March-May 2015 Newsletter - Mohican Chapter of the Adirondack

MARCH – MAY 2015
Newsletter of the Mohican Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club
Serving Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties ...and Beyond
From the Chapter Chair
and Vice-Chair
NO MEETINGS IN THE WINTER – OUR NEXT
MEETINGS WILL BE IN APRIL AND JUNE
-------------------------------
Our next ADK Meeting will be Wednesday, April
1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at Westmoreland Sanctuary,
260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Hills, N.Y.
Hi Everyone:
Well, has this been some winter -- or WHAT?
We've had snow storms, ice storms, wind storms,
as well as all three happening at once - and even a
pseudo-blizzard!
Skiing at Craftsbury
Outdoor Center in
Craftsbury Common
in Vermont.
As I write this the weatherman says that we will be
having the coldest temps this weekend in 20 years.
Well, that said, this cold, snowy winter has also
given us lots of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing,
ice-skating, and hiking in the crisp and clear beauty
of a winter's day. We are grateful for the people
who invented hand and toe warmers, wool socks,
heated car seats, snow blowers, etc.
Jean Dolen tells us
this is an inspiring
place to experience
the great outdoors. It
is a year round
destination on 400
acres and Jean has skied there for many winters.
She will present a slide show of cross country
skiing through the hills of Vermont
There is nothing so satisfying as coming inside
from a few hours of exercise on such a day, and
having a hot chocolate or a hot toddy by a warm
fire. This is what keeps us all living in the
Northeast!
BITS & PIECES
And won't it be a wonder to see the first crocuses
peeking up out of the snow, welcoming spring and
all the warmth and color of the season.
Reasons for walking in the woods:
1. The Japanese have a practice called “forest
bathing” which is nothing more than hanging
out in the woods. They believe that aside from
nature’s
relaxing
effects,
trees
emit
antimicrobial compounds that may boost
immunity.
And do we have spring hikes for You! Take a look
at the hikes listed in this newsletter, and mark them
down as I usually do in anticipation of an exciting
spring hiking season. We have lots of wonderful
hikes in the schedule, including a May 3rd trek
through Central Park to see the flowers in bloom,
and to view all the historical sites. Now won't that
be grand?
2. Doing some form of moderate daily activity like
walking can cut your number of colds in half.
The increased breathing and blood flow and
temporary rise in body temperature are
believed to aid the immune system.
Also, please try to come to our April and June
meetings at Westmoreland Sanctuary. It would be
nice to see a large turnout representing our
Chapter of the ADK - to see our friends and hear
interesting talks with slides and photos of trips and
hikes from some of our members.
3. Walking is the best and easiest way to avoid or
reduce arthritic knee pain. 6,000 steps per day
(60 minutes of walking) is recommended but
even 3,000 steps a day can help mobility.
Spring is just around the corner! See you all on the
trails!
Adeline and Jean
1
MARCH – MAY 2015
used to in the Northeast. This is a trip not to be
missed, but it's good to be back home again.
Jennifer Reidy organized a late 2014 hike of the
entire Old Croton Aqueduct trail. On December 27,
Jennifer Reidy, Kathie Laug, Sue Perciasepi, Lisa
Weismiller and Jane Restani finished all 3 sections
between the Croton Dam and Bryant Park in NYC
thereby hiking the full 41 miles over three different
days. They were joined by Eileen West and Liz
Rubin for some parts of the venture. Margaret
Freifeld will make up the last 3rd from Lehman
College, through The Bronx, Harlem and Central
Park when she recovers from her medical
treatment. We hope by then the High Bridge ( part
of the original aqueduct) from the Bronx to
Manhattan will be open to pedestrians and we will
avoid the incredible crush on Fifth Avenue that the
earlier finishers experienced. The group enjoyed
seeing the parts of the Aqueduct still visible, such
as ventilators in Westchester County, various
gatehouses, and the berms covering the original
pipes that provided linear walkways in parts of
Westchester and the Bronx. A thank you goes out
to the kind folks at High Bridge Recreation Center
who enthusiastically shared their facility and
knowledge of the area with the hikers, even if they
thought our project was a bit odd.
Jane Restani on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro
(19,351’) along with 5 others on Sunday, February
14. Their final push started at midnight from their
camp at 15,300+ feet. After an 8-hour slog in the
dark and a snowstorm and ascending 4,000 feet in
a little over 3 miles, they summited Uhura Peak.
Way to go Jane!!!!!
Carol Ann Benton and
Eileen West spent two
glorious weeks in early
November hiking in
Utah and Arizona. The
first week was on their
own with visits to Zion,
Bryce
and
Grand
Canyon
National
Parks. They hiked past
hoodoos, mountain and
desert
vistas,
and
(unfortunately)
only
At
entrance
to
The
partway down the trails
Narrows, a slot canyon in
leading
to the Colorado
Zion
River at Grand Canyon
due to the unavailability of beds at the Phantom
Ranch. But it didn't matter--all of the national parks
were truly amazing. Then it was off to Sedona for a
second week of hiking with an ADK group led by
Sue Kenyon. Among the other 17 participants was
chapter member Mirjana Djordjevic, who is back on
the trails after recovering from a serious skiing
accident--she sends her best to all. The weather
was cool at night, warm and dry during the day (are
you jealous yet?), and the sandy terrain and
switchbacks were very different from what we are
Our best wishes go out to Margaret Freifeld who is
recovering so well from her recent procedure that
she is doing easy walks/hikes and has even
volunteered to lead a hike in Teatown on March
22nd – Margaret you are the best!!!!
