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Category: January

Hike #6012 – JACKSON HILL – January 22nd, 2012

Hike #6012 – JACKSON HILL – January 22nd, 2012

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For once we had a sunny day. Even more surpirsing, for this year, we actually had enough snow for decent skiing. We started the ski at the top of Jackson Hill.

Most of the skiers went to the inside of the loop, while a small number went to the Plantation side of the road. We had the best snow of the season. We skied to Sunfield where we went to the bottom to pick up the Merry Road trail.

After Merry Road we climbed the hill. Most people had no trouble scaling the hill.

Since this was suppose to be a short hike, we returned to the cars and drove down to the Boonville Hotel.

ByL  Richard Miller

Hike #6007 – MOONLIGHT OUTING – January 9th, 2012

Hike #6007 – MOONLIGHT OUTING – January 9th, 2012

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The weather was a concern before the Moonlight Outing.  We were pleasantly surprised to have a beautiful warm night.  The moon was visible through the clouds.  Arrived at the parking area and cars began to arrive.  They kept coming when everyone was there we had 45 Tramps signed the hiking sheet.  We gathered together and walked up to the middle road and then down toward the South Woods gate.  We could see Frank & Gene’s blazing fire as it lighted the way to the fireplace.

We gathered near the fire and enjoyed hot chocolate with a surprise in it that Meg had provided for us.  Cookies and apple cake were enjoyed by the Tramps.  As we were preparing to continue our hike, Frank provided us with a roaring fire to send us on our way.

We reluctantly left the fire and continued our walk up around the South Woods.  The moon was becoming more brilliant and we tramped along to the upper path.  Stopped at the Christmas Tree with its lovely decorations shining in the moonlight.  We continued to walk back down to the gate area.  Some members left to return to the parking area and other’s returned to the fire where Frank and Gene were putting the fire out.  Then it was back to our cars along the path near Valley View Road.  Frank and Gene provided us with a warm blazing fire, other Tramps provided us food and special drink and a beautiful evening was enjoyed by all.

By:  Barb Thomas

Hike #6006 – WILSON POND – January 8th, 2012

Hike #6006 – WILSON POND – January 8th, 2012

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What started out as a pleasant hike on a cold 9 degree day through the pristine snowy woods toward Wilson Pond was shattered by that ominous call, “Tramp Down.”   While marching through the woods approaching the first beaver meadow, the hike leader searched for a low plank bridge crossing the stream coming out of what was once a large beaver pond.  Unfortunately, the words emanating from the leader to stay single file across the narrow, “bridge” didn’t reach the last person in line, the co-leader.  Mary Connors followed the person ahead of her and cross on what she thought was solid ice or ground, not a debatable subject any longer.  Both guesses were wrong and when I heard the call, I turned, only to see an arm sticking up fifty feet away.  Running back, Madonna Fellows and Dianna Morris had pulled Mary out of the icy water that proved to be chest deep with a soft bottom.  First and only “Polar Bear Swim” of the year…..so far.

Fortunately the quick response by Madonna and Dianna help prevent further disaster.  We were a good half mile from the parking lot and Mary was soaked in almost 0 degree temperatures.  It was decided that Dianna would accompany Mary back to the car where she had a change of clothes and could get warmed up.  In true Tramp fashion, Mary was more concerned about the hot dogs for roasting then she was about getting back to the safety of a warm car and dry clothes.

Sixteen hikers continued on toward Wilson Pond ever mindful of, “I hope Mary is alright.”  From the side of the mountain Madonna made cell phone contact and found that Mary was well and enjoying a glass of wine and the New York Times at the Hard Times Cafe where we were going after the hike.

After reaching Wilson Pond and finally getting a fire started thanks to the persistent efforts of Dick Blanchard and Tom Schenck, we were able to enjoy hot dogs and brats.  I have always though that Wilson Pond is one of the coldest places in the Adirondacks and today was no different.  Heading to warmer places, most all Tramps gathered at Hard Times and were greeted by Mary who welcomed everyone with homemade cookies….that didn’t get wet.

Disaster was averted and everyone had a good time.

Lesson Learned:  Don;t rely on, “pass it back instructions”,  SHOUT IT OUT.

By Roger Felske

Hike #6005 – OTTER CREEK HORSE TRAILS – January 7th, 2012

Hike #6005 – OTTER CREEK HORSE TRAILS – January 7th, 2012

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This has been a disappointing winter for skiers and snowshoers with a snow-free December and only a few flakes falling in early January.   Because of this we were grateful to Mary Misek, who lives in the area and graciously informed us by phone that the Horse trails had 6 inches of powder.

When we checked out the ski on Friday we found she was right; and that the trails were almost unspoiled by snowmobiles.  Unfortunately, by Saturday warm weather and Snowmobiles had moved in, exposing sticks, mud and the occasional rock.

As a result most of the six non-skiers were able to negotiate a five mile circuit up the Old Number Four Trail, across the Cleveland Lake Trail and back by the Frost Pocket and Proceeding trails without even using their snow shoes.

The rest of us skied the Payne Lake Loop, taking the Beach Mill Trail and straddling the esker above the Lake before skiing down the Frost Pocket.  Four skiers, not wanting to make that climb, and in a hurry to watch Syracuse defeat Marquette in basketball took a shorter way back via Beach Mill Road.  As a result, we arrived at our post hike destination, the River Valley Inn, at different times, and the late comers discovered that earlier arrivals had eaten all the chicken noodle soup.

By:  Harold Pier

In spite of all the obstacles, everyone enjoyed one of our favorite winter outings.