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Work Weekend and Other Updates

by John Bidell

We will be having our annual Fall work weekend October 13-17. This will allow volunteers to come up during the week and keep the crowd to a minimum. Food will be provided, and we will have time for activities after lunch. All are invited to attend regardless of your skill set. Outdoor and indoor projects are available for you to choose from. Please contact me for a reservation or more info: johnbidell@yahoo.com or 518-207-5961.

Warren Miller is coming to town and at this point we will probably not be involved as a participant, as there is no fundraising component available to our club. We may have a discount code available but, as of now, we are still waiting. Tickets will be through your phone and the Palace theater will have vaccine rules.

I am also thinking of having a hosted week up at the house the week of Presidents’ Day. Current max occupancy is 36, but we would hope to have a much smaller group cycle in and out. Skiers are cheap and like spur-of-the-moment activities, but reservations are refundable, and we would like to generate some income to pay for heating your house. Use that pass you just bought and help the club out.

I have booked my yearly Vail/Beaver Creek, and Moab trip already and have confidence that this year will be more friendly for travel. But I also realize that situations change, so a refund option is important.

Plan on being on the mountain and hopefully that will include a stay at the house. As a club we have had paddling, biking, and a kayak camping trip this year. Were you there? We would like to post pictures on the web site.

Clubhouse Work Weekend, Oct. 15-17

by Bill Kornrumpf

Our first fall Clubhouse work weekend will be on October 15-17. Some of us will be going up earlier to get some recreation in if the weather is good. If the weather is not great for outdoors recreation, we will get an early start on the list of tasks. Feel free to arrive any time from Wed, Oct 13, to Sat, Oct 16. We have a full list of projects, so come on up! The stay is free and the meals are always great.

Make your reservations using the clubhouse reservation system and make sure you email Ellen at ebidell@yahoo.com and me at wkornrum@nycap.rr.com that you will be coming so we can put you on the attendance list.

If you have a project you think needs attending to, email or text me (518-209-3244) and I will put it on the list. So far some of the projects are:

1. Install new kitchen flooring

2. Repair window in room 25. It doesn’t close completely.

3. Make sure all window pins are easy to replace

4. Complete painting in the basement

5. Clean up basement and check dehumidifiers

6. Change furnace filters & clean out/replace condensate lines

7. Install new sump pump

8. Move extra mattress from room 21

9. Finish ends of beds that had bunks removed.

10. Remove extra bed platforms from attic

11. Repair leaky faucet in men’s room

12. Repair the woodshed

Early Ski Weekend, Dec. 9-12

by Bill Kornrumpf

Unfortunately, Ronda was not able to come to an agreement with Vail to host Bomber’s clinic this year. I will be going up anyway to get an early start before the holiday crowds arrive later in December. Put that weekend on the calendar now so you don’t get over-scheduled and miss the early skiing. It is a good time to try out new skis for the season. I think I already have at least 5 signed planning on skiing that weekend. I hope to see you up there!

Schenectady Wintersports Club Monthly Meeting via Zoom, Sep. 14

by Karen Simmons, Secretary

The meeting was called to order by President John Bidell and opened with the Treasurer’s report provided by Don Streed.

Ellen Bidell explained that reservations and inquiries are increasing. There is a long-term rental and several individual rentals that are, hopefully, a sign of and improving rental future for the Clubhouse.

Karen Simmons provided notes from the recent Ski Council meeting. The Council will be providing stickers to be affixed to membership cards for all member clubs for easy identification when purchasing ski passes on appreciation days. There was no Treasurer’s report available.

Bill Kornrumpf reported on ongoing communications with Waterbury Municipal Office. We will remove more bed platforms to comply with the numbers set forth by the Municipal Office. A representative has been invited to stop at the Clubhouse on the Friday of our upcoming work weekend to inspect the beds and discuss any additional cost-saving measures we may employ. John is working with an insurance agent to determine if there is any way to save on insurance costs by bundling our three types of insurance: building, liability, and D&O. Bill is also compiling a list of tasks to be completed during the work weekend scheduled for October 15-17. If any members have maintenance or improvement suggestions, forward them to Bill to be added to the list.

There was no hiking report.

Sue Knapik reported that the paddling season will be winding down in a couple of weeks. The Paddlers participated in 3 races this season and enjoyed Monday and Wednesday nights on the water.

John has been in contact with a representative from Warren Miller who indicated that ticketing will be electronic this year. There will be 2 showings of the movie at the Palace Theatre. This year no club displays will be allowed at the Theatre. John will continue to research the details.

Capital District Ski Council Monthly Meeting, Sep. 1

There was no Treasurer’s report.

Information was shared with Council members regarding the SWC lodge status and rental procedures.

Jim Tunney received a message regarding this year’s Warren Miller Movie. Karen will research information provided to SWC regarding the event and possible SWC involvement.

