Mike BeckerAlbany Chapter Leader for 32 years I enjoy introducing people to the beauty of the mountains and meeting new people. Typical Outings: Hiking |
Pamela BentienAlbany Chapter Leader since 2015 I began as a fill-in leader to help out a few years ago and then began to sign up officially around 2015. I am also Paddling Co-Chair, so I mostly lead canoe & kayak outings. As the owner of an Old Town Otter I am a de facto leader for the slower group of paddlers. I began going out with the paddlers in the Spring of 2002, a few months after buying the kayak. Over time I gained skills and confidence so was able to assist other leaders when called on during outings. It only seemed fair to take a turn leading to evenly distribute the responsibility throughout the season. I particularly appreciate the ADK emphasis on safety and camaraderie while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the outing. I hope to share that with more people who may be new to paddling or who have kept going out on a back burner because of lack of companionship. Typical Outings: Paddling |
Don BerensAlbany Chapter Leader for about 30 years (since the early 1980s) Others have shown me how to make outdoor recreation a happy part of my life; now it’s time for me to do the same. Typical Outings: Hiking, showshoeing, cycling |
Jesse ColeAlbany Chapter Leader for less than a year Typical Outings: High Peaks in New York and Vermont |
Brad GawronAlbany Chapter Leader for less than a year I lead trips and educate for the sake of getting people involved in the outdoors. The digital world is encroaching on enjoyment of the world outside of our doors. Involvement tends to create advocacy, so this is a great way for us all to contribute to stewardship of the wild areas out there. Typical Outings: Hiking |
Stephanie GraudonsAlbany Chapter Leader since 2009 I lead trips to meet new people, teach outdoor skills, help others achieve their hiking & fitness goals, and to inspire an appreciation for nature through backcountry adventures. Reaching the summit with someone climbing their first mountain ever is my favorite thing. Typical Outings: Mostly hiking, occasional backpacks, easy paddles & bike rides. Mainly Young Adults outings (though all are welcome!) |
Tom HartAlbany Chapter Leader since 2011, though few people remember that the first outings I led for the chapter were paddles in 1984 What I especially enjoy though is taking people out who are just learning how to take on challenges and expand their capabilities. Each hike then can become a learning opportunity for those who are interested. Another niche I like to fill is finding different out-of-the way places and alternative approaches to destinations that are not travelled often. Typical Outings: Usually easier hikes in the Capital District’s Helderberg Hills, modest hikes in Southern Vermont, and more frequently, more difficult hikes in the Adirondack High Peaks. |
Ralph KeatingHas led hundreds of hikes for the Adirondack Mountain Club and other organizations I am an avid hiker and paddler who has led hundreds of hikes for the Adirondack Mountain Club and other organizations in many areas of New York State. I have led some multi-day backpack and paddle trips to the more pristine areas of the Adirondacks, and also enjoy the beauty and solitude of hiking and backpacking in the wilderness of the Southwest, California, and the Rocky Mountains. I love to share my knowledge of the outdoors with others and take great pleasure in introducing others to beautiful, wild, and pristine places, encouraging preservation of these areas for future generations. My adventurous spirit continues calling me to explore new trails and routes throughout the country. Typical Outings: Hiking |
Nick LanzilloAlbany Chapter Leader for less than one year I lead outings to share my love of these mountains! Typical Outings: Hiking |
Ted LetcherAlbany Chapter Leader for 3 years I lead outings to meet like minded folks and to convert indoor people to outdoor people. Typical Outings: Hikes (both on and off trail) and bikes in New York and Vermont. Often Young Adults outings. |
Keith MartinAlbany Chapter Leader Since 2005 If it’s outdoors count me in! On backcountry x-skis in winter, hiking or paddling in other seasons. I’ve enjoyed many group adventures throughout NY, the eastern US, Rockies, Cascades, and internationally; pieced together long stretches of the AT; completed the Northville Placid Trail, the Cranberry Lake 50 and the Firetower Challenge. I’ve bicycled extensively on roads and highways throughout the Adirondacks, and recently biked with friends around Lake Champlain from Whitehall to Fort Chambly, Que. and back. Typical Outings: Hiking, Trekking, Skiing, and Bicycling. I’d like to get back into some Flat Water overnight paddling Trips too. |