October
Dan Belcastro, Sharon Bodenschatz, Amanda
Ingtassia and Terry and Angela Livingston
November
David Larson, Robert Williams, Joanne Witmyer
December
Linda Nastaszewski, David Nissen and Eileen Taus
REJOINED MEMBERS
Gay Barton, Davie and Melissa Duda, Alan and
Catherine Webb, Diane Bamford, Walter Bruice,
Barbara Harrison and Fred Scheier
2
MARCH – MAY 2015
December/January Holiday Hikes
This column is dedicated to
you, our members, whose
lives,
events,
and
achievements on and off the
trail are to be recognized and
shared.
Here is what you missed if you were unable to hike
over the holidays:
On December 20 we had two events. Jean Dolen
led a Central Park exploration followed by visits to
the New York City special Christmas attractions
such as the 5th Avenue windows and the tree at
Rockefeller Center. Our own Kathie Laug joined
Jean and a good crowd from the WTA. The same
day Jane Restani led a Devil's Den, CT hike that
covered the Giant Ledges area and the Amblers'
Gorge and parts in between for about 7 quick miles.
The weather was crisp and Jane, Scott Griffith,
Eileen West, and Julie DiRaimondo welcomed Fran
Levinson back to winter hiking.
If there is a special event,
vacation or achievement in
your life you would like to
share, please send in your news to Annette Grau at
[email protected].
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P TT A
A LL E
ES
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November 15
Trail Work
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Jane
Restani, Carol Harting and Margaret Freifeld for
turning out on the first cold day of the fall to do
maintenance on our trail in Harriman State Park. I
am grateful for the loyalty of these regular workers
– but it would be nice to see a few new faces too –
maybe in June when we do our Spring work trip.
Submitted by Kathie Laug
Saturday, December 13
Angle Fly Preserve
On December 28, Eileen West started Part 1 of this
winter season's Round the County (Westchester)
series. The 9.3-mile hike started in New Rochelle
and ended in Mamaroneck, just beyond Larchmont
Village. The adventure featured many nature
preserves and shoreline parks, all hooked together
by pleasant road walks, most of which had Sound
views. Rain was predicted but instead we had mild
temperatures and a peak of sun. Eileen does a
wonderful job of scouting and constructing these
unusual jaunts.
Submitted by Jane Restani
4 hearty
swimmers at
the annual
New Year’s
Day plunge
at Greenwich
Point Park
led by Jane
Restani (in
glasses).
Margaret was
there in spirit
as our paper
bag face.
By setting up short shuttle we were able to hike
several different trails in the Preserve. Joining Jane
Smalley in this four hour hike were left to right:
Geraldine O'Donnell, Judy Russell, Carol Harting,
Mike Kaplan, Bev Kimmel, and Robyn Stockton.
Submitted by Jane Smalley
3
MARCH – MAY 2015
January 16-19, 2015
Adirondack Loj Weekend
Five hardy Mohicans spent Martin Luther King
Weekend at the Adirondack Loj in the heart of the
high peaks. The temperature dropped to -25
degrees on Friday night, but had warmed up to -11
degrees when we awoke at 4:45 a.m., and was a
balmy -5 degrees by the time we started our hike at
6:15 a.m. By "we" I mean Lisa Weismiller, Jane
Restani, Pat Johnston, and myself plus Janice
Miller and her friend Gail who were staying at
another location but joined us for the hike. The
ascent of Nippletop and Dial mountains started with
a walk through the Ausable Club property in the
dark, led by Jane's headlamp, until we reached the
L to R: Kathie Laug, Pat Johnston, Joe Ippolito,
Lisa Weismiller and Jane Restani
Monday morning we headed for home a little tired
and sore, but exhilarated by the experience. If this
sounds like fun to you, consider signing up the Loj
Weekend next year.
Submitted by Kathie Laug
Sunday, January 31
High Point X-Country Ski
trailhead just as dawn was breaking. The 13-mile
hike over two 4,000 foot peaks took us 10.5 hours-we reached the cars just before dark and were
back at the Loj in time for dinner. It was a crystal
clear day with outstanding views - well worth the
effort in the extreme cold. We posed for pictures
pretending to dial a phone on Dial and doing an
appropriate activity on Nippletop (use your
imagination.) Joe Ippolito, only slightly less crazy,
spent the day cross-country skiing.
There is no phone service at the Loj, but there is
Wi-Fi in one room so we were able to learn Sunday
morning that there was a terrible ice storm going on
back home while we were having fun in the snow.
