Backtracks

New Year's Day at Clarkson, Jan 1, 2018
It was a very cold afternoon, but less so than the frigid days before and after. A smaller than average turnout enjoyed hot soup and cold hors d’oeuvres at the Adirondack Lodge. A handful or two even skied or snowshoed around the trails, some wearing face masks and ski goggles against the cold. A very enjoyable start for 2018.

Robert Moses State Park, Jan 6, 2018
The trip to Robert Moses was cancelled due to extreme cold and wind chill. Warnings remained up until 10:00 AM today. It’s now -5 F, wind chill of - 18 F. Eight people indicated interest. Under extreme cold and wind chill warnings for Saturday the trip was rescheduled to Sunday. Four couldn’t accommodate the new date. The other four watched the weather. About 11 AM on Saturday the trip was declared to be going ahead, although with a caution about the cold. About an hour later the NWS extended the wind chill warning to 10 AM Sunday, and the trip was declared cancelled.

ADK Winter Outing, Jan 19-21, 2018
Tom Ortmeyer and John Barron went to the all-Club seasonal outing on the Tug Hill Plateau. We enjoyed the region’s deep cold powder snow during a short snowshoe circuit on Friday evening; then warm temperatures led to dense wet snow. Weather warm and sunny. Saturday we skied at Winona SF in the morning and Chateaugay SF in the afternoon. Sunday featured adventurous snowshoeing and sightseeing at Salmon River Falls.
Winona State Forest At left wearing red hat, Tom.
Photo John Barron.

Snowshoe Wellesley Island State Park, Jan 27, 2018
The weather outlook was iffy, but we soldiered on hoping for a better outcome. The late morning start was gray and dreary, but the skies cleared by the afternoon. Warm weather made for very icy trails, but micro-spikes saved the day. We enjoyed a warm lunch inside the newly renovated Nature Center, while we watched a herd of white tail deer stroll by. Kathleen Fitzgerald, Ashley Oxenford, Marianne Hebert (TL).

Higley Ski, Feb 11, 2018
Freezing rain in the Newcomb area prevented us from attempting a ski to Great Camp Santanoni. As a local alternative that could be completed before the worst of the weather a group convened at Higley Flow State Park for a “Ski and Soup”. We divided into two groups based upon experience and skied for a few miles. We followed up with a great soup lunch in the lodge (prepared by Margaret Madore) but did not venture out to ski again after lunch due to rain.
L-R: Joan Trivilinho, Blair Madore (TL), Joel Foisy, Margaret Madore, Gretchen Koehler, Nancy Foisy, Marianne Hebert, Jeffrey Miller.
Not pictured: Tom Ortmeyer.

Peavine Swamp, Feb 17, 2018
We had ideal and pleasant winter weather for our planned ski trip; but the weather sequence in the days leading up had produced an icy crust with a thin dusting of fresh powder snow. Fortunately we realized this was a possibility, and so had brought snowshoes and microspikes as well as skis. We left the skis in the cars at the Wanakena trailhead, set out on microspikes, and at about 1/2 mile changed to snowshoes. We saw few recent human tracks (but plenty of animal tracks) and enjoyed the surroundings very much as we made a circuit of “Loop 3” at the Wanakena end of the Peavine trail system. We stopped for lunch at the lean-to, where we were surprised to encounter a friend from the Black River Chapter, pausing from a solo trip on a much longer route than ours. The route out from the lean-to was much shorter than the route in, taking us back to the cars in good time.
At the lean-to, L-R: Carol Edmonds, Gretchen Gedroiz, Bill LaRocque, Elisabeth Craven, Tom Ortmeyer.
Photo TL John Barron

Harper Falls Snowshoe, Feb 25, 2018
The morning’s icy rains turned to sunshine for our afternoon hike to Harper Falls. We walked in the Donnerville Road to the trail head, and then through the forest down to the falls. Harper Falls was roaring with the rain and melting snow -- well worth the effort. We followed the trail downstream, hopped over some ice, and went a ways on some of the mountain bike trails in the Donnerville State Forest, before turning around and heading back to the cars.
At Harper Falls, L-R: John Barron, Jean Giblin, Marianne Hebert.
Photo: TL Tom Ortmeyer

High Rock ski, Mar 3, 2018
Cancelled.

