Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Mike Huss
Co-Leader: Janice Huss

The group’s photo beneath a large tulip tree is appropriate due to the Dutch ownership of the property in the 1780s.

In anticipation of liquid refreshment our leader shortened the hike from 5 miles to 4 miles. But not to be outdone, 5 lovely ladies jumped ship and made their way to the brewery saving an outside table for us.

Nice day, nice hike, nice company. Thanks to Mike and Janice for a great hike on a lovely day.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-Leader: Norma Vleer

After hearing that traffic was taking an hour to travel from Thendara to Old Forge on Saturdays, the scheduled shuttle was abandoned and the paddling course was changed. On a picture-perfect day, our group of 12 launched our boats at Green Bridge in Thendara. Arriving early enough, we were fortunate to find ample parking for our nine vehicles in this very busy spot.

We headed up the river on the Middle Branch of the Moose River. Once past the Rt. 28 bridge, we continued upstream on the North Branch, past the golf course and turned around just short of Indian Rapids. A rope swing hanging overhead had a few seriously considering taking a leap and a plunge. But thinking about the consequences to their bodies, the rope was left dangling and unused.

Once back near the Rt 28 bridge, we took a side trip up the Middle Branch of the Moose to Whispering Falls. Kathy tried to paddle up the falls, but got stuck on a rock. Peter came to the rescue, got her canoe off the rock and facing back downstream. As we drifted back a group of 5-6 deer were spotted frolicking on the banks.

Heading back to Green Bridge, our plan was to continue under the bridge and on to the Lock and Dam to have lunch. But upon reaching a fork in the river and stopping to make sure that our group was altogether, the leader realized she had lost half the group! 50% is not acceptable! Feeling confident that the other half must have abandoned ship at the bridge, the remaining six continued on to our destination. The dam is a unique wooden structure. A pull-out there allowed us to stretch our legs and eat lunch. The trip back to Green Bridge seemed much shorter and took no time at all, even though we had to paddle upstream.

On the way home, some of the remaining paddlers made a stop at Kratzy’s for a well-deserved beverage. We learned that the other 50% had also made a stop there.

Write-Up: Nancy Agen
Leader: Nancy Agen
Co-Leader: Meg Higgerson

 On a day that threatened rain and thunderstorms, we celebrated an almost 40-year member that we lost last February.  Ten of us hiked around the backside of Nicks Lake and arrived at the pavilion where six more friends of Frank were waiting.  

Frank’s three daughters and a niece accompanied us.  Frank loved to build a campfire and roast hot dogs in the woods, so a fire was built and we each roasted our own hot dogs.  Stories, memories and laughs were shared and since it was his 95^th birthday we sang Happy Birthday.  It was a wonderful day.  We all miss him…and it never rained.

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Greg Sipp
Co-Leader: Dianna Morris

7 of us hiked 5.5 miles to Clockmill Pond and Rock Lake. I think it’s the first time the Tramps have hiked there. The trail to Clockmill Pond looked like an old snowmobile trail. The trail to Rock Lake was technical and challenging. The photos are of Clockmill Pond.

We bushwhacked a short distance to Rock Lake but could not get down to the water.

Thanks to Greg and Dianna for a new and interesting hike.

11 paddlers drove north to our destination, South Lake. Passing by North Lake on the way, we noticed how the water was as smooth as glass with a beautiful sunny sky overhead. We all began to look forward to a day of kayaking with excellent conditions.
However, 2.4 miles further down the same road at the put-in for South Lake, the opposite conditions prevailed. The skies were dark and ominous and the lake was already choppy with the wind that had picked up. It didn’t take more than a minute for us to make the decision to get back in our cars, and head back to North Lake!

Shortly after launching from shore we were greeted by a pair of loons. We took advantage of a sandy beach to stretch our legs, eat lunch, and go for a swim. There was a little wind from the southwest on the way back, but nothing that made the rest of the 6 mi. paddle unmanageable. The skies remained sunny and blue with some big puffy clouds all day. Our decision to kayak North Lake proved to be a great alternative.