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NEWSLETTER OF THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

LONG ISLAND CHAPTER WINTER 2015 — JANUARY—FEBRUARY—MARCH

T his is my first “Presidents Corner” message, and in thinking about what to write, I’m drawn back to what brought me here in the first place. That’s no great mystery; I love the outdoors and I like to hike. And it is something that we probably all share in common, whether our favorite activities include hiking, skiing, kayaking, biking or more passive ways of enjoy-ing the outdoors.

Another thing we have in common is being members of the Adirondack Mountain Club and our ADK-Long Is-land chapter. There are many options for enjoying out-door activities on our own or with casual groups, but ADK offers specific and tangible benefits:

A wide variety of outings led by experienced leaders. Whether you like relaxing local walks or challenging high-adventure trips, you can find them on our outings schedule. Our experienced hike lead-ers will be happy to advise you about which events are most likely to be suitable for your experience and abilities. They can even help you to work up to more challenging outings, if that is your desire.

Monthly meetings with a vibrant schedule of programs of interest to our members. Meetings also provide an opportunity to socialize and meet new people who enjoy the same outdoor activities.

Dedication to the protection of wild lands and waters. ADK continues to be one of the most effective voices in Albany for environmental advoca-cy and protection of the recreational resources that we love. In addition, our organization takes an active role in trail building and maintenance of existing trails throughout the state. As a member of our chapter,

you’ll find there are many opportunities to participate in trail maintenance activities (see the Outings Schedule in this issue), as well as with the main ADK’s Volunteer Trails Program.

I came to this club without knowing anyone in it, and was delighted that there were so many people who share similar interests. Since then, I have enjoyed many club activities with a great many people. What keeps all of this working is member participation and the hard work of our many volunteers.

Check the Outings Schedule in the newsletter or the fre-quently updated listing at www.adkli.org. If you think you want to join an outing but aren’t sure, don’t be shy about contacting the leader and asking for more information.

Also, consider joining some of the organized trail mainte-nance trips listed on our outings schedule.

Feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) )with any suggestions or ideas that you have for club activities, or if you would like to volunteer in any capacity with the club.

F inally, with winter making an early appearance in many parts of the country, I want to wish everyone a great holiday season and encourage you to get outside and enjoy the trails in what I consider one of the best times of the year for hiking.

Visit us at www.adkli.org

Long Island Mountaineer

Highlights: In This Issue

FEATURES: Our new president's inaugural message, p.1

After 30 Years, Arlene Takes a Break, p. 2.

“Winter Gear Required” — Required reading, p. 9.

Where Have You Been? See Trip Reports, p. 6-8.

Don’t Miss These Monthly Meeting Programs, page 8.

Conservation Report: page 3

Run for the Border: Running & Backpacking Ver-mont’s Long Trail, p. 10

OUTINGS HIGHLIGHTS: (Schedule begins on page 4)

Hiking, X-C and Downhill Skiing.

“Last Chance” Winter Weekend in Catskills, page 3.

President’s CornerPresident’s CornerPresident’s Corner

Ed MoranEd MoranEd Moran

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www.adkli.org L.I. MOUNTAINEER WINTER — JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015

Continued on next page

People and Perspectives… Arlene Scholer

Adirondack Mountain Club Long Island Chapter

2015 Executive Committee President

Ed Moran [email protected]

Vice President Mike Vaughan

[email protected]

Treasurer Nancy Hodson

[email protected]

Secretary Kathleen Berger

[email protected]

Director to Main Club Mike Vetrano

[email protected] Alternate Director to Main Club

Micheline Kagan [email protected] Board of Directors

Kathy Daly [email protected]

Grace Gargiulo [email protected]

Mike Kaiser [email protected]

Sue Kenyon [email protected]

Tom Loscalzo [email protected]

Dave Sweeney [email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Conservation

Cathy Stare [email protected]

Education POSITION OPEN

Hospitality Arlene Scholer (516) 354 0231

Mountaineer Orrie Frutkin [email protected] Grace Gargiulo [email protected]

Membership Michael Vaughan

[email protected]

Outings Sue Kenyon [email protected] Bill Schneider [email protected]

Jeff Ritter [email protected] Programs

Shelley Weber [email protected]

Publicity POSITION OPEN

NY/NJ Trail Conference Diane Grunthal

[email protected]

Trail Maintenance Pat Wachter (631) 669-6450

Website Mike Vetrano [email protected]

Yahoo Group Moderator Allen Grunthal [email protected]

A Final Entry: This morning, I spent time looking over copies of the Moun-taineer that go back to 1977 when I joined Long Island ADK and started the hospitality table.

When Herb Coles retired as editor of the chapter’s newsletter in 1977, I be-gan as editor with the November-December issue, and ended nearly seven years as editor with the Sep-tember-October 1984 edition.

Initially, the People and Perspectives column was a blending of two columns I wrote prior to 1984: Hiking Tips and

Trivia plus Ins & Outs of Hiking.

After I retired as editor, my articles appeared under the new title, People and Perspectives, for the November-December 1984 newsletter, and con-tinued for the next 30 years. That edition was also the first newsletter to list all of our officers and commit-tee chairs.

There’s no ‘retirement plan’ for those initial decades, but the memories are precious. Isn’t ADK-LI like a bank account: the more you put into it, the more you are rewarded!!

...and People’s Perspectives on Arlene

From Micheline Kagan

Arlene’s Always Interesting Perspective: Arlene gave us the news about what the members were doing in their “real lives.” Getting married, having children, grand-children, going for advanced degrees, moving to another state, or performing in a cho-rus. She encouraged members to send her post cards from their various trips all over the world, so she could report on their adventures. She listened to conversations on car trips and on hikes to “get the news.” And she shared all of that with us.

Arlene also shared advice about ticks, poison ivy, heat exhaustion, and the importance of staying hydrated in winter, as well as summer.

