The Urban Trail Conference, Inc.

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SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (190)
January/February 2006

Sun., Jan. 1 - SOUTH BEACH PARK, S.I. 7-8 mile shore hike, flat and easy. Drop off points available. Visit Fort Wadsworth. Walk on the beach and on newly restored boardwalk with a beautiful new long pier with a gazebo and history. Continue through woody trail, and back on boardwalk to Miller Field and beyond. Great views of the South Bay. Bring lunch/hot drink. Optional dinner in Chinatown upon return (place to be selected). NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take any train to Staten Island Ferry (Manhattan side) and meet in Ferry waiting room to take 10:30 AM ferry! Fare: use MetroCard for bus S51 to Fort W. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Fresh snow doesn't cancel, Ice/Blizzard do! Joint hike. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Thu., Jan. 5 - SOMETHING NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR - - The Museum in the Streets. 2 hilly miles, can be extended on Old Croton Aqueduct. Follow the marked trail - - First One to find most markers WINS- - -a cup of hot chocolate! Take #1 subway to last stop and meet at 242nd and Broadway at 11:00 AM by token boot, then W1 bus to Hastings. Fare: MetroCard + $1.75/Srs $0.85 exact change, same for way back or return by train. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3, free for first time participants.

Sat., Jan. 7 - LONG BEACH to POINT LOOKOUT. 8 miles, moderate steady pace. Walk from Long Beach to Point Lookout and back. Eat at Coffee Shop (no brown bagging coffee shop) or bring lunch and eat at beach. Stop to look for seals and harlequin ducks at bay. One short stop for sighting going and coming, not a bird walk. Severe weather cancels. Take the 8:48 AM LIRR train from PENN Station to Long Beach, arriv. at 9:43. Meet at Parking lot at Long Beach (cars may park there). Leader: Judy Levine, 718-482-9659 after 7 PM. Joint hike with other clubs.

January-February - S.I. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TOURS. Actual dates are dependent upon availability of snow. When it snows register for ski tours on Staten Island by calling leaders Bettye and Steve Soffer (718-720-1593) between 7 and 9PM or by emailing your name, address and phone number to nyhikingclub@yahoogroups.com with the subject XC Ski. Details of events may be posted at Yahoo groups (http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/nyhikingclub). Depending on conditions, we may ski on a golf course, a wide hiking trail, or Great Kills beach area. Skiers must have their own equipment and be able to handle novice areas.

Sun., Jan. 8 - WINTER HIKE. Moderate easy pace, Bring water and lunch. We recommend hiking boots, as there may be snow or mud on the trails. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Allow enough transportation time to make the 10:30 AM Staten Island ferry from Manhattan and meet the leaders in Staten Island at the train station in the rear of the ferry terminal. Heavy rain/snow cancels. Fare: 2 Metrocard fares. Call for more information. Leaders: Bettye and Steve Soffer, between 7 PM-9 PM at 718-720-1593. Joint with other clubs.

Wed., Jan. 11 - GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE/FT LEE and down road to Shore Path, up long flight of steps near end. 1 to 5 miles. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet at GWB Bus Terminal near NJ transit ticket windows at 10:00 AM. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3, free for first time participants.

Sat., Jan. 14 - MOVIES of NYC PARKS / INWOOD HILL PARK. Cozy on up with the Rangers as we take a look at how NYC parks have become the backdrop to Hollywood films. Movie goodies provided. Take A train to Dyckman St Station and meet outside by the little triangular park at 3:00 PM. We'll take a short hike through the trails to the Nature Center to meet the Rangers for a 5 PM show. Bring warm beverage. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3, free for first time participants.

