Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino

Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Co-Leader: Caroloyn Eastman

            Over the last few years, we have been met with extreme weather conditions during our stay at Camp Fowler. We have dealt with a blizzard, -20 below temperatures, flooding, and the loss of electricity. This year however, except for the wind, we enjoyed nearly perfect conditions. 

            23 people descended upon the lodge in the woods off Pelcher Rd. in Speculator. After settling in, a spread of the snacks and beverages brought everyone into the central Great Room. Walt’s mulled wine and Jiao’s ginger tea were a hit. 

            Even with the rain and warm temperatures from the week before, the ground was still covered with snow and ice. So, either spikes or snowshoes were the gear for our hiking adventures, and there were lots of options for both. Walks around the property were good until the lake was approached. With the freezing wind whipping across and hitting anyone venturing toward it smack in the face on Friday and Saturday, the only alternative was to turn back. Alas, there was no skiing done on the lake this year even though it was solidly frozen. 

            The popular option on Saturday was to hike the Oregon Trail in the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, the regularly scheduled club hike led by Lu. Off with bag lunches, 16 headed off to meet 3 more coming up from Utica. The trail was great for most of the way until a blowdown forced the group to turn back. Some ventured off a spur trail to beautiful Cod Pond. 

Another group of 6 ventured off to climb Watch Hill with fantastic views of Snowy Mt. and Indian Lake. 4 stopped on the ledges, while 2 having never been there before, continued the climb to the summit. Turning back on the ledges became a challenge as strong wind gusts threatened to sweep anything not rooted to the ground off the top of the mountain.  A few hugged a tree to avoid that fate.

            Saturday afternoon, a few explored the beautiful Auger Falls along the Kunjamuk River, a couple decided to snowshoe up Oak Mt., and some decided to stay close to the lodge with a walk on the Camp Fowler property. Many chose to partake in a beverage and listen to the music by a guitar duo at the Oak Mountain’s Acorn Pub.

            By Sunday the wind had calmed and some fluffy snow fell overnight. The plan was to S/SS the Kunjamuk Trail to the Kunjamuk Cave. But upon checking out the trail the day before, and finding a “river” on the trail about ¾ of a mile in, it was decided to abort that idea. Instead, one group headed to snowshoe Oak Mt., a smaller group hiked the snowmobile trail off Elm Lake Rd. to the Kunjamuk Cave, and a few hiked into Auger Falls. Après hike some of the group met at the Oxbow Inn to finish off a great weekend.

            Night time at the lodge is always great fun. There were lively ping pong matches, pitch games, Qwirkle, Tarot card readings by Christina, and conversations by the fire. It wouldn’t be Camp Fowler without a few night time shenanigans. There was the short-sheeting of beds of the newbies, although none seemed to notice, as well as some squeaky toys left in another bed. 

The food prepared by Camp Fowler Chef Jen was outstanding. Baby back ribs for dinner, mousse and bananas foster in rum sauce for dessert, fried eggs, and pancakes with homemade sausage for breakfast were just some of the delicious items on the menu. Unfortunately for us, Jen is leaving Camp Fowler to move with her family to South Carolina. We wish her the best.

Everyone enjoyed the Camp Fowler experience and look forward to next year! 

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