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New Year’s Day - Clarkson University
It was mild and wet, with no snow coverage, so about twenty members settled for short (or no) walks this New Year’s Day and spent a couple of hours socializing in the warmth of Clarkson’s Outdoor Lodge.
L-R: Ann Ortmeyer, Kathie Batson, John Omohundro, Jean Giblin, Niall Barron, Fiona Barron, Joanne Ferris.
Photo: John Barron.

January 2 - Bushwhack Scarface Mt. John & Susan Omohundro (TLs), Barbara Hollenbeck, Tom Ortmeyer, Deb & Mike White. We left the trail early, traversing a swamp to ascend Signal Hill, with good views of Scarface. The summit was socked in, so we hiked along the base of a series of magnificent, multicolored icefalls. Footing was tricky, because the snow, feather-like, wouldn’t support us on slopes. We rejoined the trail near its steep section and returned that way.

January 9 - Scarface Mountain Bushwhack
A group of snowshoers pauses by the ice formations at the base of the scar during a recent bushwhack on Scarface Mountain in Raybrook.
L-R: Mike White, Tom Ortmeyer, Barbara Hollenbeck, Deb White, Susan Omohundro.
Photo: John Omohundro.

January 15 - Beginners’ Snowshoe to Grassy Pond (New Hikers’ Series)
A ski and snowshoe on plentiful snow (up to our knees on the pond!) was enjoyed by mostly potentially new members. Lean-to adopter Sandy Hildreth showed us maple saplings munched by a moose. Campers at the site generously shared the shelter with us.
L-R: John Tyo, Sandy Hildreth, Brian Hayden, Mayme Trumble, Stacey Banfield-Hardaway, Bill Trumble, TL Duncan Cutter, Paul Cutter, Geoffrey Millard, Marianne Hebert, Doug Theobald.
Not pictured: David Cutter.
Photo: John Barron.

January 16 - Beginners’ Snowshoe at Indian Creek (New Hikers’ Series) Ann Spencer (TL), Karen Wright, Terri Parsons. On a bright, cold, Sunday afternoon, the three of us took an easy snowshoe walk out to the viewing platform, and then down to the boardwalk. Enjoyed seeing a flock of cedar waxwings.

January 21-23 - ADK Winter Outing
Ron Fillhart (TL). We had about 60 people in attendance at the Winter Outing despite lake-effect snow hindering getting there. In spite of low temperatures we cross country skied and snowshoed on various trail systems and off-trail trips, as well. Some planned their outings to be back at the Mad River Club by lunchtime, then out for more time in the woods. A catered dinner on Saturday was absolutely delicious, followed by live music and dancing.
Pictured: part of a large group of skiers that toured the trails of Winona State Forest during Winter Outing. For an account of the weekend see John Barron’s essay.
Photo: John Barron.

January 22 - Jackrabbit Trail Ski
We skiied the Old Mountain Trail, a section of the Jackrabbit Trail on the back side of Pitchoff Mountain, following the valley up from Keene, passing dramatic cliffs and beaver meadows, and stopped to watch a group of ice climbers make slow progress.
L-R:Greg Pedrick (TL) and Tom Ortmeyer (TL) on the Old Mountain Trail.
Photo:Duncan Cutter.

January 23 - Mt. Arab (New Hikers’ Series) Blair Madore (TL), Jeff Miller, Brian Baston, Sylvia Haq, Mike & Rachel Rose. Extreme cold, but bright sunshine and little wind encouraged our climb on a well-broken trail. Nearing the summit, fresh snowfall accumulated on every limb and branch, making a natural arbor. Lightly frosted trees on neighboring hillsides, azure skies, fluffy clouds and crisp white lakes dominated a stupendous view from the summit. Heartened by the sights we dallied perhaps longer than we should have - the only harm, seemingly, was Brian’s mustache rimed with frost. Nature’s beauty warmed our hearts and lifted our spirits in compensation for the cold. Those comfortably home on this occasion might ponder the bravery of nine-year-old Rachel, who completed her first winter ascent!

