Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-leader: Bobbie Scarpino

The artic temperature, nor the frigid wind would deter 19 determined, hardy trampers from cross country skiing or snowshoeing on the golf links at Stonebridge Golf Course, New Hartford.

Despite the dearth of snow, several inches of powder on a hard packed surface was sufficient for ideal skiing conditions.

There was no groomed trail to follow, so our meandering route somewhat followed the perimeter of the course.

One individual just had to take a short cut through the woods, got tangled up among branches, and fell in an array of poles and skis. Unscathed, he managed to catch up with the group, hoping no one witnessed the incident. I won’t mention names, but his initials are PF.

Upon the completion of the ski tour, Jim Waz rescued the now cold and tired tramps, leading the entourage to Piggy Pat’s for food and beverage; the best part of the day in his estimation.

Many thanks to Bobbi and Jim for assisting on this good old-fashioned winter adventure, as well as the many participants who braved the elements.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino

Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Co-Leader: Peter Franz

Was it cold? Yes!!! Single digits! Was there snow? Yes!!! About 12-18″ of fluffy white stuff. A dozen hardy Tramps trekked the beautiful Chateaugay State Forest on snowshoes Saturday. Following a set of ski tracks into the woods, we all warmed up quickly, as one by one, people took turns breaking trail. The trails must have been made by elves, specifically Keebler Elves.

Most likely they live on the Elf Trail that we didn’t take. But we discovered the Keebler Trail and their hollow tree with a package of Keebler Elf cookies! Yum! The trail numbers don’t match the map, but Dave’s GPS kept us pointed in the correct direction, most of the time.

A major stream crossing, not frozen, was a bit of a challenge, but all made it across without mishap. After about 4.75 mi. of trekking, we made it back to our vehicles. Before departing, a few snow angels were left for the elves.

Back in Rome, a stop at the Copper City Brewery made a great ending to the day!  Thank you to all of you that broke trail!!! And Peter for sort of co-leading!

• Write-up: Dave Rockwood
• Leader: Dave Rockwood
• Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

Since we only had one person signed up for this ski, we decided to do an alternative ski that was closer but had snow.  We weathered the snow and wind, found the parking lot (the first one was not plowed/open), and then found out that one of us had new boots that did not fit their skis – what a bummer as the trails looked great!  Fortunately, we were prepared for snowshoeing just in case the snow was bad.  We ended up having a great snowshoe – doing the Glacier trail, across Egypt Rd, down into the Gully then Creekside and passing the 2 bridges.  We then turned around and followed our track back, doing a little over 5 miles total.  We had snow squalls, and then sunshine – crazy lake effect day!

• Write-up: Carolyn Eastman
• Leader: Carolyn Eastman
• Co-Leader: Lisa Lucas-Myers

Due to weather our hike changed from Foxy Brown to Penn Mountain truck trails.
Eight of us started at Starr Hill overlook.  We hiked to golf ball radar. It’s an FAA radar tower.

We continued down the truck trails to Penn Mountain Cemetery. Once we got there the winds picked up and we heard trees falling in the woods. Time to get out! The pouring rain turned into large beautiful snowflakes just as we reached our cars.