|
|
TRIP REPORTS
March 20, 2010 6:15 PM ET
Trip Reports
|
January 16-18, 2010 | Dix Range - Photos by Reinhard Gsellmeier and James Fetten
By: Reinhard Gsellmeier
On Sat. our group of five left the winter parking area at Clear Pond
and headed back to setup camp near the Slide Brook LT.
Our early start provided us with enough daylight left that afternoon
to check out the Macomb slide,just for fun and to stretch our legs.
The next day (Sun.) we left camp for our dayhike that took us over
Macomb, S. Dix, E. Dix, back to S. Dix, Hough & Dix.
We were very fortunate with rather mild temperatures, clear skies and overall great snow/trail conditions.
The Macomb slide was rather easily climbed with snowshoes,
and we were treated with a spectacular view of Adirondack peaks
protruding through a low-lying early morning mist.
All herdpaths had been previously broken out, which enabled us to make great progress.
It was late afternoon by the time we reached the summit of Dix,
tired but all of us very pleased with the day's accomplishments.
We descended from the Beckhorn via. the marked trail,
donning our headlights for the final 3 miles back to camp.
Mon. we broke camp and hiked out.
Overall this was a great trip --
we had a real strong group,
with good camaraderie and fun for all
|
|
September 23 | Sue Dougherty, 46r, on Whiteface - Photo by Doug
Our GVC Membership chair Sue Dougherty became our newest 46r on Whiteface Mountain at 2:15 PM, Sept. 23, 21009. As is evident from the photo, visibility was severely restricted (~30').
|
|
September 18-23 | Eastern NH Day Hikes - Photos by Joe
Before we even started our trip, Bob Ciecierega and Larry Telle sneaked up to the White Mountains two days early and climbed five mountains. They were to join us Friday at the designated campsite in Gorham. Tom Arter, Craig Johnson and Dan Young made it there Friday; Eric Oogjen and Joe Roth did not. Joe's van began experiencing transmission problems east of Rutland and they turned around. After driving 700 total miles and limping into Rochester at 10:00 PM, they resolved to try again early Saturday morning. While these two drove back to New Hampshire, the rest climbed three more mountains. By dinner time we were all at the campsite ready to begin our advertised climbing agenda.
Sunday morning was crystal clear but breezy. We were treated to wonderful blue sky as we climbed South and Middle Carter and Moriah. It was a tiring 15 mile day but necessary to set up the final climb Monday. Showers and a fine dinner took us to the inevitable collapse at the campsite around 9:00 PM.
Monday was just as clear but less breezy and warmer. Because of health issues we chose what we thought would be the easiest approach to Mount Isolation, the Rocky Branch Trail. At 14 miles RT it wasn't the shortest, but it was supposed to be the gentlest. As we approached the summit the group pushed Joe to the front, something about "tradition." As he climbed out onto the rocky top, Joe officially finished his Northeast 111. Larry was right behind to celebrate finishing his White Mountain 4000 Footers. Both Eric and Larry broke out the bubbly and we all enjoyed a salute. The cameras then came out for what seemed like an eternity. Finally we found rocky seats, pulled out lunch and enjoyed the magnificent scenery. We considered how lucky we were to be there with a light 65F breeze, full sun and clear sky and nestled up against the Presidential Range. We could easily pick out the Mizpah Hut, rocky cairns and all the structures on top of Mount Washington. To the northeast were the Carters from the day before. To the east were lesser mountains trailing off well into Maine. Eventually we had to start down. All went well until Tom and Joe were stung by yellow jackets at the same spot in the trail where they had stung Larry on the way up. Showers, a buffet dinner and a nice campfire completed a memorable day.
On Tuesday the group packed up and said enough to camp breakfasts. By now they were really into this car camping thing! Eric and Dan stopped to climb Cannon Mountain while the others continued home. All arrived safely back in Rochester by 9:30 PM.
Trip leader - Joe Roth |
|
September 11-13 | West Canada Lakes Backpack - Photos by Jim
We set out Friday morning and had a leisurely drive to Pillsbury trail head. Amazing, the dirt road between Sled Harbor and the trail head was navigable. This is a rarity and not something I would take for granted.