January 29 - Lampson Falls Ski
We had a beautiful day and great snow conditions. As advertised, we tested some folks’ mettle, and even took our skis off. After skiing to the trail’s end, several of us donned snowshoes to follow another half mile of rough path to an overlook near Harper Falls. With the aid of some great wood-gatherers, TL Armond Spencer got a lunch fire going. Next time we’ll bring marshmallows.
L-R: Armond, Bill Trumble, Ken Williams, Bob Wakefield, Jo DenBleyker, Maymee Trumble, Marianne Hebert, TL Ann Spencer, John Barron.
Photo: Karen Todd.

February 16 - Snowshoe Around Black Pond, Paul Smiths VIC
Excellent trail conditions made a lovely hike, with lunch served by culinary arts students at the college as a bonus treat.
L-R at the trailhead: Carol Edmonds, TL Brian Baston, Carol LaDue, Bob Boyer, Carol Donnelly, TL Geri Ames.
Photo:Carol LaDue.

February 26 - Pinnacle Snowshoe
A winter storm the day before the hike deposited almost a foot of fresh powder snow. The weather was good at the start, and got better as the day went on. Everyone seemed to enjoy the outing.
L-R: Susan Omohundro, Marianne Hebert, Susanne Arens, Tom Ortmeyer, Richard Arens, John Omohundro, Carol LaDue, Sylvia Haq, Dana Chudzinski, Marilyn Levitan, Geri Ames, Brian Baston, Carol Donnelly, Joe Tutino, Gabe Hinkley
Not pictured: Ron Dumoulin.
Photo: TL John Barron.

March 5 - Gatineau Park Ski
Tom Van de Water (TL), Betsy Kepes, Megan Kent, David Trithart, John Barron. Though wet snow changed to steady rain, the trip turned out to be one of the best last skis of the season with the group enjoying the shelter of a cabin, camaraderie, lunch and the long ski back to Gatineau. 

March 20 - Mount Van Hoevenberg Snowshoe
We hiked in on a snow-packed trail and were soon surprised by a rabbit hunter with baying hounds in the distance. Despite a recent warm spell, the beaver swamp ahead of us was frozen solid, and thus easily crossed to the mountain. Off-trail much of the snow had melted. We enjoyed excellent views of many snow-capped peaks from the summit ledges.
L-R: TL Eileen Wheeler, John Omohundro, Susan Omohundro, Marianne Hebert, John Barron.
Photo: hiker from another party.

March 27 - Spring Road Walk near the Grasse River
Walking a section of the Tooley Pond Road near Degrasse, we enjoyed views of the waterfalls and rapids of the the South Branch of the Grasse River.
L-R at Twin Falls: Charles & Lila Hunnewell, Kathy Colarusso, TL Tom Ortmeyer, Joe Colarusso, Marianne Hebert
Photo: John Barron.

Saturday April 9 - Copper Rock Falls
A forecast of sunshine and a high of 60 degrees drew a large crowd for our second annual spring waterfall hike. This year we hiked in over more than 18 inches of crusty snow and occasionally plunged in over our boots. The heavily-flooded river was a sight to behold but the trail disappeared onto an island and discretion being the better part of valor we turned back before reaching the falls proper. Luckily there are many great waterfalls in the area so most us headed off to Rainbow Falls, Twin Falls & Sinclair Falls.
L-R: Cathy Bentley, Melanie Sears, Tori Wilson, Storm Sears, Paige LaRock, Kathleen Norris, Payton LaRock, Cole Madore, Karen Edwards, Rebecca Miller, James Lynch, Margaret Madore, Sally Lynch, Pat Mueller, Bill Mueller, Gaetan Foisy, Joel Foisy, Sylvain Foisy, David Trithart, Charlie Hunnewell, Carol Shoemaker, Lila Hunnewell, Rose Rivezzi.
Photo: TL Blair Madore.

