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.