Tramp & Trail

Welcome to the first edition of Q NEWS!

The good news is we are still getting out hiking and walking.
We cannot see our fellow tramps in person so this is a way to connect and share
our experiences.

Enjoyed a hike on Jackson Hill. We were totally isolated from anyone. A beautiful day!
The Fellows

Trail was frozen and spikes worked great most of the way to the mountain. Coming back, the sun had warmed up the trail enough that we sank in the snow a bit more. Nice to be out and when we weren’t too noisy crunching on the snow, we could carry on conversations while maintaining correct social distancing.
Dianna Morris

Officially Tramp “unsanctioned” from the trip schedule several days ago, I managed to lead an impromptu hike to both Moose River and Quarry Mountains. Carolyn Eastman, former cocktail queen, now corona virus czar, kept Dave Kuhn and I socially responsible while hiking on this cool, sunny day. For added security and distance management, we did deep breathing exercises and chewed garlic cloves.
Using micro spikes on a hard packed surface, we made decent time to the tower summit. Following lunch, we bushwhacked to the sister summit, whose east side is a steep gradient. Despite the tree line we found a nice view of McCauley Mt. Circling around the twin peaks, we eventually intersected the trail below the tower summit. Evidently, we missed a group of five tramps also climbing on this gorgeous day.
Roughly a mile from the car, we whacked our way through open hardwoods to an unnamed peak – locals call it Quarry Mt.- to its large rocky summit cone. There are outstanding views of McCauley Mt., Moose River Mt., Blue Mt. as well as the vast Adirondack landscape. At the car by 3:30, the group had hiked 9 miles in about 6 hours.
Paul Sirtoli

On Saturday, March 21, 5 of us met at Mapledale and drove separately to the Moose River Mt. trailhead. Keeping well over 6 ft apart, we made our way to the top and back down for a distance of 6 miles. Trail was mostly well packed snow with a few bare spots. All but Greg wore microspikes! He likes the slip sliding! Another smaller group set out earlier than us to do a bushwhack after reaching the top of Moose River Mt. We saw their tracks, but never encountered them or anyone else. It was wonderful to be out in the sunshine. The sky was a brilliant blue. Russ asked what color blue it was. If I were to paint it, I would use cerulean with a touch of ultramarine blue. Nice to appreciate the things we often take for granted!
Bobbie Scarpino

Some treats shared by Deb Cantales. The stuff of dreams!
Rights reserved by Deb Cantales.

A bright sunny day, temps in the 50’s, a 1:00 pm start on a Sunday and the Tramps came out in droves! We had 44 sign in and we proceeded to divide into 2 groups for a “timed” hike.

Group 1, lead by George were to take a relatively flat hike down the Old Railroad bed for as far as they could go in 1 hour. After one hour they would turn around and hike back. 

Meg’s group was to trek up West Hill the hard way… through green fields, fields with corn stubble and “Bessie’s finest,” woods, snow, mud, slush and streams. Meg had gotten permission from the owner to cross the posted land. We saw a number of the obstacles set up for the Deansboro Mud Run and all wished we were better dressed to try them out!! Almost to Green Vedder Road, the clock ran out on our hour and we turned around to slip and slide back to Deansboro and “the Boro.” 

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli
Leader: Paul Sirtoli
Co-leader: Eric Boney

After [leading] my first successful Tramp hike, I had high expectations for this second adventure. My hopes were initially dashed when the co-leader failed to show up (apparently had his clock sprung ahead a day too early!), and one of the participants had non-functioning ski poles. And there I stood without the sign-in sheet. Thanks to Bobbie for coming to the rescue by making a temporary “affidavit” for all to sign and to Eric for volunteering to co-lead.

