Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Lori Waterman
Leader: Lori Waterman
Co-Leader Carolyn Eastman.

It was a little misty and overcast when we were starting out, but ended up being a beautiful day.
15 Tramps hiked 8.6 mile, starting at Douglass Park in Oriskany Falls and heading towards Cassity Hollow Rd. and stopping at the waterfall for a group picture.

Proceeding from there we traveled upward toward the Madison Wind Farm. Along the way passed a small private game farm with many small animals wandering around. We then crossed Route 20, took a left onto Center Rd. then a left onto Stone road.

After finally reaching the windmills, Jerry Stewart had a nice picnic of hot dogs and snacks. What a nice treat and what a great view!

Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Lu Blanchard

In a hiking club that is nearing its 100-year mark, it is difficult to come up with a new hike. But I had come across a flier from Adirondack Experience.com called “The Waterfall Challenge.” This became the foundation for our “Find the Waterfalls” hike.

Our club has been up and down routes 30 and 8 out of Speculator many times, but never stopped to find some of these falls before.

We started with the most challenging, Shanty Brook Falls. This is only challenging in that you must first ford the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. We had a large amount of rainfall during the week, so the water was at a high level for autumn and rock-hopping was not an option. So we donned our water shoes and rolled up our pants. A most “attractive” fashion look for the adventurous start of the day.

Some went directly across, ignoring the water lapping at our pants, others tried to find a less wet crossing. We then dried our feet, put on our boots and continued on.

The trail follows Shanty Brook with a slight incline. The falls were lovely and full after the rains, but we did not linger long because we had many more waterfalls to find.

My co-leader, Lu and I added a bit more fun by previously placing painted rocks at each trail or waterfall. This became a good-natured competition to be the one to find the prize.

Next was Griffin Falls, a short drive from Rt. 8 on a dirt road. Here the rocks beckoned many to scramble, or for others to sit and soak up the sun.

My favorite falls was next. E. Jimmy Creek is well-hidden, with only a very small pull-off on Rt. 8. It is a very short distance from the road, but the peaceful glen with its moss-covered rock and double waterfalls was a delight. Others seemed to feel the same because many photos were taken here.

Onward we went to Falls, 4, 5 and 6. First Auger Falls, outstanding with its force and volume of water cascading. Here we met a large group traveling together and shared our many baked goods.

Then Christine Falls, a dammed waterfall with multiple cascades.

And finally, two miles down old route 30 to Austin Falls. Again we had photo sessions, but it had been a long day and hikers were ready for refreshments.

All the hidden rocks were found, bringing smiles but “leaving no trace.”
We ended at what has become a favorite restaurant/bar, “The Oxbow.”
I loved the day, seeing some new, some familiar sights. I think others shared this sentiment also.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

Fair skies and brisk temperatures prevailed for the 15 Tramps that made the 60-mile trip to the south end of the Helderberg Escarpment on Beaver Dam Rd., Voorheesville. We started out heading north above the escarpment and made our way down on a portion of the Long Path Trail.*

After 2 miles we left the woods, entered John Boyd Thacher State Park and walked the rim trail along the edge of the escarpment. The views are breathtaking on a clear day and we were able to see the state buildings in Albany and Mt. Greylock in MA. To the north, the Adirondack Mountains loomed on the horizon.

Making our way to the visitor center, some of our playful Tramps tried out the slides built into the hillside and the rock-climbing wall.

The highlight of the hike was clambering down the Indian Ladder stairs to the trail about midway down along the escarpment. Rock ledges loomed above us, cave crevices tempted some to explore, and waterfalls threatened to soak us as we walked under them.

Back on top, we completed the rim trail to its end where we encountered the “Squeeze Box.” This is a structure that was built to insure that all rock climbers are able to pass through the narrow opening before attempting to fit through the crevice in the ground nearby that leads to the escarpment area below. We all tried to pass through the box. Most of us were successful and would have been able to continue through the crevice had we wished to scale the face of the escarpment. Maybe it was the jar of Vaseline that made it easier?

