Tramp & Trail Hiking Club

#6534 and #6535 – Newcomb Weekend #10 – July 16 & 17, 2016

July 16, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

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

TnT Newcomb weekend - Hudson kayak

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.

TnT Newcomb weekend - Hudson kayak

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

TnT Newcomb weekend 2016

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.

TnT Newcomb weekend 2016

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.

TnT Newcomb 2016 Don

TnT Newcomb weekend - Hudson kayak

#6530 – South Inlet Raquette Lake – July 3, 2016

July 3, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

Write-up: Pam Carrier
Leader: Pam Carrier
Co-Leader: Joan Egan

A sunny, breezy day had 19 tramps enthused about a trip to the promise of waterfalls just two miles up the inlet. We meandered our way through the winding paths and even some obnoxious water chestnuts until we found the clear direction to our destination.
We enjoyed our lunches next to the cascading waters before approximately half of us wandered down the well-marked and sometimes very muddy trail to the original powerhouse of the Great Camp Sagamore. We paddled through the middle of the inlet back to the put-in and found our trip quite easy. A nice young man who was enjoying his holiday helped to carry our boats back up the hill!!

After, we descended on Tony Harper’s only to find it closed, however, recognizing that opening a half-hour early would increase their holiday fun, they opened for us!! John Davis and Grace McNasser tended bar and took orders while the staff ran to the store. A good time was had by all.

#6528 – Raquette Lake, Marion River – June 26, 2016

June 26, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

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

This kayak outing was a literal “Bon Voyage” for one of our reigning princesses, Karen Bernard. Meg Higgerson began the day by presenting to Karen: a royal blue princess cape, T&T princess tiara and princess wand/bug catcher. Thus began the fun of the day.

Seventeen tramps left Barneveld for Raquette Lake Village and the start of our kayak.

TnT Raquette Lake 6/26/16 Don

The day was warm with a fairly strong westerly wind. Our plan was to cross the Raquette, paddle up the Marion River to a trail leading to Lower Sargent Pond.

With the wind at our backs we easily crossed the lake passing the big island, rounded the point past St. Williams Church and meandered up the Marion River.

The original plan was to have lunch at Lower Sargent Pond, but because we were running late, we ate at the trailhead. As we were eating, four people came out of the woods and one woman had a fly patch COVERED in horse flies. At that point, as a group, we decided to forego the hike to Sargent Pond and instead find a place to swim. We did not have success on that front, but instead, a group elected to stop at St. Williams Church for a tour. Disembarking from his kayak, Roger slipped and took his own little swim. Wallet and all got soaked.

Crossing back to Raquette Lake Village, the wind was in our face and there were some substantial waves and wakes from boats, tubers and skiers. Fortunately, though tiring, it was an uneventful crossing.

After the kayaks were reloaded, Mary Pat provided delicious, chilled watermelon, perfect for rehydrating on this very warm day.

Then it was on to the Raquette Lake Hotel Tap Room for adult beverages. We sat outside enjoying our drinks and the weather, and reminiscing about the day. We toasted our departing Princess and wished her well with her move to the Baltimore area.

#6525 – Otselic River Paddle – June 18, 2016

June 18, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

Write Up: Tom O’Hara
Leader: Peter Geiskopf
Co-Leader: Mike Hardiman

It was a BEAUTIFUL warm sunny day to kayak in the Southern Tier.
15 members kayaked and had an enjoyable day.

TnT Otselic River 6/16 — **Otselic River 6/18/16**

We put in by the Cincinnatus NY Fire Hall. The “few” rifts in the water were actually “a bunch” of rifts, due to the low amount of rain levels this month. The second half of the trip was a leisurely paddle in deeper water, where we saw ducks, geese, beavers, and even some big fish. We passed woods and farmland. The slow current allowed much conversation and comradery. Only one person went swimming – unexpectedly. She said it was to “cool off.”

After our day, we landed at Tom O’Hara’s camp where he graciously cooked up Hoffmann Hot Dogs, offered beverages and set up the homemade salads contributed by members – can’t get any better than that. This was certainly a challenging trip but the participants were up to the task and enjoyed the outing on a picture-perfect day.

Maybe we can use this cottage again when we hike the Finger Lakes Trails or kayak/canoe in the Southern Tier again??

#6524 – Fish Creek – June 12, 2016

June 12, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

Write-up: Kathy Countryman
Leader: Kathy Countryman
Co-Leader: Francis Roy

Seven intrepid Tramps braved a dark, damp and very windy day to paddle Fish Creek.

