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Long Island Mountaineer

NEWSLETTER OF THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

LONG ISLAND CHAPTER

SEPTEMBER — OCTOBER 2009

T here are a few changes to be aware of for the coming year. In the past, we have been able

to have our meetings on a specific day each month. Last year, we had to change the day of the week, to the dismay of many members who could not attend as regularly. This year, we tried to re-arrange the sched-ule in an effort to better meet our members’ needs. Not so easy! We had to work around the church’s room needs and holidays.

As a result, we have a strange assortment of meeting days; mostly Wednesdays, but some Tuesdays; some-times the third week, and sometimes the fourth week. You’ll find a full schedule below for you to cut out and save, so you can plan ahead to attend some of the meetings. Our club is fortunate to have enough inter-esting programs—thanks to Jeanne Millspaugh—that enable us to have monthly meetings. But, we will have to adjust to the new schedule. Save the dates!

President’s Corner

Micheline Kagan

Another interesting development is the revitalization of the Young Members Group—which, of course, is open to members of all ages. The YMG was started a few years ago as a means of attracting new and perhaps younger members, as well as expanding ADK-LI’s range of activi-ties and alliances with our chapters.

B eginning with the enthusiasm and ideas of Dick Maemone, Lori Maynard, Janine Schwartz and many oth-ers, we did recruit many new members, and had joint out-ings with other chapters’ YMGs. Now, new leadership of the YMG promises to infuse their enthusiasm and ideas into the group. Paula Mordini, who is feeling her oats after completing the 3500, has recruited Patty Killion and Mike McKenna to join her on the YMG committee. They have already listed two hikes for the fall, and plan more for the winter. Join the YMG’s outings and bring your friends.

Most of us enjoy hiking in Harriman. Why not sign up for the ADK Fall Outing September 25–27 hosted by the New York chapter? In addition to hiking, they’ve scheduled paddling on the Harriman lakes—something we don’t usu-ally do. Check out www.adktravel.org/fallouting.htm for more details and registration forms.

A nd let’s not forget our very own Columbus Weekend (October 9-12) at the Loj in the Adirondacks. Once again we will have a variety of hikes coordinated by Tom Farre. Contact him if you have a favorite place you’d like to share with others. Saturday night is the social hour and a pot luck dinner. If you want to see what delicacies we en-joyed last year, click on “Recipes” on the ADKLI website.

ADK-LI ELECTIONS: SEE THE SLATE ON PAGE 3

The Fall Brings Changes

ADK-LI MEETING SCHEDULE

Wednesday September 16, 2009

October - no meeting (Annual Dinner - October 22)

Tuesday November 17, 2009

Wednesday December 16, 2009

Wednesday January 27, 2010

Tuesday February 16, 2010

Wednesday March 24, 2010

Wednesday April 28, 2010

Wednesday May 26, 2010

Wednesday June 23, 2010

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www.adkli.org L.I. MOUNTAINEER — SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2009

Adirondack Mountain Club Long Island Chapter

2008-2009 Executive Committee

President Micheline Kagan

[email protected] Vice President Bill Schneider

[email protected] Treasurer

Nancy Hodson (516) 692 5754 Secretary

Christine Gillen (516) 671 3542 Director

Carol McHugh (718) 423 4083 Alternate Director

Richard Maemone (516) 496 9127

Board of Directors Betty Horstmann (631) 472 9677

Joan Hitz [email protected]

Steve Lander (516) 599 1092 Eric Markowitz (516) 364 5563

Eunsil Recksiek [email protected]

Janine Schwartz (516) 650 7371 Committee Chairs

Conservation J. A. Lewandowski

[email protected] Education

Position Open Hospitality

Arlene Scholer (516) 354 0231 Mountaineer

Micheline Kagan [email protected]

Orrie Frutkin [email protected]

Membership Goodie Frutkin

[email protected] Outings

Sue Kenyon [email protected]

Programs Jeanne Millspaugh (516) 674 4897

Publicity Sue Stricker (631) 470 2197

Publicity Flyers Claudia Schellenberg [email protected]

NYNJ Trail Conference Diane Grunthal

[email protected] Trail Maintenance

Pat Wachter (631) 669-6450 WebSite

Mike Vetrano [email protected]

Young Members Group Paula Mordini [email protected]

People and Perspectives….

Arlene Scholer

ADK-LI Members in the News!

Mary and Bill Crump joined ADK-LI in the mid-1970’s and were most active in

the 70’s and 80’s. Bill served as chapter

president from 1980 to 1984, and later

Mary and Bill represented our chapter at

main club meetings. They introduced me

to Adirondack camping when I joined two

of their Columbus Day weekend back-

packing trips.

This summer, Mary, who is a Methodist

minister in Cutchogue, was featured on

Newsday’s Asking the Clergy page. She

responded to a question about her sum-

mer to-do list. “One thing is on my

‘must-do list’: climbing into my 15-foot

Old Town canoe on an Adirondack

lake…pushing off and sliding in from a

sandy beach…while the hot rays of the

sun will, hopefully, shine down some-

time during the day. In early morning

fog, I will be encountering mysterious

loons who do not quite see me coming

around the far side of an island or inlet.

Daytime, I will be paddling into the

waves, perhaps alongside playful otters.

At night, I will be attempting sleep at the

lake side while noisy beavers keep

checking our campsite, seeming to ask:

‘Who are those people and what do

they want?’ My response: ‘Who are

those beavers, and what do they want?’

And at odd times, the loons come and

go, on starry nights and foggy morns,

calling for their wandering companion

mates. ‘Where are you?’ I’ve canoed in

high waves and cold rain and thunder-

storms. It’s all just great!”

Closer to home, Elie Bijou was men-

tioned in the Catskill 3500 newsletter.

