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Hike #6105 – NORTHVILLE PLACID TRAIL PISECO TO WHITEHOUSE – November 17, 2012

Hike #6105 – NORTHVILLE PLACID TRAIL PISECO TO WHITEHOUSE – November 17, 2012

What a fun day!!!   Thirty one Tramps laughed as we attempted to organize ourselves into 2 groups.  One group would drive to Whitehouse and hike the NPT to Piseco.  The other group would start their hike at Piseco and hike to Whitehouse.  When the two groups met, a car key exchange would occur and we would drive one another’s car. The goal was to have enough high clearance vehicles go to Whitehouse, enough drivers and room to carry all participants to our final destination at the Oxbow Inn.

The day was crisp and clear as we hiked along the well marked trail.  We rock hopped and crossed numerous brooks and streams along the way, observing much beaver activity.  Both groups took several side trips: to the remnants of the Whitehouse where we walked out on the long suspension bridge over the West Sacandaga, to the Buckhorn Lake, and the Piseco group hiked toward “Big Eddy”.

There was a lot of anticipation as to when the two groups would meet along the trail.   The Whitehouse group drove an additional 30+ miles to the trailhead while the Piseco group had started hiking much earlier.   What a surprise when both groups met at the Hamilton Lake Stream Lean to!  After lunch, we exchanged keys, and continued our respective hikes expecting to meet at the Oxbow again close to the same time.   When the Whitehouse to Piseco group arrived at the Oxbow, the other group was not there.  It was close to an hour before they arrived, but there was much concern that we had lost 50% of our group to say nothing of our vehicles.   The Piseco group had hiked an additional side trip toward the Big Eddy and that was the cause of their late arrival.  It was a terrific day aided by great weather and good friendship.

by Meg Higgerson & Madonna Fellows

Hike # 6068 – NORTH LAKE – July 22, 2012

Hike # 6068 – NORTH LAKE – July 22, 2012

With the current drought water is low everywhere, especially in the Moose River, so we had to change our planned Tramp and Trail kayak from Nelson Lake to North Lake.  North Lake is one of three reservoirs, South Lake, North Lake and Kayuta Lake that were built back in the nineteenth century to impound the waters of the Black River, ensuring a steady water supply for both the Erie Canal and the water powered mills of the Black River Valley downstream.  It still serves these functions but also provides a marvelous source of recreation.

To reach the lake you start at the Buffalo Head restaurant in Forestport Station and drive on North Lake road, a journey that twists and turns for what seems to be an eternity and becomes unpaved shortly before reaching the lake.  You cross the dam and the state canoe and kayak-launching site is immediately on the left with plenty of room for cars.

Twenty-five Tramps launched twenty-one kayaks and two canoes and headed up the lake with a steady, refreshing wind at our backs.  There are a number of camps at this end of the lake and our peaceful paddle was disturbed somewhat by the roaring of a Skidoo.  Further up the lake the shores are much wilder and there are numerous State approved primitive campsites.  In this quiet part of the lake we were rewarded by seeing a pair of loons with two downy chicks.  We stayed well out of their way so as not to disturb them and continued on our way.  After about two miles we stopped for lunch at a pleasant beach where many of us swam in the warm water, although the mucky bottom spoiled some of our swimming pleasure.

After this we paddled up to the inlet where the Black river usually provides an opportunity for further exploration.  Today, however the water level was down a good four feet from normal and the Black was a mere trickle wending its way through giant boulders.  We turned around here and fought a moderate head wind and pleasant waves back to the launching site.

By:  Harold Pier

Hike # 6064 – JOHN’S BROOK LODGE (JBL) – July 13-15, 2012

Hike # 6064 – JOHN’S BROOK LODGE (JBL) – July 13-15, 2012

On July 13 twenty Tramp and Trail Club members secured a single parking place at the Garden in Keene Valley and began a 3.4 mile trek on the Phelps Trail to Johns Brook Lodge.  The Lodge has a long history, dating back to 1925 when it was built as a clubhouse for the Adirondack Mountain Club.  Previous to this the property had been occupied by squatter Mel Hathaway, a retired Adirondack guide.  A patch of rhubarb, all that remains of his garden, still grows there.  His cabin was torn down and the new Lodge constructed.  At the time, the area had been clear-cut, providing magnificent views of the Great Range.

