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Category: 2015

#6466 – Moss Island – December 13, 2015

#6466 – Moss Island – December 13, 2015

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Write-up: Deb Roberts
Leader: Deb Roberts
Co-Leader: Gail Hannahs

TnT Moss Island 2015

 

Moss Island is very unique both geologically and technologically. The rock formations and potholes were formed from glacier melting. Lock 17 is one of the tallest locks in the world, and the only guillotine-type lock in the barge canal system. The tramps explored the potholes, checked out the ‘drained’ canal (for work on the power plant) and watched several rock climbers on the south side rock walls.

 

Canal

TnT Moss Island 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More photos may be seen in the Blog Gallery.

#6467 – Bochen Lake – December 19, 2015

#6467 – Bochen Lake – December 19, 2015

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Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

IMG_7776

“The snow will never be fresher.” That’s what one Tramp said as we set out on our hike to Bochen Lake. It was the first snowfall of the year, fresh, soft and light. It was one of those hikes where you weren’t sure whether to wear snowshoes, microspikes or just boots. In retrospect, after slogging through the snow, maybe snowshoes were the way to go.

It was only the second time the club had hiked the trail. The trail is primarily used by snowmobilers and fishermen. When Meg Higgerson and I checked the trail out in advance we found a couple boats, and evidence of camping up along side of Bochen Lake. There was also evidence of new work on bridges and boardwalks, possibly in preparation for snowmobile season. The day we pre-hiked was a perfect autumn day and we easily made it past Bochen Lake to Hurrell Vly. However on the day of the hike, we did not quite make it quite as far as the Vly. There were surprise events afoot and maybe we were anxious to get them started.

IMG_7777After, at the Alamo Bar in Poland, Dick Blanchard had a belated birthday surprise.
His much-talked-about fantasy of the Swedish Bikini Team was brought to life by 18 daring Tramp women. We had gotten together in advance and attempted to simulate blue bikinis on white aprons. Our artistic talents were stretched to the limit. Also, Meg Higgerson performed her costume magic and we were transformed into blonde “beauties” with wigs of yellow felt. Lu Blanchard made brownies to make the party complete. Needless to say, the “birthday boy” was surprised and delighted.

TnT Bochen Lake Jim

#6462 – Long Path North through Mine Kill State Park – November 29, 2015

#6462 – Long Path North through Mine Kill State Park – November 29, 2015

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Write-up: Deb Roberts
Leader: Deb Roberts
Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

On a beautiful sunny Sunday in late November, 18 Tramps hiked the LPN Trail thru Mine Kill State Park. We parked at the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Authority Museum, and hiked
6¼ miles total. There is a beautiful waterfalls at the far end of the Park, where they have built platforms for better views. We sat at picnic tables in the sun for our lunch break. Chapstick and being kiss-ready was a memorable moment, good for laughs…
Back at the museum, we were treated to tea, hot cocoa and popcorn by the museum staff.

Mine Kill State Park: http://nysparks.com/parks/165/details.aspx

#6453 – Root Glen and The Path at Sunset Hill – November 1, 2015

#6453 – Root Glen and The Path at Sunset Hill – November 1, 2015

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Write-up: Meg Higgerson
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader: Charlene Zebley

It was a beautiful, warm and bright November 1st as thirty hikers walked from the Hannaford Parking lot and proceeded up College Hill. What a parade! One passerby asked us what we were protesting!

TnT Root Glen ClintonWe then entered Root Glen and enjoyed typical Tramp camaraderie as we hiked the lovely shale paths of the Glen. We then left Root Glen and hiked the trails of Hamilton College. Many commented on the loveliness of these woods and the possibility of scheduling the area for a future ski.

TnT Root Glen Clinton

 

TnT Root Glen Clinton

 

 

 

 

TnT Root Glen Clinton

 

 

 

 

 

We then walked down College Hill and back toward the vehicles. Before departing, many of us took another walk through the Sunset Hill Cemetery to the new “Path” that serves as a meditation area, with benches overlooking a great view of the valley.

TnT Root Glen Clinton TnT Root Glen Clinton

The Path includes a labyrinth which is an ancient symbol that crosses over all cultures and religions. It symbolizes a journey. Our journey today was a pleasant 6.6 miles!

#6448 – Map and Compass Hike, BREIA – October 17, 2015

#6448 – Map and Compass Hike, BREIA – October 17, 2015

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Write-up: Meg Higgerson
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader Bill Higgerson

Twenty Tramps signed up for the two-evening class, Wilderness Navigation with Map and Compass. Our instructor was Mike Quinn. The program was held at the American Legion in New Hartford, where, in addition to the excellent instruction, we had a very nice meal on both nights.

Tnt map/compass BreiaOn Saturday, October 17, we proceeded to the BREIA trails where Mike had us practice taking and following Field Bearings. It was a different experience to apply what we had learned in class, to the field!

