Click photos for full-size images.

Clarkson Outing & Potluck, New Year's Day, 2007
A couple of dozen Chapter members celebrated New Year's Day with a traditional light-and-simple pot luck party at the Outdoor Lodge on the Clarkson campus. It being a grey, wet day, most settled for the cheerful interior of the Lodge, but a few also walked around the nature trails and climbed the observation tower, to view the half-melted beaver pond that is normally frozen and snow-covered at this time of year.
Left to right: Susan & John Omohundro, Jean Giblin, Tom Ortmeyer, Gary Madlin.
Photo: John Barron.

Snowshoe Baxter Mountain January 20, 2007 - TLs Duncan & Lois Cutter. Participants: Paul Cutter, Armond & Ann Spencer, Hollis Easter When overcast is dispelled by sunshine, a great place to be is on one of Baxter Mountain’s three ledges overlooking a wilderness of blowing snow from Hurricane to Dix. The six of us found secure snowshoeing along the forested mile from the Spruce Hill Trailhead to the summit. We almost felt guilty enjoying such vistas after so short a climb, although two short steep and icy pitches made us feel that we had paid our dues.

Winter Hike to Sawteeth, Jan 21, 2007
Paralyzing cold in the predawn darkness moderated to a pleasantly cold and mostly sunny winter day for this ascent of Sawteeth.
Left to right: John Barron, Nancy LaBaff, Lyle Montgomery, Nancy Skiff.
Photo: Nancy LaBaff.

Leonard Pond Trail Ski February 3, 2007 - TL Joan Collins. Participants: Ann & Armond Spencer. It finally felt like winter with terrific ski conditions and lovely snow-laden conifers along the Leonard Pond Trail. We had gusty winds and the temperature ranged from 10 to 18 degrees. Winter finches found along the trail included purple finches, red crossbills, and pine siskins. The biggest surprise was the Belted Kingfisher found near the unusual still-open outlet of Chandler Pond by the trailhead! Our attempt to cross Leonard Pond resulted in iced skis from the hidden water under the snow!

Ski / Snowshoe to Jenkins Mountain, Feb 10, 2007
We skied through the Jenkins Mountain Road powder up to "Crescent Moon Lodge," where we donned our snowshoes and proceeded to the Jenkins summit. Lunch break was spent huddled under the big scotch pine searching for views and enjoying the brief moment of sun pushing through the clouds. Afterwards, a traverse of the northern Jenkins ridge treated us with startling vistas of the notch below and many of the ponds off to our east and south. After a steep and meandering roller coaster of a descent back to our transition point, Tom nicely summed up when he blurted, "I've never been so happy to see the backside of an outhouse!".
Left to right: Arthur Boni, Anita Stewart, Gloria & Cliff Daly (tls), John & Susan Omohundro, Tom Ortmeyer.
Photo: John Barron.

Skiing the Seven Carries February 24, 2007 - TLs Ann & Armond Spencer. Participants: John & Susan Omohundro (Ann suggested we report: "The usual suspects"). This trip was delayed from Feb. 17 due to weather conditions. On the 24th the day dawned very cold and gloomy. It stayed cold all day, but the gloominess was replaced by brilliant sunshine early on the ski across Little Clear Pond. The first carry was a struggle through very deep snow—thank goodness for good trail breakers, but from there on the trip was delightful. The ponds were easy to ski on, with very little slush. We finished the day with a visit to Charlie's Inn.

Snowshoe to Harper Falls, Mar 4, 2007 There was well over a foot of snow on the ground, plus several inches of fresh snow that fell during the hike. While the falls was largely under ice and snow, the snow made it a scenic trip. The group was were treated to the sight of a bald eagle soaring overhead while putting on their gear.
Left to right: Lyn Burkett, Gary Madlin, Blair & Cole Madore, Ann Spencer, Hollis Easter, Armond Spencer, Marg Madore.
Photo: Tom Ortmeyer.

Beginner Snowshoe at Indian Creek Nature Center, Mar 11, 2007 Ten participants, five under fifteen years of age, enjoyed the warm sun and spring snow conditions at Indian Creek Nature Center.
Left to right: Ann Spencer (tl), Jean Giblin, Linda Potter, Arlo Catanzaro, Niall & Fiona Barron, Isaiah Davis, Tucker Catanzaro, & Armond Spencer.
Photo: John Barron.

