Tramp & Trail

Mt. Colden
Write-up: Nancy Schenck
Leader: Geoff Horan

Our group met very early in the morning at the ADK LOJ.  Sir Tom Smith, his daughter, son-in-law and Hugh went on ahead of us at a faster pace. Geoff Horan, a kind and gentle man, was our leader, making me feel this would be a pleasant walk.
The other time I did Colden, it rained all the way up, all the way back and we were in a cloud at the top with NO view. I’d heard there was a beautiful view, but had never had the pleasure of seeing it.

Rain was predicted for later in the day and Geoff had trained for this hike. Five miles a day at a 15 minute mile pace. He was on fire! He wanted us off the highest, steepest part before the rain. A few hikers missed the turn for the summit, but a quick “Marco Polo” call got them back on track.

The view from the top was magnificent. The air was clear. The clouds and mountains were spectacular. It was very windy and freezing, so we got off the summit and out of the wind for a rest and lunch before we started down.

Great planning by Geoff. Just as we got back to the Lake Arnold Trail it started to rain a bit. Our hike back to camp was uneventful. Rain coats on. Raincoats off.
To top it all off, we made it back to camp by happy hour and dinner.

6.3 mi. ascent (via Lake Arnold Trail) to the 4714′ summit.

Indian Pass to Wallface Mountain
Write-up: Lu Blanchard

Seven of us hiked the Indian Pass into Wallface Mtn. and it was more exciting than we anticipated! We had hiked in from Tahawus with Meg H. years ago and I remembered the rock jumbles on that side and wanted to see what this side was like.
The day started cool so we passed by Rocky Falls without stopping thinking we may be able to take a dip on the way out if the day warmed up. The trail was pretty easy to the Falls, which is about half-way in. After many stream crossings we began to climb a bit more steadily and as we were within about one-half mile from the trail summit the trail became a stream bed with rock, water and downed tree obstacles around which we had to navigate. We were all glad we had poles, although sometimes on the way back down it was easier to throw them down and just slide down to the next level! We were definitely in a “pass” and the beauty of the surrounding rocks and cliffs was astounding. We felt small and insignificant, like ants on a boulder, compared to the power around us. Upon reaching the summit we discovered a true “Summit Rock” complete with marker and ate lunch while facing the precipice of Wallface Mtn. The jumble of rocks at the bottom was covered with different covered moss, some even looked like fur, and we imagined wild animals sleeping on the ledges or in the many caves below. Hiking back was a piece of cake after we descended the creek bed, but unfortunately the day did not warm so there was no swimming in the falls. The hike was between 10-12 miles depending on whose GPS/smart watch you wanted to believe.

Baxter Mountain
Write-up: Mary Pat Connors

A small group of us decided to do a small mountain with a big view. I can highly recommend Baxter Mountain for almost all abilities. There are “gentle switchbacks” (as per review) winding upward with a pretty good rock scramble at the end. Very nice view, exceedingly pleasant hiking.
A few continued on to Snow Mountain, which apparently was NOT as easy. I think I heard a couple “Holy S**ts” in their description.

Baxter Mt.: 1.5 miles to the 2,440 foot summit. Total: 3 miles.
Snow Mt. : 2.6 mi to 2370 summit. Total: 5.2 miles.

Write-up: Kathy Countryman
Leader: Kathy Countryman
Co-Leader: Francis Roy

Eighteen of us hiked into Brandy Lake on a hot, humid July morning. After a hasty lakeside lunch, we beat it back to the cars while playing “slap and tickle” with the deer flies. Several of us reduced the population of those pesky critters a bit by catching them with sticky tape on our hats. Apparently height is an advantage in that contest, because Dick Blanchard bagged the most.

Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Kathy Countryman

THE PRE-TRIP
The hike that was scheduled was Indian Lake to John Mack Trail. Since neither of us had paddled Indian Lake before, my trusty co-leader and I dutifully set out to check out this kayak.
Navigating this huge body of water was not as easy as it looked on the map. Neither of us felt the map accurately depicted the locations of the the bays and islands. We happily explored, doing much more kayaking than we had expected. We finally found the correct bay, island and trail. This trail was not difficult, but took us 2 hours through beautiful but bug-ridden forest. There was a beached rowboat available for exploring the pond, but nowhere to sit and enjoy the view. If we had, we probably would have been eaten alive. Not the gem of an Adirondack pond I was hoping to find.
The day’s efforts were rewarded with the sighting of a bald eagle, mother and baby ducklings, and loons.
The entire trek however, was VERY long, and we decided to first cancel the hike portion, then in the interest of time and energy, change the destination to Lewey Lake.

LEWEY LAKE
After a Keystone Cop scenario involving leaders going the wrong way and a flailing boat, 12 of us took to the waters on a warm, beautiful day. There is an easy put-in at the Lewey Lake Camprgound. The circuit around the lake and side-trip down the Miami River seemed to be just the perfect length. We decided not to attempt going over the first beaver dam on the river, rationalizing that there would just be more ahead.

