Backtracks

New Year's Day Potluck, Jan 1, 2017
L - R at the lean-to on the Spencer trails: John Barron, John Omohundro, TL Armond Spencer, Niall Barron, Tom Wheeler.
Not pictured: Susan Omohundro, Marianne Hebert, TL Ann Spencer, and many others.
Photo: Jean Giblin.

Deer Pond Loop Ski, Jan 11, 2017
Rain overnight forced us to carry the whole panoply of gear to the trailhead, uncertain if we could get into the woods at all. We found a fresh inch of something like Sno-cone underfoot, so we skiied the first mile and a half, then parked the boards and continued on foot. Deer Pond was brilliant in a Colorado sun. We took breaks from lunch to walk out of the tree shadows onto the sunny ice to build up some vitamin D. Skiing back, especially on narrow bogwalks, was a risky operation. There was some kinetic horizontality, but little consequence except for a fractured ski pole. We were very glad we didn’t let the rain and wind this morning dissuade us from our trek. TL: John Omohundro.

Intro to Snow Shoeing, Sun. Jan. 15, 2017
Cancelled due to lack of snow.

Red Sandstone Trail on Martin Luther King Day, Jan 16, 2017
One group started early and completed the southern portion of the trail from the northern terminus to Hannawa Falls and back (4 miles), and met the second group to complete the northern section to Sugar Island and back (3 miles). The weather was fair, and the trails were clear with a few patches of ice. A late lunch at Jakes restaurant in Hannawa Falls complete a perfect day.
Near the Day Use Area at the northern end of Sugar Island, L-R: Shara Peets, Randy Saumier, John Steinbeck & TL Marie Steinbeck, Inger Jensen, Marianne Hebert, Doreen Hanson, Kimberley & John LaShomb, Cindy Stewart, TL Felicia (Neahr) Dumas, David Martinez, Ray Spahn.
Photo: John Barron.

Heaven Hill Farm (Lake Placid), Jan. 28, 2017
It was a beautiful day in Lake Placid, with a new snow cover of 4 inches. TL Marianne Hebert was joined by Pat Snider for a 3-mile ski on Heaven Hill Farm trails. Then we headed off to nearby Henry’s Woods for a 3.5 mile snowshoe to the summit of Rocky Knob. We met lots of families and dogs on the trail, attesting to the popularity of these two trail systems.

Intro to Snow Shoeing, Sun. Jan. 29, 2017
TL Rose Rivezzi. Kathleen and John Mahoney and their son John tried out the new snowshoes now at Pine Street Arena. There was just enough snow to explore the Clarkson trails and wetlands as we went to the observation tower and back.

Lily Pond Snowshoe, Feb 2, 2017
After a short trek down the Gold Mine Road on a groomed snowmobile trail, we did the first sign in of the year at the trail head log. We then broke trail in two feet of good snow up to a windy Lilypad Pond. After briefly enjoying the view, we took the short hike to Long Pond, and then found a quiet spot for lunch. We enjoyed the nicely broken trail on the way out, and learned a bit about rabbit hunting near the end of the hike.
L-R at Long Pond: Moshe Marko and Todd Demers.
Photo: TL Tom Ortmeyer.

Snowshoe Trip to Lilypad and Long Ponds, Sat. Feb. 4, 2017
After a short trek down the Gold Mine Road on a groomed snowmobile trail, we did the first sign in of the year at the trail head log. We then broke trail in two feet of good snow up to a windy Lilypad Pond. After briefly enjoying the view, we took the short hike to Long Pond, and then found a quiet spot for lunch. We enjoyed the nicely broken trail on the way out, and learned a bit about rabbit hunting near the end of the hike.
Participants: Moshe Marko, Todd Demers, TL Tom Ortmeyer.

Coney Mountain Snowshoe (Tupper Triad), Sat. Feb 11, 2017
We made the gradual ascent over a one mile trail in record slow time. This gave us more time to examine our surroundings and enjoy each other’s conversation and company. For Ana, this was her first time on snowshoes and really her first ever winter experience in the woods. The view from the top was misty but still excellent. Near the summit, we encountered Laurentian Chapter members Brenda Bennet and Marie Fernandez de Alaiza. It was a great day in the mountains!
Participants: TL Blair Madore, Marianne Hebert, Jeff Miller, Ana Luisa Soto-Abitia, Paul McKenzie.