Armond's Mystery Trip, Mar 24, 2007 TL Ann & Armond Spencer. Participants: Bill & Pat Mueller, Tom Wheeler. We couldn't find enough snow to ski, so went for a snowshoe hike at the Wanakena Ranger School instead. Although billed as a Spencer trip, the true trip leader was Bill Mueller. What a treat to walk through this beautiful area with a guy who is on a first-name basis with each trail and each tree. This trip will appear again, and if you haven't taken it - or even if you have - you shouldn't miss it.

April 1, 2007 - An April Foolish Trip
TL Armond Spencer. Participants: John & Susan Omohundro. Once again there wasn't snow, but the "foolish" ones are those who missed a great day and interesting hike down the North Branch of the Grasse River from Harper's Falls.

April 14, 2007 - Slide Lake Loop, Frontenac Provincial Park
Cool for the season, and mostly cloudy with only a few sunny breaks. Still, snow-free ground and the best weather amidst a long series of late winter storms. We made two pauses during the drive to view the stone mill in Delta and a Rideau Canal lock in Newboro. Many short steep climbs and descents made the trail a strenuous workout and provided good views of the extensive pattern of lakes and beaver ponds. Beavers, buffleheads, hawks, and probably a long-eared owl were highlights. Coffee at Tim Horton's afterwards.
Left to right: Ed Moczydlowski, Armond Spencer, and TL John Barron.
Photo: John Barron.

April 21, 2007 - Catamount Trail Maintenance
TLs Cliff & Gloria Daly. Participant: Armond Spencer. We were surprised (indeed, one of the participants was in shorts) to find 6 inches of snow on the ground, which made following the trail a bit of a challenge at times. But we made our way up, removing blowdown and doing side cutting and enjoying brilliant sunshine and great views.

April 22, 2007 - Pitchoff Mountain
TLs John & Susan Omohundro. Participants: Cliff & Gloria Daly, Hollis Easter, Ed Moczydlowski. Lots of snow, lots of sun (burn), lots of photo ops. It's a peculiar sensation to be hiking in shorts and T-shirt, yet sinking deep into spruce traps and post-holes. We chose to interpret that as refreshingly cool, not just wet feet.

April 22, 2007 - Outdoors Indoors - Outdoors Indoors: Adirondacks to Algonquin: The View from Space
Frank Ahern presented a slide show on the use of satellite imagery and computer graphics to the study of the geology and ecology of northeastern North America, emphasizing Algonquin Provincial Park (Ontario) and the Adirondack Park. There was an introduction to how sensors can detect particular types of foliage, and to the types of image enhancement that are available. The presentation went on to show how the region was formed in geological time, how processes of uplift and erosion continue to affect it, and how landforms relate to the plants and animals living there now. Frank, who is a retired specialist in remote sensing, has written a popular book applying the techniques to Algonquin Park, and is considering one for the Adirondacks.
Photo: John Barron.

April 28, 2007 - Everton Falls Cleanup
TL Duncan Cutter. Participants: Paul Cutter, Armond Spencer, Doug Munroe. In about an hour we had all the roadsides, trails and falls area picked up – no real surprises until we came upon a pair of pants (no body, thank goodness) and a goat, the first ( and we hope last) strange discovery on our annual cleanup. As we picnicked by the falls, Ash, Doug's 10-month old black lab, was in paradise splashing in the puddles of the swollen St. Regis River. Our thanks to the St. Regis Falls recycling center for accepting our bags of trash.

May 5, 2007 - Black Pond
We had a glorious tromp around the pond in beautiful sunshine and cool winds. The kids took turns as leader except for Luke who, as sweep, kept us together. No cookout due to the burn ban but still a delightful trip.
Back row, from left: Cole Madore, Rebecca Miller, Gaetan & Sylvain Foisy, Luke Frazer, Niall Barron behind, Braylee & Caira Weets.
Front row, from left: John Barron, Joel Foisy, Gretchen Koehler, TL Blair Madore, Jeff Miller, Edith Frazer with Lindsay Frazer in front of her, Bethany Usher, & Jaiman Weets.
Foreground: Gromit.
Photo: TL Marg Madore.

