Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli
Leader: Paul Sirtoli
Co-Leader: Darlene Whitaker

Write-up: Sue Manier
Leader: Sue Manier
Co-Leader: Sally Steele

7375 CAZENOVIA PRESERVATION
JUNE 18, 2023

Write-up: Sue Manier
Leader: Sue Manier
Co-Leader: Sally Steel

Twenty-seven of us hiked 5.5 miles on the trails and streets of Cazenovia. This was a follow up to the Interesting Evening presentation Cazenovia Preservation. The hike covered all aspects of the history and architecture of the area with a presentation from Jennifer Wong, Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) Director. We stopped along the way and learned how the railroads of the past connected with Cazenovia. Today, these tracks have been turned into hiking trails and are maintained by CPF volunteers. Our hike took us to the Lorenzo State Historical Site for lunch before returning to our cars. The day ended with a scenic historical drive around Cazenovia Lake and beverages with snacks at Rick and Sue’s home.

THE CAZENOVIA PRESERVATION FOUNDATION protects the historic, agricultural, and natural resources surrounding Cazenovia, New York, for the benefit of our community.  Become a member and support CPF https://www.cazpreservation.org/

MORE PHOTOS

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

Twelve of us, (Bob Meyers is not in the photo) kayaked 7 miles on a great day to be on the water. However we were chastised by the Loony Lady in her power boat for being on her lake and disturbing her loons. Vigilante Annie warned us to stay out of the bays, do not tread on the islands and sign in at the register. She thought she had the  power to keep us off State Land. I checked with the DEC officer at the registration kiosk and they don’t even have a paddling sign-in book. So if you paddle on North Lake beware of  the  Loony Lady.

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

Thirty+ Tramps met up in Sangerfield to search for remnants of the Loomis Gang. Some came decked out in clothing from the 19^th century. Pam even had a gun (water) and “stolen” jewelry strapped to her leg under her skirt!

Having lived in the notorious gang’s territory for 43 years, I have found their history of being the largest crime syndicate of that century fascinating and I enjoy sharing what I have read and learned over the years. We started our adventure in the Sangerfield Cemetery across from our meeting place. Here a brief history of the Loomis family and the gang’s beginnings was given before the Tramps were let loose to scour the cemetery for the grave of Theodore W. Loomis. Although most of the family is buried in the cemetery, only his grave remains marked.

On our drive to the start of our hike, we took Loomis Rd. off Rt. 12 south of Sangerfield. From this road, a great view of the pinnacle once owned by the Loomis family and used as a lookout over the entire valley is easily seen ahead. The road passes through the Nine Mile Swamp, once used by the gang to hide stolen horses.

The hike began at Gala at Nine Mile on Mason Rd, an event barn owned by Norma’s daughter and son-in-law. Dividing into two groups, we started out on the rural roads, once traveled long ago by the Loomis Gang. Norma’s group took to the hills to trek 6 miles of wonderful vista views of the swamp and surrounding area. My group walked 4 miles on the low roads, going through the swamp and visiting another cemetery where Sheriff Filkins is buried. His mission in life was to see to the demise of the gang. His grave sets on a hill with a view of the Loomis pinnacle so that even in death he can watch over them!

Both groups gathered at Gala at Nine Mile at the end of their hikes. Its rustic charm and décor, along with fabulous view of the countryside was a perfect spot to enjoy camaraderie along with food and drinks brought by all. Many thanks to Tisha Elliott, Norma’s daughter, for offering the event barn to our group for the day’s activities.

Write-up: Walt Pillar
Leader: Walt Pillar
Co-Leader: Tom O’Hara

Eleven paddlers put in at Crumhorn Fishing Access on the Susquehanna River and kayaked 6+ miles down the Susquehanna and through Goodyear Lake to the Goodyear Fishing Access take out. The water level was low for this time of year with no current to push us along.  

The major events of the paddle were Laura losing her hat… (again; Pete retrieved it) and Cathy falling in the muck while trying to pick some Dame Rockets along the shore. After the trip, refreshments were at Ommegang Brewery where we celebrated the completion of Denise’s 5^th T&T trip to make her an official Tramp.

Write-up: Greg Sipp
Leader: Greg Sipp
Co-Leader: Russ Myers

The day started off with concerns about what the air quality would be like while hiking, would the wind shift, and how bad were the black flies and mosquitoes?  If that wasn’t enough, there was a phone call at the last minute from Tom S.  Hitting the wrong button (answer vs decline), I heard what I assume was Tom tearing up asking if he could please go on the hike.  He even threw Pam and Darleen in his request thinking that I wouldn’t say no.  I told him there was only room for two.  I would have thought chivalry would have won out, no such luck.  Tom told Pam the hike was cancelled.  The day was cool, fairly clear and relatively bug free, a great day to hike.  Making a slight detour (or as Paul would call it, “normal”) I added on a mile to the hike that was touted as 6.5 miles.  It was hard to pass up lunch on the Lake. Everyone did great navigating the mud and water that plagued some of the trail.