The Urban Trail Conference, Inc.

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SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (189)
November/December 2005

Fri., Nov. 4 - FLAT ROCK BROOK NATURE CENTER. 4 miles, some hills. Take A train to 175th St and meet in GWB bus terminal near NJ Transit ticket windows to take 11:15 AM bus #171 to Jones Road. Bring lunch/water. Fare: about $3./Srs $1.10. each way. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Free for first time participants. Non-members $3.

Sat., Nov. 5 - MONTROSE POINT STATE FOREST TRAIL SYSTEM and SHORE HIKE along VERPLANCK and BUCHANAN. A new 7-mile hike, easy with few hills. We'll catch the late foliage with scenic views of the Hudson and of Hook and Bear Mountains. Pleasant trails and plenty to see. Bring lunch/water. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. From GCT (42nd St), board the Hudson Line train at 9:51 AM to Croton Harmon OR from Marble Hill at 10:10, arriving at 10:39. Then we board W14 bus for a short ride. Fare: O/W train ticket plus a BeeLine bus transfer ticket to save, train $7., bus $.85. (NON-SENIORS ONLY). Seniors $4.50, bus $.85. (BRING CHANGE for way back). Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants. Cars may park in Croton H.

Sun., Nov. 6 - BOROUGH to BOROUGH. Walk on Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan. Stop at 2 new probably unfamiliar places. Lunch at Winter Garden or bring your own and eat inside or outside. Carry water. Depending on groups wishes, we walk down to Ferry and up to South St. or perhaps walk back over the bridge. We'll play it by ear. Meet at corner of Court and Montague Streets in Brooklyn. Take N train to Court St. or #2, 3 or 4 trains to Borough Hall. Leaders: Marty and Judy Mahler, 718-692-2854. Call for meeting time between 6-8 PM beginning Nov. 2nd.

Sun., Nov. 6 - HASTINGS CIRCULAR. Moderate steady pace, 7 miles - Entirely within inter-connected suburban parks. Rowley Bridge, Old Croton Aqueduct, Lenoir Preserve, Draper Park, Burke Estate, Hillside Woods, Zinnzer Park and back via OCA to my favorite 1950's diner near Hastings Sta. Inclement weather cancels. Board Metro North, Hudson Line at 11:20 AM train to Hastings. Drivers park/meet at noon in Hastings RR sta. commuter lot. Fare: $12.50 RT; seniors $8.50. Leader: Hal Kaplan, 914-376-3156. Message on answering machine begins on Sat. A.M. Joint hike with other clubs.

Wed., Nov. 9 - ALICE AUSTIN HOUSE/VON BRIESEN PARK/FT WADSWORTH. 1-5 miles (can take return bus at each destination). Meet in waiting room of Staten Island Ferry terminal (Manhattan side) to take 11:00 AM ferry, then S51 bus on SI. Bring lunch/water. Fare: MetroCard. Admission $3. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Wed., Nov. 9 - LINCOLN CENTER Walking Tour and Juilliard Concert. Easy walk, 3 to 5 miles along city streets. See a landmarked district, a pier on the Hudson and public artwork in the Lincoln Center area. You may join us for lunch at a local restaurant or bring your own to eat outdoors. If scheduled, there will be a free concert at Julliard at 1:00 PM. After the concert we will check out the Performing Arts Library, see a garden, a church and end up at Columbus Circle. Dropouts whenever you're tired! Take #1, #2 or #3 train to 72nd St and meet leaders at sitting area on West 71st St between Broadway/Amsterdam Aves at 10:00. Leaders: Bettye and Steve Soffer, 718-720-1593, between 7 PM-9 PM. Heavy rain cancels.

Fri., Nov. 11 - VETERANS DAY WALK MT. TABOR, NJ. Quaint Victorian Cottages set on a hillside once known as Camp Tabor, a camp meeting. Began in 1869 and developed into a summer resort community. Now a year-round home to NJ residents. Meet at NY PENN Sta. NJ. Transit ticket window (7th Ave.) side at 11:10 AM. The train arrives at 1:PM. Bring sandwich on train. There will be no stop for lunch as time is important! Fare: $10.25 O/W, seniors $4.75 O/W. PLEASE NOTE: Call 1-800-626-RIDE day before for possible time change. Make sure it is between 11 and 12 AM (and holiday schedule possibility). Depending on time we may go to next stop (Denville) and walk back to Mt. Tabor. Leader: Bernie, no telephone. Non-members $3. Free for 1st time participants.