Friday April 22 - Earth Day Hike to Bear Mountain
Sunny and calm, but everything underfoot: snow, mud, water, blowdown. At Bear Mountain lean-to, we celebrated Earth Day by each reading a poem or passage. Views of Cranberry Lake from the summit through the leafless trees were exhilarating. We noted with sadness the many sick beeches, but admired the big cherries and maples. All agreed that our 6.5 miles was plenty of spring training.
At the lean-to (l-r): Bill Meuller, TL John Omohundro, John Barron, Sylvia Haq, Brian Baston.
Photo: TL Susan Omohundro
At the overlook (l-r): John Barron, Bill Mueller, John Omohundro, Susan Omohundro, Brian Baston.
Photo: Sylvia Haq.

April 30 - Azure Mt. Hike & Trail Work
Mike McLean (TL), Cindy & Zoe McLean, Pat & Bill Mueller, Marianne Hebert, Joe Berner, Richard & Susanne Arens, Sarah, Nico & Mateo Homes. A beautiful day on the mountain as we performed trash pick-up, rock pile work, drainage work, and the removal of at least 9 large trees from the trail. Participants enjoyed warm sunshine and little wind on the top; some followed up with a nice late lunch at Deer Valley Trails resort.

April 30 - Everton Falls Clean-up
Duncan & Lois Cutter (TL’s), Doug Monroe (Nature Conservancy partner), Curtis Flood, Alex & Sally Jeffery. The loveliest day of early Spring enhanced our clean-up of the roadside and the bushing out of its hardwood trail. Much of the softwood trail was under water, as was the canoe launch. Nearly the greatest volume of water we had ever seen was cascading over the falls. High waters precluded canoeing, but we look forward to a float downstream later in the summer from Meacham Lake outlet to Everton.

May 1 - Five Ponds Wilderness via abandoned Leary Trail
The forecast improved dramatically, leaving us with blue skies and a breeze. The leaves hadn’t come out yet, allowing clear views of the terrain through the forest. We followed the old Leary Trail’s 3-mile length, saving 3 miles compared to the usual truck trail. It had the occasional large trunk across it, but wasn’t too hard to follow. We held a scenic snack stop at a campsite by the Oswegatchie bridge, but arriving at High Falls, all wanted to continue to Big Shallow Pond, where we startled a pair of ducks. We ate lunch at the lean-to while gazing across Big Shallow and then climbed the esker for a view of Big Five Pond.
L-R: Doug Dominy, Mark Lowell (TL), Alicia Schantz, James Engels.
Photo: Doug Dominy.

Baldface Mountain, May 7
A beautiful day to climb this mountain on the other side of DeBar Mt. near Meacham Lake. Wild flowers galore greeted us all the way up— spring beauties, Dutchmen’s britches and trout lilies. Just a few black flies were out, enough to let us know that as soon as it warms up there will be more.
L-R: Rich Arens, Carol Donnelly, Susanne Arens, Marianne Hebert, TL Brian Baston, Nate Dickinson.
Photo: TL Geri Ames.

Saturday May 21 - Black Fly Affair
The ADK’s annual fund-raising auction and ball was held at Highland Park Country Club in Queensbury. In keeping with tradition, many chapters contributed baskets of small items representing their region. Our basket, featuring items from both sides of the St. Lawrence, attracted a lot of interest and many bids, selling for a very good price. Thanks and congratulations to a number of chapter members and to local businesses which contributed.
Photo: John Barron.

May 21 - Spring Wildflowers along Ranger School Trails
Bill & Pat Mueller (TL’s), Gene & Carolyn Kazcka, Marianne Hebert, Ron & Holly Chorba, Sonmez & Jane Atesoglu, Tom & Ann Ortmeyer. A sunny day produced the dappled light of a forest walk on springy-soft trails, and many wildflowers, such as painted trillium, though we were about a week too soon for the pink lady slippers we had hoped for on Esker Trail. We enjoyed snacks atop Cathedral Rock in the new covered picnic area, a climb up a restored fire-tower, then down into glacier-created Frost Pocket deep in shade. A visit to historic Wanakena and refreshments at the general store completed our day.