Intro to Snow Shoeing, Sun. Feb. 12,2017
TL Rose Rivezzi and David Trithart. Much more snow for this outing made trying out snowshoes and exploring the Clarkson trails and wetlands lots of fun. Chikako Robinson and her daughter Erika, Steve Dilger and Aviva Gold and their daughter Keillor, and her friend Lauren had quite a workout as we walked to the observation tower and back. All were happy as they snowshoed through the woods while snowflakes fell.

Higley Flow State Park, Feb 18, 2017
Conditions were perfect - deep snow, excellent trail grooming and track setting, and warm sunny weather. We shifted the location from the planned Wanakena / Cranberry Lake region to Higley so as to shorten the driving time and make the skiing distance more adjustable. We skied more than half the parkway network, including some moderate hills, and returned partly on the backcountry trails. After lunch at the lodge, several called it a day while a couple of us continued on the Cedar Brook trails and tried a run down a long steep hill which was a challenge.
L-R: TL John Barron, Jeanna Matthews, Jean Giblin, Natalie Căinaru, John LaShomb Jr, John LaShomb Sr., Kimberley LaShomb.
Photo: an unknown skier.

Saranac Six - Scarface, Sat. Feb. 25, 2017
Cancelled-bad weather..

Snowshoeing to Trombley Landing, Mar. 11, 2017
Cancelled due to cold weather.

Southville State Forest, Mar 18, 2017
We had a perfect blue sky day. The snow was deep enough for snow shoes, and temperatures were warm enough for a comfortable trek through the woods. We had to break trail for most of the hike, but the silence and the wilderness were worth. It was a lovely trek along the West Branch of the St. Regis River.
At the river:Maria Fernandez de Alaiza, Marsh Cox, Jeanna Matthews, Annegret Staiger, Marianne Hebert (TL).
Photo:Tom Ortmeyer

Snowshoe at the Indian Creek Nature Center, Sat. Mar. 25
Trails were snow covered as a group of eight people hiked the Lowland trail loop and the first third of the Upland Trail. Highlights included sightings from the John Green leanto of three swans flying low over the frozen Middle Lake and a distant bald eagle. Also John Montan provided a fascinating history of the wildlife refuge. All enjoyed exploring the trails and its varied habitats.
Participants: TL Tom Wheeler, Eileen Wheeler, Jon Montan, Marianne Hebert, Annegret Staiger, Wendy Cox, Fred McLaughlin, Monica McLaughlin.

Road walk on the Dean Road, Apr 2, 2017
We somehow picked the one beautiful early spring day hidden among a string of rainy ones, and we thoroughly enjoyed the walk. Road conditions were good: no ice, snow or mud. We walked from the kiosk/parking area at the first crossing of the Middle Branch of the Grasse River, broke away from the river for a short stretch, and then back along it for the rest of the hike to our destination, a bridge over the river 3 miles upstream. As we neared the bridge, those in front veered off into the snow - as we reached them, we found them overlooking a very nice waterfall in full spring glory previously unknown (at least to us). After enjoying it, we continued to the bridge and again enjoyed the river views. Our trip back down to the kiosk was equally enjoyable.
At the waterfall, L-R: Rita Lewis, David Katz, John Barron, Marcia Cox, Marianne Hebert, Fred & Monica McLaughlin
Photo: TL Tom Ortmeyer
Not pictured: Anne Csete

Tooley Pond Road Spring Waterfalls Walk, Apr 9, 2017
This was the first really glorious day of spring with highs above 60F. Thus, a large group of people assembled at the head of the Tooley Pond Road, anxious to see the South Branch of the Grasse River in full spring flood. This was the first official “dog” outing for the Chapter, and we had 5 well behaved canines participating. There were 27 humans, with ages from approximately 8 to 80. So many of us in fact, that we split into two groups to lessen the impact on the trails. John Barron and Marianne Hebert led one group to Basford Falls, Sinclair Falls, Twin Falls and Rainbow Falls. Blair Madore led another group in the reverse order. Each of the falls delighted us with its own style of wonder. Basford presented us with a classic Adirondack setting of old growth pine and granite bedrock with water surging past. Sinclair is a high-volume wonder of water that rushes right at you before negotiating a near 180 degree turn. Rainbow Falls is a display of might and thunder as foaming white water drops over 35 feet and tumbles down the long narrow gorge. Amidst this beauty, we shared companionship and joy in the emerging spring before going on our own merry ways.
Trip Leaders: Blair Madore, John Barron, and Marianne Hebert.
Participants: Jeff and Cheryl Miller; Jane Subramanian; Ned Potts; Janet Green; David Katz; Valerie, Brett and Alyssa Summer; Audrey Hammond; Connie Jones; Debra and Mike White; Margaret Mauch; Jennifer Ward; Jeff and Abbey Hosken; Bob Platte; Janet McFarland, Linda Kenny, Marsha Arnold, Jean Giblin, Fred McLaughlin, Monica McLaughlin, Marcia Cox, and Bob Platte.