May 12, 2007 - Bog River Canoe/Birding Trip
TL Joan Collins. Participants: Vicki & Doug LaShomb, Tom & Eileen Wheeler, Ann & Armond Spencer. We had good weather and not too much wind for an easy paddle to the Upper Dam and then a nice hike on the new trail up the ridge. Saw lots of birds: a loon very close to the canoes, warblers, red crossbills, and a bald eagle chasing a fishing osprey.

May 13, 2007 - Santa Clara Flow
This was a switch from the Madawaska Pond destination. Sunny, cool, windy, and a great birding trip. We marveled at all the shades of springtime green, and at how low the water was. We had the river and several rest stops to ourselves.
L to R: Niall & Fiona Barron, TLs Neal & Barbara Burdick, Geri Ames, & John Barron.

May 26, 2007 - Lampson Falls Cleanup
Fine, sunny weather, few bugs and a spirited crew made for an easy work day. Although the lady slippers were past their prime, many birds were on full display, including a close encounter with a pair of Baltimore orioles. Afterward, it was off to Dick's and Joan's where we enjoyed the usual Kepes's brand of hospitality and tasty goodies. As Dick said, "Don't mess with tradition." There were no dissenters!
L to R: Dave Cooper, Donna Fay Mailhot, TL Gloria Daly, Jim McCulloch, TL Cliff Daly.
Not pictured: Ann & Armond Spencer, Deborah O'Donoghue & son Peter O'Donoghue, Dick & Peggy Mooers.
Photo: Ann Spencer.

June 3, 2007 - Bike Tour to Hopkinton
A perfect day for riding. We had to dodge occasional debris from Saturday's windstorm, but today the wind came up from behind for the homeward lap. Our route, mostly on back roads, featured:

• hilly terrain with short downhills and long climbs on the way out;
• a pause for fresh cherries at Miller's in Hopkinton;
• a long, easy descent on paved and gravel roads ending in a climb to the bridge over the West Branch of the St. Regis River;
• and finally a long straight run back to Potsdam on Highway 11B, aided by a rare tail wind from the east.

L to R: tl David Trithart, Teresa Corbin, Albert Trithart (screened behind), Peter Brouwer, Lynne Ross, Dave Jones, Dianne Brouwer, Rose Rivezzi, Kathy Allott.
Photo: John Barron.

June 9, 2007 - Amish Country Bicycle Trip
We had beautiful weather for a great 28-mile ride south from Rensselaer Falls, east to Mud Lake overlook, and then north through DePeyster to Heuvelton for lunch. We finished by following the Oswegatchie shoreline back to Rensselaer Falls.
TLs: Tom & Ann Ortmeyer. Participants: Betty Peckham, Carolyn Kaczka, Rosemary French, & Bonnie Danis.

June 16, 2007 - Debar Mt. Lean-to Hike The hike up Debar with a stop to clean up the leanto was great. We started with dark clouds and many black flies, but were greeted on top with beautiful views, a slight wind and no bugs. It was a great day with renewed friendship.
TL: Nancy Skiff. Participants: Paula Skiff, Caroline Durant.

June 23, 2007 - Mt. Colden Hike
Cool temperatures, a strong breeze and bright sunshine made for excellent conditions. From the summit we enjoyed the views of Marcy, Algonquin, and other peaks, and of March Dam far below.
At the summit, with Mount Algonquin in the background, are (l to r): Lynwood ("Woody") Jiang, Andy Moerschell, Linda Moerschell, & TL John Barron.

June 23, 2007 - Streeter Lake via Youngs Road We walked into the old Schuler estate through the Potato Patch to Streeter Lake and Crystal Lake. We had lunch near the stone mausoleum. It was a beautiful 60 degree day, perfect for hiking.
TLs: Kathie & Gordon Batson. Participants: Durward Thomas, Darcy Derochie, Alicia Schantz, Rosemary French, Nancy Eldblom, Carolyn Kaczka, Gene Kaczka.

June 28, 2007 - Evening Paddle and Picnic on Stark Reservoir
Stark was not stark; it was beautiful and the headwinds and strong winds of previous days were left on the landing. We kayaked and canoed a bit over four miles, starting with a stiff breeze and taking out in a flat calm in golden light. Ah, evenings.
Pictured: Peggy Mooers, Doug Ackley, Galen & Helen Pletcher, Ken Coskran (back row), Joanne Tulip, Geri Ames (front row), & Dick Mooers, TL and photographer.