From there we looped our way back through the park and up through the wooded trail to our cars to complete the 7 mile hike. A stop at Waterfront Grill in Herkimer topped off a beautiful day. If you missed this hike I highly recommend taking a day to visit the park. It’s well worth the visit.

*The Long Path extends 358 miles from its start in New York City to its official end at John Boyd Thacher State Park. The trail continues another 84 miles to the Northville- Lake Placid Trail, but currently is mostly traversed on country roads.

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

What an absolutely beautiful day we had to begin our kayak on the Black River. With bright blue skies and very warm temperatures, it was the ideal day for 16 Tramps to paddle up the river.

When we reached the point where the rocks prevented us from advancing any further, we exited our boats, pulled them up into the woods (with a lot of effort and assistance from one another) and began to hike. The hike was short and not difficult but the reward was great.

We reached an area where we were able to scramble out on the rocks where we had our lunch. Some sat under the lonely tree for some shade while others scrambled on the rocks seeking out the ideal place to get in and get wet.

Once satiated, we packed up and hiked back to our boats. Again in true Tramp fashion whenever assistance was needed there was always a helping hand to be had.

After a leisurely paddle back and the cars were loaded we made our usual stop at Kratzy’s for a thirst aid.

Another fantastic day with fantastic friends.

More photos of this kayak may be viewed in Photo Gallery – August 2018

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Sharon Kaelin
Co-Leader: Tom Smith

Thirteen of us hiked the 6.6 miles to the lean-to on Middle Settlement Lake.

My other brother and nephew joined us for what started out as a beautiful sunny day, another hot hiking day which quickly transformed into a torrential downpour for the last 1.5 miles.

Still a great hike, just had to be very careful on the trail with the water gushing around us, especially coming down the final rocky part. Thanks to Sharon and Amanda for a nice hike. Tom Smith thought he would be the only on cooling off in the water. After the downpour we were all refreshed.

Twelve Tramps hiked 9.5 miles to the Woodhull Mountain fire tower on a beautiful July day.
The trail was generally flat and made for an easy walk for the first four miles.

It then became a gradual climb, ending at the fire tower. Even though the tower look-out room was not accessible, the view from the upper level was nice. The tower steps provided a great setting for a group photo.

“Hats off” (or maybe it should be “hats on”) to the hikers who caught deer flies with those priceless hat patches. It was obvious that the pesky little creatures loved having humans around!

The hike back to the trailhead was pleasant and, as always, seemed shorter than the trip in. The conversation and thirst-quenchers on the deck at Kratzy’s rounded off a great day!!

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

A dozen of us enjoyed a shady stroll through the woods to Brandy Lake and back on a picture-perfect summer day. The trail was remarkably dry considering all the rain we’ve had recently, but we did have to make our way over, under, around, or through some blown-down trees.

Thanks to Jimmy Waz for reorienting the leader when she was about to head us off down the “primrose path.”

We spent the remainder of the afternoon enjoying libations on the deck of the White Lake Inn recounting past trips and anticipating future expeditions.

Write-up: Geoff Horan
Leader: Geoff Horan
Co-leader: Donna Horan

Ten Tramps and two guests headed to Bear Lake on a windy and cloudy Sunday. The hike in was very pleasant for this time of year as the cooler air and steady breeze kept the bugs to a minimum.  When we reached the lean-to at Bear Lake we encountered two members of Lean2 Rescue who had spent their morning cleaning the lean-to and surrounding area of trash and discarded items. They are a volunteer group that builds, repairs, and maintains lean-tos throughout the Adirondacks and can always use new members.

After lunch, we headed back to the trailhead and then proceeded to Kratzy’s to refuel.

Write-up: Janis Jones
Leader: Karen Oeink
Co-Leader: Janis Jones

Twenty-one of us hiked a straight easy 6.25 miles on a beautiful sunny breezy Saturday.
Thanks to Karen for leading the hike and the brownies afterwards!