We started our hike down the old military road and arrived at the Cedar Lake dam a little after 4pm Unfortunately, the dam has deteriorated to the point where the water is passing under it and the lake level is much lower than last year. We actually stayed on Beaver Pond, just north of Cedar Lake at an easy to miss but nice campsite by the Beaver Pond Bridge.
Saturday, we hiked by the three leantos on the north side of Cedar Lakes but only spotted two of them. The sign is missing for the third one but there is great camping spot close to it that we did see. At the west end of Cedar Lake, we saw the remains of the Ranger Cabin. This cabin had been closed many years ago. However, I had read about this cabin in Larry Weill's book "Excuse Sir... Your Socks Are On Fire" so it was fun to actually see the location of some of his adventures. We had our lunch at West Lake Leanto #2 which had a beautiful new roof, thanks to our roofing team last year.
Saturday evening, we stayed at Sampson Lake Leanto where we ran across a group from the ADK Niagara Chapter. They were on a similar expedition but had started on Thursday. Fortunately, there is plenty of tenting space around that leanto. We spent the evening sharing their fire and good company. Unfortunately, the Sampson leanto's roof is in bad repair and the rest could use some shoring up as well. Hopefully, it is on DEC's list to fix.
Sunday morning, we hiked back to Pillsbury trail head. Then, we drove to the Oxbow Restaurant for a late lunch with the Niagara Chapter group before heading home.
Photos by trip leader Jim Luening |
|
August 29
Saturday | Highland Park & Mt. Hope Cemetery - Photos by Carol Truesdale
Trip leader - Joanne Mitchell |
|
August 21-26 | Southern NH Day Hikes - Photos by Joe
The wet summer made us nervous about this trip. Rain was predicted as Bob Ciecierega, Donna and Tom Dinse, Eric Oogjen, Joe Roth, Larry Telle and Dan Young left Rochester, and that was before Hurricane Bill started to make his way up the east coast. Our drive to New Hampshire went through many heavy downpours. By the time we reached our campsite, it was flooded. We managed to squeeze in our tents by taking the highest points. This trip saw an addition to our car camping luxuries like hot showers and restaurants: Wi-Fi and the Internet. While this might feel like a wilderness intrusion, we were in town. And it sure helped us see what weather was around us.
Saturday started with a steady rain. We bagged the hiking and headed into North Conway to check out the shops. We found it to be quite the tourist town complete with $7.50 drafts and $10 glasses of house wine.
On Sunday the weather was still marginal. We decided to climb Carrigain, the peak with the shortest route of the weekend plan. Our views were obscured by clouds at the top, but at least the hiking was almost dry. We returned to find the campsite flooded again. Somehow a heavy storm missed us on the trail and slammed the campsite to the south. Having found the high spots Friday night proved to be a blessing by Sunday evening.
Seven people and two vehicles allowed us lots of flexibility for what we hiked. On Monday two climbed the Tripyramids, three climbed the Trips plus Whiteface and Passaconaway and two climbed nothing at all! We repeated it on Tuesday when three climbed the Hancocks and four climbed Whiteface and Passaconaway. And on Wednesday four climbed Moosilauke while three climbed none.
Luckily the weather improved after Sunday. Clouds and winds continued to toy with the mountain tops, but we never experienced rain. The water retreated at our campsites. The group climbed the six planned mountains, but the peak baggers were in heaven: They added an extra two peaks.
One lesson we learned about car camping was that there is a limit to how much gear people can take. We were required to drive an unplanned larger vehicle. Thanks Donna for squeezing into the jump seats.
Trip leader - Joe Roth |
|
August 14-16 | Iroquois, Algonquin and Wright High Peaks
Our party of 8 drove up to Upper Works trailhead on Friday. From Upper Works, we hiked into our base camp at the Lake Colden Dam. The weather was cloudless but the heat took a toll so we finally set up around dusk. This area is a known bear hang out and the rangers were checking everyone for bear canisters but no sign of our furry brethren. Our plan was to climb Algonquin, Wright, Iroquois and Marshall peaks the next day. Aggressive... Yes. Achieved... No, but three out of four ain't bad.
Saturday morning, we were up bright and early, ready to climb. We ascended to the ridge line between Iroquois and Algonquin which was a good warm up challenge. From there, we quickly summited Algonquin. Then, we hiked down Algonquin and up Wright Mountain. With their beautiful vistas, both mountains were well worth the climbs.