My first visit to the Lodge came back in the early nineteen seventies when as advisor to the Utica College Outing Club I led a group of skiers in for a winter weekend.  We had to carry our own food in and cook it on an antique wood range.  A single chunk stove heated the bunkroom and sanitary facilities were located “out back.”  Things have changed.  The Lodge has been repeatedly expanded and improved and now there is a large, paneled dining room, a kitchen, two large bunk rooms and two small family bunkrooms.  During the summer months a crew of talented college students provides delicious meals, so hikers need only to bring in their clothes and bedding.

Parking at the Garden is limited and after finding a single parking place we had to use that car to shuttle our members from the Marcy Airport.  Even without having to carry food, I was still burdened with a heavy pack that I hadn’t used in 30 years.  The rubber pads in the shoulder straps had hardened and dug painfully into my shoulders.  By the time I completed the 900-foot ascent along the northern trail my legs were barely functioning.  All of us were grateful to reach our goal and immediately donned bathing suits and immersed ourselves in the icy waters of Johns Brook after which we retired to the broad porch of the Lodge to enjoy views of Gothics and the Wolf Jaws and to watch an endless parade of hikers seeking the high peaks.  This place is truly a crossroads and in a matter of moments you find yourself in pleasant conversation with peak baggers describing their goals and the mountains they intend to climb.

Soon the enticing scent of pot roast lured us into the dining room after which we engaged in a fearsome game of pitch (the men beat the women) followed by a very instructive lecture by a Peak Steward describing alpine vegetation and the successful efforts of the peak stewards program to protect rare plants that grow only above tree line.  The gas lights in the dining room were lit, but most of us piled into the tiers of the co-ed bunkrooms. Communal sleeping has its drawbacks and even though the lodge provides a large supply of earplugs, the rooms reverberated with myriad snores.

Breakfast of French toast was served at 7:30 and by 8:15 most of us had hit the trail to the Wolf Jaws.  Four of our members sought other high peaks:  Saddle Back, Basin and Haystack and these longer, tougher hikes required them to leave before breakfast.  Bonnie Sanderson needed only three more peaks to complete the magic 46 mountains above 4000 feet and hoped to bag two of them, Haystack and Basin, before the day ended.

The trail to the Wolf Jaws crosses Johns Brook and immediately begins to climb.  A short, downhill stretch brought us to the Wolf Jaw Lean-to, already occupied by sleeping climbers.  Shortly after this the trail crosses a huge slide that plummeted from Armstrong Mountain when Hurricane Irene struck the area last fall.  The devastation of this slide, the tangle of rocks and huge trees carried down the mountainside is hard to visualize and even the picture that I show does not do it justice.

Steady climbing brought us into the Col between Upper and Lower Wolf Jaws after which we turned left to ascend the shorter, lower peak.  Climbing immediately becomes steep, requiring many struggles to clamber over high rocks, but as the elevation increases, so do the magnificent views of the high peaks: Marcy, Algonquin, Giant, and closer, Upper Wolf Jaw, Armstrong, and Gothics.  After lunch at the summit we descended to the col where half the group, including myself, elected to call enough enough.  The rest continued on for another mile and an even steeper climb to the summit of Upper Wolf Jaw.  Those of us who returned early rejoiced in another cold bath in Johns Brook.

We retired to the porch and while we relaxed a black throated green warbler flew against one of the picture windows and stunned itself.  We tenderly placed it in the shade of a balsam fir and after about an hour it recovered and flew away.

The other hikers returned a couple of hours later and the group who had climbed Haystack, Saddle Back, and Basin came in around 5:00 having had to curtail their climbs due to running out of water.  We enjoyed another delicious supper, but worried because Bonnie and her friend had  still not returned.  Finally as dusk was falling they came trudging up the trail, looking like the ghosts of Christmas Past.  A tremendous cheer went up and we allowed ourselves to go back to the bunkrooms.

The hike out the next day was all down hill and much easier and I am grateful to some of my fellow Tramps for lightening my load.  This was my second Wolf Jaw ascent and I found it much more difficult than the one I made 40 years ago.  I feel I must misquote a phrase I think I learned in an Italian Course a while back: “Im Boca del Lupa.”