Tnt map/compass Breia

Tnt map/compass BreiaTnt map/compass Breia

#6442 – Cliffs on Good Luck Mountain – September 27, 2015

#6442 – Cliffs on Good Luck Mountain – September 27, 2015

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Write-up: Barb Thomas
Leader: Barb Thomas
Co-Leader: Lou Casatelli

A beautiful day for a hike with GREAT views!
We left Middleville with thirteen Tramps.
We drove Rt. 29 & 29A to Rt. 10 and then north to the parking area. (Total 34.4 miles)
We started out on the canoe-carry trail to the lake.
Decided to turn around and go back up to the trail that goes to the registers. (.06 of a mile to the register) We signed in and continued on the old road and snowmobile trail until we came to the bridge, then the trail went right up to the cliffs.
We made our way up, admiring some of the huge rock formations. The trail has blue markers to the top of the mountain.

TnT Good Luck Cliffs Jim
There are several rock structures along the way with possible caves.

TnT Good Luck Cliffs Jim
We arrived on top and other hikers were there. A family was cooking hot dogs and having lunch. At the outcrop, with great views, we had our lunch and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. (Weather was perfect.)

TnT Good Luck Cliffs JimTnT Good Luck Cliffs Jim
Following lunch and socializing, we started back down the same trail. We passed the huge rock formations again and returned to the snowmobile trail. We returned to the trail register and then down to the parking area.

The Tramps wanted to stop for a cold drink and they decided to go to the restaurant near the golf course, on 29A.* We sat outside enjoying the view and conversation. It was a beautiful day to enjoy this outing with the Tramps.

*Editor’s Note: The 19th Hole at Nick Stoner’s Golf Course

#6441 – Saranac Weekend, Baker Mountain – September 27, 2015

#6441 – Saranac Weekend, Baker Mountain – September 27, 2015

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Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Roger Felske
Co-Leader: Mary Pat Connors

On Sunday morning, a group of 10 Tramps met at McDonalds in Saranac Lake.

Our group from the kayak the day before, was slightly changed. We added two who had climbed St. Regis instead of kayaking, and lost one who decided to climb some High Peaks. We didn’t think anyone would come up from Mapledale just for this hike but since it was on the schedule, we did wait. Luckily we were ready to leave just as a busload of travelers arrived. It was chaotic!

We had another wonderfully clear day for our hike up Baker Mountain aka Mount Baker. This 2,452-foot mountain is located just outside of Saranac Lake Village.

TnT Baker Mtn. Roger

The trailhead begins just across from the north end of Moody Pond. It is a short .9-mile trail but is steep with an elevation gain of over 900 feet. The summit has little view, but just below the summit, there are great views of the Village of Saranac Lake, the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area, and toward the High Peaks Region. It is part of the “Saranac Lake 6er Challenge.”

TnT Baker Mtn. Roger              TnT Baker Mtn. Roger

Since this hike was on the shorter side and it was so beautiful out, we decided to add another unscheduled climb up Coney Mountain, south of Tupper Lake on NY30.

We found this trail, newly built in 2009, to be extremely enjoyable. For a mere 2,267-foot mountain, Coney offered spectacular 360-degree views from its mostly bare rock summit. We were able to see the Seward’s as well as Santanoni Peak in the east, and Little Tupper and Tupper Lake. We spent a good amount of time at this summit, basking in the sun and breeze, hating to have the weekend come to a finish.

TnT Coney Mt. Roger
Coney Mountain
TnT Coney Mt. Roger
Coney Mountain

We couldn’t have had better weather for Saranac Weekend. Our kayak and hikes were extremely enjoyable, and our time together was memorable. The only mishap was on the way home. After two members stopped to buy ALL new kayaking equipment, they hit a deer. They were fine, there was little damage to their truck, and luckily none to their new kayaks.

#6439 – Saranac Weekend, Raquette River – 9/26/15

#6439 – Saranac Weekend, Raquette River – 9/26/15

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Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Roger Felske

IMG_1991 copyNine Tramps set out on a beautiful crisp September morning from Axton Landing (off Coreys Rd. between Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake), traveling upstream toward the Raquette River Falls. There was a chill in the air when we began but soon the sun in the cloudless sky warmed us.

We passed Stony Creek, paddled under the cable enabling a small tram to cross the river and negotiated the twists and turns of this sinuous river. The most noticeable characteristic of the river was the water level. It was the lowest I had ever seen it, and this sentiment was echoed by a local fisherman. Muddy flats and rocks were exposed like never before. The low level made paddling a challenge in certain areas, where we just barely skimmed the bottom.