In the shadow of the High Point Monument at the
northern tip of NJ, three extremely hearty (or crazy)
x-country skiers (Kathie Laug, Carol Harting and
Pat Johnston) ventured out into the frigid wind and
cold. In below zero temperatures but with bright
blue sunny skies, we skied most of the trails in the
park enjoying beautiful vistas of the surrounding
area. We took a break at lunch to enjoy some hot
soup and a much-needed warmup by the fire at the
lodge before heading out to spend some more time
on the trails. It was a great outing and we plan to do
it again next year.
Janice and Gail did not have enough exercise so
they climbed two more mountains--Upper and
Lower Wolfjaw--on Sunday. The other 4 ladies took
a "rest day" and hiked to Marcy Dam in the morning
and Rocky Falls in the afternoon, less than 9 miles
and very little elevation. Joe Ippolito did (what
else?) more skiing.
4
MARCH – MAY 2015
WTA’s Annual Dinner will be held on Sunday,
April 19th returning to the Casa Rina Restaurant,
886 Commerce Street in Thornwood. For a fixed
price of $30 including tax and tip, you can enjoy a
complete dinner and choose from: an appetizer,
soup or salad; ten different meat, fish, chicken and
vegetarian entrees; four different desserts; and
coffee, tea or soda with the meal. The club is
paying part of the beverage cost to keep the price
at an even $30, and the only items not included are
orders from the bar. To see all the choices
available, visit on their “Sunday thru Wednesday”
menu. We have reserved a private room from 5:309:00 p.m. Those wishing to do so can join us for
cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m., and we’ll order
dinner around 6:30 p.m. We’ll also be treated to an
after-dinner talk by Erik Kulleseid, Senior Vice
President and Director of the Open Space
Institute’s Alliance for NY State Parks, who will
speak about the history, mission, accomplishments
and goals of OSI and the Alliance for NY State
Parks, which works to protect and enhance New
York’s state parks and historic sites. Please note
that payment for the dinner must be received by
April 10. Make your checks or money orders for
$30 payable to Westchester Trails Association, and
mail them to Gloria Lewit, 25 Valley Road,
Scarsdale, NY 10583. For any questions, contact
Eileen West at [email protected].
Windham, NY, a full service resort with swimming,
fishing,
tennis,
a putting green, nightly
entertainment, and of course, great hiking in the
Catskills. You can find complete information on
their website at www.thompsonhouse.com. They
even created a webpage especially for WTA
(http://thompsonhouse.com/summer/groups/westch
ester-trails/) which has rates and other information
for the group (this is a password protected page so
you will need to enter the password, which is:
trails). Rooms range from “standard” to deluxe
suites with rates starting at $89/person/night,
depending upon the type of accommodation and
length of stay. All rates include use of the resort’s
facilities, full breakfast, complete dinner, taxes, and
all gratuities. The only meal not included is lunch,
but all accommodations except the “standard”
rooms have refrigerators (refrigerators are available
for the standard rooms upon request at an
additional charge). Reservations can be made any
time after January 1, and rooms will be held for us
until April 30. (Those without internet access can
call the Thompson House at 518-734-4510 for
information--be sure to tell them that you are part of
the Westchester Trails Association group.) So mark
your calendars, keep the dates available, and make
a resolution to reserve after New Year’s Day. Once
you’ve made your reservation, please contact
Eileen West via email at [email protected]
to let her know you are coming.
Save the Dates
“Spring” Hiking Week in the Catskills
Thursday June 25 - Thursday July 2
Send Us Your Catskill Hike Suggestions. The
Thompson House webpage lists several hikes in
the area, but many of our members know the
Catskill trails well. So we would like to draw on that
knowledge to come up with a wide array of hiking
choices for the week, from the rugged routes that
make these mountains famous, to easier hikes that
others may prefer. Your suggestions are welcome
regardless of whether you plan to go on the trip; but
if you do intend to join us, then please consider
leading one of these hikes. Don’t worry about
“scouting” in advance - as is the case with our other
hiking weeks, we’ll just “wing it” and have a great
time! Send all hike ideas to Eileen West (see the
contact information above). And if you don’t already
have it, be sure to pick up the NY/NJ Trail
Conference’s Catskill map set before we leave for
vacation.
Out of all the
suggested
locations
in
WTA’s
recent
survey for 2015
spring
hiking
week, the most
popular was the
Catskill
Mountains.
However, for a
better
experience, it was decided to extend the definition
of “spring” to include early summer when hopefully
the black fly season will be over. Arrangements
have been made to stay at the Thompson House in
5
MARCH – MAY 2015
time or information, call Jean Dolen at 914-9484585.
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Attention Leaders and Hikers
Sunday, March 8
Hook Mountain (Joint with WTA)
When car-pooling, it is recommended that a charge of $.40
per mile be equally divided among passengers, including
the driver, and that everyone shares in the tolls. Trip tales
go to [email protected]. To enter the leader lottery,
send your signup sheets to Pat Johnston, 35 Millburn Road,
Apt. 1, Goshen, NY 10924
6 miles moderate
with an easy
return on the
shore path. We
will hike along the
ridge with
spectacular views
of the Hudson,
and return on the
shore path. Note:
Trail may be icy, especially on the climb up to the
ridge. Shuttle from North White Plains at 9:30 a.m.
