Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Lu Blanchard
Leader: Lu Blanchard
Co-Leader: Peter Franz

As usual, Central NY weather changed forecasts from cloudy to rain overnight. It started sprinkling as we gathered in Best Buy’s parking lot and continued until we were about half-way through the hike! But the weather was “warm” and the wind was almost non-existent so 19 Tramps and 2 prospective Tramps set out on our adventure.

Since the leader forgot the official sign-in, everyone was given an alternate version – “You pledge to give your life to Tramp & Trail and you understand that if anything happens to you on this hike we will disavow any knowledge of your ever being with us!” Surprisingly, they all signed! What a trusting group!

Emil, being the gentleman he is, broke off a rush and swept the path for Jean to make sure she didn’t trip on anything or step in any puddles. Peter, the co-leader, led the way through the raindrops and ushered the faster walkers to the end of the line. Some of us (the slower ones, but you probably already figured that out) decided to turn back before that point – Stewart’s ice cream was waiting after all – so we parted company and Peter led the hikers that wanted to continue for 10 more miles! (not really only one more) It was decided that those without sweet tooths would meet at Pizza Boys for the usual beverages! Can you guess where Kathy C. and I went?

Thank you all for coming out and enjoying a less than perfect day with us – in the end it was perfect with you all there.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-Leader: Nancy Agen

Six on snowshoes and three on skis trekked into the Tug Hill State Forest. By breaking trail we made our way to “Times Square” and on to the ridge along the Inman Gulf. We found a nice lunch spot complete with a picnic table, grill (we forgot the hot dogs), and swing.

Lots of fluffy snow covered the trees and the trails making it a winter wonderland. A few tricky hills presented a challenge for the skiers!  The 5-mile loop felt more like 8 miles by the time we were done! A stop at Jeb’s in Lowville for food and refreshment restored our energy long enough to make the hour drive home.

Write-up: Walt Pillar
Leader: Walt Pillar
Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

36 Tramps, with winter cabin fever and anxious to get outside, hiked the back trails of Sherrill Brook Town Park to Rock City and the falls on a cold (17 degrees F.) clear day.

The trail was good with no snow and the falls had a pretty ice coating. Several hikers exited at the 3 and 4 mile-points. About 20 finished the entire 5 miles.

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

Without a co-leader, whose whereabouts are still a mystery, Paul subbed in at the last minute to save the hike.  Sir Tom should be stripped of his self-imposed noble title like Harry.  Seven came out on the 8-mile round trip to Chub Pond, which was a fairly easy, level trail.  With minimal snow, snowshoes were not needed nor were micro- spikes.  Mud boots would have worked with some of the trail, but it was navigable.

We stopped briefly at Buck Pond for Phyllis to take a couple of pics, then pressed on for lunch at the #2 lean-to.

The lean-to, being  right on the pond was absolutely spectacular and the caretaker was notified via text by Jim, Paul and Dave.  The weather was fantastic.  It was mainly overcast with brief periods of sun, hovering in the low 30’s with very little wind.  The next hike, we’ll tack on the additional two miles to the other lean-to.