidi-McGuire (left), Grayson King. Photo John Barron.
Photo 3: Brad (TL) & Kyle Pendergaft (in canoe), Matt Scafidi-McGuire (in kayak), Lampson Falls in the background. Photo Jim Bullard.
Other boaters: David Brouwer, Roger Millers.
Hikers: Jake, Evan, & Laurie Pendergraft, Jeff Blanton, Cindy Adams, James Bullard, Kelsey & Kayla Blanton, John & Niall Barron.

After a bit of a scramble getting our bearings at the hike's start, it was clear trekking as we hiked on these recently reopened and freshly tagged Lake Placid SOA trails that flank Moose and McKenzie mountains. The continuously soft, uneroded treadways, winding for most of the way through magnificent, primeval-like boreal forest, put a bright accent on an otherwise dull and dank day. Our brief visit to the windy, soaking, snow laden Moose summit accentuated the day's rawness, as did our lunch stop at ghostly Loch Bonnie's ramshackle leanto, the decaying walls of which sported engravings dating back to 1948. L-R: Gloria Daly (TL), Ed Moczydlowski, Cliff Daly (TL), Arthur Boni, Susan Omohundro, and Duncan Cutter. Photo: John Omohundro.

Rain held off, allowing five teams to finish the tasks of side cutting, blowdown removal, and trash pickup. The trail is in good shape now. Spring flowers are beginning to blossom. L to R: front: Don Potter, John Omohundro (TL); in back: Dick Mooers, Tom Wheeler, Ron Johnson, Susan Omohundro (TL), Tom Ortmeyer, John Barron. Missing from photo: David Brouwer.

TLs: Duncan & Lois Cutter; Participants: Paul Cutter, Ann & Armond Spencer, Ed & Stephenie Moczylowski, Jim Bullard, Shelia Cerwonka, Doug Monroe. Cleanup went well - less trash every year. Lunch by the falls was sunny and bug-free! Our crew of 10 later canoed and bird-watched, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Doug Monroe from the Nature Conservancy was a big help in removing trees that were blocking trails.

TL: MaryJo Whalen; Participants: John Barthelme, Susan Omohundro. On our short trip the three of us saw ducks with ducklings, lots of birds, and lots of rain. The cold and rain caused us to cut our trip short, but we had fun.

TLs: Anne Johnson and Martha Grow (Substituting for Nancy Eldblom) Participants: Evelyn Riehl, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Janice Clark, Joyce Watson, Melissa Burchard, Susan & Sam Merrill. The weather turned out to be fine despite predictions of constant rain and even thunderstorms. We spent three hours slowly walking to the pothole area of Stone Valley, looking at spring wildflowers, other plants and some birds. Evelyn Riehl provided us with much interesting historic information about the river.

The Lampson outing always provides a surprise or two, and this year it was deciding which were more numerous: the mosquitoes or the pink lady slippers that seemed to greet us everywhere we turned! Little litter made for quick work, so we arrived at Dick and Joan Kepes's earlier than usual to enjoy their gracious brand of hospitality at the traditional post cleanup social. L to R: Amond Spencer, Cliff & Gloria Daly (TLs), George, Rianna, & Lyne Dutch. Photo: John Barron.

On a beautiful sunny day, we began our ride by putting the black flies under control with bug spray. A few hills gave us a good aerobic workout, helped along by the delightful smell of balsam forests. We had a super bike ride that was just the right amount of challenge and just the right length. The weather was perfect and the views of lakes and mountains were spectacular. L to R: Jonathan Putney, Armond & Ann Spencer, and Eloise & George Leedom. Photo: TL Geri Ames.

Tom & Eileen Wheeler led a large contingent of hikers on a nature walk at Chaumont Barrens, northwest of Watertown. The area is an alvar - an unusual limestone formation famous for hosting plants & birds that are rare in the northeast. The group saw prairie smoke, yellow lady slippers, and many birds including rare prairie and golden-winged warblers. L to R: Melissa Burchard, Lee Sandefer, Patty Burchard, Roevena Miller, Marie Steinbeck, Ann Spencer, Niall Barron, Armond Spencer, Tom Wheeler, Sheila Cerwonka, Eileen Wheeler, & Elizabeth Eno. Photo: John Barron.

