Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Jerry Stewart
Leader: Jerry Stewart
Co-Leader: Meg Higgerson

I know you’re all wondering, “So how did your Memorial Day hike go?” With this crew it’s always an adventure and this proved to be no different. 28 met at Valley View Golf Course and away we went. Meg made ribbons with the names of Tramps who had crossed over the big divide, which we wore.

Along the golf course we went up to the Eagle. This spot is rumored to be the Inspiration Point of Utica, amazing what you learn on the trail! From there it was no longer a follow-the-leader hike. We split into groups, handed out maps, which were marked with locations of our early club founders and were off in search of old tramps. We had bio’s of some, which we sent out with the maps. Very interesting people.
Abigail Dimon was the first secretary, lead the first hike and repeated that hike for #500! The bio’s were informative and added much to the adventure. We read them aloud at the graves. It was their vision, which made the club that we enjoy today. On the way back we had an extra mileage option which half took advantage of. As we usually do, we planned to stop for a beverage. Finding that most other establishments were closed, we were invited to Scarpino’s for pizza and beer on the veranda! Thank you Bobbie!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More photos of this hike may be found in the Gallery.

Write-up: Diana Henry
Leader: Diana Henry
Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

Rainy day turned our bike day into a hike day. Seven hardy Tramps hiked the Mount Hope Reservoir trail plus a portion of the Westwood Preserve for a total of 3.1 miles on Sunday, May 27.

Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Lu Blanchard

The Susquehanna River is a great destination for a kayak in the spring. The water level is on the higher side, and there are few of those pesky black flies.

When my co-leader and I checked the route out, it was a gorgeous spring day, just perfect for our first paddle of the season. The birds were in full chorus. We spotted many sandpiper-type birds along the shore along with a pair of common mergansers. There were many ferns with fiddleheads, a spring delicacy just out of reach.

It also was a reminder for us to bring sunscreen, as we both got good sunburns.

Of course, when it came time for the actual paddle, it was cool, overcast and drizzly. Seven of us braved the weather, but by the time we started paddling it became clear. We even had some sun peek through the clouds later in the day. We put in at Crumhorn Landing and did an up and back north to the bridge. We had a fairly easy paddle even against the current.

We saw a few other paddlers really moving fast, possibly practicing for the General Clinton Regatta the following weekend. This is a 70-mile endurance race on the Susquehanna from Cooperstown to Bainbridge. Our very own Roger Felske designed the logo for this race when he was young and lived in Bainbridge.

Our group ended the day at Redneck BBQ in Cooperstown. I don’t think any of us sampled the barbecue but the beer was cold and tasty.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-leader: Carolyn Eastman

Seven lady Tramps showed up at Gems Along the Mohawk in a steady cold rain. The forecast for all of New York State for the entire day called for the same. Rather than drive an hour and a half to walk in the rain, we decided instead to don our duck feathers and webbed feet and slosh east from Mohawk along the canal. 2.5 miles later we came to German Flatts and the Fort Herkimer Church.

This church is one of the most historically important buildings in the area. Built in 1767 from limestone taken from the Mohawk River, it acted as a stronghold to defend the valley settlers during the French and Indian War. During the Revolution it was a center to house colonial militias and troops. Today it is the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church and used for various religious, patriotic and family services.

We returned along the same route and hurried home to find some dry clothes. Total hike was 5 miles. The Helderberg Escarpment in Thatcher State Park will need to wait for the fall schedule and better weather.

 

Write-up: George Fogg
Leader: George Fogg
Co-Leader: Charlene Zebley

Enjoyable hike even with slight rain. Wild leeks in full leaf, trilliums in bloom, and all profuse, including waterfalls.

Write-up: Mark Decker
Leader: Mark Decker
Co-Leader: Margaret Decker

We had 41 people on a beautiful sunny day on our Pools Brook hike, including four children which was great. We crossed the bridge and walked along the old Erie Canal. Some went on to Chittenago Landing Canal Boat Museum.

Dick Blanchard saved a baby goose from the canal bank and sent it on to its parents.

Afterward, the North Pole ice cream shop was busy with Tramps waiting in line.