Write-up: Joe Cantales

Leader: Sharon Kaelin

Co-Leader: Amanda Zdanowicz

The 34^th Heart Lake/High Peaks Weekend started with a “Adirondack Weather Advisory,”  heavy rainfall and a request from the DEC to avoid traveling to the backcountry due to remnants of Hurricane Debby.  In true Tramp fashion, all 10 Tramps that signed up for the weekend braved the weather and arrived at the ADK Loj Campground on Friday. For those that wanted to pitch a tent, our window of opportunity continued to decrease as unusual amounts of rain continued to fall. Sharon suggested that any Tramp that planned and was unable to pitch a tent could utilize the top bunks in the cabin tent for the night. Thank you for your kind offer, Sharon. That suggestion brought much relief to tramps that planned to sleep in a tent. With the sleeping accommodations settled, we switched gears and started dinner. Chef Sir Tom, who many wondered if he received training at Paul Smith’s college, prepared a culinary delight on the grill. 

Voila, and just like that we were huddled under a canvas awning at a picnic table and enjoyed dinner. Much to everyone’s surprise, the rain started to let up after dinner. Hurray! Several Tramps ventured over to the dining hall to play cards. After an incredible comeback in this card game, the underdogs were victorious (details available upon request).  Missing from the photo are Tom Smith and Joe Cantales.

As darkness descended on the campground and the sky cleared, the group settled in for the night and we were all grateful to have a dry place to rest our heads. On Saturday, we woke to a beautiful day and coffee brewing. After breakfast each group gathered up their hiking gear and headed out for the day. Peter, Paul, Bill and Tom hiked Rocky Falls in the morning, and rode their bikes on the Adirondack Rail Trail from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake in the afternoon. Sharon, Amanda, Lou, and Mora hiked Gilligan Mountain near Elizabethtown and stopped at Split Rock Falls. Deb and Joe were unable to hike Phelps Mountain due to backcountry emergency conditions (blowdown and flash flood warnings) but hiked Cobble Hill with a view of the ski jump. This is a very nice trail that has recently been improved. There is no parking lot so you park on Mirror Lake Drive by the Northwoods School. Fun Fact: Cobble Hill (“KobL Hill”) was a small ski hill for the Lake Placid Club from 1958–59. It featured a double lift. It’s too bad it didn’t survive, as skiing down to Mirror Lake Drive would be amazing!

The Tramps reunited back at the campground for dinner after a productive day of activities, and the absence of rain made for an exciting culinary experience. With clear skies at night, we enjoyed tales around the campfire and a celestial opportunity with a starry sky and shooting stars. 

Sunday morning, after breakfast, the Tramps headed in opposite directions to complete individual hikes on their way home.  What a great experience to spend a weekend in Lake Placid surrounded by mountains ranging from challenging to easy. For those that have not experienced the club’s Heart Lake weekend, a variety of accommodations combined with dinner make this outing a great value for the experienced or novice camper.  Thank you to our group leaders Sharon and Amanda for a great weekend.