Backtracks
Backtracks, 2022
New Year at Higley Flow State Park, Jan 1, 2022
About 20 Laurentian Chapter members and 1 dog enjoyed a New Year outing at Higley Flow State Park. There wasn’t enough snow for skiing or snowshoeing,
so we settled for walking several of the trails. Cupcakes from Big Spoon Kitchen (Potsdam) around the fire topped off the afternoon.
Photo Joan Trivilino
Snowshoe to Church Pond, Jan 22, 2022
At 20 below zero with good snow cover, we crossed Fox Marsh finding wet spots and flowing water along the edges of the marsh. Fortunately we navigated around the water,
through the tamarack and black spruce to the big trees on the hill before Church Pond. We explored along the edge of the lake following otter tracks and fresh beaver chews.
Slush under the ice turned us around by the inlet and we retraced our path by the big yellow birches, hemlocks and spruce. One foot got wet on the return crossing, but Bill Hill,
author of “Hiking the Trail to Yesterday” saved the day with a quick hand to the sinking traveler.
By the time we emerged at Route 56, the temperature had risen at least 20 degrees. A wonderfully sunny adventure.
Participants: TL Tom Vande Water, Betsy Kepes, David Trithart, Rose Rivezzi, Bill Hill, Tom Ortmeyer, James Lynch
Beginner's Snowshoe at the Nicandri Center, Feb 5, 2022
We began by working with the Nicandri Center staff to outfit a wide range of foot sizes with snowshoes, plus a pull behind sled for one participant. Once were all set with
our ‘shoes and got them on, we headed out on the River Trail. We all enjoyed the hike through the woods and along the top of the riverbank, and enjoyed the winter scenery and the
critter tracks through the snow. Post-hike, we gathered in the Center and enjoyed the fire and cookies.
Participants: co-TL’s Tom Ortmeyer and Jeanna Matthews, Saied, Norah, Abdullah and Laneem Alshahrani, Esma Noli, Mohammed Ali, Mahnoor Ali, Hareem, Zabra Nahyan and
Mohriz Zarrin, and Breyne Moskowitz.
Catamount Mountain, Feb 12, 2022
The weather in South Colton was predictably changeable. We started with blue skies and clouds and 35 F, and ended with clouds spitting snow and 28 F. The trail was mostly
broken, until the last quarter mile. Thanks to Tom Lawrence for leading during the last snowy bit.
L-R at summit: TL Marianne Hebert, Jane Subramanian, Tom Lawrence
Photo: Brenda Curley
Stone Valley Snowshoe, Feb 19, 2022
We met by the Colton Museum, checked conditions, and decided on microspikes for the hike. The winter scenery was great as we headed down the west side, the ice formations on
upper Stone Valley were amazing. The weather was alternating between snow flurries, sunshine, and gusty wind, and gave us never ending changing vistas. We crossed the new Browns
Bridge at the halfway point, and then continued up the east side dealing with some drifting from the west wind on top of black ice in places. We enjoyed the river views from the
east side, and rewarded ourselves with food and drink at the Raquette River Pub 7.7 miles into the hike before completing the final 0.1 miles to the trail head.
L-R on Brown’s Bridge: Dana Chudzinski, Jeff Miller
Photo: Tom Ortmeyer (TL)
Orebed Creek State Forest Wildflower Walk, Apr 16, 2022
Spring was just starting to arrive at Orebed Creek: many wildflowers had not yet emerged, and those that were up had not yet flowered. Which was just as well,
because the overnight snow was hiding everything. We started out under cloudy skies with temperatures around freezing, bushwhacked upstream from the bridge
to the property boundary, and walked back along the road under blue skies and temperatures warm enough to melt most of the snow.
Along Orebed Creek: Brenda Curley, Gina Willette, TL Anne Csete, TL David Katz
Photo: Marianne Hebert
Downerville State Forest Wildflower Walk, Apr 23, 2022
A balmy day with no bugs was perfect for a walk along the North Branch Grass River from its confluence with the Main Branch upstream to a snack break at Harper Falls and back.
