6712
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-leader: Carolyn Eastman

6713
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-leader: Mary Pat Connors

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino and Meg Higgerson

THE HIKES THAT ALMOST NEVER WERE

We always say we “never cancel a hike.”
What happens when the weather is 17 below zero, waking up to heavy ice on all surfaces, blizzard conditions dumping 12-16 in. of snow for an 8am start-time, and a long drive to the Newcomb area? The Tramps figure it out and start tramping!!

Unable to meet at 8, Bobbie’s group of bundled skiers waited out the storm. After shoveling out driveways and allowing plows to take care of all secondary and main roads, they met and left Mapledale at noon. As it was much too late to drive to Newcomb and ski into Great Camp Santanoni, they stopped at Blue Mountain and snowshoed the trail into Tirrell Pond for a total distance of 3 miles. Surprisingly although the outside temperature was a frigid -7, there were many wet areas and running water to avoid!

Meanwhile on Friday, Meg and Mary Pat in an attempt to beat the horrible CNY Saturday forecast, arrived in Newcomb in 60 degree heat. Waking up to 1/4″ of ice on the windshield, below 0 temps with added wind chill and 6 inches of snow, they checked out the Santanoni ski on Saturday. Ski conditions were great though they found that being the only ones out, they were breaking trail.

On Saturday night, the Tramps were snuggled in their hotel or B&B beds with visions of icicles dripping on their heads.

But, alas the temps again dipped to -16 on Saturday night. In the morning we all met at Great Camp Santanoni instead of Goodnow Mountain.

The sky was blue, the noses were blue, but before long we were shedding layers as most of the skiers went the full 5 miles to the camp.  At the camp they were met by several AARCH volunteers (including honorary Tramp member Nina Caruso) who had a blazing fire going in the fireplace to warm up  body parts and dry out wet clothing.

Most of the Tramps had never been into Camp Santanoni before, so Nina gave a shortened version of the history and explained photos of the camp in its heyday. The main building was open for visitors to peek through and get an idea of what it may have been like to be a guest of the Pruyn’s for a stay at this summer retreat. Hot chocolate (some with peppermint schnapps), coffee, and tea added some additional warmth before heading back out into the cold for the 5- mile trek back to the entrance and cars. The travel back home was much calmer than the drive up. A stop at Kratzy’s topped off another great Tramp adventure.