Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski

Leader: Mike Huss

Co-Leader: Janice Huss

The Rogers Center was originally established in 1909 as the Sherburne State Farm with the purpose of raising and breeding pheasants. It was renamed the Rogers State Game Farm in the 1940s in honor of Harry and Gertrude Rogers, who first ran the facility and originally suggested the idea of a pheasant breeding program to the State. In the late 1960s, the DEC phased out its game farm operations and started the State’s first conservation education center, which offered educational programs to residents, school groups, and summer camps until 2010 when the Center was shut down due to DEC budget reductions. In 2011, the non-profit Friends of Rogers was formed to run the Visitor Center and currently offers educational programming to children and adults throughout the year. Thanks to Mike and Janice for leading the hike.

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-Leader: Jeremy Alexander

Photos: Jeremy Alexander

As expected, this destination hike to the 3,110 ft. summit in the Siamese Pond Wilderness had no views.  More importantly, an open forest canopy, with relatively little blowdown provided for easy navigation while bushwhacking.

It was essentially an unremarkable hike on an otherwise gorgeous summer day – brisk in the morning, unseasonably warm in the afternoon, slight breeze, once green foliage now dull yellow or rich red, a tranquil river (East Branch, Sacandaga River). And virtually no bugs.

True to form, the advertised 15-mile round trip hike morphed into a 16+ mile hiking marathon with over 3,000 ft. elevation change, all in eleven hours. 
The highlight for Kevin was tramping out of the woods with a headlamp. For Jeremy, on the other hand, was his refreshing swim in the Siamese Pond. The cool, clear water just melted away his aches and soreness.

Even Darlene, who dislikes the cold, boldly tip-toed into the cool water up to her ankles.
Rather than dribble on, I will let the photographs taken by Jeremy highlight the wonderful, rugged Adirondack landscape we experienced.  

Write-up: Peter Franz

Leader: Peter Franz

Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

The enthusiastic leader of the Piseco kayak was met with the irresolute distinction of losing 50% of those tramps who not only signed up at the agreed upon meeting place but also drove the 50 miles to the launch site. Despite the mutiny, the adventurous remaining quartet paddled down and about the estuaries before embarking on the northwest wind-capped waves around an island. Thereafter they returned to the calm waters of the Fall Stream inlet.

Write-up: Greg Sipp

Leader: Greg Sipp

Co-Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Only six ventured out on a projected wet day.  The weather forecasted rain and thunderstorms.  The drive up was a downpour; we should have consulted Tom Smith and mimicked his hike parameters.   But as usual the weather forecast was not accurate.  Meteorologist, the only occupation you can be wrong at most of the time and not get fired.  Once at the trailhead, it started to let up.  Most of the hike was dry with the exception of the last three miles on the way out, sporadic rain.   

The 12-mile hike included some great views of Constable and Mays Ponds, stops at the Queen Lake lean-to and the Chub Lake campsite for lunch.   Despite the rain, mud, and some slips in the mud, the hike was fantastic.  Onto the next adventure..

Write-up: Peter Franz

Leader: Peter Franz

Co-Leader: Pam Carrier

Saturday, 5 optimistic tramps did the “Sun dance” to clear the skies for a 4+ mile paddle around the Boyd Dam Reservoir in Swanscott Mills. 

(Never thought Peter was “a man of few words!”)

Write-up: Joe Cantales

Leader: Sharon Kaelin

Co-Leader: Amanda Zdanowicz

The 34^th Heart Lake/High Peaks Weekend started with a “Adirondack Weather Advisory,”  heavy rainfall and a request from the DEC to avoid traveling to the backcountry due to remnants of Hurricane Debby.  In true Tramp fashion, all 10 Tramps that signed up for the weekend braved the weather and arrived at the ADK Loj Campground on Friday. For those that wanted to pitch a tent, our window of opportunity continued to decrease as unusual amounts of rain continued to fall. Sharon suggested that any Tramp that planned and was unable to pitch a tent could utilize the top bunks in the cabin tent for the night. Thank you for your kind offer, Sharon. That suggestion brought much relief to tramps that planned to sleep in a tent. With the sleeping accommodations settled, we switched gears and started dinner. Chef Sir Tom, who many wondered if he received training at Paul Smith’s college, prepared a culinary delight on the grill. 

Voila, and just like that we were huddled under a canvas awning at a picnic table and enjoyed dinner. Much to everyone’s surprise, the rain started to let up after dinner. Hurray! Several Tramps ventured over to the dining hall to play cards. After an incredible comeback in this card game, the underdogs were victorious (details available upon request).  Missing from the photo are Tom Smith and Joe Cantales.

