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Jenkins Mountain Ski, January 10, 2009
The group passed Long and Black Ponds before ascending Jenkins Mountain.
l-r: John Omohundro, TL Tom Wheeler.
not pictured: John Barron.
Photo: Susan Omohundro.

Mt. Arab Snowshoe, January 18, 2009
TL Susan Omohundro led an easy climb on a well-trod snowshoe track to the summit of Mt. Arab. Although the group didn’t linger on the summit due to clouds and wind, they enjoyed each other’s company and the fresh air and exercise.
l-r: Armond Spencer, Susan Omohundro, Lois Cutter, Ann Spencer, Eileen Wheeler, Tom Ortmeyer, Duncan Cutter.
Photo: Tom Wheeler.

Jan 18 - Black Pond Snowshoe
The cold snap had finally let up so it was an ideal day for snowshoeing. The plan was to head for the lean-to on the east side of the pond and then trudge back on the ice. But the trail went on and on and we still didn’t reach the lean-to. It hadn’t seemed that far in summer! As the afternoon was fading Joel tested the ice and we all (nervously) trekked across to the lean-to on the west side. Hot chocolate was enjoyed by all before heading out. Photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/sluastro/BlackPondSnowshoeHike?authkey=niP-PFsKgXs&feat=directlink#.
l-r: Jeff Miller, TL Marg Madore, Rebecca Miller, Cole Madore, Patricia Gengo, Joel Foisy.
Photo: Jeff Miller.

Catamount Lodge Snowshoe, January 24-25, 2009
During Colton Winterfest, Catamount Lodge owners Ruth and Joe McWilliams of Catamount Lodge in South Colton invited the Laurentian Chapter to provide instruction and lead snowshoe tours on the property’s trails. There were snowshoes to borrow, and the lodge was open to the public for tours and a quilt show. Chapter leaders included Ann and Tom Ortmeyer, Jean Giblin, John and Niall Barron.
Shown about to depart the Lodge for a short scenic tour are Jack & Jo Den Bleyker, Mary MacKinnon, Tom Ortmeyer, Niall Barron, Jean Giblin, Ruth & Joe McWilliams (Lodge owners), and Hazel Miller (Lodge caretaker).
Photo: John Barron.

Catamount Lodge Snowshoe, January 24-25, 2009
Duncan & Lois Cutter led a party of ten on a mixed skiing and snowshoeing expedition near Santa Clara. The route started from Highway 458 on wide easy trail, then traversed a wooded ridge to the St. Regis River.
l-r: Al Benson, Armond Spencer, Kirsten Benson, Ann Spencer.
Photo: Duncan Cutter.

Feb 1 - Mt. Marshall via Upper Works Mike McLean (TL), Dana Chudziski, Greg Matthei, Carol Nester, Scot Hays, Dan Moellman, Jim Dean, Dave Kocian, Heidi Karkoski, Nick Silver, Lana Christiansen, Don Jones, Dan Monroe. A large and strong group of hikers struggled up Herbert Brook on the approach to Marshall, a peak that foiled several ADK outings this winter. Deep snow with abundant spruce traps proved difficult to navigate, and the group decided to turn back after gaining the sub-summit just to the south of Marshall’s high point.

Algonquin, Boundary, Iroquois Snowshoe, March 1, 2009
Art Boni led an early morning start up the big peaks of the MacIntyre Range. It was a perfectly clear day with views in all directions, fun climbing on snow and alpine ice, and very little wind. They spent nearly an hour on the summit of Iroquois, taking in the views from this less-visited peak. Art (l) & Hollis Easter(r) paused for a photo on the shoulder of Boundary before continuing on to Iroquois.

Mar 7 - Mt. Azure Snowshoe Gene Kaczka (TL), Carolyn Kaczka, Marianne Hebert, John Montan. The trail was snow-covered and well packed from parking lot to summit. Haze caused by the warmth limited summit views to 15 to 20 miles but the panorama was still wonderful. Descent was speedy as we skidded on the soft moist snow. A stop in Deer Valley Trails for lunch was further reward for the hikers.