Despite the rocky start at Mapledale, the winter hiking god blessed us for the remainder of the trip, as the accompanying photos will reveal. Cool, crisp temperature hovering near freezing, brilliant sunshine in a sky true blue, and a solid snow surface for easy snowshoeing. Two hours into the hike saw us having lunch at the frozen edge of Little Woodhull Lake, mesmerized by the wintry landscape, as well as being cooled by a “whippin” wind howling across white frozen lake surface.

Eric and Bobbie opted to return to their vehicles after lunch, and with a hearty farewell, Mark, Chris, and I sauntered over the very solid frozen lake surface toward Lake Lily, roughly 0.5 mile distance. We wandered about the frozen expanse, eventually following its drainage onto Little Woodhull Lake.

Crossing the lake at a safe distance from the Lake Lily drainage, we snowshoed the huge marsh meadow that comprised the Little Woodhull Creek watershed. Our attempts to identify the diverse animal footprints roaming about the frozen tundra challenged us all . . . a bobcat, mink, coyote, otter? Well, at least we knew the turkey tracks!

At the far end of the meadow, I set a heading for Otter Brook, and the yellow-marked trail just beyond it, a total distance of roughly 1.5 miles from our position. En route, we crossed a large wilderness vly, and at Otter Brook, a minuscule waterfall. Thankfully, and this is not always the case with bushwhacking, the hardwoods were very open, thereby accentuating easy navigation. Out by 3:30 pm, the “whackin” trio hiked about 7.5 miles in about 5.5 hours of time. I estimated that Eric and Bobbie covered just over 6 miles via the trail for their safe return trip.

Photos by Christine Ceely and Mark Perrin

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

The Day’s Weather Report:   2-3 feet of snow,  wind chill of -2,  high of 22,  no unnecessary travel in Lewis County. 

Oh well,  I’ve committed, so I will go to Mapledale and with luck no one will show up!   Not so:   5 tramps arrived and we discussed a change in location, but first to Burger King in Boonville!   Again some discussion but so far the road conditions etc. were not bad, so we decided to give Whetstone a try.  We could always turn back! 

The parking lot was plowed.  The trail had a foot of snow on it.  We all agreed to take turns breaking trail so off we go up the south side.  Of course it was a slow steep climb but with Sharon, Mike, Greg, Dick and Phil, the leader was often taking up the rear!!  The trees were laden with fresh heavy snow and after 2 miles, we decided to turn around because now we had to break through the trees as well as the trail! On top where we were, there were small white-outs and it was much colder.

Of note though, as we tramped up the trail, two young snowboarders were about to take a “run” down the steep ledge into the Gulf.  “Grandpa Dick” gave those young gentleman a stern lecture about safety and we continued on.  On our return we saw neither tracks, blood or colorful coats at the bottom, so we think they listened!! 

Ahh  A day in the snow!

Write-up: Jerry Stewart
Leader: Carolyn Eastman
Co-Leader: Sharon Kaelin

Sunday’s outing. With temps forecast into the 40’s we headed out to Tramp local favorite California Road for an opportunity to bask in the sunshine, take in some fresh air and as always, some tomfoolery on the trail. Arriving at the meeting place I saw our little tramp mama Mary Kate was joining us for the day! I was hopping up and down in the truck, couldn’t wait to get out, give her a hug and catch up on what’s happening in her world.

Cute baby pictures, too cool for school, so nice to have her join us. There are still bridges out north of Poland from the Fall flood which we navigated around to get to the trailhead. We were fortunate someone had driven in on something which packed part of our trek for us. We took turns breaking trail where it hadn’t gone, wowsa what a difference when you do that. We were shedding our coats along the way and had a nice snack break at the half- way point. The offer was presented to press onward but I believe all were happy with what we had covered. The snow stuck some to the bottoms of the snowshoes on the return trek. Sir Tom Smith, always the gentlemen, assisted in helping unclog some shoes.

A stop after at the Alamo for a cold beverage and visit more with each other.

Condensed from Jerry’s facebook page.

