Trip Reports

Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of Greater New York

Trip Reports 2000

SUNDAY DECEMBER 10 MANHATTAN/NEW JERSEY WALK
LEADER: Herb Gecht
WEATHER: Partly Cloudy 42 degrees
MILEAGE: 8 miles
ATTENDEES: (9) Members: Herb Gecht(L), Ezra Aboodi, Mark Grayson, (Hanna Benesch joined Mosaic). Non-members: Irv Reich, Nathan Melzer, Maxine Melzer, Lee Radin, and Ian Heitner

TRIP DESCRIPTION: We gathered at Columbus Circle and began a walk to the Hudson River and then up thru Riverside Park to the George Washington Bridge. We stopped at Grants Tomb and Riverbank State Park along the way before heading out over the George Washington Bridge to Fort Lee. It was early dinner at Al's Kosher Deli in Fort Lee. Great views were enjoyed from Fort Lee HistoricalPark.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 9 PRINCETON
LEADER: Nestor Danyluk CO-LEADERS: Sheila Myers, Lorna Weiner
WEATHER: Sunny, 30s
MILEAGE: 8 Miles
ATTENDEES: (6) Members: Ezra Aboodi, Scott Black, Gamaliel Isaac, Gideon Isaac, Howard Israel Non-member: David Dikter

TRIP DESCRIPTION: It was a cold day that probably kept many indoors but the rest of us enjoyed a fascinationg historical trip through Princeton led by Mosaic hike leader and Princeton U. Alum Nestor Danyluk. We wandered around the campus and learned the history of its many buildings, including Nassau Hall, which housed the Continental Congress for a few months in 1783. We proceeded to visit the Princeton Cemetery which contains the graves of many famous people including George Gallup, Aaron Burr, Paul Tulane and Grover Cleveland. Most of Princeton University's presidents are also buried there. Afterwards we walked to the Princeton Battlefield where the Battle of Princeton was fought on January 3, 1777, where the American troops, led by George Washington, defeated the British. It was also there that General Mercer was mortally wounded. He died in the Thomas Clarke House which is a museum which we also visited. We stopped into a Quaker Meeting House for a short visit, before walking back into town through the woods. We passed by Albert Einstein's house before stopping into a local restaurant for dinner.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 3 BLACK MOUNTAIN AND SILVERMINE LAKE
LEADER: Rich Jobsky
WEATHER: Sunny and cold
MILEAGE: 4 1/2 miles
ATTENDEES: (9) Members: Rich Jobsky (L), Mark Weiss, Deva Cohen, (Yakov Karpishpan, Ellen Miller, Aliza Lipshitz joined Mosaic today) Non-members: Monica Menis, Dianna Raedle, Hanna Benesch

TRIP DESCRIPTION: On a sunny, cold early December day 9 stalwart Mosaic hikers ventured forth from their warm homes and apartments out into the bracing pre winter chill to enjoy a walk thru the woods of Harriman State Park. Silvermine Lake was visited and nice views of the Manhattan skyline were enjoyed from the top of Black Mountain.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 2 BROOKLYN SHORE WALK
LEADER: Herb Gecht
WEATHER: Partly Cloudy 35 degrees
MILEAGE: 8 miles
ATTENDEES: (6) Members: Herb Gecht (L), Mitch Nyer, Ruth Leibowitz, Ezra Aboodi Non-members: Pamela Weston, Cathie Carmen

TRIP DESCRIPTION: Walked around Sheepshead Bay, stopping in Drixoll Tucker Park, beach walking the length of Manhattan Beach, checking out the beautiful homes in Manhattan Beach, walking about a mile and a half on the Brighton Beach-Coney Island boardwalk. Walking along Brighton Beach Avenue with all the Russian shops and restaurants, the group stopped at Mrs. Stahls for her reknowned knishes.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19 WESTERN QUEENS WALK
LEADERS: Nestor Danyluk,Ira Haironson
WEATHER: Mostly Cloudy 40s
MILEAGE: 7 miles
ATTENDEES (34): Members: Artie Bennett, Ruth Leibowitz, Henrie Parish, Doug Fower, Alvin Nichter, Jerry Rotter, Robert Ambaras, Mitchell Saltz, Leslie Garris, Ken King, Lanny Wexler, Ed Perlmutter, Ellen Siegel, Cheryl Kastel, Len Feuer, Herb Gecht,Ezra Aboodi, Eileen Miller, Howard Israel
Non-members: Dykeman Stoney, Ian Heitner, Howie Berman, Julie Goodman, Robin Steinberg, Elana Katz, Ellen Katzen, Bonnie Marx, Rachel Jacobson, Bill Lamm, Bobbie Wasserman, Leslie Cohen, Fred Michel

