Tramp & Trail

.  Harold Pier (L)

2. Nancy Coleman
3. Paul Fortin

Because the DEC circulated a warning about dangerous conditions on Adirondack lakes and because the loop described in the title above required us to ski across Spectacle Lake we changed the route to a straight in an out ski from Route 29-A to Third Lake and back, a distance of about 8 miles.  Heavy snow fell on February 17, and Saturday dawned to winds of fifty miles an hour wind chill below zero and whiteouts of blowing, drifting snow.  Because of this we were expecting a low to no turnout but were not really surprised when Paul Fortin joined us at the NBT Bank in Middleville enthusiastically exclaiming at what a beautiful day it was.  All three of us fit into Nancy’s Subaru and we began climbing Barto Hill, often having to open a window to find the edge of the road, hoping that the center was somewhere in front of us.  Conditions improved after the road branched to route 29A and upon reaching the trailhead we found an immaculately groomed snowmobile trail with evidence that one sled had already preceded us.  Conditions were fast, with good control, and the woods kept the wind down to an acceptable minimum.  When we reached the trail junction to Nine Corner Lake we saw a sign saying “Poker Run Today” so from there to Third Lake we had to diligently watch for snowmobiles headed for the Arietta Hotel.  The hills on this trail are quite steep but the trail is very wide and well maintained and today’s snow gave us excellent control.  For a good bit of the way the trail follows the edge of Burnt Vly, providing magnificent views.  We ate a quick lunch at the lake and then retired to Arthur’s in Dolgeville for hot soup. Returning to Middleville we found the road over Barto Hill was closed.  We had to get Paul back to his car, so risked a ticket or worse driving back on the closed highway through whiteouts and encroaching drifts.  Those who stayed at home probably did the sensible thing, but I suspect we had more fun.