Hike the Pinnacle on Earth Day, Apr 22, 2017
Leaders: Susan and John Omohundro. It was “March for Science” day, too, so there was much to commemorate on the rocky summit as we looked out into the mist where the St. Regis River should be. It drizzled most of the time, but no-one paid it any heed. For our ceremony, we spoke of the art of place, read poetry (some of it original and created for the occasion), passed around cartoons, and examined photos of Patagonian glaciers. While we lunched, a sharp-shinned hawk cruised us, a raven squawked, and three turkey vultures circled, assessing their chances. The trail was just beginning to show some yellow violets and trout lilies, but it featured blowdown. We collected several bags of trash along the trail as we returned.

Annual Everton Falls Clean-Up, Apr 29, 2017
Considerable blowdown across the hardwood trail kept the five of us busy with chainsaw, loppers, and pruning shears. Just a minimum of pickup along the road, with the treasure of the year being a dumped console-sized dehumidifier. We enjoyed lunch on the ledges beside the falls, sunshine, and only a half-hearted assault of black flies. To our surprise, the canoe carry on the far side of the river above the falls needed only minimal brushing out. It was a fine day to be in the woods with friends. Duncan Cutter TL, Robin Woodin, Rod Woodin, Bill Thomas, Todd Dunham, TNC rep.

The Gulf Unique Area, May 6, 2017
The weather forecasters were right: despite torrential rain along the nearby St. Lawrence, we had generally sunny, mild conditions with only a brief shower. Highlights included The Gulf itself, a chasm rimmed by tall cliffs and containing a deep lake; a spectacular waterfall now at its springtime best; and the Canadian border and its marker monuments. The marked DEC trail was easy to follow on the way out. On the return we attempted a short cut on old jeep roads, which led to a mile or so of extra hiking distance and an extra hour of time. An adventure.
Photo 1: The Gulf
Photo 2, at the Canadian border, L-R: Linda Kenny; Marianne Hebert; Sally Vrooman; Niall Barron; Jeanna Matthews; Annegret Staiger; Marcia Cox.
Photos: TL John Barron

Bear Mountain Wildflower Hike, May 13, 2017
Cancelled due to weather.

Titusville Mountain, May 27, 2017
The hike began with a half mile of gently climbing bush road with good views ahead of the cliffs that were our destination. Then came a very steep 600 foot climb on good trail to a ledge with good but limited views. We continued without trail, using map and compass to bushwhack through a small canyon, up to the viewless summit of Titusville, and then south to a clifftop ledge with an expansive view encompassing Lyon Mountain to the north, Whiteface to the east, and Debar to the south, along with many others.
L-R: Paula Skiff, TL John Barron, John Omohundro, Michael Minthorn, Toni Towle, Susan Omohundro.
Not pictured: Gina Hazen, Rob and Liz Haney.
Photo: John Omohundro.

Dog and Family Hike at Wellesley Island State Park, Jun 10, 2017
We had a perfect sunny day with mild temperatures. The trails at Wellesley continue to delight. We encountered a faun, a deer and several ospreys and enjoyed a lovely lunch at the head of the “Narrows”. We were very excited to meet up with an indifferent porcupine who slowly ambled up a nearby tree. A brief visit to the butterfly house ended the day. Participants: Marianne Hebert (TL), Michael Minthorn (TL), Evelyn Minthorn, John Barron, Jarrian Jefferson and one canine Roxanne.

Robert Moses State Park, Massena Bike and Hike, Jul 1, 2017
Cancelled

Oak Rim Trail at Barnes Corners, Jul 2, 2017
The group had a lovely hike along the Oak Rim Trail at Barnes corners. Attractions included scenic waterfalls and views of the Inman Gulf.
Participants: two Laurentian Chapter members and four from the Black River Chapter. TL Marie Steinbeck.

