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.
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.
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 started out on my planned route. I hadn’t gone far when I remembered I had forgotten my phone in the car. Being alone, I thought it would be a good idea to have it in case of emergency. So, back to the car I went.
Now with phone in pocket, I headed back to continue my pre-hike. Five steps later I found myself in a Superwoman pose flat out in the snow . . . WT_ ! After checking that nothing was bleeding or broken, I rolled over and attempted to get up. I discovered that was impossible and the reason why I fell. (If you tried to do this while walking you could not!) The spike on my boot was off the heel and a link of the spike was attached to the upper boot hook on my right foot (kind of like having your shoes tied together). I could not detach the spike from the boot, so removing the spike from the left boot and dragging it still attached to the right, I made my way back to car, propped my trekking poles on the side car and sat in the car to try to get the spike off the hook of my boot. Try as I might, it would not come off. I resigned myself to the fact that checking out the trail would not happen and tomorrow’s hike would be an adventure. (Little did I know atthat time how much of an adventure it would turn out to be!) I wiggled my right foot out of my boot and drove off with my shoeless foot on the gas pedal.
About 15 minutes on the road, I had one of those moments when you remember you think you forgot something. Pulling over and looking in the rear of the car, I realized my trekking poles were back in the parking lot. Back I went and retrieved the poles right where they had slid off the car as I had pulled away.
Needing both boots and spikes for the hike the next day, help to detach the trickster spike was sought. After three phone calls to various Tramps, surgeon Dr. Mark Decker answered the call. Using his surgical tools of both a small and large pair of needle nose pliers, the spike and boot were finally separated in perfect condition.
30 Tramps showed up for the hike the next day and off we went on my planned route. Two decided they would rather ski the trails, so returned to the car to get their equipment, never to be seen again! We hiked on, stopping at each intersection to make sure our group of now 28 was together. Coming to another intersection at about 2.5 miles in, I waited to make sure my co-leader was at the rear. Spotting Lu and turning to continue, I heard shouts of “Wait! We don’t have Mike!” So, we waited, and waited, and waited! Where was Mike last seen? Come to find out, he decided to put on his spikes at the last intersection about a half mile back and said he’d catch up. Sir Tom offered to go back and find him . . . Not a good idea! We all agreed that we should all retrace our steps to locate him.
Thankfully with cell phone coverage and after numerous calls, we were in contact with Mike. At the last intersection, he had not turned left like the group had, and had continued straight instead. Convincing Mike that he was on the wrong trail and to turn around, we continued to the intersection where he was last seen. The group got there before him so, Sir Tom and Kevin took off down the trail Mike was on to walk back with him. Since the crowd was growing restless, cold, and tired, we began to walk slowly back on the trail to our cars, the original loop hike being aborted. As Mike made his way back to the fold, he was greeted with an arch of trekking poles to welcome him back.
The Recovery Room in Verona seemed an appropriate place to finish off the day. All’s well that ends well! Thank you, Lu for co-leading a hike that won’t be forgotten. (Skiers, Don and Madonna, made it home safely too!)
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 the trailhead, leader Lisa greeted us warmly, all excited and rarin’ to go. The sun was still shining, and the temperature less than 10-degrees when a discussion ensued regarding the use of snowshoes vs. bare-booting the trails. During this “heated” debate, an individual saunters out of the woods without snowshoes, claiming that he bare-booted 2.5 miles. Snowshoes were not necessary. The die was cast, and off we go. Within 60-minutes of our departure, we are moaning over our decision. At the higher elevation, the snow pack was deeper, the trail not as packed thus warranting the use of shoes.
From some remote lean-to, God knows where, we trudge back to the parking area. Lisa graciously provided tea and ginger snaps, mellowing our mood. Our calves certainly got a good workout after the five-mile hike. Three tramps, refreshed, and using snowshoes, continued hiking for the balance of the day. The temperature a balmy 12-degrees.
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.
We made a loop back to the South Branch. The suggestion of walking along the South Branch back to the car wasn’t the best idea. It seems like the winter excursions with Paul sees someone going in the drink, and this time it was me. Fortunately, it was only about two feet of water and about ½ mile from the car. All in all, fantastic day!
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 didn’t matter what direction we went in: the wind came straight at us giving us all “winter facials “ whether we wanted one or not!!
All were invited back to the Higgerson’s where we enjoyed chili and cornbread prepared by chefs Heyboer and Higgerson!
How do the Tramps celebrate New Year’s? 12 hours later with a 5-mile hike and regular and high-test bubbly, jello shots, cookies, music and a ball drop.
Club president Greg was in charge of the ball drop and he executed it perfectly.
Thanks to all who attended and to Debby Waz for some of the photos.
16 adventurous Tramp & Trail members turned out to brave the cold temps – (a balmy 9 degrees) to hike 3.6 miles at Pitch Pine Bog. No complaints but plenty of fun was had on this sunny day. Three hikers stayed to add more miles, and 7 of us stopped by Dematteos for food and drink
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.
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.
