As a bandleader at C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, Jon Bowen directed his students in making music. Now retired, he helps direct events in the great outdoors as chair of the Adirondack Mountain Club Onondaga Chapter. His wife, Kathy, not raised to be an outdoorswoman in the “wilds of Newark, New Jersey,” found an affinity for hiking and camping after the couple married.

Jon, on the other hand, has always been a lover of all things outdoors.

“I was brought up since about the age of 5 – hiking and camping,” the Niagara Falls, NY, native said. “Every summer my family would go to Allegheny State Park – we’ve always camped in state parks.”

He has been a member of ADK for 25 years, but has been most active in the organization since he retired almost six years ago.

The couple has two daughters, now 32 and 34, with whom they took family camping trips, forming memories that would last a lifetime. They are proud grandparents now, and plan to take their grandchild camping in the future.

Although Kathy had not spent much time in the woods growing up – “I didn’t grow up hiking, I grew up on a city street, so my playtime was on a sidewalk” – she soon grew to love all mother nature had to offer and joined ADK.

She said her membership in the club has had many benefits. “Being involved in ADK has broadened my experiences, has taken us to a lot of places and has challenged me to do things I didn’t think I could. When you go on outings with a group of people, you push yourself more, and accomplish more. It gives you courage and has helped me to be in better shape.”

Her involvement with ADK has also sparked an interest in other activities.

“I took yoga this year, because I heard it helps with balance, which is important when hiking on the more difficult trails,” she said.

So, how “difficult” is hiking, then?

“You can hike to your ability,” Jon said. “There are easier, flatter trails for the beginner and more difficult trails for the more advanced hiker.”

Jon offered some tips for the beginning hiker:

Start slow

“Try the less challenging trails, then, if you want, work your way up to the more difficult hikes,” Jon said.

Start local

There are many miles of trails in the Syracuse area, including Green Lakes State Park in Manlius and Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville. “Beaver Lake has nine miles of trails that are various lengths,” Jon said. “Green Lakes has an easy trail that goes around both lakes – Green Lake and Round Lake.” Both parks have trail maps available.

Be prepared

Make sure you have the basics when you are out hiking.

“No matter what length your hike is, you should always bring water,” Jon said.

For longer hikes, bring:

Food – granola bars are a favorite of Jon’s.

A raincoat

Sunscreen

Insect repellant

A hat

Hiking poles for rockier trails where one might need help getting over streams.

Proper footgear. “Sneakers are fine for the more local trails, but you might want boots for Adirondack trails for more ankle support and water repellance,” Jon said.

Cell phone, although Jon cautions that reception might be spotty or nonexistent in many areas in the Adirondacks.

One thing Jon has never used is a compass. “The trails are all very well-marked,” he said. “I have not found a need for a compass.

Kathy had some advice for women who are older and thinking of taking up hiking.

“You should first find someone who is experienced in hiking,” she said. “Don’t try it by yourself.”

“Start out easy, on flat, shorter trails,” she said. “Don’t burn out on a long trail. You can always increase the length of your hike little by little.”

She recommends using poles once you’ve graduated to longer, rockier trails.

“Especially if you have knee issues or are concerned about developing joint problems, poles can be helpful,” she said. “They help give you stability and guidance over rocky areas and across streams with slippery rocks.”

She said ADK has been very helpful to her in her hiking.

“It’s also a social thing,” she said. “You are in a big group on ADK outings, which inspires and challenges you.”

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is …

Recreation

ADK’s 28,000 members enjoy hiking, paddling, cross-country skiing, backpacking, biking, mountaineering, snowshoeing and other outdoor recreation and are dedicated to protecting the wild.

Local Chapters

ADK’s 27 chapters offer opportunities to get outdoors in the Adirondacks and closer to home. ADK’s Adventure Travel organizes exciting trips to all parts of the globe.

Environmental Advocacy

ADK’s Environmental Advocacy program promotes responsible policies to protect New York’s wild places and ensure they remain accessible to the public. ADK also advocates for state funding for land acquisition and stewardship and has been on the frontline in the battle against acid rain, mercury contamination, and global warming.

Knowledge

ADK offers educational programs that instill a love of nature in children, workshops to enrich outdoor experiences and lectures and exhibits that impart a new perspective on the natural world.

Trails

Shortly after it was founded in 1922, ADK built the 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail, and ADK’s trails program continues that tradition with professional and volunteer trail construction and maintenance projects. The Adirondack High Peaks Summit Steward Program educates hikers about the fragile alpine ecosystems found atop the highest peaks in the Adirondacks.

Lodging

ADK operates the Adirondak Loj, a unique lodging experience on the doorstep of the High Peaks; Johns Brook Lodge, a hiking oasis 3.5 miles from the nearest road; and a wilderness campground.

Books, Maps, and Adirondac Magazine

ADK publishes comprehensive hiking, paddling, and winter sports guides and trail maps, as well as books on Adirondack nature, history and lore. Shop at our online store or visit our bookstores at Lake George and HPIC. ADK members receive the bi-monthly magazine, “Adirondac,” providing news and views on club activities, conservation updates, and outdoor recreation features.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of ADK, setting the club’s conservation agenda, organizing outings, maintaining trails and performing numerous other essential tasks.

Source: adk.org