By:  Harold Pier

Hike # 6063 – RICH LAKE AND FISHING CREEK – July 8, 2012

Hike # 6063 – RICH LAKE AND FISHING CREEK – July 8, 2012

Members of the Tramp and Trail Club spent four days camping, climbing and kayaking in the vicinity of Newcomb, NY.  Many of us camped at the Lake Harris Camp ground.  Some of our adventures on a kayak across Rich Lake and up one of its sources, a narrow stream that meanders through bog lands and magnificent forests.

We put in at the public access to Rich Lake, a beautiful wide, sandy beach, and immediately found ourselves fighting a fierce wind and respectable waves.  Eventually we reached the shelter of Fishing Creek and began paddling against a strong current.  Rounding a bend we encountered our first beaver dam but were able to cross it without leaving our boats.  Shortly thereafter we reached a much more formidable dam, and it took a team effort to get everyone out of their kayaks, across the dam and back into their boats again.  This was not accomplished without several dunkings, but the day and the water were warm and no harm was done.

New vistas greeted us around every bend in the twisting water way.  Flowers were everywhere, white and yellow water lilies and a tiny water lily whose size and appearance was reminiscent of spring beauties but whose name I do not know.  Along the banks bloomed marsh milkweed and a white flower that I thought was Labrador tea, but later study proved me wrong.  If any of my readers can help me identify this beautiful shrub I would appreciate a response. Purple pickerel weed is just beginning to bloom in abundance. At one point we saw a large bear footprint in the clay on the edge of the stream and there was plenty of evidence of beaver activity.

After a couple miles we reached a fork in the stream, and took the right fork, the left being rocky and not very navigable.  Soon we heard rushing water and were forced to end our quest by rapids and waterfalls issuing from beneath a steel truss bridge.  Returning we were able to ride the current across the beaver dam and with the wind at our backs we made quick progress across Rich Lake to our put-in spot at the beach.

By:  Harold Pier

Hike # 6056 – LAKE ABANAKEE – June 23, 2012

Hike # 6056 – LAKE ABANAKEE – June 23, 2012

It was a good day! A group of the Tramp & Trail Club members drove up to Lake Abanakee on Saturday for a sun-filled day of paddling a beautiful Adirondack lake. We left Utica in sunshine and low humidity – perfect weather for kayaking. By the time we got to the lake, we had driven through a few sprinkles and saw clouds off to the east accompanied by thunders low rumblings.

We soon had all of our kayaks/canoes in the water and began paddling along the eastern shoreline. It was a wonderful day to be out on the water; the sky was beginning to fill with billowing clouds, but most of the storm seemed to be way off to our east. Soon we left the main part of the lake and headed off into a winding waterway that we hoped would eventually lead us close to Indian Lake. We began winding along the waterway as it narrowed and the banks closed in on us.

At one point, as we rounded a bend, our leader stopped his kayak. As we all slowed behind him, we understood the reason for the stop – ahead was a flock of ducks – who soon proved to be used to people as they all came close to our vessels looking for a handout. When we decided to keep our lunches for ourselves, they went on their merry way in one direction and we continued on in another. A few bends later we saw a mama duck and her four fluffy-feather wee ones trying to hide along the banks’ overhanging bushes. She was not at all happy to see us and we soon paddled onward and left her and her wee ones in peace.

Pretty soon we came to a blockage – a small beaver dam – and had to turn around. It was a good time for a lunch break. As we sat in a narrow channel and ate we realized that both ahead and behind us the skies were blackening quickly. The low rumbling thunder that had kept us company up to now suddenly began to pick up in intensity so we finished our lunches and headed back to the cars.

As we came out of the channel the quickening winds tried to pull pour paddles out of our hands and, combined with the current, tried to drive us back into the channel. We paddled swiftly and made it to shelter under a bridge just as the skies opened up in torrential rains. We sheltered there for a bit, trying to remain under the bridge even though the wind and current tried to drive us back out. Finally, a few foolish ones of us decided we could get stuck under that bridge for quite a while and we might as well make a run for our cars – only ½ mile from where we were. This would not be the first time that the Tramps would find themselves rained on during a club adventure.

By the time we made it to shore, most of the rain had ended although the rumbling, receding thunder still kept us company as we stowed our gear on and in our vehicles and headed for home. What had started off as a day filled with thoughts of leisurely paddling in a sun-kissed Adirondack lake turned into a battle with the all Mother Nature could toss at us. Today we left feeling exhilarated at having overcome – it was a good day!

