Backtracks

Cross Country Skiing for Beginners, Jan 3 2015
A snowstorm on New Year’s Day had deposited a layer of excellent fresh powder snow. A disconnect in borrowing ski equipment led to two participants’ snowshoeing instead, but they proved no slower - in fact faster - than our less-experienced companions who spent time practicing techniques. In the end all had an excellent time. We had a brief lunch at the new Higley Trails Lodge and managed to get home before another winter storm ramped up later in the afternoon.
L-R: TL John Barron, Marianne Hebert, Jeanna Matthews, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, Mary MacKinnon.
Photo: A bystander.

Stone Valley Snowshoe, Jan 10, 2015
L-R: Jeanna Matthews, John Barron, Marianne Hebert, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza.
We had just-in-time snow for a cold clear snowshoe hike up the west side of Stone Valley. There was high water flow and lots of great scenery. We had a nice warm lunch in the Colton Library, and then headed back down the east side for a great passage through the narrows.
Photo: Tom Ortmeyer (TL).

Part 1 of the Saranac 6er Series, January 11, 2015
Diana Niland, Kevin McPhee, Brad Green, Tim Thomas, Felicia Neahr (TL).
We hiked McKenzie from the Jack Rabbit trail for the first mountain in our Saranac 6er Series. It was a beautiful, yet chilly, winter day with the sun shining. By the time we reached the summit, we were in at least single digits with the wind chill. The trail was packed and broken, and participants wore snowshoes from the beginning. Several participants changed into microspikes about halfway up the trail, as we ran into icy conditions.

Part 2 of the Saranac 6er Series, January 12, 2015
Diana Niland, Kevin McPhee, Melissa Tinklepaugh, Felica Neahr (TL).
We hiked St. Regis for the second mountain in our Saranac 6er Series. It was a warmer, overcast winter day-with temperatures in the 20’s.Unfortunately there were no views from this beautiful open summit, but the hike was still enjoyable with its gradual climb, and fantastic trail conditions.

Raquette River Snowshoe, January 17, 2015
The temperature was below zero when we began but rose to 10 above and the sky was mostly clear. We bushwhacked along the west bank of the river from Moody Falls to Jamestown Falls, then walked out to the highway. This took about 4 hours. The going was difficult because the snow was not consolidated, but the falls were gorgeous.
L-R, near Jamestown Falls: Marianne Hebert, Tom Ortmeyer, TL Susan Omohundro, Gretchen Gedroiz, TL John Omohundro, Jean Giblin, John Barron.
Photo: Bill LaRocque.

Grassy Pond Ski/Snowshoe, January 24, 2015
A perfect day to share a trail: clear blue sky, sunny, almost no wind, we found a bit of new snow over a well-packed trail through a corridor of tall pines to the lean-to above Grassy Pond, whose snowy surface sparkled in the sunshine.
L-R: Eric Jeffrey, TL Duncan Cutter, Tom Ortmeyer, Jon Montan, Rodney Wootin, Art Johnson, Dayle Pondysh.
Photo: Sally Coghlin.

Ski to the Old State Game Farm and Bald Mountain, February 4, 2015
Light snow was falling on already deep snow, temperature in the 20’s. It was easy going up the groomed mile long trail to the old game farm where the State once raised Elk. Its formerly unobstructed views to Debar, Loon and Sable mountains are largely vanishing as pioneering pines grow up in this former Meadow. It was a real workout navigating our way across eight beaver ponds and two steep ridges before reaching the ice falls coming off Baldface. We laughed at the track we came across of an otter that had tobogganed along first on top of the new snow, then dived beneath it for about ten feet before surfacing & then submerging again, leaving a tunnel pointed toward a near-by brook. Not many folds trek this territory. We found it challenging but interesting.
Left: John Barron and Rod Wootin, Baldface Mountain in background. Photo TL Duncan Cutter.
Center: TL Duncan Cutter and Rod Wootin at ice falls on the shoulder of Baldface. Photo John Barron.
Right: Dayle Pondysh, Debar Mountain in background. Photo TL Duncan Cutter.

