May Newsletter 2020
Picnic and outings
We are disappointed to report that the picnic and outings through mid-late May have been cancelled due to COVID 19 and the need for social distancing. The Board had voted to cancel the picnic last Wednesday, the decision was reinforced two days later when NYS Parks & Recreation published a notice that all reservations though May 31 had been cancelled. No pavilion reservations are being accepted at this time. It is possible the late May and June outings may be cancelled also.
We miss socializing with friends, members and the nonmembers that would normally attend these outings! Going forward we will review our practices for outings and modify as necessary to maintain social distancing, hygiene as well as safety of the volunteers and participants.
Monitoring for ATV use
The new NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Ranger in this district, Steven Jackson, routinely patrols access trails as well as the Taconic Crest Trail to help curb illegal ATV and other illegal motorized vehicle activity. Operators of the ATV’s and other motorized vehicles will be issued tickets if they are apprehended on a trail. We welcome Steve to the area and appreciate all efforts he puts into helping keep the TCT a safe place to hike as well as the other areas he covers!
Willard Hoyt Remembered
Willard Hoyt, THC Life Member, passed away on April 19 at the age of 87. Willard was active in the club for many years. He served on the Board, serving as President in 1992 & 93; led many outings, including hikes and canoe trips; did a substantial amount of trail work over the years, particularly from Rte. 20 in Pittsfield State Forest; volunteered for many End-to-End events; assisted with the Creative Hiking Class and routinely attended social events and outings. We remember Willard as someone who liked to get out in front of the group! He is also remembered for building his own house with occasional help from a relative and/or friend while in his 70s, and he was working on writing a philosophy book. One could always count on an interesting conversation when hiking with Willard. In his retirement facility he was known as “The Walker” for the daily walks he took into Delmar, just to be out and doing what he loved. Although he had not been active with the club for the past few years he has not been forgotten! Our sincere condolences to his family.
If interested, his obituary is posted on Ray’s Funeral web site: https://rayfuneralservice.com/tribute/details/268/Willard-Hoyt/obituary.html#tribute-start
The Club has purchased a Tribute Tree to be planted in his memory.
April Photo Gallery
In lieu of including pictures of recent outings, the club has led we are presenting pictures taken by some of our members while hiking in local parks and preserves. From waterfalls to wildflowers, to rock formations, to rock walls, it shows that in this area, you don’t have to go far to observe the beauty of nature.
Waterfall. Photo by K Ross
Waterfall with rock formation, Albany County. Photo by M Waldman
Waterfall, Albany County. Photo by M Waldman
Spring beauties. Photo by L Siegard
Bloodroot. Photo by L Siegard
Rock formation, Albany County. Photo by M Waldman
Old foundation, Albany County. Photo by L Siegard
Rock wall, Albany County. Photo by M Waldman
Upcoming Outings
Check the Outings page of the website for complete details. Please note that due to COVID 19, some of these outings may be cancelled. We look forward to the time that we can be on the trail with others again!
Wednesday, May 27: Mount Greylock B+
Saturday 5/30 Ashokan Rail Trail bike ride B
Tuesday, June 2: Berlin Mt. Loop, Williamstown MA B
Saturday June 13 Race Brook Falls & Mt Race B+
Saturday June 27 Alcove Reservoir Bike B