Write-up: Lu Blanchard Leader: Lu Blanchard Co-Leader: Peter Franz The Oregon Trail to North Bend was in fine shape for a March hike. Parking lot was plowed out with plenty of room- although very icy. Snow was hard-packed enough that micro-spikes were able to be used, although some preferred snowshoes and all carried them for the way out in case the snow softened. (Except for one Tramp who let himself be talked into leaving his in the truck!) The trail…

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Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino Leader: Bobbie Scarpino Co-Leader: Caroloyn Eastman             Over the last few years, we have been met with extreme weather conditions during our stay at Camp Fowler. We have dealt with a blizzard, -20 below temperatures, flooding, and the loss of electricity. This year however, except for the wind, we enjoyed nearly perfect conditions.              23 people descended upon the lodge in the woods off Pelcher Rd. in Speculator. After settling in, a spread of the snacks and beverages brought…

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Write-up: Peter Baildon Leader: Peter Baildon Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman Originally scheduled for California Road, the hike was moved to Gull Lake in Forestport due to reports of heavy logging in the California Road area.  Seven tramps started out on snowshoes joined by Bobbie and 3 others who cross-country skied.  The snowshoers made the 7-mile round trip in deep snow, stopping at the leanto for a quick lunch.  A good work out and very pleasant day! 

Write-up: Greg Sipp Leader: Paul Sirtoli Co-Leader: Greg Sipp  The days of 3 or 4 signing up for one of Paul’s hikes are long gone.  There has been an uptick in participation, with Saturday being no exception.  Nine showed up for another roll of the dice adventure.  Sunday Lake was the scheduled destination, but due to parking issues, that wasn’t going to be the case.  So, the decision was made to park down at Stillwater Reservoir and snowshoe from there.  As you can see,…

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Write-up: Peter Franz Leader: Peter Franz Co-Leader: Three tramps traversed the timber trek in tepid temperatures towards Twin Lakes which thwarted their throes.  Try as we did, the toil was tussled as the impending concern of twilight transpired. These three true believers thought…only one more tor until the lake would appear. Last calmer, tempered thoughts were transferred pierced by “One of the Three”, not to be confused by the song by James Laid.   Turn around… Turn around was the verdict. 

Write-up: Walt Pillar Leader: Walt Pillar Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino The hike started as cold, windy and snowy; but the snow ended, and it was partly sunny for the rest of the hike. The trail was microspikable even with a few inches of fresh snow. Seventeen Tramps were present and nobody was lost. Several adjourned to the Grow Brewery after the hike.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino Leader: Bobbie Scarpino Co-Leader: Lu Blanchard A Comedy of Mishaps!             Every leader knows that a hike should be checked out beforehand, especially if unfamiliar with the trailhead and trail. This leader did just that on the Saturday before the hike. Finding the entrance to the trails and parking area, I decided there was not enough snow for snowshoes, but spikes might be needed if icy spots might be encountered. With spikes on and poles in hand, I…

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Write-up: Paul Sirtoli Leader: Lisa Robertson Co- leader and photo credit – Peter Franz It was 4-degrees above zero when our small group convened at Madison with “de-fault” co-leader Peter Franz. I use the word “default” loosely since the co-leader position cycled through several volunteers before Pete agreed to assume the position. The anonymous co-leaders opted out given the frigid temperature.  Nonetheless, the brilliant sunshine lent an aura of warmth and excitement for our impending snowshoe excursion to the ponds. At…

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Write-up: Greg Sipp Leader: Greg Sipp Co-Leader: Kevin Perez After several Tramp cancellations due to being sick, five were left standing.  We started off breaking trail, snowshoeing in about 3’ of snow, all uphill.  Once we got off trail, it got a little easier with less snow in the woods.  Having no wind made the temp hovering around 24 a great day to be out.  We hit the destination of Frenchs Vly.  The Vly and woods were picturesque with the snow.   …

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Write-up: Meg Higgerson Leader: Meg Higgerson Co-Leader: Sharon Heyboer Its been snowing for days!  The windchill is bitter.  There are State of Emergency Warnings flashing across the TV screens of those who are smart enough to stay inside. In spite of this, fourteen of us decided to venture out. On the schedule it was listed as an EASY WALK.  Nope!  The day before, it was changed to moderate. Throughout this rather icy and often snowy hike to the Eagle, it…

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