TRIP DESCRIPTION: Meeting at the famous clock in Grand Central Station a large Mosaic group set off by subway for the "wilds of Western Queens". Our large group grew even larger when we exited the N train at Queensboro Plaza and stepped out into a gray, cold November day. The somber weather matched the grit and the grime of our industrial settings. However, the mood of the place was offset by our lively, informative guides Nestor Danyluk and Ira Haironson. Both Ira and Nestor are authorities on city planning and proceeded to give us a history of how Long Island City transitioned from its bucoloic past to what it is today. We walked down Jackson Avenue,into the heart of Long Island City,then turned down a block passing "historical landmarked houses" from the 1880s. We saw a half a house, viewed the famous PS 1, Hunterspoint Plaza and then headed to Gantry Plaza State Park with a stunning view of the United Nations and the mid Manhattan skyscrapers just across the East River.Nestor gave us a colorful narrative on how the Long Island Rail Road made and unmade Long Island City. He also spoke with humor about Long Island City's first mayor Battle Ax Gleason.

Afterwards looking for a restroom amid the post industrial desolation we found a warm oasis at La Guardia Community College. While at the college, a professor there graciously gave us a brief history of the industrial history of Long Island City which included the likes of Eagle Electric, Chiclets Chewing Gum, executone and Swingline Staplers.

After a quick lunch the group headed into Sunnyside Gardens which was built back in the 1920s as a "country community"in the city. We walked down tree shaded walks and backyard gardens in this unique community. Then it was on into Jackson Heights where we visited several apartment buildings and walked into interior European style interior courtyards.

After all that walking the group developed a real good appetite and headed into restaurant for a sumptuous feast at a Indian vegetarian restaurant. It was a most enjoyable day with a record attendance of 34 people. Lanny Wexler for Nestor Danyluk and Ira Haironson.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11 FAHNESTOCK STATE PARK
LEADER: Marvin Pasternak
WEATHER: Cloudy, Light Rain 50s
Mileage: 8 Miles
No. of Attendees (10): Members: Jessia Leonard, Gideon Isaac,Neil Mossesson, Herb Gecht, Ezra Aboodi, Eric Robinson
Non-members: Jeff Novick, Ellen Wrell, Yakov Karpishpan

TRIP DESCRIPTION: Despite the damp conditions, our small group of 9 enjoyed the hike. We passed a waterfall on the Appalachian Trail. We had lunch while we enjoyed the view of John Allen Pond. we continued with another stop at scenic Jordan Pond, then we finished with the Appalachian Trail.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5 STERLING FOREST TRAIL MAINTENANCE
CO-LEADERS: Rick Levey, Lanny Wexler
WEATHER: Blustery and Cold,Occasional Snow Flurries 40s
MILEAGE: 4 miles
No. of Attendees (12) Members: Ezra Aboodi, Herb Gecht, Ellen Blankfein, David Drescher, Michael Brochstein, Deva Cohen, Ken King
Non-members:Brian Liszewski, Hanna Abolitz Benesch, Ellen Miller

TRIP DESCRIPTION: A group of hale and heary Mosaic trail maintainers met in Tuxedo, NY on a blustery, cold Sunday morning to do trail maintenance on the club's Allis Trail in Sterling Forest. Equipped with clippers,loppers, saws and even a paint brush the group set off into the woods expecting the worst. They were pleasantly surprised to find the trail in relatively good condition; which meant light work for the maintainers with just occasional clipping back of vegetation along the sides of the trail and sawing down one "widow maker". Rick Levey repainted a few blazes with the official trail color of aquamarine. Views were plentiful along the trail with vistas of naked mountains, near by lakes in one direction and the skyscrapers of the Manhattan in the other. Its hard to get away from those. We got out of the woods fairly early and the club treated everyone to vegetarian pizza and beverages.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 JERSEY SHORE WALK
LEADER: Herb Gecht
WEATHER: Sunny 61 Degrees
MILEAGE: 9 miles
No.of Attendees (5) Members: Ezra Aboodi, Chuck Berendt, Mitchell Stahl, David Wishnevsky
Non-member: Marc Meyers

