Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Twenty-three Tramps (including 3 first-time folks who joined us) braved the cold, wind and pelting snow/ice balls to walk the canal trail between Herkimer and Little Falls. When we first met up in the parking lot of Gems Along the Mohawk there were bright blue skies and no precipitation – but quickly the black wall of clouds moved in bringing strong winds and icy precipitation to sting our faces. Did that stop the Tramps? Of course not. Off we went.

The trail was mostly covered with a slight layer of snow and ice – but not enough that we needed spikes.  With the wind at our backs we headed off with much conversation about what it was going to feel like once we had to turn around and walk back into the wind. We made it the 2.1 miles to the old Stone Church where we stopped to decide if we would go onward to the next lock in Little Falls or turn back. While tossing around the idea of going on or turning back, we took time out to pose for a photo on top of an old stone wall near the churchyard cemetery and to engage in a snowball fight of the Tramps vs. Tom Smith. (Tom lost!)

Four Tramps opted to continue hiking and the rest of us turned back. Fortunately, the wind had died down and the return walk was not what we had all been dreading. After a brief snack of home made Christmas cookies, we all went our separate ways, content in knowing we had braved the weather and had another great outing.

Leaders: Deb Roberts and Halsey Bagg
Write-up: Halsey Bagg

Over the river and through the woods to Deb & Halsey’s house they came… chili, salad, cornbread and libations topped off with Half Moons enjoyed by all on Friday evening. Fresh snow made for a beautiful winter wonderland as we enjoyed our morning coffee and breakfast.

Saturday, Dec. 7 – Burnt Bridge Trail

On a sunny winter day, with newly fallen snow clinging to the trees, six tramps started snowshoeing the Burnt Bridge trail, located just east of the “hustle and bustle” (lol) of the Cranberry Lake Hamlet.

Although it was only 20 degrees, everyone quickly became overheated and started removing layers of clothing. We enjoyed the beauty of the snow-covered trees, particularly when the snow falling from the trees started cascading from high in the treetops.

We went 2.5 miles through the State Forest and then returned for a total of 5 miles. Our goal was to reach a pond created by beavers. After 2.5 miles Deb decided we had gone far enough. After returning home and looking at the GPS trail, Halsey told us we were about a football field away from the pond and beaver hut.

This trail is shared with the Cranberry Lake 50, which our very own Sharon Kaelin hiked this summer in two days. Usually experienced hikers take at least three days to complete the 50 miles.

Janice did great on her first snowshoe in over a year.

Kody was glad to see us all come home and we spent the afternoon with soup and a warm fire. Went out to dinner at the Thirsty Moose. Good times with great people.

 Sunday morning…. Coffee, pancakes with homemade syrup, blueberry muffins, and bacon; then off to another hike.

Sunday, Dec. 8 Lost Pond Trail Hike

Seven people snowshoed the 2.2 mile loop around Lost Pond, starting from the Cranberry Lake Boat Launch trailhead. This trail is also shared with the Cranberry Lake 50.

We knew there was a bald eagle nest, and eagles had been seen this past summer. There was anticipation to see the nest and high hopes of seeing bald eagles. We found the nest. Then, as we started around the pond, Deb’s eagle eye spotted big birds in the air.  Lo and behold, we saw three bald eagles, one adult and two fledglings. The adult flew directly over us, so close we could clearly see his white plumage and gold beak. We saw many wildlife tracks in the fresh snow. We think there were porcupine and coyote tracks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Jim Wasielewski
Co-Leader: some stand-in

My sweep stood me up for a better offer, my brother abandoned me, I felt like an orphan. However I survived the temperature in the teens, fresh snow and hiking uphill to Hidden Peak.

Thanks to the other hikers who broke trail for this old man.

Almost to the top a snowcat showed up and rolled the trail. Neat. Nice day hiking with fellow tramps.