Looking for hiking partners

[hockey2]

It seems that most of you get out and hike/camp together. Any chance I could hook up with you guys? I'm just getting into winter camping, in fact I'm taking the Winter School with ADK in February.
I'd love to start with some day hikes and definitely some overnighters this spring. I'd like to start some of the 46ers too.
I'm an easy going guy. Not a political or religous zealout or anything like that.

Chad
you can also e-mail me at chadhockey2@hotmail.com

[Yan]

It seems that most of you get out and hike/camp together. Any chance I could hook up with you guys? I'm just getting into winter camping, in fact I'm taking the Winter School with ADK in February.
I'd love to start with some day hikes and definitely some overnighters this spring. I'd like to start some of the 46ers too.
I'm an easy going guy. Not a political or religous zealout or anything like that.

Chad
you can also e-mail me at chadhockey2@hotmail.com

Hi Chad. Four (or more) of us will be going on Ampersand peak this coming Sunday. You are welcome to join us, but it's not one of 46 peaks over 4000'. The views are excellent, if you get any visibility that is (one of two Ampersand trips last year we couldn't see more than 50 feet ahead when on summit). We wont be going fast though, in case if you prefer a faster pace.

Yan

P.S. Here are pictures of someone else's trip to Ampersand. You can get an idea of what the views from the peak are if the conditions are good:

http://wandel.ca/nov4hike/

http://wandel.ca/ampersand20050619/index.html

[hockey2]

Yan
I appreciate the invite, unfortunately I have a snowboarding trip planned for this Sunday.
E-mail me though if you have future trips planned, I'd love to join you guys.
Doesn't look like too many other people are going to extend an invitation.

Chad

[Kevin]

Doesn't look like too many other people are going to extend an invitation.

Not true, there just isn't a lot of hiking going on. Most of the hiking done in the winter are dayhikes, with some exceptions. Many hikes are last minute. It's also a matter of being available when other people are (like I'm mostly only able to go Sunday and/or Monday each week).

I'm also planning to either hike with Yan or climb Black Mt (Lake George area) on Sunday. Since you're busy I guess we'll try for another time. MOST of my hikes I post in the events planning area about a week in advance. There are several hikes on the horizon that have already been discussed (Nippletop slide, etc). Some are probably within reach, others you may want to skip since you're new to winter climbing.

I'm always eager to meet new people and hike. You have the right idea in posting, just be patient for others to see it.

Also be sure to see if you can stop by the winter gathering at the end of the month. I believe a short hike is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with lots of attendees. Good people and plenty of food!

http://www.gobacktothebasics.com/index.htm

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=3070

[oldsmores]

Hockey2-
Where are you located?

[hockey2]

Kevin
I'm apologize, I didn't mean for my post to sound mean spirited.

Thanks for all of the great info, I'll definitely look into the links you posted.

Oldsmores - I live near Utica, NY

[redhawk]

A lot of us met at the forum gatherings like the one going on the end of the month and got to know each other and from there it turned into close friendships.

Sometimes stuff is "spur of the moment" and a quick call or a PM to one of the people we know is usually free is made rather then a public post.

I do a lot of hiking that is never posted on the forum because I prefer small parties and hiking with people I know, rather then someone I haven't met in person yet. Not snobbish, just that in my lifetime I have had to carry a few "experienced" (according to them) hikers out on my back and I'm getting too old for that. I'm very particular about who I hike with (although you would never know it based on some of the characters here that I hike with!!).

So, if you can, try to get to one of our social gatherings or "sign yourself up" for something that you see being planned here. I'm just uncomfortable going out with someone whom I haven't met face to face. I am sure there are others who feel the same way.

It's not anything personal, nor is it snobbish or elitest.

[hockey2]

Redhawk
Completely understandable, I don't take it that way at all. I know what you mean, I do a lot of whitewater paddling and I get a little leery of bringing paddlers who I don't know their ability on hard rivers.

I've been searching the web, mainly the ADK site for hikes or hiking partners. I visit this site daily and I see that a lot of you have a lot of back country experience. I'm not a novice, nor an expert, somewhere in the middle, so I'd like to gain a lot more knowledge so I figure you guys are the place to look for it.

So if you're ever looking for new blood, and I say that loosely, please shoot me an e-mail. Not to worry, you won't be carrying me out on your back.

Chad

[Robony]

Hi hockey2,

If you're familiar with or are a member of ADK, most local chapters hold announced group outings. This is a great way to meet folks and to participate in areas of interest. I'm not sure about those chapters, but the schenectady chapter offers frequent hiking and whitewater outings.

[hockey2]

I'm a new member of the Iriquois chapter and haven't attended a meeting yet. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that my chapter has an "events" page on the ADK page.

[Robony]

If you can get your hands on a Sunday Schenectady Gazette on the back of the sports page there are outings listed under "outdoor".

[ADKSara]

Hey Hockey2. ADacKr & I do many trips during the winter, mostly backcountry skiing w/ some snowshoeing. We are hoping to do some camping as well this winter...but seem to be experiencing a snow shortage!

He works in Utica and many times we leave from there to head to Old Forge for some day trips. Also we head up Route 10 for many day ski trips. We'll let you know if we're headed that way in the future!

[hockey2]

ADKSara - thanks for the post. I'll definitely be looking forward to hiking with you guys. I live in Utica so it'll be a good meeting point.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Chad

[twochordcool]

I LOVE AMPERSAND!

That's funny that you guys are writing about it - I haven't visited this site in weeks, and I am finally going to invest in snowshoes and I was thinking about Ampersand as my first winter hike!



What ARE the snow conditions like up there anyhow?

Down here in Westchester County it has been mild and dry - so mild that I figured that the Adirondacks probably haven't been that cold themselves.

Anyhow, who wants to do a hike soon?

[Wldrns]

I'm a new member of the Iriquois chapter and haven't attended a meeting yet. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that my chapter has an "events" page on the ADK page.

Well there's your problem!
You will hear about lots of trips at the monthly meeting, first Tuesday of the month in New Hartford. As a member you should also be receiving the "Trailmarker" newsletter by snailmail, which lists future trips and contacts. See you in Februrary...