We had our lunch in our boats and then went on to finish our loop.The trip left us time to enjoy the beach and swimming.

We topped the day with liquid refreshments at the Oxbow.

Write-up: Deb Roberts and Halsey Bagg
Leader: Deb Roberts
Co-Leader: Halsey Bagg

Twenty-four hikers gathered at the beginning of Tooley Pond Road in Cranberry Lake and caravanned 8.5 miles to the trail leading to the first stop, Copper Rock Falls.  After a short hike through a muddy trail we were rewarded with views of cascading waterfalls over copper-colored rocks.

 The group returned to their cars and continued on Tooley Pond Road to the eleven-mile trailhead for Rainbow Falls. Another short hike led to a small bridge over a relatively small narrow falls. This was as far as Deb and Halsey had proceeded originally when doing their preview of the hike. Don Fellows noticed the trail continued on the other side of this small bridge and fortunately located a beautiful section of the Grasse River, the actual Rainbow Falls.  Many in the group took beautiful pictures as the mist from the roaring falls created a beautiful rainbow.

 Next, 13.8 miles down Tooley Pond Road, the caravan again parked along side of the road at Twin Falls.  Here some of the group crossed a small man-made stream on a makeshift bridge of fallen trees and saplings. This was the site of an Iron Ore Smelting plant. Remains of this could be seen on the site; a cylindrical structure of brick that looked like what once was a furnace or chimney and slag rocks on a beach at the river’s edge below the main falls. One notable picture was taken of Lu inside the old furnace structure where a burst of sun rays magically surrounded her. A minute later the rays were gone.

 Sinclair Falls was the fourth stop on Tooley pond road, 15 miles to the intersection of George Road. After Mark found the designated trailhead by going up George Road a few hundred feet, the group proceeded to the riverbank just below a raging falls. It was noted how the falls became larger and more robust as we travelled from one falls to the next.

 The last Falls seen on this trip along Tooley Pond Road is called Basford Falls, with its trail head 15.5 miles on the left. A half-mile hike led to the river basin that is surrounded by a stand of virgin white pines. One of these large trees is growing up from a rock completely surrounded by the river. 

The caravan continued to the end of Tooley Pond Road (17 miles) and turned right onto route 27.  After four miles we found the trailhead for Lampson Falls, which is a very popular swimming spot demonstrated by the large number of cars parked alongside the road here. Another short hike led to a large basin created by the wide and ragging falls. We saw fishermen, swimmers and tubbers. And, at the lookout on the top of the falls, was a wedding party taking pictures.

 At this point, the planned hike concluded. Some of the group decided to continue on to Harper Falls located a few miles further up route 27.

 More photos may be seen in Gallery – 2019.

Write-up: Deb Roberts and Halsey Bagg
Leader: Deb Roberts, Hike
Halsey Bagg, Kayak

The day was clear and sunny at Cranberry Lake. Most of the hikers stayed overnight at the DEC campgrounds on the east side of the lake or at Packbasket Adventures in Wanakena.

 The group met at the Cranberry Lake Community Center. Those wishing to kayak followed Halsey to Inlet Road and the put in at the Oswegatchie River.  The 21 kayakers all loaded into the river starting their 3.3 mile journey upstream. The water was calm, but flowing steadily. The change in altitude from the put in up the river to High Rock was less than two feet.

The five hikers carpooled to Wanakena in Deb’s car and then set off along the old lumber railroad trail to High Rock. Hiking the 4.2 mile trail they beat the kayakers by 40 minutes. They stood on High Rock and cheered as the kayakers meandered through the last few curves on Oswegachie river.

 The kayakers all arrived upstream to high rock safely and all unloaded, creating a large pile of kayaks along the river bank.

We enjoyed lunch at the top of the rock formation with a scenic view of the river where it zigzags through the meadow. A huge blue heron and many red-winged blackbirds entertained us with their flight.

 The hikers marched back to Wanakena checking out side trails along the way for future reference. They saw many berries still green and flowers that Dianna was able to identify. They also saw broken down vegetation/trail probably created by bears.

 The kayakers enjoyed their anticipated lazy float downstream back to Inlet Road.

 After the hiking/kayaking the group went back to Cranberry Lake for a swim and then to Deb & Halsey’s for the cookout and campfire at their home. 

More photos of the weekend may be found in the Gallery – 2019 

Write-up: Madonna Fellows
Leader: Madonna Fellows
Co-Leader: Don Fellows

We were fortunate to have picture perfect weather for our hike. Cool temperatures for the start with clear blue skies made for an enjoyable day. As the day progressed it got a little warm and the mosquitos became a little bothersome.