To register, contact leader Catharine Raffaele at
914-948-4061 or [email protected].
Sunday, March 1
Rockwood to Rockefeller (Joint with WTA)
Three-to four-hour walk through rolling hills and
view of Hudson River. Bring lunch, water, and
snacks. If there is snow, bring snowshoes, etc. For
meeting time or information, call Jean Dolen at 914948-4585.
Sunday, March 1
Round Hill East Mountain Loop (Joint w/WTA)
Saturday, March 14
Catskill Peak
7.5 mile, moderate hike. Starting on School
Mountain Road, we will ascend Round Hill on the
Fahnestock Trail, then continue on the Perkins Trail
and around the East Mountain Loop before
returning to our cars. For meeting time/place or
other information, email leader Sheila Khatibi at
[email protected]. Rain or heavy snow
cancels.
Let's take advantage of the end of calendar winter.
Likely hike--Slide Mountain via the Long Path.
Strenuous hiking at a moderate pace. If there is a
big demand for a different peak, we might alter the
plan. Winter devices required. To register, email
Jane Restani at [email protected] by 5 p.m.
Thursday.
Saturday, March 7
Hudson Highlands
Sugarloaf Mountain and Breakneck Ridge Trail
(Joint with WTA)
Saturday, March 14
Around the County - New Rochelle to Bedford.
Part 3: Rye Brook to Armonk (Joint with WTA)
8.7 miles, easy to moderate. Contact leader for
meeting time. This is the third in our series of hikes
from New Rochelle to Bedford. Starting near the
Rye Brook/Greenwich line, we’ll explore areas
owned by Greenwich Audubon that are not often
visited by the club. First we’ll hike on the Byram
River Gorge trail, parallel the river, and continue
into Hemlock Gorge. From there we’ll walk to the
Greenwich Audubon Center and explore the trails
in that preserve. Finally we’ll cross back into New
York and visit the Nichols Preserve, which
straddles the Greenwich/Armonk border. Today’s
hike is primarily on preserve trails, and hiking boots
should be worn due to potentially rocky, muddy or
icy terrain. To register, contact leader Eileen West
via email at [email protected]. Rain or
heavy snow cancels.
This 6-mile moderate-to-strenuous loop hike
steeply climbs to several panoramic viewpoints
over the Hudson River, gaining a total of about
2,000 feet in elevation. For meeting time and place,
contact Pat Johnston at 845-294-3439 or email
[email protected].
Sunday, March 8
Mountain Lakes Camp (Joint with WTA)
Three-to-four hour walk through a Westchester
County Park which has partially restored the camp
from the olden days with yurts and log cabins,
bonfire pit, bathrooms, showers, dining hall, etc.
Trails are beautifully marked through the camp,
with some viewing areas. Bring lunch, water, and
snowshoes if the snow is still here. For meeting
6
MARCH – MAY 2015
Sunday March 15
Armstrong Preserve, Richards Preserve, and
Leatherman’s Loop (Joint with WTA)
the paths were designed to go in one direction and
we will try and follow that plan. To register, call
Carol Harting at 845-669-6731.
4.2 or 5.5 miles
(depending
on
temperature and
weather), easy to
moderate. Hike
through two small
Pound
Ridge
Land
Conservancy
properties
and
walk across the street to Ward Pound Ridge to visit
the Leatherman’s Cave. Snowshoeing is possible if
there is sufficient snow cover. Bring water, lunch.
Parking is limited at Armstrong Preserve, so
carpooling is necessary from the Katonah Station.
Meet the 9:55 a.m. train across from the steps to
the northbound trains. Call to let us know if you
need pickup. To register, contact leaders Jane and
Walt Daniels 914-245-1250 or [email protected].
Sunday, March 22
Teatown to Kitchawan (Joint with WTA)
7 miles, easy to moderate. Join me on this linear
hike that connects the two preserves. We begin by
walking along Teatown Lake and its outlet. The trail
continues in the woods and into varied terrain with
open meadows, views of the Croton Reservoir, and
a short walk on lightly traveled roads before it
enters Kitchawan Preserve. Here the trail winds
through former farmland and then enters deeper
woods of large pines and old hemlocks. Before we
come to the parking area, we will traverse some
open fields. Elevation gain is very moderate.
Depending on ground conditions, traction aids may
be advised. A short shuttle is needed and everyone
must be willing to participate in driving other hikers.
For more details and to register call leader
Margaret
Freifeld
at
914-617-9193
or
[email protected]. Please provide full name
and phone number. Qualifies for the Westchester
100 (No. 28).
Saturday, March 28
Edith Read Sanctuary - Rye, NY
Saturday, March 21
AT Series Hike #11
This will be a moderate, 5-mile hike from Elk Pen to
West Mombasha Road. It begins with the steep
ascent of Arden Mountain known as "Agony Grind."
Trail includes rocky ledges, stream crossings, and
hemlock groves. Several good viewpoints. Contact
leader Kathie Laug to register at 203-348-3993 or
email her at [email protected].