Sat., Nov. 12 - OLD CROTON AQUEDUCT and Putnam circular to TIBBETTS BROOK PARK. About 6 miles, easy, flat hike. Do a circular walk to Tibbetts Brook Park along the Old Croton Aqueduct and the Putnam Division right-of-way. Bring lunch/water. Take #1 train to last stop and meet at 11:00 AM at 242nd St and Broadway downstairs by Van Cortlandt Park. Leader: Sal Varbero, 718-420-9569 or 917-825-7961, bet. 8:00 PM-10:00 PM. Joint hike with other clubs.

Sun., Nov. 13 - HOOK MOUNTAIN CIRCULAR. 8 miles. One long climb rewarded by great views and chance of seeing hawks in flight. Return by Nyack on the shore path. Bring lunch, water. Meet 9:00 AM near commuter statue, PABT, to catch 9:15 Rockland Coach bus to Upper Nyack. Fare: $14.20 RT, seniors less. Rain cancels. Leader: Bob Aronson, (212-255-6884; no calls after 9 PM). Joint hike with other clubs.

Mon., Nov. 14 - MARINE PARK. Brisk walk including shaded streets, and ending at our home, if you wish, for tea and cookies. Meet at Kings Highway and East 16th St on the street. Take B, or Q train. Leader: Judy Mahler, 718/692-2854, between 5-7 PM only a few days before walk. Heavy rain cancels.

Tue., Nov. 15 - QUEENS BOTANICAL GARDEN/FLUSHING MEADOW PARK/ZOO. 4 miles. Meet at Flushing Main St (end of #7 train) in front of Macy's on Roosevelt Ave. at 11:00 AM. Bring lunch/water. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sat., Nov. 19 - MEMORIAL WALK FOR ALAN KAYE - BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN. Approx. 3 miles, easy walk. After our BBG visit there will be an optional 7+ mile moderate-steady pace walk. This was Alan's write-up for this walk in January, "...We first explore the Tropic, Desert, Temperate, Bonsai and Aquatic Pavilions. After lunch the Japanese Garden and other areas depending on weather. Bring snacks/water. Brooklyn Zoo and Museum are nearby." Take IRT #2/3 subway to Eastern Parkway Brooklyn Museum stop (right at token booth). Meet 11:00 AM outside the Eastern Parkway entrance to the BBG. Rain or shine! Leaders: Judy Mahler, Helen Mangione-Yee and Pat O'Malley (plant person) 212-924-7486.

Sun., Nov. 20 - PIERMONT/NYACK. About 5 miles, easy hike. Bring food and water. Take A train to 175th St. Station and meet at GWBBT near ticket windows at 10:15 AM to take 10:40 Bus C9 (Rt 9W). Fare: $12.10 R/T, $6.95 Seniors with NJT blue coupons. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533-9457, bet. 7AM-8AM. Joint hike with other clubs.

Mon., Nov. 21 - HALL OF FAME. 2 miles. Walk through parks, streets and aqueduct. Can be extended into Inwood Hill Park. Take "D" train to Kings-Bridge Road station. Meet on SE corner of Kingsbridge Rd/Grand Concourse at 11:30 AM. Can return on "D", #4 or #1 trains. Bring lunch/drink. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Thu., Nov. 24 - OAKLAND LAKE/ALLEY POND ENVIRONTL. CTR/DOUGLASTON MANOR. A circular 6 miles hike, flat and easy. Walk around Oakland Lake and around Alley Pond Creek. Continue along Douglaston Harbor. Beautiful panorama. Bring lunch/hot drink. Optional Thanksgiving dinner in Flushing upon return. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take # 7 train to Flushing, Main Street last stop and walk to Bus Pole Q12 past Old Navy Store on Roosevelt Ave. Bus leaves at 11:00 AM to 223rd St in Bayside (car may park there). Fare: use your MetroCard. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Joint hike with the Outdoors Club. Free for first time participants.