We stopped at the lean- to at Tirrell Pond got a fire going and   got some expert lessons in how to cook hot dogs. After indulging, we continued on our trek toward the finish line.

We found that a lot of logging was taking place along the route and at one time the trail had been obscured by heavy equipment. It took a little searching but we managed to get back on track.

At the end of the hike we stopped at Tony Harper’s 2 for liquid refreshments and comradery. A most enjoyable day with fellow tramps.

Write-up: Jean Yost
Leader: Jean Yost
Co-leader: Al Grenning

On Saturday, the 6th of July 2019, the Tramps took on the “Super Secret” double waterfalls on the Black River Canal path about 3 miles north of Pixley Falls State Park. This was a quality back-up to the cancelled kayak on the open waters near Lake Ontario (Colwell Ponds) because of severe thunderstorm forecasts.

It was a very enjoyable hike overlooking interesting locks. A stack of triple locks were on the trek along the way. Upon arrival at the falls almost everyone partook of the extremely steep descent down to the bottom of the gorge. From the floor bottom, the entire Black River canal flow from Forestport can be seen roaring down a height from the west, while Lansing Kill streams over a high cliff from the east formed a picturesque plunge pool – with both roaring into the same compact basin! Although it’s not really ‘super secret,’ it is off the beaten path and presents a truly interesting and unique setting. Lots of “WOWS!”
The watermelon was a refreshing treat after the warm hike.

Write-up:Meg Higgerson
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader:Bobbie Scarpino

After meeting at Mapledale, we drove the 1 3/4 hours to the trailhead. The day was going to be warm, but blue skies were in our forecast.

We had a nice hike over rolling, and sometimes muddy terrain to the falls. We enjoyed our lunch overlooking what is noted as the highest waterfall in the Adirondacks. According to article in the Adirondack Explorer 2019 Outing Guide, the unusual name for this waterfall comes from the “loggers warning cry of “OK slip” when releasing logs from the OK Slip Pond toward the Hudson River.”

On our return we passed a number of hikers with dogs on leashes but only one hiker with a South American coatimundi on a leash! A member of the raccoon family, the Coati had a long ringed tail. We understood it to be a “rescue” coati, and though it was cute from a distance, it was not the sweetest of pets, nor the easiest to take care of.

Our return hike was in the heat of the day and thus we were delighted to have a slice or two of cold watermelon when we reached the cars!! A nice hike for a July 4th.

Write-up: Don and Madonna Fellows
Leader: Don Fellows
Co-Leader: Madonna Fellows

Fourteen of us did a 20-mile bike ride from New Woodstock on Sunday. We dodged the rain but had to deal with some wind. It was real nice countryside with beautiful homes, farms and distant views.

After the ride we went to Delphi Falls county park which was recently acquired by Madison County. Yes, we also visited the brewery on our return home.

Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Don Fellows

Eighteen of us headed out – with those who got into their kayaks before the rest of us heading one way on the lake only to have to cross back over to rejoin the group. There was a nice breeze, but that same breeze that cooled us also made for some rougher water. Fortunately it was at our back and we had hopes that it would subside before we had to head back. I counted six loons out on the water, included what looked to me a mama loon with a few babies bobbing their heads in the lake and staying quite close to mama. Along the shores I saw a lot of cinnamon ferns (Osmonda cinnamonea) with their upright, cinnamon colored reproductive stems providing a nice contrast to the bright green foliage.

At 2.5 miles, right at the tip of the big island, some paddlers opted to turn back to avoid having to battle  more of the waves. The rest of us continued onward around the island, ate lunch and oatmeal cookies and then began the turn back down the lake toward our put-in. Most of us decided to paddle back on the opposite side of the lake in hopes of having the trees along the shore block more of the wind – wrong choice! The wind and waves were much stronger on that side of the lake and we ended up battling them the entire way back – and this was the longer route back as well. We saw some whitecaps and if we stopped paddling, immediately found ourselves going backward. The few who decided to paddle back on the same side of the lake we had already paddled had less wind, but still found paddling against the wind to be a great upper body workout.

Eventually, we joined back up with the first group who turned back and we all paddled against the wind and waves and made it safely back to the put-in. Here is where it got interesting – the anticipated black flies that nicely left us alone when we first arrived were now out in full force and hungry for blood. A man-tripping rock in the water along the shore joined forces with the winds to create some mischief. The rock jumped up and grabbed Waz’ foot and tripped him; the wind took off with Jim’s kayak and when Jim tried to run to get his kayak, that nasty rock downed him once again! End result? Two skinned knees, a recaptured kayak and all safely on land at last.

Some suggestions I was given which I pass along for any who decide to do this paddle in the future include: arrange for better parking, invite Arnold Schwarzenegger to join us so he can carry our kayaks down to the lake, inform the wind gods to cease their play while we are out on the lake, and make sure the black flies know that we do not want them anywhere near us!