He is one of two new people serving as

Catskill trail chairs for the NY-NJ Trail

Conference. Congratulations, Elie! Re-

siding in Brooklyn and the Adirondacks,

Elie first entered hikes on our Outings

list about a year ago, and has been a

frequent leader ever since.

Jim Sabiston’s avocation is photogra-

phy. In August, Jim and his wife Nancy

called to me as I meandered by their dis-

play at the Sayville Summer Festival Art

Show, where Jim took first place. In the

spring, he won first place in the color and

third place in the architecture categories

at the Bay Shore/Brightwaters annual

photography contest. Jim won recognition

at our chapter’s former annual photogra-

phy contest. You can view Jim’s work

and purchase prints at his website:

www.essentiallightphotography.com.

With Appreciation! A ‘guardian angel’

must have influenced my decision to

see a doctor last December when I had

some weight loss. A gastric ulcer was

found and monitored until April when I

was told I had no choice: a non-healing

ulcer can lead to serious complications

and must come out, even though my

ulcer never gave me even a twinge of

discomfort. In June, 50% of my stomach

was removed. Within a month, my grad-

ual eating of more food had stretched

my stomach enough to allow me to eat

as well as ever. With time, I hope to re-

gain the 10 pounds I’ve lost; friends and

family have offered their unwanted

pounds. Best of all, I have been blessed

with the prayers and well wishes of so

many friends. Thank you one and all!

These entries were found in No Place I’d

Rather Be: Wit and Wisdom from Adiron-

dack Lean-to Journals. “I have a sugges-

tion for the people sawing on the live

trees. Go back where you came from and

leave these woods alone! Some folks

don’t have the sense God gave a carrot!”

And this one about when man invades

the space of animals...“We started out on

the 6th for a two-week journey. The first

night we lost two bags of food to a rather

large bear at Johns Brook. We stayed yet

another day and lost another bag of food.

This time we saw the bear. They look a

lot smaller in the zoo!”

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[The following two new members were not

listed in the Mountaineer when they joined ear-

lier this year. We regret the delay.]

John Ruggero, Melville (joined February)

Kathy Scharf, Flushing (joined February)

Frederick Booher & Michelle Ackerman, Mineola

Brent Albala, Hicksville

Elaine Cintron, Bronx

Riggs Goodman, Coram

Aaron & Kimberly Hottenst, Bryn Mawr, PA

Ellen Kelly, Doylestown, PA

Ronald Kemperle, Oyster Bay

Debra Rothengast, West Islip

Ruth Shackleford, Patchogue

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Election of ADK-LI Officers ADK-Long Island’s bylaws call for officers to be elected each year at the Annual Dinner, which will occur this year on October 22nd. The slate of officers is to be posted in the September—October issue of the Mountaineer. Here it is:

President: Micheline Kagan

Vice President: Jeanne Millspaugh

Treasurer: Nancy Hodson

Secretary: Alice Scanlon

Board of Directors (two-year term):

Betty Horstmann and Eunsil Recksiek to serve a second term

Bill Schneider for a first term

Director to the Main club: Martha McDermott

Alternate Director: Carol McHugh

Many thanks to Christine Gillen for her service as Secretary, Bill Schneider as Vice President, Rich-ard Maemone as Director to Main Club, and Steve Lander as a Board member.

Spring Outing 2009

150 Revisit the Undiscovered Island

Spring Outing, the Undiscovered Island Revisited hosted by Long Island ADK, was a success. Over 150 participants attended, about half of whom came from other chapters, some as far as Niagara. June’s rains held off, except for a storm on Friday evening and a power outage at the hotel that delayed the start of the speakers’ programs. Nancy Solomon, the Director of Long Island Traditions described the local maritime culture. Tom Stock gave an entertain-ing overview of the natural history of Long Island — with costume changes. And Lee McAllister, author of Hiking Long Island, talked about Island’s variety of trails and places of interest.

On Friday, a bike ride and two outings were well attended. Unfortu-nately, participants had to deal with Friday night traffic and some didn’t make it back in time for the social hour.

We were blessed with glorious weather for the outings on Saturday and Sunday. Participants commented that they loved exploring new places on the Island, the camaraderie, the wide variety of types of outings, and that the event was well organized and well run.

The Saturday evening banquet seemed to be a success with en-tertainment provided by dance caller Annette Kirk and the Dance All Night old-time fiddle band. We learned new dances and laughed a lot. After a day of hiking, paddling or biking, ADKers amazingly had enough energy to dance –maybe not “all night,” but at least until 10 p.m.

The highlight of the weekend for those who went on the Christeen Sloop out of Oyster Bay was seeing pods of dolphins in Long Is-land Sound — a very rare sight.

A great big thanks to all Long Island ADKers who helped organ-ize, led outings, helped at registration and generally made all our guests feel very welcome.

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OUTING RULES AND PROCEDURES

REGISTRATION FOR ALL OUTINGS IS REQUIRED. Call 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 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 reply to your message, it is your responsibility to follow up and contact with the leader prior to the deadline for registration.

Guests are welcome on all outings. Where space is limited, member of the ADK Long Island chapter will have priority. If you go on two or more outings, please help sup-port the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Long Island chapter by becoming a member.

GROUND RULES

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

UPDATED CARPOOL RATES A $5 surcharge will be added to the following suggested guidelines whenever gasoline prices are more than $4 per gallon. Carpool rates shown are for roundtrip per rider: East End $10, Harriman $18, Shawangunks $25, Catskills $35, Adirondacks $60 (all rates for roundtrip.) For upstate rides: If 2 riders, deduct $2 each; 3 riders de-duct $3 each; 4 riders deduct $4 each from these rates. Drivers set the final rate. Leaders should try to equalize number of riders in each car.

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 climbing 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.