Mud Season Potluck, April 19
Neal Burdick autographed a number of copies of the new, updated third edition of the anthology of Adirondack stories, The Adirondack Reader. The Reader has been a classic for decades, and the new edition culminates years of selection and editing effort by Neal and his collaborator, the late Paul Jamieson. Copies are available at Brewer Bookstore at St. Lawrence University (SLU), at Weston’s in Potsdam, and on-line via www.adk.org. Neal, a resident of Canton and administrator at SLU, is an active member of the Laurentian Chapter and editor of the ADK’s magazine, Adirondac.
Photo: Tom Ortmeyer.

Red Sandstone Trail Workday, April 19 We accomplished three projects on Sugar Island this pleasant sunny early spring day: a water bar, removal of a rogue campsite, and construction of a high water detour trail. Several walkers and some runners passed us as we worked. John and Susan Omohundro (TLs), Jo Skiff, Bryan & Johanna Shea, Cliff & Gloria Daly, Tim Schwob, David Trithart, Donald Potter, Lisa and Lucas Hanss, Aaron Sala, Alex Weil, David Tisdale.

Leave No Trace Workshop, April 23
Several ADK members came out on a beautiful evening to learn a bit more about how to be a bit less noticeable in the wilds. We talked about the basic tenets of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, including some great discussions about what they mean for people in the Adirondacks.
L-R: Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Bryan & Johanna Shea, TL Shannon Fyrberg, Rose Rivezzi, Hollis Easter.
Photo: Hollis Easter.

Everton Falls Cleanup, May 2
Clean up gets easier every year--very little trash, but considerable blow-down across the trails. It was a fine day: 50 degrees, mostly sunny, almost no black flies (appeared only as we were enjoying sandwiches by the falls). We came across two trophies:

1. a TV set with a bullet hole through its screen, and
2. a box of “one dozen Canadian fish worms - not for human consumption.”

We weren’t even tempted!
Shown sorting trash for disposal are Armond Spencer, TL Lois Cutter, and Nature Conservancy representative Doug Munro of Keene.
Photo: TL Duncan Cutter.

Birding at Indian Creek Nature Center, May 2
About ten people joined coleaders Joan Collins of Potsdam and Eileen Wheeler of Canton for a half day of bird observation near Rensselaer Falls; the event was jointly organized by the Indian Creek Nature Center, Northern New York Audubon, and the Laurentian Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Many colorful species were seen during a tour of the Nature Center as well as short visits to a handful of other birding hot spots stretching as far away as De Kalb. Shown atop the observation tower at Indian Creek are (l-r) TL Eileen Wheeler, Marianne Hebert, & John Barthelme.
Photo: John Barron.

Lost Pond Hike/Bushwhack, May 2 All day long, while sunshine bathed our faces, water bathed our feet. The Indian Pass trail, cleverly disguised as the Adirondacks’ longest set of cascades, was a mere warmup for our crossing of a Saint Lawrence-look-alike called Indian Pass Brook. We called it a day, submersed (of course!) in knee-high deep, rotten snow, at the bushwhack’s start. Attempt number three will be coming up this fall! Cliff and Gloria Daly (TLs), John and Susan Omohundro, Arthur Boni, Alicia Schatz, Darcy Lacombe.