This hike has it
all
wooded
trails-marsh,
lake-Long Island
Sound-bamboo
forest. Possible
car
fee
into
Playland Parking
Lot to access
trail. Two hours-can add more walking on boardwalk for another
one or two hours. If hungry after, we can eat at Tiki
Bar---will deduct parking fee from food bill---if you
have the receipt and spend a certain amount on
food. For meeting time or information, call Jean
Dolen at 914-948-4585.
Saturday, March 21
Manitoga at the Russel Wright Design Center
(Joint with WTA)
4 miles, easy
to moderate.
This will be a
relaxing hike
exploring the
paths through
Manitoga, off
Route 9D in
Garrison. We
will begin at Mary’s Meadow, named after Russel
Wright’s wife who was also a designer. Wright
designed his paths as a journey into the secrets of
the forest. In keeping with his original plan, all of
Saturday, March 28
Storm King State Park (Joint with WTA)
This will be a moderate hike of about four hours
and 5 miles with an elevation gain of about 1200
feet. We will begin with an ascent up Butter Hill and
then join the Stillman and Howell Trails hiking
Storm King with spectacular views over the Hudson
7
MARCH – MAY 2015
River and the Hudson Highlands. Plan to meet at
10:00 a.m. To register and for meeting place, call
leader Jane Smalley at 914-276-0413 or e-mail
[email protected].
Saturday, April 4
Around the County - New Rochelle to Bedford.
Part 4: Armonk to Mt. Kisco (Joint with WTA)
8 miles, easy to moderate. This is the fourth in our
series of hikes from New Rochelle to Bedford. We’ll
start with a circular hike in the Betsy Sluder Nature
Preserve in Armonk, then continue through
Wampus Brook Park and Lombardi Park. From
there, we’ll walk north to the Meyer Preserve,
where we’ll hike on trails covering both the eastern
and western sections of this Nature Conservancy
property, ending on the Mt. Kisco side of the
preserve. While we will be on hiking trails for most
of the day, the connection between Lombardi Park
and Meyer is via a two- mile road walk so good allaround footwear is suggested. For meeting time
and to register, contact leader Eileen West via
email at [email protected]. Rain cancels.
Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (Nos. 18 and 55).
Sunday, March 29
Harriman Trails (Really) Less Traveled
(Joint with WTA)
7 miles, moderate. It is guaranteed that you've
never hiked this loop before. And may never want
to do it again. It includes the Long Path, secret
routes past Lakes Massawippa and Te-Ata (which
means "Wandering Spirits" in the language of the
once-indigenous Munsee Indians). Much of the hike
will be on civilized blazed trails and woods roads.
The rest, however..... Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the culde-sac on Route 6 where it intersects the Long
Path. Please bring your sense of humor. To
register, contact leader Howard Millman at
[email protected] or 914-439-8031.
Sunday, April 5 (Easter)
Sleeping Giant, Hamden, CT (Joint with WTA)
Sunday, March 29
Blue Mountain Reservation (Joint with WTA)
It is time to return to
our project. We will
likely do the strenuous
Blue and White loop
with some additions.
Subject to change
based
on
group
needs. This will be 8+
miles at a moderate pace. To register, email Jane
Restani at [email protected] by 5 p.m. Friday.
5-6 miles, easy to moderate. Meet at North White
Plains at 9:30 a.m. or contact leader to meet at
trailhead. This large park in Peekskill has rolling
hills through woodlands, impressive boulders,
glacial erratics and rock outcroppings. To register,
contact
leader
Carolyn
Hoffman
at
[email protected], home 914-948-0608, cell
on day of hike only 914-420-5778. Qualifies for the
Westchester 100 (No. 48.)
Saturday, April 11
Storm King State Park (Joint with WTA)
Saturday, April 4
Minnewaska State Park
Mossy Glen/Blueberry Run/Rainbow
Falls/Hamilton Point Loop (Joint with WTA)
Approximately 5 miles primarily on Stillman Trail
from Route 218 approach. Strenuous, 1000+'
elevation gain in the first 2 miles, expansive views
of Hudson. For meeting time and place, call leader
Steve Singlak at [email protected] or cell
845-641-4132.
9.1 mile moderate circuit
hike that follows the
cascading Peters Kill and
climbs
to
panoramic
viewpoints from dramatic
cliffs. For meeting time
and place, contact Pat
Johnston at 845-2943439
or
email
[email protected].
Saturday, April 11
Pawling Nature Reserve (Joint with WTA)
4-6 miles, easy to moderate. This can easy hike of
about three hours, or it can be made longer by
hiking on part of the AT. Carpooling is available
from McDonald’s on Route 22 in Brewster. To
register, contact leader Carol Harting at 845-6696731.
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MARCH – MAY 2015
Sunday, April 12
Rockefeller Park – Main Entrance (Joint w/WTA)
where livestock may be present. To register,
contact leader Steve Klepner via email at
[email protected], (h) 914-617-9193, (c) 845297-7066.
Three-to-four hour hike which may lead to Stone
Barns for food. Bring lunch or buy lunch. There are
picnic tables indoor and outdoor. Fee to park. For
meeting time or information, call Jean Dolen at 914948-4585.