Lee from Killington has been in communication with Jim regarding uniform labeling of all ski club membership cards to make identification easy for Council appreciation days. The days will be midweek and Killington is moving to a touchless ticketing system.

The Ski Council will cover the cost of the stickers for all member club cards which will be provided to each club representative for distribution.

The Ski Council will return to in-person meeting option for representatives at Brown’s in Troy for November and December meetings. Zoom will continue to be an option.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 6:00pm.

Raquette Lake Adventure a TEN

On September 9, ten hardy souls embarked on a four-day, three-night paddling and camping adventure to Tioga Point primitive campground on Raquette Lake. Raquette Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks with 99 miles of shoreline, and the weather can be quite unpredictable, making paddling small craft a real challenge. With a very limited number of private camps, as so much of the shoreline is state land without road access, the wilderness-like setting proved well worth the challenge.

Five women and five men set out on six kayaks and two canoes at about noon on Thursday under partly sunny skies with a westerly cross wind of 5 to 10 mph. As the crow flies, it was about 3 miles to the destination of Tioga Point, but with a couple of errors in bearings around islands and confusion about what constitutes a peninsula, the initial journey became more like 5 miles, and still all arrived with smiles and awesome reviews of the camping facilities.

Tioga Point, the site of a former Great Camp which was lost to fire, offers great views of the pristine Lake and surrounding mountains. It is a New York State Campground with only 15 lean-tos and 10 tent sites, accessible only by water or a six-mile hike. With only 3 lean-tos already chosen, there were plenty for our group to choose from. We scouted out the campground options and immediately set up camp at five waterfront lean-tos.

Having more or less passed on lunch, we met dinner with hardy appetites, cleaned up our dishes, stowed our food in the installed steel bear vaults, and then waited for the spectacular Tioga Point sunset, for which we were not disappointed. Following was a campfire we all shared in making, and planning the next day’s, Friday, itinerary. Then it was a relatively early journey to our sleeping bags.

It rained during the night and we awoke to strong winds that were kicking up small whitecaps on the main body of Raquette Lake. We ate breakfast, had an extra cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as we waited to see if the winds would subside. But alas, our planned long paddle was scrubbed and we each settled for a different pleasure. Three ladies chose a hike to Lower Sargent Pond and had the pleasure of meeting some interesting “well-seasoned” campers, who were recounting their many years of camping experiences. And while there, more of their friends and gear arrived via pontoon plane.

Two guys went for a shorter kayak paddle in the quiet waters of a leeward bay.

Two tried their hand at fishing, with a little luck.

Others read, gathered firewood, and just relaxed. With a blast from its steam whistle, the Raquette Lake tour boat gave notice of its daily sail around the historic lake.

Another good sunset, another campfire, followed by snuggling into our sleeping bags anticipating the coldest night of the three we would spend on the point. This easy day would prove fortuitous with what we would encounter on day three.

Saturday dawned with sunny skies and lighter wind, which would actually help us on our outbound leg of the delayed journey.

We would paddle the five miles to the north end of Raquette Lake, passing Hens and Chickens islands, rounding Bluff Point, entering Outlet Bay which, near its end, reaches the ½-mile portage to Forked Lake. At the carry, everyone pitched in helping each other until all equipment was transported across the barrier between waters. After the carry, we paddled the east arm of Forked Lake. The four canoeists would choose to explore the inlet of the Raquette River into Forked, and then begin their return to Tioga Point. The six kayakers continued the 3½ miles to the Forked Lake Campground ranger’s station at the outflow into the Raquette River.

The total outbound distance of nine miles was covered in 4½ hours. Unfortunately, time did not allow for the hoped-for 3-mile hike to Buttermilk Falls, which lies further along on the Raquette River before it enters Long Lake.

It is wonderful how few camps exist on Raquette Lake. The forest flows down from the surrounding mountains and right into the water, an unbroken wooded landscape continuous along the shoreline.

The same can be said of Forked Lake, which has even fewer camps for each mile of shoreline. The view was enhanced as a few of a certain species of maple trees had already turned a crimson red, while other deciduous trees were just beginning to show hints of yellow. There are numerous well-spaced primitive campsites marked along both shores of the east arm of Forked Lake, and not a single private home in sight. Only smaller outboards are allowed on Forked Lake; thus, paddle craft dominate these waters.

Upon arriving at our furthest-most point, we richly enjoyed our backpack lunches on the shores of the outlet of Forked Lake, thankful for the Forked Lake campground facilities and the resupply of fresh water for the return trip. We knew the return journey would be a more arduous test, as now the wind was against us and we were beginning to deal with fatigue and a bit of soreness in muscles not used to the endurance being demanded.

With legs and backs stretched out, and our hunger met, we retook to the waters and started for home. Where we could, we stuck to the calmer waters along the shoreline of Forked Lake and we managed to make good time. The presence of a loon diving for lunch and popping up in seemingly random locations along our route helped to brighten the mood. The wilderness scenery continued to satisfy the peaceful need, but sight of the dock marking the “carry” site was greeted with verbal adulations.