Then, it was back over Algonquin to get to Iroquois (this took awhile). We ran across several people going both ways on Algonquin, who questioned our sanity (or perhaps there was no question). Iroquois was "trailess" which meant that there was an unmarked mud path worn through a thicket of alpine bramble but we were rewarded with another fantastic view.
It was getting late and we had summited four peaks that day, even though two were Algonquin so we headed back to camp and had to save Marshall for another trip.
Sunday morning was perfect for hiking and we made the trail head in good time. We wrapped up our trip with lunch at Long Lake and headed home.
Photos by trip leader Jim Luening |
June 13 | ADK Outdoor Expo
Floyd
– –
– – –
– – –
Carol
– –
– – –
– – –
Sally
– Steve –
|
June 6 | National Trails Day at Durand Eastman Park
Says Mary Norman, Thank you to everyone who attended the National Trails Day event at Durand Eastman this past Saturday, June 6th. Your enthusiasm, expertise, and hard work made all the difference in making the event a success. We could not have asked for better volunteers! You all deserve a major pat on the back!
|
May 2-3, 2009 | Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness Backpack
Our group of seven hikers left from the Shortsville NYS Thruway park and
ride at about 10:30 A.M. on a beautiful Saturday morning and arrived at the
Middle Settlement trailhead on Rte. 28 (about 3 ½ miles southwest of Old Forge)
a little before 2:00 P.M. Although it was well before the usual start of the
black fly season, the insects were already emerging. However, they were not
biting (which we interpret as a courtesy that they extended to ADK members),
and we remained unscathed for the entire weekend. We hiked the moderate, three
mile trail to Middle Settlement Lake, walking through woods that were just
waking up from their winter dormancy. Purple and white trillium were a frequent
sight along the trail. Foregoing the popular Middle Settlement lean-to, we set
up our tents at a campsite overlooking the Lake, and as we did so, we could see
a pair of loons swimming near the opposite shore. After dinner, we hung our
bear bags and then spent the early evening around a campfire. By the time we
headed for our tents, the temperature had dropped into the high thirties.
At precisely 6:00 A.M. the following morning, we were awakened by the
loudest loon calls this writer has ever heard. After breakfast, we broke camp
and hiked under sunny skies toward Cedar Pond. We crossed the shallow creek
that flows out of that Pond, but instead of continuing the loop trail back to
our cars, we took a took a side trip along the hilly (and muddy) 1 1/2 mile
trail leading to Middle Branch Lake, another of the beautiful lakes and ponds
that dot the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness. After lunch at Middle Branch, we hiked
back to the main trail and continued on our way, arriving back at our vehicles
by about 3:30 P.M. Following an early supper in Old Forge, we headed home.
This was a great trip by a group of very congenial hikers--some experienced
backpackers and some novices. It was a special pleasure to have with us three
hikers from the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area (including one from the Canadian
side of the border). The participants were Marion, Bill, Lyn, Steve, Kirt,
Wendy, and Dave.
Trip leader - Dave Harrison |
March 1 | Signs of Spring - photos by Jackson
Says Jackson Thomas, "I had my camera with me while delivering Geneseeans
this afternoon to Bay Creek. I thought we might all enjoy seeing some photos."
|
February 19-22
2009 | Annual Loj Trip - photos by Jackson
Click on an image for the the slide show.
Click here for photos by Bob Crumrine.
2009 Genesee Valley ADK Winter Loj Trip
By Dave Harrison
Combine a congenial group of outdoor enthusiasts with breathtaking High
Peaks scenery and excellent snow cover, and you have the ingredients for a
terrific Adirondack experience, and that's just what 38 ADKers enjoyed over a
four day period on our Chapter's annual trip to the historic ADK Loj. Located
on a square mile of ADK-owned land about five miles outside Lake Placid, the
ADK Loj overlooks Heart Lake and offers a view of mountains and forests that
ADK members like this writer daydream about all year long. GVC booked the
entire Loj, and on Thursday Feb. 19th people began arriving early in
afternoon. Before dinner, we gathered for refreshments in front of a large
stone fireplace in the great room – a high-ceilinged room filled with rustic
Adirondack furniture, books, and pictures of Adirondack scenery. Although many
members of the group were Loj trip "regulars," there were also 11
first-timers this year.
