Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Kevin Perez

Leader: Kevin Perez

Co-Leader: Peter Franz

Six Tramps enjoyed the beautiful snow-covered trees, majestic views, and friendly banter on a cold and sunny day. With only a couple inches of snow and numerous icy spots on the trail, we wisely chose micro-spikes over snowshoes for the climb.  While lack of snowshoes led us to forgo bushwhacking Echo Cliffs to Panther summit (after trudging through a couple hundred yards of deep off-trail snow), all agreed that the hike was still great – and that we should revisit that bushwhack in fair-weather months. 

The deep snow at the cliffs did provide a great snow-angel opportunity!

A thanks to Darlene for lending Terry her spare micro-spike (a fun story why she carries a spare) after Terry lost hers on the ascent. And a shout out to Peter Franz for his “leave no trace” attitude during our descent – he searched for and found the lost crampon!  And a “you go girl” to Deb for busting Peter’s chops on numerous occasions despite not knowing him well (our collective encouragement helped)!
I had a moment of insanity on the descent when I climbed a large rock, with a little help from my friends, and did a bare-chested proclamation (I’ll spare you that picture).
And thanks to Pete for his superb co-leading and sound judgment.

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-Leader: Ron Carvin

Known to rock climbing enthusiasts throughout the Mohawk Valley, and named after the sphagnum moss that carpets “Moss” Island, our troupe of seven saw no green while tramping through 5-inches of packable snow.  Our co-leader guide, Ron, did a marvelous job instructing and pointing out to his elder students the numerous kettle holes, the metamorphic rock, Black Tupelo trees, and a unique vernal pool generally indigenous to the Adirondacks.

One of the highlights on our sojourn was discovering an almost perfect replica of a prominent human facial profile “carved” at the top of one of the climbing walls.  Note that Peter tried to imitate the steely, grizzled look of the hardened man. We’ll let the reader decide if Pete measures up to that debonair gaze. Give him credit for trying.  

Write-up: Lisa Robertson

Leader: Lisa Robertson

Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

19 Tramps registered, 13 showed at trailhead parking lot, whereupon 3 wisely – and immediately – opted out, without ever exiting their warm, dry car. 10 of us set out on trail, cheerfully assuming the unrelenting rain would (must?) stop any moment. As it turned out, we were lucky it didn’t, because we had the usually heavily trafficked trails all to ourselves!

The constant cold, soaking rain kept us clean, even through a few muddy patches, and prevented us from overheating. Win-win! Despite all these fine weather benefits, somewhere around the 3/4 mark, the group was becoming eager to cross the finish line. Thankfully, at this point  Joe broke out his stash of leftover Halloween candy, which gave us the energy push we needed to continue on. After another mile, upon seeing a short-cut to the parking lot, the group rebellion was in full swing & we made a bee-line to our cars, skipping the last 1-mile section of the 10K loop. Shockingly, no one was anxious to stay for the additional 5K loop offered. Thank you Bobbie for co-leading, & all the intrepid Tramps for joining me on a rainy day adventure!

Write-up: Greg Sipp

Leader: Greg Sipp

Co-Leader: Tom Smith

On a beautiful day, five of us decided to explore East Pond. The group covered 9.5 miles, enjoying the scenery along the way. A notable highlight of the trip was the newly constructed bridge over the beaver pond, which added a unique feature to their journey.  We didn’t have to reroute nor get wet.  There’s also a future hike in the works to search for the Mica Mine just past Blackfoot Pond.  

Write-up: Dave Rockwood

Leader: Dave Rockwood

Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastwood

We had a group of five on this hike billed as 9 miles.  Paul, the original hike leader could not make it for medical reasons, so we picked up the torch and did the hike for him.  The trailhead toward Pine Mountain (Castle Rock/Upper Sargent Pond) is on the north shore of Blue Mountain Lake (near Minnowbrook Conference Center).  There is no trail up Pine Mountain.