With the official start of summer less than a week away, 5 paddlers launched canoes and kayaks and took to the waters of Crooked Creek, which joins the St. Lawrence River near the Jefferson/St. Lawrence County Line. Crooked Creek provided a relaxed paddle with numerous twists and turns, rock walls, iris, water lillies, herons, cattails and several picnic spots. L to R: Allison Charles, tl Tom Ortmeyer, Betty & Don Peckham. Photo: Ann Ortmeyer.

Taking a Wednesday evening break in the recent streak of rainy weather, Alison Charles, Kathie Colarusso, Geri Ames, John & Sue Omohundro, Louise & Bob Bixby, and TLs Dick Mooers & Tom Ortmeyer explored Rainbow Falls Reservoir in Colton by canoe and kayak. On a quiet backwater of the lake they observed a Bald Eagle, a Hooded Merganser and her ducklings, Common Loon calling, deer watching from shore, and colorful sheep laurel and blue flag iris blooming, then drove home into a vermilion sunset. All agreed, a good way to spend a Wednesday evening.

Tom & Ann Ortmeyer TLs Alison Charles, Don & Betty Peckham. We paddled Crooked Creek upstream from the point where it joins the St. Lawrence River near the Jefferson/St. Lawrence County Line. The Creek provides a relaxed paddle with numerous twists and turns, rock walls, iris, water lilies, herons, cattails and several picnic spots.

Nancy Skiff TL Carolyn Durant, Nancy Derouchie, Alicia Schantz. This was a memorable trip. After rescheduling because of rain, this day was blue skies, low humidity, few bugs and black flies, great trail, and beautiful views on top. A good time was had by all.

Dick Mooers TL Geri Ames, Bob & Louise Bixby, Alison Charles, Kathie Colarusso, John & Sue Omohundro, Tom Ortmeyer. The first of the Wednesday Evening Paddle and Picnic series set a very high standard! We nine had fine weather for paddling at Rainbow Falls Reservoir south of Colton, and saw an immature Bald Eagle calmly watch a Hooded Merganser lead its brood in a parade not three feet below its lakeside perch at Dead Creek’s inlet, plus calling loons, deer, a mystery spider and a variety of wildflowers, including unusually vivid sheep laurel. We drove home under pink and mauve clouds lit by a vermilion sun.

July 7 Mt. Arab/Wild Center Cliff & Gloria Daly TLs Michelle Lacasse, Kyoung Za Uhm. After scampering up Arab Mountain to get us into the Adirondack spirit, we headed to the nearby Wild Center where we reveled in the opening day festivities. The river walk was impressive, Carl Heilman’s panoramic multi-image show was moving but nothing could beat the underwater antics of one very live river otter’s whiskered lightning that stole the hearts of both young and old alike.

July 8 Beat the Heat Paddle Osgood - Jones Pond Alison Charles TL Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Don & Betty Peckham, Geri Ames, George & Eloise Ludon, John & Sue Omohundro, Sandy Hildreth, Dick Charles. We were lucky with the weather- clear blue skies, not too hot and enough breeze to keep all but the most persistent flies away. We put in at Church Pond, and took out at the first bridge on Jones Creek, after a couple of swims and an exploration of Jones Pond.

July 9 Mount Colden Seated l to r: Darcy Derouchie and Molly Mott. Standing l to r: Duncan Cutter, David Tracy, TL Charles Tracy, Ken Coskran, Alicia Schantz, and Martha Phillips. We started from the LOJ trailhead at 8 AM and reached the summit by 12:30 on a hazy warm Sunday. The group enjoyed the scenery along the way with a surprise appearance of a few large garter snakes that were sunning themselves on the South end of Marcy Dam next to the trail. The views from the summit of Colden were very nice, and we could see people on the summit of Algonquin and Wright peaks. We also met two young men on the summit who had just finished ascending by the way of the Trap Dike. The trip down the back side of Colden was steep but the rewards were spectacular views looking back up from Avalanche Pass.

July 13 Canoe Follensby Clear Pond Duncan & Lois Cutter TLs Reed, Paul, & Haile Cutter, Kathryn Benham, JoAnn DenBleyker, Denise Koser, Art Johnson, John& Sue Omohundro. An initially overcast day turned into an ideal Adirondack summer scene as we canoed and kayaked Follensby Clear and Pollywog ponds. Islands offered exploration, swimming and picnicking. Our 12 year old’s perfect imitation of loon vocalization entranced one loon into strutting his display before us. The mix of ages, from 10 to 70 added variety into this day’s ADK adventure.

