2017 Pool Season Is Here!
All Tramps are invited to play pool on Wednesday nights at Hippos – House of Billiards.
Beginners are welcome, Dick Blanchard is an enthusiastic and skilled teacher.
4:00-7:00
5160 Commercial Dr.
Yorkville, NY 13495
#6351 – Bald Mountain – December 27, 2014
Write-up: Meg Higgerson
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co leader: Sharon Kaelin
On a quest to burn some Holiday calories, 18 Tramp and Trail members climbed Bald Mountain. 
The weather was overcast but well above freezing. Because of our warm and rainy holidays, we encountered little snow on our climb.
Thankfully we all had micro spikes or crampons because we did encounter lots of rock surfaces with ice and packed snow from much foot traffic on the rock outcroppings and surfaces of Bald.
We stopped a number of times on the way up to view Third lake of the Fulton Chain.
Having lunch at the tower, we then waded through the crowds of other hikers to see the “balanced” rock. The return down the mountain was quick and after a salute to the hike leader and cookie baker, we parted ways!
Another fun day with good friends!!
#6345a – Critz Farms – December 6, 2014
Write-up: Mike and Janice Huss
Leader: Mike Huss
Co-Leader: Janice Huss
Pictures: Jim Wasielewski
On hike day, it rained the entire time we were driving to the hike, and continued pouring for the duration of the hike and drive home.
In spite of that, the hearty tramps braved the rain and assembled for a picture as proof that they are true tramps.
Our picture-taker, Jim Was., had some problems with the angle. May not have taken his meds this morning… or perhaps he had the right idea and got our best side.
The trail started out in pretty good condition but soon turned to mud. The dedicated tramps ignored the hardships as they wallowed through increasing amounts of mud and standing water to continue their 2.8 mile journey to New Woodstock. The return trip was just as bad but the promise of lunch at the Critz Farm Café kept everyone going. The food at the café was good and hot, and the wood burning stove helped us begin to dry out.
After lunch we headed to the Harvest Moon Cidery Tasting Room. For many people this was the best part of the day. As you can see below, for Francis Roy the tasting glass was too small and he opted to do a “whole bottle” tasting.
After the cider tasting we adjourned to the Balsam Gift Shop before starting our soggy ride home. Despite the downpours, mud, and standing water, a great time was had by all.
#6345 – Sis and Bubb Lakes – November 30, 2014
Write-up: Sharon Kaelin
Leader: Sharon Kaelin
Co-leader: Carolyn Eastman
On the last day in November, with mild temperatures, 21 tramps set out to hike around Moss Lake with a side trip to Sis Lake passing Bubb Lake.
With little slushy snow left on the trail, the hiking was quite easy. We had good weather and good company as we lunched at Sis Lake.
With a total hike of about five miles it was a nice day.
Hike # 6344 – Carpenter Rd. – November 24, 2014
Write-up: “The gang of seven” (but really Paul Fortin)
Leader: Paul Fortin
Co-Leader: Meg Higgerson
On a fine cold Saturday, seven hardy Tramp N Trail members met at Boonville’s Burger King. Being that the official leader was out of town, Paul substituted. As his second, Meg was there to assure no one got lost. Sir Tom, George, Mike, Sharon and Mary Pat rounded out this fine core. Yes, Mary Pat of water fame. Despite low numbers, ’tis usually a hike that brings out 15 to 20, a fine plan was devised by ’em to shape up the majority of DEC trails on Carpenter RD.
So off they went, with high hopes of a fine day out of doors, among friends, clearing the trails of fallen trees and branches, trimming up and back bothersome twigs, boughs and leafless limbs. Up Cone Trail they ascended, trekking into the brisk north wind as it swept across the open field on their left. A chill it was. Up a hill, then a dip down, another hill, and dip, with a flat section thrown in, the trail opened before them. Needing a little clipping and pruning, just enough to allow a skier to easily herringbone up or snowplow down those hills and dips.
