Write-up: “The gang of seven” (but really Paul Fortin)
Leader: Paul Fortin
Co-Leader: Meg Higgerson

On a fine cold Saturday, seven hardy Tramp N Trail members met at Boonville’s Burger King. Being that the official leader was out of town, Paul substituted. As his second, Meg was there to assure no one got lost. Sir Tom, George, Mike, Sharon and Mary Pat rounded out this fine core. Yes, Mary Pat of water fame. Despite low numbers, ’tis usually a hike that brings out 15 to 20, a fine plan was devised by ’em to shape up the majority of DEC trails on Carpenter RD.

So off they went, with high hopes of a fine day out of doors, among friends, clearing the trails of fallen trees and branches, trimming up and back bothersome twigs, boughs and leafless limbs. Up Cone Trail they ascended, trekking into the brisk north wind as it swept across the open field on their left. A chill it was. Up a hill, then a dip down, another hill, and dip, with a flat section thrown in, the trail opened before them. Needing a little clipping and pruning, just enough to allow a skier to easily herringbone up or snowplow down those hills and dips.

One swamp they approached. Paul checked its strength and soundness by jabbing his hiking poles into the ice, “Not worth it.” So, around it they went. Mary Pat sighed. Along they ventured to a second smaller pond. An easy walk across for one and all it was. A strong sense of security and enthusiasm was developing amongst the friends, because the maintenance job was happening and the trekking was warming them against the elements. About 3 quarters of a mile in, another swamp sat at the bottom of a hill. Paul stepped onto it, jabbing as before and across he easily moved. A crack here and one there was reminiscent of settling ice. Sir Tom followed, as did Sharon and Mary Pat. Just about then, when four were on board, Paul’s right boot was swallowed by the small hole in the ice, and bounding out he went.

Not satisfied with a taste of a human’s foot, the ice opened a bit more for Sharon, looking for those knees of hers, not caring whether they both were straight or not, A bite it took, but upright she stayed and escaped unaided. By now Sir Tom was knee deep too, as Mary Pat, of infamous water fame, listed to the right, just about ready to float in the icy aqua next to him. Sir Tom, escaped to the nearby highland, maybe he has ugly, hairless knees. But the water didn’t want him. No, Mary Pat, that’s who it wanted. For be it a warm summer day in her kayak, crossing a wooden bridge or rocking hopping a creek, she seems to slip-up and in. And so there she was, floundering about. Suddenly, instead of splashing in, as her friends watched, Sir Tom extended a hand, a helping hand one might say, which she eagerly grasped. Paul seeing Sir Tom’s bravery leaned out to also aid her in being free of the water’s throes. And thus their trimming ended, wet, but safe. This 25-minute hike was surpassed with a very enjoyable 45 minutes at the Boonville Hotel, dry and warm at last.