.The printable Newsletter is a slimmed down version of the online Newsletter.  It does not contain links or images.

.

No need for many words this time as the pictures tell the story. Eighteen SWC members are currently gathered at the Clubhouse ( Bill and Don arrived on Monday) completing a variety of jobs too numerous to mention. There are really big jobs that involve major structural reconstruction, a significant demolition project, pick ax and shovel work, smaller jobs that include washing windows and curtains and numerous jobs in between. These hard working and talented members are generous with their time and skills all for the benefit of all who enjoy the Clubhouse. The photos were taken at Friday evening’s at dinner which included a birthday celebration. 

Friday evening dinner party

Bill Connelly surveys the work being done

The Basement Dwellers showing off their harvest

The Basement Dwellers finally see the light of day

Update on New Locking System @ SWC Clubhouse

To improve the reliability of the lock system at the Clubhouse, a new Yale lock was installed during the work weekend. The new lock will be fully integrated with the SWC booking system on Monday, May 5.  After May 5, when you book a room at the Clubhouse, the new system will assign a 6-digit number for your access.

Here are the instructions for entering a code into the Yale lock:

• Activate the lock by pressing the Yale button at the top of the keypad.  The keys light up.
• Enter your PIN, and then press the checkmark button ✓.
• The door will unlock. Once you hear the bolt slide open, use the door handle to open the door.

Note:  5 incorrect entries of a PIN causes the Lock to shut down for 1 minute.

Some important reminders –

The door code becomes active at 1:00 PM day of arrival and expires at 5:00 PM day of departure.  Please adhere to this schedule.

If your door code does not work, please TEXT the number 802-585-3830.  We have several volunteers that monitor this number.  Texting is the best way to communicate.  We will issue a backup code if the original code does not work.

When you exit the door, and the door shuts, the lock automatically engages after three (3) minutes.  If you are unloading your car, please DO NOT SET THE BOLT OPEN AND USE IT AS A DOORSTOP.  This causes damage to the lock mechanism. Instead prop the door open using another method (we are working on either a special doorstop or another way to fasten the door).

When you leave the house for an extended period of time, please be sure to close the door. The door should lock within 3 minutes, but to be sure, push the Yale button after closing the door. You will then hear the lock engage.

.

Click here to register for any of these events

Rail Trail Riders
May 21 5:30pm
HH Rail Trail
Meet at the Park and Ride on Delaware Avenue next to The Warbler Brewery; across from McDonalds and the Delaware Plaza at 5:30 PM for our ride with plans to meet afterwards at The Warbler Brewery. 

Towpath Regatta
June 19 5:30pm
Gateway Park, Route 5, Schenectady
Approximately 4.5 mile out-and-back course on the Mohawk River from Gateway Park in Scotia. A fun race sponsored by the Northern New York Paddlers and Schenectady Wintersports Club. Come join us and see if you can win a highly coveted vial of Mohawk River water or a cookie from Isla's Divine Desserts!

Rail Trail Riders
June 21 10:30am
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
Meet at the Park and Ride on Delaware Avenue next to The Warbler Brewery; across from McDonalds and the Delaware Plaza at 5:30 PM for our ride with plans to meet afterwards at The Warbler Brewery. 

Electric City Regatta
Saturday, July 12
On the Mohawk at Lock 9
Easy put-in/take-out. Race location along historic Erie Canal. T-shirts for each racer, and prizes to first three boats in each class.

Group usually gathers at Wolf Hollow Brewing Company, just a few miles up the road, to enjoy food, beverages, and camaraderie. Each racer gets a token for one beverage.

First Start: 10am
Registration 8:45 - 9:45

Barge Chaser Regatta
Sunday, July 13
Kiwanis Park

Great Race for spectators and families!!! Close to bike path. Easy put-in/take-out. Racers participate in a raffle drawing for several prizes.

First Start: 10am
Registration 9:00 - 9:45

Membership Meeting
Sunday, July 17
Save the Date!

Click here to register for any of these events

Announcing the Trips for SWC in the 2026 Ski Season!

Telluride Colorado January 31 - February 7

Chamonix France February 27 - March 7

The club is also considering a Northeast regional destination.