• A, B, C September 4–7 Friday–Monday. Labor Day Weekend in New England. Hiking routes to be selected based on time, weather and group size. Possible hikes may include Mt. Washington via Huntington Ravine, Mt. Mansfield via Hells Brook Pass and Mt. Greylock with option to stay over at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham. For detai l s contact l eaders Paula Mordini , [email protected], Mike McKenna, mendlson@aim or Patty Killion, [email protected]

• B+ September 5 Saturday. Storm King. Hike approxi-mately 7 miles on west side of the Hudson with views of Breakneck Ridge. Register with leader David Koehler 917-613-2043 or [email protected] by September 4.

• C+ September 12 Saturday. Hudson Valley. Teatown Lake Reservation, near Ossining. We'll hike about 6 miles in the network of rolling trails around this West-chester lake. Caged birds of prey (owls, eagles, hawks and more) will be a treat for children as well as adults. Rain cancels. Register with leader Arlene Scholer only by phone 516-354-0231 before 9 p.m.

• A September 12 Saturday. Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (Part 2, completion of the 18th in a series of end-to-end hikes). 10.6 miles starting at Seven Lakes Drive (after a short 1/2 mile walk from Tiorati Circle picnic parking area) and completing the R-D Trail in Tuxedo. This requires you to be fit, but it's certainly worth the effort. Register with leader Stu Levy 516-759-9388 or [email protected] by Sept. 11 before 9 p.m.

• B- September 12 Saturday. Fishkill Ridge. Enjoy a different view of the Hudson River. Moderate elevation gain with great views along a plateau to the lunch spot. Register with leader Rich Niegocki 631-327-7915 or [email protected] by September 10 before 9 p.m.

LONG ISLAND ADK OUTING SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER — OCTOBER 2009

HIKE LEADERS: To list a hike, contact Sue Kenyon at [email protected]. Following the outing, be sure to send the “Release of Liability Form” to: Sue Kenyon 25 Foxwood Drive, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Also send “Trip Report” to Ron Engasser at [email protected] or 73 Matsunaye Drive, Medford, NY 11763

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

HIKERS: Be sure to check www.adkli.org for additional outings, which may be added from time to time!

Outings continued on next page

Important Info About Paumanok Path Hike Series September 13, 19, 20, October 4

See individual listings below for information about each hike, including how to get detailed route info. Maps are available at http://sbmp95.ess.sunysb.edu/Maps The following applies to all of the Paumanok Path hikes. Each hiker is required to get an access permit in advance (good for three years) from the DEC (631 444-0273. In person or by mail: NYS DEC, Access Permits, 50 Circle Road, Stony Brook, New York 11790-2356. Or download permit application in PDF format at http://tinyurl.com/llh6za and mail it to DEC)

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and http://www.litlc.org/trails/paumanok/pp3b.htm. See important info on page 4. Register with l e a d e r M i c h a e l V a u g h a n , m i [email protected] or 631-495-6888 (cell) before 10 p.m. on September 19.

• B+ September 20 Sunday. Kaaterskill Clove. Catskills. Hike approximately 5 miles for a creek- bed bushwhack to Kaaterskills Falls. This end-to-end hike offers rock hopping, scrambling, possible wading, numerous majestic waterfalls and cas-cades to reward us. Water shoes needed. Register with leaders Paula Mordini, [email protected] or Patty Killion, [email protected].

• C September 25-27 Friday–Sunday. Fall Outing. All ADK chapters join together for hikes, paddles and events in Harriman and the New York metro area with a banquet dinner on September 26. Headquartered at the Suffern Holiday Inn. Regis-tration in progress. http://www.adktravel.org/fallouting.htm

• B+ September 26 Saturday. AT in MA. Hike ap-proximately 7 miles with 1500 feet of elevation gain on the section of the AT just north of the CT/MA border. Day trip route will take us on the Race Brook Trail for 1.5 miles to the AT, then up and over Mt. Everett and down and out at Rte 41 or Shay Mountain Rd, depending on the group. In-quire about options to extend for a backpack. Reg-ister with leader David Koehler 917-613-2043 or [email protected] by September 25, earlier for backpacking.

• A- September 26 Saturday. Balsam Lake Moun-tain End-to-End. Views abound on this hike to Catskill summit via the little used but very scenic Mill Brook Ridge Trail. More great views from fire tower on summit. 8-9 miles with 2000' total as-cent. Register with leader Jeff Ritter 718-279-3431 or [email protected] by September 24 before 10 p.m.

• C+ September 27 Sunday. Nassau Suffolk Greenbelt. Feeling ambitious to hike 5-8 miles. Here is a local Long Island hike to enjoy on a Sunday morning! Con-sider a trek in the woods and thick-ets of mountain laurel where we may see hawks and foxes. Some rolling hills will pump up the cardio. The rewards that await you include: a reju-venated spirit, taking in fresh air, connecting with fellow hikers. What more can you ask for? So, get out your hiking boots, pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, and please don't forget a smile! Register with leader Paula Mordini, [email protected]

• B+ October 3 Saturday 1777/1777W Trails from End to End): Be part of history as we follow the

• B September 13 Sunday. Paumanok Path, Trip 1: Rocky Point to Ridge in Brookhaven. This 8.7 mile section is the westernmost portion of the Paumanok Path. Mostly level. Bring lunch and tick spray. Car shuttle required. Rain cancels. Detailed route description: http://www.litlc.org/trails/paumanok/pp1.htm. See important info on page 4. Register with leader Michael Vaughan, [email protected] or 631-495-6888 (cell) before 10 P.M on September 12.

• A- September 19 Saturday. Twin Mountain. We’ll tackle one of the Catskills most scenic and challenging peaks (a required peak for those aspiring to the 3500 Club). We’ll visit the Magical Quarry on the Pecoy Notch Trail before we hit one of the most rugged sec-tions of the Devil’s Path, where we’ll ascend 830 ft. in 0.7 miles to reach the summit and its great views to the south and west. If we have more than one driver, we’ll turn it into a loop hike, descending to Twin’s lower sum-mit, where there are also fine views, and finish on the Jimmy Dolan Trail. Elevation change is 1,690 ft and 5.9 miles for a loop. Register with leader Bill Schneider at [email protected] by October 18.