My favorite was her philosophy: “Treat your heart, soul and body to an uplifting, exhil-arating and peaceful day in the woods!”

Enjoy your retirement, Arlene, but we will miss your people and perspectives. From Herb Coles and June Fait

The brief announcement of Arlene Scholer’s retiring from her unique column in the Mountaineer brings memories back to me. Years ago, when I was editor, I had changed the newsletter, from an occasional publication to a regular bi-monthly that combined the outing schedule with commentaries and news.

As a typist of the Biblical school — seek and ye shall find — I was so glad to see someone volunteer for the job, and to be relieved after several years. To make it even better, Arlene bought her own electric typewriter with replaceable type faces. Her me-ticulous work habits and patience, sometimes supervised by a Chapter President who was all over everything, lasted for 7 years. Arlene did all of this in a way unrecognized today: type, cut and paste, get it to the printer, and later label and stamp each copy.

Thanks Arlene for your 37 years of reporting and editing. Our own home-grown gossip column is gone. It will be missed.

From Yoshiko Takeshita

Arlene Scholer has written her “People and Perspectives” column in the Mountaineer for thirty-some years, and now that she has decided to retire, I feel a big loss to our newsletter.

Her writing has covered a wide variety of subjects; not only hiking-related activities of chapter members, but also their personal events, such as arrivals of new grandchildren,

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www.adkli.org L.I. MOUNTAINEER WINTER —JANUARY–FEBRUARY–MARCH 2015

Conservation Corner: by Cathy Stare

U.S. Clean Power Plan: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a Clean Power Plan, which is a critical step in ratcheting down the carbon emissions that are locking us into climate disruption. The plan calls for regula-tions on power plants, which account for approximately one-third of US greenhouse gas emissions. The new regulations are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% (of 2005 levels) by 2030. The Clean Power Plan also reduces harmful emissions, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that are the major cause of acid rain in the Adirondack Park.

The EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan is a good start, but the science demands – and our technological advancements allow for – a more aggressive proposal that can benefit consumers, the economy, and the climate. The Adirondack Mountain Club and other groups have encouraged their members to express their support of this plan, and the EPA is presently reviewing these public comments

Update on State Legislation —ATVs: As noted in the last Mountaineer, bills in both houses of the New York State leg-islature would change the definition of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to include larger, heavier vehicles known as side-by-sides or Utility Task Vehicle (UTVs). Many ADK members have seen firsthand the damage to trails caused by ATV use. These bills are still pending. Since committee assignments will change in the legislative session beginning January 2015, there may be some action on them in the future.

LAST CHANCE

WINTER WEEKEND

in the Catskills

FRIDAY to SUNDAY, MARCH 13–15, 2015 T H E M A N S I O N A T A L F I E ’ S ,

T A N N E R S V I L L E , N Y

In the Catskills near Hunter, Windham and Devil’s Path, with many peaks over 3500 feet.

Downhill & cross-country skiing nearby.

Join us for a hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and fun socializing on the last weekend of winter.

Lo dging: $112.50 per person*

+ $10 for Party Saturday Night

INCLUDES:

2 nights lodging (*with shared bath) – Friday & Saturday

2 light breakfasts – Saturday & Sunday

Saturday night cocktail party, and St. Patrick’s Day celebration after dinner.

DINNERS and LUNCHES NOT INCLUDED: restaurants and shops within walking distance in Tannersville.

Discounted ski lift tickets to Hunter available.

RESERVE NOW! Contact Christine Gillen at

[email protected] or 516-671-3542 before 9 pm, please.

Winter Weekend fills up quickly, so register ASAP.

It’s our last chance for winter fun!

music performances, etc. It has reflected her caring personality and has been very enjoyable as well as informative.

Preparing for writing the column was always on her mind, and Arlene has put lots of time and thought into it. She would pick up some idea from our social conversations while driving, hiking or eating together, and would say “Send me more information on the thing you just talked about.” Then, sure enough, there it was, as an interesting item in a subsequent newsletter.

I will miss reading her column, and hope that whenever she feels like it, Arlene will continue to contribute, drawing on her great quantity, quality and varieties of knowledge, especially on her extensive experiences of Catskills hiking. They are too valuable to be kept buried in her file cabinet.

Thank you, Arlene for your dedication, which has enriched our newsletters and the Chapter as a whole for so many years. Take a rest and enjoy your new free time before you start a new project, whatever it will be.

From Orrie and Goodie Frutkin: We had never heard of ADK, when Goodie met Arlene at EMS – and heard a lot! Arlene's en-thusiasm, torrent of information, and an invitation to the next chapter meeting drew us in, and made us feel at home. She truly has been the hospitality chairwoman! In the Mountaineer, I got to work closely with Arlene. Her People and Perspectives col-umn was the first piece to arrive, before deadline. She's been ADK-LI's social columnist, town crier and thanks to her amazing record-keeping, the chapter's memory. Arlene, anytime you want to write for the Mountaineer again, you will always be welcome.

Arlene continued from p. 2

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www.adkli.org L.I. MOUNTAINEER WINTER — JANUARY–FEBRUARY–MARCH 2015

LONG ISLAND ADK OUTINGS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015

LEADERS: To list Outings in APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2015 issue of the Mountaineer newsletter, send them to: [email protected]

Following your outing, be sure to mail the “Release of Liability/Sign-In Form” to Bill Scheider, 2631 Central Avenue., Baldwin, NY 11510-3634. Also send “Trip Report” to Micheline Kagan at [email protected]

Forms for leaders can be downloaded from www.adkli.org Click on the “For Leaders” tab.

HIKERS: Be sure to check www.adkli.org for additional outings, cancellations and changes to the schedule!