July 19 Coles Creek Paddle Tom & Ann Ortmeyer Alison Charles, Betsy Tisdale, Bill Romey, Doug Theobald, Dick Mooers, Carolyn & Gene Kaczka, Geri Ames, Doug and Nancy Ackley, Ron Dumoulin, Armond Spencer A family of Common Loons stole the show during this Wednesday evening paddle near Wadding ton. Other wildlife seen included Caspian and Common Terns and beavers.

July 26 Wednesday Evening Paddle and Picnic on Blake Falls Reservoir L to R: Alison Charles, TL Dick Mooers, Geri Ames, Wyatt & Adrian Boswell, Louise & Bob Bixby, and Nancy & Doug Ackley. Photo: Megan Howard. Light breezes and partly cloudy skies belied the forecast. Lone canoeist Alison led the kayakers down the lake. Picnicking and some swimming were done at Blake Campground. Beaver, Common Mergansers and Mallards were seen. Some rocks were seen, shortly after they were hit.

July 29 Bike the Ice Cream Loop TL Geri Ames; Participants: Carolyn Kaczka, Tom Ortmeyer. We biked around the Madrid - Waddington area doing 20+ miles. Ice cream was yummy at the Hometown Cafe. Great day and wonderful weather.

August 5 Catamount Cleanup Cliff & Gloria Daly TLs Dick Mooers, Jim McCulloch, Donna Fay Mailhot, Dave Cooper, Erika Rosenfeld, Norm Bloom. Clear, dry conditions on this day made removal of the reported blowdown all the easier. An extensive amount of side trimming by Dick along with much pruning and cairn repositioning on the upper half of the trail by the remainder of our group made for a very productive outing.

August 6 Debar Pond Canoe and Baldface Bushwhack TLs Duncan & Lois Cutter; Participants: Paul Cutter, David Brouwer, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer. A perfect summer day for cruising and climbing, clear and sunny. As we took to the water a loon called, and the family of four gradually revealed themselve. Ann kayaked the pond and read while others bushwhacked, drank in the views from on top and picked blueberries, then swam.

August 9 Evening Paddle and Picnic on the Grasse River Alison Charles (TL), Ron Dumoulin, Richard & Carol LaDue, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Doug Raymond, Geri Ames, Robert Kozarek. Once again we were blessed with a perfect evening. After dodging a few rocks because of low water, we had a picnic supper on one of the limestone ledges, then paddled quiet water to the takeout at Madrid, where there's a good view of the stone arches of the Isaac Johnson bridge.

August 12 Street and Nye L to R: Daniel Brouwer, Dan Greene, Diane Brouwer, Nathan Brouwer, Rose Rivezzi, Willie Trithart, Albert Trithart, Vasily Cateforis, Peter Brouwer, Ken Coskran, Tom Wheeler, John Dempsey, Andrew Brouwer. Photo: TL David Trithart. Getting an early start to secure parking in the Heart Lake lots, we made the summit of Street just after noon on a beautiful, clear day. Everyone climbed both peaks. Trails were easy to follow. A fantastic trip.

August 16 Everton Falls Evening Paddle Duncan & Lois Cutter TLs Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Bob & Louise Bixby, Kathy Benham Five of us – some by canoe, some by kayak cruised first below the falls then downstream to rapids, sighting Cardinal flowers, Joe Pie, Gentian and Goldenrod, as well as a muskrat crossing ahead of us. Two of us explored the falls and the Nature Conservancy trail. The evening paddle concluded with ice cream at the Cutter’s.

August 19 Jones Pond to Osgood Pond-Church Pond TLs Denny & Vera LaRoe (pictured), Ron Johnson & Nikki Coates (photographer). Despite a few raindrops, the point- to- point trip from Jones Pond through to Church Pond was quite enjoyable. Two Kayaks and one canoe made the trip, viewing loons, ducks, a turtle, and the occasional tree branch already turned to fall color. The heavy rain held off and we paddled the shoreline of Osgood Pond, enjoying good company and a quiet day on the water.

August 20 Lac St. Francois National Wildlife Reserve We explored two areas of the Lac St. François National Wildlife Reserve near Dundee, Quebec(minutes from Fort Covington, NY). The Reserve is recognized under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. The group enjoyed seeing Great Blue, and Green, Herons, American Bittern, and other birds on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It was an enjoyable trip, and all expressed a desire to return at some point in better weather. L to R: Alison Charles, TL Ann Ortmeyer, Ann Spencer, Heather Truax, Armond Spencer, Niall, John, & Fiona Barron, Jean Gilbin, and Doris Moeller. Also on the trip were Jerry Moeller and Ann Russell. TL Tom Ortmeyer took the photo.