Cycling from Madrid to Waddington, Jul 8, 2017
At Waddington Town Beach, L-R: Cindy Stewart, John Steinbeck, Doreen Hanson, TL Tom Ortmeyer, Ray Spahn, Jeanna Matthews, Kate Schiltz, Marie Steinbeck, John Barron.
Photo:One of the lifeguards.

Paddling in Kingston, Ontario, Jul 22, 2017
The weather was ideal. We reached all the scenic highpoints of our trip plan and a lot of others too, including Kingston’s four Martello towers; the new Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts; the grim old Kingston Penitentiary (now a historic site); and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, used for the sailing events during the Montreal Olympics in 1976.
Near Old Fort Henry, L-R: Jean Giblin, TL Toni Towle, Tom Ortmeyer, Bill Mueller, Jeanna Matthews, Kate Schiltz, Lynn Frenette.
Photo TL John Barron

Azure Mountain Hike and Fire Tower History Lecture, Jul 23, 2017
We had a fun group and sunny day for a late morning hike up Azure. Two of us continued on to Paul Smith’s VIC for a lecture by Marty Podskoch on the history of the Adirondack Fire Towers. We took a short visit to the butterfly house where we learned the difference between painted lady and a fritillary butterfly.
Butterflies at Paul Smiths VIC: Painted Lady, Fritillary
L-R at Azure: Brandon Lashomb, Jane Subramanian, John and Kimberley LaShomb.
Photo: Marianne Hebert (TL)

Mountain Bike to Burntbridge Pond, Aug 13, 2017
Tom Ortmeyer (TL)

Canoe down the Grass River, Aug 20, 2017
Cancelled

Landon Bay Centre, Sept 9, 2017
The outing was somewhat like a shortish hike and somewhat like a longer-than-average nature walk. We saw varied forest, Frontenac Axis rocks, relics of earlier human occupation, and water features including a great view over the Thousand Islands. Only one of us braved the chilly St. Lawrence River for a brief swim. Most of us continued on for an early supper at the Stonewater Pub in Gananoque.
L-R: Dani ben-Avraham, Monique Tirion, Bill Mueller, Annegret Staiger, Jeanna Matthews, TL Toni Towle, Pat Gray, TL John Barron.
Photo unknown hiker.

Ancient Pines and Jackrabbit Trail, Sept 16, 2017
‘Twas a sunny, warm day as we reached the ancient pines by a short bushwhack. Each old survivor, over 350 years old, bore a little numbered tag. Some leaned alarmingly. Most had relatively small canopies—perhaps to reduce wind resistance? We followed a herd path looping back to Route 86, picking up the Jackrabbit ski trail heading northwest to Paul Smiths VIC. This trail also boasts handsome tall pines, but these were youngsters at about 200 years old. We saw raccoon scat in a couple of places, and, lunching at the leanto overlooking Chapel Pond, we observed an odd mushroom without stem and cap, more like folded petals in a lily bud. We concluded our diverse adventures by taking turns pumping air into Carol’s car tire with a bicycle pump.
Participants: Carol Edmonds, Elisabeth Craven, Ed and Patty Troische, Linda Roesner, Rich and Sarah Whelden, Jim Connolly, Tammy Venne, Frank and Lethe Lescinsky. TL: John and Susan Omohundro

Baxter Mountain Hiking with Kids, Sept 24, 2017
We had a very warm, sunny day with lunch on the summit under a shady tree. Hiking along the ridge, the group encountered a variety of lookouts with views of Keene Valley, the Great Range, and Mt. Marcy. Jeanna Matthews, Chen Liu, Vincent Liu, Gildo Torres, Andrea Torres, Marianne Hebert (TL) and Marie Fernandez de Alaiza (TL).

Owl's Head of Long Lake, Oct 1, 2017
We had perfect fall weather, sunny and cool. This is not a long hike but not an altogether easy one, with some long steep sections. Great views from the summit and from the fire tower, including nearby Blue Mountain and Long Lake, and distant Wakely Mountain. Marianne Hebert and TL John Barron.
From Owl’s Head: Blue Mountain. Photo John Barron.