Sunday, April 19
Easy Walk in Baxter Preserve, North Salem
Join the easy walkers in Baxter Preserve on easy
paths, along stone walls, through meadows to
enjoy nature and maybe see some horse riders. To
register, call leader Adeline Natiello at 914-6695536 or e-mail [email protected].
Sunday, April 12
Tuxedo Seven Hills Circular
(NY Rambler’s Hike)
12-16 miles, moderate-to-strenuous hike to include
the Kakiat, Blue Disc, Seven Hills and other trails in
Harriman State Park and has almost constant ups
and downs. While some have previously referred to
the leader as “Speedy Bob”, this hike will be done
at a pace that even he considers fast! For further
information or to register, contact Bob Fiscina at
[email protected]. No beginners please.
Sunday, April 19
Around the County New Rochelle to Bedford
Part 5: Mt. Kisco to Bedford (Joint with WTA)
10-11 miles, easy to moderate. Join us for the last
in this series of hikes from New Rochelle to
Bedford. Our journey will begin with an exploration
of Merestead; then we’ll continue around Butler
Memorial Sanctuary and through Westmoreland
Sanctuary. Leaving Westmoreland, we’ll take
various country roads and paths maintained by the
Bedford Riding Lanes Association and head
through the Guard Hill Preserve. Finally, we’ll walk
north to Bedford’s Historic District, past the “Little
Stone Jug” schoolhouse, Old Bedford Burying
Grounds and some of the centuries-old buildings in
the heart of town, ending at the Village Green.
There are options to join and leave the group at
Merestead, Butler and Westmoreland for those who
would like a shorter hike, but please be sure to
bring a trail map so you can get back to your car on
your own! This hike is on a variety of terrain, from
potentially rocky and muddy paths in the preserves
and on the BRLA trails, to sidewalks and dirt roads,
so sturdy all-around footwear is suggested. To
register and for meeting time, contact leader Eileen
West via email at [email protected]. Steady
rain cancels. Qualifies for the Westchester 100
(Nos. 10, 49, 65 and 66).
Sunday, April 12
Schunemunk Circular (Joint with WTA)
6-7 miles, moderate to strenuous. The
Schunemunk conglomerate ridge is known for its
interesting geology and varied terrain. Morning
ascent via the Sweet Clover, lunch at the Megaliths
and return on the Jessup trail. Shuttle from North
White Plains at 9:30 a.m. To register, contact
leader Catharine Raffaele at 914-948-4061 or
[email protected].
Saturday, April 25
AT Series Hike #12
This will be a 7-mile hike from West Mombasha
Road to Mt. Peter. We should have great views
from Mombasha High Point and the top of Cat
Rocks and will hike pass Fitzgerald Falls, a 25-foot
waterfall in a rocky cleft. Contact leader Kathie
Laug
to
register
at
203-348-3993,
[email protected].
Saturday, April 18
Fahnestock State Park (Joint with WTA)
Hike is about 7 miles with modest elevation gain.
We pass three lakes, one with a nice overlook. It
includes a section that goes through an open field
9
MARCH – MAY 2015
Sunday, April 26
Marshlands Conservancy in Rye (Joint w/WTA)
Saturday, May 2
Bennett’s Pond State Park, Ridgefield CT
3-4 miles, easy. Enjoy
a two-hour hike in this
Rye Preserve on a
network
of
trails
through a field, a
deciduous forest, and
a salt marsh. Meet
leader at 10:30 a.m. at
the Conservancy parking lot located at 220 Boston
Post Road near the Rye Golf Course. To register,
contact leader Leslie Millman by e-mail at
[email protected]. Cell number is for day of hike
changes only: 914-552-7720. Qualifies for the
Westchester 100 (No. 9).
3-4 miles, easy. This will be a 2-3 hour walk
through meadows, along a lake with beaver dams
and water fowl, then onto a woods trail. Trail is
mostly flat with a couple of hills. Sturdy shoes and
water are recommended. We will start by 10:15
AM. To register, contact the leader Barry Leibowitz
at 845-278-2479 by 8 p.m. the night before the
hike. Rain cancels.
Sunday, May 3
Central Park Walk - NYC
From the North—See the Historic Monuments.
Harlem Line Train to 125th Street. Explore the Park
from the North End to Midtown. For meeting time or
information, call Jean Dolen at 914-948-4585.
Sunday, April 26
Dr. Dolittle Hike #4 (Joint with WTA)
Sunday, May 3
Manitoga to Arden Point (Joint with WTA)
6-7 miles, moderate to strenuous. Cat’s elbow,
birds that fly at night and more on this Harriman
hike. It is No. 4 in a series of hikes aimed at visiting
all of the three-dozen+ features in the park which
have an animal in their name. To register, contact
leader Debbie Farrell at [email protected] or
call 914-282-9942.
9 miles, moderate. This hike will use the AT,
Osborn Loop, Sugarloaf Hill, down to the Castle
Rock Unique Area, plus a visit to Arden Point.
Please note this is an end-to-end hike, therefore it
will involve a shuttle. We will begin in the Manitoga
parking lot and end at the Garrison train station.