The woods was a carpet of wildflowers: spring beauties, both lavender and white hepatica, plantain-leafed sedge, Pennsylvania sedge, blue cohosh, bloodroot,
marsh marigolds, yellow wood violets, coltsfoot were all flowering. Toothwort, red and white trillium, and wood bettany all had buds and will be flowering soon.
At Harper Falls: Marianne Hebert, Brenda Curley, TL Anne Csete
Photo: TL David Katz
Outing Leadership Clinic, Apr 30, 2022
Six of us turned out for a fun day of learning the ropes to be an outings leader. It was a bluebird day at Higley Flow State Park and participants had a fun day hearing about
the funniest and worst outing experiences, and how to prepare for the unexpected.
Photo: David Katz, Joan Trivilino, Ellie Menz, Marianne Hebert, Debra Mitchell, Blair Madore (Photo by B. Madore)
Glenmeal State Forest Spring Mud Hike, Jun 12, 2022
Rescheduled from May 22 due to weather. June 12 was a cloudy day, with many mosquitos to keep us company. We explored several of the loops and everyone helped with wildflower
identification. We found that the trails were a bit overgrown, and we all agreed that this would be better as an early Spring walk. It is certainly a fine snowshoe destination.
Photos: Blue-marked loop at Glenmeal State Forest; Beth Denny, Joan Trivilino, Marianne Hebert. (Photo by M. Hebert)
Tooley Pond Road “Clarksboro Trail”, Jun 25, 2022
The Clarksboro trail was slightly overgrown, and the views of Twin Falls were obstructed by foliage, but the vistas from the top of the cliffs were lovely and we had a
surprise visit by a Coopers hawk. We proceeded to Rainbow Falls which were spectacular as usual, and then to Copper Rock Falls for lunch on the rocks.
Participants: Tom Ortmeyer, Susan Omohundro, Deb Mitchell, John Omohundro, Carolann Jacobs and her mom, Donna.
Photo: TL Marianne Hebert
50th Anniversary Celebration, Jul 24, 2022
Despite dire weather predictions, the Chapter’s 50th Anniversary Celebration took place outdoors at the pavilion at Sandstoner Park in Potsdam. The violent thunderstorms held
off, and though we had some strong winds and a short bit of rain, the stouthearted attendees took it all in stride--no surprises there.
Read full report and view more photos
Hike to Huckleberry Lake, Wolf Lake State Forest, Jul 25, 2022
We had a great, sunny 4.4 mile RT hike to the Huckleberry Lake DEC lean-to through the hemlock, beech and maple forest and past the huge boulders and bedrock of the
Laurentian Shield. What, this isn’t Canada?
Participants: Carole Evans, Marianne Hebert, Ellie Menz, Tom Wheeler, Peggy Mooers, Joan Trivilino, TL Dick Mooers, and Carole and Joan’s two very well behaved dogs.
Kring Point Bike Ride, Jul 31, 2022
Joint outing with the Black River Chapter.
We started from the Oak Point Scenic Turnout, and took two pleasant frontage roads beside Rte. 12. We took a break in Chippewa Bay, then headed inland for several miles on
town roads through farm fields. We then crossed Crooked Creek and head to Kring Point State Park. We took a lunch break near the beach, and then explored Morgan Island before
heading back downstream along Route 12. It was a beautiful day, and the ride was enjoyed by all.
Participants: Cindy Steward, Diane Covell, Ray Spahn, Brenda Curley, Cyndi Grover, Greg Smith, and Tom Ortmeyer (TL).
Hannawa Pond Evening Paddle, Aug 3, 2022
We started from the cartop boat launch on Lenny Road, and enjoyed the camps and the forest on the paddle downstream. We took a supper break on the Kaczka’s deck, including
generous portions of Strewart’s ice cream courtesy of Gene and Carolyn. We then paddled back upstream, greeting those enjoying their camps in the evening twilight along the way.
