July - September, 2016

Paddling Tupper Lake to the Wild Center, 7/16/2016
From the State boat launch we paddled under the Rte 30 highway bridge and followed the Raquette River along a winding course through wetlands to the Wild Center. Jon identified a small sandy pullout with enough room for a lunch break. We paddled around the distinctive oxbow and retraced our route, taking a shortcut through the wetlands and across Simon Pond where mountains were visible. The day’s wildlife highlight was a clear sighting of an American bittern.
L-R: Jon Montan, Tom Ortmeyer, Brandon Amo, Tina Cheever.
Photo: TL John Barron.

Upper Chateaugay Lake Paddle, 7/24/2016
A late changing weather forecast led to a 1-day delay in this outing. Our Sunday paddle started at the boat launch along the Narrows, and we paddled up to the quiet sandbar at the entrance to the upper lake. From there, we followed the west shore, talking to several along the way who confirmed a thunderstorm the day before. We went to the wetlands at South Inlet on the lake, had a brief lunch, and headed back to down to a now crowded sand bar where we rested, swam and waded out an extended underwater ridge. Rested up, we paddled back to the launch, packed up and ended the outing with a well earned ice cream in Brainardsville.
Photo 1: TL Tom wading on the sandbar at the narrows.
Photo 2, L-R: Marilyn Levitan, TL Tom Ortmeyer. In the background, Lyon Mountain.
Photos: John Barron.

Moxham Mountain, Sat, July 30
Cancelled due to lack of participants

Trip Leader Training Hike, Sat, Aug 13
Cancelled due to weather and lack of participants.

St. Regis Mountain Hike, 8/20/2016
We gathered from the four corners of our region, and set out to climb St. Regis Mountain on a warm August day. The hike through the forest was good, the company was better, and we emerged on the summit for a late lunch with a marvelous view of lakes and mountains. With the fire tower restoration underway, we were able to climb the stairs for a full 360 degree view of the area.
Summit photo, L-R, Front: Heather McKinnon, Marianne Hebert, Tom Ortmeyer(TL), Xiaoli Wang, Bradley Hou, Andrew Hou.
Rear: John Barthelme, Gail Cavenee, Kathryn Farr, Daqing Hou, Mary Ann Bean, Carole Okun, John Barron.
Photo: Heather McKinnon.

Tetsmine Lake Loop, Frontenac Park, 9/11/2016
We postponed the trip one day while severe thunderstorms cleared out the summer’s heat and humidity, and were left with perfect conditions - sunny and warm. We saw Frontenac Axis rocks, varied forest, relics of old mining and logging operations, and a number of lakes and beaver ponds. In the afternoon several of us went for a swim in Clearwater Lake. Supper at the Stonewater Brew Pub in Gananoque afterwards.
At Clearwater Lake:
TL John Barron. Photo Toni Towle
Toni Towle, Peter Blood, John Barthelme, Bill Mueller. Photo John Barron

Paddling South Creek (Middle Saranac Lake access) to Ampersand Bay (Lower Saranac Lake), Sat, Sep 17
Cancelled.

Tooley Pond Bike and Hike, 9/24/2016
A warm, sunny day and a terrific turnout make for a perfect Fall outing. We started at the Copper Rock Falls and cycled our way down the Tooley Pond Road. Highlights included Rainbow Falls (always spectacular), and Twin Falls where the island was easily accessible due to the low water levels — we got a close up view of the large falls. A quick stop at Sinclair Falls, followed by a lingering lunch at Basford Falls rounded out the trip.
Participants: Jeanna Matthews (TL), Marianne Hebert (TL), Tom Ortmeyer, Fred LaChance, Duncan Cutter, Annegret Staiger, Terri Person, Bill Lynch, Mill Mueller, Kimberly LaShomb, John LaShomb, Rowena Miller, Marie Steinbeck, Doreen Hanson, J. Steinbeck, Ray Spahn, Cynthia Stewart.