The Urban Trail Conference, Inc.

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SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (191)
March/April 2006

Wed, Mar. 8 - PERTH AMBOY. 4 miles, some hills. View Staten Island from a new perspective, history, modest housing, possible tea at Proprietary House. Bring lunch, water. Meet at Commuter Statues in PABT to take 10:30 AM bus. Fare: $7.25/Srs. $3.25 each way. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Fri, Mar. 10 - BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS and PROSPECT PARK. About 2-3 mile leisurely walk. We'll walk on the new Midwood Woodland Trail, Audubon Center and lake area. Bring binoculars to possibly see spring bird migrants. Fare: Botanic Gardens free to seniors on Friday and every day in winter. Park is free. Regular MetroCard fares. Take 2 or 3 train to Eastern Parkway stop and meet at the Eastern Pkway Gate at 1:00 PM. Leader: Edith Goren, 718-622-4421, call to attend or reschedule a rain date. Non-members $3. First time participants free.
Sat, Mar. 11 - FORT TOTTEN PARK. 7 miles, easy almost flat. The Park Rangers will give us the History of the Throgs Neck Bridge and Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, and the History of Fort Totten. Great views of the Harbor. Bring lunch, water. Take the 7 train to Flushing last stop and meet at 10:00 AM front of Old Navy Store on Roosevelt Ave. Fare: use your MetroCard for Bus Q16. Cars may park in Flushing. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun, Mar. 12 - ROCKWOOD HALL PARK. 7 to 8 miles, easy hike with short hills. Hike along Riverside Dr. and through beautiful N. Tarrytown scenery to Fremont Lake. View the Phelps-James House and W. Rockefeller's Hudson Rvr estate with spectacular vistas. Meadows, woody area, a pond and a cascading brook. Bring lunch, hot drink (eat in Phelps Hosp. Cafeteria). Dress warmly, (Hiking boots recommended). Blizzard cancels! NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Board the Hudson Line train from GCT (42nd St) at 11:20 AM to Philipse Manor. Leader boards from Marble Hill (near 225th St 1 subway) at 11:40 and arriving 12:12. Fare: 0/W $7, seniors $4.50. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members pay one day dues $3. Free for first time participants.

Thu, Mar. 16 - CONNETQUOT RIVER STATE PARK PRESERVE. 4 miles, level, along river and through woods. See deer, water birds, wild turkey and fish hatchery. Bring lunch, water. Meet at Penn Station, LIRR level near ticket windows to take 9:14 AM train to Great River (parking avail.). Fare: $9.50/Srs. $6.50 each way. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Sat, Mar. 18 - LONG BEACH to ROCKAWAY BEACH. 7 miles, moderate, steady pace. We'll walk on beach and, in beach front communities. Meet 10:25 AM at Penn Station LIRR ticket windows. Fare: one way LIRR ticket approx. $6.75/Seniors less. Return on A train. Leader: John Carr, 347-886-3070. Bad weather cancels. Non-members pay one day dues $3. Free for first time participants.

Sat, Mar. 18 - HIGHBRIDGE WATER TOWER TOUR I HIGHBRIDGE PARK Guided tours of the tower give uptown a whole new meaning. Spectacular Harlem River views and a 360-degree panorama await you. Take A/C train to 168th St Washington Hts Stop and walk to meet the P. Rangers at 11 AM at the Tower, 174 St and Amsterdam Ave. Also MIOl Bus. Bring lunch, water. We'll take a hike through the park and continue along the Harlem River. Possible dinner at the Floridita. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun, Mar. 19 - GREENWICH POINT PARK, CT. 6-7 miles, circular hike on easy terrain. Very beautiful place. Scenic views from the Greenwich Cove Harbor. Bring lunch, hot drink. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. From GCT (42nd St) take the New Haven Line at 10:37 AM to Old Greenwich Station or from Fordham at 10:54 where the leader boards, arriving at 11:36. Fare: about $7.75 O/W/Srs. $5.00. Free adm. in winter; (adm. Apr. 2 to Nov. 30: $10.). Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Parking avail. at Old Green. Sta. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun, Mar. 19 - ALLEY POND PARK in Queens. Approx. 6 miles, easy/moderate pace. We'll explore the many trails and ponds in this lovely park. Take F train to 179th St. and Hillside Avenue (last stop), then Q43 bus to Winchester Blvd. Meet 12:30 PM at Hillside Avenue and Winchester Blvd. Leader will meet you at Winchester Blvd bus stop on south side of Hillside Avenue. Hike canceled if rain, snow or ice on ground. Leader: John Socolik, 516-791-6453, questions call 6 - 10 PM.