Catamount Mountain Trail Maintenance, May 3 Cheery “thank yous” from passing hikers were icing on the cake for our hard-working crew as we sawed and lopped our way up the surprisingly dry and snow-free Catamount path. That summit visitors are no longer turning our scree walls into inukshuks was an unexpected bonus! Cliff and Gloria Daly (TLs), Arthur Boni, Bill Stewart, John and Dianne Creery, Ed Moczydlowski

Giant’s Nubble and Washbowl, May 10 Fate was kind. We encountered no worse than drizzle and a few snowflakes on our way to Roaring Brook Falls (lots of water!), the Nubble (views across Rt. 73 to Noonmark and mist-enshrouded High Peaks) and the Giant’s Washbowl. This route is worth repeating. John and Susan Omohundro (TLs), Bill Mueller, Jim Snyder, Marianne Hebert, Bryan Shea

Lampson Falls Cleanup, May 30
Mother Nature shut off the rain tap just as our group headed down to the falls, so we enjoyed a peek of sun here and there while we searched for almost nonexistent beer cans and bottles. A record participation of young folks on this annual clean-up! Afterward, Dick and Joan Kepes as usual provided us with plenty of “people sunshine” at a social in their home. Cliff & Gloria Daly (TLs), Armond Spencer, Shannon Holt & her two babies (Darcy & Colin), John Barron, Niall Barron, and a young family with two children whose names we didn’t catch.
l-r: Cliff Daly, Niall Barron, Armond Spencer.
Photo: John Barron.

Massawepie Mire Nature Walk, May 30, 2009
Joan Collins & Eileen Wheeler led a nature walk in Piercefield’s Massawepie Mire, the largest fen in New York, on a joint trip with Northern New York Audubon. A large turnout of participants, from several North Country communities and as far away as Vermont and the Finger Lakes, came to admire the birds and wildflowers. The former included thrushes, jays, flycatchers, and many species of warblers; two Red Efts were seen as well. The latter included Red Chokeberry (pictured), abundant in sizes from 8 inches to six feet tall; Bog Laurel; Bog Rosemary; and Labrador Tea.
Photo: Dick Mooers.

Catamount Bicycle Tour, June 6, 2009
We assembled at Sunday Rock in South Colton for our 25 mile bicycle tour past several of the power dam reservoirs, emerging on Route 56 and continuing south to Catamount Lodge where co-owner Joe McWilliams welcomed us indoors for lunch sheltered from a brief rainshower. After enjoying a tour of the attractive lodge and an update from Joe about recent developments along the Raquette River Recreation Corridor, we returned via Rt. 56, crossing the flats and making a fast descent past the Snow Bowl to return to the start point. Shown at Five Falls Reservoir are, left to right, Geri Ames, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, John Barron, Bev Snyder, Jodee Cotey.
Photo: John Barron.

MacNaughton via Wallface Pond, June 13 Questionable weather holds the hiker show-ups to four at the Loj. The 6.3-mile hike and stream crossings into Avalanche Pass and Wallface Ponds are quite wet due to recent rains. The black flies chase us off the view/lunch ledge, but fortunately, the heavy rain holds off until the drive home. A damp 15-mile hike, but participants were tickled to get MacNaughton. Mike McLean (TL), Vasily Cateforis, Dan Monroe, Stuart Kelley, Rob Fisher.

Picnic and Paddle: Higley Flow Reservoir, June 24, 2009
Doug & Nancy Ackley, Ann Aumond & Erin Pratt, Alison Charles, Mary Jane Watson, Terry & Jessica Persons, Justin Merrill, Dick & Peggy Mooers, and Bill Romey paddled from Big Rock boat launch at the Higley Dam about two miles to the State Park, where they enjoyed a picnic supper together. Later, they explored the very green “Black Lagoon” to see scary sights.
Solo boat: Ann Aumond
Picnickers, l-r: Alison Charles, Mary Jane Watson, Erin Pratt, Bill Romey, Doug Ackley, Justin Merrill, Nancy Ackley, Jessica Persons, Terry Persons, Ann Aumond, Peggy Mooers
Photos: Dick Mooers.

Mt. Arab Hike, July 11
A large group of new hikers had a fantastic trip up Mount Arab, learning about hiking safely along the way. It was a first summit for many of the participants. We were joined by Todd Moe of North Country Public Radio, who did a radio story based on the trip. Pictured are Don & Ann Carson, Aidon & Amy Stickles, Todd Moe, Paul Siskind, Connie, Shea, Cooper, & Kyle Jones, David Trithart, Rose Rivezzi (TL), Peter Edwards, Hollis Easter, Brock, Scott, Anita & Sydnee Francis, Abram & Laura Williams and Kennady Eager.
Photo: Eric, the summit steward.