By: Dianna Morris

Hike # 6055 – GORE MOUNTAIN – June 17, 2012

Hike # 6055 – GORE MOUNTAIN – June 17, 2012

Two years ago I gave up downhill skiing when I fell off the chair lift at Gore Mountain, reasoning that if I wanted to continue hiking it would be better not to be breaking my legs, but when the Tramp and Trail Club announced an ascent of Gore’s summit I couldn’t resist a chance to return without skis.  This climb is not for the novice hiker or the faint of heart.  Gore tops out at only 3583 feet, making it ineligible to belong to the famous 46 Adirondack peaks of greater than 4000 feet in elevation.  In spite of this, a vertical ascent of 2560 feet and a ten-mile hike to reach the top makes this more difficult than climbing many of the 46.

The trail to the summit existed long before the ski slopes were established and was reopened in 2007 after being abandoned for many years. Because Gore is known more for downhill skiing than for hiking, the trail is only lightly used but it is a real gem, passing through a mature forest of magnificent red oaks, towering hemlocks, beeches and paper birch.  Shortly after leaving the parking lot we began a steady, gradual climb with a few steep pitches.

The most beautiful but also the most difficult part of the trail started with a climb up the precipitous bank of Roaring Brook.  Here we had to scramble over rocks and cautiously negotiate the sloping edge of the bank.  The trail twists and turns and it is important to keep a close eye on the blue trail markers. This would be especially treacherous on a rainy day. Far below the brook cascades over many waterfalls into deep pools and if time had permitted we would have been tempted to take a dip in those cool, clear depths.

Although it was difficult to see them in the dense forest we heard the songs of many birds, an assortment of thrushes, ovenbirds, white-throated sparrows and a winter wren.  The name of this latter bird refers not to the season when it sings but to its song, which like upstate New York winters seems to go on forever.  The white blossoms of bunchberry, a dwarf dogwood, adorned the trailside.

At about two miles, the trail reaches North Pond Reservoir where roaring brook is impounded, providing water for snowmaking equipment.  It now leaves Roaring Brook but then follows another, smaller stream.  Along the way we crossed many ski trails, broad highways cut through the forest, and eventually emerged on a gravel access road that threatened never to reach the summit and its fire tower.  Black flies now made their appearance and tormented us in spite of a cooling breeze as we ate our lunches at picnic tables and enjoyed a panoramic view of the High Peaks.

Descending a mountain requires less cardiovascular effort than climbing but is tough on aging knees, so we were happy to recline on a carpet of wild thyme and feast on ice cold watermelon, a fitting end to a rewarding climb.

By:  Harold Pier

Hike # 6054 – ONONDAGA LAKE PARK, June 16, 2012

Hike # 6054 – ONONDAGA LAKE PARK, June 16, 2012

This outing got off to a rough start when we learned, late Friday night, that there would be a major power-boat race at the park on Saturday. Many of the hiking and bike paths were to be closed and our picnic area was going to be the main viewing place for the race. Therefore, we opted to move our event to Lock 20 in Marcy. It was a spectacularly beautiful day with sunshine, blue skies, and temperatures in the low 80s. Four people kayaked the canal, six hikers took the trail toward Oriskany, and nine people biked to Utica. Ted Thomas volunteered to stay back and watch over the coolers. Always prepared, Ted had brought a comfortable chair and a good book. After everyone had returned to the pavilion, Mike Huss fired up the charcoal and soon we were treated to aromas of hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage, and chicken cooking on the grill. The day had gotten quite warm and everyone was grateful for the shade of the pavilion while we enjoyed delicious food and the company of fellow tramps.

-by Mike & Janice Huss

Hike # 6053 – MONTARIO POINT – June 10th, 2012

Hike # 6053 – MONTARIO POINT – June 10th, 2012

Sometimes we question whether it is worth driving 70 miles to kayak 7, but in the case of Montario Point on Lake Ontario it was well worth the trip.  Our leader took us on the winding backwaters of the protected bay. We went by beaver dams, through marshlands full of birds and ate lunch on the east side of the inlet.  The beaches on both sides of the inlet had shallow water for swimming with a deep channel dividing the two shores.  Many others kayaked to this spot from the launch and larger boats entered from the lake to troll and cast for fish.  I saw one group catch a nice size large-mouth bass.  Unfortunately it was one week shy of opening day for bass so they had to throw it back!