CARPOOLING/PARKING LOCATIONS

MEETING PLACE IS LEADER’S CHOICE. HIKERS: BE SURE TO ASK LEADER FOR PLACE AND TIME TO MEET. Most Outings meet at one of the following locations for carpooling: Christopher Morley Park parking lot (Searingtown Road, just north of LIE Exit 36.) In parking lot, turn right and go to end, the Park & Ride area. Lake Success Shopping Center (Union Tpke, west of New Hyde Park Road) LIE to Exit 34 or Northern State Pkwy to Exit 26, New Hyde Park Rd south. After gas station, turn right on to Union Tpke. Turn left at first traffic light to enter Lake Success Shop-ping Center. Turn left and go past HSBC bank for carpool site. Park at east end of lot.

OUTING RULES AND PROCEDURES – PLEASE READ

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OUTINGS. Call leader several days in advance if you have any questions. Leaders accept reservations on a first-come, first-served basis after the outing is officially listed in the Mountaineer or on the Outings page at the ADK-LI web site – www.adkli.org

Leaders may refuse to take anyone not registered or prepared. Registered participants are expected to show up or call the leader to cancel. Simply sending or leaving a message does not constitute registration. If you do not receive a re-ply to your message, it is your responsibility to follow up and contact the leader prior to the deadline for registration. Participants should provide leader with their phone numbers in case of last minute changes.

Guests are welcome on all outings. Where space is limited, members of the ADK Long Island chapter will have priority. If you go on two or more outings, please help support the Adirondack Mountain Club and the L. I. chapter by be-coming a member Go to www.adkli.org and click “Join.” Be sure to select “Long Island Chapter” for your affiliation.

GROUND RULES Minors (younger than 18 years) must have signed permission of a parent or guardian. Participants are responsible for their own safety and comfort. Food, snacks, water and extra clothing/raingear must be carried by participant. Check with leader to learn of any special requirements for the hike. Hiking boots are recommended for all ADK hikes.

CARPOOL RATES We encourage carpooling and sharing expenses. Suggested carpool rates shown here are for roundtrip per rider. Drivers set the final rate with agreement of riders. L.I. East End $10, Harriman $18, Shawangunks $25, Catskills $35, Adirondacks $60. For upstate rides: If 2 riders, deduct $2 each; 3 riders deduct $3 each; 4 riders deduct $4 each from these rates. Lead-ers should try to equalize number of riders in each car. $5 surcharge will be added when gas prices exceed $4/gallon.

HIKE CLASSIFICATIONS (Hike classifications are subjective. If you are uncertain if you are up to the hike, consult the leader.)

A: Strenuous, long distances over rugged terrain with lots of climbing or more than 35 miles on bike.

B: Moderate, shorter distances with less climbing or 10-30 miles on bike. Moderate hikes may have some steep climb-ing and/or rugged terrain, but are less demanding than strenuous hikes. C: Easy, short distance over flat terrain at a leisurely pace or 10 miles or less on bike. Suitable for beginners.

WINTER ALERT: Check whether the hike you’re interested in requires “full winter gear.” That means traction aids, i.e. MicroSpikes or Stabilicers (about $60) (no Yaktrax), snowshoes ($100 to $200)), and, crampons for ice ($95 to $200.) Check with hike leader for gear needed for current conditions at your hiking venue. Dress in layers and carry extra socks, etc. Gear may be purchased at EMS, REI, Campmor, or other outfitters. EMS and REI no longer rent snowshoes or skis. EMS (516-747-7360) and REI (516-873-8540) stores on Glen Cove Road, Carle Place. Campmor (product info 800-525-4784; orders: 800-226-7667) Route 17, Saddle River, NJ. Or check outfitters’ web sites.

SEE PAGE 9 FOR SUGGESTED WINTER GEAR LIST.

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Outings Schedule Check http://www.adkli.org/html/outings.asp

to get the latest updates, additions and changes. In the e-mail Mountaineer, just click on the link!

Outings continue on next page

A Saturday, December 27, 2014. Windham High Peak/Burnt Knob, Catskills. We’ll spot cars for a shuttle, and take the Escarpment Trail over Wind-ham High Peak to Burnt Knob. This is a moderately strenuous but leisurely paced trail hike of 7 miles and an elevation gain of approximately 2000’. Wind-ham is one of the Catskill 3500 peaks and there are many fine views from both Windham and Burnt Knob. Previous hiking experience required. Full win-ter gear may be needed. Register with leader Sue Kenyon, [email protected] or call 917-613-2042 by December 24. Joint with 3500 Club.

B Thursday, January 1, 2015. New Year’s Day Hike in the Hudson Highlands. Destination Sugar-loaf Hill, where we’ll have great views of West Point and the Hudson Valley. Start from Graymoor Monas-tery off Rte. 9 in Garrison, and return on the Osborn Loop and AT. Approx. 6 miles. Depending on weath-er and trail conditions, we may need traction devices or snow shoes. Optional stop for dinner at Table 9 Family Restaurant in Cortlandt Manor. Register with leader Micheline Kagan 516-659-8852 or by email to [email protected] by Dec 30th before 9 pm.

A Saturday, January 3. Hunter Mountain, Catskills Seven miles, total ascent: 2000-ft. Moderately paced snowshoe to the second highest peak in the

Catskills (4040-ft.) We’ll visit the fire tower, if it is open. Full Winter gear required. Register with leader Ed Moran [email protected] or call 631-724-4540 by Thursday, January 1.

NR Tuesday, January 6 – ADK-LI Meeting – All Welcome. “The Mountains Will Wait For You” Documentary film about Grace Hudowalski, ‘matriarch of the mountains.’ (See pages 8 & 12.)

C Saturday, January 10. Makamah Nature Pre-serve hike – Northport, LI. Walk through Makamah Preserve for about three miles. Easy, but may need traction aid like Micro-Spikes if it is icy. Register with Nancy Hodson [email protected] or 631-239-1867 by Friday, Jan. 9.