Cranberry Lake Cycling, July 12
Our route followed secondary roads along the Oswegatchie River to Newton Falls. After a descent to State Highway 3, the return trip passed through Star Lake and Wanakena.
L-R: Kevin Gibbons, Bill White, Lyle & Mike Montgomery, Shirley White, Julia Cline.
Photo: John Barron.

Azure Mountain Kids’ Hike, July 20
Rose Rivezzi & David Trithart led the second in the chapter’s three-part hiking series for kids on Azure Mountain near St. Regis Falls. Perfect weather was the good fortune of these hikers, many of whom achieved their first summit today.
L-R: Lisa Beldock, Paul French, Colby & Nicholas Beldock, Molly, Debbie, & Tom Simmons, Geri Ames, Eileen Leedom.
Not pictured: Lila & Charlie Hunnewell, Eileen, Adam, Noah, & Dylan Jarrett, Matthew & Alex Burg, Ben Simmons, and TLs Rose Rivezzi & David Trithart.

Owl’s Head Kids’ Hike, July 25
A beautiful day for the the third and final hike of the summer Kids’ Hike series.
L-R: Sundus, Auny, & Jamal Kussad; Shea, Cooper, Connie, & Kyle Jones; Sandy Baker; TL David Trithart.
Photo: TL Rose Rivezzi.

Blue Mountain Hike, July 31
It rained all the way up and all the way down, but the woods were atmospheric, other hikers were few, our spirits held up. We talked to Caleb, the summer firetower guide. When we got back to Potsdam, the sun came out.
Participants: John Omohundro (TL), Bryan Herman, Bill Herman.

Debar Pond Paddle and Baldface Mountain Hike, August 15
A diverse and challenging trip: paddling across Debar Pond and climbing a rocky outcrop of Baldface Mountain. Our reward: a cool swim in the pond before paddling back to the launch site.
Paddling: Geri Ames.
At summit, l-r: Joanne Tulip, Paul Cutter, TLs Lois & Duncan Cutter, Ann & Armond Spencer, Jane Lobo, Kathy Hart.
Photo: John Barron.

Grasse River Paddle and Picnic, August 26
Nine paddlers enjoyed a cool, sun-drenched late summer’s eve paddle on the Grasse River via the Little River, with a picnic at Taylor Park’s beach in Canton. Cardinal Flower and other blooms colored the banks of both rivers, enhanced by the patterns of late afternoon light and shadow. Martha’s extensive knowledge of plants and wildlife added much to the pleasure of the scenery, and Tracy did beautifully on her very first paddle outing. Geri was pleased at the prospect of two new members of ADK.
Standing, l-r: Karen Wright, Terry Persons, Patricia Gengo.
Seated, l-r: Mary Jane Watson, Tracy Long, Peggy Mooers, Geri Ames, Martha Grow.
Photo: TL Dick Mooers.

September 5 - Marshall, Iroquois, and Algonquin Mountains. Mike McLean (TL), Alicia Schantz, Emil Klymkow. A beautiful day for a hike past Heart Lake and into Indian Pass, then taking the first left up to the Marshall/Iroquois Col. Alicia needed Marshall for her 46, so we climb that first before climbing up a couple of interesting cliffs and straining and crawling through some very thick woods to arrive at Shepard’s Tooth with its incredible views. Then we ascend Iroquois and Algonquin, enjoying the great weather and views. Back to the Loj in short order.

Cycling the Thousand Islands Parkway, September 6
Perfect sunshine. We cycled the length of the parkway from Gananoque almost to Brockville. High points included overlooks of the river and nearby wild areas; a very crowded tour boat port; and St. Lawrence Islands National Park’s mainland unit at Mallorytown Landing where we stopped for lunch and a swim (pictured).
l-r: Peter Blood, John Barron, Toni Towle.
Photo: Photo: Tom Ortmeyer.