Sat., Nov. 26 - BROOKLYN DUTCH FARMHOUSE WALK. 7 + miles, moderate steady pace, some ups/downs. We will see 5 Dutch farmhouses that have survived in the Flatlands and Flatbush sections of Brooklyn. Most of the houses date from the 1600s to 1700s. Meet 1:00 PM after lunch at the Avenue J token booth. Take Q subway to Avenue J stop. Bring water. Leaders: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486 and Helen Mangione Yee (Outdoors Club) Joint walk w/other clubs.

Sat., Nov., 26 - NIGHTTIME WALK from HOBOKEN to WEEHAWKEN. 3 to 4 miles, moderate steady pace. We'll explore two trendy riverfront towns. Dress for cool weather conditions. Return from Weehawken back to Hoboken terminal by trolley car. Take PATH train from Manhattan to Hoboken and meet 7:00 PM at Hoboken Terminal NJ Transit RR ticket windows. Leader: John Carr, 347-886-3070. Bad weather cancels. Non-members pay one day dues $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Nov. 27 - STUMP POND PLUS CALEB SMITH. Two options 6 or 10 miles. Moderate/brisk. Flat hike around beautiful L-shaped Stump Pond then on to explore Caleb Smith State Park. Bring water and lunch; wear hiking boots. Rain, snow, or icy conditions cancel. From Penn Station take the 9:14 AM LIRR train to Smithtown. Fare: $19. R/T, seniors $13. Leader will meet group at Smithtown train station at 10:48 (TIME CHANGE, CHECK SCHEDULE). Leader: Quyen (Quinn) Pham, 631-234-5486, bet. 8PM-10PM and morning of hike. E: qwpham@yahoo.com. Joint hike with other clubs.

Sun., Nov. 27 - ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK PRESERVE. 8 miles. A moderate all day circular hike with some hills. No drop off point. Hike along the Greenrock Property, passing by the Union Church to visit 6 lakes, the Fergusons Lake, Swan Lake and along Pocantico Lake with a gorgeous waterfall. Very scenic. Bring lunch/water. NO SMOKING ON HIKE. Take the Hudson Line local train from GCT (42nd St.) to Philipse Manor at 9:20 AM. OR from Marble Hill (225th St. Sta., near subway #1) at 9:40, train arrives at 10:12. Fare: buy one way trip $5.50, seniors $3.75. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Cars may park (front of P. Manor Sta.). Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Wed., Nov. 30 - CONNETQUOT RIVER STATE PARK PRESERVE. 4 miles. Level walk along river and through woods. See deer, water birds and wild turkeys. Visit fish hatchery. Bring lunch/water. Meet at Penn Station, LIRR level near ticket windows to take 9:24 AM Train to Great River. Fare: $9.50/Srs. $6.50 each way. Admission $5. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sat., Dec. 3 - FORT TOTTEN TOUR. 5 to 7 miles, easy walking. Join the Urban Park Rangers and Mr. J. Fein to explore Fort Totten. We'll continue along the bay to Crocheron Park (gorgeous views). Bring lunch/hot drink. NO SMOKING ON WALK. Take #7 train Flushing Line to last stop and meet in front of Old Navy Store on Roosevelt Ave. at 10:30 AM. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Snow doesn't cancel! Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sat., Dec. 3 - GREENWICH POINT PARK. Easy, flat hike, about 5 miles. Walk along the Connecticut shores and enjoy the beautiful scenery and Long Island Sound. Bring lunch and beverage. Meet at Grand Central Terminal at 10:00 AM to take 10:10 train to Old Greenwich. Fare: approx. $18. round trip, seniors $12. Leader: Sal Varbero, 718-420-9569 or 917-825-7961, bet. 8:00 PM-10:00 PM. Joint hike with other clubs.

Sun., Dec. 4 - STATEN ISLAND TOWN and WOODS HIKE. Moderate hike, 4 to 5 miles with some hills. Starting at the Yellow Trail at Richmond Rd. and Spring St., we will hike to the top of Todt Hill and then wander through residential areas with interesting homes and likely holiday decorations. If time and weather permit, we will re-enter the woods and hike to High Rock Park. Bring lunch and beverage. Hiking boots are recommended. Take 10:30 AM Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan. Please allow enough time for transportation delays or you may miss the boat. Take the S74 or S76 bus to Spring Street. If you are coming from Brooklyn, you may take the S53 bus to Clove Road and Richmond Road and then walk south on Richmond Road away from the expressway. The leaders will meet hikers at Spring Street by 11:30. Leaders: Steve and Bettye Soffer, 718-720-1593 bet. 7:00 PM-9:00 PM. Drivers may call for instructions, if needed.