There was a rope swing just in from the inlet, but with the water clouded with mud & silt no

one from our group wanted to take the chance of landing on a submerged log.  We decided to take a swim, enjoy the sun and the watermelon and home baked cookies thoughtfully provided by our leader and co-leader.

It was an easy paddle on calm water.  Even Lake Ontario was on its best behavior and we could easily have paddled down the shore to our cars.  Some long-time members remembered paddling the same spot maybe 15 years back and said that the water level had changed a lot.  At one time the lake met the backwater where we launched, now there is about 150 feet of beach between the two.  They also remembered the water being much clearer. None of us were sure, but we all figured that some of the aquatic plants were probably invasive species and that is why the water was becoming choked by them.  Nature usually has checks and balances, but in the case of invasives, nature often can’t catch up with the rapid growth and propagation of these pests.

The day ended at the Rainbow Shores restaurant and motel.  Now if you have never heard of this establishment it would not surprise me as we never could have found it but for our leader having spent a lot of time in that area in her younger years.  The restaurant is a gem of a place.  It has capacity for small parties and wedding receptions, has a nice patio and outdoor seating in the back and I hear the sunsets are fantastic!  The food was tasty and though the menu offered many of the usuals their presentation was often unique.  Such as a turkey sandwich with apple slices, cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce and horseradish mayo, served with homemade chips.  As my husband often says, “It was to die for!” and big enough that we were glad we split one.  A final stop for ice cream made the day complete!

By Lu Blanchard

Hike # 6051 – ROGERS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER – JUNE 3, 2012

Hike # 6051 – ROGERS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER – JUNE 3, 2012

Nine tramps ignored the rainy forecast and 60-degree weather, and met at the starting point at the Waterville Post Office. As the time to leave approached, the skies opened up and we ran to our cars to start our drive down route 12 to Sherburne. By the time we arrived, the rain had let up and we were able to light up the charcoal, cook our hot dogs and hamburgers, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Although the grey skies continued, we were able to hike the trails of Rogers Environmental Center with only a minimal, intermittent drizzle. The usually abundant turtles were nowhere to be seen, although some sharp-eyed tramp did spot the head of one peeking out of the water. Beautiful purple, white, and yellow wildflowers, along with the fragrant aroma of various flowering bushes made the hike quite enjoyable. As we made our way back to the pavilion where we had left our coolers, cooking utensils, and left-overs, we saw a crow attacking a bag of taco chips that had been left on a table. It was closed, but the crow had ripped the bag and was enjoying his unexpected treat. A red squirrel was watching him closely, waiting for his chance to snatch up some of the pickings. We chased both of them off. Luckily, we had securely covered all the other goodies and were able to have a snack before we called it a day. One of our hikers, Greg Perez, completed his fifth hike and another, Donna Wester, who is also a geocacher, was able to find eight caches. It was a successful day for all.

-by Mike & Janice Huss

ADIRONDACK 46ERS – May 26th, 2012

ADIRONDACK 46ERS – May 26th, 2012

Four members recognized as new “Adirondack 46ers” at the ceremony held at the Crown Plaza in Lake Placid on May 27th, 2012.  From Left to right, they are Grace McNasser,  Meg Higgerson, Carolyn Abdo and Tom Schenck.    Grace who is 72 also received the distinction of being 2011’s most senior hiker  to have climbed all 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks

Adirondack Mountain trails are full of surprises!!  I was hiking in the remote Seward Range with two friends Grace and Roger on August 26, 2011.   On the trail since 6 am, it was 4 pm and we had not run into another human being when suddenly over the ridge we saw 3 hikers approaching.   We stop to chat with Carolyn, Tom and Dian and to  exchange hiking experiences as well as our starting point.   Carolyn said she was from a small town we most likely had never heard of…DEANSBORO!      What a shock since I am from Deansboro also and it turns out that though we had not previously met, Carolyn Eastman Abdo’s relatives live next door to me!!!

Carolyn and I have hiked together since our surprise encounter on Seward Mountain.   Even stranger, we learned that at one point in our lives we both were residents of an even smaller town…Gray, NY.

Below is a picture of Carolyn and I at the May 27th recognition ceremony in Lake Placid for those who have completed hiking the 46 highest peaks in NYS.

By Meg Higgerson