Write-up: Walt Pillar
Leader: Walt Pillar
Co-Leader:Sharon Kaelin

Thirty-five of us, including two first hikers and one child tramped 3.7 miles around the trails of Sherrill Brook Park. It was a beautiful sunny winter day. The snow on the trails had been packed down by snow bikers and other hikers so most wore microspikes. Several stopped at Killabrews for drinks, food and talk after the hike.

For more photos click here: https://www.trampntrail.org/february-2020/

Write-up: Jerry Stewart
Leader: Paul Sirtoli
Co-Leader: Jerry Stewart

Tramp adventure yesterday, out into the great North woods. This was different from most hikes I go on, there was no trail. Fellow tramp and friend Paul Sirtoli happens to be an excellent map and compass navigator and he shared some of his techniques with us. These are skills all hikers should have, miss one turn on a trail and you can find yourself in trouble.

With limited cell service even on mountain tops you can be on your own getting out. Our destination was Secret Falls & Estelle mountain.  At the meeting place I checked the location there on Google. Aka Death brook falls! I texted Lori goodbye. Only 3 showed up for the hike, we hopped in Paul’s car and away we went. This is by Golden beach on Racquet lake so is a drive to get there. We put on our snowshoes upon arrival at 10 am and into the woods we went. We broke our own trail all day, deep snow, frequent creek crossings and something new to me.

When you are next to pine trees, they often have air pockets by the base of them, get too close and you drop in. With around 3 foot of snow that’s quite a surprise! We circled around the mountain, checking out some vlies which are quite picturesque and would be nearly impossible to get to in warmer months.

Secret falls was mostly frozen over, you could hear and see some water running under the ice. Many laughs and stories on the trail, we discovered 3 beaver dams as we circled the mountain.  Then came the real work. Hiking up a mountain is work on dry ground, add snowshoes and 3` of snow kicks it up a notch. Just another reason I go to “PF”!

We made our way up and had lunch by 1:15. From there we continued over the mountain and back towards civilization.  Sliding down some steep sections in the snowshoes can be tricky but we made it. We got back to the road by 2:35 and welcomed the chance to sit for the ride home. Yes, I know what you are wondering, Paul opted out but Howard and I did stop at Stewart’s for my favorite frozen treat, “Cherry loves Chocolate” was the flavor of choice. It was great to get out, learn some new valuable skills and see places few have ever ventured to. Next Sunday we have a closer destination on seasonal California road in Gray NY. My mom’s old stomping grounds from many years ago. It’s a ski or snowshoe on pretty flat terrain.  Perfect for someone starting out. Many of us are hoping to spot our little mama tramp Mary Kate, fingers crossed! See you on the trail.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-leader: Mike Huss

Our 8th annual Camp Fowler Weekend is one that will be remembered by the 28 Tramps that ventured to Speculator. The week before, we were all wishing for snow. Be careful what you wish for! Friday found many of us driving up in a massive snowstorm, with large flakes falling at 1-2 inches per hour and a total accumulation of several feet. The trees were bent over, having been coated with ice during the night, and then covered with the heavy wet snow. Travel to Speculator was a challenge with unplowed snowy, icy roads, and poor visibility, not to mention the logging truck blocking Rt. 8 for several hours, and downed trees causing detours. Tramps trickled in slowly all afternoon (Cocktail hour started long before 5:00!) and into the evening hours. Some came long distances – Deb and Halsey from Cranberry Lake, and Tom and Nancy from their skiing trip in Maine.  Imagine crossing Lake Champlain on the ferry in a snowstorm! The weary travelers arrived at camp to find that we had a power outage, a common occurrence in the north country. Luckily, Camp Fowler has a backup generator for the lodge, so we had some overhead lights in most of the rooms, one common outlet for everyone to charge phones, heat, hot water, and a functioning kitchen. The prayer cabins were more of a problem. The gas stoves kept the cabins warm, but no lights or hot water. That night we were still missing 5 people, but they purposely waited out the storm and safely arrived on Saturday.

