February-April 2018 Algonquin Chapter ADK Mountain Topics

Volume 47 Issue 1 February-April 2018

Fri, February 9th Chapter Meeting, 7pmFri, March 9th Chapter Meeting, 7pmWed, April 11th, 6pm Outings/Executive meeting at Plattsburgh Public Library, 2nd Floor Meeting Room. 6:45 p.m for general meeting.Fri, April 13th Chapter Meeting, 7pm

Chapter Schedule See this page for more info.

*Please Note: For security reasons, the only access to the Old Clinton County Courthouse meeting room at night will be via the handicapped entrance. This is the ramp on the south (Court Street) side of the old building. All other doors will be locked. The handicapped entrance will be locked at 8 p.m.

Chapter Meetings Friday, February 9th at 7pmProgram: Southbound on the Appalachian TrailPresented by Natalee Byers

Held at Old Clinton County Court House*Natalee will show a short video/movie clips of her thru hike south on the Appalachian Trail in 2016. We will learn how unique the trail is in each state. Also, she will bring her pack to show us what is needed, or not, for this adventure.

Friday, March 9th at 7pmProgram: What Would a Woodpecker Do?Presented by Tom Manitta

Held at Old Clinton County Court House*Tom Manitta is a naturalist at the Adirondack Loj, Lake Placid.

Friday, April 13th • 7pm Program: North Country Trail AssociationPresented by Mary Coffin

Held at Old Clinton County Court House*Mary will discuss plans for the North Country Trail Association (NCTA). For the past 10 years Mary has been working with the NCTA and the N.Y. State Department of Conservation to develop the North Country National Scenic Trail route through the Adirondacks.

Practice Leave No TraceFollow proper trail etiquette to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks as well as ensuring an enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors by following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. Excerpt from https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

Plan Ahead and Prepare (Principle #1)• Know the regulations/special concerns for the area you’ll visit.• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.• Visit in small groups when possible. • Repackage food to minimize waste.• Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint,

rock cairns or flagging.

Travel on Durable Surfaces (Principle #2)• Stay on deep snow whenever possible. Snow deeper than six

inches adequately protects underlying vegetation from tram-pling with the exception of vulnerable alpine vegetation found on 16 of the Adirondack high peak summits. Thus, nearly any surface outside of the Alpine Zone that is covered by enough snow is considered “durable”. Wearing snowshoes or skis further protects trails and natural resources.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors (Principle #7)• Share the trail and yield to downhill and faster users.• Skiers and snowshoers using designated snowmobile trails

should keep to the side and move off the trail to allow safe passage of snowmobiles. Snowmobilers should slow down when passing skiers and snowshoers.

Mountain Topics Algonquin Chapter ADK February-April 2018

Wow, haven’t we had an “exciting” entry into winter? Below average and below zero temps abound. As I write this, a bit of a January thaw is here, but more frigid temps are forecasted. A reminder is in order to “mind your feet” to avoid falls on ice.

I want to apologize to all regarding the cancellation of our January meeting. Especially those who showed up at the

court house. With winter weather warnings going into effect as of 7 p.m., on the day of our meeting, for plummeting temperatures from above to below freezing, we thought it best to err on the side of caution and cancel the meeting. I love snow, but the potential for ice is another matter. Our presenter was coming from Vermont and his safety was another concern. Please come to our February meet-ing as we have a special honor to bestow on one of our members, and as always another interesting speaker will provide a great program arranged by Alix Hueston.

Outings led by our members are listed in newsletter. Check our Town of Plattsburgh for additional things to do year round. Looking forward for some cross country skiing and snow shoeing in February.

See you in the great outdoors. Phil Erickson

A note from the chair:

facebook.com/adkplattsburgh Post your favorite winter trek! We want to hear about it!

Adirondack Landscape PhotographyFebruary 3, 2018

Map & Compass FundamentalsMarch 18, 2017

Outdoor Leadership 101March 24, 2018

Backcountry Cooking 101April 7, 2018 (Lake Placid)

Wilderness First AidMarch 31-April 1, 2018

*Visit adk.org (under DISCOVER) for member discounts and more details.

ADK Skills WorkshopsRegistration: 518-523-3441

Love the LakeThursdays, February 15-March 8

Free “Love the Lake” programs at the Lake Champlain Basin Center on Grand Isle, 54 West Lake Shore Road, 6:30 p.m. at the Gordon Center House. Take the ferry before 6:00 p.m. as a foot passenger. Turn left when you reach the highway and walk less than a 1/4 mile. The center is on your right. Be sure to walk North. Check the Lake Champlain Basin website for details. Tea and coffee and delicious desserts. See you on the boat! Questions, call: Nancy Olsen, 561-0189.

New Land Trust Chili Festival Saturday, February 17Chili Festival at the New Land Trust in Saranac. Hot soups and chili at noon. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Bring food to share. Bonfire in the afternoon. www.newlandtrust.org/

Saranac Lake

Winter Carnival

February 2-11

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the

longest-running event of its kind in the eastern U.S. Since 1897,

it has grown into a 10-day festival that includes

sports, performances, two parades and three sets

of spectacular fireworks.

Sat, February 2nd, 7 p.m. Lighting of the Ice Palace

and Cape Air Opening Fireworks Display (Ice Palace,

State Boat Launch)

For more info:saranaclakewintercarnival.com/

schedule

ADK Master CalendarView ADK’s Master Calendar for a compre-

hensive list of all things ADK, including upcoming special events, seasonal out-ings, guided hikes, workshops, lectures,

chapter outings and more.

www.trumba.com/calendar/ adirondackmountainclub

Sort by Special Focus: Beginner, Family, New Member,

Senior, and Young Member!

