Tramp & Trail

Write-up by:  Nancy Coleman

Fifteen hearty Tramps set out for a difficult hike after a week of rain and snow and cold weather.  This is an 8 mile hike which includes a good amount of elevation change.  Due to the time of year with short days, we kept a good pace to get out without headlamps.

Jim and Lorrie Wasielewski and I had checked out the hike on Tuesday in the misty rain and we did take a shortcut.  One of our members had asked if the hike could be shortened.  The shortcut followed a stream that was filled with flowing water.  We had to hike on the slanted sides which were covered in snow and ice.  It was also poorly marked.  Needless to say we hope we never have to do that again and would not recommend it to anyone.

That left the actual hike partially unchecked.  Ray Spahn stayed up with me and helped me many times when the trail was unclear.

We had a wonderful spot for lunch, the lean-to at Queer Lake.  Even though it adds another 1.6 miles to hike into and out from the lean-to, it is well worth the effort.

A tired group stopped for beverages on the way home.  One hiker admitted to sleeping 11 hours after the hike.  I plum tuckered her out.