6872 and 6874 Mohonk Weekend June 1-2, 2019
The Tramps go on the Road!
Leader June 1: Carolyn Eastman; Co-leader: Sarah Cotter
Leader June 2: Sarah Cotter; Co-leader, Carolyn Eastman
Write-up: Sarah Cotter
Saturday: Launching from the parking lot at Gems Along the Mohawk at 8 AM sharp, our little band car-caravaned down the Thruway to New Paltz, then up the road to the Mohonk Preserve, where we started off in bright sunny weather from the Spring Farm trailhead on the Bonticue Crag Trail. The trail soon forked, and the decision had to be made whether to take on the daunting challenge of scrambling 1200 feet up the rocks on the sheer face of Bonticou Crag, or walking up the trail for normal hikers. Those that opted for the scramble were in for a true adventure, complete with a lemon squeeze and plenty of thrilling moments. (See Jerry’s write-up which follows). At the top, the two groups met up for lunch on the rocks with unobstructed views across the valleys of the Catskill Mountains and more thrills, as Tom Schenck edged out on the ledge of the overhanging precipice, daring fate and Nancy’s ire, to get a better view. After lunch, we continued on the trail to Table Rock and more spectacular views, and finally back to the cars. By now, we were all beat by the 80 degree heat and ready for the icy cold beer and pub food of the Gilded Otter Brewery back in New Paltz.
Sunday: Because of thunderstorms threatening in the afternoon and the need to get back to Utica in time for a fellow Tramp’s family wake, we had decided to start Sunday’s activities earlier than scheduled and modify the routes. After a good night’s sleep at the Econolodge in New Paltz, we again split into two groups, this time of hikers and bikers. The hikers drove to the Walkway over the Hudson and then walked a loop that included both the Walkway and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. The bikers started from the Econolodge Parking lot and rode beautifully paved rail trails all the way through Highland Landing and across the Walkway Over the Hudson. We continued on the tree lined and shaded Dutchess County Rail Trail for about ten very pleasant miles until turning around and retracing our path back to again cross the spectacular Walkway. Here we enjoyed “Mangos on the Hudson” along with the exciting view from high above the Hudson River. We re-met the hikers on the other side of the bridge and hurried on to our cars to beat the coming storm. As we loaded up, we were already talking about what our next trip to this remarkable treasure-trove of hiking and biking opportunities will look like, when the Tramps will again go “on the road”!!
Write-Up 2: Jerry Stewart
New Paltz weekend with the tramps. Where is that? It’s about 160 miles on the thruway to exit 18, in the Shawangunk Mountains! Getting there late Saturday morning we went directly to the Mohonk Preserve and hit the trails. We split up after a few miles, some taking the gentler trail, some opting for a rock scramble up a cliff face! Teamwork and support from each other, along with a few laughs got us all to the top. 3/4 of the way up we found a spot to rest and some young kids came thru. Some in our group laughed and told them, “bet you didn’t expect to see grandparents up here!” We all laughed. Tramps age like no others and can do things that most that age would never consider. Snack at the top and off we went to explore more trails. Grace said, “we paid to be here, let’s get our money’s worth.” I smiled, “I’m with you Grace!!” We hiked until 4:30, shared watermelon in the parking lot and drove off to a brewery for a much-deserved cold beverage and dinner. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Thomas Schenck, shared his treat and headed to the hotel. Ha, I know what you’re thinking… Yes, Lori, Tom, Nancy & I went to a local Stewart shop for ice cream later in the evening! There was a dance place next to the hotel but I believe everyone was too tired to go there. On Sunday we traded our hiking boots for sneakers and hopped on the bicycle trail which passed out front. Biked to the “Walkway across the Hudson” and the Duchess Rail Trail. Very nice trail. At the far end of the trail Daddy O’s served up cold beverages in a frosted glass. Being the first customer of the day, you get the pour to flush the line for free! 38-mile ride, oh yeah!
I didn’t get any group pictures but many were taken. Great weekend spent with my friends, ahh the life of a Tramp. Many more opportunities coming this summer, hard to pick and choose what to do as …. the river calls me and I must be there too. Hope you all had a great weekend. Thank you to my tramp friends for a great adventure shared.”