We had a cool, clear day, it was spectacular!  We passed the trails to Castle Rock and we told ourselves that we could get it on the way back.  We left the trailhead at 9:00, followed the trail for 2-3 miles and then headed up Pine Mountain.  We reached the main summit by 11:00, and then hit the second summit and then headed down to Pine Pond which is south of the summit – and further from the trail we came in on.  We got to the pond by 12:30 and had lunch, it was beautiful there.

The sky was very blue and the pond was fairly calm.  We ate our lunch and then headed back to find the trail for Upper Sargent Pond to kick out on.  Due to the terrain we ended up close to Upper Sargent Pond, so we had about 4 miles to hike out after several miles of bushwhacking.

We found the trail and headed out, we came to the first trail to Castle Rock, it was ~2:45 – with 2 miles to go, or so.  We discussed, none of us really wanted another climb up at that point, so we headed back on the more level trail out.  Paul would be disappointed in us, lol.  We were out by 3:45 PM, with an 11.5 mile hiking distance.

Some highlights of the hike, summit boulders, large rocks that looked like they were split by fallen trees, Pine Lake was beautiful, and we saw a large salamander in the clear water.  We found some deep mossy areas near the top of the mountain that were around 8” deep in moss.

Write-up: Greg Sipp

Leader: Greg Sipp

Co-Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Fourteen signed up for the 3^rd attempt at the Vly, four backed out.  Even on the schedule to co-lead, the Sirtoli name rings reluctance with many, not knowing that many of us are students of his “improved hiking” teachings.  Today, instead of his 20% addition rule to distance, it was a modest 10%.

We started off the hike with Tom spilling the tea, and not the metaphor, he really spilled the tea.  Opening his trunk, tea was all over everything.  Not the way to start a hike. 

  

The trail to Hurrell Brook was muddy.  Once at the brook, the two feet of water had us recalculate the route.  Dave bushwhacked a detour around the water, getting us back to the trail on the other side.  Another couple of miles on the trail, it was time to veer off and make our way to the Vly. We got there despite the boggy, wet conditions.  

At the Vly, the cool, sunny turned into a brief snow shower, making it picturesque.  On the way out we took another detour at the brook, over a mtn. and that is where it got interesting.  A member of the group thought it was a good idea to go up a little further. Totally my fault.  A couple of minutes later, it got real.  We lost them.  Yelling and whistling got no response. We spread out, making our way to the trail.  Everyone was nervous.  We found them on the trail which was a great relief. They used their GPS to make their way to the trail.  SAR’s was about 10 minutes from receiving a satellite text message. The day ended well, putting in 12 miles.  A reminder to always stay with the group and carry a GPS, map and compass.

Guess who got lost in the woods?

Write-up: Walt Pillar

Leader: Walt Pillar

Co-Leader:

Instead of a stroll  through the woods, the first part of the hike at Basswood Pond was a trek through a waste land. DEC had, for some reason, clear cut most of the northern part of the forest and eliminated some of the trails. 

We also surprised and woke up a woman camping in the lean-to by the pond. The rest of the 4-mile hike for the 23 participants was uneventful on a warm, sunny late fall day.

Write-ups: Group 1 – Bobbie Scarpino Group 2 -Greg Sipp

Leader: Greg Sipp

Co: Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Co-Leader:

From Group 1’s leader point of view!
Aside from overshooting the seasonal road to the trailhead from the highway because it was misnamed on my map, I thought the hike was very organized! Perhaps it was the Group 2 leaders’ organizational skills that were amiss! Group 1 even had to maneuver a car shuttle that went off without a hitch! 

Dividing into 2 groups to start at the same time (9:00 by the way) and the same place worked well. By spotting cars, Group 1 could go at a comfortable pace and a shorter distance of about 5 miles, while Group 2 did their loop at the roadrunner speed they enjoy, with Paul adding as many miles as he could before the group mutinied! Both groups were able to enjoy the views along the rim.