A Saturday, January 10. Kaaterskill High Peak, Catskills. A moderately paced hike, approximately 8.5 miles with 1,900-ft ascent to one of the Catskill 3500 peaks. Full winter gear required. We’ll follow the Long Path and snowmobile trail and then a final

bushwhack to the top. Register by Thursday, January 8th with leaders Pat Wachter, 631-669-6450 (before 8 pm) or Eunsil Recksiek, [email protected]

A Saturday, January 17. Westkill Mountain, Cats-kills. A moderately paced hike, approximately 6.5 miles with 1,800 foot ascent. Full winter gear required. Westkill offers some of the best views of the Catskills. Register by Thursday, January 15th with leaders Pat Wachter, 631-669-6450 (before 8 pm) or Eunsil Reck-siek, [email protected]

NR Sunday to Friday, February 1–6. Ski Mount Snow, Vermont. Stay at The Lodge at Mount Snow includes 5 breakfasts, 5 dinners, 5 2-hour ski or board lessons and 5-day lift ticket. The Lodge is a 5-minute shuttle from the lifts. Double room occupancy is $625 ($595 for senior 62+), add $100 for single room occu-pancy. Joint outing with AMC, Nassau Hiking and Outdoors Club (NHOC), and the Double Diamond Ski Club. Cost fully refundable before Jan 15; 50% before Jan 30. For complete details, contact trip leader Jim Ansel, [email protected] or 516-567-9308.

NR Tuesday, February 3 – ADK-LI Meeting – All Welcome. “Invasive Species of Long Island Sound” (see pages 8 & 12.)

A Sunday, February 8. Big Indian Mountain, Cats-kills. Moderately paced hike from Seager trailhead following a beautiful brook over two miles past Shan-daken Brook Lean-to and continuing to Big Indian (summit 3701-ft) with a very short bushwhack. Ap-proximately 8.5 miles. Elev. gain 1,700'. Full winter gear required. Register before Thursday, February 5th with leaders Pat Wachter, 631-669-6450 (before 8 pm) or eunsil Recksiek [email protected]

A- Saturday to Monday, February 13–16 (Presidents Day Weekend.) Cross-country Skiing, Adirondacks. We’ll ski Saturday and Sunday on the Jackrabbit Trail (35 miles total.) This trail connects the Paul Smiths College VIC (Visitors' Interpretive Center) to Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Keene. Spend Fri-day and Sunday nights in Lake Placid, and Saturday night in Saranac Lake. Contact leader Michael Vaughan [email protected] (preferred) or 518-637-9495 before February 11.

A+ Saturday, February 21, Wittenburg & Cornell Mountains – Catskills. Strenuous 9.4-mile (round trip) hike from Woodland Valley with elevation gain of 2,850-ft. Full winter gear required, especially cram-pons for the famous Cornell Crack. Register before Thursday, February 19th with leaders Pat Wachter, 631-669-6450 (before 8 pm) or email Eunsil Recksiek [email protected]

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es. The Preserve is home to an amazing variety of birds, including the endangered piping plover and least tern. Carpooling strongly encouraged to share ferry ex-penses. Moderately paced trail hike. 11 miles on the Blue trail exploring a variety of fauna and flora. No go if rain or snow. Contact leader Lanny Wexler [email protected] or (516) 390-8912 between 7 and 10 pm.

B- Saturday, March 28. Fahnestock State Park hike. Moderately paced 7.2-mile loop hike on the Charcoal Burners, Cabot, Perkins and Fahnestock trails with gen-tle ups and downs. This hike has a little bit of everything that makes Fahnestock a great place to hike in all sea-sons. We’ll pass three ponds, open fields, mountain laurel thickets, and follow a gurgling stream. Excellent hike for fit beginners. To register, contact leader Bill Schneider at [email protected] (preferred) or 516-378-3043 (before 9 pm) by Thursday, March 26th.

B Saturday, April 4. Spring Trail Maintenance on Schunemunk Mountain. Join us for the annual Spring clearing on our adopted section of the Long Path on Schunemunk. Distance about four miles with good views from the top. Bring work gloves and loppers or pruning shears, if you have them. Excellent outing for beginners. Contact Pat Wachter 631-669-6450 (before 8 pm) by April 2.

B Saturday, April 18. Spring Trail Mainte-nance – Catskills. Join us for Spring Trail Maintenance on the section of the Long Path that our chapter adopted southeast of Peeka-moose Mountain. The trail covers Bangle Hill and Samson Mountain. Distance is about four miles. Bring work gloves and loppers or pruners, if you have them. Beginners are welcome. contact Eunsil Recksiek [email protected] or 631-921-0028 by April 16.

Outings continue from page 5

A+ Saturday, February 28. Graham and Balsam Lake Mountains – Catskills. Seven miles. Ascent: 2,800-ft. Strenuous bushwhack from the valley to

Graham (3,868-ft) then hike on the herd path and trail to Balsam Lake Mountain (3,723-ft). Registration period: from February 21-26. Leader: Jerry Licht. Call only, no e-mail or text (516) 477-8602 before 9 pm. Joint with Catskill 3500 Club.

NR Tuesday, March 3. ADK-LI Meeting. All Wel-come. “Fracking” presentation by Jane Fuscilli of the Sierra Club on hydraulic fracturing. (See p. 8, 12)

A Saturday, March 7. Fir Mountain – Catskills. Moderate-paced 2-mile hike to Biscuit Brook Lean-to area and then bushwhack up Fir, approximately 7 miles round trip. Elev. gain of 2,400'. Full winter gear required. Register before Thursday, March 5 with leaders Pat Wachter, 631-669-6450 (before 8 pm) or Eunsil Recksiek [email protected]

NR Friday to Sunday, March 13–15. ADK-LI “Last Chance” Catskills Winter Weekend. Join us for a weekend of hiking, skiing, snow-shoeing and fun socializing on the last weekend of winter. Lodging is at The Mansion at Alfie's in Tannersville, NY, near many high peaks, and ski areas. Discounted lift tickets to Hunter availa-ble. Within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Lodging rate is $112.50 per room + $10.00 party fee. Includes two nights lodging with shared bath, and light breakfasts. Party fee covers Saturday night cocktail party and St. Pat-rick's Day celebration after dinner. Lunch and dinner not included. Contact Christine Gillen at [email protected] or 516-671-3542 before 9 pm. Winter Weekend fills up quickly, so please reg-ister ASAP. See ad on page 3.