We paddled leisurely, soaking up the sun and the beauty of the river and the forest of silver maples and white pines. We stopped several times to get out and stretch, and to have a meal, a snack or some homemade cookies. One stop was at a popular campsite, site of a lean-to and a newly installed timber retaining wall.

IMG_1997 copy

Upon arrival at the falls, we took the hike to Lower Falls, took many photographs, and inspected the Ranger’s cabin. We were pleased that there was still a mighty flow from the upper river.

TnT Raquette River Roger

TnT Raquette River Roger              TnT Raquette River        TnT Raquette River Roger

Since we had taken our time paddling to the falls, time was of the essence on the return. We traveled rapidly with the current, without stopping, back to our cars at the Landing.

That night, a few tramps camped at Fish Creek campground, and the others stayed at the Adirondack Motel in Saranac Lake.

TnT Saranac Lake

#6437 – Twitchell Lake – September 19, 2015

#6437 – Twitchell Lake – September 19, 2015

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Write-up: Mike and Janice Huss
Leader: Mike Huss
Co-Leader: Janice Huss
Pictures: Jim Wasielewski, Mary Pat Connors

TnT Twitchell Lake 9/19/15

Twenty-nine tramps started our hike on a beautiful fall day. It was sunny, in the low 70’s, with a light but steady breeze. The beginning of the trail was a very long hill that never seemed to end. We all made it up without too much complaining by the co-leader. Once at the top, we hiked along a ridge that paralleled Twitchell Lake. The trail was well marked. This summer, our leader had joined with a group from ADK to help with trail maintenance on this part of the trail. They found that the beaver had created a dam farther down-stream and as a result the original trail near Oswego pond was now covered with water. They created an alternate trail around the dam and marked it with orange tape. We had no trouble following this new trail and picking up the original trail at the other end. We continued on and found a nice spot to enjoy lunch. The return hike was pleasant. The breeze continued and helped to keep us all comfortable.

As we came out of the woods and made our way back to our starting-point at the state landing on Twitchell Lake, we could see Jim Huss (Mike’s brother) and his friend, Tom Napier, each navigating their large rafts to the boat launch. We also discovered that Jim and Tom had thoughtfully placed enough Adirondack and camp chairs on the rafts so that everyone had a place to sit. Tom even had a picnic table on his raft! They tied the rafts together and 20 tramps boarded, with their beverages and snacks, for the start of a very pleasant cocktail cruise down the lake.

TnT Twitchell Lake  TnT Twitchell Lake

Jim Huss pointed out many points of interest along the way. We also spotted a pair of loons who had taken up residence on the lake. The loons made several appearances during our cruise, sometimes coming within good viewing distance of us.

TnT Twitchell Lake

About half-way down the lake it started to rain and our skipper decided to turn around and head back to shore. By the time we got back to the boat launch, the rain had stopped and the sun came out. Figures!! Regardless of the rain, we were able to spend an enjoyable hour on the lake, eating, drinking, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and conversing with fellow tramps.

# 6432 – Wakely Mountain Fire Tower – September 5, 2015

# 6432 – Wakely Mountain Fire Tower – September 5, 2015

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Write-up: Meg Higgerson
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader: Grace McNasser

In record-breaking heat for a Labor Day Weekend, eight Tramps drove north toward Indian Lake.

At our stop at the Speculator Firehouse, our Co-Leader offered us freshly baked and still warm blueberry muffins. We reached the trailhead around 10:45 and began the relatively flat hike for about 2 miles. The heat and humidity were quite stifling, even for the birds and forest creatures. With the exception of our own chatter, we hiked in silence.

We came to a fork in the trail. One path led to a former beaver dam and the other to the fire tower. We started to climb and scramble over rocks and roots. We all agreed that the 1194’ elevation change in that last mile was a difficult one and the heat and humidity added to the challenge.

Upon reaching the fire tower, we first sat in the shade of the ranger’s cabin to eat lunch.

TnT Wakely Mtn. Fire Tower

Sharon’s daughter Amanda joined our hike today. She is working on her “Fire Tower Challenge.” Her goal is to not only to climb all the fire tower mountains, but to have her picture taken up there doing a handstand!!!

TnT Wakely Mtn. Fire Tower
Amanda Zdanowicz

Following lunch the rest of us did gymnastics as we all took turns climbing the 8-story,
92-foot fire tower and were wowed by the beautiful views of Blue, Snowy, Cedar River and Raquette Lake. After an hour spent on the top of Wakely admiring the views and the antics, we started our descent at 1:30.

TnT Wakely Mtn. Fire Tower

The return hike was a bit quicker in spite of some trips and stumbles along the way but we all made it safely back to the cars for more solar-warmed muffins and ice-cold watermelon.

watermelon

 

Thanks to Sharon Kaelin and Amanda Zdanowicz for the photos.
Well, except for the watermelon, which I stole from the internet.
MPC