One swamp they approached. Paul checked its strength and soundness by jabbing his hiking poles into the ice, “Not worth it.” So, around it they went. Mary Pat sighed. Along they ventured to a second smaller pond. An easy walk across for one and all it was. A strong sense of security and enthusiasm was developing amongst the friends, because the maintenance job was happening and the trekking was warming them against the elements. About 3 quarters of a mile in, another swamp sat at the bottom of a hill. Paul stepped onto it, jabbing as before and across he easily moved. A crack here and one there was reminiscent of settling ice. Sir Tom followed, as did Sharon and Mary Pat. Just about then, when four were on board, Paul’s right boot was swallowed by the small hole in the ice, and bounding out he went.
Not satisfied with a taste of a human’s foot, the ice opened a bit more for Sharon, looking for those knees of hers, not caring whether they both were straight or not, A bite it took, but upright she stayed and escaped unaided. By now Sir Tom was knee deep too, as Mary Pat, of infamous water fame, listed to the right, just about ready to float in the icy aqua next to him. Sir Tom, escaped to the nearby highland, maybe he has ugly, hairless knees. But the water didn’t want him. No, Mary Pat, that’s who it wanted. For be it a warm summer day in her kayak, crossing a wooden bridge or rocking hopping a creek, she seems to slip-up and in. And so there she was, floundering about. Suddenly, instead of splashing in, as her friends watched, Sir Tom extended a hand, a helping hand one might say, which she eagerly grasped. Paul seeing Sir Tom’s bravery leaned out to also aid her in being free of the water’s throes. And thus their trimming ended, wet, but safe. This 25-minute hike was surpassed with a very enjoyable 45 minutes at the Boonville Hotel, dry and warm at last.
Hike # 6340 – Chimney Mountain – November 15, 2014
Write-up: Nancy Coleman
Leader: Nancy Coleman
On one of the coldest days so far this season, 17 brave and hearty Tramps met to climb and explore Chimney Mountain near Indian Lake. The sky was clear, but the air was crisp. We had promised 2 groups in case some hikers wanted to take a slow ascent, but that wasn’t needed. All the hikers kept a pretty brisk pace.
We decided to go to the top and explore the cave region on the descent. Everyone had fun climbing on the rocks and scaring their friends by going too close to the edges. We ate lunch at the top in the sun but not out of the wind.
On the way down we veered to the right and followed herd paths around, looking for the biggest caves. Frequently you’d hear, “ I found a big one over here!” and everyone would go there to explore.” The caves had been closed since October 15 for the safety of hibernating bats. That was a relief to me as leader, since I had heard stories of Frank Guilfoil needing a rope rescue years before. It was less windy, thus much warmer in this area, which would have been a better choice for the lunch spot.
We stopped at Logan’s in Speculator on the way home for an adult beverage and many laughs.
Hike #6337 – Trenton Greenbelt – November 8, 2014
Write-up: Carol Dippolito
Leader: Mary Lou Miller
Co:Leader: Carol Dippolito
We had 22 hikers show up for the leisurely hike through the Trenton Greenbelt. It was a beautiful Fall day and the trail was delightful. We ended up having two groups at the half way point as Carol took a couple of hikers back the way we came, while the rest of the group went down the gullies and back. As the shorter group came out, we saw the other group coming out at the same time. What’s the chance of that? Everyone went home to get ready for the dinner that night.#6316 New Hampshire Trip September 1-8, 2014
Write-up: Madonna Fellows
Leader: Madonna Fellows
54 Tramps ventured off to North Conway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for a full week of adventure. Upon arrival, the search for the right room in the right house began. Once settled into our own space we were ready to let the good times roll.
Our week started with a kayak trip down the beautiful Saco River planned by Lu Blanchard.
Blue skies and hot weather made it ideal to stop and take an occasional dip in the amazingly clear water.
All went well until a few people capsized pinning Kathy Countryman under two kayaks and unable to free herself. After a few very scary moments, she was released and although a little shaken she breathed a sigh of relief and paddled on.