A Saturday, March 14. Hunter and SW Hunter Mountains – Catskills. Distance: 10 miles. Ascent: 2,225-ft. Moderately paced trail hike to Hunter, 2nd highest Catskill peak (4,040') and bushwhack to SW Hunter (3,740’). Full winter gear required. Reg-istration period: March 6-12. Leader: Jerry Licht. Call only, no email or text (516) 477-8602 before 9 pm. Joint with Catskill 3500 Club.

B Saturday, March 21. Mashomack Preserve Hike, Shelter Island. Known as the "Jewel of the Peconic," Mashomack Preserve is a natural area of nearly 2,100 acres that encompasses diverse habi-tats of woodlands, fields, salt marshes and beach-

In case of bad weather or other hazardous conditions:

Call St. Luke Lutheran Church to find out if the building will be closed or if activities are can-celled: (631) 271-4455

Check the ADK-LI Yahoo Group for messages http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adkli/

Contact Ed Moran or other Board Member, (see p. 2.)

Bad Weather? Is ADK-LI Meeting Cancelled?

Find Out Before You Go.

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Bill Schneider and Pat Wachter as they completed their final Saranac Lake 6er peak. The group started hiking, passing the historic railroad line tracks. Shortly, we came upon a newly constructed bench overlooking a stream. It had been placed there in memory of Captain Paul John McKay of the Australian Army, who died on Scarface in January 2014. After a moment of reflection, we continued on a gentle woods road for two miles.

On the steeper uphill, we came to an intimidating grouping of rock/root/mud conglomerate devoid of trail markings. As we tried to navigate up and around it, we separated from three group members. Hikers called out, but were not heard through the dense trees and cliffs. Eventually, we reunited to proceed to the viewless summit. After a few pictures and celebra-tion we descended to a nice viewpoint for lunch. After the hike, the group drove to Saranac Lake where Bill and Pat rang the bell six times each, signaling their completion of the Saranac Lake 6er quest. Several hikers went to a new local brewery for a beer tasting, where they met another group of ADK-LI hikers. A great day!

OCTOBER 25, FAHNESTOCK. Veteran hiking dogs, Winter the poodle and Tenor the border collie, along with newcomer, Cassie the bearded collie, led two other hiking dogs, Vance the beagle and Sasha the black lab on the five-mile Catfish Loop Trail in Fahnestock State Park. They dragged along their hu-man companions, Eunsil Recksiek, Mike Kaiser, Bill Schneider, Dan and Joanne King, Judy Adams, Sue and Dennis Stricker, Eric Markowitz, Ken Singh, In-hae Kim, and Carol McHugh. With many of the leaves off the trees, some views were available from this mellow hike in a less-travelled part of Fahnestock. It was also noted that Winter had the perfect camou-flage to blend in with the leaves and became almost invisible. All canine and human hikers got along and are looking forward to the next dog hike with the hu-mans that tagged along.

NOVEMBER 2, TREMPER MTN. FIRE TOWER. Connie Duquette, Shelley Weber, Ed Moran, Mike Vaughan, Keelin Murphy and Stacy Santini hiked with co-leaders Grace Gargiulo and Mike Kaiser up the moderately sloped old jeep road to the tower. The weather was brisk and there was some snow at the top. Although the tower was closed, many climbed the stairs up to the deck. Grace completed her Catskill Fire Towers, and Stacy enjoyed her first hike with ADK-LI. Stacy asked and received hiking information from the more experienced hiking group. After the hike, we all enjoyed pizza at Brio’s in Phoenicia.

NOVEMBER 22 — NASSAU-SUFFOLK GREEN-BELT. Bill Schneider led Shelly Weber, Stacy Santini,


Looking Back continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 28 — VANDERWHACKER MOUNTAIN, ADIRONDACKS. It was a towering achievement for Mike Kaiser: completing the ADK Fire Tower Challenge 2014 on Vanderwhacker Mountain in the Central Adirondacks. For the Challenge, Mike had to climb 18 of 23 Adirondack Park Fire Tower summits and all five Catskill Park Fire Tower summits. Mike and his companions marked the occasion by wearing do-rags.

OCTOBER 11 – MCKENZIE MTN (SARANAC LAKE 6.) Our group of six comprising co-leaders Bill Schneider and Pat Wachter, Eunsil Recksiek, Eric Markowitz, Lorraine Brink and Hector Herrera started for McKenzie on a cool morning. The goal was to use the Shore Owners Associa-tion network of trails, specifically the Bartlett Pond Trail. After preceding uphill from the iron gate and signage, we lost direction on the lower portion of the Lake Trail, never finding Camp #92 Asulykit. Eventually Bill and Eunsil found the proper start of the Bartlett Pond Trail near the brook. The trails are singularly maintained by Mr. Richard Hayes Phillips. The first 1.75 miles are picturesque along the brook to the isolation of Bartlett Pond. From there, the last mile is a steep steady uphill, but comfortable trail. This trail avoids the nasty vertical rock and tree-limb scrambles on the other approach from the Jack Rabbit Trail. On top, several outcroppings provided views; espe-cially awesome was the Lake Placid view. The hike was worth every uphill step, and it is highly recommended for a sunny fall peak season day.

OCTOBER 12 – SCARFACE (SARANAC LAKE 6.) Eunsil Recksiek, Eric Markowitz, Goodie and Orrie Frutkin, Shel-ley Weber, Nancy Fender, Mike Kaiser joined co-leaders

Looking Back Micheline Kagan

LEADERS: SEND TRIP REPORTS TO: Micheline Kagan E-mail: [email protected]

Mike Kaiser towers over (get it?) Grace Gargiulo, Gail Tremblay, Connie Duquette, and Don Slick.