Meet at the Garrison train station parking lot at 9:30
a.m. for a shuttle to the start of the hike. For further
information and to register, contact leader Steve
Singlak at [email protected] or cell 845-6414132.
Saturday, May 2
The Great Views Hike (Joint with WTA)
7
miles,
moderate
plus. We will
hike in a less
traveled area
of
the
Ramapos.
We'll start by
exploring an
obscure
unmarked trail along South Hill. Very brief off trail.
Then it's on to the Ramapo Torne, followed by the
Torne View. Along the way we'll see many
excellent mountaintop views, including views of
Manhattan. Although this is a moderate hike, there
is one long steep ascent that entails brief rock
scrambling. Meet at the Reeves Meadow Visitor’s
Center at 10:00 a.m. For questions or information
and to register, contact Mark Jelléy at 914-2610987 or email at [email protected].
Saturday, May 9
Hudson Highlands Mt. Beacon Circular
(Joint with WTA)
9-10 miles moderate-tostrenuous hike. We will
go up the Casino Trail
and climb the fire tower
for 360o views, then take
the Wilkinson and Fishkill
Ridge trails for more
views before intersecting
the Casino Trail again for
a return to our cars. For
meeting
time/place,
email
leader
Sheila
Khatibi at [email protected].
10
MARCH – MAY 2015
Sunday, May 10
Cranberry Lake - North White Plains
(Joint with WTA)
Sunday, May 17
Castle Rock Unique Area (Joint with WTA)
Two hour walk through area of quarry used to build
Kensico Dam 100 years ago. Trails go through
various ponds, woods, rock formations, bridges,
foundation of old quarry building, etc. For meeting
time or information, call Jean Dolen at 914-9484585.
4-5 miles, moderate. Starting at Garrison, we will
hike up Sugarloaf South and enjoy the views, and
then hike various trails for the views from White
Rock. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Red Barn. For more
information and to register, contact leader Minu
Chaudhuri at [email protected] or 914-3915918.
Sunday, May 10
Storm King State Park
Sunday, May 17
Tarrywile Park in Danbury, CT (Joint with WTA)
Moderate loop hike of 5-6 miles. Meet at Rt. 9W
parking area at 11 a.m. Bring lunch and
water. Beautiful views of the Hudson far below. To
register and for meeting place directions, call Dod
Chahroudi at 845-878-6869.
4-5 miles, easy to moderate. Tarrywile is a
beautiful, diverse gem and this hike, of about 2-1/2
to 3 hours, takes us through hay fields, past ponds
and brooks, and into the woods. 9:00 a.m. start. We
will meet in the parking lot which is located just
inside the Southern Blvd. entrance. To register,
contact the hike leader Rosanne Schepis at 203417-5552 (cell) or [email protected].
Saturday, May 16
Hudson Highlands (Joint with WTA)
10 mile, moderate-to-strenuous hike. Starting from
the Notch Trail on 9D, we will climb South Beacon
Mountain to the fire tower, then do a loop along the
Scofield and Fishkill Ridges passing Bald and
Lamb Hills before descending on the Fishkill Ridge
Trail. For further information or the register, contact
Bob Fiscina at [email protected]. No beginners
please. Rain cancels. A short shuttle is required.
Sunday, May 17
Dry Brook Ridge Trail
Saturday, May 16
Easy Walk in Lasdon Park, Katonah
Join
the
“easy
walkers”
where the
walk
will
go through
woodlands
and open
grass
meadows.
There are
beautiful
flower gardens with flower and shrub specimens
from all over the world. To register, call leader
Adeline Natiello at 914-669-5536 or e-mail
[email protected].
A moderately strenuous 9.4 miles with plenty of
elevation gain. At 3,460 feet Dry Brook Ridge
Mountain comes just short of being a Catskill 3500.
But for those willing to make a day of it, you will be
rewarded with rare and sweeping views, a
cornucopia of wildflowers and ferns, as well as
some significant accumulated elevation gain. A
remote hike in the western Catskills the trail passes
through a mix of hardwood and conifer forest then
the summit before reaching pristine first-growth
forest. Some believe that the extremely tall pines
on the northwest end of the ridge may have been
planted back in the 1930’s. Because of the
11
MARCH – MAY 2015
remoteness, length and the need to set up a shuttle
this expedition requires an early start. A car pool for
those traveling from east of the Hudson will be
arranged. To register, contact Fran Resch before
Thursday, May 14, 7:00 pm by calling 914-2557742 or email to [email protected].
your own car pool from NWP and drive to Muscoot.
Leader: Vipin Shukla, [email protected].
Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 58). This is
a WTA hike.
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day Hike on the Rocks Trail
(Joint with WTA)
Saturday, May 23
AT Series Hike #13
7 miles, moderate. Hike along this interesting trail
at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, passing
features including Spy Rock, Dancing Rock and an
Indian Petroglyph of a bear. Appropriate footwear,
lunch and sufficient water are required. To register,
contact leader Carol Harting at 845-669-6731. If it
is very hot, we can always adjust the hike to
accommodate the weather.
