Many Tramps would like to see more short Sunday afternoon hikes to accommodate those who prefer less strenuous activities but still would like to get some exercise and appreciate the beauty of our mountains, lakes and streams.  In addition, an afternoon hike is popular with people who don’t get out of church until after twelve O Clock.  With this in mind, Nancy Coleman planned this short but sweet or as some would say, short but steep hike culminating in a beautiful view of Piseco and Oxbow Lakes and the surrounding hills.  As one hiker, Betty Kelly, who used to live on Piseco Lake related, her children used to climb Panther Mountain and return while she was preparing dinner. .  For two members the hike turned out to be a bit more strenuous; Frank Guilfoil inadvertently left his pack and car keys at the summit and he and Nancy Coleman had to make the climb a second time to retrieve it.

On the other hand, this hike used to be part of a triathlon that included a bike around Piseco Lake followed by a swim.  When Madonna Fellows got wind of Nancy’s plan she hastily organized the triathlon beginning at 10:00 AM.  Thirteen other Tramps elected for the triathlon and we met them as they were descending the trail and later joined them for a swim and a chicken barbeque graciously provided by Coleen Welch at her camp on Higgins Bay.  She and her husband also gave free Jet Ski rides to the east end of the lake to view an immature bald eagle perched on a limb beside its nest.

By:  Harold Pier