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www.adkli.org

Joe Sorrentino, Andy Rocco, Eric Markowitz, Steve List, Susan Dziurzynski, Jeannette Denuzzo, Mike Camp, Jerry Licht and Eunsil Recksiek on the Greenbelt trail. Most of the hikers opted to do the complete out and back, which is about 11 miles, with a cumulative elevation change of al-most 1,200 feet. There was also an option for hikers to opt out at the halfway point, Cold Spring Harbor.

Several of the group who were new members and others who had not done the Greenbelt before were surprised that great outdoor experiences like this exist amid Long Island’s suburban sprawl.

NOVEMBER 28 — BALSAM AND EAGLE IN THE CATS-KILLS. Connie Duquette led Grace Gargiulo, Mike Kaiser, Shelly Weber, Eric Markowitz and Ken Singh. We met at McKinley Hollow which was partially plowed after the snow-storm. After Eric found parking, we donned our hunter or-ange and snowshoes, and started out. Grace led us to the junction, and then we took turns breaking trail. We passed Balsam summit to get to a viewpoint where we had a quick lunch. We retraced our steps and continued on to Eagle where there is a small cairn. After another snack/drink break we returned to the parking area where we met the only oth-er hikers we encountered all day. They were on their way to stay in the lean-to. We covered about nine miles and it was chilly, windy with some snow showers. But it was a great first snowshoe of the season.

NOVEMBER 29 — TURKEY HILL LAKE, HARRIMAN. Just two days after Thanksgiving and three days following an early-season snowstorm, nine hikers (five fewer than had originally registered), set out on a cloudy day from An-thony Wayne parking with Turkey Hill Lake as the destina-tion. Zahra Asadi, Ellen Dash, Goodie and Orrie Frutkin, Micheline Kagan, Sue Kenyon, Eric Markowitz, Andy Roc-co and Bill Schneider donned traction aids and set out to explore a lesser traveled route in Harriman.

The first viewpoint was just beyond the junction of the Fawn Trail and the Timp Torne Trail. While carefully navi-gating the rock ledge, the group could see the Perkins Me-morial Tower (built by the CCC and named after the first president of the PIPC) on Bear Mountain.

The group continued, crossing several spots significant in the Revolutionary War, and then on to Queensboro Lake followed by Turkey Hill Lake. Water views framed by branches with freshly-fallen snow created a pretty picture. After the lunch stop beside Turkey Hill Lake, the ambitious hikers headed up Long Mountain on the Long Path to the Raymond H. Torrey Memorial. (Torrey wrote many articles promoting building trails, including the LP, and was a founder of the NY/NJ Trail Conference.) The memorial is carved in the summit’s stone and was covered with snow, but the group was treated to another beautiful view.

L.I. MOUNTAINEER WINTER — JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015 — “The Mountains Will Wait for You” a fascinating film portrait of Grace Hudow-

alski, the first woman and only the ninth person to complete all of the Adirondack’s 46 High Peaks. (Grace Peak is named for her.) The film directed by Fred Schwoebel with narration by Johnny Cash, documents the stories that provided compelling inspiration for this tribute to Grace and her lifelong dedica-tion to the Adirondacks and those who climb them. (See http://tinyurl.com/lluuru7 for de-tails and reviews.)

Mr. Schwoebel has kindly provided a limited number of DVDs of “The Mountains Will Wait for You”, which will be for sale at a special discount price of $15 at the meeting.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 — “INVASIVE SPECIES OF L.I. SOUND” Amy Mandelbaum, Outreach Coordinator for the Long Island Sound Study group and Victoria O’Neill, Habitat Resto-ration Coordinator will be present an enlightening slide talk on invasive species they are working to eradi-cate, including mile-a-minute weed and perennial pepperweed. They'll also discuss how they work with local organizations on volunteer days to combat the invaders.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 — “FRACKING” Jane Fuscilli of the Sierra Club presents the facts about hydraulic fractur-ing, the controversial process of extracting natural gas and oil from underground shale formations – what it is and how it impacts New York State property owners, parks and the environment. Don’t miss this important presentation.

Looking Back continued from page 8 ADK-LI Monthly Meetings We’re getting 2015 off to a great start with three varied programs. Save the dates! Time and travel info on p. 12.

January is devoted to a tribute to Grace Hudowalski (46er #9,) the Adirondacks’ remarkable “matriarch of the mountains,” with a documentary film, as well as personal recollections by our own Arlene Scholer.

In February, you’ll learn about invaders that are cover-ing L.I. And in March, we’ll get the facts about fracking.

If you would like to share an adventure, outdoor skill, or other information about wilderness conservation and recreation at an ADK-LI meeting, contact Shelley Weber, Program Chairwoman, at [email protected]

Mile-a-minute weed

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Winter Gear List Winter may be the most beautiful season for hiking. But it’s vital to be prepared and well-equipped for the conditions: cold, slippery, often wet, and shorter days. Here’s a guide to help you pack for hikes marked “Full Winter Gear Required.” You won't need every item here for every outing, but you can use it to help you plan and pack for what you're likely to need, plus some NO-NO’s:

DRESS IN LAYERS: Against your skin, wear tops and bottoms of wicking fabric (polypro, Capilene, Techwick, etc.) that will move perspiration off your body. Available in light-, mid-, and heavy-weight for a range of temps and activity levels. NO COTTON!

LIGHT UPPER-BODY INSULATING LAYER: At least one light-weight insulating layer for hiking: wool or synthetic shirt, lightweight fleece, wool or synthetic sweater.

PANTS: Breathable nylon hiking pants or light-weight tight-weave wool (non-fuzzy sort.) or warm, breathable nylon or Gore-Tex leggings over long underwear. NO JEANS OR SWEATPANTS! Rain pants, breathable Gore-Tex. Side-zips for ventila-tion recommended.