Part 3 of the Saranac 6er Series, February 7, 2015
Diana Niland, Tim Thomas, Tom Ortmeyer, Jim Ormsbee, Felica Neahr (TL).
We hiked Scarface for the third mountain in our Saranac 6er Series. It was a beautiful, overcast winter day, with temperatures reaching approximately 15 degrees. There was minimal views along the trail, but even on the best days Scarface doesn’t offer too many views. We were very fortunate to have the trail broken out for us, as the snow is now knee-deep even when breaking trail with snowshoes.

Marble Rock, February 14, 2015
We arrived at the trailhead in a blinding snow squall, and warmed up by shovelling ourselves parking space. We set out on the trail and within 45 minutes the snow stopped, the wind moderated, and we had excellent winter weather. Later on the sun came out. The trail was unbroken, and the deep powder snow made progress slow and strenuous enough that we settled for the first loop only. There were a number of fine view points and we couldn’t have asked for better conditions. We ended the day with supper at the Stonewater Pub, a favorite.
L-R: Toni Towle and Peter Blood.
Photo: TL John Barron.

Skiing in Canton, February 22, 2015
TLs Ann & Armond Spencer, Duncan and Lois Cutter, Tom Ortmeyer, John & Susan Omohundro.
We caught a beak from the frigid weather and had a beautiful day. The Kip Trail was fun, and our trails were ready. We enjoyed the campfire, lunch, and mulled cider at the lean-to. Duncan got some great pictures. Altogether a fine day.

Snowshoe St. Regis Mt., February 28, 2015
Rob Woodin, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, Marilyn Denesha, Paula Skiff, Tom Ortmeyer (TL).
We had a beautiful last day of February hike up St. Regis Mountain. We started out at a balmy 8 degrees, and things only got better from there. We were in 30 inches of snow with a well-packed trail, and plenty of winter scenery on the way up. On the summit, deep blue skies, nearly 20 degrees, and hardly a breeze made for a nice lunch.

Lampson Falls, Apr 4, 2015
John Omohundro, Susan Omohundro, Karen Wright, Ann and Armond Spenser (TL). We had planned to go 4/4, but cancelled. We should have gone. On the trip, the sun finally came out on the way home! But the falls were spectacular, the trail was icy, and the down-river bridges were under water, and we had a good time.

Wellesley Island State Park, April 12, 2015
We had a sunny, mild spring day. There were a lot of climbs and descents over the rugged terrain, whose form showed clearly in the absence of any leaves. Highlights included an interior pond where we had lunch at a wildlife viewing shelter; views of the ice floe-studded, still-partially-frozen St. Lawrence on three sides; river-scoured potholes; other islands near and far; and the informative Nature Center. We did a bit of bushwhacking in steep, exciting terrain. The diversity of wildlife we saw was remarkable, including whitetail deer, osprey, garter snake, spring peeper (frog), and mourning cloak (butterfly).
L-R: Marianne Hebert, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, Jeanna Matthews, Susan and John Omohundro, Jean Giblin.
Photo: TL John Barron.

Everton Falls Cleanup, Apr 25, 2015
Everything went well: trail maintenance and roadside pick-up. Doug’s dog found a porcupine hide, but avoided any quills. We surmise a fisher caught it and ate all that was edible, leaving a perfectly skinned hide. No black flies. Water quite high, with low branches leaning out toward the falls encased in ice from the spray. It was Doug’s 18th consecutive year of volunteering for the annual clean-up as The Nature Conservancy representative. He helps maintain Everton’s hardwood trail, first laid out by Paul Jamieson in the 70s, and he helps keep a neat Red Tavern roadside along the Conservancy property.
L: Doug Munro, R: Sheila Cerwonka
Photos: TL Duncan Cutter.