Wed, Mar.22 - Signs of Spring, NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. Take 10:30AM Harlem Line train to NYBG stop, OR 4 train, OR D train to Bedford Park Blvd and walk east 7 blocks (Bus 26 on BPB also stops at gate). Meet on steps of Library Bldg. at 11:00 AM. Free admission to grounds. Bring lunch or eat at cafe. First walk a couple miles then decide to leave or pay $10 admission to Orchid Show. Leader: Pat O'MaIley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Sat, Mar. 25 - YONKERS to TIBBETTS BROOK and Beyond. New 6-7 mile circular hike, moderate with some hills. Drop off available. Walk along the beautiful new promenade downtown Yonkers. Visit the new public library 3rd floor fantastic view of the Palisades. We may view 2 churches and City Hall. Continue through the top of Yonkers (beautiful homes), and crossing through a wooded trail into Tibbetts and on the South County Trailway to Van Cortlandt. Bring lunch, water. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take 1 train to Van Cortlandt Last Stop and meet downstairs by park to board Bus W2 at 10:45AM to Getty Sq. Parking avail, at Van C. Park. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Wed, Mar. 29 - CENTRAL PARK WEST, City Walk. Roam through the park from Columbus Circle to 72nd Street and see the buildings on Central Park West including the Dakota Apartments. Take 1 train to 59th Street train station. Meet leaders at Central Park entrance at 10:00 AM. Join us for lunch at a local Chinese Restaurant or bring your own. There will be a free Baroque Chamber Music concert at Alice Tully Hall at 1:00 PM. After the concert see an exhibit at the library and walk further back to Columbus Circle. Heavy rain cancels. Joint hike with other clubs. Leaders: Bettye and Steve Soffer, (718) 720-1593 bet. 7:00-9:00 PM.

Thu., Mar. 30 - DONALD KENDALL SCULPTURE GARDENS at PEPSICO. 3 miles. Meet at Grand Central Terminal near information booth to take the Harlem Line train at 9:48 AM to White Plains then W12 bus. Bring lunch, water. Fare: $6.25/Srs. $4.25 each way, plus $.85 (EXACT CHANGE) each way for bus. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Sat, Apr. 1 - APRIL FOOLS on the HUDSON - No joke). About 7 miles. Improve your perspective by walking both sides of the same stretch of the Hudson. Start in Hoboken by walking the shore to Weehawken. Ferry back to Manhattan and then walk to the World Financial Center. Bring lunch, water. Meet 10:00AM in waiting room of Lackawanna Rail Terminal, adjacent to Hoboken PATH station. Fares: PATH $1.50, Ferry $5.50, seniors, $4. Rain, snow cancels. Leader: Bob Aronson, 212-255-6884. No calls after 9:00PM. Joint with other clubs.

April 2 - Daylight Saving Time Begins

Sun, Apr 2 (Apr. 9 rain date) - EAST RIVER WALK. 5 miles. We will observe an amazing flower and fish display including tropical birds, parrots and turtles. We will walk along East River and see interesting sights along the way. Hike ends at South Street Seaport. Bring lunch, water and sunscreen. Take any train to 34th St and get cross-town to 34th St and 1st Avenue. Meet at Rusk Institute, 400 E 34th St., at 12:45 PM. Fare: regular subway and bus only. Leaders: Sam and Esther Dorfman. No calls please. Joint hike with other clubs.

Sun, Apr. 2 - GARRISON-ARDEN POINT and SUGAR LOAF SOUTH. 7 miles, steady comfortable pace. We use the Blue Trail which avoids the road walking to Sugar Loaf South. A short lunch at that view point; then back to Arden Point with its Hudson River views for a second short lunch. Afterward a quick tour of Garrison Landing if there is time. Board the 10:51 AM Hudson Line train from GCT (42nd St) to Garrison (check time may change); drivers Park/Meet at commuter lot at Noon. Fare: RT $20/Srs. $13. Leader: Hal Kaplan, 914-376-3156, message on answering machine beginning Sat. AM; inclement weather cancels.

Fri, Apr. 7 - BOONTON. 3 to 7 miles. Level walk in forest and around lake. Can continue on gradual climb on road to top of Tourne, then gradual descent. Meet near White Commuter Statue on ground floor of Port Authority Bus Terminal, 40th St Bldg. at 9:10AM to take 9:30 bus. Bring lunch, water. Fare: R/T $16./Srs. $8.00. Leader: Pat O'MaIIey, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Sat, Apr. 8 - BOARDWALK to SEAGATE; Return to Brighton Beach. Optional inexpensive Russian meal and opportunity to shop for the holidays - great fruit and cakes. Always something exciting on the Boardwalk; last time we were photographed. Meet at Nathans, Coney Island, StilIwell Avenue, D, F or Q trains. Carry drink and snack. Leaders: Marty and Judy Mahler. Call at (718) 692-2854 6 - 9PM to get the meeting time.

