Ann Roberti

Snow Donuts Redux, and other snow oddities

You’ve probably had enough of snow by now, but as we say goodbye to it,  we have another look for you…

We think our snow donut is nicer than the one in the photo contest (link below)…we went back to check on ours a little while ago and it was definitely worse for the wear, but still pretty cool …

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Science Friday Photo contest snow donut.

Other Science Friday winter photo contest entries are really worth checking out….

We found some other great snow stuff on the Alder Lake to Beaver Meadow hike…

 

Snow Donuts?

February 24, 2014  –  Members of the CMC spotted the rare and calorie free snow donut while cross country skiing on the Catskill Scenic Trail in Roxbury. This interesting phenomena occurs when snow conditions are just right, and we were lucky to be there to see it.

Read about what causes snow donuts:

on NPR:   Snow Doughnuts Are the Real Thing

and on wikipedia

 

A “friends of the CMC” hike on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb 2nd

Mike and Becky Porter have been organizing a hike on Balsam Lake Mountain on Super Bowl Sunday for as long as we can remember.   It is a fun hike, sometimes with snowshoes, sometimes not.   3 miles to the fire tower, where hikers picnic on the lunch they’ve packed.  6 miles total.  Becky says “sleds are optional-  they are fun on the steep parts!!”  — her favorite part of the day.

Becky also says “summiting is overrated”  …so sometimes if the snow is deep or the ice is bad the group may not make it to the Fire Tower.

Plan to bring warm drinks, water and good snacks. Dress in warm layers, hand warmers suggested.

Meet in Margaretville at 10 or at the trailhead on Millbrook Rd at 10:15.  Contact Becky Porter at mport@catskill.net for Margaretville meeting location and for more information.

No Dogs please.

New Year’s Day hike on the Shavertown Trail — 11 am

Wednesday, January 1,2014  11 am

Kick off the New Year with a First Day hike with the CMC on the Shavertown Trail in the Town of Andes. This lovely 5.3 mile hike takes you past a beautiful pond with a lovely view of the reservoir and through a lovely, mature woodland.  The first section of the trail is moderate and the second section is relatively easy.

There may be snow and/or ice, so bring a traction device such as Microspikes. The forecast is for colder weather so dress in layers of clothing made from a wicking material and expect the possibility of a steady wind.  We probably won’t stop for long given the temperatures but bring a snack and plenty of water.  Registration Required. To register contact annroberti@yahoo.com or 845-676-3643.   Please contact hike organizer about bringing dogs.

Directions: From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, go west about 3 miles to the dividing of the highways. Turn south onto SR 30 and go 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the left,  just after turning right onto CR 1.

From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right.

Meet at the trailhead sign.

Great hike on Wallkill Valley Rail Trail…

On Sunday, December 8th, a fine group of hikers took on a 12 mile section of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. We thought we could do this section in 4 hours but there was just too much to look at and photograph!  If you have not checked out this trail, we highly recommend it.   We hope to come back soon on our cross country skis!

We started from Dewitt Mills Road in Rosendale, just south of  the Kingston city line, where there is no official parking area but pull-off parking on the shoulder near the trail crossing is allowed when no snow plowing is needed.  Entry points are also available at several other road crossings.  (See maps on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Association for more info on access points and parking.)  Check out our photos and more…

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Great Hike on Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

On Sunday, December 8th, a fine group of hikers took on a 12 mile section of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. We thought we could do this section in 4 hours but there was just too much to look at and photograph!  If you have not checked out this trail, we highly recommend it.   You can do much shorter sections, or longer.   We hope to come back soon on our cross country skis!
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New benches at Shavertown Trail


November 14, 2014  –  Many thanks to the Catskill Forest Association for the beautiful benches they donated to the Shavertown Trail. The larch benches were created by Mike Porter from trees on nearby Dingle Hill. The CMC “bench” team installed the benches as winter descended on us. Thank you (I guess), to Frank Winkler, for his witticisms.

Summer Newsletter

August 15, 2014  –  Read about our work on the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur, the new Shavertown Trail, our new Stewardship Committee and more…..Click Here!

Request for Volunteers

The CMC is doing a lot of work keeping the trails you love open and clear of downed trees, skin ripping blackberry bushes and other hazards.  In addition, we’re laying out and building new trails.  We’d love to have your help….it really is a fun day in the woods and you’ll have the pride of knowing you contributed to the trails you love.   Click here to learn more….