Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Gregg Sipp
Leader: Gregg Sipp
Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

The hike schedule indicated Lost Lake Mt as the destination for today.  Eight others came out on this sunny day to hike knowing the temp was going to hover in the mid 20’s.

The day got off to a rocky start with Lisa missing the 8:30 departure time.  Carolyn was adamant about waiting, saying she will be here.  If that didn’t throw off the schedule, the Citgo stop did.  The gas station had a gift shop!  What do Tramps love next to hiking, shopping.  Several Tramps went shopping.  The 15 min stop was turning this hike into a “Stop and Shop”, which was nowhere in the hike description.  We finally regrouped, making it to the Piseco trailhead to hike. 

Most assumed that the hike was going to be just the mountain.  But, taking a page from Paul’s play book, it turned into so much more, a multiple-destination hike.  We hiked to Lost Lake Mt. seeing bear tracks on the way. 

Once on top, we ate lunch in the sun overlooking Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog Mt’s.  Beautiful views.   We then dropped down to Lost Lake.  Carolyn and Cindy threw out a suggestion of going to the unnamed mountain on the map.  It was a good idea since it was on the way out.  Once on top, we declared it CarCin Mt.  From CarCin Mt., we hit our last destination, Dead Vly.   

 

Everyone seems to really enjoy the day.  We did 7 miles on a couple of inches of snow that was icy at times, some utilized microspikes which was a good idea.  Diana has all kinds of post-hike food that added to a phenomenal day. 

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

Ah, the day kicked off with the delightful symphony of darkness, rain, snow, cold, and wind, as we bravely embarked on a 4.5-mile expedition along the majestic Mohawk River in the captivating urban paradise of Rome.

Because nothing says “fun” like battling the elements for a scenic hike. Surprise, surprise, the weather gods decided we hadn’t suffered enough, and by the time we staggered across the finish line, it was even darker, rainier, snowier, colder, and windier. Mother Nature clearly has a sense of humor, or perhaps she just wanted to test our dedication to outdoor masochism.

Then the day took a miraculous turn when we sought refuge at the Copper City brewery. There, amidst the chill-inducing tales of our arctic adventure, our damp bodies found solace and our spirits were resurrected. A big shout out to Mike for occasionally leading the way on this self-sweeping ramble – because who needs a designated sweeper when the trail itself is practically begging you not to wander off.

Write-up: Walt Pillar
Leader: Walt Pillar
Co-Leader: Laura Pillar

Twenty Tramps hiked about 6 miles around the ponds and lake of Gilbert Lake State Park. The Park was the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930’s and contains several stone buildings, stone lean-tos and a cabin cluster built by the Corps. However, the CCC Museum was closed. We didn’t lose anyone during the hike but a couple Tramps got lost on the way to the High Burl Brewery for refreshments after the hike.