August 24 Hannawa Pond Paddle and Picnic John & Susan Omohundro TLs Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Ann & Armond Spencer, Tom & Eileen Wheeler, Carolyn & Gene Kaczka, Alison & Dick Charles, Mary MacKinnon, John Wood. It was a beautiful, quiet evening for an easy paddle from Brown’s Bridge to Mill Street. In Hannawa Falls, followed by consumption of delicious grilled meats and side dishes, at the new picnic area in the woods overlooking the rapids below the dam.

August 26 Everton Falls L to R: Mimi Leveson-Jones (in the baby carrier), Alison Leveson-Jones, and Sunny Leveson-Jones backed by dad Phil Leveson; and Robin Rhodes-Crowell, Naomi & Emma Crowell, & David Crowell. This trip was great for small children. We had four under age 6. We had a picnic at the falls, and then walked the Nature Conversancy Trail. A sunny 70 degree day. We even found a few blackberries. It’s a nice area and a beautiful river. Four of us went canoeing in Meacham Lake afterwards.

August 30 Evening Paddle and Picnic on the Five Falls Reservoir Dick Mooers TL Doug (in photo) & Nancy Ackley, Geri Ames, Carolyn Kaczka, Eloise & George Leedon, Mary MacKinnon, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Ann & Armond Spencer and Ron Dumoulin. Five Falls, the smallest of the hydro reservoirs of the Raquette above Colton, was light on winds and heavy on golden, later afternoon sun for the paddlers who came out for the third in the Raquette Reservoirs series of evening paddles. All had fun poking their canoes and kayaks into the five small rapids that give the pond its name.

September 9, Baxter Mountain Hike On a partly sunny, partly showery day, Blair & Cole Madore, Lois & Duncan Cutter (l to r) and Margaret Madore (photo) traversed Baxter Mountain near Keene, continuing over the summit for a challenging descent over the Beede Ledges into Keene Valley where they'd left a second car.

September 9, Canoe on Lake Ozonia to Peckham's A-frame camp TLS Don & Betty Peckham. Participants: Carolyn Kaczka, Jo DenBleyker, Denise Koser, Sue & John Omohundro, Ann & Armond Spencer (and Betsy & David Tisdale who joined us briefly on the water). Questionable skies prevailed as we put in at the state boat access. The sun came out briefly but then came a hard deluge just before we reached the southern shore. So hot drinks and dry space inside the A-frame cabin were appreciated for lunch. We returned in fog and mist but that did not prevent us from exploring the outlet bay before heading back to the north end. It was a congenial group, accepting the weather gracefully.

September 16, Kayaking Saranac Lakes Celebrating the emergence of the sun, kayakers exult on Oseetah Lake, with MacKenzie Mountain beyond. Mary Jane Watson, Marilyn Fayette, Chris Murphy, Ken Coskran, Tom Ortmeyer, Dick & Peggy Mooers, Ruth Miller, and Mark Arnold paddled from Middle Saranac Lake to Lake Flower on the Saranac River chain of lakes, passing through two locks and past numerous islands on a beautiful fall day. Photo: TL Dick Mooers.

Osgood Pond, October 7, 2006 It was a day to dream of - blue skies, no wind, and the height of fall color. In the bog along the river we saw Canada Jays, and heard a Boreal Chickadee, and managed to find a relative dry lunch spot. A great way to end the canoeing season! Shown in a lunchtime bushwack are back row - Tom Wheeler, Ray Spahn, Dave Keller, Geri Ames; front row - Eileen Wheeler, Diane Keller, Eloise Leedon. Photo: Alison Charles

Wolf Lake Hike, October 14, 2006
Huckleberry Lake (background), Moon Lake, and Wolf Lake were rimmed by the last good fall foliage of the season. The footing was rough on the hard rock of the Frontenac Axis, a geological connection between the Canadian Shield and the Adirondacks, so the 4.5 mile hike was much more challenging than the short distance implies. It was opening day of black powder season, so all wore red. l to r: Marilyn Fayette, Ken Coskran, Mary Jane Watson, Rosemary French. Photo by tl Dick Mooers

Snow Mountain Hike, October 15, 2006 The ascent via Deer Brook was an exciting rock scramble surrounded by high canyon walls. Higher up the walking became easier, in a mixed forest that still showed fall colors. The sun came out for a perfect lunch break at the summit, from which the group could see great views and signs of an approaching winter on the surrounding High Peaks. L to r: Ed Moczydlowski, Armond & Ann Spencer, Niall Barron. Photo: John Barron.