Fall foliage hike to Boreas Ponds, Oct 7, 2017
We had a bit of a gray and misty day, but still a pleasant walk into the Boreas Ponds tract. Views of the high peaks were obscured by clouds, but the foliage colors were spot on. At the dam, we encountered what appeared to be hatched turtle nests (snapping turtles?). Participants: Mary Jane Watson, Kate Schiltz, Marianne Hebert (TL)

Trail Maintenance Weekend, Oct 21-22, 2017
Many students from SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton, and Hermon-DeKalb Central School joined organizer Mark Simon, several crew leaders, and other supporters in a large-scale trail maintenance event. See this news article for details.
Photo 1: Rock climbing site crew. L-R, Nelson Torres, Rebecca Augustine, crew leader Adam Wheeler, Tom Macula, Miranda Bell, Molly McClenon-Grant, Noah Primus
Photo 2: Photo Kathleen O’Rourke

Trail Maintenance on the Red Sandstone Trail, Oct 22, 2017
Cancelled due to a lack of participants.

Hiking along the St. Regis in Nicholville, Oct 28, 2017
Ten of us on an ideal fall day hiked three miles of a network of trails along the St. Regis River, sampling the clear, cold water from a spring, exploring remains of a power dam built a century ago, traipsing the rim of an active sand mine, and skirting a series of beaver ponds.
Photo 1: At the foundation of the old Nicholville power dam, L-R: front: Greg Snider, Lois Cutter, Rita Lewis, Will Thomas; back: Tim Cutter, Pat Snider, Vanessa and Michael Effron.
Photo 2: At picnic table: Seated L-R: Will Thomas, TL Duncan Cutter, Michael and Vanessa Effron, Pat Snider; standing: Tim Cutter. Photo Greg Snider. Photo TL Duncan Cutter.
Not shown: Bill Hull.

Murphy's Point Provincial Park, Nov 4, 2017
Seasonally cool, pleasant weather. We enjoyed the tour of the above-ground structures of the old Silver Queen Mica Mine, and of the peninsula that forms most of the Park. Between those points our hike included an unanticipated route-finding adventure. The Park has an extensive network of cross country ski trails that are not portrayed on the summer map. We took one, and regaining our planned route needed a bit of off-trail thinking and some bushwhacking. Good views of of Big Rideau Lake. Several of us lingered afterward for supper and a beer at O’Reilly’s Pub in Perth.
At Silver Queen Mine: mine structures. Photo John Barron
At Big Rideau Lake, L-R: Kate Schiltz, TL John Barron, Toni Towle, Pat Gray. Photo Marianne Hebert

Educational Affiliate Program Leadership Workshop, Nov 11, 2017
This year’s workshop took place on a dry, sunny, but cold day with light snow and some icy patches on the ground. A morning of classroom briefings on campus was followed by a simulated hike at Higley Flow State Park to illustrate problems that can occur on trail (most of the situations really happened to one of us during the past year). Thanks to the presenters, and congratulations to the eight participants who completed the workshop and are now qualified to lead trips both in the SUNY Potsdam EAP and in the regular program of the ADK Laurentian Chapter.
At the trailhead in Higley, L-R: presenter Marianne Hebert; presenter Lauren Jackson-Beck; Mari Robinson; Justice Akwei; Eric Nicotina; Rebecca Augustine; Marguerite Mosher; William Scofield; Andrew Barone; student presenter Abbey Chimileski.
Not pictured: John (Jack) Rendon.
Photo: presenter John Barron

Hurricane Mountain, Nov 11, 2017
Cancelled due to a lack of participants.

Janack's Landing, Nov 17, 2017
The day unfolded in three phases, from dull to brilliant. First phase: we convened under battleship-gray clouds and spits of snow. The trailhead in Wanakena brought phase two, as the wind lightened, the flurries stopped, and we began to stretch our legs on the walk. We crossed three beaver ponds without incident, noting where the water level had dropped to reveal beaver dens in the bank. Phase three began at the leanto: we stood in the emerging sun to eat our sandwiches, and looked out over the open water in Dead Creek Flow. The sky became cloudless, providing crystal-clear mountain views on the drive home. This was a day to combat November blahs.
Beside Dead Creek Flow, L-R: John Barron; Susan Omohundro; Lisa Sciacca; Gretchen Gedroiz; Tom Donavon; Kathy O’Kane.
Photo TL John Omohundro.

Snowshoe at the Newcomb VIC, Dec 9, 2017
Cancelled due to a lack of participants.