• C+ September 19 Saturday. Shelter Island Paddle. Paddle in beautiful Coecles Harbor. Bring food, snacks and water and plan on a full day. Possible dinner op-tion. Early ferry from Greenport. Round trip ferry is about $13 for a single person and car plus $4 for each additional passenger. Carpooling encouraged. Rentals will be available. Register with leader Ross Moore, 631-544-0941 by September 17, earlier to reserve a boat.

• B September 19 Saturday. Dune Road – South Fork Bike Ride from Eastport to Ponquogue and re-turn. Long stretch along Dune Road with lunch at Tully's (chowder etc). Afternoon stop at Quogue Wild-life Refuge. Mostly flat, 30-35 miles. Helmet re-quired. Register with leader Joan Gossner, 631-689-3070 by September 18 before 9 p.m.

• B September 19 Saturday. Paumanok Path, trip 2: Ridge to Manorville in Brookhaven and Riverhead. This 7.8 mile section begins at the Pine Trail Preserve in Ridge and ends at Halsey Manor Rd in Manorville. Mostly level. Bring lunch and tick spray. Car shuttle required. Rain cancels. Detailed description at http://www.litlc.org/trails/paumanok/pp2.htm. See important info on page 4. Register with leader Michael Vaughan, [email protected] or 631-495-6888 (cell) before 10 p.m. on September 18.

• B September 20 Sunday. Paumanok Path, trip 3: Manorville in Brookhaven to Suffolk Community College in Southampton. This 10 mile section begins at Halsey Manor Rd in Manorville and ends at SCC with no road crossings. Bring lunch and tick spray. Car shuttle required. Rain cancels. Detailed route descrip-tions: http://www.litlc.org/trails/paumanok/pp3a.htm

Young Members Group

Continued on next page

Young Members Group

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same revolutionary path that the British leader Sir Henry Clinton used to attack Fort Montgomery. This is the 19th in a series of end to end hikes. Starting on Rte 9W we follow the 1777 trail through Doodletown and switch to the 1777W trail as we finish the 8.25 mile hike on the site of Fort Montgomery. Take your muskets. You never know what lurks. Register with leader Stu Levy, 516-759-9388 or [email protected] by October 2 by 9 p.m.

• B October 4 Sunday. Harriman. Hike 4-6 miles from 7 Lakes Drive past Pine Meadow Lake on to the West shelter and back. Register with leader Jeanne Mill-spaugh at [email protected] with ADKLI Harriman in the subject line.

• B October 4 Sunday. Paumanok Path, trip 4: From Suffolk Community College to Pleasure Drive in Flan-ders in Southampton. This 8-mile section passes through county and state park land with fox dens and kettle holes. Some hills provide views. Bring lunch and tick spray. Car shuttle required. Rain cancels. A detailed description of the route can be found at http://www.litlc.org/trails/paumanok/pp4.htm. See impor-tant info on page 4. Register with leader Michael Vaughan, [email protected] or 631-495-6888 (cell) before 10 p.m. on October 3.

• October 10-12 Friday-Monday. 32nd Annual ADK-LI Columbus Day Weekend at Adirondak Loj. Regis-tration in progress.

• A October 11 Sunday. Bash Bish Falls. Hike ap-proximately 7 miles for this combination bushwhack

and ridge trek. Easy walk from the trail-head followed by steep ascent and de-scent with the assistance of cables, and

then on to summit Alander Mtn. Register with leaders Paula Mordini, [email protected], Mike McKenna, [email protected]

• B October 17 Saturday. Reeves Brook Circular (Southern Harriman Park). Hike 8 miles utilizing the Reeves Brook Trail, Raccoon Brook Trail, Kakiat trail and 7 Hills Trail in Southern Harriman Park. The hike is filled with nice short climbs and excellent views. Register with leader Stu Levy, 516-759-9388 or [email protected] by October 16 by 9 p.m.

• B October 18 Sunday Ward Pound Ridge Reserva-tion Family-Friendly Hike Suitable for kids 10-years old+ (MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY ADULT.) We’ll explore part of the “jewel of the Westchester park sys-tem,” with a walk along a trout stream, then a moderate, but steady climb to the highest point (860’), and on through woodlands in fall colors. Hikers, especially those with children, will have a number of “bail out” op-tions: Trailside Museum, picnicking, playgrounds and fishing (over 16-years old requires NYS license.) $8/car parking fee; car pooling recommended. Leaders Orrie & Goodie Frutkin (516) 883-3369, [email protected].

Reserve by Thursday, October 15, 9 p.m.

• B+ October 24 Saturday. Three Village Bike Ride. Ex-plore the back roads of Stony Brook, Old Field, Setauket and Poquot. Check out the new park at West Meadow Beach and the quiet side of the Setauket Ponds. 28 hilly miles. Helmet required. Register with leader Joan Goss-ner, 631-689-3070 by October 23 before 9 p.m.

• B+ October 24 Saturday. AT in Sterling Forest. Hike 10 miles in Sterling Forest section of the AT from Or-ange Turnpike to NY RT 17A over Mombasha High Point and the Cat Rocks. Register with leader David Koehler 917-613-2043 or [email protected] by October 23.

• A- October 24 Saturday. Breakneck Ridge and Bea-con Mountain. Great views from this popular route on this Hudson Highlands summit. 8-9 miles with 2000' total ascent. Register with leader Jeff Ritter 718-279-3431 or [email protected] by October 22 before 10 p.m.