May 28 - Phelps (in lieu of Street and Nye)
Heavy thunderstoms the night before added to the deluge of water already pouring down off the High Peaks. The ranger at the Loj parking lot advised us against attempting Street and Nye: not only was high water making it a difficult passage, but Indian Pass Brook was prone to flash flooding, and might have trapped us on the far side, unable to return. So, we substituted Phelps. We had quite good weather, often dry and sometimes sunny with an hour of moderate rain. The highest peaks remained in the clouds but others came in and out of view, making a very interesting scene.
L-R: Toni Towle, TL John Barron, Peter Blood.
Photo: a hiker from another party.

June 4 - Grasse River Paddle Louisville to Massena
We enjoyed a relaxing river paddle 7.5 miles from Louisville Bridge to Massena fire station on a beautiful day. We stopped for lunch about half-way at the Massena Rod and Gun Club. Our photo there shows eleven smiling people!
L-R on the shore: Carol Donnelly, Ron Dumoulin, Geri Ames, Marilyn Levitan, TL Brian Baston, Carol LaDue, Tom Ortmeyer, Victoria Hall, Parker Doelger, Harry Doelger, Martha Orologio.
Photos: Richard LaDue

June 5 - Giant Mt. - Slightly overcast but a great day for a climb. We enjoyed great views and conversation, and we met some fine fellow-hikers (two-legged and four-) on the way up. Wonderful views were had from the summit.
L-R: TL Dana Chudzinski, Brian Baston, Toni Towle, Peter Blood.
Photo: Dana Chudzinski.

June 18 - Blue Mt. (NY) - A slightly overcast day at the trailhead with bits of sun poking through the clouds resulted in limited views on way to the summit. But we enjoyed identifying many native plants, flowers and birds. Skies cleared as we approached the summit, where on this wind-less day we were greeted by a good mix of bugs making for the perfect wilderness experience.
L-R: Sylvia Haq, Brian Baston, TL Dana Chudzinski, Marianne Hebert.

June 25 - Cycling the Great Bend of the Oswegatchie - The weather was dry and pleasant, just one brief sunshower. Our route traversed rolling farm country and woods. We counted five separate crossings of the Oswegatchie, as well as several stretches running parallel to the river. Our turnaround point was the village of Oxbow, next to the river’s 180-degree change of direction. There were some long tough climbs and some fast, exciting descents. Our lunch stop, near an abandoned bridge over the river, featured a clear view of its powerful flow and impressive rapids.
L-R: Tom Ortmeyer, Toni Towle, Peter Blood.
Photo: TL John Barron.

June 25 (Saturday) Paddle St. Regis River from Santa Clara
Geri Ames (TL), Lori Soller, Fred LaChance, Joan & Guy Compeau. Misty on and off all day. Lunch was at a campsite that would be a beautiful place to pitch a tent and stay a night. We saw and heard an elusive loon.

June 26 - Charleston Lake/Blue Mountain (Ont) paddle/hike
We put our boats in at Outlet, Ontario and enjoyed a misty paddle to Huckleberry Hollow in Charleston Lake Provincial Park. From there we hiked up Blue Mountain for lunch and views on top. The participants generously contributed to the local ecosystem by way of blood donations to the numerous mosquitoes, but fortunately the peak was bug-free. On the return some paddlers paused for a refreshing swim. After the trip we stopped for supper at the local diner in Lansdowne.
In kayaks: TL Peter Blood, Brian Baston, John Barron, Tom Ortmeyer
(photo: TL Toni Towle)
On Blue Mt: Brian Baston, Tom Ortmeyer, TL Toni Towle, TL Peter Blood
(photo: John Barron)

July 9 (Saturday) Dial and Nippletop Mountains
Great weather and trail conditions with friendly conversation up and over Nippletop, then on to Dial. For some, these were first high peaks; others added these peaks to their in-progress Forty-sixer list, and some enjoyed a repeat climb. All were happy to be back to their cars long before dark.
Standing, L-R: Marianne Hebert, Lenka Halamkova, Brian Emlaw, Brian Baston, Linda Moerschell
Kneeling, L-R: Yeubie You, TL Debbie White, Toni Towle, Peter Blood
Photo: hiker from another party

July 16 (Saturday) Cascade and Porter Mountains
Beautiful weather, if somewhat warm, contributed to excellent views and successful trip.
On Cascade (l-r): Tiffany Maynard, Gabe Hinkley, TL Brian Baston, Bjorg & Tom Cunningham, Dana Chudzinski.
On Porter (l-r): Brian Baston, Gabe Hinkley, Tiffany Maynard.