Sun., Dec. 4 - EXPLORATORY WALK of JERSEY CITY. We'll see a free, live, matinee performance of Gilbert and Sullivan, Princess Ida, at the Loews Jersey Theater in Journal Square. We'll have a very short walk around the theater area.   Take any subway to 34th St Station and meet at PATH Station - outside 33rd St and 6th Ave. in Manhattan at 11:00 AM. Carry water and snacks. We'll explore the area around Grove Street and then briskly walk to Journal Square (one can take Path from Grove to Journal Sq. - 1 stop). There will be a lunch stop around 1 PM. Leaders: Marty and Judy Mahler. Please call at 718-692-2854 between 5 PM - 7 PM for last minute changes.

Sun., Dec. 4 - GREYSTONE-IRVINGTON VIA OCA. Moderate steady pace, 8 miles - Moderate hike on OCA and several side trails in nearby parks. We begin with a 150° street climb and shortly after another 150° stair climb to a great lookout point in Lenoir Preserve. Afterward we go north via a series of inter-connected parks and return to the OCA. We finish in Irvington. Bring lunch/water. Inclement weather cancels. Board Metro North, Hudson Line at 10:20 AM to Greystone, arriv. 10:57. Drivers park near the Greystone Sta. (Warburton/Harriman Aves. N. Yonkers) near Hudson Rvr. Fare> $12. RT/Srs. $8. Leader: Hal Kaplan, 914-376-3156. Message on answering machine begins on Sat. A.M. Joint hike with other clubs.

Thu., Dec. 8 - HACKENSACK MEADOWLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER. 6 level miles. Two miles each way along a very lightly traveled road with marsh (phragmites) on both sides. Bring lunch/water. Walk trails, see birds. Meet at PABT, 40th St building, near commuter statues to take 11:10 AM NJ Transit bus # 192 to Chubb. Fare: $3.10/$1.40 each way. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sat., Dec. 10 - NORTHERN MANHATTAN HOLIDAY WALK. Moderate hike, about 7 + miles with some ups/downs and trails at a moderate steady pace. Visit the Hispanic Society of America Museum on your own before the walk starts. We'll visit the Morris-Jumel Mansion (Admission $3.) and, if open, the Dyckman House as we walk through James Gordon Bennett Park, Fort Tryon Park, and Inwood Hill Park. Bring lunch/water. Meet 11:15 AM at 156th Street and Broadway (NW corner) in front of Boricua College. Heavy rain, ice, snow or temperatures below 15º cancels! Take # 1 train to 157th St/Broadway. Leaders: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486, and Helen Mangione-Yee (Outdoors Club). Joint walk w/other clubs. Non-members $3.

Sun., Dec. 11 - GREAT SOUTH BAY and BAYARD ARBORETUM. Two options 6 or 11 miles - Moderate/brisk steady flat, varied. Hike to a fantastic view of the Great South Bay in Heckscher State Park. Ending the day by exploring the beautiful Arboretum. Bring lunch and water; wear hiking boots. Rain, snow, icy conditions cancel. From Penn Station take the 9:14 AM LIRR train to Great River. Fare: $19. R/T/seniors $13. Leader will meet group at Great River train station (TIME CHANGE, CHECK SCHEDULE). Leader: Quyen (Quinn) Pham, 631-234-5486, bet. 8 pm-10pm and morning of hike. E: qwpham@yahoo.com. Joint hike with other clubs.