February-April 2018 Algonquin Chapter ADK Mountain Topics

WEDNESDAYS

Every Wednesday, now through April: Walk About Town with Lynn Valenti. Meet at 3 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, downtown Plattsburgh, for a one hour walk around city neighborhoods. No need to call ahead. Dogs on a leash welcome.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Cross-country ski Lower Ausable Lake Road. Moderate 6.6 miles round trip. Bring lunch and warm drink. Leader: Alix Heuston, 518-561-7660. Call by 2/1.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Snowshoe First Brother in Keene Valley. Moderate 3 miles round trip. Bring snacks/lunch. Leader: Kimberly Smith, 315-813-4407. Call by 2/2.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Cross-country Ski at the New Land Trust in Saranac. Leader: Phil Erickson. 518-569-5527.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Cross-country ski at the New Land Trust in Saranac. Leader: Phil Erickson. 518-569-5527.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Cross-country ski Whiteface Landing. Bring lunch and beverage. Leader: Claire Velsey, 518-236-6646. Call by 2/22.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Full Crow Moon howling on Cross- country skis or snowshoes. Also known as the “Sap” moon. Easy! Moon rise at 5:25 p.m. Leader: Marilyn Smith, 518-561-3167.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Snowshoe Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb. Easy 3.6 miles round trip. Bring snacks/lunch. Leader: Kimberly Smith, 315-813-4407. Call by 3/2.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

South Meadow to Marcy Dam Cross- country ski. Bring lunch and beverage. Leader: Alix Heuston, 518-561-7660. call by 3/22.

Algonquin Chapter Outing ScheduleAll outings and meetings are open to the public, unless otherwise noted. We thank our trip leaders and encourage other members to lead outings. Some outings are listed from other chapters. Be sure to check in with those trip leaders well in advance. Contact Chair Phil Erikson 569-5527 or Vice-Chair Alix Heuston 561-7660 to add an outing.

Winter 2018

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Snowshoe/Hike Stag Brook Falls in Wilmington, 2 hours RT. Easy. Bring snacks/lunch. Leader: Kimberly Smith, 315-813-4407. Call by 4/6.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

North Country Squares annual pancake breakfast at Sanger’s Sugar House, Ingraham, N.Y. Enjoy all you can eat-pancakes plus sausage, warm, fresh maple syrup and coffee. If condi-tions permit, a group walk at noon in the sugar bush. We will look for “spring surprises.” Must wear boots. Easy for all abilities. Leader: Nancy Olsen, 518-561-0189.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Hike Split Rock Forest. Leader: Claire Velsey, 518-236-6646. Call by 4/26.

Classification of Outings: EASY: max distance of 8 miles and altitude gain of 1200 feet; MODERATE: max distance of up to 12 miles and/or altitude gain of 1200 to 2200 feet; ADVANCED: max distance of up to 15 miles and/or altitude gain of 2200 to 3500 feet; DIFFICULT: exceeds 15 miles and/or altitude gain of over 3500 feet.

Camp Santanoni Winter Open House

Events are scheduled during President’s Day holiday weekend, February 17-19; and the weekend of March 10-11. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will have

access to the historic camp properties located in the town of Newcomb, Essex County, to rest, tour the buildings, and view interpretative displays.

A 9.8-mile round trip cross-country ski or snowshoe excursion traverses from Camp Santanoni’s Gate Lodge complex to the remote lakeside main lodge complex. The trip provides a moderate physical activity

and a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.The Winter Weekend events are being hosted by DEC, AARCH,

the Town of Newcomb, and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s (ESF) Adirondack Interpretive Center.

Mountain Topics Algonquin Chapter ADK February-April 2018

NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPlattsburgh, NY 12901

Permit #70

December 2, 2017 in Lake George by Steve Baker1. Looking for outings sponsors and or management. The venue can be chosen, help

is available with staffing and logistics for the event. The President’s Dinner was moved to the fall weekend to help membership by combining the two, thus lessening travel costs. [let HQ Know]

2. A resolution was proposed and passed to move funds from the Grow ADK Fund to the HPIC/construction project. Grow ADK Fund is for providing funds for unscheduled needs.

3. Operation revenues were worse than budget, expenses better than budget, as of 12/2/2017.

4. The 2018 budget was passed with no dissentions.

5. The Club hopes to develop a plan to deal with the overuse of the high peaks, as well as DEC (a permit system?).

6. The club, as well as others, including Andrew Cuomo, oppose the storage of obsolete tank cars on the Tahawus line.

7. The new Development Director is Laurie Schweighardt, working in that position now.

8. The Loj and cabins are available for chapter use, and have been reserved in the recent past for individual chapter outings/events.

ADK Board of Directors Report

Algonquin ChapterAdirondack Mountain Club57 Cogan Ave.Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Algonquin Chapter Leadership 2018

ELECTED

Chair Phil Erickson (518) 569-5527

Vice-Chair Alix Heuston (518) 561-7660

Secretary Mark DuBrey (518) 846-7514

Treasurer Kay Washbourne (518) 563-2387

Director Steve Baker (518) 834-5414

1st Alt Ray Johnson (518) 846-8234

2nd Alt Mark DuBrey (518) 846-7514

APPOINTED

Membership Marilyn Smith (518) 561-3167

Program Alix Heuston (518) 561-7660

Conservation Chris Velsey (518) 236-6646

Publicity Alix Heuston (518) 561-7660

Editor Kimberly Smith (315) 813-4407

Archives (Open)

Outings (Open)

All inquires can be emailed to: algonquinadk@gmail.com