• C+ October 25 Sunday. Cold Spring Harbor. Let's continue to enjoy Fall by taking a breath of the crisp air, stretching our legs and rejuvenating our spirit while getting home early enough to get ready for a new work/school week. Approximately 6 miles, rolling hills for a cardio pump. Register with leader, Paula Mordini, [email protected]

• C+ November 15 Sunday. Nassau Suffolk Greenbelt. Start from Jericho Tpke trailhead in Woodbury to Cold Spring Harbor. Holiday season around the corner. Keep the calorie-burning thoughts in the forefront while considering the upcoming Thanks-giving feast! Gobble! Gobble! Approxi-mately 5 miles with car shuttle or out and back. Pack a lunch, snack and water. Register with leader Paula Mordini, [email protected]

• B November 28 Saturday. After-the-Turkey Hike. Breakneck Ridge. 4 miles. Great vistas and a nice rock scramble. Bring Thanksgiving leftovers. Register with leader Jeanne Millspaugh at [email protected] with ADKL Breakneck Ridge in the subject line.

• January 15 – January 18. Friday – Monday. Cross Country Ski Weekend. Lapland Lake, Northville, NY. Registration in progress. See ad on page 11.

• February 12 – February 15. Friday – Monday. Cross Country Ski Weekend. Garnet Hill, North River, NY. Registration in progress. See ad on page 11.

Young Members Group

Young Members Group

Young Mem-bers Group

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ADK-LI Annual Dinner

Thursday, October 22, 2009

BONWIT INN One Vanderbilt Parkway, Commack, NY

(at Commack Rd)

Directions: Northern State Pkwy Exit 43S. Or LIE Exit 52N going east, or Exit 53 N going west.

Cost: $35per person

Sit-down dinner in our own private room includes: Greek salad, tomato & mozzarella appetizer. Main course: choice of sea bass Mediterranean, chicken boscaiola, veal marsala, or eggplant parmesan served with seasonal vegetables

and roasted potatoes. Dessert: chocolate mousse cake, coffee or tea.

Unlimited soft drinks with dinner. Dinner: 7 p.m. Cash bar: from 6 p.m.

Program: Elections. Awards. Raffle

Complete the reservation form below and return it with your check to:

Steve Lander, 165 Waverly Avenue East Rockaway, NY 11518

Deadline: October 10

Name ________________________________

Number of people attending ___

Amount enclosed $ ______ (Make checks payable to LI-ADK)

Phone (day) ___________ (eve)____________

�

Carole Kazdan “Cover Girl”

for Paddling Guide

If the smiling face on the cover of the Falcon Guide to Paddling Connecticut and Rhode Island looks familiar, it should. That’s Carole Kazdan, long-time

ADK-LI member and former Conservation Chair (husband Bud was our Treasurer for several years.)

The photo was taken deep into the wild rice paddies of Whalebone Cove, CT during a 2008 paddle with friends of ADK, including photog-rapher Karen Lipeika, an active ADK member who is also a sculptor and painter.

Karen submitted the photo to the publisher of the Falcon Guides, and the rest is publishing history. Yoshiko Takeshita tipped us off to the existence of the book featuring one of our own on the cover. Thanks, Yoshiko!

Falcon Guides are available from the publisher at http://www.falcon.com, as well as at Amazon and local book stores.

DEC Launches DEC-TV

The New York State Department of Environ-mental Conservation (DEC) has launched DECTV (www.dec.ny.gov/dectv/dectv.html), a web new site that features short videos on a wide variety of outdoor subjects in four “channels” — Outdoor Recreation; Plants; Wild-life; and DEC at Work.

Videos under Outdoor Recreation range from hiking in the Adirondacks to bluefishing off Long Island. Each video runs only a few minutes, but most of the several we sampled provided clear information from experts while capturing the re-wards of the outdoor activities. They provide a good introduction for novices, and even for ex-perienced outdoor folk who want to check out another activity, such as geocaching or telemark skiing; or a new locale, such as paddling Tivoli Bay on the Hudson River, camping at Saranac Islands or exploring the Staten Island Greenbelt.

Check out DEC-TV. It’s your tax dollars a play.

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Plaque Found —Snowbound

by Alex Marra

Ring....ring....“Hello?”

"They hid that Plaque again in the Catskills,” I bellowed at my hiking buddy Will Soter.

“What are you talking about,” he asked testily. “I’m trying to change my baby's diaper!”

“That can wait. Listen, here are the clues" I recited the clues published to tease hikers trying to find the ADK-LI Plaque hidden somewhere in the Catskills.

North of big wilderness, south of four high peaks, A trailless summit my secret keeps.

If you reach me in sun or rain, Glory alone will be your gain.

My handle befits my neighbor high, Which I was called in days gone by

From the cairn at the highest of places Measure 140 degrees and take 10 paces

Jump down and look in the earthy crack, That is where you will find the plaque.

With that January phone call, Will and I started our quest for the ADK-LI Plaque. Before we hung up, we had al-ready deciphered some of the clues. We decided that “big wilderness” was the Indian Head Wilderness Area, and that the “four high peaks” were Windham High Peak, and Thomas Cole, Black Dome and Blackhead Mountains.

Then it clicked: only two trailless summits fall between these two areas. "Kaaterskill High Peak," I shouted! “Wait…wait,” Will interrupted, now more intrigued by our conversation than the diaper change. “What about “my name befits my neighbor, which I was called” in the past? Didn’t Roundtop and Kaaterskill have a name switch…?”

“That’s right! The Plaque is on Roundtop,” I finished his thought. Even though we were certain that the Plaque was there, it would be weeks before we would find it, since I ended up in the hospital after my appendix de-cided it was no longer needed…as if it ever was.

Three days after surgery – about two weeks too soon -- I decided it was time to see if I had recovered enough. I’m 26-years old and hard-headed, so I tested myself by hik-ing 3620-ft Fir Mountain. At the summit, Will and I met a group of 3500 Club members and aspirants, including two members of the Long Island ADK, Susie and Paula. After completing the hike and one more hospital stay due to complications, it was time to find the Plaque.