Read Dave's complete report.
|
|
February 7-8 | Dial, Nippletop, Colvin & Blake
By: Reinhard Gsellmeier
Sat. at 7:15 AM our group of 5 (Dale Platteter, Jim Fetten, Dave Ferguson, Mike
Gsellmeier & Reinhard Gsellmeier) were on the trail (Lake Rd.) at the Ausable
Club gate under partly cloudy skies and a relatively mild +10 deg. We were
soon on the Leach Trail, which was well broken thereby enabling a brisk pace to
be set. Skirting the 1999 fire area, the group enjoyed good views of the Great
Range on the way to Bear Den, and from there to Dial.
By the time we reached
Dial a low ceiling put an end to the views, and the temperatures had moderated
considerably since the AM. Stopping for lunch at the Elk Pass Trail junction,
the group dropped packs and ascended Nippletop in short order. We reached our
campsite in Elk Pass at 3:30 PM, setup camp, made dinner, and were fast asleep
before 7:00 (winter camping is a good time to catch up on some ZZZs).
The rain during the nite had stopped by morning, which was a very balmy 32
deg. (practically beach weather). The climb up Colvin & Blake was again at a
fast pace, thanks in part to the packed trails, and on the way down the skies
cleared, the sun came out, and views of Lower Ausable Lake and the Great Range
were spectacular. By 2:00 we were back at the Rte. 73 parking lot, mission
accomplished.
The only real mishap we had was that an unseen critter (pine
marten maybe?) made off with Dale's Spam sandwich (it must have been really
desperate!), but otherwise this was a very successful trip enjoyed by all.
|
|
November 25
2008 | Monroe County Parks Public Meeting – The Genesee Valley Chapter was well represented
The Master Plan under consideration: 2008-11-25_Ellison Park Updates.pdf
For more information, see the Conservation page.
|
October 10-13
2008 | West Canada Lake Wilderness Area Lean-To Repair
Trip leader - Dave Mundie
|
October | October Local Hikes - Photos by Ken Reek
Letchworth Loop, October 11. Trip leaders Ken and Margaret Reek.
Wesley Hill Nature Preserve on October 18. Trip leader Bob Krenzer.
Rattlesnake Hill on October 19. Trip leader Dan Wilson.
|
September 19-21 | Santanoni Range - Photos by Jim Fetten
Six hikers (Doug, Sue, Jim, Chuck, Aaron, Joe) met at the Santanoni parking lot at 1 PM
Friday. The weather was superb and the mud was tolerable as we backpacked
to the Santanoni lean-to, arriving about 4:30 PM. The lean-to was
unoccupied and five of us claimed it with Joe electing to use his tent to
spare us his snoring. After supper, we retired around 8 PM to be ready for
an early start in the morning.
After a cool night with the temperature in the 40's, we got up at 6
AM, had breakfast, and were on the trail shortly after 7 AM to climb the
three trailless peaks of the Santanoni Range. The weather was again
perfect and it took an hour to reach Panther Brook and another hour to
Herald Square. We summited Panther (4442 feet) in another 15 minutes. The
views of the mountains were superb. After picture taking, we hurried on to
Times Square and then in 1.5 hours arrived on Couchsachraga (3820 feet)
where we ate lunch. We were back at Times Square by 2 o'clock and on
Santanoni (4607 feet) at 3:10. The views were great and we could see the
beginning of the fall colors.
We had all successfully bagged the three peaks and proceeded to
return to camp via Times Square, forsaking the recently reopened route
down Santanoni. We arrived back at camp at 6:40 having hiked about 10
miles and climbed about 3000 feet in 11.5 hours. Tired, we again retired
by 8 PM.
We awoke to an overcast day. After breakfast, we broke camp and hiked
back to the cars, arriving at 11:15, and drove home. It was a fully
successful outing with all objectives met (everyone got 3 peaks and no one
got lost in the mud).
Trip leader - Doug Smith |
August 1-3 | Owls Head Mountain
Twelve women traveled to Lake Eaton
Campground near Long Lake for a weekend of relaxing and hiking. We arrived
in time to set up tents and enjoy a wonderful potluck dinner! Unfortunately
the park ranger busted us after 10:00 PM for being a little too noisy.
