Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Twenty-three Tramps (including 3 first-time folks who joined us) braved the cold, wind and pelting snow/ice balls to walk the canal trail between Herkimer and Little Falls. When we first met up in the parking lot of Gems Along the Mohawk there were bright blue skies and no precipitation – but quickly the black wall of clouds moved in bringing strong winds and icy precipitation to sting our faces. Did that stop the Tramps? Of course not. Off we went.

The trail was mostly covered with a slight layer of snow and ice – but not enough that we needed spikes.  With the wind at our backs we headed off with much conversation about what it was going to feel like once we had to turn around and walk back into the wind. We made it the 2.1 miles to the old Stone Church where we stopped to decide if we would go onward to the next lock in Little Falls or turn back. While tossing around the idea of going on or turning back, we took time out to pose for a photo on top of an old stone wall near the churchyard cemetery and to engage in a snowball fight of the Tramps vs. Tom Smith. (Tom lost!)

Four Tramps opted to continue hiking and the rest of us turned back. Fortunately, the wind had died down and the return walk was not what we had all been dreading. After a brief snack of home made Christmas cookies, we all went our separate ways, content in knowing we had braved the weather and had another great outing.