Write-up: Nancy & Tom Schenck
Leader: Tom Schenck
Co-Leader: Nancy Schenck
Five of us beat the rain, and had a lovely 34-mile ride to the Piseco outlet and back to Nine Corner Lake. When we got back to the car, Barb Cassel said “perfect ride.”
Then the rain came down ?.
Hope y’all are doing well. Blessings on you, Nancy and Tom
Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Karen Oeink
It was with a tinge of sadness that I headed out on the hike that is usually a hike accompanied by delicious food. Things just didn’t feel the same. Covid has thrown a nasty twist to life. But…we still got to hike and enjoy the company – from socially accepted distances!
In keeping with things being all topsy turvy, we headed out on the hike backwards from our normal hiking and headed back out the driveway and then across the fields in the clockwise direction. When we got most of the way around the upper flat loop trail, we headed done into the ravine and then back up the other side. 
We continued on the trails to come out in the field behind the Deerfield Municipal building. Then we headed back down a steep trail into another area of the ravine and along the almost totally dried up creek and then climbed back up to come out near our cars.
Some of the hikers stayed to have a pretend corn roast with our own lunches and with our chairs spread out to enjoy the sunshine on this cooler day. Margaret commented that the pulled pork was really good, another member commented on the tasty corn on the cob and I was enjoying the desserts – Tramps have great imaginations! We all spoke about how we will truly enjoy the next real corn roast – whenever that will be!
Write-up: Karen Oeink
Leader: Karen Oeink
Co-Leader: Mike Huss & MacTurks
Fifteen of us enjoyed a mellow Monday morning hike. Having chosen the trail to the left to hike the Bog rather than the Brook Trail no moisture was noted, much less bog, due to our dry summer. Clouds had rolled in and there was a 50% chance of rain but we didn’t see a drop. A nice breeze kicked up at some of the clearings. No wildlife spotted while our eyes stayed steady on the ground as the path is narrow and rickety with many roots. It was nice to see other people out with kids and dogs enjoying the day. We thought we might have a hitch to our hike when we heard loud noise and actually spotted this big tractor tearing down trees, but luckily the trail stayed intact!!!!
A special thanks to sweeps Mike Huss and the MacTurks who happily shared that role when my sister could not. Also a special note that besides 2 children we had 2 first-time hikers (one who was able to track us down at the trailhead) and one return club member who had fallen off the map for a while. Thanks to everyone for your participation.
Write-up: Kathy Countryman
Leader: Kathy Countryman
Co-Leader: Francis Roy
Twenty Tramps enjoyed a pleasant “walk in the woods” on a sunny, quite warm for September, day. No bugs, almost no other hikers, no problems.
After a scenic lake-side lunch, three hikers continued on to Little Long Lake while the rest of us headed out the way we had come in. Those three were fast enough that they got back to the start at about the same time we did!
Write-up: Walt Pillar
Leader: Walt Pillar
Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Fifteen of us paddled from Brookwood Point to the mouth of the Susquehanna and back on a
warm, sunny August Sunday. On the way back, we split up. Some went for a swim, some paddled up to Kingfisher tower and 5 stopped for a meal and drink at the Blue Mingo.
A torrential thunderstorm soaked the 5 at the Blue Mingo just as the meal ended.
Write-up: Joe Cantales
Leader: Joe Cantales
Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Today’s weather was 72 degrees, no bugs and an occasional breeze. Six of us started at Mapledale, made a pit stop at Bill’s bathroom in Eagle Bay, and then on to Castle Rock parking lot. When we got to the trailhead, we were able to grab the last few parking spots. There were license plates from just about every state in New England. After signing the register, we walked down the dirt road and there is a sign that says Private Road – No Motor Vehicles. Continue to walk down this road as there is an easement that leads to the trailhead. As we headed up the trail, we headed left over the bridge. A short way in, you encounter a junction in the trail that leads to Blue Mountain Lake.
We continued on to Castle Rock. We encountered a variety of hikers, several did not have face coverings. As we got close to the summit, we passed the cave and two Tramps went into the cave…
From this point you encounter the steepest part of the hike. Once at the summit, the view is outstanding. We stopped to take pictures and to enjoy the view.