Photo: Diane Goodrow, Brenda Curley and Kent Goodrow approaching the Lenny Road Boat Launch. Photo: TL Tom Ortmeyer
Azure Mountain Hike, Aug 14, 2022
We didn’t have many takers for the planned Wellesley Island hike, so we opted to do something closer to home, Azure Mountain! It was a warm day, but the clouds were
heavenly!
At summit: TL Marianne Hebert, Sean Brynda. Photo by Azure Summit Steward Bailey Trainor
Lost Pond Loop, Sep 24, 2022
We had a beautiful Fall day for a lovely hike around Lost Pond near Cranberry Lake. Seven of us enjoyed the amble and only encountered a few muddy spots.
We found lots of mushrooms and wildflowers and the pine tree where a bear had left their claw marks.
L-R: Debby Nikkari, Cindi Mondesir, Jim Hanson, Anne Csete, Rita Lewis, John Wilson. Photo M. Hebert
Low's Ridge, Oct 22, 2022
We had a beautiful fall day for our trip on the Low’s Ridge Upper Dam Trail. After a lovely walk up the woods road, we explored the remains of Low’s buildings and admired
the view of Hitchins Pond before climbing the new switch-backed trail to the top of the ridge. The views were terrific as was the company.
On Low’s Ridge: Pat Smyer, Ellie Menz, David Katz, Neil Woodworth
Photo TL Holly Woodworth
Not pictured: John Wilson
Stone Valley Trail Work, Oct 29, 2022
Good weather and a good turn out ensured a lot of good work got done!
Front, L-R: Elias Nelson, Isaac Tavernier, Nate Gidney, Malachi Conant, Rico Tisdale, Conner Todd, Walden Nelson
Back, L-R: Dave Nelson, John Burnham, Matt Denney, Ron Tavernier, Adam Tisdale, Steven House, Melinda Conant Tom Ortmeyer
Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Nov 5, 2022
The weather was sunny and summer-like. We followed the Waterfront Trail bike path from the visitor center of the bird sanctuary as far as Upper Canada Village, for a round
trip of about 7.5 miles. We saw few walkers, but quite a few cyclists and a fair number of birds. The horses at the Village were fun to see too.
L-R: Marianne Hebert, TL John Barron
Photo Jean Giblin.
Early Season Hike and Campfire at Higley Flow State Park, Dec 10, 2022
It was the coldest day of the winter (10°F) thus far, but it was clear and sunny. A motley crew of club members and guests assembled at the warming cabin. We
carried our supplies on a wheeled cart and proceeded down the Cedar Trail to the Beaver Pond lean to. We le our supplies there and continued down to Raquette
Ridge before returning to the Beaver Pond lean to. Bob Plae built a great fire (Norwegian style), and we enjoyed hot dogs, grilled cheese, hot chocolate and tea
not to mention some delightful Christmas cookies. Maybe it’s the cold air, or maybe the hot fire, or maybe the companionship but that food never tasted better! All
told we did about 2 miles of hiking and had a great time. This event was presented jointly with the Potsdam Public Library on the Outside program.
Participants: Marianne Hebert, Eleanor Menz, Bob Platte, Danielle Jerry, Kailey Mahar, Beth Anderson, Rita Huynh, Halie Kerns, Michael Garcia,
Blair Madore (TL) and William Eckhardt (TL).
Leonard Pond Snowshoe, Dec 18, 2022
We decided to move the outing to Higley Flow State Park as we were worried that the amount of heavy snow at Leonard Pond might be too much of a slog for a beginner’s
snowshoe. Three of us set out on the Woods Trail and indeed found a good deal of blow down and deep drifts to overcome. It was a magical winter landscape and with lots of deer
tracks and one lone coyote track. We did just 2 miles, but it seemed like a lot more!
Pictured: Anne Csete, Gabby Smith, Warm Brook, glacial erratic
Photos: TL Marianne Hebert