July 17 (Sunday) Piercefield Flow Paddle
Tom Ortmeyer (TL), John & Susan Omohundro, Alison Charles, Martha Orologio, Janet Mellor, Leslie Woler, Gloria Volz, Jean Rogers. Perhaps just a bit warmer than we would have liked. We paddled the flow counterclockwise, exploring bays and wetlands on the way out. Through the culvert under the railroad tracks, we enjoyed the small pond on the other side. We looked for and finally found the new lean-to shortly after lunch, between the rail line and the point where the Raquette River enters the flow. Some of us went up the river to Setting Pole Dam, while others returned to the put-in.

July 23 (Saturday) Nun-da-gao Ridge
A very sunny and hot (90+ degrees!) day greeted our leisurely hike along the ridge to Weston Mountain and Lost pond. The group caught some cool breezes along the ridge. During lunch, Koo shared a favorite Korean snack, “Choco Pies”, similar to Moon Pies or Skooter Pies that you might have had as kid. Many photo opportunities along the way included a split boulder and views of the High Peaks.
L-R: John Barron, TL Marianne Hebert, Yeubie You, Brian Baston, Sylvia Haq
Photo: S.H. Koo

July 30 (Saturday) Cycling along the Raquette River
John Barron (TL), Sam Harrison. This scenic bicycle tour leaves from South Colton up the River Road to Carry Falls Reservoir. It was a pleasure to meet Sam, whose grandfather owned the field where Sunday Rock is located. Sam’s family played a major part in having the Rock, which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, installed at its present location.

July 31 (Sunday) Clear Pond Wild Forest Walk
Rose Rivezzi & David Trithart (TLs), Kathleen Fitzgerald, Marilyn & Gordon Bohl. This walk in the nearby wild forest is always impressive for the remote feeling and excellent trails. At our lunch destination, Lilypad Pond, we had a cooling breeze and watched a pair of loons. The blueberries and deer flies were abundant.

August 6 (Saturday) Sandstone Quarry Historical Walking Tour, Red Sandstone Trail
Prof. Carl started us off with an interesting geological history of the local transition between the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence River Valley, and the origins of the prized local red sandstone. We then proceeded down the Red Sandstone Trail and discussed the more recent history of the early Raquette Valley industry, focusing on sandstone quarrying. We ended up at the former quarry on this trail, where Prof. Carl illustrated his talk with drawings made during the working days of the quarry.
L-R: Ann Ortmeyer, Joe McWilliams, Kathryn Whitehorne, TL Jim Carl, Eleanor & Phil Hopke, Christine & Peter Schrauth, William & Lucia Dailey, Dixy Dufresne.
Photo: TL Tom Ortmeyer.

August 10 (Wednesday) Flat Rock Paddle Picnic
John & Susan Omohundro (TLs), Maria Shampini, Karen Todd, Bob & Janet Wakefield. We enjoyed a slow scenic paddle up Skate Creek for about an hour, then the skies turned dark and rumbled; we skeedaddled back to the launch, but the squall hit us as we beached. Five minutes later, the sun came out, so we concluded with a picnic overlooking the calm waters and complex cloud formations complete with double rainbow.

August 13 (Saturday) MacIntyre Range from ADK Loj
Mike & Cindy McLean (TLs). No takers for the entire range including a bushwhack up Shepherd’s Tooth, so Cindy & I made a shorter trip. Quick going to the waterfall and up to the top of Wright, enjoying the views and rebuilding large cairns, continuing to Algonquin and over to Iroquois for tremendous views. We headed back via Avalanche Lake enjoying lots of sunshine, views of Colden, and several waterfalls. Lots of hikers on the trail.