Sat, Apr. 8 - BRIGHTON BEACH MAGIC TRIP. Meet at 12:00 PM in front of Primmorsky Restaurant, 282 Brighton Beach Avenue. Lunch special $7.00 includes tax and tip. Take the Q train to last stop (Brighton Beach) and walk along Brighton Beach Avenue, west to the restaurant. This will be followed by walk on boardwalk to Coney Island. We will then take the W train to 25th Avenue for tour in Greenwood Cemetery, the highest point in Brooklyn, which contains graves of famous or infamous people. If it rains lunch will take place in any case. Leader: Frank Bamberger, 718-457-5159, please call to confirm that the walk will take place.

Sat, Apr. 8 - HUTCHINSON RIVER PATHWAY. A new 7-8 mile hike, almost flat. We begin in Saxon Woods Park and continue through the Pathway with a rest stop at Maple Moor Golf Course. Then we take Bus W5 to Silver Lake Preserve. We'll hike around the lake and walk to White Plains. Bring lunch, water. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. From GCT (42 St) board the New Haven Line at 10:37 AM to Mamaroneck OR board from Fordham Sta. at 10:54, arriv. at 11:15. Fare: 01W $6./Srs. $4. Return from W. Plains same. Bus $1.75/Srs $.85 (EXACT CHANGE). Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3, first time participants free.

Sat Apr. 8 - FERRY to SNUG HARBOR. 4 miles. Walk from Staten Island Ferry to Snug Harbor where we will do a circular walk and then return to ferry. Bring food and water. Meet inside Ferry Terminal (Manhattan side) at 10:00 AM to take 10:30 ferry. Fare: $4. RT. Leader: Sal Varbero, 718-420-9569, cell: 917-825-7961, bet. 8:00 PM-10: 00 PM. Joint hike.

Sun, Apr. 9 - WELCOME SPRING at BLUE HERON. Easy 4-5 miles. This gem of a small park has added enough trails to keep us busy for the day, including a trail to the shore of Raritan Bay with magnificent views. Allow enough transportation time to make the 10:30 AM ferry from Manhattan and meet leaders in Staten Island at the train station in the rear of the ferry terminal to take the train to the Annadale stop. Bring lunch and beverage; 2 Metrocard fares. Joint hike with other clubs. Leaders: Bettye and Steve Soffer. Drivers may call 718-720-1593 for directions between 7-9 PM.

Wed, Apr. 12 - RICHMOND TERRACE and BOTANICAL GARDEN on Staten Island. 4 miles. Meet in waiting room of Ferry Terminal to take 11:00 AM ferry. Bring lunch, water. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Sat, Apr. 15 - CENTRAL PARK - BIRD WATCHING for BEGINNERS. Moderate, 6 + miles, ups and downs. All skill levels welcome. Bring binoculars / field guides / lunch / water. Meet at 9:00 AM at the Loeb Boat House, a short walk from the Bethesda Fountain. Enter park at 72nd St. Leader: Jim Peborde, 718-352-0381, before 9:00 PM. Rain cancels. Joint hike. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun, Apr. 16 - PALISADES and "Cornwallis Headquarters". 7-8 mile hike on the Long Path and down to the shore. Moderate walking on moderate terrain. Hike on several trails to The Kearney House at the Alpine Boat Basin Area. Bring lunch, water. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take A train to 175th St. and meet at GWBBT ticket area to take 9C bus, Route 9W at 10:40 AM to Alpines. Fare: approx. $3. to 4., seniors less (with BLUE COUPONS). Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.
Thu, Apr. 20 - GREENWOOD CEMETERY. Approx. 2 miles, hilly. Leisurely nature walk up and down the paths to view signs of spring and the parrots at the Gate House. Bring binoculars. Take R or M train to 25th Street and Fourth Ave Stop and walk up to Fifth Aye; enter exterior gate till you walk through arch to bench. Meet at 1:00 PM at the gate house info/bathrooms. Fare: regular Metrocard, adm. free to cemetery. Leader: Edith Goren, 718-622-4421, call to attend or reschedule a raindate. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Fri, Apr. 21 - PRINCETON. 3 to 8 miles. Trees leafing on tow path, magnolias on campus, history everywhere. Bring lunch, water. Meet near commuter statues in Port Authority Bus terminal at 9:10 AM to take 9:30 bus to Kingston (NJ not NY). Fare: $10.80/Srs. $5.40 one way. Return by train to avoid waiting at tunnel, $12./Srs. $5.50. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Sat, Apr. 22 - FOREVER WILD! Spring Migration Hike/High Rock Park. 8 miles. Moderate hike with some hills with the Park Rangers to Moses Mountain while we search for returning summer residents. We may continue to the new State Nature Center. Bring lunch, water. Hiking boots recommended. Take any train to Staten Island Ferry (Manhattan side) and meet in Ferry waiting room to take 10:30 AM ferry! Fare: MetroCard for Bus S74 to Richmond Rd./Moravian Cemetery Stop. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun, Apr. 23 - DUTCH BROOKLYN CHURCHES HISTORIC WALK. Approx. 9 miles, moderate steady pace, drop off points along the way. We'll see three churches built according to the mandate of Governor Peter Stuyvesant. Arrive early, have lunch and use bathrooms in McDonald's (Church & Nostrand Avenues). Meet 12:30 PM (after lunch & BE PROMPT) inside McDonald's. Take the 2 subway (Flatbush Avenue line) to Church Avenue stop. Leaders: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486 and Helen Mangione-Yee. Joint w/other clubs.

