Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Mike and Janice Huss, and Steve Kalies
Leader: Steve Kalies
Co-Leader: Janice Huss

On a cool, overcast day, fifteen Tramps took a chance that the rain would hold off and set out on a new trial on privately owned land in Clinton. The property owner, Dick Knoeller, had given us permission to hike his property and had allowed Steve and Mike to cut and mark trails throughout the property. Dick had even mowed the tall grass in the field so that there would be a well-defined path for the first part of the hike. There were many wild apple trees along the trail. The sweet fragrance of fallen apples was quite pleasant and we picked some apples to eat along the way. The second part of the hike was through a hard-wood forest. As we started into the hard-woods, there was a gradual incline until we reached the highest point of elevation on the property. From there we went down a beautiful part of the trail where large trees towered over us. Then we came to the first of four ravines. Our walking poles were very helpful in negotiating the steep climbs down one side and up the other. A small stream was running through the center of one ravine and we could see a small waterfall cascading down a rock formation at one end. We stopped for a few minutes to enjoy the scene. Upon emerging from the last ravine we saw a small shed with a sign reading “Cold Drinks Here”. There, Dick had placed beer, water, and power drinks in a large cooler for all the hikers. It was an unexpected and thoughtful thing for him to do. As we were enjoying our beverages Dick joined us and we were able to thank him in person. After finishing our drinks, we continued on to the next part of our hike, the tour of Steve’s gardens.

Steve’s property adjoins Dick’s and we made our way down the long hill that leads to Steve’s property. We walked along the perimeter of his three-acre fenced yard until we reached the front of his home where we entered through a gate. Steve led the way along the many paths through his beautiful gardens, explaining about the various species of trees and plants we were seeing and also sharing the stories behind many of the sculptures nestled among them. Some of the things we saw were his formal sculptured garden, vegetable garden, apple trees, and berry bushes. It was a beautiful way to end a unique hike.

Afterward, some of us drove into Clinton for a beverage at the Village Inn, pizza at Giovanni’s Pizzeria, and ice cream at All Season Café Ice Cream Parlor. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day.