August 14 (Sunday) Vanderwhacker Mountain
The forecast was not perfect but we went forward determined to have a good day, rain or shine. The first half of the climb was gradual elevation gain. At the fire observer’s cabin, a moderately steep climb began. Views from the fire tower were great if somewhat limited by haze. Overall, we did have a good day.
L-R: Brian Baston, Junko Geddes, TL Dana Chudzinski, Marianne Hebert, Lenka Halamkova, Gardner Bayless.
Photo: Brian Baston

August 15-18 (Monday-Thursday) Paddle/Camp on the Rideau Canal
Dick Mooers (TL), Peggy Mooers, Don & Jan Govreau, Mary Jane Watson, John & Sue Omohundro. The canal, completed in the 1830s for defense, has changed little, and the locks in the western section are still hand-operated. Wonderfully scenic and charming, set in a landscape of farms, forests and small villages in the hard rock of the Laurentian Shield. We set up a base camp at Chaffeys Lock. We paddled about 4 mi. on Lake Opinicon on Monday, 11 miles from Upper Brewer Lock to Jones Falls on Tuesday, 6.5 miles from Jones Falls over Sand Lake on Wednesday, and 6 mi. out and back to Newboro Lake on Thursday, observing many loons. Our original five-day schedule was shortened because of the weather forecast. All of us want to paddle more of the Rideau Canal. Join us next year?

August 24 (Wednesday) Little River Evening Paddle
Ann & Armond Spencer (TLs), Tom & Ann Ortmeyer, Bob & Janet Wakefield, Alison Charles. Despite dire weather warnings, we had just a little sprinkle. We also had a nice picnic supper, the high point of which was Janet’s radiant face when she bit into one of Ann O&s dilled green beans.

August 26 (Friday) Chair Rock Flow to Burntbridge Pond Trailhead Rte 3
A Cranberry Lake 50 Hike - Gene & Carolyn Kaczka (TLs), John Barron, Tom Ortmeyer, Gary Snyder. After a 15-minute cruise on Cranberry Lake our group disembarked in shallow water at Chair Rock Flow trailhead. It was a beautiful morning and we moved along quickly on the well-marked pleasant rolling trail. The first major turn to the Dog Pond Loop Trail was missed by all 5 pairs of eyes. The trail sign was clearly visible on return as it was facing us at the sharply angled trail junction but the detour cost us an hour and forty five minutes. Our pace slowed on the Dog Pond Trail section for the lovely pond vistas and the trail sections flooded by beaver dams. The final three miles on the Burntbridge Pond Trail provided easy walking to Route 3. In the end, our planned 15.7 mile hike was about 19.1 miles, taking us 12 hours.
L-R: John Barron, TLs Gene & Carolyn Kaczka, Tom Ortmeyer, Gary Snyder.
Photo: Sparky, the boat owner who ferried us across.

August 27 (Saturday) Dean Road Mountain Bike
We got in a good day of both bicycling and swimming one day before Irene hit. Starting at the DEC parking lot just beyond the Rainbow Club, the very scenic logging road mostly followed the Middle Branch of the Grasse River. The riding was reasonably good, with occasional indications of high water this past spring. We reached Pleasant Lake just after noon with lunch and a swim there. On return, we took a side trip up the west side of the Stone Dam Parcel, to a bridge over the Middle Branch. We enjoyed great views upstream from the bridge before returning to our vehicles.
L-R: Tom Ortmeyer (TL), Bruce Smith
Photo: John Barron

September 3 (Sunday) Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
Blair Madore (TL), Cole Madore. Recent blowdown from hurricane Irene was everywhere but did not prevent us from appreciating these well-maintained, easy trails. Views from the shoreline of Lake Placid were magnificent. It’s hard to believe this little bit of paradise is so close to downtown Lake Placid. We hope to visit it more often.