TRIP DESCRIPTION: We walked along the shore from Spring Lake, NJ to point Pleasant, NJ. It got windier as the day wore on. It was a clear a day as you are ever going to see. We walked along picturesque beaches that were empty. We saw quite a few surfers. the towns of Spring Lake and Point Pleasant were interesting.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19 MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE
LEADER: Lanny Wexler
WEATHER: CLEAR 60 DEGREES
MILEAGE: 3 Miles
No. of Attendees (10) Ezra Aboodi, Herb Gecht, Ken King, Ruth Leibowitz, David Wishnevsky, Gary Granger
Non-members: Michele Lepler, Rona Lee Einav

TRIP DESCRIPTION: The group met in the spectacular palm court in the Winter Garden of the World Financial Center. We enjoyed a beautiful walk in the gathering dusk along the Hudson River waterfront on our way down to the museum. At the newly opened Museum of Jewish Heritage we saw exhibits showing the Jewish culture in the 20th Century. Unfortunately, the Jewish experience was a difficult one where many Jews were discriminated and killed in the pogroms of eastern Europe and Russia and then in a scale unparalleled by the Holocaust, perpetrated by the Nazis. The Museum of Jewish Heritage has 3 floors; the first floor are exhibits of the early 20th Century, the second floor was devoted to the Holocaust; the third floor which I did not have time to see is post World War II up to the present time.

The museum closed at 8 pm and then we walked over to the South Street Seaport for pizza and good conversation at Pizzeria Uno. Lanny Wexler

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17 APPALACHIAN TRAIL HIKE IN DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LEADER: Herb Gecht
WEATHER: SUNNY 70 Degrees
MILEAGE: 8 Miles
No.of Attendees (15) Members: Ezra Aboodi, Lorna Weiner, Rich Jobsky, Eric Robinson, Len Feuer,Neil Mossesson, Beth Ornstein, Randi Schlesinger Non-members: Jacalyn Filler, Linda Schechter, Joseph Cohen, Laura Spinner, Irene Naar

TRIP DESCRIPTION: At least one deer sighting. Lunch at lake. 15 to 20 minute stop at Cat Rocks. With each passing month, more & more cell phones are showing up on hikes and walks and being used.Am I the only one who thinks they are out of place? Herb Gecht

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16 GREENWICH VILLAGE, DINNER, JAZZ AND WALKING TOUR
LEADER: Susan Mason
WEATHER: CRISP AND COOL HIGH 50s
MILEAGE: 2 miles
No.of Attendees (25) Members: Bob Scharin, Fred Kolikoff, Sandra Fried, Doug Fower, Les Judd, Andrea Miller, Donald Isla, Mark Weiss, Mitchell Saltz, Mark Weiss, Sheila Myers, Janice Aronow, Paul Finker, Charles Levy; Meryl Mazursky Non-Members: Debbie Berowitz, Stephanie Denmark, Robert Brain, Steve Molin, Carole Apa, Larry Herold, Lisa Quint, Paul Finkler, Charles Levy
TRIP DESCRIPTION: On a brisk, clear, pre-autumn evening, 25 hearty people gathered for a fun night out in Greenwich Village. We began with dinner at a
lovely Japanese restaurant with a tranquil outdoor garden. Then participants took a fast paced walking tour of the West Village. We passeds historical highlights and charming streets. The evening continued with good music at a cozy jazz club. A very congenial and fun group.

Unfortunately, I had to away many people prior to the event. I had a waiting list of approximately 20 people. Sheila Myers was very helpful to me,
in signing people in to manage the large group and being a sweep. Susan Mason

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16 BIKE TRIP - SADDLE RIVER, NEW JERSEY
LEADER: Richard Jobsky
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY, COOL & BREEZY
MILEAGE: 18 MILES
NO. OF ATTENDEES (9) Members: Ezra Aboodi, Mona Glasser, Julie Salomon, Andrea Noble, Herb Gecht, Len Feuer, Stephanie Phillips, Laurie Livshin