Sun., Jan. 15 - BLUE HERON PARK. 6-7 miles, easy. We'll hike on the old trails with a pond and a nice Nature Center. From 155 acres, new forests and restored ponds have been added and now became 250 acres. Come and see! The last part will be a beautiful surprise. Bring lunch/hot drink. Boots recommended. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take any train to Staten Island Ferry (Manhattan side) and meet in Ferry waiting room to take 10:30 AM ferry! Fare: MetroCard for train to Annadale and another to return by bus. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Fresh snow doesn't cancel/blizzard does! Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Fri., Jan. 20 - DAVENPORT NECK/GLEN ISLAND. 3 miles. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet at last stop on the #6 subway (Pelham Bay) to take W45 bus leaving at 11:20 AM. Fare: MetroCard + $1.75/Srs $.85 exact change, same for return trip. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3., free for first time participants.

Sat., Jan. 21 - LONG BEACH. 6-7 miles, moderate steady pace. We'll walk on the sand alongside the waves and on the boardwalk. Meet 10:25 AM at Penn Station LIRR ticket windows. Fare: one-way ticket approx. $6.75/seniors less. Leader: John Carr, 347-886-3070. Bad weather cancels. Non-members pay one day dues $3, free for first time participants.

Sun., Jan. 22 - CENTRAL PARK and the ZOO. About 2 miles. We will walk in Central Park and then to the zoo. Take A, C, D or #1 subway to 59th Street, and meet at 1:30 PM at 59th St and Central Park West by the Maine Monument. Zoo Entrance fee $6./Seniors $1.25. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533-9457, call 7:00 AM-8:00 AM. Joint with other clubs.

Sun., Jan. 22 - WINTER WATERFOWL/PELHAM BAY PARK / Orchard Beach Nature Ctr. 11 AM Pk Rangers' Walk. Many different species of duck spend the winter months in our parks' waters. Mergansers, ruddy ducks, buffleheads, shovelers and gadwalls are just some of them. Bring binoculars, lunch/hot drink. Hiking boots recommended if snow! NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take # 6 subway to last stop and meet by token booth at 9:50 AM. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Light snow doesn't cancel! Cars may park by Pelham Bay Sta. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Jan. 22 - RIVERSIDE PARK. A moderate paced level 3 mile walk, from 116th St. to 66th St. Followed by a nice bowl of hot soup (or whatever) at Ollie's. Meet at 10:30 AM inside Broadway and 116th St subway station, but outside the turnstile. Optional small contribution for Riverside Park fund. Will take place no matter what the weather, but call or preferably e-mail me before hand to be sure that the walk is on. Leader: Bob Susser, 212-666-4371, e-mail rsusser@aol.com. No smoking, no pet.

Mon., Jan. 23 - STATEN ISLAND ZOO/CLOVE LAKES PARK/SILVER LAKE PARK. 1 to 5 level miles. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet in waiting room of SI Ferry, Manhattan side, to take 11:00 AM ferry then S48 bus to Forest and Broadway. Fare: Metrocard. Admission about $6./Srs. $5./Child $4. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3., free for first time participants.

Thu., Jan 26 - LAMONT PRESERVE. 6 miles circular hike. Easy with some hills. Explore some new trails on Lamont Boy Scout Camp (weekdays only allowed to public!). Bring lunch/hot drink. Dress warmly. Hiking Boots Recommended. Snow doesn't cancel, ice/blizzard do! NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take A train to 175th St., GWBBT and meet at Red & Tan ticket window to take 11:10 AM C9 bus, Rte. 9W to Boy Scout Camp (cars may park there!) Fare: Approx. $3., seniors less. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants

Thu., Jan. 26 - "BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, IGUAZA FALLS". Flight Program by Grace Braley. Seafarers and International House, 123 East 15th St., one block East of Union Square, 7:15 PM. Fruits, juice, and cookies served. Cost: $6.00. Leader: Frank Bamberger, 718-457-5159.

Sat., Jan. 28 - SOUTH BRONX EXCURSION. City walk, 5 + miles, moderate steady pace. We'll visit the Mott Haven and Longwood Historic Districts, and the grave of Lewis Morris who signed the Declaration of Independence. Bring lunch and a hot beverage to enjoy in St. Mary's Park. Meet 10:30 AM (Be Prompt!) at 125th St. and First Avenue in Manhattan (SW corner near bus stop). Take any subway that goes to 125th Street and then BX15 cross-town bus to First Avenue. Heavy rain, ice, snow cancels! Leaders: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486, and Helen Mangione-Yee (Outdoors Club). Non-members $3.