September 10 (Saturday) Massawepie Lake Paddle
Ann & Armond Spencer (TLs), John & Susan Omohundro, Art & Anne Johnson, Duncan & Lois Cutter, Rex & Sally Spicer, Jennifer Mitchell, Tom Lockridge. On a nearly perfect day, with sunshine, little wind, and moderate temperature we enjoyed a leisurely paddle along the shoreline of the lake. We saw a loon, lunched under towering pines on a sun dappled peninsula, and took a swim.

September 10 (Saturday) Azure Mountain Bushwhack and Trail Work
Mike McLean (TL), John Wilson. A most beautiful September day. We made our way over to the north side of the mountain for rockwork on the summit. The area where caterpillar infestation occurred a few years back is now full of very tall, man-eating pricker bushes, making the bushwhack quite interesting. We had the summit to ourselves, but descended past scores of folks on their way up.

September 11 (Sunday) Tri-County Corner Hike
After frequent conference stops, we found the area where John’s strategy called for us to start searching for the marker. We spread out and followed a bearing until we knew we must have passed it, then swung around for a second pass. Doug spotted the marker in his swath and we were all happy and relieved. We ate lunch there and got back to the trailhead just in time to sign out without headlamps.
Background: Cat Mountain Pond and Cat Mountain.
L-R: John Barron, TL Mark Lowell
Photo: Doug Dominy

September 24 (Saturday) Fall Hike at September Farm
Bill & Pat Mueller (TLs), Gary Novosel, Nancy Robert, Armond Spencer. Overcast but warm fall day, we hiked the woods trails, observed an eagle’s nest, and returned for chili, pie and conversation on the back porch.

September 25 (Sunday) Gothics Mt.
Dana Chudzinski (TL), Brian Baston, Lenka Halamakova, Damon Greenberg, Alicia Schantz. On a beautiful day, our true climb began after we reached Rainbow Falls for some great photos, then passed an impressive new slide. We were treated to perfect views on the summit. We decided to descend via Pyramid Peak.

October 1 (Saturday) Marcy Dam Trail Maintenance
Fall Trails Day was particularly important this year due to Hurricane Irene’s damage in the High Peaks. Our group included three members of Clarkson’s Outings Club. We did two trail reroutes on Marcy Brook above Marcy Dam. The reroutes had been brushed out and marked, and our job was to harden the trail with gravel and rocks.
L-R: Pete (DEC Marcy Dam backcountry steward), Stephanie Solla, Dick Mooers, Debbie & Mike White, Andrew Cassier, Tom Ortmeyer (TL), Brian Baston, Sawyer Sutton, Gardner Bayless.
Photo: Unknown hiker.

October 8 (Saturday) Bicycle St. Lawrence River
Tom Ortmeyer (TL), Tom McCullough, Marilyn Levitan, John Barron. We started at the St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course above Ogdensburg, followed a back road route upstream, including a short ride along Rte 12 to Jacques Cartier Park. We took scenic River Road east into Morristown, and then Rte 37 back to complete our 23 mile loop.

October 9 (Sunday) Dix
A fine fall climbing day. The trailhead had quite a few cars already, suggesting plenty of company on the trail. On the summit we were treated to some of the best views I have ever seen. A challenging, worthwhile climb.
L-R: Tracey Sloan, TL Dana Chudzinski, Brian Baston.
Photo: Unknown hiker from another party.

October 15 (Saturday) Red Sandstone Trail Workday
John & Susan Omohundro (TLs), David Trithart, Armond Spencer, Ron Johnson, and five Canton College students: Derek Caldwell, Aaron Follman, Andrew Baker, Gabrielle Didas, & Tyler Morse. The rain held off until we were walking out. We built stone steps, side-cut, weed-whacked the railroad bed, and removed blowdown on Sugar Island.