Chamonix France is on the web site and Telluride information will be available shortly.

We have leaders for Chamonix but need people to lead the Telluride trip. Trip leaders help coordinate room assignments and travel arrangements and provide on site direction. They also receive trip benefits. Training is available for interested parties.

Email Rick Cobello or call him at 518-337-6188 with questions about the trip or if you would like to become a trip leader. 

.

What Do Skiers Do Out of Season?
By Cash Jones

What do skiers do out of season?  One option that has become popular is canoeing.  Many years ago, in support of Adirondack tourism, a race from Long Lake Village to Tupper Lake was created.  This was a one day, 55 mile route  up Long Lake, down the Raquette River (including a 1.3 mile carry around the falls) and out onto Tupper Lake.  Today, with some adjustments, this is Day2 of the three day Adirondack Canoe Classic (90 Miler), held every year on the second weekend in September; going from Old Forge to Saranac Lake.

Paul Lozier asked me to paddle the bow of his canoe in this event, and not knowing what I was getting into, I said that I would do it.  He coached me on hydration and energy – water bottle, sugar candy, chocolate, banana and sandwich, all taped onto the inside of the canoe.  We met early in the morning on the beach in front of the Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake.  The two hour paddle up Long Lake was uneventful, although it can be treacherous with wind and waves, and we successfully negotiated the shallow entry into the river.  Passing the Cold River and enjoying the shaded twists and turns of the Raquette River, we eventually arrived at the beginning of the carry (or portage).  This is a 1.3 mile footpath, with some ups and downs, and containing lots of rocks and roots.  Unlike today’s lightweight kevlar and carbon fiber canoes, my recollection is that we were paddling an aluminum Grumman craft.

Upon launching our canoe, I reached for my rations and was dismayed to discover that everything had fallen out on the carry.   When I made Paul aware of my problem, he commented that I was going to have a difficult day.  After digesting this empathetic comment, I informed him that if he wanted me to paddle, he was going to have to share his supplies with me, which he did.

So onward we went, under a hot sun, into the endless oxbows of the lower Raquette River.  I avoided dehydration by scooping up river water, not overly concerned about giardia.  At some point, having developed a full bladder, I asked Paul to take a break so that I could relieve myself over the side.  His response was to tell me to keep paddling.  Eventually, I had no option but to urinate down my leg into the canoe.  When we reached the finish line near the beach in Tupper Lake, spectators wondered why we rolled the boat over and dumped it out.

We finished in second or third place behind a canoe that had  met the minimum width specifications at the start by inserting a board to push the sides of their canoe out.  Our complaint to an official about this violation of the rules was met with derision and our protest was denied.  So much for fair officiating!

Monday Night Paddling Begins Soon!

By Kim Greiner

If you are interested in learning how to paddle a canoe or kayak, or just want to paddle recreationally with some awesome people, join us on Monday nights at 6pm at Kiwanis Park in Rotterdam Junction. We hope to begin on May 12, but the water level may preclude that, so we’ll begin on May 19.

You may bring your own watercraft, paddle, and PFD (personal flotation device/life jacket) or contact Ed at 518-421-2947 or Kim at 518-421-2939 at least two days prior to when you’d like to paddle so that we bring all the equipment you will need.

We usually paddle from 6:30-7:15/7:30 then enjoy some snacks and beverages, as well as paddling stories, afterwards.

Kiwanis Park is right on the bike path, so if you’d like to bike/walk while the rest of your family is paddling, bring your gear.

The Grand Hike

I was just made aware of an interesting hiking opportunity scheduled for May 10 2025 The Champlain Area Trail System is hosting “The Grand Hike” beginning at 10:00 am. The town to town hike will begin at the Twin Valleys Outdoor Center in Lewis and end at the Whallinsburg Grange in Whallinsburg NY. The full hike is 16 miles in length with shuttles and shortcuts  available to customize the hike ranging from 2 miles to the full 16 miles. Along the trail will be opportunities for rest, food, water and restrooms. An end of trail celebration will include food, vendors, outdoor games as well as local community organizations. Further information can be found at:  info@champlainareatrails.com.

Bill Simmons