Bear Mountain Snowshoe, Mar 10, 2018
Four of us set out a grey day after a recent snow. The first two miles along the road were fairly easy, with just 5 inches of snow. As we started the climb the snow was 8 inches deep and we broke trail the whole way (taking turns, of course). The steep and grueling climb was rewarded with nice views and clearing skies from the top of the ledge, where we enjoyed lunch. We expected the ridge traverse and descent to be easier, but we were met with increasingly deeper snow making for slow progress. The highlight of the day was when we startled two very large birds, who groused about being disturbed from their nap under a spruce tree.
L-R: Kate Schlitz, Rod Woodin, Ashley Oxenford.
Photo: Marianne Hebert (TL)

Great Camp Santanoni, Mar 11, 2018
Blair Madore planned this trip for February 11 and had to postpone on account of rain (although despite the rain an alternative outing took place that day in Higley). Unfortunately last-minute work obligations meant Blair couldn’t participate on the new date, but with excellent weather and snow conditions beckoning we regrouped and went ahead without him. We enjoyed seeing the impressive and widespread estate including the gatehouse and farm complexes and the main lodge itself. In one of the smaller cabins volunteers welcomed us with a wood stove and hot chocolate.
At the main lodge, L-R: Jeff Mller, Joan Trivilino, Jeanna Matthews, Selma Mededovic, A/TL John Barron.
Photo: an unknown skier.

Trombley Landing, Mar 17, 2018
St. Patrick’s Day brought mid-winter conditions - bright sun, pleasantly cold temperatures, gusty winds, and deep powder snow - and it was agreed to change the planned snowshoe trip to a ski trip. We broke trail on the way out, sharing the lead by rotation and making good progress. As we enjoyed lunch at the lean-to a party of snowshoe backpackers arrived, so our tracks got erased. Still the return was much easier than the trip out.
Near the Raquette River, L-R: Elisabeth Craven, Gretchen Gedroiz, Carol Edmonds, Jess Collins.
Photo: TL John Barron.

Tupper Lake Triad, Mar 25, 2018
Blair Madore was busy with work obligations and asked me to stand in as trip leader. The plan was to attempt the Tupper Lake Triad: Coney Mountain, Goodman Mountain, and Mount Arab. We knew we were going to have a great spring hike when the clouds parted as we drove into Tupper Lake. Our group of five enjoyed clear skies and warm temperatures for most of our journey. We were the only ones on each peak, and the views were spectacular! We enjoyed a peaceful lunch atop Goodman, which was almost uncomfortably warm. Marianne Hebert joined us for the last climb up Arab. Even though we completed the hike on snow shoes, we qualify for the Summer Triad patch because our trip took place after March 21.
On Mount Arab, L-R: James Lynch, Amanda Oldacre, Jim Burdick, Jeff Miller (TL), Ashley Oxenford
Photo: Marianne Hebert (TL)

Landon Bay, Apr 21, 2018
We were favored with the first spring-like weather of the year. The hike is short and easy but contained a lot of points of interest, including a high viewpoint over the Islands, beaver ponds, architectural craftsmanship, and an active osprey nest. Improbably the area contains an Adirondack-sounding “Avalanche Pass” and even a “Hitch Up Matilda”. We celebrated afterward at the Stonewater Pub in Gananoque.
Osprey Nest Photo Cindy Stewart
The “Hitch Up Matilda” Photo Cindy Stewart
At the viewpoint, L-R: Marianne Hebert, Toni Towle, Peggy Mooers, Lynn Frenette, Cindy Stewart, Anne Youldon, Dick Mooers. Photo TL John Barron

