Tramp & Trail

Write-up by Barb Thomas

We left Mapledale and stopped at Sunoco Convenience Station and then continued to the Buffalo Head parking area, with a total of 29 tramps. We continued on North Lake Rd. to the intersection of Farr Rd. We drove to the plowed parking area but with many cars it was necessary to park on the roadside. The Tramps prepared for our adventure. Off we went on the packed trail. A group of college students had been in the area on an outdoor adventure and the trail was packed from their equipment sleds. (Louie and I met the group two weeks earlier at South Lake and they told us about their planned trip).

We proceeded to the beaver area and did not want to cross the area as water was visible in the open part. We crossed on the old beaver dam and made our way back to the trail. The snow was not packed on this trail and required trail-breaking in VERY deep snow.

It was lunch time and we gathered for the lunch break. It was here that some people wanted to return on the same trail and others wanted to continue to Twin Lakes about 1/2 mile. (10 continued and 19 returned on the trail back to the parking area.)

Once the larger group reached the trailhead, it took about 30 minutes for the Twin Lakes group to return. We decided to stop at the Buffalo Head for refreshments. Time for everyone to gather and talk about their adventure of the day.

Twin Lakes is a beautiful wilderness area. The dam was built in the 19th century to provide water for the Erie Canal system. It is a beautiful area for outdoor activities.