October 16 (Sunday) Moody Falls Trail Construction
SUNY Canton Outings Club members Derek Caldwell, Gabrielle Didas, Bob Kay, Alyssa Baker, Shannon Harries, Melissa Cummins, Jake Saltsman, & their advisor Jim Sheppard joined chapter members to clear brush for a new canoe landing on the Racquette River above Moody Falls. The site plan developed by Blair Madore and DEC officer John Wood with landowner Lyme Timber includes a primitive boat launch. Road access to the site and a small parking area will be developed next year, and a ceremonial opening is anticipated for July 2012.
Tree trimming (l-r): Melissa Cummins, Derek Caldwell, Armond Spencer. Photo John Barron.
Group Photo (l-r): Patricia Jenkins, Gloria Raymond, Dale Raymond, Jim Sheppard, Jake Saltsman, Melissa Cummins, Bob Kay, Shannon Harries, Alyssa Baker, Derek Caldwell, Armond Spencer, Gabbie Didas, TL Blair Madore. Photo John Barron.

October 21-23 (Friday-Monday) Stone Valley Trail Maintenance
About two dozen volunteers from the Laurentian Chapter, the St. Lawrence Mountain Bike Association, several colleges including large delegations from SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton, and others took part in a wide-ranging set of improvements to the Stone Valley trail system. Projects included trail reroutes on the O’Malley Brook Overlook Trail and the West Side River Trail; installation of chicken wire to improve traction on some bridges; installation and repair of trail registers; trash collection along the Lenny Road; and an erosion control project to stabilize and remediate hillside damage from logging operations.

For an account of the weekend, along with recent events and upcoming plans for Stone Valley, read John Barron’s essay, Stone Valley Trail Maintenance a Mammoth Undertaking.
Back row, L-R: Chad Crosby, Bob Dowman, Cory Howitt, Mike Yunhke, Ryan Arno, Larry McGory, Trisha Pielink, Jim Williams, Chris Deck.
Front row, L-R: Ben Yandeau, TL Mark Simon.
Photo: John Barron.

October 29 (Saturday) Rock Dunder
We had fine cool fall weather, and surprisingly good fall colors for so late in the season, for our circuit of this loop trail overlooking Ontario’s Rideau Waterway. Some of us also made a walking tour of the nearby Jones Falls lock station of the Rideau Canal.
L-R: Ann Ortmeyer, Lila Hunnewell, Peter Blood, Charles Hunnewell, Toni Towle, LeAnne, Clare, Max, & Kim Kinlin, Tom Ortmeyer.
Photo: TL John Barron.

November 13 (Sunday) Black Pond Loop Hike
We appreciated the late-season warmth and sunshine as we took in the scenery and made leisurely stops at the leantos. Bonus: a short abortive bushwhack in search of Deer Pond.
L-R: L-R: John Barron, Armond Spencer, Jeff & Rebecca Miller, Ellie Menz, TLs Susan & John Omohundro.
Photo: Ann Spencer.

November 20 (Sunday) Lyon Mt. Climb
Dana Chudzinski (TL), Marsha & James Akins, Brian Baston, Carolyn Kazcka, Aimee Marciniak, John Barron. Started out overcast with soon a steady light rain. The newly-constructed trail was in great shape. To say it was windy would be the understatement of the year. A couple of brave souls climbed the tower.

December 10, 2011 (Saturday) Hike at Higley Flow State Park
Blair & Cole Madore (TLs), Jeff & Rebecca Miller, Andrew & Daniel Chichester, Mija Yang, Jaeyoon & Jeehym Lee; Cherie, David, Gwyneth & Julian Heuser; Kathy Ptolemy; Dave, Michael & Marie Amele; Geri Ames. A few inches of fresh snow were not enough for snowshoes but was certainly enough to impress us all with nature’s beauty on this late afternoon hike. We walked the Warm Brook Trail then returned to the Warm Brook Lean-To for a cookout. This year (unlike last year) we had a great fire and adults and kids alike enjoyed hot chocolate, hotdogs and s’mores. The walk out in the dark was easy even without a flashlight as the full moon was bright enough on the snow. It was a real treat to see so many young people out enjoying the park together.