Climb and cleanup of Pinnacle on Earth Day, Apr 22, 2018
A happy crowd of 14 from across three counties showed up for this Earth Day cleanup/celebration/walk. Glorious skies heralded the occasion, but the footing didn’t measure up. Four inches of snow underfoot was like styrofoam on the walk in, and like sno-cone on the walk out. The smart one skied; the rest of us trudged. On the summit we shared bits of poetry, quotations, and photographs with a Nature theme. Trash was scarce—did we get most of it last year, or was it hidden under the snow? A hawk was spotted, a winter wren burbled his long song, and a butterfly buzzed us as we were loading up at the end. Leader: John Omohundro

Everton Falls Clean-up, Apr 28, 2018
We encountered pockets of snow on the hardwoods trail but were able to clear all the considerable winter blowdown. Roadside trash was minimal. We trimmed the softwood trail as far as a barrier of deep melt water would allow at this time. We repositioned the handsome new Preserve sign for better visibility and stacked the register with information about other recreation sites. Lunch on the ledges brought us close to roaring water plunging over the Falls. In spite of the high water, one experienced canoeist set off upstream. But for us, the water was too swift at this time to cross to the far side of the Falls to brush out the carry around the Falls. However, we look forward to attending to that task later in the season when we may also resurrect the original Paul Jamieson trail to an overlook above the Preserve’s scenic bog.
Participants: William Martin, The Nature Conservancy representative; Will Thomas, ADK volunteer; Duncan Cutter, ADK outing leader

Tooley Pond Road Waterfalls, Apr 29, 2018
The forecast called for persistent rain – so we were pleasantly surprised to only deal with a few light showers. We visited Basford Falls, Sinclair Falls, and Rainbow Falls. All of them were bursting with extremely high water levels. They were very impressive and certainly lifted our spirits. We tried to visit Copper Rock Falls but were forced to turn back by unstable snow and ice. Even the ice formations thrown up by the river were impressive. Finally, we bushwhacked some to get a peek of the majestic Twin Falls. It was an excellent way to spend an otherwise soggy day while making new friendships and renewing old ones. Hope to see you there next year at the same time!
For more photos, visit www.flickr.com/photos/blomedown/albums/72157697418500485.

Bicycle Trip Canton to Upper and Lower Lakes Bird Conservation Area, May 5, 2018
We headed west from Canton to the Grass River, where we took the old road between the river and the wetland -- it took just a bit of path clearing. We then turned south toward Rensselaer Falls, and headed into the Indian Creek Nature Center, where they were having a work day. After a brief chat we went out to the board walk and enjoyed the wetland there. We stopped for lunch at the Lower Lake outlet, and then headed back to Canton. The ride on the quiet Irish Settlement Road along the east side of the conservation area was a highlight of the trip. We saw a number of ducks, geese, hawks and vultures, but few flowers due to the late spring.
L - R: Cheryl Laneve, John LaShomb, Kim LaShomb, Richard Wheldon, and Tom Ortmeyer (TL)

Cycling in Ottawa, May 20, 2018
We postponed one day on account of rain. The new day started cool and very windy, and improved to warm and sunny. Our route carried us along the Ottawa River; past Parliament Hill; up the steep hill beside the Staircase Locks that begin the Rideau Canal; along the Canal to Dow’s Lake where the most extensive tulip beds are located; along a bike path following the city’s first trial light rail transit line; and back to our start point. Three called it a day there, while three continued on to view the Deschênes Rapids from the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.
At the locks, L-R: Marianne Hebert, TL John Barron, Kim LaShomb, Jean Giblin, John LaShomb. Photo Dick Mooers.
At Dow’s Lake, L-R: Jean Giblin, Kim LaShomb, John LaShomb, Dick Mooers, TL John Barron, Marianne Hebert. Photo a bystander.