Upper St. Regis, Spitfire, Lower St. Regis Paddle, September 12
After the portage at the start of the trip we had a leisurely four-hour paddle through the three lakes, ending back where our cars were parked. The day was warm and the threatening skies provided only a brief sprinkle towards the end of the trip. The boat traffic was minimal and we were treated to the sights of osprey, loons and blue herons. We stopped at Pulpit Rock to stretch our legs and snack before finishing the paddle. A good day!
In kayak: Ellie Menz.
Group, l-r: Sue Omohundro, John Omohundro, Ellie Menz, Nicole Kline, Julia Kline, Ron Johnson.
Photo: TL Nikki Coates.

Baldface Hike, September 19
Shown at the summit, with Debar Mountain in the background, are Zack & Dan Gagliardi, Duncan Cutter, Brian Baston, Jeff Stone, David Brouwer, TL Geri Ames, Mildred Wiedman, & TL Tom Ortmeyer.
Photo: Photo: John Barron.

Piracy on the Red Sandstone Trail! September 20
Starting from the northern terminus, Blair told the legend of Red Beard, the pirate, and his treasure that was lost in the Racquette River. We walked along the eastern side of Sugar Island, finding treasure all along the way, until we encountered a friendly pirate (Margaret) at the northern tip Day Use Area. The pirate allowed us to trade treasure for hot dogs and marshmallows which we roasted on a fire there. The hike back was easier since we were energized by our cookout. Participants included TLs Blair, Margaret and Cole Madore; Joel Foisy, Gretchen Koehler, Gaetan and Syl Foisy; Jeff and Rebecca Miller; Heather, Madeline and Colden Wheeler; Felicia Neahr and Ed Dumas; George Gonos, Suzanne Zwingel, Celeste Zwingel and Clare Sullivan-Catlin; Lynn Hall, Emily Smith and Katie Carroll; Judy Johnstone, Robert Munn, Satique Besaw, Lindsey Besaw and Dakota Besaw; Gary Gonyea; Katina Thomson; Angela, Ricky, Christopher and Michael Rodriguez. All are pictured except Blair and Margaret Madore and Ed Dumas.

September 26 - September Farm. Bill Mueller (TL), Wayne Brown, Anne Carson, Don Carson, Kimberly Harrison, Elizabeth Matyas, Geri Ames, Tabitha Brown, Larry, Zach Gagliardi, Olivia Ree Brown, Mike Gagliardi, Eric Gagliardi, and two unidentified. On a beautiful sunny and cool day, we hiked the loop trails around this farm in S. Colton in mostly mature forest with a variety of trees comprising the northern hardwood forest and its conifer friends. One of the participants taught us a lot about mushrooms. Afterwards, we enjoyed chili, cornbread and some fruit pies. This was a ‘first ADK-sponsored hike’ for most; a variety of ages and wisdoms came along.

Wednesday Evening Picnic and Paddle, September 30
Bad weather prevented going out on the water to celebrate the end of the popular evening Paddle and Picnic series; but a “picnic” happened indoors at the Lobster House in Norwood.
l-r: Wayne Ratowski, Brian Baston, TL Dick Mooers, Geri Ames, Ruth Williams, Peggy Mooers.

Esther Mountain Hike, October 4
A pleasant cloudy day with just a few brief showers. The entrance to Esther’s herd path is now marked by a signpost, and this unofficial trail now features a boardwalk at a low spot. We enjoyed the views of the mountains as well as relics of a former ski area on our route. Shown on a ledge of Esther with Whiteface in the background are Brian Baston, Toni Towle, Peter Blood, Alicia Schantz, Don Duthaler.
Photo: TL John Barron.

