Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Dave Rockwood

Leader: Dave Rockwood

Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

On a damp chilly Sunday, we had 15 tramps attempt the challenging compass course around the water tower and parkland at Sherrill Brook Park.  We started with a brief intro on using a compass and how to use it to take headings to find landmarks. 

A few did complete the course and find the landmarks.  Many found this course challenging but did learn from it.   We also worked on orientating a map and correcting for declination.  A handout was given to those who wanted to try this out at home.  After the course work, we discussed how to use the compass and map if you get lost, what effects the needle of a compass – causing it to steer you wrong! 

Many of the participants asked for another course in the near future to continue to progress on this skill. 

In spite of the poor weather, we had a great time.

Write-up: Greg Sipp

Leader: Greg Sipp

Co-Leader: Peter Baildon

The hike started out with the goal of 10 of us getting to the lean-to.  The weather cooperated, with snow on and off throughout the day. Crossing the beaver dam was a breeze with the log placements.  Most of the trail was wet, making frequent diversions around pools of water, and crossing multiple streams along the way.  

We were stopped about a mile short of the lean-to due the Priests Vly outlet running fast.  The group made a decision not to attempt to cross, worrying someone would wind up in the drink.  We ate lunch and headed back with everyone enjoying the day.  10 completed the 6.5 miles.  We’ll attempt the lean-to again on a warmer day. 

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino

Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Co-Leader: Nancy Agen

Patrick Hooker and Karen Huxtable-Hooker hosted 35 Tramps at their sugarhouse that Patrick built himself on their property. The new sugarhouse is located down the road from the original Huxtable sugarhouse in Millers Mills that many Tramps fondly remember.  We enjoyed homemade muffins, cookies and warm chili as we listened to Patrick explain the sugaring process. It was apparent how much he and his entire family love the land, the trees, and turning sap into sweet syrup. 

Karen then took us on a 3.5-mile hike on trails all around the property that included slushy snow, mud, water and many hills. The vista views were beautiful and the forest was enchanting. In fact, we had to pay the troll to cross a log bridge over a stream! Another fast moving stream was a bit more challenging to cross and some chose to ride across in the land rover instead. 

Making our way across a field we were entertained by a herd of deer doing ballet through the air over a fence as they tried to escape from our group that had intruded their space. We did our own acrobatics as we did the limbo under and hops over the sap lines that crisscrossed one section of woods. 
Once back at the sugarhouse, we warmed ourselves with hot chocolate, coffee, and more chili and made purchases of the delectable maple syrup produced on the premises. 
On the way home, some took a short detour to take a gander at the unique creatures that adorn the roadside on a hill in West Winfield.