Fri., Dec. 16 - HISTORIC RICHMOND TOWN. 1 mile, can be extended up hill to Light House and Tibetan Museum. Admissions $5./$4. and $5./$3. respectively. Bring lunch/water. Meet in waiting room at South Ferry (Manhattan side) to take 11:00 AM ferry, then S74 bus. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sat., Dec. 17 - WAVE HILL HOLIDAY. Walk through Fieldston and Wave Hill. About 4 to 6 miles, moderate, with some hills. See the beautiful Fieldston area and Riverdale over the Hudson including JFK's teenage residence. Bring water and lunch or buy lunch at the Waive Hill Café. Leader: Leonard Morgenstern, please call 917-842-9490 any time 72 hours prior to the walk for recorded message of details, time, and meeting place. Non-members $3.

Sat., Dec. 17 - MUTTONTOWN PRESERVE. 8 mile circular, easy hike. Preserve consists of 550 acres of fields, nature trails, birdwatching, fresh air, and plenty of trees. Bring lunch/hot drink. Hiking Boots Recommended. Snow doesn't cancel! Blizzard does! NO SMOKING ON HIKE. From Penn Station, LIRR lower level, board the 9:39 AM train to Syosset (cars may park there). From Flatbush at 9:15 (change at Jamaica) and from Jamaica at 10:02, arriving at 10:34 (TIMES CHANGES CHECK SCHEDULE). Fare: $13.50 R/T, Srs. $9. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Dec. 18 - LOST BROOK PRESERVE. About 6 miles, easy hike. A lovely nature preserve close to the City. Bring lunch/ water. Take A train to 175th St. Station and meet at GWBBT near ticket windows to take 10:40 AM Bus C9 (Rt 9W). Fare: $7 70 R/T, Seniors $3.85 R/T with NJT blue coupons. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533-9457, bet. 7AM-8AM. Joint/w other clubs.

Wed., Dec. 21 - MODEL TRAIN SHOW at NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. Take 10:23 AM 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 at entrance at 10:45. Admission to grounds free. Bring lunch or buy it at café. First walk a couple miles then choose to leave or pay $10. for Train Show. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Dec. 25 -   CENTRAL PARK/RIVERSIDE PARK. 5-6 miles, easy walk in the beautiful park, then visit the spectacular Pier I on the Hudson in Riverside Drive Park. This should open an appetite for an optional Christmas Dinner in an Oriental Restaurant upon return. Bring lunch/hot drink, and dress warmly. Hiking boots recommended (if snow only). NO SMOKING ON WALK. Take A, B, C, D or # 1 train to 59th St Stop and meet at 10:45 AM inside the mall facing the Fountain at the Columbus Circle. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Joint hike with the Outdoors Club Inc. Free for first time participants.

Wed., Dec. 28 - HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT BRONX ZOO. Meet at Southern Blvd gate at 2:00 PM. Bus Bx 9 available for transfer from # 1 at 225th St, OR from # 4 train at Jerome Ave. and from "D" at Kingsbridge/Grand Concourse. Bus stop at Southern Blvd opposite zoo entrance. Fare: admission "choice", but added charge for butterflies, rides, etc. Regular admission $13., Pop pass $21. Bring supper or buy there. Leader: Pat O'Malley, 212-924-7486. Non-members $3. Free for first time participants.

Fri., Dec. 30 - AFTER WORK, TWILIGHT, HOLIDAY LIGHTS WALK. City walk 4 to 6 miles, moderate. Enjoy New York's festive celebration of the holiday season. Some of the sights we will enjoy are Central Park, Tavern on The Green, Lincoln Center, Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Leader: Leonard Morgenstern, please call at 917-842-9490 any time 72 hours prior to the walk for recorded message of details, time, and meeting place. Non-members $3.00.

Sat., Dec. 31 - NEW YEAR'S EVE WALK below 14th Street in Manhattan. 3 to 4 miles, moderate steady pace. We'll zigzag through some hip neighborhoods. Dress for cold weather conditions. Take 1, 2, or 3 train to 14th Street & Seventh Ave. and meet 7:00 PM at the SW corner of 14th Street & Seventh Ave. Leader: John Carr, 347-886-3070. Bad weather cancels. Non-members pat $3. Free for first time participants.

Sun., Jan. 1 - SOUTH BEACH PARK, S.I.   7-8 mile shore hike, flat and easy. Drop off points available. Visit to Fort Wadsworth and walk on the beach and 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. Joint with Outdoors Club. Free for first time participants.

Thu., Jan 5 - 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.

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The Urban Trail Conference Inc.