As darkness descended on the campground and the sky cleared, the group settled in for the night and we were all grateful to have a dry place to rest our heads. On Saturday, we woke to a beautiful day and coffee brewing. After breakfast each group gathered up their hiking gear and headed out for the day. Peter, Paul, Bill and Tom hiked Rocky Falls in the morning, and rode their bikes on the Adirondack Rail Trail from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake in the afternoon. Sharon, Amanda, Lou, and Mora hiked Gilligan Mountain near Elizabethtown and stopped at Split Rock Falls. Deb and Joe were unable to hike Phelps Mountain due to backcountry emergency conditions (blowdown and flash flood warnings) but hiked Cobble Hill with a view of the ski jump. This is a very nice trail that has recently been improved. There is no parking lot so you park on Mirror Lake Drive by the Northwoods School. Fun Fact: Cobble Hill (“KobL Hill”) was a small ski hill for the Lake Placid Club from 1958–59. It featured a double lift. It’s too bad it didn’t survive, as skiing down to Mirror Lake Drive would be amazing!

The Tramps reunited back at the campground for dinner after a productive day of activities, and the absence of rain made for an exciting culinary experience. With clear skies at night, we enjoyed tales around the campfire and a celestial opportunity with a starry sky and shooting stars. 

Sunday morning, after breakfast, the Tramps headed in opposite directions to complete individual hikes on their way home.  What a great experience to spend a weekend in Lake Placid surrounded by mountains ranging from challenging to easy. For those that have not experienced the club’s Heart Lake weekend, a variety of accommodations combined with dinner make this outing a great value for the experienced or novice camper.  Thank you to our group leaders Sharon and Amanda for a great weekend.

Write-up: Sir Tom Smith

Leader: Sir Tom Smith

Co-leader:

I started the day off with hopes of leading a successful hike with all the participants eagerly following in my footsteps. My hopes were soon dashed as the mutiny began long before the hike even started.  As I was getting out of my car at the meet-up in Mapledale, I noticed Paul had his map spread out on the car hood and he and Jim were studying it in earnest.  As there were only four brave souls that signed up for my hike, we all piled into my car for the journey to the trailhead.  Paul and Jim had decided to hike to the Falls from a different trailhead;  much to my chagrin, the rest of the folks agreed with the mutineers and away we went.  There was a privy two campsites down from the trail head which Lisa pointed out to the gang.  Two of us – I will not mention Cindy’s name nor mine – had a bit of trouble with the number two and trotted right by it, ending up doing our business in the woods. The fearless leader ended up in the back of the pack but was allowed to lead for a short time halfway through the hike, when we reached an open grassy marsh. 

Lisa -being the leader at this point – stopped and said there might be snakes lurking there.  It could be dangerous, she said, let’s put Tom in the lead. So…I got to lead for about ten minutes until the coast was clear. Meanwhile, Paul was collecting junk at an alarming rate declaring with each addition,  “Look what I found, I’m sure I can find some use for it.” Later in the hike, when Paul started scarfing down cloves of garlic like he hadn’t eaten in weeks, we went into emergency mode trying to think of an antidote for the odor.   Apples seemed to be the solution, but since we didn’t have any, we rode home with the windows open.

Arriving at the falls I was looking forward to an enjoyable lunch with my fellow hikers.  Approaching the water several of us noticed Lisa’s feet in the water and we took our boots off to do the same.  As I’m sitting down next to her, sticking my bare feet in the water, I noticed she still had her boots on.  I should have said nothing and quietly eaten my lunch, but curiosity got the better of me and I asked why she didn’t take her shoes off. Well…her explanation went on for half an hour and used references to the physics of mechanical actions and nature of thermal dynamics.  This was interspersed with her and Cindy talking about how pretty Cindy’s socks were, where they came from, how much they cost, how many came in a package and what she planned on doing with them all. 

Finally, after what seemed like days, lunch was over and we had an uneventful return to the car.  As we were signing out, we saw a DEC attendant and told him of our choice of trailheads due to the blowdowns on the other end.  He looked at the five of us city folks squeezed into my small hybrid-electric car which should not have been on the dirt road and said, “It’s the forest – you could just walk around these things.”  Hence began our trip home with Jim telling us over and over again about a great Jazz festival going on in Rome and that we should all try to make it. 