TRIP DESCRIPTION: Communed with cars, stopped at Elmer's deli, saw many upscale homes on large properties. Nice riding weather, good camraderie. Richard Jobsky

SUNDAY AUGUST 27 BROOKLYN BRIDGE WALK
Leader: Herb Gecht
WEATHER 80-85 Degrees Humid
Mileage: 9 Miles
NO. OF ATTENDEES (11) Members: Herb Gecht, Mitchell Saltz, Sheila Myers, David Wishnevsky, Steve Perlmutter, Lorna Weiner, Alan Israel, Ezra
Aboodi, Bernice Katz.
Non-members: Rebecca Benjamin, Linda Wissbrun

TRIP DESCRIPTRION: We walked acoss the Brooklyn Bridge where there were many great views of the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn.. Once in Brooklyn,we made a beeline for Juniors restaurant where we bought a cheesecake which was shared with the group. In Prospect Park we saw horses, people playing soccer, joggers, cyclists and lush greenery. A good time was had by all. Herb Gecht

SATURDAY AUGUST 26 WILD & WONDERFUL MINNEWASKA STATE PARK
LEADER: Howard Israel
WEATHER SUNNY AND BEAUTIFUL
MILEAGE: 9 MILES
NO. OF ATTENDEES (15): Members; Lorna Weiner, Beth Ornstein, Estelle Haferling, Alan Israel, Herb Gecht, Artie Bennett, Ezra Aboodi, Josh Teweles, Jennifer Lipins. Non-members; Helen Kagan, Inna Kreyman, Scott Vergni, Yakov Karpishpan,Vuron Barna

TRIP DESCRIPTION: Spectacular views with wide vistas of farm lands in the Hudson Valley as well as views of the Catskill Mountains. There were views high over Lake awostig. we stopped for a swim for one hour. After the swim spectacular views awaited us as we followed a number of carriage ways and trails in areas rarely visited. We saw a spectacular waterfall, and quiet beaver pond for solitude. Howard Israel

AUGUST 19 - SAILING IN NY HARBOR Twenty-five sailors joined Janet P. Mansky (L) for a 2-hour sail in NY Harbor aboard the catamaran Windspirit. This was the best attended and the best weather of the three annual sails we've had. Afterwards, most of us repaired to Morans for some liquid libations.

AUGUST 13 - STATEN ISLAND HILLTOP HIKE Despite the threat of rain and a passing shower, 13 of us spent an enjoyable day hiking on Staten Island. Our trip began on the ferry, where Nestor gave us a brief history of the Island. We then boarded the S61 bus which brought us close to an entrance of the Greenbelt, a series of hiking trails. We hiked through the woods, passing by lakes along the way. A highlight was a small rock scramble up Moses Mountain. Afterwards, we walked through Lighthouse Hill. We passed by a residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (the only one in NYC). We then visited the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art where we were lucky to view a slide presentation on a trip to India. We also viewed a video on the museum's history. We then proceeded to the historic Richmond Town neighborhood before heading back to the ferry on the S74 bus.

The hikers included Ezra Aboodi, Artie Bennett, Nestor Danyluk (L), Doug Fower, Herb Gecht, Ruth Leibowitz, Jennifer Lipins, Sheila Myers (CL), Alvin Nichter, Sarah Spanger, Meryl Steinberg, Marc Stober and Lorna Weiner (CL)

AUGUST 6 - WESTPORT BIKE RIDE Ten riders - Mark Sochard (L), Janet P. Mansky, Merrel Finkler, Andrea Gutierrez, Paul Silverman, Dana Gordon, Ezra Aboodi, Laurie Livshin, Susan Weintraub, Pam Schancupp - enjoyed a leisurely day of cycling in Westport Connecticut, on a repeat of a popular June trip run by Connecticut native Mark Sochard. We met at the Westport train station and biked from Westport to Southport and back, stopping at Sherwood Island State Park, Nyala Farms, Burying Hill Beach, Southport Harbor, Compo Beach, Long Shore Country Club. Many thanks to Ezra Aboodi and Paul Silverman for their excellent sweeping.

