Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Jim Wasielewski
Co-Leader: Lorrie Wasielewski
Hiked six miles through some wet areas and up to a mountain peak.
Climbed up to the knob, that’s what Joe Cantales calls the peak.
Joe has a camp at Okara Lakes and hunts in the area.
We bushwhacked up up the long way but descended the steep way, thanks to Joe.
Write-up: Mike Huss, Open Hike Coordinator
Leader: Richard Miller
Co-Leader: Mary Lou Miller
Sunday was the first Open Hike on the schedule. This is a new experiment for the Tramp & Trail Club. When we have a date in the schedule that we cannot fill, we schedule an “Open Hike.” Instead of having a day with no hike, we meet and pick a leader and a place to hike. The first open hike was a great success. Six people showed up (many of our regular hikers were at the Delaware Water Gap) and Richard & Mary Lou Miller suggested we do an old Tramp favorite at Hughes Road. All agreed and we followed the Millers to Hughes Road. It was supposed to be a dead-end road with a nice hiking trail to the river. The Millers were surprised to find a new road was built where the old trail was, and camp sites were being sold along the new dirt road. Gate Way Prosperities had bought the land and built the dirt road. We walked it and saw all the new lots for sale. Many had been purchased and camps were built. Some lots had just driveways with trailers on the property. Just goes to show you that nothing stays the same. The world keeps on changing.
Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Trip Chair: Bobbie Scarpino
Committee: Carolyn Eastman, Jeff and Sally Steele, Jerry Stewart, Lori Waterman.
Thirty-eight Tramps traveled 193 miles to Stroudsburg, PA to explore the Delaware Water Gap, an area 40 miles in length carved out by the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our home base was the Hampton Inn, tucked away in a quiet city neighborhood on a dead end street.
Day 1, our arrival day, began with a number of mishaps that made many of us wonder if this was an omen of how things were going to go for the rest of the trip! On the way, Kathy broke a tooth and had to make a quick return trip home to get it repaired before heading back on the road. Madonna’s bike was stolen right off the car at a bathroom stop in Deposit, NY. Then Bill got stuck in the hotel elevator! Strike 3! (The broken elevator was fondly referred to as “Bill’s Elevator” for the rest of the weekend!) Other than these misfortunes and the weather, the rest of the weekend went well.
After all had safely arrived, we made our way out in small groups to explore the city of Stroudsburg. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of eateries within walking distance. The Irish Pub, “Siasma”, quickly became a favorite, along with the Mexican restaurant, “Marita”, for its margaritas!
We woke up to rain on Day 2, but that didn’t deter 35 people from getting outside to hike. We had to forego our original plan of hiking up to and on the AT, to a mostly level 6.5 mi. hike on the McDade Recreational Trail along the Delaware River on the PA side. We lost several on the way to the trailhead, but thanks to modern technology and many phone calls, we all met up on the same trail. Umbrellas, ponchos, and raincoats kept us somewhat dry. Our steps hurried to complete the last mile when thunderclaps were heard. The last 0.7 mi was a quick upward climb on switchbacks.
We split into smaller groups to do different activities that afternoon. Many of us found some amazing waterfalls on the PA side of the Delaware River. Raymondskill has 4 tiers, making it the longest vertical drop in PA. Dingmans Falls required more of a hike, which included a walk by Silver Thread Falls, (a narrow, but beautiful long chute of water), through a tunnel of rhododendron, and a climb up 251 stairs to the top of the very powerful Dingmans Falls.
We were glad to see the sun make an appearance the next day, despite the chill and strong wind. Choices of activities were made. 15 bikers led by Don, equipped with a map drawn by Bill, journeyed up the Old Mine Rd. along the Delaware River on the NJ side for a 25 mi. round trip. The Old Mine Rd. is the oldest road in America built by the Dutch settlers to transport copper mined in the hills along this road. Avoiding as many potholes as possible, the bikers made their way to historic Millbrook Village, an area with restored buildings from the time of the area’s first settlers.
Carolyn took 9 hikers on a challenging 13 mi. hike up the Coppermines Trail off the Old Mine Rd. to the top of the AT, and along the Rattlesnake Swamp Trail. No snakes were found, but swamp, YES! Back at their cars fireballs were found attached to their door handles, no doubt left by Jerry as he biked by the trailhead.
Bobbie drove her group of 9 hikers to the top of the AT in NJ and then climbed 0.5 mi. to the top of the ridge and further on to a fire tower with 360 degree views. Here they met up with the other group of hikers for lunch. Then it was back down through the same Rattlesnake Swamp.
