Write-up: Jerry Stewart
Leader: Paul Sirtoli
Co-Leader: Jerry Stewart

Tramp adventure yesterday, out into the great North woods. This was different from most hikes I go on, there was no trail. Fellow tramp and friend Paul Sirtoli happens to be an excellent map and compass navigator and he shared some of his techniques with us. These are skills all hikers should have, miss one turn on a trail and you can find yourself in trouble.

With limited cell service even on mountain tops you can be on your own getting out. Our destination was Secret Falls & Estelle mountain.  At the meeting place I checked the location there on Google. Aka Death brook falls! I texted Lori goodbye. Only 3 showed up for the hike, we hopped in Paul’s car and away we went. This is by Golden beach on Racquet lake so is a drive to get there. We put on our snowshoes upon arrival at 10 am and into the woods we went. We broke our own trail all day, deep snow, frequent creek crossings and something new to me.

When you are next to pine trees, they often have air pockets by the base of them, get too close and you drop in. With around 3 foot of snow that’s quite a surprise! We circled around the mountain, checking out some vlies which are quite picturesque and would be nearly impossible to get to in warmer months.

Secret falls was mostly frozen over, you could hear and see some water running under the ice. Many laughs and stories on the trail, we discovered 3 beaver dams as we circled the mountain.  Then came the real work. Hiking up a mountain is work on dry ground, add snowshoes and 3` of snow kicks it up a notch. Just another reason I go to “PF”!

We made our way up and had lunch by 1:15. From there we continued over the mountain and back towards civilization.  Sliding down some steep sections in the snowshoes can be tricky but we made it. We got back to the road by 2:35 and welcomed the chance to sit for the ride home. Yes, I know what you are wondering, Paul opted out but Howard and I did stop at Stewart’s for my favorite frozen treat, “Cherry loves Chocolate” was the flavor of choice. It was great to get out, learn some new valuable skills and see places few have ever ventured to. Next Sunday we have a closer destination on seasonal California road in Gray NY. My mom’s old stomping grounds from many years ago. It’s a ski or snowshoe on pretty flat terrain.  Perfect for someone starting out. Many of us are hoping to spot our little mama tramp Mary Kate, fingers crossed! See you on the trail.