June 29-30, 2007 - Stony Pond Campout
Five families (a total of 19 people) camped out together at Lake Harris State Park. We shared campfire treats, songs and stories. It was cold and windy both mornings, more like October than June! On Saturday, fifteen of us hiked to Stony Pond where the sunshine warmed us up over lunch at the lean-to. The kids especially enjoyed the many American toads, a garter snake, teeming small perch and catfish, and other wildlife they encountered.
Front row Michele & Tanner O'Brien;
Second row Kenny Ferguson; Trevor, Troy & Cara O'Brien; Cole Madore; Ciara and Braylee Weets;
Back row Don Ferguson, Todd O'Brien, co-TL Marg Madore, Jaimin Weets, Bethany Usher, & co-TL Blair Madore.
Not pictured: Iggy, & Kenny Ferguson.

Saturday, June 30 - Low's Ridge-Upper Dam trail Birding/Hiking Trip
A recent joint outing of the Laurentian Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) and St. Lawrence Adirondack Audubon involved bird observation during an easy walk on the Big Dam Trail in southern St. Lawrence County, along with a more strenouous, optional ascent of Low's Ridge.

Birdwatching (l to r) Uta Wister, Peter O'Shea, Anne ? (hidden), Kay & Ed Russell, Peggy Mooers, Jerry Lazarczyk, Joan Collins, Susan Black, and Eileen & Tom Wheeler.
Photo: Dick Mooers.

Low's Ridge Summit (l to r): Ed & Kay Russell, Tom & Eileen Wheeler, Jerry Lazarczyk, Joan Collins, Peter O'Shea.
Photo: Susan Black.

Cycling Cape Vincent to Sackets Harbor, July 7, 2007
Ann drove a support van while the rest of us cycled a hilly route following the deeply indented coastline of Lake Ontario. Besides excellent views, there were historic sites, including the end point of the tour, Sacketts Harbor Battlefield Park (yes, Sackets Harbor, the town, and Sacketts Harbor Battlefield, the park, are spelled differently. That's just the way it is). We measured our distance at exactly 50 miles. From the destination, we returned by van for supper at a restaurant with a terrific view of the lake and the Wolfe Island ferry dock.
L to R: TL John Barron, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Susan Stebbins, and Carolyn Kaczka.
Photo: John Barron.

July 8, 2007 - Lake Lila-Shingle Shanty Brook Paddle Wind and waves came up, challenging us a little, so we welcomed a rest at a beautiful sandy beach just past the marshy entrance to the brook, which we had overshot. The inlet has lovely boreal habitat and twists and turns as it flows into Lake Lila. We didn't paddle up it very far, because skies threatened, but far enough to know we will definitely go back on a calmer day. Some of the birds seen were: bald eagle, common loon, greater yellowlegs, Wilson's snipe (many), olive-sided flycatcher, Virginia rail, and osprey.
TLs: Joan Collins & Eileen Wheeler. Participants: Ed Moczydlowski, Tom Wheeler.

Mount Arab Hike, July 12, 2007
A gorgeous, cool, clear day encouraged a leisurely hike, with plenty of time for summit views, lunch, and chatting with Katie Christensen, the fire tower steward.
Pictured:Katie (right), a DEC intern from SUNY Potsdam's environmental studies program, giving an interpretive talk to (l to r, foreground) Tom, Matt, Kyle and (background) Brian Fitzgerald.
Not pictured: TLs Susan & John Omohundro and other participants Jake Fitzgerald, Lyn Burkett, and Betty Peckham
Photo: John Omohundro.

Jones Pond to Church Pond Canoe, July 14, 2007
The trip was from Jones Pond to Church Pond via Osgood Pond, the Osgood River, and man-made canals. There was good swimming and a sighting of a pair of loons with their babies.
L-R: John Omohundro, co-leader Ron Johnson, Susan Omohundro, Ken Williams, Ann & Armond Spencer, and Alison Charles.
Photo: co-leader Nikki Coates.