EXTRA INSULATING LAYERS: Bring extra layers in your pack to keep you warm when you're stand-ing around in the cold, or shed as you warm up: thick fleece, wool sweater or light- to midweight down or synthetic insulation jacket. Also bring extra lower body layer (fleece, wool, down, or synthetic pants, or expedition-weight synthetic long johns.)

RAIN/WIND GEAR: Waterproof outer shell layer with hood, and pants. Gore-Tex or similar breath-able waterproof fabric. On a budget? Look for lower tech breathable nylon wind jacket and pants.

INSULATED, WATERPROOF GLOVES OR MIT-TENS (warmer than gloves) and light wicking liners.

SKI CAPS (2), SKI MASK (BALACLAVA).

WINTER BOOTS: Waterproof (Gore-Tex or similar) hiking boots. You may want (or need) insulated winter boots (lined with wool felt or synthetic Thin-sulate insulation.) Difficult backcountry conditions, may require technical mountaineering boots. SOCKS: Two pair, wool or synthetic. NO COTTON! Lightweight inner socks made of wicking fibers (e.g. Coolmax, polyester, etc.) silk or lightweight wool help keep feet dry and warm, and prevent blisters. Some hikers also use neoprene bootie socks.

GAITERS: Strongly recommended for keeping snow out of boots, and lower legs dry and warmer.

TRACTION AIDS: These are essential! They attach to your boots to provide traction on ice, hard snow or other slippery conditions where more aggressive crampons are not needed. MicroSpikes or Stabilicers are reliable, light-weight, and effective. (YAKTRAX are not suitable for wilderness hiking!)

CRAMPONS: Aggressive “claws” strap on to boots to provide traction in more severe icy conditions. Available in full-foot or instep length in models de-signed for trail hiking, backcountry or technical ice-climbing.

SNOWSHOES: Let you walk on snow without sink-ing in, while attached crampons provide traction. REI, EMS, Campmor, and other serious outfitters can help you select snowshoes suitable for you and the conditions where you will be hiking. MSR, Tubbs, Atlas, Louis Garneau make models for a variety of uses. Steel bottom crampons (claws) recommended.

HIKING POLES WITH LARGE SNOW BASKETS

SAFETY: Flashlight and/or headlight (and extra bat-teries), map and compass, reflective Mylar “space” blanket, first aid kit, repair parts for gear, duct tape.

CELL PHONE programmed with park police phone numbers (can be found on most trail maps.)

ESSENTIALS FOR ANY SEASON: Loud signal whistle, sunscreen, lip balm, anti-blister protection and moleskin, knife or multi-tool, clothing repair sup-plies – extra boot laces, safety pins, duct tape, seal-able plastic bags.

BACKPACK and RAIN COVER. You may need a larger pack for bulky winter wear and gear. It should have attachment points for Microspikes, snowshoes, crampons, etc. Line it with 30-gallon plastic bag.

LUNCH, MUNCH AND DRINK: You’re going to be burning a lot of calories, so carry high-calorie, quick-burn energy food and snacks: sandwiches, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, apple slices, granola, nutrition or en-ergy bars, meat jerky or cheese (diced in advance.) No cans, no food that freezes. Often, there is no ex-tended lunch stop, so prepare to munch along the way. Always bring extra.

WATER: At least two quarts in wide-mouth, leak-proof, shatterproof bottles. Insulate bottles in foam sleeve or wool socks, and carry them upside-down to prevent lid freezing shut. THERMOS OF HOT TEA, SOUP, NO COFFEE!

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A fter a long day on the trail, I took off my heavy backpack and was finally relaxing while watching the sun set on Stratton Pond, the largest body of water on the Long Trail in Vermont. The scene was sub-lime and, wow!, I thought, it doesn’t get any better than this. Then I saw the full moon rise and light up the land-scape. Wow!, I thought, it doesn’t get any better than this. Until, of course, the next morning, when the sun rose over Stratton Pond.

I recently retired from my life-long accounting gig. And at the top of my bucket list was to backpack Vermont’s Long Trail.

What is the Long Trail, you ask? The Long Trail is our country’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, stretching 273 miles over the entire length of the state of Vermont, going up and over 53 mountains from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border. It runs along the main spine of the Green Mountains and is quite rugged, especially the section in northern Vermont.

M y initial plan was to backpack the entire trail Long Trail. I had previously day-hiked many of the big-gest peaks on the trail, and thought it would be a great experience to backpack it in one month-long push. My wife Diane kindly offered to support me, helping me to resupply on a weekly basis, and to take a rest day when necessary at our ski club lodge. But I also love to trail run, and I thought this would be a unique opportunity to run one of our country’s great trails. So my revised plan was to run half the Long Trail, and backpack half the trail. I had never before backpacked more than a few days, nor had I run a trail more than 10 miles in a day in mild moun-tains in NJ. Could a dude pushing 60 run and backpack the whole Long Trail? I was about to find out.

I trained hard and was in good physical condition, so I decided to start the backpacking part of my Long Trail adventure at the Canadian border and head south. I had heard that this northern section was extremely rugged, but I pondered, how hard could it be? Going steeply up and down mountain after mountain on roots and rocks with a 45-lb pack for 15 miles a day. This is fun?!

The scenery was stunning, but my body got beat up, and I had to take a “zero” (rest) day earlier than expected to heal various body parts. Rather than continue backpack-ing after the rest day, I decided to mix it up and trail run in between the multi-day backpack stints. That was a good decision, as running with a light daypack stressed my body differently than backpacking with a heavy pack. But both were tough.

A normal backpacking day would be about 15 miles, the actual daily length determined by the distance between the shelters. The use of a shelter (lean-to, camp, lodge) became essential to me, as I jettisoned my tent from my pack to lighten my load. The running distances were long-er, typically 15 to 25 miles including thousands of vertical feet of ascent and descent. The most difficult day of exer-cise of my life was when I ran a 24-mile section of the trail up and down Mt. Mansfield (VT’s biggest mountain) and Bolton Mtn., covering 8000-ft ascent and 9000’ descent. I was so exhausted in the latter part of the run, I had to lean against trees occasionally to keep from falling down.