TnT Fish Creek 6/12/16

Despite the leaders’ initial misgivings regarding the wisdom of kayaking in such unsavory conditions, we had quite a nice time. The wind died down, the thunderstorms didn’t materialize, and everyone got warmed up and dried out at Harpoon Eddie’s afterwards.

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

September 30, 2015 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

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

Nine 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.

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.

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.

#6411, 6412, 6414 – Newcomb Weekend – July 10-12, 2015

July 10, 2015 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

The 9^th Newcomb Weekend 2015
Total of 39 Participants

#6411 7/10 Fieldtrip to Great Camp Santanoni
Hike, Bike, Wagon Ride, 36 Participants

#6412 7/11 Kayak from Rich Lake to Lake Harris
Kayak, 27 Participants

#6414 7/12 Lollipop Loop Trail
Hike, 12 Participants

NEWCOMB WEEKEND 2015… FROM A TO Z.

A. Adirondack Adventures in Newcomb to include a visit from AAA

B. Beaver houses, bear scat , beer, bikes and bug spray

C. Carrot Cake, camping, campfires and a cookout

D. Donna Wester’s laugh as she goes down the “rapids”

E. Excellent food on Goodnow Flow

F. Ferns, Fungi, Flowers, and FUN

G. Great Times, Goodnow River

H. Hudson River… Driving over it, kayaking in it, hearing the rapids and standing on the Iron Bridge

I. Incredible Weather

J. Jumping off the Santanoni Bridge by the Blanchards , Madonna Fellows, Dianna Morris and Nina

K. Kayaking from Rich Lake through Belden Lake, Lake Julia, Fishing Brook, Harris Lake and Hudson

L. Lots of loons, tons of laughter and licking lollipops on the Lollipop TrailM. Maneuvering 27 tramps, kayaks and vehicles between the Town Beach and Rich Lake

N. Nina Caruso’s wonderful tour of Great Camp SantanoniO. Oh oh! Out of water so use the outhouse!

P. Picnics, paper plates, PTA

Q. Quiet (??) evenings around the campfire.

R.Return in 2016 to the Blackwell Stillwater on the Hudson

S. Santanoni’s rocky carriage road

T. Tramps know how to have fun

U. Unbelievable history and beauty in the Newcomb area

V. Visit by some to Tahawus, Goodnow Mountain, Adirondack Ecological Center

W. Watermelon, wine and wagon rides

X. Xtra ordinary

Y. Your leader, co leaders and hosts: Meg Higgerson, Grace McNasser and Bill Higgerson

Z. Zany times with friends

My apologies to Meg for the first posting, which somehow changed the abc’s to numbers.

Additional photos may be found at:
/gallaries/gallery-2015/july-2015/

#6404 – Cazenovia Lake – June 14, 2015

June 14, 2015 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

Write up – Susan Bell
Leader – Susan Bell
Co- Leader – Roger Felske

It was a beautiful 80 degree sunny day, knots around 5 – 10. Perfect for kayaking on the Cazenovia Lake.

After meeting at Madison Central School the Tramps traveled to McDonalds in Cazenovia to sign-in. Rick Manier lead the group to the south end of the lake on Route 20. There was plenty of parking for the kayakers to unload their boats from their cars.

Putting in at the south end of the lake we paddled on the west side perimeter and for 4 miles observing the summer camps, and year-round homes. We all just couldn’t decide which one we wanted! After reaching the end of the lake, but not going into the cove, we crossed over to east side of the lake to the Helen L. McNitt State Park. This small parking area is a site to launch canoes, kayaks and small rowboats. It also has a port- a- potty available.

TnT Cazenovia Lake - 07

Our next stop was Lakeview Park, 2.8 miles up on the south shore following East Lake Road. The waves picked up for about a mile, but calmed down.

After having lunch at Lakeview Park which has picnic tables, pavilion, and bathrooms we traveled past the Cazenovia Willow Bank Yacht Club where families were enjoying a Sunday afternoon and the weekly sailing competition was about to begin.

Rounding the lakes corner to finish our 8 mile kayak, we paddled past the Brewster Inn which was built in 1890 as the summer home of financier Benjamin B. Brewster. We arrived back to the parking lot and refreshments were served at the Bell-Manier home. After leaving, some Tramps drove around the lake to see the front of the lake houses and through Cazenovia’s historical village on their way home.