Higley Flow Picnic and Paddle, July 25, 2007
This picnic-and-paddle event was just great: Light wind, the golden evening sun, everyone pretty much together out on the water, and a boatshow of different kayaks and canoes. The series of summer evening paddles is a real treat. Several of the participants have been on all the Raquette River hydro reservoir evening events held over the past two summers. We're running out of lakes!
L to R: Betty & Don Peckham, Chris Murphy, Mary Jane Watson, Gene & Carolyn Kaczka, Peggy Mooers, Jim Plumley, Bob Bixby, Marilyn Fayette, Geri Ames, Alison Charles, and Nancy & Doug Ackley. Not pictured: Wayne Ratowski, Louise Bixby.
Photo: TL Dick Mooers.

Lilypad Pond Hike, July 29, 2007
We had a warm late July day for this hike in the White Hill Wild Forest. We followed a newly-opened and -marked trail that started in the easement land south of the forest. After walking an estimated mile and three-quarters, we found Lilypad to be a beautiful Adirondack pond with a rock cliff overlook. From the overlook we found a loon circling the pond, and spotted an unidentified mammal (beaver?) swimming on the opposite shore. A number of us took the opportunity for a brisk swim, while others enjoyed the scenery. As we walked out, several pledges were made to return to the pond soon.
Pictured: Sam Merrill & Jean Giblin (back row left); Brian & Lyn Burkett and Susan Merrill (middle row left); TL Tom Ortmeyer (left foreground); Louise Bixby and Jean & Karl Miller (back row right); Niall & Fiona Barron (right foreground).
Photo: John Barron.

Canoeing Sandy Creek, August 4, 2007
In five canoes or kayaks we paddled the marshes in the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area on the edge of Lake Ontario. The weather was perfect for swimming at the sandy outlets to the lake, and we even had a tailwind at times. Comic relief was offered by watching a small boat with a huge motor, breached on a sandbar, being rescued by most of the available male population.
Pictured: Alison Charles (TL), Phoebe Rogerson, and Bob & Janet Wakefield (l to r) take a break in the marshes of Sandy Creek in the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Photo: Tom Ortmeyer.

August 11, 2007 - A Ranger School Adventure A beautiful August day, dry and cool; We enjoyed immersion in the beautiful Dubuar Forest along the Reservoir, Microburst, Frost Pocket and Latham trails. A short bushwhack to the largest pine on the property was thought well worth the effort. Our circumnavigation ended at the ball field with a stroll through the peaceful Ranger School campus. The only disappointment was that more people had not come to share in the experience. TL: Bill Mueller. Participant: Nancy Skiff.

Coles Creek Canoe Trip, August 15, 2007
The sheltered waters in the creek gave us good swimming, a relaxed evening paddle, two loons, an osprey, lots of terns and a few turkeys. The St. Lawrence, full of white caps when we left, was calm as a millpond by the time we finished our paddle.
L to R: Jack MacDonald, Kathie Doheny-Farina, Doug & Nancy Ackley, Patsy Allen, Marsha Dalton, Carole Dykes, TL Alison Charles, Geri Ames, and Ron Dumoulin.
Photo: Dick Mooers.

Hannawa Pond Paddle, August 29, 2007
Seventeen members and guests paddled the approximately 4-mile round trip from the shoreline home of Carolyn and Gene Kaczka, who also hosted the picnic following the trip. Participants were Don & Betty Peckham, Mary MacKinnon, Peggy & tl Dick Mooers, Barb Pichette, Gene Kaczka, Patty & Lee Francis, Patricia Gengo, Mary Jane Watson, Chris Murphy, Marilyn Fayette, Sylvia Broer, Sharon Ryan, and Nancy & Doug Ackley.
Pictured: Don Peckham and Doug Ackley
Photo: Dick Mooers.

Saranac Lakes and River Paddle, September 15, 2007
Paddlers enjoyed the beginnings of a beautiful autumn during a trip to windy Middle Saranac Lake, breezy Weller Pond, and placid Little Weller Pond on a recent Saturday. Occasional showers gave way to lovely sunshine during the eight mile outing, with Common Loons and Mergansers competing for the paddlers' attention with the scenic mountains rimming the three lakes. Shown relaxing on Little Weller Pond are Barry McDermott, Ken Coskran, Peggy Mooers, Doug Ackley, and Ellie Menz.
Photo: TL Dick Mooers.