Haystack of Ray Brook, May 26, 2018
Under a borderline weather forecast, several people cancelled out hours before the trip. Two of us met at the trailhead, and luck was with us as we had no rain at all. At the summit the mist in the air did not impede good views of several small nearby mountains, Scarface in the middle distance, and many of the Sawtooth Mountains as well as the Seward Range and Seymour on the southwestern horizon.
Participants: Paula Skiff and TL John Barron

Hike around Massawepie Lake, Jun 2, 2018
A cloudy morning evolved into a beautiful sunny afternoon. The trails were a bit muddy, and we were happy to meet trail crews building new boardwalks in the boggy areas. The trails surprised us with a bounty of pink lady slippers and other wildflowers. Lunch on the peninsula was interrupted by a lonely loon calling for company.
Participants: Pat and Robin Sullivan, Kate Schlitz, David Campbell, Marianne Hebert (TL).

Hike to OK Slip Falls and the Hudson River Gorge, Jun 24, 2018
14 of us headed out from the Rte. 28 trailhead to OK Slip Falls. We enjoyed the hike as the trail wound through a scenic forest which had a good population of newts. At just over 3 miles, we arrived at the gorge, where we enjoyed lunch while viewing the falls across the gorge. After lunch, 5 headed back to the trailhead, while the other 9 took the trail another 0.8 miles to the Hudson River Gorge. While enjoying the scenery, well over a dozen white water rafts floated by, followed by several kayakers. We reluctantly packed up and headed back, and got back to the trailhead before the rains began.
At Hudson River, L-R: Xiaoli Wang, Daqing Hou, Bradley Hou, Niall Barron, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Suzanne Davis, Tracey Haggett-Sloan, Raechel Davis.
Photo: TL Tom Ortmeyer
Not pictured: Catherine Schiltz, John Barron, Marianne Hebert, Marie Fernandez de Alaiza, Dick Mooers, Tom Ortmeyer

Paddling in Newcomb, July 15, 2018
We started at Cloudsplitter Outfitters and paddled up the Hudson about 1/2 mile and then westward the length of Lake Harris. We portaged one short shallow stretch and paddled another fifteen minutes to where we decided more portaging wasn’t worth it today and retraced our route. A cooling breeze created much more pleasant conditions than the heat and humidity of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa river valleys. A swim at Long Lake and ice cream in Tupper Lake on the way home helped too.
At the gatehouse of Great Camp Santanoni, L-R: Tom Ortmeyer, John and Kim LaShomb, TL John Barron.
Photo a bystander.

Paddling in Madrid, July 18, 2018
We launched from the Madrid Municipal Park at 5pm for a Wednesday evening paddle. We paddled up the Grass for over two miles, enjoying the greenery of the forests and fields. We stopped for a short break, and were treated with a blue heron and bald eagle flying over us. We then turned back and paddled with the current to the park, where we caught the end of a concert by the Potsdam Community Band.
On the Grass River above Madrid: Kim and John LaShomb (John Barron photo)
Not pictured: Neal and Barbara Burdick, John Barron, TL Tom Ortmeyer

Azure Mountain Centennial Celebration, July 29, 2018
Roughly 50 hikers attended the birthday celebration on the summit of Azure, followed by birthday cake, recognition awards and raffle drawing at the St. Regis Falls Adult Center. The ADK Laurentian Chapter Gift Basket donated by the Chapter, was won by Joe Cutter of Longmont, CO.

Silver Lake Mountain and Bog, Aug 4 2018
We started with a mid-morning bird watch along the Silver Lake Bog, and a pleasant snack break on top of Silver Lake Bluff. Early afternoon we hike up Silver Lake mountain, slowly, as the day was brutally hot and humid. Just as we reached the summit, lunch was interrupted by thunder and lightning, which precipitated a hasty retreat. An early dinner (with beer) at the Shamrock Restaurant finished the day.
Participants: Eileen Wheeler, Tom Wheeler, Marianne Hebert (TL).