A hike of about 7
miles will follow the
ridge of Bellvale
Mountain with many
short steep ascents
and
descents
although there is
little actual elevation
change until we
cross the State Line
into New Jersey. At
that point, we will
turn onto the State Line Trail which descends to
Greenwood Lake Marina on NY Route 210. At this
point, we will have completed our goal of hiking all
of the Appalachian Trail in New York. Perhaps we
will continue into New Jersey or do the trail in
Connecticut next. Contact leader Kathie Laug to
register at 203-348-3993 or email her at
[email protected].
Saturday, May 30
Black Rock Forest (Joint with WTA)
7-8 miles, moderate. We’ll hike on the Scenic trail,
up Rattlesnake Hill, past Arthurs Pond, and maybe
up Spy Rock (the view is long gone, but it has the
distinction of being the highest peak in the
Highlands west of the Hudson River). No first time
hikers please. Meet at 10 a.m. at the main parking
lot on Reservoir Road. To register, contact leader
Mike Kaplan at [email protected]. Rain
cancels.
Sunday, May 24
Breakneck Ridge
Saturday, May 30
Canoe/Kayak – Harriman State Park
(Joint with WTA)
5-6 miles, moderately strenuous with a steep, rocky
descent. We will go up along the Brook Trail, past
cascades and waterfalls. Then we come down the
Breakneck Ridge Trail (not the Bypass) on the
exposed and rocky ridgeline. Spectacular views
of the Hudson River and other Highland peaks
where we'll stop to eat our lunches before the steep
descent. Meet at 11 a.m. along Rt. 9D. For those
that want, we can go for ice cream in Cold Spring
after the hike. To register and for meeting place
directions, call Dod Chahroudi at 845-878-6869.
Explore
the
lakes
along
Seven Lakes
Drive and in
the
Park.
Saturday we
will plan to
paddle
all
three parts of
Lake
Kanawauke.
Need to pay a one-time $30 registration fee per
boat good through November 30. Bring canoe,
paddle, lifejacket, and lunch. May be space in
leader’s canoe. We’ll meet at Tiorati Circle at 10:00
a.m. To register, call leader Jane Smalley at 914276-0413 or [email protected].
Sunday, May 24
Muscoot Farm - Katonah
4-5 miles, easy to moderate. We will walk the
yellow perimeter trail and perhaps other trails if the
weather conditions are favorable. Meet the leader
at 10 a.m. at the Muscoot farm parking lot, or form
12
MARCH – MAY 2015
Sunday, May 31
Rockefeller State Park Preserve - East of 448
(Joint with WTA)
Sunday, May 31
Island Pond Circular
6-7 miles, moderate. We’ll start on the A-SB, hike
up to the ridge for expansive views along the RD
and Lichen trails, and then head over to Island
Pond for a relaxing break on a rock outcrop
overlooking the water. Return is via the A.T. To
register, contact co-leaders Alice Benash,
[email protected] or 914-723-8722; and Lillian
Wolfe-Brown, [email protected] or 914-6683184. Rain cancels. This is a WTA Hike.
5-6 mile easy-to-moderate hike. Meet at North
White Plains at 9:30 a.m. or contact leader to meet
at trailhead. On the less traveled side of Rockefeller
we'll avoid the crowds, and walk along open fields,
a ridge with craggy rocks, and views from the top of
Buttermilk Hill. To register, contact leader Carolyn
Hoffman at [email protected], home: 914948-0608, cell on day of hike only: 914-420-5778.
Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 59).
The beauty
of a cold
winter day
on the trail.
What lovely
sights you
will see--a
series of
rocks
encased in
ice in
Harriman
State Park.
Ten hikers enjoyed a vigorous loop hike in Fahnestock
State Park on chilly day in late November passing several
ponds with a thin layer of ice.
Photo courtesy of Jane Smalley
Photo courtesy of Pat Johnston
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MARCH – MAY 2015
Mohican ADK
P.O. Box 218
Bedford, NY 10506
Notify ADK of address
change at least six
weeks in advance
via
email
at
[email protected] or call
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Officers
Hospitality
Doris Bosworth
H 914 277 3269
Carole Ehleben
H 914-205-3207
[email protected]
Chair
Adeline Natiello
H 914 669-5536
[email protected]
Vice-Chair
Jean Dolen
H 914-948-4585
[email protected]
Outings Coordinator
Carolyn Harting
H 845-669-6731
[email protected]
Secretary
Jane Restani
[email protected]
Paddling Coordinator
Jane Smalley
H 914-276-0413
[email protected]
Treasurer
Lisa Weismiller
Cell 203-246-8200
[email protected]
Conservation
Dod Chahroudi
H 845-878-6869
[email protected]
ADK Director
Leslie Millman
914-552-7720
[email protected]
Webmaster
Pat Johnston
H 845-294-3439
[email protected]
Membership
Annette Grau
H 914-205-3089
[email protected]
14
Publications
[email protected]
Carolyn Harting
H 845-669-6731
Pat Johnston
H 845-294-3439
Programs/Speakers
Fran Resch
H 914-232-1483
[email protected]
Co-Chair Margaret Freifeld
H 914-666-0710
Delegate to NY/NJ
Trail Conference
Barry Leibowitz
[email protected]