Sat., Jan. 28 - HIKE the AQUAHUNG (BRONX RIVER). 7 mile hike, easy with a few hills. We'll pass through Woodlawn Cemetery and view some famous people resting there. We'll continue along the Aquahung Rvr. and on to Mosholu Pkwy through Van Cortlandt Park to see the lake and Bird Sanctuary. Bring lunch/hot drink (eat at Mercy's Hosp. Cafeteria). HIKING BOOTS RECOMMENDED. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take # 4 subway to Woodlawn, last stop and meet downtairs at 11:45 AM. Return with # 1 train. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Jan. 29 - FORT LEE and TOKYO in Weehawken, NJ. 5-6 miles, easy. Walk on the G.W. Bridge then visit Fort Lee Museum and trails. Continue down the path to Weehawken along the shore with access to shopping malls. Bring lunch/hot drink OR buy at the Mitsuwa Market (Cafeteria). NO SMOKING ON WALK. Take A train to 175th St. Station and walk to GWBB Terminal, information area at 10:00 AM. Fare: for way back, bus 188 either to G.W. or P. Authority $0.85 to $1.50, mini bus to PABT $2. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Jan. 29 - CONNETQUOT RIVER plus GREAT SOUTH BAY. 6 or 12 miles. Vigorous brisk firm pace, not suitable for beginners. A winter hike to the Connetquot Preserve. See ponds, river, fish hatchery and wild life. Then on to an awesome view of the Great South Bay in Heckscher State Park. Bring water and lunch and hot beverage. Wear hiking boots. Rain, snow or icy conditions cancel! From PENN Station lower level, take the 9:14 AM train to Great River Stop, arriv. 10:37 (cars may park there). Leader: Quyen (Quinn) Pham, 631-234-5486, bet. 8PM-10PM and morning of hike. E: qwpham@yahoo.com. Joint hike with other clubs.

Fri., Feb. 3 - GREAT FALLS/GARRET MOUNTAIN, Paterson, NJ. 2 to 8 miles, hilly. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet at GWB Bus Terminal near NJ Transit ticket windows to take 11:00 AM NJ Transit Bus #171. Fare: $10./Srs. $5.00 R/T. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3., free for first time participants.

Sat., Feb. 4 - BRONX BOTANICAL GARDENS. A 4-mile level walk at a leisurely pace. No flowers, but plenty of stately, snow-clad trees in this winter wonderland. The warm up in the tropical atmosphere of the Conservatory. Take the 10:23 AM Harlem Line train from GCT, arriv. at the Botanical Station at 10:42. Meet just outside the Mosholu Gate at 10:45. Admission to the Gardens if free on Sat. until noon. If driving, park on the Lot by the Station, ($7.00) or on a nearby street. No coordination of rides. Walk will end around 3 PM. But, of course, you are free to leave at anytime. Call or preferably e-mail me before hand to be sure that the walk is on. Bring lunch and beverage, or buy it in the Cafeteria. Leader: Bob Susser, 212-666-4371, e-mail rsusser@aol.com. No smoking, no pets.

Sun., Feb. 5 (snow date 2/26) - WILLIAMSBURG. Explore some of the old and new things happening in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This will be a walk with history included incidentally. We may be able to visit some art galleries. Meet: Bedford Ave. on the L subway, street level SE corner. Bring snack and water. We'll stop for a late lunch at one of the restaurants on Bedford Ave. (delicious Borscht). Depending on the weather, we may walk bridge back to Delancey St. Leaders: Marty and Judy Mahler. Call for meeting time between 6-8 PM after Feb. 1 at 718-692-2854.