Don Fellows could not resist the challenge of a rope swing only to discover that the very rope swing was the source of many broken bones over the summer.
On Wednesday, off we went on our bikes.
Don Fellows led a group on a 30 mile ride stated to be “downhill” but appeared to be mostly “uphill”. The scenery along the route was spectacular.
Chuck Balser jumped into his biking clothes and was off leading a shorter ride only 15 minutes after arriving in North Conway. In spite of having no prior knowledge of the route, he managed to bring all the bikers back safely.
A barbeque at the Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brew Co. on Wednesday evening was enjoyed by everyone thanks to the terrific planning by Jean Yost.
On Thursday, a group embarked on the Scenic Conway Railroad for a trip up through Crawford Notch arranged by Deb Roberts. Another beautiful clear day made this a trip to remember by those who joined her.
On Friday, a hike up Mt Chocorua led by Dianna Morris and Jim Waz was the highlight of the hikes. Again the stellar weather only added to the enjoyment of the views at the top of the mountain. Though difficult in nature, it was well worth the effort.
Special congratulations go to John Gilbert and Charlene, Tom Smith and Doug Waz for successfully reaching the summit of Mt Washington at 6’289 feet.
Aside from Kathy Countryman nearly drowning on the Saco River, Don Fellows injuring his shoulder trying for the “perfect” photo while in Dianna’s Bath, Kathy Davis requiring stitches in her hand after falling while looking for a phone booth and Mary Pat Connors with a bruised foot caused from a runaway towel bar, we had a wonderful time.
We hiked, biked, kayaked, swam, shopped, ate and drank, but most of all we laughed. Never let it be said that “tramps” don’t know how to have a good time because when in the company of our tramp family, how could we not.
[Coming soon: The full set of photos of New Hampshire in the Gallery-2014]
Hike #6309 High Peaks Weekend August 15-17, 2014
Write-up: Roger Felske
Leader: Roger Felske
Co-leader: Dick Blanchard
As we approached our 24th annual High Peaks Weekend. I began to wonder, as I have every year, what would the weather be for the weekend? The long-range forecast projected possible rain on Friday but clearing and sunny on Saturday. I could only hope. Since the club purchased the canopy a few years ago, we really had not had any significant rain. Hiking high peaks and camping in the rain is really not a lot of fun.
Again this year we headed for Heart Lake, owned by the Adirondack Mountain Club. We reserved 3 tent sites and 3 tent cabins the previous year. This provided plenty of room for this year’s participants also, 24 in all. (20 on site, plus two in town and two renting their own site.)
By the time I picked up the meats for grilling on Friday and Saturday night, I was getting a later start for Heart Lake than I had wanted to. However, I knew my trusty co-leader, Dick Blanchard and his wife Lu would be on the site getting organized. And sure enough, upon arrival, there they were just waiting for enough hands to erect the canopy. At 30’x12’ it takes a lot of tramps to do this. Before long, the “maestro” was directing the unpacking, sorting and assembly of a myriad of pieces.
Soon, “Voila!” our shelter was up! This year, for the first time, we used the side curtains as a wind block. We ended up with a nice cozy dining room with 3 tables. The cooking area was at one end with a separate 12×12 canopy.
There was much good food, adult beverages, hustle and bustle and laughter under the canopy. We spent the evening around the campfire discussing where we were hiking on Saturday, what time we would leave and what we needed to bring. As always, we rehashed for the umpteenth time stories from the past years: celebrating Ted Thomas’s birthday under a tarp thrown over a picnic table; Don Fellows tying a rope around a rock to throw in a tree to anchor a tarp we could actually walk under; Mary Edith flipping over in her hammock and not being able to get out; and on and on it goes…
No azure skies Saturday morning. With threatening overcast skies we were off on our five separate destinations; 13 to Whiteface and Esther with yours truly, 4 to Dix led by Tom Schenck, 2 to Indian Pass, 2 to Cascade, and 1 in search of a generator in Saranac.