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino

Leader C/K: Emil Misiaszek Co-Leader C/K: Jerry Stewart

Leader B: Bobbie Scarpino Co-Leader B: Jerry Stewart

PHOTOS

Weather and river conditions couldn’t have been better for the 15 paddlers that made the trip to Wellesley Island and Emil and Jean’s cottage by the river’s edge. Walt’s kayak rolled to the launch filled with beautiful flowers for our gracious hosts. Once all boats were in the water and with Emil at the helm, we kayaked our way to Boldt Castle and then over to and around the Summerland group of islands. For most of the 7-mile paddle, the river was calm, apart from a short stretch in deeper water that was made turbulent by the wake of several motorized vessels. All made it through this harrowing area without being dashed on the rocks, even the novice paddlers!

     Back on land, Emil and Jean had a delicious spread for us “riva rats.” We enjoyed hot dogs, sloppy joes and all kinds of salads and desserts. The rest of the afternoon was spent soaking in the sun, listening to the multitude of birds in the rushes, sighting a heron coming in for a landing in the cove to snatch a fish, and sharing lively conversations with friends. Nina took a swim at the neighbor’s dock, while Lori, Jerry and Emil went out in the motorboat to swim off the boat in an area we had paddled earlier. A very special thank you to our gracious hosts Emil and Jean for hosting this wonderful day and river experience.

     The next day took the Tramps to Cape Vincent to board the Horne Ferry to Wolfe Island, Canada with our bikes. All but one of the eleven Tramps had the required enhanced license, needed for entry into Canada, as well as return home. U.S. Customs agents informed the negligent Tramp that they would allow her back into the states, BUT would Canadian customs allow entry? There was only one way to find out. Board the ferry, make the trip across and . . . BEG! Luckily for this Tramp, the Canadian agent was very friendly and took pity, allowing ALL of us entry. He even took a photo of our group to boot!

     Most of the group opted for the longer ride on gravel roads, while two made the decision to ride the paved highway. Both ways pass rolling fields, pastures, and majestic windmills. Marysville, on the opposite side of the island, was our group’s destination. This laid-back little village boasts a bakery filled with delectable treats for the sweet tooth. There are also a few restaurants on the water, ice cream shop, and art gallery. We visited them all! (Well, only one of the restaurants!) 

     On the way back, again the majority of the group followed Jerry uphill out of town to get more miles. Four decided to take the shorter, smoother road back to the ferry. The latter group was about two miles out of town when a slow “Pssssssssssst” sound was heard. Sure enough, it was Lynn’s rear tire. BUT, never fear . . . Tramps are always prepared! Pulling patches, tools, and spare tubes from our bags, Ray proceeded to repair the deflated tire. The patch was too old and wouldn’t stick and Lynn’s brand-new tube had a hole! Lori came to the rescue with her spare tube that fit. As the repair was being made, we saw the rest of the group crossing the road we were on to continue to the other side and keep going! Apparently, those who noticed us just thought we were taking a break! A tiny Smart car pulled up with a couple who inquired if they could be of help. They graciously offered to come back with their truck to take the disabled bike and rider to the ferry landing. We were so impressed with their kindness and called them later to thank  them and let them know we had made it. 

     Back on the road, the new tire didn’t have enough air, so a second stop was made. This time the tire must have been inflated with super powers because Lynn took off and was soon out of sight! The other group caught up to us, realizing that maybe we had had a problem. 

     They say “Tramps are everywhere!” That saying applied to the ride back on the ferry! We ran into another Tramp and her friend who had taken a later ferry from Cape Vincent  and had biked the island!

      Disembarking the ferry on U.S. soil and passing through customs, we celebrated the 22-mile ride with a drink at the Cape Vincent Legion. 

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski

Leader: Lorrie Wasielewski

Co-Leader: Jim Wasielewski

Lorrie, liberated from her subservient role as perpetual co-leader, led today’s hike, like Nike, the Greek mythology Goddess of speed, strength, and victory, as she led a spirited journey past ancient locks and contemporary archaeological excavations. And what was the reward for our arduous endeavor? A refreshing shower of mist provided by the effervescent fountain. Lest we not forget the cordial fellowship of our journey together.

Write-up: Greg Sipp

Leader: Greg Sipp

Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

Fret not!  When I indicate mileage for a hike, it will be spot on.  Today’s Long Lake 11-mile lollypop hike ended up being precisely 10.98 miles.  Despite four distance hikers coming out today, Wesley decided to cut his teeth with his first club hike.  Will he be back? If Paul’s vetting didn’t scare him off … probably.     

Unfortunately, due to COVID, we couldn’t enjoy the after hike party and refreshing cold water immersion therapy of Pleasant Lake.  Instead, Paul had to settle for a back flip in the mud.  Banged up, bleeding profusely from his knee and arm, and refusing help from Carolyn, Paul kept trekking on to Long Lake for lunch.  Thank God, the return was uneventful with the occasional annoying deer fly.  Onto the next adventure.