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

           Thirteen of the Tramps who stayed for the weekend at the Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake, drove to Raquette Lake on Sunday to meet five other Tramps who drove from home. Continuing down the snow-covered Sagamore Rd., we came at last to the Great Camp Sagamore where we parked. The loop trail around the lake begins and ends on either side of the camp and having snowed a few inches the day before, trail conditions were just about perfect! We felt lucky to have sunny skies after the horrendous cold, snowy, windy weather the day before.

            Evenly divided as 2 groups of snowshoers and skiers, we started out on the picturesque, moderate trail. Not far from the trailhead I lost complete control of this group! Most skied/snowshoed in groups of 2-4, spaced out distantly, with the exception of me . . . group of 1!

             It is much more fun and safer to ski 5 mi. with one or more other people. As I maneuvered alone through a wet area, crossed narrow 2 wood planks serving as a bridge, and climbed up a sheer ice hill, I had only myself to rely on at these troublesome places. I found that a hand sanitizer bottle can substitute for an ice scraper. Holding the bottle with my hand, I was able to scrape the ice that formed on my skis with the cap. Next time I’ll remember to put a scraper in all of my packs!

Two by two . . . or three . . . or four . . . or one, came off the trail safely, some sooner, some later, but all enjoyed the beautiful winter wonderland scenery of this trail.