Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Walt Pillar
Leader: Walt Pillar
Co-Leader: Bob Kane

Nineteen of us, including 2 first hikers, trekked 5 miles through Bilderbeck County Forest  and around Arnold Lake in Otsego County. The weather held off for the most part with some drizzle. The trail was wet and muddy  in spots. We ate lunch on the lawn of a camp overlooking the lake and returned on the road rather than hike back on the muddy county forest trail. Some of us stopped at the tiny Willow Creek Farm Brewery in the middle of nowhere after the hike. The beer was good and Bob, the brewmaster and owner was a character.

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli
Leader: Greg Sipp
Co-Leader: Paul Sirtoli

I’m thinking that Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, was aligned against Big Shanty Mt, since the trip was thoroughly rained out both in the spring and in mid-October.  Helios, the Greek sun god must have had a word or two with Poseidon, for the Mohawk Valley was grey and gloomy when Bakers Mills was sunny and pleasant, for this, our third attempt.

The bulk of the 8.5-mile trip was on the Siamese Pond Trail; the only impediment being the high water in Diamond Brook.  Our sensitive tootsies would not welcome the cold water.  Thus, with a short detour upstream, Greg tossed a log over the brook to facilitate a successful crossing.

As evidenced by Greg’s photos, we had decent views of the Eleventh Mt. massive while slowly climbing the Big Shanty shoulder to the 2,350 ft. summit.

Although there were no summit views, a nearby rock formation provided seating for a relaxing lunch break.

Looking for a change of scenery, we exited the summit to the trail via a different route.  Given the time of day, we chose to forgo climbing to the Eleventh Mt. scenic ledges, saving that bushwhack trip for another day.

Write-up: Madonna Fellows
Leader: Madonna Fellows
Co-Leader: Don Fellows

Our 100^th Anniversary trip to the Rocky Mountains was a huge success.

Upon our arrival we were greeted by a herd of elk and got ourselves settled into our cabins. We were all extremely pleased with our accommodations.  Then it was time to make plans for the next day’s hike. We did a 6-mile hike around Estes Lake to begin acclimating to the higher altitude. Some of us continued to another short hike in the afternoon. From Wednesday through Monday our boots were out pounding the trails. There were those who chose the longer more difficult hikes. Some enjoyed more moderate and shorter in length and a few just enjoyed leisurely shopping some days. There were Tramps everywhere on those Rocky Mountains. Most everyone had the pleasure of seeing a moose up and close on their hike. For some it was a little too close.     There were troubles with car rentals- David W with a flat, Jerry with a dead battery and Colleen Felske with a breakdown. All were resolved but added a little stress to those individuals.  It was bittersweet when we had to pack up and leave on Tuesday. The elk were the first to bid us farewell when they gathered around our cabins. Then it was off to catch our flights back home. A group felt they needed a little more hiking and started off for another week in Moab, Zion, and Bryce. Overall, I think everyone would agree that this was a fantastic trip. The beauty of the mountains is overwhelming, and we all did our best to experience it.

MORE PHOTOS HERE

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski

Leader: Jim Wasielewski

Co-Leader: Russ Myers

While you guys were basking in the warmth and sunshine of the Mohawk Valley, 19 of us were trudging through a 5.6 mile wet and cloudy hike to the top of McCauley Mountain.

However the Mountain bike Festival was going on with live music and warm fire pits to heat our bodies.

So all was not lost. It was the first time we did not lose anyone and everyone made it to the top.

Stopped for a brew at Kratzy’s and basked in the sunshine. Thanks to Russ for co-leading.