Bear Mountain Loop, May 2, 2015
The day turned out warm and sunny. There were a few isolated patches of snow, but happily wildflowers were beginning to show. We saw yellow violets, trout lilies, coltsfoot and spring beauties all in bloom. The group crossed paths with students from SUNY Potsdam’s ADK Laurentian Educational Affiliates Program on a planned Venture Outdoors outing. A good day was had by all!
L-R: John Barron, Niall Barron, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, Marianne Hebert (TL).

Cat Mountain Hike, May 9, 2015
Anyone who would lead a hike when it was 85 degrees needs his head examined. Nevertheless, we heard much birdsong, enjoyed numerous spring flowers, examined elaborate beaver action - ancient and fresh - and shuffled back to the trailhead agreeing we were glad we went. And survived. Whew.
L-R: TL Susan Omohundro, Bill LaRocque, John Barron, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, TL John Omohundro, Marianne Hebert. Photo Carol Edmonds

National Trails Day, June 6, 2015
Details of this event can be found in the July 2015 Director's Report.
Left photo: Combined Glasby Pond and Cat Mountain Pond crews carrying in tools and one of the backcountry privies. First in line is John Barron. Photo Brendan Wiltse.
Middle photo: Glasby Pond Crew
Right photo: Volunteer Recognition Party

Bicycle Higley Flow Loop, June 7, 2015
We had a beautiful day for the ride, starting from Potsdam and bicycling (occasionally walking) to Higley Flow State Park for an extended lunch at the beach. After lunch we did some sightseeing in South Colton and had a nice cold iced tea at the post office in Colton before the final downhill section back to Potsdam.
L - R: John Barron, Jeanna Matthews
Photo: TL Tom Ortmeyer

Robert Moses State Park, Massena Bicycle and Hike, June 13, 2015
Full day of biking, walking and hitting the major attractions. We saw two ships - one upstream and one downstream at Eisenhower Lock right at 9:30 when we met - perfect timing, We took in several visitors centers - Eisenhower Lock and Hawkins Point. Biked just under 10 miles and walked just over 1 on the Nature Center trails. Saw the architectural drawings for the new Nature Center Visitor Center and learned they are breaking ground next week. Some of us finished out the day with a dip at Barnhart beach and then a campfire dinner.
L - R: Niall Barron, Mark Hartman, Jean Giblin, John Barron, Adrienne Hartman
Photo: Jeanna Neefe Matthews

Grace Peak Celebration, June 19 - 21, 2015
We had a gorgeous sunny day for the party on Saturday. Everyone enjoyed camping, technique demonstrations by Lean2Rescue and the 46er trail crew, entertainment by Adirondack performers, bison burgers and strawberry shortcake, unique Grace Peak beer, the award ceremony of the Grace Hudowalski essay contest, and short statements by some of the people involved in having East Dix renamed Grace Peak. Sunday brought the remnants of tropical storm Bill, so Toni, Peter, and John downscoped the hiking plan from a mountain climb to a traverse of the Bloomingdale Bog, an interesting landscape and the ideal hike for the day.
Left: Lean2Rescue Demonstration
Right, L-R: Peter Blood, Toni Towle
Photos: John Barron
Not pictured: Marianne Hebert, Ann and Armond Spencer

Cycling from Ingleside to Morrisburg, July 11, 2015
Hot and sunny, with a strong west wind. We enjoyed the shorelines, the Bird Sanctuary Visitor Center, and lunch and a swim at the Morrisburg town beach. We were fortunate to have perfect timing to watch a reenactment of the War of 1812 Battle of Crysler’s Farm.
L-R: Jeanna Matthews, TL Gene Gaffney, Tom Ortmeyer, Brett Lehigh, Toni Towle, Peter Blood.
Photo: TL John Barron.