JULY 23 - APPALACHIAN TRAIL - DUTCHESS COUNTY On a day that featured sunny skies and low humidity; Herb Gecht (L), Mitchell Staltz, Arnold Dikansky, Jeff Nacht, Eric Robinson, Ezra Aboodi, Mitch Nyer, Pam Schancupp, Susan Weintraub, Michael Feder, Michael Brochstein, Josh Teweles, Memo Isaac, Gideon Isaac, Anita Isaac, Ilyse Shechter and non-members, Jo Anne Crovets, Rachel Breitman., Dan Kletzky, Heidi Fuchs, and Aaron Cohen hiked 7 miles on a gentle stretch of the Appalachian County in the Pawling area of Dutchess County. We had lunch at Wiley Shelter where the group was passed by quite a few AT thru hikers. The AT thru hikers normally begin hiking the trail at Springer Mountain, Georgia in late March in order to reach their final destination of Mt Katahdin in Baxter Park, Maine by mid October. We had some interesting conversations with them. One female thru hiker from Alabama whose trail name is "Hour Glass" gave us a short account of her hike from Georgia. Leader Herb Gecht thanks Ezra, Mitch, Arnold, Jeff , Josh and Michael Brochstein for sharing the sweeping for a little over a mile each. The sweeping paid off as no one from our group got lost.

JULY 21- 23 CLUB GETAWAY WEEKEND 45 Mosaic members from New York and Boston enjoyed a wonderful weekend in the Connecticut Berkshires. There were a total of 300 participants, and the weekend was sold out. Although there was quite a thunderstorm on Friday evening, the weather during the rest of the weekend was flawless. Activities ranged the spectrum from relaxing at the lake to rock climbing, and included a trip to a local vinyard, rollerblading, lanyard-making, water-skiing, mountain biking, hiking the AT, volleyball, dancing, trapeze, zip-line and more. Response to this weekend was very enthusiastic. This is a weekend that will definitely be repeated.

SUN JULY 9 ROLL 'EM ON THE SADDLE RIVER PATH Rich Jobsky (L), Mimi Zucker, Bernice Katz, Moty Goldstein and Julie Salomon rollerbladed through Saddle River Park in Paramus, New Jersey on a sunny,warm Sunday morning. They bladed 10 miles roundtrip on the asphalt path passing ducks along the way. A good time was enjoyed by all.

JUNE 28 - ROOSEVELT ISLAND WALK - Our encyclopedic tour guide Nestor Danyluk led a trip to a rather unique location in New York City, Roosevelt Island. Doug Fower, Sheila Myers, Arthur Chassen, Carol Lipsky, Lanny Wexler,Peter Froyton, David Wishnevsky, Jason Cutler, Gail Novick, Marlene Cooper, Lisa Baron, Lori Dworman, and non-member; Jason Cutler, Marlene Cooper, Lisa Baron, Mitchell Saltz,Helene Pournes, Debbie Prior, Janet Gottlieb, Ilana Model, Bernie Katz, Ira Cohen, Jerry Rotter, Phyliss,Jonas and Dorothy Berman met at the entrance to the Roosevelt Island tramway at 6 pm at 2nd Avenue and 60th Street. We set off for "the island" by plunking our token thru the turnstyle and setting off for a brief but spectacular 3 minute tram ride across the East River. Roosevelt Island, formerly known as Blackwells and then Welfare Island use to house prisons and lunatic asylums between the mid 19th and mid 20th Century.One of the more notorious inmates,Mae West spent about a week here for a naughty Broadway show she produced. The island is truly a world in itself. It has a mixture of moderate and upper income housing. The moderate income housing faces Long Island City and Astoria, Queens with its great view of "Big Alice", Con Edison's power generating plant. The upper income housing faces the spectacular skyline views of Manhattan. One of the most pleasant spots on the island is at its northern tip, where a small stone lighthouse was built.

JUNE 18 - LYNDHURST - This trip was scheduled to go to the Rockefeller Preserve but when we arrived at the Tarrytown Station,it was raining steadily. Rather than attempt o hike in the rain, we took the tour of Lyndhurst and enjoyed it very much. By the time the tour was over the weather had improved so after eating lunch on the varanda overlooking the Hudson, we decided to go to Rockefeller Preserve for a couple of hors of hiking. Les Judd (L), Eric Robinson, Larry Gold (members) and Eris Ben-Israel, Cindy Wackenheim and Marcy Einhorn attended this trip. Les Judd

