Write-ups: Group 1 – Bobbie Scarpino Group 2 -Greg Sipp

Leader: Greg Sipp

Co: Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Co-Leader:

From Group 1’s leader point of view!
Aside from overshooting the seasonal road to the trailhead from the highway because it was misnamed on my map, I thought the hike was very organized! Perhaps it was the Group 2 leaders’ organizational skills that were amiss! Group 1 even had to maneuver a car shuttle that went off without a hitch! 

Dividing into 2 groups to start at the same time (9:00 by the way) and the same place worked well. By spotting cars, Group 1 could go at a comfortable pace and a shorter distance of about 5 miles, while Group 2 did their loop at the roadrunner speed they enjoy, with Paul adding as many miles as he could before the group mutinied! Both groups were able to enjoy the views along the rim.

Group 1 enjoyed lunch at the John Young Trail picnic area, where hikers may enjoy a swing ride!  Along the trek,our group had a discussion about how we used to see pheasants everywhere. Instead of pheasants, now we see turkeys around every corner. While riding back to the car left at the start, much to our surprise we spotted a beautiful pheasant on the side of the seasonal road! He must have overheard us talking about him and stood and posed a bit before heading into the woods! 

A much heartfelt thank you to Paul and Greg for stepping in to lead and co-lead a second group to allow for our various hiking preferences.  

Inman Gulf (Group 2)

The day started out a little unorganized despite a 2hr consult the hike leaders had and a schedule that clearly indicated an 8:00am meet time.  Kevin was apparently confused with daylight saving, moving the meet time to 10.  But with current tech, he was texted the trailhead and actually arrived prior to the motorcade.  Coming from Syracuse, Lisa needed a lower tech approach to get her to the trail head.  Kevin had to call her – right church, wrong pew.   A couple of minutes later she was with us.  

The 12 of us split into two groups.  Bobbie led the first group that consisted of 5 Tramps and Paul led the second group that consisted of 7 of us.  Paul’s group hiked the loop that was supposed to be 7 miles yet ended with 9 miles on our GPS’s. This is a clash of paper (maps) vs. plastic (GPS’s), and it’s ongoing with him.  With his overages, there are always benefits, and today was no different … two waterfalls, a spectacular rainbow, and just so many amazing views, and the weather couldn’t have been any better.  And, we can throw in 4.5 hours of Kevin’s non-stop questions and running commentary.