On January 31st, it was cold — about 4 degrees with a wind chill well below zero. Two to three feet of powder

snow crusted over with three inches of ice made hiking, even with snow shoes, a challenge. The entire hike was a steady uphill climb, but with numb fingers, frozen Camel-backs and the promise of finding the Plaque, we pushed forward. At just over 3100-ft, we faced the cliffs of Round-top, a challenge by themselves without the snowpack; for every step forward, three slides back. Struggling for 40-plus minutes, we conquered cliffs that would take only one minute to descend once we made the summit.

Funny how several feet of snow, some ice and drifts, as well as downed trees, makes “earthy cracks” holding plaques disappear into one flat white landscape. Then as I was digging in snow, without feeling my hands, I heard a muffled yell. I stopped what I was doing and discovered Will had accidentally tripped over a buried cairn. Wow, that helped -- “140 degrees and take 10 paces.” After some digging and some prying with an ice axe, there it

was! As soon as we found the Plaque, there was a brief mo-ment when we weren’t cold, but that was quickly replaced with the fact that we still had to get off the mountain.

It was an exciting challenge that let us enjoy the Catskills in an adventurous kind of treas-ure hunt, and we are excited to pass this tradition on to the

next group of willing searchers. Stay tuned for clues…

I would like to thank Tom Farre for introducing the ex-citement and challenge of finding the Plaque, and thank the entire Long Island ADK chapter for keeping this tradi-tion alive. It allows people to enjoy the Catskills with not just strong legs and good boots to get you to your goal, but wits, compass skills and general knowledge of the Catskills combined with a love for hiking.

Alex Marra and Will Soter tracked

the Plaque to a crack on Roundtop.

Hilltop Acres Resort Jewett, NY

Small resort near Hunter Mountain in the Catskills.

Beautiful mountain views. Private lake and woods.

Ideal for hiking, skiing or a relaxing getaway.

Central European cuisine.

Modestly priced.

Open all year.

Tel: 518.734.4580

www.windham-area.com/hilltopacres.htm

9 9

Looking BackLooking BackLooking BackLooking Back Ron Engasser

MAIL TRIP REPORTS: Ron Engasser, 73 Matsunaye Drive, Medford, NY 11763. E-mail: [email protected]


MAY 16 — KAKIAT PARK CIRCU-LAR Stu Levy led Dave Koehler, Nick Testut, Rishma Ramoutar, Naz-rah Yorke, Rosemary Meierdiercks, Phil Stazzone, Judi Odishoo, Joe Cardella, Pat Belikis, Marian Leeds, Eric Markowitz, Yoshiko Takeshita, Ginny Armstrong and Mike Vaughan on an 8.86-mile hike in Southern Harriman Park. Starting in Kakiat County Park, we picked up the little-used Mountain Trail to climb 600' to the top of Cobus Mountain, switched to the Kakiat Trail, then the SBM Trail, where we encountered 5 min-utes of rain, and switched to the Conklin Crossing Trail. We picked up the unmarked trail at the edge of Pine Meadow Lake, switched to the Pine Meadow Road West until we encountered another unmarked trail that led us to James Conklin Ceme-tery, where we had lunch. After lunch, the leader took the group to a former CCC building, which few have found. We then went back to Pine Meadow Road West, switched to the Poached Egg trail then the Raccoon Brook Trail and finally the Kakiat Trail, which we took back to our cars. The leader posed another easy seven-part question, which the group could not answer, and they once again missed out on a free meal. The weather was overall great for hiking and we got our fair share of exercise.

MAY 23–24 — BROTHERS TRAIL MAINTENANCE This year nine LI-ADK'ers made the trip to Keene Val-ley to do our bit to keep the Brothers Trail passable. Herb Coles (leader,) June Fait, Pat Wachter, Elie Bijou, Sue Kenyon, Mike Vetrano, Kathy Daly, Pauline Lavery and Carol McHugh did the job. There was a minimum of brush to be clipped and a few blowdowns to be removed. The most visible signs of work were the 12 cross ditches in the first half mile that Carol cleaned, and Pauline excavated to new depths. None of

us got much farther than the Third Brother, where ADK Trails Director Wes Lampman was indispensable with his double-bitted ax. Without Wes clearing the blow-down, we might have been back there on Sun-day, and working a lot harder. Satur-day night concluded with a dinner at the Baxter Mt. Tavern. Sunday started out with the promise of early showers, which didn't deter Sue and Pat from adding Giant and the com-plete Rocky Peak Ridge to their list of peaks. Herb and June stayed lo-cally to Baxter Mt. and a confusing set of old roads on the way back to Keene Valley. The Wild Center Natural History Museum in Tupper Lake kept Pauline and Carol busy all day. Elie, Mike and Kathy vanished somewhere in the High Peaks, un-known to us.

MAY 30 — SHELTER ISLAND – MASHOMACK PRESERVE HIKE On a sunny and warm late spring day, Joan Gossner (leader,) Alice Peckelis, Cindy Vanglad, Dawn Cuccioni, Paula Petracca and Denis Stricker met at Greenport and took the quick and scenic ferry to Shelter Island. At Mashomack Preserve we headed out to the Blue trail, a 10-mile loop through the preserve. Along the way we had wetland and bay views, forest trails and expan-sive meadows. We saw nesting os-preys, great egrets, deer, and a large snapping turtle crossing the trail. We heard extensive bird song throughout the day. After the hike we drove out to Ram Island and through the hilly northern part of Shelter Island. The ferry back to Greenport was a nice finale to this very pleasant outing.