While the return portage seemed a little longer than the outbound carry, we were heartened by the fact we were now back on Raquette Lake and three-fourths of our journey was complete.

With everyone back in their boats, we lingered just a bit before setting off on our final leg. This portion of the Raquette is narrow, more like the river that it becomes just below the bridge that is behind us. But the narrowing acts like a funnel and we were met with the strongest headwinds we had encountered thus far. Nothing to do but dig in strong and make headway stroke by stroke. There were no complaints, just determination. We knew that Outlet Bay was the final long leg of the day’s journey, and we could see Bluff Point in the distance.

As the Bay widened, we followed the now-routine practice of paddling close to the shoreline for some calmer waters and frequent wind protection from minor points on small coves.

Chatter had died away as we set to our task. With each stroke, Bluff Point came nearer.

The sun was now further west in the sky as the late afternoon hours had been reached. We westward paddlers were greeted with a brilliant, sparkling, diamond-jeweled waterway marking our path to our destination.

The bright silvery reflections in contrast to the dark shadowed side of each ripple or each wave gave a spectacular sight as it ran to the distant blue mountains crowned by fluffy white clouds with gray underbellies, framing the white-hot sun bursting its rays upon us.

Bluff Point! There’s the “cabin,” if you can call it that, with the massive front porch and a boardwalk out to the point where there is a small gazebo and a large Maryland state flag flying overhead. What’s up with that Maryland state flag, anyway? This is the quintessential Adirondacks in New York State! Around one more small cove and there, we have spied Hens and Chickens as the islands mark our final landmark before we regain the shores of Tioga Point. One final push through stiff winds across open water and we reach the sandy beach we called home for four days!

Mission accomplished. A day later than planned, eliminating plans for other excursions, but they can wait for next year.

With boats beached, the priorities quickly become outhouse, a quick swim to clean up (boy, the water’s colder than I thought), dry warm clothes and a hot shore dinner! Another sunset quickly passes by and the campfire draws us like moths to a flame. Our last evening together. Treats are passed. Cordials offered. Praises given for the shared opportunity. Experiences and stories shared. Yawns are stifled, but a humorous countdown begins to reach 9 o’clock before we all head off to a well-earned, warm, sound sleep in our protective lean-tos.

Sunday morning, we are greeted by the knowledge of a brisk headwind for our paddle back to the hamlet of Raquette Lake, where our vehicles await. It’s quiet as we have our coffee, tea, and hot chocolate and pack our gear back into our boats. There’s a bit less to carry as the food has been consumed. But our minds are now provisioned with fresh memories shared with new friends.

Time for a group photo before we launch for the three-mile journey back to “civilization”. The Tioga Point Adventurers, seated L to R, are: Mary O’Connor, Glenda Cohen, Kate Walsh. Standing, L to R, are: Jim Flaherty, Tony Calvagno, Brenda Streed, Don Streed, Lat Schmidt, Jim Foley, and Aline Flaherty.

Sure strokes part the retarding, wind-created waves. Wilderness is replaced by increasingly-frequent waterfront camps where roads have cut into the woods.

In less than two hours, we are transformed from explorers into commuters.

Boats are loaded onto car tops, gear stowed in the hatchbacks, hugs, handshakes and best wishes are exchanged for hopeful meetings on ski slopes, bike paths, and paddling again next year!

It was a good journey. It was ten!

Submissions for the Chatter

Content submissions for the SWC Newsletter should be emailed to swcchatter@gmail.com by the 15th of the month and should include a contact name and phone number. Content that needs to be run in subsequent Newsletters must be resubmitted each month.

Change of Address Notices

Change of Address notices should be sent to:

John Boscarino* boscarino126@aol.com
126 Polsin Dr, Schenectady, NY 12303-2516
*Do not send to the editor or the Club PO Box; they will get lost

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Membership is from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022

Name _________________________________________________

Age Group (circle one) 18-29 30-39 40-55 56-69 70+

Address__________________________________________________

__________________________________________ZIP____________

Phone _________________ E-Mail_________________________________

New Member( ) Renewal( ) $25 individual( ) $35 Family( )

For Family Membership, please indicate:

Name of Spouse________________________________________________

Age Group (circle 0ne) 18-29 30-39 40-55 56-69 70+

Names and Ages of Junior Members________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

To qualify for family membership, children must be under 18 or 18 and still in High School.

Interested in volunteering? Circle any that you are interested in: Clubhouse, SWC Board, Snow Show, NY Capital District Ski Council, Activities, Warren Miller Movie, hiking, biking and other Club help such as outreach.

Make check payable to SWC and mail with the completed application to John Boscarino, 126 Polsin Dr, Schenectady, NY 12303-2516