After the hike, a few drove the scenic route back along the Old Mine Rd. Traveling at a snail’s pace, they experienced crossing the historic Dingmans Bridge over the Delaware. Built in the early 1900’s, this narrow two lane bridge continues to service traffic at the middle of the Gap. A woman stands at the toll booth between the two lanes on the PA side to collect the $1.00 toll. She did not think it funny when asked if she took E-Z Pass! From there a stop was made at the “Tiki Bar” for a beverage. Other Tramps were supposed to meet there by taking the highway, but were unable to find it, possibly because the name of it was Petrizzo’s, not Tiki Bar!
A kayak on the Delaware had been planned for Sunday, but our reservation was cancelled by the outfitters due to expected high water. Drizzle from the skies sent most people home early. A few stayed on to see what else could be explored in the area. An outlet mall 5 miles away called to them where some items were found that they just couldn’t resist. Tom O’ found a raincoat, Mark found some shirts, and Margaret and Bobbie found some very colorful “neck gaiters,” that could serve a dual purpose. Not sure if the “one size fits all” would work for them, the gaiters were not purchased. Ask one of them to describe these to you! Historic Milford with its beautiful Victorian homes was explored by Mary Pat. She then hiked 3 miles in the PEEC (PA Environmental Education Center) to Tumbling Waters, another beautiful waterfall. Mark, Margaret, and Bobbie decided to pay the $15.50 fee to see Bushkill Falls. It was worth the money. Bushkill is a series of powerful falls that keep dropping down a gorge into a fast running creek. There were more than 1100 stairs here! Other trails off the main one went to two other waterfalls, as well as a lookout over the Delaware Valley.
The last day, the 29th, was the perfect weather day. Only Bobbie and Mary Pat remained to take advantage of the sunny sky and cool temperature to hike up Mt. Tammany on the edge of the Gap in NJ. The 4 mi. roundtrip trail started along the edge of the picturesque Dunnfield Creek, it then branched off upward along a mostly rocky trail to the summit. Mt. Tammany overlooks the “S” bend in the Delaware River as it winds between the states of PA and NJ. A delightful fairy house was found along the trail with an arched back door and an elegant front door. The two hikers added “plates” (pistachio shells) to the rock table inside and decorated the doorways with tiny violets and buttercups.
Overall the trip turned out to be a great adventure. It was definitely a great find and a place full of treasures yet to be discovered.
More photos of Delaware Water Gap trip.
Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Madonna Fellows
The day started out all cloudy, with light drizzle as I drove to the meet-up location. I was wondering how many Tramps would venture out in the wet weather – as well as it being the day before Easter for those who celebrate this holiday. I was pleasantly surprised to see 12 hardy souls sign up – with one more addition once we got to the trail head. We all came equipped with rain gear; Mike was sure we would all get rained on, and a few brought their micro spikes, expecting there to still be lots of ice up north.
On the ride north, before we came to Bill’s bathrooms, we saw something that amazed me….the air was so warm and the few snow banks along the road still so cold that there seemed to be smoke coming off the snow banks – almost like one would see coming off dry ice. I have seen lakes give off a fog-like mist when the warm air hits the cold lake ice – but I had never seen the billows of smoke rising from snow banks like it was this day.
This hike is a fairly easy hike in the Fulton Chain Wild Forest of the Adirondacks. The first few feet of the trail were slippery, but then it looked like we would be walking on a not-too-muddy trail….when we came around the bend and ran into the first of several ice monorails in the middle of the trail. We were able to walk to the side of most of these monorails, but one or two called for careful foot placement on the ice with those Tramps who brought along micro spikes wondering if they should put them on. We were soon back on drier ground and the spikes were not needed. The creeks along the way were quite high and wide with all the ice/snow melt and the rain from the previous night and early morning. It was warm and humid – but we all were enjoying the warmer weather.
Several signs of northern spring made themselves known…mud, wet, running water on trails, and even some trout lily plant foliage was popping up from the thawed soil…and more mud and water.
We stopped to admire Bubb Lake – all the ice was gone from the lake, much to our surprise. Then we headed onward along Bubb to get to Sis Lake. The wooden bridge between Bubb and Sis was slippery with mold on the wood, but no one fell in! We paused for a lunch break right past Sis…and sure enough the Easter Bunny showed up with candy for all. Just as we were thinking of heading back, the sky darkened and the rain began to lightly drizzle so we all pulled out our rain gear. Pretty quickly, the rain ceased and we continued on. And then, all those wet areas we had previously traversed seemed dry compared to what we ran into on the left hand trail from Sis and Bubb back around the other side of Moss Lake. The trail seemed to be mostly running water and muddy puddles for most of that section of the trail – some of use went up the hillside to avoid the water and found the mud on the slopes slippery; others waded right through the water on the trail. All arrived safely back to the cars…5.6 mile, no casualties, no hikers turned back. A success!
Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Sharon Kaelin
Co-Leader: Amanda Zdanowicz
Hike was rerouted to Round Pond (from Brandy Lake) due to unknown trail conditions.
Hike was 6 miles, some wore micro-spikes, some just plain hiking shoes.
There was ice, snow, mud and water. Nice spring hike. Thanks to Sharon and Amanda.
Write-up: Jerry Stewart
Leader: Jerry Stewart
Co-Leader: Walt Pillar
Today was my turn to be hike leader. Lori and I had scouted the hike 2 months ago.
We checked the trail conditions again last Sunday and today 17 Tramps signed in for the hike.
With varying amounts of snow on the trail, and overcast skies, off we went. Getting to the start of the trail there was a light fog from the snow. With snowshoes on for most, off we went.
Nice scenery along the trail and of course, great conversations. Two miles down the trail we got to the hill portion of the Wickwire hill adventure. Scouting it on the way we discovered a handicap sign, could this be an unknown easy route up? Being an adventurous bunch we decided to explore. Let me say that no man in a wheelchair ever reached the top of that under their own power. The route we ended up taking was mountain goat-worthy and how I wasn’t left tied to a tree up there is a mystery to me!
We did, of course, reach the destination. Sadly the fog hadn’t lifted so the only scenery we took in was of whatever was within 100 yards of us. Snack break and back on the move. I took them down where I had been before, much better route for all but Mary Pat who got caught in a hollow snowbank and sucked in.
No harm, a few laughs and headed back to the cars. About 5 1/2 miles total, the sun made an appearance and most of the happy crew stopped for a well-deserved beverage of choice. With Spring comes many more hikes on the schedule. So if skiing and snow shoeing isn’t your thing, this is were you can jump in and join in the adventures. Hop out of that easy chair, set down that lawn rake for a few hours and see what you’ve been missing out on. See you on the trail!
Jim Wazielewski:
To wear snowshoes or not wear snowshoes, that is the question. And the answer was yes. Some wore snowshoes, some wore snowshoes some of the time and some didn’t wear snowshoes. Some post-holed and got stuck in the snow. However all survived the 5-mile hike.
Thanks to Jerry and Walt for a good hike on a snowy, muddy and slushy trail and bushwhack.
Write-up: Lu Blanchard
Leader: Lu Blanchard
Co-Leader: Mary Pat Connors
The Greenbelt trails were still icy and snowy in some parts, but the day was mild and we had a great group of hikers. On our path we saw a couple of trees that seemed to have an appetite for trail markers. A caution against staying still too long?!
The Millers invited us to their fine establishment for the after hike gathering and we enjoyed their hospitality immensely.
Thank you Mary Lou and Richard, and thanks to my fearless co-leader, Mary Pat.
Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Mike Huss
Co-Leader: Jim Wasielewski
A bunch of us hiked 5.3 miles on a somewhat muddy flat trail on a cloudy day. After the last couple of hikes this was nice, without snowshoes, hills or ice. Thanks to Mike for a great hike. They wanted an old dog in the photo so they got two of us.
Stopped at “The Boro” for a couple of cold ones.
Write-up: Jerry Stewart, Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Carolyn Eastman
Co-Leader: Tom Smith
Jerry S.: Story time for you. Sunday’s outing was a 7-mile snowshoe to a lean-to at T Lake. I had done this trek once before years ago with my daughter with the allure of seeing her first lean-to. I was lucky to get back. Had she been older I probably would’ve been tied to a tree and left for the bears! I had remembered the trail to be flat; this was not the case at all. Many ups and downs, some quite sizeable. 18 brave tramps started the trek, 11 made it to the lean-to. Some had been out the day before and not fully recovered, others just had applied good sense and turned back. No shortage of snow there, 4′ + of the white devil dust on the ground. Questionable snow bridges across streams added to the adventure. It was a bright sunny day, nice to visit with each other as we went along. A little tomfoolery included as well, a few got ambushed by snowballs on the trail as well. Per tradition, some of us stopped for a well deserved cold beverage at the Ohio tavern. 7 miles may sound like a long distance to walk for a picnic lunch but some in the group are heading to Glacier National Park this Fall in which a 15-mile trek along the High line trail will make this just a stroll thru the woods. Building those trail legs. Thanks to Jim for sharing some photos and to Carolyn and Sir Tom for getting us there and back.
Jimi Waz: Another high attrition snowshoe. Seven miles on a real tough trail. Plenty of snow in the Adirondacks. Congrats to all who survived it…Thanks to Carolyn and Tom for a grueling snowshoe.
Write-up: Madonna Fellows
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Tom Smith
Seventeen of us hiked five miles in Russell Park in Ilion on Saturday.
Thank you Dianna M. and Tom S. for introducing us to a place many of us had never been.
A most enjoyable hike, on an otherwise cold and gloomy day.