Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Meg Higgerson
#6534 Down the Hudson
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader: Bill Higgerson

#6535 Stoney Pond to Irishtown
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader: Grace McNasser

Learning the number of attendees would exceed thirty and with low lake and stream water conditions, the Higgersons puzzled over a location that would be new and exciting, could accommodate numerous cars and avoid shuttles. After meeting at our camp on Goodnow Flow, the flotilla of 31 boats proceeded another 5 miles on the dirt Chain Lakes Road to the Polaris or Iron Bridge on the Hudson. Following a carry of about ¼ mile, thirty-one kayakers bushwhacked over logs and down an embankment to the put-in on the Hudson. We had beautiful weather, scenery and companionship as we paddled up the Hudson and Goodnow Rivers, portaging over, around and sometimes through a number of beaver dams to a sand bar for lunch.

After lunch we took the current down the Goodnow, into the Hudson and paddled around the calm Blackwell Stillwater for 5-6 miles.

Returning to the camp on Goodnow Flow, 35 Tramps enjoyed a BBQ and a smorgasbord of dishes as well as numerous recounting of the days various adventures. What a surprise to see no water in the Goodnow Flow! The dam is under repair and the water was significantly lowered. We went out on the rocks between the shore and island for a picture.

On Sunday we set up a shuttle for 14 hikers. Taking a rarely used trail from Hewitt Pond, Barnes Pond to Stony Pond, we were often looking for the trail as we climbed over hill and dale. Visiting the shore of a number of special trout fishing areas, we also crossed marshes and beaver dams. The only person we met on the trail all day was Dick Blanchard’s dentist. We had a few laughs over that on the way back to our cars where we munched on refreshing watermelon before heading home.