October 4 - Massawepie.
Armond Spencer (TL), Ann Spencer, John & Susan Omohundro. The weather was iffy but we went anyway. Drizzle early, then clear and even some sunshine. We had just fi nished a very nice walk and were back in the car when the deluge began. We think this spot is worthy of more exploration.

Lyon Mountain Hike, October 12
Columbus Day here in the US, Thanksgiving in Canada: many from both nations out enjoying the newly-cut 3.2 mile trail up Lyon Mountain. We relished views from the summit and fire tower of Chazy Lake, wind turbines, Mount Royal, Lake Champlain, Vermont’s Green Mountains. From Lyon’s west ledge, Chateaugay Lake and much of the Adirondacks, Whiteface, and East Dix were prominent. All were in full fall foliage.
L-R: TL Lois Cutter and Mildred Wiedmann.
Not shown: David Pask, Richard Billings, Linda Moerschell, Brian Baston, John Barron, Claire Kelsey, David and Peter Brouwer.
Photo: TL Duncan Cutter.

October 31 - Hurricane Mountain.
Hollis Easter (TL), Stephanie Graudons (TL), Ted Letcher, Matt Seifts, Caitlin Eyre Stewart. Halloween dawned with a frigid gale, dooming our plans for “Costumes and Candy on Cascade.” We elected to try a shorter trip at lower altitude, and headed into Keene for a hike up Hurricane Mountain. We ascended via the north trail and hung out on the summit for nearly an hour talking about the weather. The meteorologist in the group hoped for an actual hurricane (70+ mph winds), but we only measured the top speed at a relatively tame 54.1 mph. This was a joint outing of the Albany and Laurentian chapters.

Big Pine Hike, Wanakena, NY, November 7
Bill & Pat Mueller (TLs), Geri Ames, Ruth Williams, Chris Rediehs, Dick Dowling, Cathy Dowling, Danice Cooper, Brian Baston, Alice Donnelly, Dora McIntosh, Mike Waters, Jackie Goodman. We set out to seek the Big Pine. We learned something about reading the northern hardwood forest and its history. For many of us this was the first-time on an ADK hike. As we got closer to the pine of our destination, we saw the remnants of other ‘big pines’, now looming impressively as gigantic snags. The sun arrived also at the pine; On the return, no more snow-laden trees - just drip, drip, drip and the sounds of human conversation.
Photos: Geri Ames.

Red Sandstone Trail Workday, November 8
On a sunny warm Indian summer afternoon, we extended the switchback overlooking Sugar Island Flow, so now one can climb to the top of the bluff on a gradual incline. Workers tackled the job with energy and resourcefulness.
Left: Shown laying a foundation for one of the four new switchbacks are (l-r): Jean Giblin, Ian Vitek, lead maintainer TL John Omohundro, Armond Spencer, Buck Doheny-Farina, John Barron.
Right: John Barron, Ian Vitek.
Not pictured: TL Susan Omohundro, Diane Brouwer, Kath Doheny-Farina, and Andrew Brouwer.
Photos: Niall Barron.

Rideau Trail, November 22
The route featured scenic overlooks of Upper Rideau Lake and the village of Westport, along with a couple of historic Rideau Canal lock stations. Shown near a defensive blockhouse at Narrows Lock are (l - r) Marianne Hebert, John Omohundro, Toni Towle, Peter Blood, and John Barron.
Photo: Susan Omohundro.

November 26 - Cliff Mountain.
Glenn Watson, Eberhard Burkowski, Brian Baston, Margaret O’Keefe, Katie Phaglia, Sharon McClelland, Cindy McLean, Mike McLean(TL). Into the woods from Upper Works in hopes of climbing Cliff. Mud, deep mud, and even deeper mud slowed down our progress. Three turned back at Uphill Brook Lean-to, five persisted in the mud and made it to the top, where the sun finally shone on us and the views were excellent. Darkness fell on us at the Flowed Lands. Congrats to Margaret O’Keefe for completing her 46 this day and many thanks to Peter Abreu for lending a head lamp and accompanying us in the dark for the last two hours.