Norwood to Winthrop Bicycle, October 22, 2006 We began with a few sprinkles, three beaver-felled trees across our path and lots of puddles. We rode 5.6 miles before we all decided the rain was not the showers as forecast, so back we rode on the trail and the road. A long soak in a hot tub sure sounded good.
l-r: Joanne Tulip, George & Elouise Leedon, Russ Nelson. Photo by tl Geri Ames.

Lyon Mountain Hike, November 4, 2006 A large Canadian contingent came on the ascent of Lyon Mountain on a cool, partly sunny day. Winter arrives early in the mountains, and ice on the trail necessitated traction devices. From the summit the keenest-eyed participants could discern Montreal near the horizon. All could enjoy the view of Chazy Lake and Lake Champlain far below.
l-r: Hermann Kerckhoff, Susan & John Omohundro, Gloria Daly, Armond Spencer, tl Cliff Daly, Arthur Boni, & Kyoung Za Uhm. Photo John Barron.

Wanika Falls Hike, November 11, 2006 TL John Barron; Participant Armond Spencer. We pondered the weather forecast (rain almost certain after 1 P.M.) before deciding to go ahead. The forecast proved to be excellent and luck was with us too, as we had a warm sunny morning and light but increasing rain on our return journey. Wanika Falls is a beautiful double cataract with a chute in between and well worth the long hike.

Ampersand Mountain Hike, November 18, 2006 TL Ed Moczydlowski; Participants: John and Susan Omohundro. After days of rain, we were lured out by a dry but overcast day. Admiration of the new trail work done by crews of the past summers sped our ascent on the wet trail to the rocky summit. Fog veiled our view from the top but light snow on trees and patches of ice on the rocks provided a nice setting for lunch. The vigorous exercise was capped off by a coffee stop-over in Tupper Lake.

Higley Flow Kids' Outing, December 2, 2006
l-r: Gaetan Foisy, Cole Madore, Syl Foisy, Blair Madore. Not pictured: Joel Foisy. Photo Marg Madore.

December 2, Bear Mountain Bog TL's Marg & Blair Madore; Participants: Joel Foisy, Cole Madore, Gaetan Foisy, Sylvain Foisy. Kids Choice! The boys decide we should abandon our original plans and we went to Higley Flow State Park instead. We had a cookout at the beaver pond lean-to. Building a fire and roasting marshmallows and hot dogs was a real treat for the kids.

Hike on the Cutters' Trails, December 9, 2006
The scene was wintry on the Cutters' trails adjoining the St. Regis River, and a pot luck supper party after the walk was a welcome chance to socialize and warm up. l to r: Ann Spencer, Carolyn Kaczka, Susan Omohundro, Cliff Daly, John Omohundro, Wendy Wais, Gloria Daly, Tom Wheeler & Lois Cutter. Photo Duncan Cutter.

December 9, Nicholville St. Regis River Hike TLs Duncan & Lois Cutter. Participants: Cliff & Gloria Daly, John & Susan Omohundro, Gene & Carolyn Kaczka, Wendy Wais, Ann Spencer. The ten of us hiked trails bordering the St. Regis River out of Nicholville, sometimes at river level (the old dam) and sometime high above the river (atop Eagle Rock) Our trip encompassed raven cliffs, a spring, a series of beaver dams, and the ever-satisfying socializing over delicious potluck selections.

December 16, Roostercomb TL Tom Wheeler Participants: Armond & Ann Spencer, John & Sue Omohundro, Ken Coskran. We climbed Roostercomb and Snow Mountains near Keene Valley. The conditions were those of early fall, with dry snowless trails and pleasant temperatures. Although cloudy, a glimpse of the sun from snow brightened the landscape. The views and hiking were exceptionally nice and the only snow was a thin layer when we climbed above 3000 feet.

December 31, Slush Pond Ski TLs Ann & Armond Spencer. Participants John & Susan Omohundro. We only had one call about the trip, so went over Saturday to snowshoe the Jack Rabbit Trail near the VIC and scope out the Slush Pond Road. Conditions looked pretty good, so we went back Sunday and had a great day with perfect temperature, sunshine, and excellent snow.