Events Archive

October - December, 2009

Sunday, October 4 - Esther Mtn Hike
Esther Mountain was named for Esther McComb, who climbed it alone (and by accident) in 1839 at the age of 15. A nominally trailless High Peak, it’s one of the shorter, easier ones. About 6 miles round trip, 2000 feet of climb, level 4-5. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

Sunday, October 4 - Hike around Massawepie Lake
We’ll hike around this beautiful bit of water near Tupper Lake. About 6 miles, little elevation gain. Level 2. Contact Armond Spencer, (315) 379-1383, aaspencer@verizon.net.

Monday, October 12 - Lyon Mtn Hike
Celebrate Columbus Day by following a newly-cut trail to 3,820-foot Lyon Mountain, a peak that boasts a rocky summit, an abandoned fire tower, and an international view spanning the High Peaks of NY, Vermont, Lake Champlain, Chazy Lake, the St. Lawrence River, and the skyscrapers of Montreal, Quebec. About 6 miles round trip; fairly strenuous. Contact Duncan Cutter, (315) 328-4675, dcutter1@twcny.rr.com

Saturday, October 17 - Azure Mtn Birdwatching
Azure Mountain’s 2512’ fire tower summit is reached by hiking a one mile trail with an elevation gain of 944’. In mid-October, late migrant songbirds may be observed along the trail. Once on the open summit, we will watch for migrating raptors. Meet at 9 am at the Azure Mtn trailhead on Blue Mountain Road. Suitable for beginners. Contact Joan Collins, (315) 261-4264, jecollins@twcny.rr.com.

Saturday, October 31 - Costumes and Candy on Cascade Mtn! - Hike
Happy Halloween! We will climb Cascade and Porter Mtns in costume to celebrate the holiday and make it interesting. Trip will be about 6.2 miles with 2000 ft elevation gain. Make sure costumes are appropriate for hiking and weather conditions, and be creative! Bring candy to share with other hikers. Joint outing with the Albany Chapter of ADK. Contact Hollis Easter, (315) 212-1326, adk@holliseaster.com.

Saturday, October 31 - Stone Valley Trail Maintenance
We will do trail work in Stone Valley, one of the Chapter’s adopted trails. Contact Mark Simon, simonm@potsdam.edu.

Sunday, November 1 - More Stone Valley Trail Maintenance
We will do trail work in Stone Valley, one of the Chapter’s adopted trails. Contact Mark Simon, simonm@potsdam.edu.

Moved from 11/14 Saturday, November 7 - New Hikers Series: The Big Pine (Wanakena, NY)
The White Pine is nearly 5 feet in diameter. How did it survive the vast logging that took place 100 years ago in this area? What makes it thrive today in this particular place? Learn the answers to these and other questions about forest ecology in a gentle hike through the “forever wild” near charming Wanakena, NY. Hang out afterwards in the village, look in on Dave’s general store and walk over the Oswegatchie River on the historic suspension foot-bridge. Learn about the many trail-heads that originate in Wanakena inviting you to future forest adventures. Mostly level, 2 miles round trip, friendly for beginners. Contact Bill Mueller, (315) 262-2952, b-hutch-m@twcny.rr.com.

Sunday, November 8 - Red Sandstone Trail Workday
We’ll build a switchback trail overlooking Sugar island flow. We also need light cutting of vegetation to open up the trail. Helpers of all levels are welcome. Bring pruners, small saws, gloves, snack, water, to meet at the steel bridge off Back Hannawa Rd. (County Rd 59 across from Sweeney Rd) at 1 pm. We’ll work for a couple hours so you can clean up in time for the potluck that evening. Contact Susan and John Omohundro, (315) 265-8365, omohunjt@northnet.org.

Sunday, November 8 - Fall Potluck and Annual Meeting
Join us at the Canton Presbyterian Church (5 pm) for food, fellowship, the Chapter’s Annual Meeting, and a presentation by Brian Mann, Chief of North Country Public Radio’s Adirondack News Bureau. Bring a dish to pass and table service for yourself; beverages will be provided. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, (315) 265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com.

Moved to 11/7 Saturday, November 14 - New Hikers Series: The Big Pine (Wanakena, NY)
The White Pine is nearly 5 feet in diameter. How did it survive the vast logging that took place 100 years ago in this area? What makes it thrive today in this particular place? Learn the answers to these and other questions about forest ecology in a gentle hike through the “forever wild” near charming Wanakena, NY. Hang out afterwards in the village, look in on Dave’s general store and walk over the Oswegatchie River on the historic suspension foot-bridge. Learn about the many trail-heads that originate in Wanakena inviting you to future forest adventures. Mostly level, 2 miles round trip, friendly for beginners. Contact Bill Mueller, (315) 262-2952, b-hutch-m@twcny.rr.com.

Saturday, November 21 - Cliff Mtn from Upper Works - Hike
We will meet at Upper Works and make our way to Flowed Lands and then to Uphill Brook Lean-to. From there, we will follow the well-defined herd path to the summit of Cliff. We may throw in Redfield if the weather, trail conditions, and participants cooperate. Expect a full day with about 15 miles round trip. Very strenuous. Contact Mike McLean, (315) 262-2564, mpmclean@twcny.rr.com.

Sunday, November 22 - Rideau Trail, Ontario - Hike
Walk the Rideau Trail from Narrows Lock to Westport, which follows the Rideau Canal and waterway, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Easy to moderate trail and a short stretch of cottage road. 10 miles, about 300 feet of climb. Level 3. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

Saturday, December 19 - Whiteface Toll Road Ski Trip
Join David Trithart for the traditional early season ski up and down the Whiteface Memorial Highway, the highest road in New York State! Moderately strenuous cross-country skiing, depending on conditions. Contact David Trithart, trithadi@potsdam.edu.

Friday, January 1, 2010 - New Year’s Day Ski/Snowshoe Gathering
Join the Laurentian Chapter in welcoming the new year with outdoor fun and a potluck snack reception afterwards. Outing will be held at the Clarkson University Outdoors Lodge; check the winter newsletter for full details. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, (315) 265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com.