Leader:  Paul Sirtoli
Co-leader:  Carolyn Eastman
Write-up: Paul Sirtoli
Photo Credit: Greg Sipp

The pouring rain would have made bushwhacking to Big Shanty Mt. a miserable affair, so we somewhat hardy hikers took the “high road” and walked the railroad track from Big Moose Station to Woods Creek, about half-way to Beaver River.

Our intent was to walk around 5 miles, but that morphed into a 9-mile round trip trek.  I suppose we took an extended walk since the heavy deluge on the way to Old Forge was absent at Big Moose.  By noon, it was slightly drizzling as we approached the parked vehicles.

Given that most of the group had not climbed the Stillwater Fire Tower, and since we were in the vicinity, we gave it a go. I won’t mention names, but some tramps just need to have more, and can’t give it a rest. Now, it WAS raining, and hard!

Protected by our rain gear, we charged up the one-mile trail, taking some refuge from the steady rain in the tower cab.  Views were obscured with the dense cloud cover, but what the heck, it was another tower off the fire tower challenge list for some.

We logged 11 miles, witnessed some unique scenery along the railway corridor, and were home by mid-afternoon.

Participating in this partially wet event were Carolyn E., Phyllis D., Dave R., Greg S., Paul S., Carol S., Darlene W. and Cynthia S.