MAY 30 — RAMAPO – DUNDER-BERG TRAIL PART ONE Stu Levy led Dave Koehler, Rosemary Meier-diercks, Wan Lee, Nick Testut, Rishma Ramoutar, Mike Vaughan, Steve List, Pat Sanders and Rich

Fram on the first part of the Ramapo–Dunderberg trail. Starting on Rte. 9W, we climbed the south-ern flank of Dunderberg Mountain looking for wildlife (four-legged vari-ety) only to discover two bras and panties strewn along the trail. The leader noting the importance of this discovery, left these articles in place and sanctioned this part of the R–D trail for "multi-use" status. The first six miles of this 12-mile trail section had precipitous climbs and drop-offs over several mountains while negoti-ating craggy rocky tors. As we en-tered the second phase of the trail we encountered a black snake nap-ping in a rocky fissure. This last phase of the trail was almost like groomed carpeting, and the group was totally pleased to complete the trek on a pleasant note as we ar-rived at Seven Lakes Drive.

JUNE 20 — BREAKNECK RIDGE Stu Levy led Dave Koehler, Wan Lee, Nick Testut, Pat Sanders, Rishma Ramoutar, Steve List and Robin Dunn up Breakneck Ridge to the Wilkinson Memorial Trail and up and over Sugarloaf North. The scheduled hike was the second part of the R-D trail, but the leader changed the hike due to an ominous weather forecast that could have caused potential hazards on a lengthy hike. The first 2.5 hours of the hike were clear, but the rain did start. We completed the hike just before the heavy rains came, and we were all happy to get in a hike and get a good amount of exercise.

JUNE 27 — ORIENT POINT BIKE RIDE (SPRING OUTING) Lanny Wexler (leader), Kathleen Berger, Maria Garcia, Bonnie Prushnok, Luis Pacheco, Ken Kaufman, Janine Schwartz and Eunsil Recksiek bicy-cled 24 miles on a warm summer day between Greenport and Orient Point. The ride went through the quaint village of Orient taking some

Continued on page 11

10


Looking Back continued

back roads where the scent of beach plum was in the air. Egrets could be seen in the marshes against a beautiful backdrop of bil-lowing white clouds. The group en-joyed lunch on the beach at Orient Point State Park, which was fol-lowed by a short hike at Orient Point County Park past blooming beach plum. We all savored the wonderful views of Long Island Sound, Gardiners Island, Plum Is-land and the distant shoreline of Connecticut. On the way back we stopped for ice cream in Orient. All had an enjoyable day.

JULY 11 — CONSCIENCE BAY, SETAUKET HARBOR PADDLING Nancy Hodson (leader), Mike Hod-son, Bud and Carole Kazdan, Denis and Sue Stricker, Lee Wan, Rick Mundy, Kathleen Berger, Howard Graber, Andy Mossa, Joe Cardella, Phil Nathan, Herb Coles, June Fait, Tina Wu, Yoshiko Takeshita, Sheila Lipshie, Dawn and Paula Luccioni, and Ron Peskin kayaked from Shore Road in Setauket around to Conscience Bay. On a beautiful summer day we paddled under the watchful eye of Sal Franco who supplied the rental kayaks and in-struction. We saw the Port Jeffer-son ferry – thankfully at a distance – and took lunch on a sand bar separating us from the Sound. Those who had the time and en-ergy continued into Conscience Bay, bucking increasing winds. The scenery was lovely, and the water got calmer farther into the Bay. The waterfront houses varied from mod-est and sumptuous, with views to die for. We struggled back against the wind, earning a good day’s ex-ercise.

MY TRIP TO TIBETMY TRIP TO TIBETMY TRIP TO TIBETMY TRIP TO TIBET by Diane Grunthal

Tibet is so special and such another world that I wanted to visit it before it becomes just another Chinese prov-ince. Sitting about 12,000 feet above sea level, Tibet is even more endear-ing than I imagined. In the capital, Lhasa, we climbed another 1,000 feet to see the elegant Potala Palace, built in the 7th century and expanded in the 17th century to its present size with thirteen stories, including living quar-ters, temples, stupas and monk dormi-tories. Inside are magnificent Tibetan arts and cultural relics, truly national treasures.

We also visited the Jokhang Temple, the holiest place in Tibet. Pilgrims come from all over Tibet––some walking for years—to prostrate themselves and make offerings of scarves, money and yak oil to keep hundreds of lamps burn-ing before precious idols and artifacts. To raise money to get back to their vil-lages, many pilgrims have to take jobs and some are reduced to begging. But unlike in the rest of China, there are no professional beggars in Lhasa.

Outside the Jokhang Temple there is a great marketplace where people pur-chase yak meat, yogurt, cloth and beads. Visitors can pick up small prayer wheels and other mementos of this most memorable journey.

We also went to the Sera monastery tucked away in Tibet's hills, where Buddhist monks with shaved heads and dark maroon robes chant and meditate. In Buddhist convents, simi-larly dressed nuns create copies of sacred scriptures for the prayer wheels every citizen of Tibet carries and spins while chanting constantly. The monks and nuns were very friendly.

In a traditional Tibetan household three or four generations live together. On a visit to a home, an elderly woman stuck her tongue out to welcome us — the older generation's way of saying hello — then we drank yak-butter tea.

We also visited an orphanage and a Tibetan farm house. The farmer did not expect us, so we obtained an in-side look at how a farmer uses equip-

ment, which is not unlike our farmers of yesteryear. Livestock are raised on grass, as in the U.S. before farming became big business. I ate yak meat and really enjoyed it — different, but flavorful.

Our Tibetan guide told us the story of last March’s uprising. Upon arrival in India in 1959, the Dalai Lama was promised that he and his people could stay for 50 years, but Indian officials could not promise to provide shelter after that period. March 2009 marked the f if t ieth anniversary in In-dia. Tibetans have given up hope that he will be able to return to Tibet with-out intolerable conditions, and that they will be allowed to practice their religion in peace. Han Chinese make up almost 50% of the population now. (The Chinese say the percentage is only 18%, but local residents insist that one need only walk down the street to dispel this notion.) This past March, dissidents trashed Chinese busi-nesses. One dissident was killed dur-ing the uprising; others have "disappeared."

