Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Jeannie Borgia Wolcott

Leader: Jeannie Borgia Wolcott

Co-Leader: Jerry Stewart

Never mind that it was reported to be the coldest day of the year and that the designated leader broke her ankle two weeks before the outing. None of these things deter the Tramps.

Jeannie took over the leadership and very smartly secured Jerry Stewart to co-lead.

This was pretty ingenious as Jerry was much more familiar with this trail.

And Jeannie campaigned for two newbies to join us.

There were 8 Tramps and the 2 newbies – Bryan Davies, a musician with the band Remsen Social Club and his girlfriend Kerri Rehm that started out and finished the 3-mile loop from the lower parking lot at Jackson Hill.

It was a beautiful day with sparkly snow and temperatures below zero which quickly rose to a bearable range with the sunshine.

No one complained about the cold as we were sweating with the effort,

Only one icy spot with several unexpected whoopsies.

The gang was treated with homemade ginger snaps that Jeannie whipped up as a reward for completing the ski.

It was a great outing and I will gladly lead another one in the future. We did miss Cindy McCormack – get well wishes are sent her way.

By the way, both Bryan and his girlfriend Kerri were very impressed with the group and plan on completing the  requirement to become members.

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

We were nine, then seven, then six, then at last count, two who finally arrived at Twin Lakes.  And why would this be?  Possibly because the North Wilmurt Road was not plowed.  Perhaps due to  Tom O’Hara getting his van stuck in the snowbank, blocking the already narrow, snow filled road, and ultimately being towed out by a town snowplow truck.  Perhaps because we had to shovel out the parking area using our snowshoes?  This after most of us shoveled our own driveways at five in the morning!

Some “new” participants observing this disorganization- snow entrapped vehicles, jockeying cars in a snow banked parking area cleared by snowshoes, or just general mayhem waved goodbye as they drove by the cramped parking area. I wonder why?

Finally, the hike begins.  Single digit temperature and twelve plus inches of fresh powder do not deter this hearty group of seven.  We take turns snowshoe-breaking the trail in an otherwise winter wonderland resplendent with a rare sight, brilliant sunshine. After one mile, we lose Tom from hurting hips. It’s tough getting old! Now we are six, and undaunted we press forward for another 1.5  miles down the trail.  Diana’s feet are very cold, as our pace was too slow.  Carolyn, just off a 14-day quarantine from being sick, is exhausted, her legs “mush.” Jerry and Lori, who car-pooled with Diana, now have to return also. Now we are two. Dave and I slogged through the deep snow for another 1.5 miles to the heart of  Twin Lakes. That effort took well over an hour.  Rather than proceed forward or visit November Falls, we simply returned to his truck on a well-packed trail.  For this eventful day, Dave and I logged 7.6 miles in 6.5 hours.  Needless to say, we all had fun.