Tooley Pond Road Bicycle, September 15, 2007
A mix of warm sunshine and cold showers. Tough climbs and exhilarating descents on the road. We visited four of the seven waterfalls. Coffee afterward at the St. Lawrence Bookstore. Shown at Twin Falls are, from left, Ron Dumoulin, TLs John Barron & Geri Ames, Karen Karpinski, Marilyn Levitan, & Tom Ortmeyer.
Photo: Ann Ortmeyer.

September 22, 2007 - September Farm Walk A beautiful late summer day enhanced our hike around the 2-mile loop trail of September Farm, mostly forested since 1935. An observant hiker spotted a spectacular chicken-of-the-woods conk, brilliant yellow, on a fallen maple log. Chili and cornbread and other culinary treasures generously shared by the 16 hikers were enjoyed after the morning hike.
Participants: TLs Bill & Pat Mueller. Participants: Ann & Armond Spencer, Gene & Carolyn Kaczka, Linda Helmare, Mary Ann Durant, Neal Burdick, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Betty Peckham, Dean, Madison, Erik & Kathryn Laubscher, Janet Wakefield.

September 29, 2007 - Massawepie Mire Birding We had a lovely day for the Massawepie Mire field trip - overcast and cool. After we hiked almost 5 miles round trip on the old railroad grade, I asked if anyone wanted to hike the Mountaineer Trail around Massawepie Lake, and everyone took me up on it! We found 26 species. We had windless conditions, and intently listened for black-backed woodpeckers and boreal chickadees, but had no luck.
Participants: TL Joan Collins, Emily & Jim Pugsley, Neal Reilly, George Seymour.

September 30, 2007 - Evening Paddle on Norwood Lake This last in the series of summer evening paddles on local waters was held on a mirror-smooth lake in golden sunlight. We paddled a bit over two miles down the lake and up the Raquette River toward Unionville before turning back. We enjoyed a celebratory dinner at the Lobster House in Norwood.
Participants: TL Dick Mooers, Clark Warner, Geri Ames, Doug & Nancy Ackley.

Bird Observation Hike at Indian Creek Nature Center, October 20, 2007
We had non-ideal weather - very windy, gray, and with some rain. The numbers of birds on Lower Lake were substantially down from a few days before. It was very nice to have two young people in our group of nine. We hiked the trail to the marsh deck and the trail to the tower on Lower Lake. We also visited the Route 15 tower later in the morning. Twenty-five species were found.
Back row, from L: Bob Wakefield, Bill Brown, TL Joan Collins, Ann Spencer, Debra Mitchell, & Joanne Stickler.
Front row, from L: Jonathan Rogers, Niall Barron.
Photo: John Barron.

Red Sandstone Trail Maintenance, October 21, 2007
We gathered into three teams on a leaf-lovely, warm, brilliant day. One team repaired the switchback on the steep hill near Sugar Island Dam. Another team built a bridge across a gully along the Sugar Island Flow. The women's team cut down the weeds on the railroad bed on the northern end of Sugar island. We saw lots of hikers on the trail.
L-R: Scotty Grant, Alex Weil, and Cole & Blair Madore.
Not pictured: TLs John & Susan Omohundro; Eileen Visser & daughters; Lisa Fallowski, Gary Grant, John Barron, Mike Weil, Will Romey, Karen & Jordan Gilbert, Tom Wheeler, Jeffery Newton, Illona & Donald Ferguson.
Photo: Margaret Madore.

Paul Smiths VIC Hike, October 21, 2007
Perfect weather for a mid-fall hike was enjoyed on the Barnum Pond and Red Dot trails at the Paul Smiths Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC). The group enjoyed lunch on the deck of the VIC and an afternoon break at the lean-to on Osgood Pond.
L to R: Geri Ames, TL Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Bill Mueller.
Photo: Geri Ames.

November 3, 2007 - Crane Mountain TLs Ann & Armond Spencer. Participants: Nancy Skiff, Ken Williams. A good hike up this beautiful little mountain in cloudy fall weather. The pond was inviting, but we decided to delay our swim until the next trip (in warmer weather). On the way down a slight mistake of trail-finding found us on seriously steep pitches covered with leaves, but we recovered the trail and finished the hike. It was worth the long drive!

