Write-up: Nancy Coleman
Leader: Nancy Coleman

On one of the coldest days so far this season, 17 brave and hearty Tramps met to climb and explore Chimney Mountain near Indian Lake.  The sky was clear, but the air was crisp.  We had promised 2 groups in case some hikers wanted to take a slow ascent, but that wasn’t needed.  All the hikers kept a pretty brisk pace.

We decided to go to the top and explore the cave region on the descent.  Everyone had fun climbing on the rocks and scaring their friends by going too close to the edges.  We ate lunch at the top in the sun but not out of the wind.

On the way down we veered to the right and followed herd paths around, looking for the biggest caves.  Frequently you’d hear, “ I found a big one over here!” and everyone would go there to explore.”  The caves had been closed since October 15 for the safety of hibernating bats.  That was a relief to me as leader, since I had heard stories of Frank Guilfoil needing a rope rescue years before.  It was less windy, thus much warmer in this area, which would have been a better choice for the lunch spot.

We stopped at Logan’s in Speculator on the way home for an adult beverage and many laughs.