Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader – Dianna Morris
Co-Leader Greg Sipp

A hardy group of 23 Tramps set off to hike the ridge trails at Whetstone Gulf on a chilly November morning. In order to adhere to DEC group size guidelines, we split into two groups with Greg taking one group and heading up one side of the gulf and Dianna taking the other group and heading up the opposite side of the gulf. Not all trails lend themselves to this type of division, so it was nice not to have to turn anyone away on this outing. Thanks to those who took turns keeping track at the end of each group as unofficial sweeps.

We were pleasantly surprised after seeing snow on the ground from Deerfield Hill north almost to Turin to find there was little snow waiting for us at Whetstone. It was cold enough that the trails were mostly frozen and not slippery mud, but we did run into a bit of snow on the trail as the elevation increased. Several Tramps commented that this could possibly be the last Tramp hike of the season where we would not need micro spikes or snowshoes.

The sun graced us with its presence and proved the weather forecasters predicting a gloomy day to be wrong. On the way up the trail, the group led by Dianna made a slight side trip to see the windmills in action. Their size is amazing and the closer one gets to the windmills, the more there is to be amazed at!

The falls running down off the ridge trails into the creek in the gulf were flowing with snow melt and the gulf creek was roaring through the twists and turns. The evergreens at the higher elevation had enough of a snow dusting to lead us to appreciate all their beauty.

It was a great day to be out on the trail and the day finished off with some of the Tramps heading off to Kratzy’s for an adult beverage.