Debar Pond Paddle, Picnic, and Bushwhack, Aug 11, 2018
Debar Pond Paddle and Hike - August 11. John and Susan Omohundro, TL; Elisabeth Craven, Janet Wakefield, David Katz, Anne Csete, Kate Schiltz, Barbara Hollenbeck, Kathy O’Kane. This was a joint Laurentian/North Woods outing on a fine summer day. Debar Pond is small but relatively unknown, yet offers majestic views of Baldface and Debar Mountains. After circumnavigation, we split into three parties. P#1 bushwhacked toward Baldface in an unsuccessful search for blueberry ledges. P#2 returned to the put-in to picnic and explore the several structures making up Debar Lodge. P#3 noodled around the shoreline, chatting up a pair of loons, and came upon… a young moose! Several of us swam in the warm, clear water.

Grass River Red Trail Hike, Aug 18, 2018
Five of us set out to explore the proposed trails in the Grass River easement below Lampson Falls. The morning mists were just letting up as we set out on the woods road to the old bridge site below the falls. Before getting to the bridge site, we continued south on a lightly used woods road, and found many ferns on the trail still wet from the mists. We did go down to the river to try and find an unmaintained trail, with no success. We retreated back to the woods road, and continued south past two wetlands until the road could no longer be identified. We then made our way back to the bridge site, where we enjoyed an extended lunch and dried out a bit. From there, we followed the well used (by humans and beavers) riverside trail to Lampson Falls, and enjoyed the falls before heading back to our vehicles.
At Lampson Falls, L-R: Marianne Hebert, David Campbell, Bradley Hou, Daqing Hou
Photo: Tom Ortmeyer

Hike Stone Valley, Aug 25, 2018
We started in Colton at the trailhead and headed downhill along the river. Beautiful scenery with rapids, boulders and cardinal flowers. Evidence of past log driving down the river added some history. Lots of shade and being by the water made for a great temperature to hike. We took a water/snack break and then headed back to the trailhead. An enjoyable half day outing was had by all.
Participants: Xiaoli Wang, Bradley Hou, Bill Young, Kate Schlitz (TL), Marianne Hebert (TL).

Gourmet Picnic Paddle, Aug 26, 2018
Cancelled due to lack of participants.

Castle Rock, Sep 8, 2018
Unavoidable circumstances led to a couple of participants’ having to cancel the evening before and the morning of the hike. That left only two of us to enjoy this short but in places steep, varied, and very scenic trail. We had cool, pleasant weather.
Photo 1: Blue Mountain Lake from Castle Rock. Photo John Barron
Photo 2: TL John Barron on the final climb to the summit. Photo Jean Giblin

Meacham Lake-Osgood River, Oct 6, 2018
(relocated from St. Regis River at Everton Falls due to low-water concerns) Six paddlers braved thundershower forecasts (the showers materialized but the special effects didn’t) to observe fall colors and, in some ways even more fascinating, endlessly ebbing and flowing cloud formations. We put in at the Meacham Lake outlet, followed the lake’s west shoreline a distance, reversed course and took a rest/lunch stop at the natural beach at the foot of the lake, then two of us returned to the launch site while the other four explored up the rainy Osgood for a few oxbows. It was like paddling through an artist’s palette. But perhaps the highlight was a stoic bald eagle who supervised the lake portion of the outing from high in a white pine spar. Many photos were taken.
Participants: Neal Burdick (TL), John Barron, Duncan Cutter, Joe Bennett (Duncan’s brother-in-law from California), John and Susan Omohundro.
Photo: Bald eagle overseeing the outing. Photo: Duncan Cutter.

Rideau Trail from Murphy's Point to Narrows Lock, Oct 13, 2018
We had an ideal cool fall day with a mix of clouds and sun. Conditions varied from cottage and woods roads, through good trail, to well-marked but rugged and pathless sections. We were able to admire several of our planned scenic highlights. We decided no to put in an extra mile of hiking to see one of them, but we gained a bonus highpoint in the form of a huge view over Big Rideau Lake.
McParland House historic site. Photo John Barron
Narrows Lock, Rideau Canal, L-R: Marianne Hebert, Tom Ortmeyer, Toni Towle, Kate Schiltz, TL John Barron. Photo by a passing cyclist.