Some campers retreated to bed but others stay up another hour. All was
quiet. The last camper preparing for bed, accidently activated her
personal alarm device. Not wanting to wake anyone, unable to switch the
devise off or pry it open, she heroically sat on it in her van until the
batteries finally ran down around 2:00 AM.
The next day in spite of light rain, we enjoyed a beautiful hike up to
the fire tower on Owls Head Mountain. Because of the cloud cover, there
was no view. On the way down hikers had a choice of continuing the route
we came, back to the cars, for a 6.4 mile round trip or an alternate route
along the lake, which lead directly back to the camp site for an 8 mile
hike. The longer trail was extremely muddy and the sudden torrential
downpour did not help conditions.
That evening we enjoyed a fine meal at the historic Adirondack Hotel on
Long Lake.
The next morning we packed up and breakfasted at the Long Lake Dinner.
After visiting the beautiful Buttermilk Falls we headed back to
Rochester.
Trip leaders - Judy Immesoete and Donna Dinse
|
July 18-20 | Panther Gorge Backpack
Gordie, Jim, Sikandar, Dan and I headed to the Elk Lake trailhead 7:00 AM
Friday morning. After a lunch stop in Schroon Lake we arrived to start our hike
at 1:00 PM. There was only one other car in the lot, so we hoped it might be
lonely at the lean-to.
It was hot and muggy, and many of us were soon drenched in sweat. The
backpack in was nearly nine miles with some hills and challenged many of us. It
provided a good lesson in hydration and nutrition. The days leading up to the
trip had lots of rain, but it held off the whole way in and through the
evening. But we were definitely not lonely at the lean-to. It was full, and
there were many other tenters in the area the whole weekend. The location was
very popular with backpackers who do not come in from Elk Lake.
Saturday morning started damp after a shower overnight. We hit the trail
for a day hike loop intending to summit Skylight, Gray, Marcy and Haystack. We
hoped that things would clear while we were climbing the first mountain. That
didn't happen for Skylight or Gray. We were still fogged in during a very wet
bushwhack between Gray and Marcy.
We stopped for lunch after exiting the tree line on Marcy but had to look
around for a sufficient wind break. This was near the marked trail between Four
Corners and Marcy. A ranger hiking by brought us up to speed on the success of
the bear canisters required in the Eastern High Peaks. Unfortunately the bears
near Lake Colden have figured out how to open the clear polycarbonate BearVault
canisters. The company is trying some new lid prototypes, and some may be
available for trial overnight at the interior outpost near Lake Colden. Is
there a better way to debug the problem than by challenging these very clever
bears! The smartest might be Double Yellow, a sow with two yellow tags on her
ears. The rangers want to know whenever canisters are being breached, so they
can develop alternate strategies.
By the time we reached the top of Marcy there were some breaks in the
clouds, which continued over and down Haystack. But when we reached the top of
Haystack a 50 mph wind greeted us. It shortened our stay, but at least it was
dry.
Sunday morning we broke camp and started our hike out. Within seconds it
started raining. It rained heavily the whole way out, making the trail
treacherous if not flooded. We arrived at the trailhead soaked to the core, but
no one was injured by the many slips and falls. We were in heaven changing into
dry clothes at the car. I wonder what the waitress thought about the soggy
money we used to pay for our lunches in Saratoga?
Trip leader - Joe Roth
. |
June 14
Saturday |
One rainy Outdoor Expo!
[All about Expo 2008]
Photos by Steve
Photos by Sally
Photos by Karin
|
June 7 | National Trails Day
A big thank you to our volunteers who helped refurbish the trails at
Webster Veteran's Memorial Park on Saturday, June 7, 2008. The following
volunteers helped in the hot, humid weather for nearly three hours as we raked
out chips, trimmed weeds, and generally, made the trail around the back pond a
bit more hospitable: Denny, Jeanne, Karin, Jim, Barb, Lydia, Korey, Mary, Dave,
Michael, Terry, Carolin, and Dick.
A special
thanks to Denny Tripp and Jim Britt who, as members of Penfield Trails,
organized the event. We appreciate everyone's help!
- Mary Norman, Trails Co-Chair
|
|
|
![[ADK Logo]](/images/adk_logo.gif){kind=logo}