O ne of the great pleasures of my Long Trail adven-ture was to meet and share shelters with Long Trail and Appalachian Trail through-hikers, some going north-bound, and some going southbound. The AT coincides with the Long Trail from southern to central Vermont for 100 miles, at which time the AT hangs a right and heads toward New Hampshire while the Long Trail continues north to Canada.

The male AT’ers were easy to spot – slim with beards and long strides — except for the guy who asked me to pass him as he was walking slowly. Why slowly? He was doing the entire AT barefoot. A bit surprising to me was the number of the women AT’ers of all ages hiking alone. So the AT is not only a guy thing.

There were some memorable moments on the trail that I will not soon forget:

The climb up the Stratton Mountain fire tower in perfect weather, revealing a stunning four-state (VT, NH, NY, MA) view.

Spending a night alone in a lean-to with a coyote howling just outside the entrance of the open shelter.

A cold, wet day discovering ice in the trees on Camel’s Hump. This is summer?

Running and Backpacking Vermont’s Long Trail by Allen Grunthal

Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page

My wife and the friend, who was the best man at our wed-ding, joining me to climb Bromley Mountain.

Lunch while sitting on a summit lift chair at the Mad River Glen ski area, only to see the chair start running minutes after I got off the chair.

And finally, my wife meeting me a few miles from the fin-ish on my last day to hold hands and walk with me as I finished the Long Trail.

F or those of you contemplating your own Long Trail adventure, I recommend you begin in early Septem-ber. The summer crowds and bugs will be gone, and the foliage on the trees will begin turning magnificent shades of red, orange and yellow. Going from south to north will tune up your body for the more rugged northern region.

And finally, I would like to thank my wonderful wife Diane, without whose emotional and logistical support my Long Trail adventure would not have been possible.

273 Miles Later: Allen at the southern end of Vermont’s Long Trail near the Massachusetts border.

Welcome New Members!

Pauline Abolnar, Northport

Lynne Basileo, Miller Place

Alex Cherian, Valley Stream

Elaine Cobis, Deer Park

Patricia Cooke, Center Moriches

Robert and Catherine Cresko, Huntington

Laraine Fletcher, Jamaica

Donald and Laura Kavanagh, Sea Cliff

Steven and Lois Mc Cafferty, Riverhead

John Moriarty, Bristol CT

Robert and Beth Papa, Massapequa

Gisbert and JoAnn Pauwaerter, Cutchogue

Steven Rabinowitz, Huntington Station

Dr. Robin Robbins, East Islip

John Rodger, East Islip

Pam Sinacore, Sayville

Michael Simon and Maria Sola, Locust Valley

Amy Strawgate, Wantagh

Kevin Ciani, Manhasset

William E. Crump, Lindenhurst

Elizabeth Doyle, Hampton Bays

Hector Herrera, East Rockaway

Ernest Herrington, Islip

Godlind Johnson, East Setauket

Bob Massey, West Babylon

Jonathan Sharrer, Hauppauge

Jeffrey Shelkey and Joanne Willey, Bayville

Albert and Barbara Thompson, Wantagh

And Welcome Back!

Visit ADK-LI on Facebook for outings, photos, news,

posts, links and more!

Click on the logo here, or go to: https://www.facebook.com/ADKLI

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DEADLINES FOR APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2015 ISSUE

OUTINGS DEADLINE: FEB. 25 ARTICLES DEADLINE: FEB. 28

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Leaders, send Trip Reports to: [email protected]

ADK-LI MONTHLY MEETINGS — ALL WELCOME!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 “THE MOUNTAINS WILL WAIT FOR YOU” Documentary film about Grace Hudowalski, the first woman and only the ninth Adirondack High Peaks 46er. It’s a warm, fascinating story of a woman whose passion for the backcountry, and dedicated advocacy for wilderness preservation made her the “matriarch of the mountaineers.” ADK-LI’s Arlene Scholer, who met Grace, will share personal insights about her.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 “INVASIVE SPECIES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND” Amy Mandelbaum, Outreach Coor-dinator for the Long Island Sound study and Victoria O’Neill, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, will present an illustrated discussion of invasive plant species that they are working to eradicate, such as the Perennial Pep-perweed and Mile-a-Minute weed, including how local organizations can volunteer to help combat them.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 “FRACKING” a presentation by Jane Fuscilli of the Sierra Club on hydraulic fracturing, the process of extracting natural gas and oil from underground shale formations by using chemicals as well as explosives to break up the rocks. In NY State, fracking has had adverse effects on property owners, parks and the environment. Please come learn more about this very important issue.

Regular meetings start at 8:00 P.M. Come early at 7:30 P.M. to socialize, network and enjoy light refreshments.

WHERE: ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH (EDUCATION BUILDING) 20 CANDLEWOOD PATH AT VANDERBILT MEMORIAL PARKWAY, DIX HILLS, NY

DIRECTIONS: (GPS Coordinates Latitude: 40.810493, Longitude: -73.336918 (or N 40° 48' 36”, W 73° 20' 12'') From Northern State, Exit 42 (Deer Park Ave. South) Go south about 0.8 miles to light at Vanderbilt Parkway. Turn left (east) on Vanderbilt. In about 2/10 mile, turn right onto Candlewood Path. Continue to St. Luke Church. From L.I.E. Exit 51 (Deer Park Ave. North.) Go north 1 mile to Vanderbilt Pkwy. Turn right (east.) In about 2/10 mile, turn right at Candlewood Path, and continue to St. Luke Church. Park and go to Education Bldg. behind main Church building. Look for ADK sign on the outer door. As you enter, our room is on left.

L.I. MOUNTAINEER WINTER — JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015

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