Group 1 enjoyed lunch at the John Young Trail picnic area, where hikers may enjoy a swing ride!  Along the trek,our group had a discussion about how we used to see pheasants everywhere. Instead of pheasants, now we see turkeys around every corner. While riding back to the car left at the start, much to our surprise we spotted a beautiful pheasant on the side of the seasonal road! He must have overheard us talking about him and stood and posed a bit before heading into the woods! 

A much heartfelt thank you to Paul and Greg for stepping in to lead and co-lead a second group to allow for our various hiking preferences.  

Inman Gulf (Group 2)

The day started out a little unorganized despite a 2hr consult the hike leaders had and a schedule that clearly indicated an 8:00am meet time.  Kevin was apparently confused with daylight saving, moving the meet time to 10.  But with current tech, he was texted the trailhead and actually arrived prior to the motorcade.  Coming from Syracuse, Lisa needed a lower tech approach to get her to the trail head.  Kevin had to call her – right church, wrong pew.   A couple of minutes later she was with us.  

The 12 of us split into two groups.  Bobbie led the first group that consisted of 5 Tramps and Paul led the second group that consisted of 7 of us.  Paul’s group hiked the loop that was supposed to be 7 miles yet ended with 9 miles on our GPS’s. This is a clash of paper (maps) vs. plastic (GPS’s), and it’s ongoing with him.  With his overages, there are always benefits, and today was no different … two waterfalls, a spectacular rainbow, and just so many amazing views, and the weather couldn’t have been any better.  And, we can throw in 4.5 hours of Kevin’s non-stop questions and running commentary.

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-Leader: Tom Smith

I define a destination hike as a bushwhack excursion to a named location selected on a topographical map. It could be a remote pond, or mountain where no view is expected, but certainly welcomed. For me, and I assume the special friends who accompany me, it is a chance to engage the forest on its own terms, away from the popular, crowded trails. It is an encounter with our creator, if you will allow me that sentiment.

Our 9-mile hike on this crisp, sunny autumn day, with a cool breeze, open hardwoods splendored by exquisite yellow and red foliage did indeed have several surprises. The 2,430-foot major summit was essentially a massive rock, in fairly open woods.  Given the open forest canopy, we had a decent view of the massive Gore Mountain backside.The second minor summit, .5-mile distant was even more unexpectantly impressive – its treeless, rocky expanse was literally a carpet of tall grass.

The most unsurprising aspect of our seven-hour excursion was Sir Tom’s talkativeness.  I swear he powers himself through the woods with his incessant talking. Non-stop. I am amazed that he can eat and speak without a hitch, belching out words while swallowing. Beyond human ability, he never gets hoarse. Need I mention the car ride to and from the trailhead? Yeah, four-hours of talking. Forget about that solemn experience in the woods when Tom is around.
On behalf of our group of seven, many thanks to Cindy and Lisa for treating everyone with their delightful cookies. It was a wondrful way to end a fantastic hike.  

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino

Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Co-Leader: Lori Waterman

            On a spectacular autumn day, 27 Tramps journeyed 90 miles to the shores of Lake Ontario to experience one of New York State’s natural wonders. We were met at the entrance by the park ranger who explained how the bluffs were formed. They are drumlins made up of sediment left behind by the glaciers. Located right on the edge of the lake that looks more like an ocean, they are worn away by the waves and wind into many tall, unstable spires. They are constantly changing, eroding 12 inches every year.

The Bluff Trail took us directly to views above the earthen towers. They look like they should exist out west, not in New York State! The ranger, a bit full of gloom and doom, warned us not to go down the 180 steps to the shoreline below because the lake is unpredictable, the shoreline narrow with slippery rocks, and pieces of the bluffs could tumble down unexpectedly and kill us. But the lake was unusually calm and clear, and well . . . Tramps have an adventurous spirit! About half the group ventured down to get a spectacular view looking up at the earthen stacks from the shoreline. I’m happy to say there were no mishaps! 

  A stop at Riley’s Bar and Grill on Sodus Bay made for a great ending to the day’s wonderful adventure.