Trail Maintenance Weekend, Oct 18-21, 2018
A large turnout of volunteers, including many students from SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton, made major improvements to some of the region’s trails. Details and more photos are in this news article.
Photo: Volunteers gather near the new Laurentian Chapter tool storage shed. Kneeling at center, organizer Mark Simon. Photo John Barron

Red Sandstone Hike, Oct 21, 2018
We started in Hannawa Falls at the trail head and continued North along the river. It was 37 degrees and there were snow flurries but we all dressed appropriately and stayed warm. A deer was our wildlife sighting for the day. We crossed over the stairs at the 1.6 mile point and continued along the pipeline for a while. A group decision was made to turn around and our total for the day was 5 miles. It was a great beginning hike for the 3 participants who had never hiked with ADK previously.
L-R: Patricia Mason, Kate Schiltz (TL), Gabriella Schiltz, Tom Schiltz.
Photo: Patricia Mason

Outing Leadership Clinic, Oct 27, 2018
We spent the morning indoors going over trip planning and publicity, answering requests to participate, arranging transportation to the trailhead, and ADK sign-up requirements. The aftenoon consisted of a short model hike at Higley that featured a number of simulated situations we’ve encountered on the trail in the past.The weather presented a real-life challenge to our practice leaders - cold and showery, with a threat of rain. Special thanks to Jack Rendon, an experienced leader in our EAP at SUNY Potsdam for helping present.
At the lodge at Higley, L-R: Presenter Marianne Hebert, Linda Quackenbush, presenter Jack Rendon, Kate Schiltz, Bradley Hou, Daqing Hou. Not pictured, Joan Trivilino.
Photo presenter John Barron

Sheep Meadows Hike (or Snowshoe), Nov 3, 2018
Cancelled due to weather.

Oswegatchie River Walk, Nov 4, 2018
By the time we walked the north shore of the Oswegatchie from Wanakena to Inlet, two miles away, the day had turned from grey to blue. The footing was tricky: leaves covered mud, rocks and roots, and we were obliged to pick our way around a few tributary streams. But the river rapids in full fall flood were spectacular. A picnic table at Inlet made a welcoming lunch spot. Dick Mooers, Mary Jane Watson, eight members of North Woods chapter, John & Susan Omohundro, TL.

EAP Leadership Training Clinic, Nov 10, 2018
A morning session of a couple of hours at the SUNY Potsdam Fireside Lounge comprised planning, preparation, and organization; then the group went to Higley for a model hike. The event started in bright, sunny, cool, pleasant weather. By the end, less than three hours later, we were in cold, windy, snowy conditions, which highlighted the need for adaptability in the outdoors. Everyone had a good time. These participants are now qualified to lead ADK trips, in our EAP and also in the regular program of Laurentian and other chapters.
L-R: Student presenter Mari Robinson; presenter Lauren Jackson-Beck; presenter Marianne Hebert; Sam Kramer; Bryce Smith; Alice Menis; Jacob Stiles.
Photo presenter John Barron

Jenkins Mountain, Nov 17, 2018
Cancelled due to weather.

Mac Johnson Wildlife Area, Dec 1, 2018
Ground cover was half crusty snow, half bare ground. Hardly any mud but plenty of water, which flooded out one of our planned trail segments and caused us a reroute. Good scenery, and interesting navigation puzzles on this small trail network. A very enjoyable few hours in the warm sunshine of late fall.
L-R: Marianne Hebert, Pat Gray, Anne Youlden, Jean Giblin, Toni Towle.
Photo: TL John Barron

Higley Flow Snowshoe and Cookout, Dec 9, 2018
Seven of us, and a dog, enjoyed wonderful winter conditions for about three miles of snowshoeing followed by a fire and cookout at the Beaver Pond Lean To. There is nothing quite like the experience of eating hotdogs slightly charred over a fire in the snow nor the experience of walking under the towering snow encrusted pines. For the Hou family, it was their first experience on snowshoes but it will not be their last!
L - R Daqing Hou, Bradley Hou, Xioli Wang, Marianne Hebert, Shadow (dog), Sally Lynch, and James Lynch
Photo: TL Blair Madore