JUNE 10 - MOHONK HILL HIKE Lovely displays of mountain laurel and a chance encounter with a Jack Nicholson look alike were the highlights of an exciting day in the Gunks. Hot weather was tempered by cool, gentle breezes as Howard Israel (L), led Andrea Noble, Mike Tatlor, Lorna Weiner, Arthur Chassen and Esther Dukes hiked nine mile hike thru the Mohonk Preserve at a moderate pace. We encountered a non-shy black snake and were entertained by "Catskill borscht belt jokes" by a Jack Nicholson look alike as sat under a big gazebo. We really had a great group and wonderful time on this exceptional day. Howard Israel

JUNE 4 - ROCKCLIMBING IN ALLAMUCHY STATE PARK, NJ Six brave souls; Rich Jobsky (L), Stacey Greenberg, Marnie Levine, Lisa Silverman, Lanny Wexler and Ben Karassik (NM), scaled a 45 foot cliff in the situated middle of a forest in Allamuchy State Park, New Jersey. Climbing conditions were ideal, with bright sunshine, low humidity and comfortable temperatures in the 70s. We were in good hands Lyle inspired confidence in us by explaining how many hundreds of students he had taught without incident. Lyle explained and demonstrated in detail his redundant rope and anchoring method by tying his line to two trees on top of the cliff above us and explained the philosophy of "hard focus" and "soft focus". We donned helmets, special rock climbing shoes and a harness before we were belayed to Lyle. After securiing us to our climbing harness by a figure 8 knot and then a stopper knot, we each shouted belay, then Lyle checked over the ropes and when they were found to be properly secured he gave us the go ahead to proceed. We each said climb and Lyle told us "Climb Away". We performed three climbs that day, each of us taking varying amounts of time depending on our comfort and skill level. We followed cracks and ledges in the cliff side as we made our way up. the first climb was relatively easy as our route afforde us many handholds and good grips. The scariest part of rock clibing is coming down. When you are ready to come down Lyle told us to let go of the cliff and rope and simply lean back into open space and walk down the side of a cliff like a spider. This was easier to do for the experienced than others. One or two of us "first timers" took more than a few minutes and many words of encouragement from Lyle and the support team before we were able to pull off this maneuver. We were perfecly safe as our descent was controlled by the amount of rope let out as we descended, so we could not fall. We walked down the side of the cliff like a spider watching and threading our way down the cliff avoiding tree roots and holes in the side of the cliff. After two more progressively more difficult climbs everyone felt a great sense od accomplishment and dare I say relief when the day was done. Lanny Wexler for Rich Jobsky

WEDNESDAY MAY 24 - BROOKLYN BRIDGE WALK -back to top-

Despite the threat of rain and an occasional shower, 13 of us spent an enjoyable Wednesday evening crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and touring Brooklyn Heights. As soon as we were over the bridge, the sun appeared, giving us spectacular views of lower Manhattan from the promenade. We toured the quaint side streets and observed many interesting architectural sights - a house built on a backlot of the one adjacent, the last surviving colonnade in Brooklyn, church doors which were salvaged from the burning hulk of the great French Liner SS Normandie. We even passed by two synagogues, which are in the former homes of the Engineers Club and Brooklyn Club.

We ended the evening with dinner at a local restaurant on Montague Street. The walkers included Gerald Behr, Nestor Danyluk (L), Lori Dworman, Doug Fower, Meryl Mazursky, Neil Mosesson, Sheila Myers (L), Jeff Nacht, Ed Perlmutter, Ayelet Reisman,Lorna Weiner (L), Judith Weiss (member of Mosaic in Austin, TX), Lanny Wexler

Submitted by Sheila Myers, Nestor Danyluk, Lorna Weiner

SAT MAY 13 HORSEBACK RIDING -back to top-

Rich Jobsky (L), Janet Mansky, Cindy Kaess, and six no-members who joined today; Renee Weis, Phil Gross, Eric Robinson, Stacey Greene, Madelyne Gray and Cheryl Silverman went riding near Piscataway, NJ. The ride was pleasant, slow paced through suburban woods. There was some optional faster paced action at the end. The group ate lunch at picnic tables on site. It was a congenial crowd that had a good time.