Our local guide spoke flawless English, and warned us not to ask him ques-tions about politics or the Dalai Lama in public, and not to e-mail friends about such topics. There were many uniformed policemen and undercover police everywhere.

Today, only one-third of the monaster-ies still exist. Also, the government’s requirements for becoming a monk are so stringent that young men no longer want to become monks.

So the Tibetan population as a sepa-rate entity may one day no longer ex-ist; no monks, no monasteries, and mostly Chinese inhabitants.

In China’s other provinces, people are as warm and friendly as they are in Tibet, even where they live under diffi-cult living conditions. This trip gave me a new perspective: yes, China has the Great Wall and the breathtaking Three Gorges area on the Yangtze River. However, I think I want to spend my tourist dollars in the good ol’ USA where we have so many treasures we can enjoy as outdoor enthusiasts.

What Are You

Waiting for? Get the Mountaineer by e-mail! You’ll get it sooner. And ADK-LI will save on print-ing and mailing, our biggest expense!

Why wait? Send your name and zip code to Micheline: [email protected]

11 11


ADKADKADKADK----LI CrossLI CrossLI CrossLI Cross---- Country Ski Weekends Country Ski Weekends Country Ski Weekends Country Ski Weekends PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKENDPRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKENDPRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKENDPRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND

Friday thru Monday Feb. 12th – 15th

Garnet Hill Lodge Garnet Hill Lodge Garnet Hill Lodge Garnet Hill Lodge

North River, NY in the Adirondacks

Cost: $195 per person

Includes:

� 3 nights lodging: Fri., Sat. & Sun. “Sharing" bedroom includes 1 queen-size

bed & bunk beds

� Saturday night wine & cheese party (no extra party fee!)

� Saturday night pot-luck dinner

� Day pass for X-C skiing

� Night pass for X-C skiing

� All taxes & gratuities

Deposit of $150 due on 10/19/09

(include a second check for $45 balance post-dated to 11/19/09)

Make checks payable to: ADK-LI (NO CASH accepted. Must pay in FULL prior to trip)

Space is limited! Register now!

Leader: Paula Mordini

Call: (516) 456-6162 after 9:00 p.m.

E-mail: [email protected]

MARTIN LUTHER KING MARTIN LUTHER KING MARTIN LUTHER KING MARTIN LUTHER KING

WEEWEEWEEWEEKKKKEEEENNNNDDDD Friday thru Monday

Jan. 15th – 18th

Lapland Lake Lapland Lake Lapland Lake Lapland Lake

Nordic Center Nordic Center Nordic Center Nordic Center in the Adirondacks

Cost: $375 per person includes:

� 3 nights lodging: Fri., Sat. & Sun. Separate rooms with twin

or queen-size beds

� Saturday night wine & cheese party (no extra party fee!)

� Saturday night pot-luck dinner with wine

� Authentic Finnish wood-burning sauna

� Day Pass for X-C ski & snowshoe trails

� Night pass for X-C skiing

� Ice skating pond

� All taxes & gratuities

Activities: � X-C Skiing – full or half day (A.M.)

� Snowshoe or Tubing full or half day

� Group X-C ski lesson 50% off

� Rental Discounts for X-C skis and/or snowshoes

Deposit of $150 due on 10/19/09

(include a second check for $225 balance post-dated to 11/19/09)

(NO CASH accepted. Must pay in FULL prior to trip)

Space is limited! Register now! Leader: Paula Mordini

(516) 456-6162 after 9:00 p.m. [email protected]

12


ADK-L.I. 171-08 Gladwin Avenue Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

[email protected]

Join now for last-minute info on hikes, outings, gear discussions and carpooling possibilities. Don’t miss out!

Go to www.adkli.org and click

(on left side of home page)

Change your address?

Don’t tell us — tell ADK headquarters.

They print our address labels.

Write: Adirondack Mountain Club Membership 814 Goggins Road Lake George, NY 12845-4117

Or call: 1-800-395-8080 Or email: [email protected]

DEADLINES FOR NOV – DEC ISSUE

OUTINGS DEADLINE: SEPT. 25 COPY DEADLINE: SEPT. 30

Send outings to: [email protected]

Send articles for Nov. – Dec. to: [email protected]

Send Trip Reports to: [email protected]

ADK-LI MONTHLY MEETINGS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16: “HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER” with photos and stories by members focusing on their ADK outings and adventures.

NOTE: NO MEETING IN OCTOBER. ANNUAL DINNER: THURSDAY OCTOBER 22 (See page 7 ) REGULAR MEETINGS RESUME TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17th.

WHEN: 8:00 P.M. Come early at 7:30 p.m. to socialize and network.

WHERE: St. Elizabeth’s Church, 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville, NY

DIRECTIONS: From Northern State Parkway: Exit 41 (Wolf Hill Road). From the west make a left, from the east make a right onto Wolf Hill Road; go straight, through the 5-corner intersection. Immediately after the school athletic field, turn right into St. Elizabeth’s driveway to rear parking lot and entrance.

From L.I.E: Exit 49N (Rte. 110 north.) On Rte. 110, go to 4th light and turn right (Old Country Rd.) Go to 2nd light and turn left on to Wolf Hill Road. After athletic field, turn right into St. Elizabeth’s driveway to rear parking.

NEW MEETING SCHEDULE for 2009 — 2010. ALL WELCOME!

Wednesday September 16th October - no meeting (Annual Dinner 10/22) Tuesday November 17th Wednesday December 16th Wednesday January 27th

Tuesday February 16th Wednesday March 24th Wednesday April 28th Wednesday May 26th Wednesday June 23rd

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