Sun., Feb. 5 - BRONX PATHWAY, Bronxville to White Plains. 7-8 miles, flat and easy. Walk on a paved pathway along the Aquahung River. Scenic views with birds. Bring lunch/hot drink and dress warmly. Wear boots if snow. Blizzard cancels. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. From GCT (42nd St) board the Harlem Line train to Bronxville at 10:23 AM OR from Fordham at 10:40, arriving at 10:58. Fare: O/W Bronxville $5.50, seniors $3.50; from White Plains $6. & $4. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Wed., Feb. 8 - HARLEM MEER/CONSERVATORY GARDENS. 3 to 5 miles. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet at 103rd St and Central Park side at 11:00 AM. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3., free for first time participants.

Sun., Feb. 12 - HIGHBRIDGE PARK. About 2 miles. This park has been rejuvenated and it is nice. Also, New York Hiking Club maintains a section of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail in the park. It is good hiking. Bring hot beverage. Take A train to 168th Street and meet 1:00 PM at 169th Street West and St. Nicholas Avenue outside the station. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533-9457, call 7:00 AM-8:00 AM. Joint with other clubs.

Thu., Feb. 16 - CAMELLIAS at PLANTING FIELDS. 5 miles. Road walking 2 miles uphill much of the way. Good views of bay. Conservatory with tropical plants and landscaped grounds. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet at PENN RR Station, LIRR level near ticket windows to take 10:15 AM train to Oyster Bay, arriv. 11:37. Fare: $6.75 each way, seniors $4.50. No admission charge. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3., free for first time participants.

Sat., Feb 18 - LONG BEACH. 6-7 miles, moderate, steady pace. We'll walk on the sand near the waves and on the boardwalk. Meet 10:25 AM at Penn Station LIRR ticket windows. Fare: one-way ticket approx. $6.75/Seniors less. Leader: John Carr, 347-886-3070. Bad weather cancels. Non-members pay one-day dues $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Feb. 19 - BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS - CROWN HEIGHTS to CLINTON HILL. Approx. 6 + miles, moderate pace. Pat will give us a tour of the gardens and afterwards we'll walk through some neighborhoods where we will see wonderful architecture and beautiful churches. At the end of the walk we will have an early dinner in an African Restaurant with very good vegetable dishes. Bring hot beverage and snacks. Heavy rain, ice, snow cancels! Take IRT 2/3 subway to Eastern Parkway Brooklyn Museum stop (right at token booth). Meet 11:30 AM outside the Eastern Parkway entrance to the BBG. Leaders: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486, and Helen Mangione-Yee (Outdoors Club). Non-members $3.

Mon., Feb. 20 - CROTON POINT PARK. 7 miles, circular hike, easy. Hike the trails with great views of the Hudson Valley. Bring lunch/hot drink. Eat under shelter. Dress Warmly. Hiking boots only if snow. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. From GCT (42nd St.) take the Hudson Line train at 10:51 AM to Croton Harmon OR from Marble Hill (near 225th St. Sta., subway #1) at 11:10, arriving at 11:38. Fare: O/W $7./Srs. $4.50. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Blizzard cancels! Non-members $3. Free for first time participants. (Cars may park there with fee).

Wed., Feb. 22 - VAN CORTLANDT PARK. 2 to 5 miles, some hills. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet in 242nd St subway station (end of #1 line) at 11:00 AM. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3., free for first time participants.

Thu., Feb. 23 - "MAGIC of PARIS and the FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE". Slide Program by Ron Stanford. Seafarers and International House, 123 East 15th St, one block East of Union Square, 7:15 PM. Fruits, juice, and cookies served. Cost: $6.00. Leader: Frank Bamberger, 718-457-5159.

Tue., Feb. 28 - BAYARD CUTTING ARBORETUM. 5 miles. Walk in woods, around lawns and along shore of Connetquot River. Bring lunch/hot drink. Meet at Penn Station, LIRR ticket windows to take 10:24 AM train to Great River OR meet at Great River Station at 11:40. Fare: R/T $20./Srs. $10. Admission free to pedestrians. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3., free for first time participants.

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The Urban Trail Conference Inc.