Saturday was cold . . . single digits. But the sun was shining and out we went into Old Man Winter’s  beautiful landscape painting. Jerry and Lori got to the frozen lake early and broke trail for all of us. But as the group started out across, some found that they were breaking through the snow into a watery slush, causing skis to stop gliding. There was a layer of slush on top of the ice before the storm and the snow insulated enough so that the slush didn’t freeze. As always, Tramps are flexible and find another venue to continue on.  Many of us skied or snowshoed back to land and on to Moffitt Beach State Park, which connects to the camp, and enjoyed skiing around the campsites and beach area. Here is where a couple of Tramps decided to play games.

Following right behind 3 skiers, Karen, on snowshoes, decided to stop and play “Hole and Go Seek.”  It’s an unusual game where the snow on top caves in, causing the player to hide their leg, foot, and snowshoe in a huge hole.  The rest of the players have to dig with ski poles and hands to try and free the stuck player. This was not an easy game. The snowshoe could not be dislodged, binding couldn’t be reached and 20 minutes of digging was not helping the situation.  Dark brown slush and water covered her boot. A call to 911 was seriously being considered when Bernie, determined to win the game, leaned down into the hole and dug with all his might.  Finally, our hero was able to grab hold of the snowshoe, caught in a culvert pipe, and pull Karen out of the hole. Bernie himself also thought of another game to play just as Karen’s leg disappeared into the hole. It’s called “Skin the Ski.” As he turned around toward Karen, the entire strip on the bottom of his ski slipped off and slid across the snow! You can’t make this up!

After lunch we split into a couple of groups to enjoy some afternoon adventures. Some attacked the downhill ski slopes in the area. A large group checked out the trails around Camp Fowler on skis and snowshoes. A smaller group decided to snowshoe the trail to Auger Falls, although the trailhead took some bushwhacking to locate with all of the snow. The trail to the falls paralleled the river and the scenery was just beautiful. The falls, covered with ice above and below were amazing. On the way out there was a short very steep, very icy chute to maneuver. The best plan of attack seemed to be the “butt slide.” Could this be a new Olympic event? This group wanted more exercise, so decided to drive back into Speculator and down Elm Rd. Here they parked and snowshoed in to “Outhouse Corners” and Cave Hill Rd. to try to find Kunjamuk Cave, where legend has it French Louie would go to enjoy his drink. But after walking more than a mile, there was no sign of the cave.  It had to be close, but with the sun quickly setting, Jerry began singing, “Lou-i, Lou-i . . . oh, oh . . . We gotta go now!”  With that, the group turned around to make their way back to the cars just as darkness was settling in.

We were all glad to see that the power was back on and that the food truck, which had been delayed by a day because of the storm, had finally made it to the camp. We enjoyed a delicious stuffed pork loin roast that evening.  After dinner, Jeannie lit a sky lantern and set it afloat with a full moon as a backdrop.  Lively rounds of Pitch topped off the day.

If we thought it was cold Saturday, Sunday dawned even colder, -11! Jeannie got some of us warmed up with a early morning Zumba session. By the time breakfast was over and everyone was all packed up, it was a balmy -1! The Kunjamuk Trail was our destination, with two more Tramps driving up from Mapledale to join us for the snowshoe/ski. After about 0.5 mi. we encountered an obstacle of tangled icy trees and limbs across the trail and entire surrounding area. Not even the Tramps could go under, over, through, or around it! So various plan B’s were made. Some went home, some went to hike a trail off of Rt. 10, some went to Egypt Rd. close to home, and some stayed to snowshoe the passable Kunjamuk snowmobile trail.

The Camp Fowler staff was awesome. Harv, the manager, went out of his way to make sure that we were all comfortable. Jorden and Doug stayed longer on Friday night preparing and serving dinner at a much later hour to ensure that those who had a delayed arrival would get a warm delicious meal. Teddy, Harv’s well-trained and very cute golden labradoodle charmed us all.