SAT APRIL 29 APPLALACHIAN TRAIL -back to top-

The forecast was rain but the day turned out beautiful, about 65 to 70 degrees. Bountiful amounts of sunshine were evident as Herb Gecht (L), Benji Plotch, Ed Perlmutter, Janet Mansky, Phill Gross (NM), and Brian Gale (NM), hiked about 7 miles along the Appalachian Trail from Route 55 to Bulls Bridge and back. We walked about 2 and a half miles through the forest and followed the Housatonic River for a mile and a half to Bulls Bridge. We stopped along the river to eat. At the first lunch spot, a wooden platform along the river, the group saw a hawk circling. we saw about 5 to 6 kayakers navigating the swift current in the river.

SUNDAY APRIL 23 - HARRIMAN STATE PARK - ARDEN -back to top-

Lowell Kirschner (L), and non-members Eilat Gubbay, Jerry Abrams And Talya Gubbay who joined hiked 6 miles following the Appalachian Trail to the ASB Trail and back in intermittent rain which was occasionally heavy. This made the trail muddy with us crossing many springs. It was a moderate hike, asa we had to do some climbing in the beginning. Saw a lake to our right. and saw some deer. We went at a relatively fast pace, due to the ability of the people on our hike. Lowell Kirschner

SATURDAY APRIL 8 - LAKE STAHANE PEAK -back to top-

A moderate hike with several hills and forested areas to Lake Stahahe where we enjoyed some very relaxing moments. We followed several trails which included a Boy Scout trail to Stahahe High Peak where we basked in the warm sun light and enjoyed a splendid view. Then it was oward to Carr Pond Mountain for some additional great views. Then we bushwhacked down to the lake where we sat and watched a dog trying to scare some geese but he kept on turning back. Howard Israel

SUNDAY APRIL 2. 2000 - TEATOWN LAKE RESERVATION -back to top-

Les Judd (L), Harriett Edelson, Alan Israel, Mark Grayson, Suzanne Beitler, Bill Sugarman, Doug Fower, Peter Froyton, Sandy Wald, Artie Bennett, Adam Rabin and Maxine Smith (NM)walked approximately 4 miles on the Lakeside and Hidden Valley Trail on an overcast Sunday. A beautiful swan was seen on the lake as well as some geese and ducks. Aside from the sound of our own voices and footsteps there was nothing to disturb the silence except singing and the sound of water falling over the rocks. Les Judd

SUNDAY MARCH 26, 2000 - MOUNTAIN HIKE - BALD, TIMP & WEST -back to top-

Ira Haironson (L), Sheila Myers, Carol Lentz, Doug Fower, Keith Koppleman, Yaacov Karpishi, Mark Heilman, Debby Segal, Arnold Dikansky, Liz Sayegh, Ken Lobrue and Eta Tottenberg enjoyed breathtaking views of the wild, still bare hills of Bear Mountain State Park and the Hudson River. Mild spring weather made conditions ideal for this eight mile 3 mountain circuit that included climbs of West, the Timp and Bald Mountain in Bear Mountain State Park. Lanny Wexler for Ira Haironson

SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2000 - BROOKLYN SHORE WALK -back to top-

The day started with gorgeous views from the esplanade next to the Verrazano Bridge. Most of the group of 10 which included Herb Gecht (L), Ken King, Leslie Garris, Mark Weiss, Robert Ambaras, Andrea Miller, Myron Eshkenazi and non-members Alan Ball, Don Adler, and Jeffrey Hellman continued on through Coney Island to the Brighton Beach board walk for lunch at a Russian restaurant in Brighton Beach. Tasty knish's followed at Brighton's own Mrs. Stahl's knish. Herb Gecht

THURSDAY MARCH 23, 2000 - BOWLING -back to top-

On Thursday, March 23, Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club went "indoors" as 18 of us returned to our childhoods and spent the evening bowling at Leisure Time Bowling Center in the Port Authority. We cheered each other on through strikes and spares and gave encouragement to those who threw the (more than!) occasional gutter ball. But most of all, we had fun.

The bowling team consisted of Serge Belilty (visiting from Paris), Debra Elsner, Len Feuer, Doug Fower, Karen Gardner, Leslie Garris, Gail Greenbaum, Ira Haironson, Howard Israel, Richard Jobsky, Judy Josephs, Meryl Mazursky, Neil Mosesson, Sheila Myers (L), Judy Schteingart, Andrea Schwartz, Marc Strauss and Lorna Weiner (L).

