Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Madonna Fellows

As of the weekend before the Last Hurrah, I was feeling a bit relieved. All the snow had melted, thus making room in my yard for the the influx of cars expected for the hike.

Then came snow on Wednesday, Thursday AND Friday, with Utica declaring a snow emergency on the night of December 29. Not to fear, with the help of my trusty plower, room was made for all cars in the driveway. Roger Felske also used his snowblower to clear the lawn for both the bonfire and the 50 people who attended.

Considering the weather the days before, we had a pretty fair day, cloudy and slightly windy, but with temperatures in the low 30’s.

We set off from the Connors’ house to do a loop up into the hills above. There was quite a parade of Tramps, led by the fool, Mary Pat Connors, and ending with her trusty co-leader Madonna Fellows.

First to the corner of Neals Gulf Rd. There we began the long trek, first down into the gulf, then up up up to the corner of Grange Hill Rd. Continuing up we reached the pinnacle where you could just make out a hint of Oneida Lake in the distance. Reaching Snowden Hill Rd. we started the long descent back down. (Incidentally, we twice crossed the trail of one of the first hikes the Tramps ever took, from Willowvale to Crow Hill.)

Upon return to the house, Tramps partook of hot coffee and cider.
Some very smart Tramps brought spirits to add to these.

Mmmm. Many Tramps contributed food: chili, cornbread, cheese dip, deviled eggs, desserts of brownies, cookies and a massive sheet cake festively decorated by Meg Higgerson.

The roaring bonfire provided some welcome warmth. Meg and Bill Higgerson had done much advance work for this winter treat. Bill had even calculated to a tee how much wood was going to be needed.

Some brought chairs and blankets and set themselves up for a cold winter’s night.

At “midnight” (actually 5pm) we celebrated with champagne, noisemakers and sparklers.

I don’t think the neighborhood has ever experienced such racket!

On this New Year’s Eve, 2016, I was grateful for all who participated, all who contributed, and all who make my life with the Tramp family a joy.

Thank you especially to Meg and Bill Higgerson, Roger Felske, Madonna Fellows, Grace McNasser, Deb Roberts, Lu Blanchard and Nancy Coleman for all your help making this a wonderful get-together.