Sun, Apr. 23 - JAMAICA BAY BIRDING. 4 miles, easy. Leisurely stroll through wildlife refuge and neighborhood looking for redwinged blackbirds, brandts, ibises, egrets, herons and warblers. Optional meal at local pizzeria afterwards. Board the A train, not the Lefferts Blvd A train. Fare: regular Metrocard. Leader: Lauri Hewie, 718-455-3050 before 11:00 PM. Weather conditions may alter walk, so call to be sure walk is on and to get any updates message will be on machine the morning before event. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun, Apr. 23 - ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK. 7-8 miles, ups and downs at a moderate, steady pace. Bring lunch and water. Wear hiking boots. No drop off points. Out around 5:00 PM. Bad weather cancels. Take the 9:20 AM Hudson Line train from Grand Central (9:40 from Marble Hill) to Philipse Manor. Leader: Patti Rosen, 718-855-9328, message on answering machine after Friday, NCA 10:00. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Mon, Apr. 24 - BRANCH BROOK PARK-Cherry Blossoms. 4 miles. Bring lunch, water. Meet at World Trade Center PATH station on Church St between Vesey and Fulton Sts. at 11:00 AM. Fare: PATH $1.50 plus Newark subway $1.25 each way (BRING $1. BILLS.). Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

Wed, Apr. 26 - GREENPOINT, Brooklyn. Approx. 5 miles. Walk from 61st St Woodside, Queens corner of Roosevelt Ave. to Greenpoint with lots of Drop Off Points if you're tired. Pass through ethnic communities with an optional Polish Restaurant stop at end. We meet at 12:30 PM in street below the 7 train at stairway. Eat before meeting for walk. Rain cancels. Leader: Bernie, no telephone. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Thu, Apr. 27 - A GREEK ODYSSEY, A Spectacular Two Month tour. A slide program by Margo Moss. 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.

Sun, Apr. 30 - BLOSSOMS TIME! PEPSICO, Purchase. 5 miles, circular and easy flat walk through Pepsico to explore Spring flowers, plants, gorgeous trees, a lake, a pond, and statues. We may continue through the SUNY grounds. Drop off point available. Bring lunch, water. NO SMOKING ON WALK. Board the Harlem Line Exp. Train from GCT (42nd St) to White Plains at 9:48 AM OR the local from Fordham at 9:42, arriv. 10:22. Then a short W12 bus ride at 11:00. Fare: buy 01W ticket train and a BeeLine bus ticket transfer together to save (ONLY FOR NON-SENIORS). Train $5., seniors $3.25, bus $.85 (BRING EXACT CHANGE: BILLS AND COINS for return $1.751.85). Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Parking avail, in W. Plains. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Wed, May 3 - ROCKLAND LAKE to NYACK. 6-8 miles. First around the Lake then the shore path to return from Nyack. Bring lunch, water. Meet at ticket window at Port Authority Bus Terminal at 10:00 AM to take 10:15 bus to Rockland Lake Stop. Fare: $7.20/Srs. $3.60 each way (with BLUE COUPONS). Leader: Pat O'MaIIey, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. First time participants free.

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The Urban Trail Conference Inc.

April 2 - Daylight Saving Time Begins