Mike and I thought that we would give Camp Fowler a rest and skip next year’s winter trip to Speculator. However, everyone enjoyed the wonderful accommodations, comradery, and adventures. The general consensus was that they want to return next year . . . so Camp Fowler Weekend 2021 is in the plans!

Write-up: Jerry Stewart
Leader: Jerry Stewart
Co-Leader: Lori Waterman

Storytime for you…Sunday’s adventure took us to a local Tramp favorite, Jackson Hill in Boonville. Having had a sparse amount of snow most of the winter we were happy for Saturday’s snowfall for this outing. This meant of course the trails were not groomed.

We got to the trailhead by 10:45 and off we went. With most on skis and a few on snowshoes, we made a quick dash across the open field to the woods where the wind would torment us no more.

As we got there the groomer came thru and amongst cheers from us paved some of the trail for the day! We generally stay together as a group but that was not to be the case. Equipment issues had some of us waiting to help with that, others forged onward and those on snowshoes, who are naturally slower, had us scattered on the hill. It was like herding kittens, which way did they go?

On the plus side, we opened up many of the trails for other adventurers and a good time was had by all. A few hours out there and it was off to Kratzy’s for a cold beverage and a bite to eat, sharing stories from the trail. Check out those old Ski Doo’s.

We shared some Dove dark chocolate on the trail which have messages on the wrapper. I live by the message mine had, “Always make your past self jealous!” Making each day better than the one before, the adventures continue to outdo the ones from before. This year has already had a trip I never dreamed possible. Don’t blink when those opportunities present themselves, mash that gas! Hope you all had a great weekend, see you on the trail.

Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Madonna Fellows

Four of us pre-hiked Chase Lake in the week ahead of the scheduled date.
This is located in the Shaker Forest near Bleecker NY, not to be confused with Chase Lake in the Independence River Forest near the Otter Creek Horse Trails.
Leaving from Middleville, it is about a 45-minute ride to the trailhead.

The trail was snowy and very wet, with several small stream-crossings and one large one at the Chase Lake Outlet. We were able to make it across this fairly easily due to a snow bridge. However, it was not an easy hike with the conditions underfoot. It was a constant balancing act, never knowing whether your feet would slide or posthole. We also added to the hike distance by making an unwanted detour that was heading us in the opposite direction. Thanks to Don and his GPS, we got back on track.

We made it to a very nice lean-to for a welcome rest. It was fully equipped with pots, pans, utensils, aluminum foil and plenty of firewood. However, the lake though pretty, just looked like a wide-open white field. Maybe this hike would be best done in summer or fall.

Then came the thaw in the days after, with record January temperatures nearing 60- degrees. This came with rains that created flooding conditions throughout the state.
The last dirt road to the Chase Lake trailhead had areas of deep mud that found us slipping and sliding across the road. So between the flooding, the mud, and the extremely high winds, the seven of us chose to err on the side of caution and change the hike to Nine Corner Lake. To quote Jim W., “Ever hear of Earth, Wind and Fire? Well this was Mud, Wind and Ice.”

The hike to Nine Corner Lake still had ice, so spikes were the footwear of the day.
It is a steady, rocky uphill to the lake. Madonna told us the story of tramps once taking kayaks up this trail. Another amusing story of the crazy things Tramps have done. With the icy gusts of wind and the dropping temperature we did not linger lakeside.

It was later reported that the Sacandaga River at Hope, NY, reached flood stage at seven feet at 3 p.m. Sunday. Chase Lake is only about 12 miles from there, so if we had tried the trail, it was guaranteed to be extremely wet, and perhaps impassable in places.

And according to the National Weather Service, gusts were predicted to hit 48 mph in the Capital Region. There were still about 11,000 people statewide without power as of late Sunday afternoon.

Though it was against the “Tramp nature” to change a hike due to weather, it was probably the smart and safe thing to do. Chase Lake will have to wait ’til another day.