St. Regis Mountain Hike, November 10, 2007
We had a perfect sunny day - cold in the morning but toasty-warm on the summit. Freezing temperatures overnight made the trail icy enough to need traction devices. We admired the lakes of the St. Regis Canoe Area below, and the distant skyline of the High Peaks and other mountains ranging from Azure to Lyon Mountain. Ron Dumoulin joined us on the trail for part of the hike. At the summit, with some lakes of the St. Regis Canoe Area below are:
Standing, L-R: Sandy Hildreth, John Omohundro, June Fait, Marilyn Levitan, & Carol LaDue.
Seated, L-R: TL Geri Ames, Carolyn Kaczka, & Susan Omohundro.
Photo: TL John Barron.

November 11, 2007 - Eagle Eyrie. TLs John & Susan Omohundro. Participants: Armond & Ann Spencer, Ken Coskran, Darcy LaCombe, Alicia Schantz, Ginger & Bill Dora. The highlight of our nine-mile trip was lunch on a sunny windless ridge of the little mountain, Eagle Eyrie, looking south over a sparkling Lake Placid. We paused at 11 am to commemorate Veterans' Day.

November 11, 2007 - Palmer Hill Mine. TL Brad Pendergraft. Participants: Tim, Ian, & Lauren Bell, Nicole Adams, Caron Collins, Anne Johnson, Kyle & Jake Pendergraft. It was a cold clear morning with the first hard frost. The hike was short with some discussion of glaciers, gneisses, and how to make metamorphic rocks. On top of the hill we were amazed by the use of the fire tower as a large antenna. The descent into the mine was safe and easy; hammers broke rock and magnets were attracted to almost every rock. The big mystery was: how did the Ford Pinto get down there? We were off the mountain just before the rain started.

Rideau Trail Hike, November 17, 2007
On a perfect Indian summer day we hiked a stretch of the Rideau Trail, Ontario's long-distance footpath extending from Kingston to Ottawa and roughly following the Rideau Canal. Our route followed the Tay Canal, a branch connecting the town of Perth with the Rideau system at Lower Rideau Lake. There were woods, farm country, wetlands, and plenty of history including canal locks and abandoned farm implements. Coffee from Tim Horton's was popular.
L-R: John & Susan Omohundro, Ann Spencer, & John Barron.
Photo: John Barron.

December 1, 2007 - Leonard Pond Hike and Birding. TLs Joan Collins & Eileen Wheeler. Participants: John Barthelme, Randy Merrill, Tom Ortmeyer. The temperature was 4 degrees when we started the hike at 8 a.m., and 5 degrees when we finished at 11:30 a.m. There were gusty winds on the hike in, but the wind died down on our way out. Just after we started the hike, the clouds cleared away and the sky was a spectacular blue over a snow-covered landscape. There was four inches of snow but we opted to hike in boots. A total of 12 species were sighted, and we had wonderful luck finding boreal birds. We concluded with a stop at the Backwoods Inn (on Rt 56; once called Ham's Inn) for a hot drink and a bowl of soup.

Clear Pond Hike (Snowshoe), December 8, 2007
Thanks to plentiful snow our trip became an early snowshoe outing. The snow-covered trees and trail were glorious. Everyone enjoyed some hot chocolate at lunch and Cole even tobogganed down a few hills. We never made it to the pond - a challenge left for another day.
L-R: Mariana Sharp, Gaetan Foisy, TL Blair Madore, Kathryn Atkinson, Shirley Peterson, & Travis Atkinson (carrying five month-old Lachlan Atkinson in a pack).
Not pictured: Cole Madore, Rich Sharp, 17-month-old Natalie Sharp.
Photo: Rich Sharp.

December 12 - Whiteface Ski
The temperature was steady in the mid-20s with no wind at the base; lots of snow. Though the sun was mainly hidden on the south side of the mountain, it was out and we could feel some warmth when we came into it at the top. The rime frost was impressive, as always. The views included seeing the high peaks to the south poking through the clouds that were building in - and which brought warmth and high winds the next day. This was the day to be on Whiteface.
L-R: Todd Alessi; Albert & TL David Trithart; Blair Madore; Peter, Nathan, Andrew, & David Brouwer.
Not pictured: John Wood, Bill Mackently.
Photo: Joel Foisy.