This outing got off to a rough start when we learned, late Friday night, that there would be a major power-boat race at the park on Saturday. Many of the hiking and bike paths were to be closed and our picnic area was going to be the main viewing place for the race. Therefore, we opted to move our event to Lock 20 in Marcy. It was a spectacularly beautiful day with sunshine, blue skies, and temperatures in the low 80s. Four people kayaked the canal, six hikers took the trail toward Oriskany, and nine people biked to Utica. Ted Thomas volunteered to stay back and watch over the coolers. Always prepared, Ted had brought a comfortable chair and a good book. After everyone had returned to the pavilion, Mike Huss fired up the charcoal and soon we were treated to aromas of hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage, and chicken cooking on the grill. The day had gotten quite warm and everyone was grateful for the shade of the pavilion while we enjoyed delicious food and the company of fellow tramps.

-by Mike & Janice Huss