More photos of June 2015 hikes may be viewed at:
/gallaries/gallery-2015/june-2015/

#6316 New Hampshire Trip September 1-8, 2014

September 1, 2014 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

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 #6296 Essex Chain of Lakes – July 12, 2014

July 12, 2014 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

Write-ups by Meg Higgerson, Bill Higgerson, Grace McNassar
Leader of Essex Chain: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader: Sue Bell
Leader of Goodnow Flow: Bill Higgerson

The Essex Chain of Lakes was recently opened to the public. Until late last fall it was posted as leased land of the Gooley Club. When we checked out the paddle at the end of June it became clear that not all Tramps might be interested due to the 2 mile portage and the potential damage to one’s kayak. As a result, an easier option was offered…a paddle on Goodnow Flow, a private lake.

Here are 2 hike reports for #6296:
At 9 am, 11 Essex Chain Paddlers met at the Higgerson’s camp on Goodnow Flow, moved kayaks to high clearance vehicles and prepared to travel the 6 miles to the trailhead. Once there we strapped on wheels and portaged 1/4 mile to Deer Pond, someone always having to “work the kinks out” with the wheels.

We got a taste of what the Essex chain had in store as we paddled down pristine Deer Pond where we found some very unique erosion-caused rock formations.

The next portage was tough as we pulled the kayaks up a hill over roots, rocks and ridges to the dirt road. Once again on the road the portage was easier but we were soon back in the woods on our way to 3rd lake.
We stashed the wheels and began our paddle. It is hard to describe the beauty of the lake but as we paddled we saw several loons with their chicks, listened to and watched for birds, saw one or two other paddlers in the distance, caught a glimpse of the Gooley Club compound and enjoyed the adventure as we looked for the inlet to 4th lake.

Paddling through lilies of all sorts we entered 4th lake and looked for a lunch place.

What a surprise to find a perfect spot with a picnic table!! Next we headed to 5th lake where we had to pull ourselves with an overhead rope through a culvert that ran between 4th and 5th.

Across 5th, we entered a long narrow channel full of more lilies, purple pickerel weed and floating bogs with frogs, before we arrived at 6th lake.

After spending a while on 6th lake, we paddled into the wind all the way back through 5th, 4th and 3rd. In spite of that, we made quick progress always having the upcoming 1 mile portage on our minds. Again the wheels took their toll and there was much discussion as to how to attach them, where to locate them, whether to get new wheels or maybe a new kayak or better yet to work out more!!!

Most of us avoided Deer Pond on the return trip and portaged the boats on the road which went around it. Loading the kayaks we bounced on back to the Higgersons camp and arrived at 4 pm anxious for a cold drink or a dip in the Goodnow Flow. Meg

The Goodnow Flow Paddle start time was 10 am and 9 paddlers participated. Prior to the paddle, Bill gave a history of the Goodnow Flow and an overview of the upcoming paddle. The lake is 3+ miles long and is fed by the north and west branches of the Goodnow River. They paddled to the inlet of the North branch and proceeded to the mouth of the channel for the west branch. They continued up that channel to Shadow Dam. They spotted a baby mink swimming to the bank. Then they were on to Blueberry Island where they enjoyed lunch on the sandy beach. It was a leisurely paddle arriving back at the Higgerson’s camp around 2:30. Bill

At 6 pm 28 tramps enjoyed a cookout and “pot luck” hosted by the Higgersons and Grace McNasser. Grace was invaluable in getting things organized while the paddlers were paddling and the 5 hikers were hiking Goodnow Mountain. This was the eighth year that the Tramps have come to our camp in Newcomb and feedback was that they hope to be back again next year!! We look forward to it!! Meg, Bill and Grace

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#6534 and #6535 – Newcomb Weekend #10 – July 16 & 17, 2016

July 16, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

#6530 – South Inlet Raquette Lake – July 3, 2016

July 3, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

#6528 – Raquette Lake, Marion River – June 26, 2016

June 26, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

#6525 – Otselic River Paddle – June 18, 2016

June 18, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

#6524 – Fish Creek – June 12, 2016

June 12, 2016 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

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

September 30, 2015 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

#6411, 6412, 6414 – Newcomb Weekend – July 10-12, 2015

July 10, 2015 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

#6404 – Cazenovia Lake – June 14, 2015

June 14, 2015 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

#6316 New Hampshire Trip September 1-8, 2014

September 1, 2014 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment

Hike #6296 Essex Chain of Lakes – July 12, 2014

July 12, 2014 mconnors921 Comments 0 Comment