Brandy Brook Paddle, Jul 22, 2015
Tom Ortmeyer (TL), Bill and Pat Mueller, John and Susan Omohundro, Jeanna Matthews, Bill Lunch, Alison Charles, and Ann and Armond Spencer. Our slightly delayed Wednesday night paddle gave us some good weather and interesting clouds behind the cold front that had recently passed by. We were greeted by a swimming mink at the boat launch, and accompanied by numerous terns as explored out to the St. Lawrence and then down towards Coles Creek. We had our sack suppers on a sandy beach, and then paddled back accompanied by kingfishers, blue herons and a single green heron.
Photo: Alison Charles.

Cycling the Seaway Trail, Aug 1, 2015
We started at the Massena Intake and continued west by the Massena Beach and then along the Richard Landing Dike Trail, through the golf course and along the paved stretch of trails to Whalen Park where we had lunch. After lunch, we headed for Wilson Hill where we saw some escaped cows and beautiful views of the water. We circled back around to Whalen Park by way of Rt 37 and then retraced our path to the Massena Intake. Everyone agreed to keep going past our cars and further east until we almost reached Eisenhower lock on an offroad trail behind Alcoa. We returned to our cars for a total of 28.5 miles. Beautiful sunny day for cycling along the river.
L - R, at the Massena Intake Boat Launch: Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, John Barron, Marianne Hebert.
Photo: TL Jeanna Matthews.

Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs, Aug 8, 2015
We were fortunate to have a beautiful sunny day. Hiking the Ausable Club road was pleasant but long. The climb to Indian Head was typically steep. The views from “Gothics Window” were unfortunately obscured by vegetation, but views of Ausable Lake from Indian Head were spectacular. We had lunch on the ledge, then climbed down and back up to Fish Hawk Cliffs for more outstanding views.
View from Ausable Lake, L - R: John Barron, Jon Montan, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza.
Photo: TL Marianne Hebert
View from Indian Head, L - R: John Barron, Jon Montan, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, Marianne Hebert.
Photo: Bystander

Alexandria Bay and Wellsley Island Outing, Aug 15, 2015
We met for a convivial bag lunch at the pavilion in Alexandria Bay, then caravanned to the Nature Center on Wellesley Island. We hiked, in beautiful weather, enjoying beautiful water views and varied terrain. It was Janet Green’s first hike since a winter skiing accident and long recovery, and she did well! - smiling all the way!
L - R, at The Narrows: Niall Barron, Janet Green, Linda Kinney, Jean Giblin, TL Lila Hunnewell, Charles Hunnewell.
Photo: John Barron.

Kring Point State Park Cycling, Aug 22, 2015
We had beautiful partly sunny weather for our 4 bicyclists pedaling to Kring Point Park, with a scenic stop at Chippewa Bay along the way. We arrived at Kring Point and enjoyed biking through the park to the beach. There we met Mona, Charlie and Lila for an extended lunch, which included swimming and a visit to Morgan Island in the park. It was a bit warmer on the return ride, so we again stopped in Chippewa Bay for a cold drink and to rest our weary leg muscles.
L - R: Jeanna Matthews, TL Tom Ortmeyer, Annegret Staiger, Charlie Hunnewell, Lila Hunnewell, Mona Torabizadeh, Hamid Eisazadeh.
Photo: Bystander.

Catamount, Sept 12, 2015
With rain falling everywhere to the north and west, our mountain was in ideal dry hiking weather. There were plenty of stories and anecdotes to tell, and we enjoyed each other’s company immensely. Time passed quickly and we decided to settle for the lower first summit. The views were already terrific, and it seemed enough for the day.
L - R on the first summit, true summit in the background: Niall Barron, Jeanna Matthews, Bill and Debbie Lynch, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza.
Photo: TL John Barron.

Cranberry Lake 50, Sept 26, 2015
L - R on a new bridge built during National Trails Day in June 2015: Tom (TL) and Eileen Wheeler.
Photo: John Barron.