Congrats to Doug Fower who led the group with a score of 192! Sheila Myers & Lorna Weiner

SUNDAY MARCH 19, 2000 - BEAR MOUNTAIN -back to top-

– A classic septet of happy MOMC hikers tackled a few mountains after a last minute leader change. Views of the Hudson, the Bear Mountain Bridge and all the surrounding mountains in Harriman were super. A cacophony of frog honking (Its mating season!) greeted us at the ponds in the swampy areas. The hikers included Herb Gecht, Alan Israel, Neil Mosesson, Lisa Silverman, Mark Grayson, Josh Teweles (NM) and myself. Rich Jobsky

SUNDAY MARCH 5, 2000 - WOLLMAN ICE SKATING RINK -back to top-

On a Sunday morning, Doug Fower (L) and 8 Mosaic members went skating at Central Park's Wollman Rink. Afterwards they went out to lunch together. Doug Fower

SATURDAY MARCH 4, 2000 - JERSEY BEACH WALK -back to top-

Sunny weather and mild 52 degree temperatures prevailed as Mitch Nyer, Molly Lipsher, Cindy Kaess, Ezra Aboodi, Ed Perlmutter, Chuck Berendt and Barbara Borkan (NM) walked approximately 9 miles on beach and boardwalk from Bradley Beach to Spring Lake and back. The ocean views were gorgeous and the salt air was invigorating with fresh, cool breezes off the ocean. Lunch was eaten on the boardwak in Belmar. Shared Juniors cheesecake with a few members of the group. Herb Gecht

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2000 - HUDSON RIVER WALK -back to top-

Su – Ezra Aboodi, Lisa Kalichman, Chuck Berendt and Merrel Finkler (NM) met leader Herb Gecht on a foggy Sunday morning for an 8 mile scenic walk that would take them north along the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge and across that bridge to Fort Lee, NJ. The route ran through wooded Riverside Park. We esplored Grants Tomb which is the resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. We continued on to River Bank State Park where we watched teenagers play indoor hockey on a gym floor. After crossing the George Washington Bridge named after our first President we had lunch at a Kosher Deli in Fort Lee, NJ. Herb Gecht

MONDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2000 - PRESIDENT’S DAY HIKE IN THE WATCHUNG MOUNTAINS -back to top-

Our President, LW (Lincoln & Washington) led THE PRESIDENTIAL HIKE, on President’s Day (2/21/00), in the Watchung Mountains of New Jersey. Ten people; Lanny Wexler (L), Ken King, Herb Gecht, Ezra Aboodi, Deva Cohen, and non-members; Debby Cohn, Meryl Rod, Janice Schulgasser, Jim Lipner, Abby Sosland, Mosaic hikers and prospective members met in Millburn, NJ, which is in a pass through these mountains, and drove north to the Turtleback Zoo. The zoo was closed, but it gave us a place to park and start hiking the Lenape Trail south to Millburn. The hiking was generally easy, with no major climbs up or down and no difficult stream crossings, although the melting snow made some of the small streams tricky. Most of the trail was covered by several inches of icy snow, which turned slushy in the warm spring sun. Near the end of the hike was a great view southwest across the Millburn valley and east to Lower Manhattan. Also here is Washington’s Rock, commemorating a 1780 Revolutionary War battle when a British advance from Staten Island to destroy American supply bases in New Jersey was stopped in this area. A good time was enjoyed by all. Kenneth King

SUNDAY JANUARY 16, 2000 - BEAR MOUNTAIN HIKE & SKATE -back to top-

The day began with a stroll past Hessian Lake with its boats and picnics tables that lied quiet waiting for summer. Richard Jobsky (L), Steve Danzer, Liza Feldman (NM) and Ilana Weiss(NM) walked along the Appalachian Trail as it passed thru the Bear Mountain Zoo. We passed numerous animals including bear, mountain lion, eagles, peregrine falcon, foxes, otter and owls. All these species were once native to the Hudson Highlands.

After exiting the zoo, the real workout began. We crossed the Bear Mountain Bridge, looking down upon ice floes floating down the Hudson. Then it was a steep bushwack straight up Anthony’s Nose on challenging footing for a splendid view of Bear Mountain, the Hessian Lake and the Hudson River. Liza, Steve and I continued on to ice skate on the Bear Mountain Outdoor Ice Rink.

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