Getting to Whiteface requires climbing over the old Marble Mountain ski area, which is a very steep trail underneath the old ski lift.
Two youthful guys passed us and made a comment, “Is there a bingo game at the top?” Young whippersnappers! The trail to Esther is off the ridge line to Whiteface and was muddy, to say the least. But it is an easy climb of 1.2 miles.
Coming back from Esther, we picked up the Whiteface trail again and crossed over a new ski trail being cut on Whiteface. The lift was in and probably being readied for this winter.
The trail became steeper as it wound its way high above the ski trails below. Climbing even higher we came to a man-made rock face supporting the highway to Whiteface summit. Laughingly I started to climb the rock face in lieu of following the trail, when suddenly Gail Hannahs said in a panic-stricken voice, “Roger, I can’t climb that, I can’t!” It was supposed to be a joke but then I felt bad, although it was funny!
As we climbed along the rock face we kept getting closer and closer to the road. Suddenly I was able to look over the retaining wall and surprise, surprise, oh my God, there was Bill Higgerson parked by the side of the road. The 13 of us heading to Whiteface and Esther had a special treat waiting for us at the end of our climb. With minor nudging, Bill Higgerson had offered to pick us up at the top of Whiteface and drive us back to our cars, which made our day! Bill had parked there earlier after Dick Blanchard, Carolyn Eastman and Deb Roberts had popped up in the same spot.The three of them had decided not to do Esther since Deb has a hip that needs replacing and Carolyn had blisters acting up from her Northville Placid Trail trek. Bill had taken them to their cars and returned to wait for the rest of us.
We finished our hike to the top, took pictures, had some soup, coffee, and the best cookies ever, before heading back down…in a car. Sorry Barb. [Thomas]
We arrived back at camp just in time to fire up the grill and prepare dinner. Saturday night is always fun because of an abundance of tall tales told about the day, including of course, mud, rain, views, no views, aches, need for a shower, need for a cold drink etc.
It was a little damp sitting around the campfire the second night. But that didn’t deter anyone from sitting there.
Dick “Flash” Blanchard started a flashlight contest and there was quite an array of extendable lights, mini lights, headlamps, and lights with various lumens. “Flash” is an expert on lumens, in case you didn’t know. We even learned from Dave and Mark Huxtable how to tip cows over and trim their hooves. You can learn a lot from a group of tramps. Finally the rain prevailed and we turned in for the night, of course, wine played no part in our turning in!
Sunday morning, Lu Blanchard prepared, with assistance from a number of Tramp women, beautiful blueberry pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, muffins, coffee etc.
Both Saturday and Sunday morning, Bill Higgerson had coffee on at 5am for the early risers. I have to add, Harold Pier was always the early one up making coffee, not quietly either. Harold could sound like a marching band the way he rattled all the pots and pans. Bill is stealthy by comparison.
The Sunday morning ritual of breakfast, packing up and taking down the canopy is always a little sad but we are left with many fond memories, a lot of laughs and hopefully enough desire to do it again next year.
As we got ready to leave, Colleen Felske’s car wouldn’t start, DEAD BATTERY. Colleen, with no cell service, asked, “how do I get in contact with AAA to give me a jumpstart?” Dick Blanchard overhearing this got the biggest grin on his face and immediately pulled a battery car starter from his car and had Colleen on the road in five minutes. THAT made Dick’s weekend. Who but Dick?
Next year, the 25th Anniversary celebration will be August 7, 8 and 9.
Hike #6307 Bear Lake – August 9 2014
Write-up: Richard Miller
The day was cool, great for hiking. The trail was in good shape. When previewed, there had been a great deal of rain and some of the watercourses were difficult to cross. Fortunately, the rain had abated in the days preceding the hike so this was not a problem. Then stopped at Kratzy’s for a quick beer.
The only annoyance on the hike was the presence of a closed lane on the Mckeever bridge. Traffic backed up to the center of Otter Lake on the trip to the Lake and a mile on a half on our return from it, fortunately, on the return, traffic let us through the line so we could return home.