Tramp & Trail

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

Ten showed up on a gorgeous day for the 11-mile hike.  The initial 2 miles of the hike was what Paul called “a torrent pace”.  Due to the multiple complaints of the pace, the co-leader assumed the role of leader for the next 3 miles.  This was his attempt to bring the pace down to a more leisurely one.  

The hike was filled with finding trail treasures, laughing, and especially eating.  I had to look at the hike write-up to see if the description included frequent eating stops.  It didn’t matter. 

Wrapping up the hike, Paul, Lisa and Jiao all waded in the lake for the benefits of cold water therapy. Feeling refreshed, about the last mile, the group felt compelled to break out into the song from the 59^th Street Bridge, “Slow Down, You Move too Fast”, which is on Instagram.  Apparently, cardio hike was nowhere on the schedule either.

Write-up: Jim Wasielewski
Leader: Jim Wasielewski
Co-Leader: Lorrie Wasielewski

Ten Tramps braved somewhat chilly weather to enjoy an Adirondack spring-like day. There were 3 hikers, seven kayakers and a couple of loons, not loonies. Maybe loonies too. In any case the weather warmed up and it turned out to be an enjoyable paddle. A couple of photos were provided by Kathy Ten Eyck.

Write-up: Walt Pillar
Leader: Walt Pillar
Co-Leader: Jim Wasielewski

Fifteen hikers, including one first timer, traversed the trails of the old Thayer Farm around Rum Hill ( the second tallest peak in Otsego County). In  pre-hiking  the site, we found that some of the trails were very difficult and not maintained yet this year. So, the route was changed to make it survivable. The hike was slightly delayed while a Tramp had AAA unlock his car to get his keys.  

However we did stop at the what was left of the original 1806 Thayer homestead and a concrete bench  acknowledging the gift of the land to SUNY. Also the trees at the  peak of Rum Hill had grown and no longer provided a view of the lake. All in all it was a pleasant hike with luckily none of the predicted rain. Thanks to the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station for giving us permission to access the area.

Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Lu Blanchard

Eight ventured into the Blue Mt. Wild Forest area for a billed 8 to 9 mile hike to Tirrell Mt, which turned into 12 miles.  This was a Tramp hybrid hike that consisted of about 7.5 on the trail and the rest bushwhacking.

Black flies were tolerable with the appropriate gear and even better when there was  wind.   We stopped at the first lean-to for a break and then headed to the Tirrell Mt. double summit.

We knew it was going to be rough, when Paul put pants on, long sleeve shirt and limbered up.  The rope attached to his pack was a red flag too.    The trek was rough, but we make both summits, and then made our way to the cliffs that were visible from the lake.

Once at the cliffs we had incredible views of Tirrell Pond, Blue Mt., and Buck Mt.  Coming off the mountain, you make your way down however you felt comfortable, following either GPS or compass.  All of us made it to the lake to watch Paully partake in his ritually cold water immersion therapy.  Great group, great laughs.  Falls, cuts and getting scratched up were all a part of the adventure.

Write-up: Dianna Morris
Leader: Dianna Morris
Co-Leader: Sue Romero