As we started our descent, we encountered a family of four with a four year old and a three week old baby. This was the baby’s first hike. On our return trip, we decided we would do the loop and take a break for lunch along the trail. Shortly thereafter, we completed the hike and headed home. It was a perfect day for a hike, and we all seemed to enjoy it. Viva Las Vegas Tramp and Trail club.
Write-up: Christine Case-Ceely
Leader: Paul Sirtoli
Co-Leader: Christine Case-Ceely
13 of us from the Tramp & Trail and ADK biked 11.7 miles roundtrip on gravel road or goat path. Then we jumped off our bikes and hiked uphill for a quarter-mile to the Ice Cave Mt.
We stopped for lunch by the Ice Caves.
Unfortunately, it was too hot for us to enjoy any ice from the cave.
Thanks Paul for leading us to some of the best scenery in the north!
More photos may be found here.
Write-up: Margaret Decker
Leader: Mark Decker
Co-Leader: Margaret Decker
Thirteen of us hiked the Deansboro trail. We hiked along Oriskany Creek. It was a warm day but very nice and relaxing. We had 2 new adults and 2 children who were very nice. We saw goats and few chickens.
Committee: Lu Blanchard, Geoff and Donna Horan, Dianna Morris, Tom Smith and Tom O’Hara.
The presence of Covid-19 made for some major changes in our planning for the 30th HPW this year. First, we weren’t sure if the campground would even be open since they were still closed in mid-June, only 2 months ahead of our stay! Once we found they would be open we also found they had a limit on groups (following CDC guidelines) of under 25 people – far below our traditional 30-40 attendees. They assured us of their steps to maintain bathrooms, check-in and public areas and we decided to go ahead with the weekend, but with 20 campers all who had to be members – no family or friends this year.
With fewer campers, we decided to not use the large canopy, but only use EZ-Ups provided by members. We had 5 available, but you know who forgot the top to hers, AGAIN, so we used 4. There was quite a bit of ribbing over that and she who remains to be named will put the D…. top with the frame to be sure it never happens again!!!!! We also only had one tent cabin in the group site due to one of the usual campers not going- Mary Pat was in quarantine awaiting a new granddaughter- which left us just enough space for the number of tables, EZ-Ups and people present.
Thankfully, the weather was the best in years! No rain, warm days and cool, but not cold, nights and clear skies for great star-gazing. Hikers went to Avalanche Pass (led by Geoff and Donna), Wright and Phelps high peaks (on their own), Mt. Van Hoevenberg (led by Carolyn and Diana), and Marcy Dam (on their own).
Those on the “injured list” went kayaking at Second Pond Landing, experienced going through a lock and had a chance to jump in to take a swim in the river. They wanted to go to the farm that makes and sells ice cream, but could not remember how to get there. Eric and Tom remembered and took a drive to Wilmington to indulge in that creamy treat. Their description made our mouths water!
The food supplied by members was wonderful! Such variety and such good cooks and bakers! We had excellent chefs all weekend and Lynn found out she had a hidden talent as “blueberry plopper” while helping with Sunday’s breakfast! The camaraderie around the campfire and during meal preps was so great. We welcomed Ray & Lynn and Maureen to their 1stHPW – they think they’ll come back. ?
As co-chair, special thanks to my co-chairs, Donna & Geoff, and committee members – Dianna, Sir Tom, & Tall Tom and all the attendees who brought equipment, helped with everything and made it another fun and memorable weekend! We’re already looking forward to next year and our 100th anniversary of the Tramp & Trail Club.
PS- Everyone was informed that if they wanted to wear masks- or not wear masks- on our site there would be no judgement or questioning but to be mindful of other’s decision in that matter. As you will see in the pictures, much of the time we did not wear them, but had them handy to pull up when needed.
More photos here.
Write-up: Janice Huss
Leader: Mike Huss
Co-Leader: Janice Huss
It was a beautiful day for a hike along the trails of Rogers Environmental Center. After eating lunches that each of us brought and sitting at the appropriate socially-distant 6 feet apart, thirteen of us set out to explore the trails.
At some point we were joined by a new hiker. A duck had gotten in line with our procession. He was not bothered at all by our presence and stayed with us for quite a while!
We decided to take a rest.
In addition to the duck, we saw other wildlife …some big fish, and a big snapping turtle,
and beautiful scenery!
After finishing our hike, we stopped at an ice-cream shop on our way home.
It was a perfect ending to a fun day.
More photos here.