Paddle Debar Pond and Bushwhack to the Ledges of Baldface Mountain., Oct. 3, 2015
Trip Leader: Duncan Cutter. First, there were no takers on October 3rd. Then, the middle of the next week, Jon Montan, Rod Woodin, Lois Cutter and I sampled the paddling component. We found the boardwalk carry to the pond too decrepit to safely navigate. Instead we used the entry road to the lodge and launched from there for a circuit of the pond nestled in full fall color. We also discovered a delightful rope swing suspended from one of the many handsome white pines gracing the grounds of the lodge. The swing offered an incredible view down the length of the pond embracing Baldface, Loon, Sable and Debar mountains. Still yearning to experience the paddle and bushwhack combination, Dale Pondysh, Rod Woodin, John Barron, Paul Cutter and I seized on windy but clear weather on Oct 15th and enjoyed this classic Adirondack venture. The bushwhack started from the ledges at the far end of the pond. It was strenuous, but we were rewarded: fall color ran in all directions from our perch high atop our goal, Baldface’s cliffs.
Photo 1: On the ledge, L-R: John Barron, Dale Pondysh, Rod Woodin, TL Duncan Cutter. Photo Paul Cutter
Photo 2: Dale on the pond. Photo John Barron

Ampersand, Oct 4, 2015
We had an ideal, sunny fall day to enjoy this classic hike. We marvelled at the trail construction that has taken place since last we were here: there are extensive rock staircases now.
L-R: John Barron (TL), Tom Ortmeyer.
Photo: Unknown hiker.

Prospective Member walk at Red Sandstone Trail., Oct. 10, 2015
TL: John Omohundro. Attendees: Susan Omohundro, Randy Saumier. The turnout was small but first rate: Randy hikes, paddles, and wants to learn to snowshoe. He and I chatted as we strolled to the Parmeter quarry and back, admiring the high water from the earlier rains. That eve, Randy reported that he’d joined the Chapter.

Stone Valley Trail Work, Oct 24, 2015
A very large turnout of students, faculty, and chapter members worked on projects at the Red Sandstone Trail, Stone Valley, Little John Trail in Colton, and Azure. Photos are of the Stone Valley East River Trail reroute.
Left photo, L-R: Colin Dowd, crew leader Pete Gropp, Max Abraham, Dan Shefner, Jessie Jonasse.
Right photo: Pete Groppe tranverses the deadman.
Photos: John Barron.

Climb St. Regis Mountain, Oct 31, 2015
Canceled due to lack of participants.

Hike up Mt. Van Hoevenberg., Nov 7, 2015
It was a crisp, cool, day as three of us climbed Mt. Van Hoevenberg on November 7th. The absence of snow and generally dry trail conditions made this a very pleasant hike through woods, beneath cliffs, and up to several ledges near the summit with very nice views of the high peaks. We were able to find a location sheltered from the wind for lunch. The highlight for Tom was a brief view of a pine marten that unfortunately disappeared before the others could see it. Participants: Randy Saumier, Eileen Wheeler (TL), Tom Wheeler (TL).

EAP Leadership Course, Nov 14, 2015
Presenters John Barron, Marianne Hebert, and Mark Lowell took six students from the SUNY Potsdam Educational Affiliate Program through the steps of leading a chapter outing. Some topics were publicity and communications, screening participants, running a pre-trip meeting, organizing gear and transportation, and running the event in the field. Following an indoor session at SUNY Potsdam the participants went to Higley Flow State Park for a model hike where they took turns being leader and solved difficulties staged by the presenters.
L-R: Max Abraham, presenter Marianne Hebert, Melissa Cole, presenter Mark Lowell, Alaina Dochylo, Eli Smith, Adam Gonyeau, Neishja Ransom.
Photo: presenter John Barron.

Red Sandstone Trail Walk, Nov 15, 2015
John and Susan Omohundro (TLs). Shelley Hazen, Lila and Charles Hunnewell. We walked the Sugar Island loop. Skies were grey but calm and not cold. Many blue birches were chewed or freshly cut down by beaver. We saw numerous galls in the branches of leafless cherry trees. Along the trail, wintergreen and perhaps wild rice. The river was low, with temporary islands of sandstone rubble showing.