Diana “Bigglesworth” NilandAlbany Chapter Leader for less than one year (I’m new!) I enjoy getting to know like-minded people and leading trips with both beginners and experienced hikers. I would like to see greater diversity of outdoorspeople in the woods. Typical Outings: Hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, often as a co-outing with the Northville Placid Trail chapter |
Cliff PrewenckiAlbany Chapter Leader Since 2011 I lead outings to share the wonders of the outdoors with others. Typical Outings: Hiking |
Bob PriestAlbany Chapter Leader for 3 years Three years ago, when I retired from my job with the State Insurance Department, I found I had too much time on my hands. I’ve always enjoyed hiking, biking, and skiing, so I started leading hikes for ADK as well as working part time as a substitute teaching assistant and volunteering at Albany High School. Typical Outings: Long but leisurely hikes. I enjoy spending time on summits to savor their spectacular views and appreciate that there are no two places exactly alike in the forest. |
Gene ReillyAlbany Chapter Leader Since the 1990s sometime I like sharing the special places I have experienced and am dedicated to helping others have an enjoyable, safe trip. Typical Outings: I most often lead hiking outings, but sometimes include a paddling trip or XC Skiing. I lump snowshoeing into hiking – only in the winter. |
Kathy RzantAlbany Chapter Leader for a few years My favorite hike is what we’ve been calling a “Swike,” a hike up a mountain followed by a refreshing swim in a lake on our descent. I lead C+ and B hikes, mostly in the Adirondacks and mostly in the summer. It’s great fun to meet hikers and discover we’re from the same tribe. Typical Outings: Hiking |
Alison Saville ZoskeAlbany Chapter Leader for about 10 years I am Paddle Chair for our Albany Chapter and I lead paddles in the Capital District as well as in the Adirondacks. Our Chapter offers a paddle outing every Tuesday night, and I generally am out paddling three times a week, May through October. I also enjoy wilderness camping and paddling and love to spend three or four overnights on an Adirondack lake or river. My husband, Joe, and I lead a couple of bicycle outings each year also. We tend to do 15-20 mile bike trips in the Capital District, nothing too strenuous. In addition, we like to do walks and easy hikes, but are not A hikers. Typical Outings: Paddling, biking |
Bob ScaifeAlbany Chapter Leader for 10 years I enjoy introducing others to the challenges and rewards of Adirondack hiking. Typical Outings: Hiking and snowshoeing |
Brad SchweblerAlbany Chapter Leader Since 2018 I decided to lead hikes because I wanted to share the beauty and wonders of the Shawangunks which I had become very familiar with. My hikes are generally slower paced to enjoy and photograph flora and fauna, rocks, trees, fungi, and waterfalls. The hikes are moderate in difficulty and length and sometimes include rock scrambles. I am also interested in exploring other areas I have not been to in the Catskills, Taconics, Berkshires, Adirondacks, and elsewhere. Typical Outings: Hiking |
Phil SewardAlbany Chapter Leader 15 years for the Albany chapter, 20 years overall I enjoy meeting new members and keeping in touch with the ”regulars” while sharing our common love of the outdoors and nature. It’s always a fun day enjoying the hike, exercising, sharing knowledge, and summiting a mountain to take in the spectacular views. Typical Outings: Mostly hikes, occasionally paddles, xc skiing, & cycling |
John SheehanAlbany Chapter Leader Since 2010 After a few years of hiking with various chapter leaders, I recognized that being organized and well oriented were the primary skills necessary to be a leader. I felt I had this to offer and I have enjoyed the experience. Typical Outings: Primarily hiking and snowshoeing, occasionally xc skiing |
Jen ShepherdAlbany Chapter Leader for 1 year; Glens-Falls Saratoga chapter leader for almost 4 years I lead outings for the opportunity to get others out on the trail and help them pursue their goals. I’ve gained many great friendships through ADK outings. Typical Outings: Hiking, snowshoeing. |
Jim SlavinAlbany Chapter Leader for many years My special interests are hiking safety, trail work and outdoor environmental education. Let’s explore the beautiful trails of our region together. Typical Difficulty: B and C |
Virginia Boyle TraverI have led outings all year ’round for our Chapter since 2006. I love to lead outings because I, selfishly, want to go to my favorite places! Scheduling with ADK assures that I actually get there. I have met fabulous people on my outings as well, many of whom have become lifelong friends. Typical Outings: Hiking, snowshoeing. |
Alan ViaAlbany Chapter Leader for 35 years Hike leader since the ‘70s. 14 years as Albany’s Outings Chair. Author of the “The Catskill 67 – A Hiker’s Guide to the Catskill 100 Highest Peaks under 3,500.” SUNY Press will be publishing my new guidebook later this year. Typical Outings: Hiking, snowshoeing. Prefer off-trail hikes |