Tramp & Trail

Write – Up –   Paul Sirtoli

Leader – Lisa Robertson

Co-leader – Carolyn Eastman

Photo Credit – Dave Rockwood

We were promised an 800-foot vertical rise climb up a steep ridgeline (thank God the trail was switch-backed); we were promised a hardened trail system without mud; we were promised several scenic ponds near the trail.  Our trip leader, Lisa Robertson, came through with almost all those promises, and more.  By and large, the finger lakes spur trail, starting at Labrador Pond, had several small sections of boot-sucking mud. Our group of seven – Dave, Carolyn, Lisa L-M, Pete, Tom, Lisa R and Paul briskly hiked ten miles through a handsome, deciduous forest. A circular nature trail, replete with descriptive placards, small waterfall, and benches was at the terminus of the spur trail. This we walked, having lunch near the six-foot water fall. Upon our return, near the parking area, we walked a lengthy raised boardwalk through an extensive boggy region, affording a scenic view to Labrador Pond. Thank YOU, Lisa, for a wonderful day.

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-Leader: Peter Franz

I could elaborate on the nuances of our excursion, the exhilaration of scrambling up rock slabs, or just the wonderful scenery from the exposed rocky summit.  Rather, I will let the photographs by Jeremy Alexander depict all of the above.

Suffice it to say that the river crossing was quite refreshing on this humid day. The current was swift, while the still water almost thigh high. Although billed as a bushwhack, this rock climbers haven is accessed by a well-defined herd path directly from the river bank.  It courses along the base of massive rock walls, adorned with climber hardware. At one point the herd path splits; the side trail takes the hiker to the rocky escarpment.

This we followed to the summit, enjoying multiple views of near and distant mountains – Corner Mt., Harrington Mt., Blue Hills.  While admiring the scenery, the cool breeze dissipated the oppressive humidity. This portion of the two-mile trip took three hours, so to justify the ride to the trailhead, we also hiked the trail to Cod Pond, adding another 2.5 miles round trip. The dire prediction by weather forecasters of thunderstorms and heavy rain did not materialize until after 3 PM which by that time we were driving home. Sadly, several tramps dropped out based on the predicted terrible weather.

Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Perfect temperature with a slight, cool breeze – our biker gang of eleven could not ask for a more perfect Father’s Day ride on this historic paved railway bed between Gloversville and Johnstown.  Sporting road and e-bikes, we passed shuttered leather tanneries and glove factories.  It was a ride through yesteryear where freight trains hauled cow hyde’s, chemicals, and hemlock to supply the once vibrant leather and glove industries.Spanning the twin cities, the bike path crossed many residential streets and several main highways, necessitating mounting and dismounting the bikes on numerous occasions.  No small feat for the e-bike owners. Despite the urban character of the bike path, the rural outlying portion of the path was dotted with small ponds, wetlands, stately, shady tree stands, and creeks coursing thru deep ravines.

This Tramp n’ Trail excursion marked the official 7,500-trip.  Former chair-woman Bobbi Scarpino, partier extraordinaire, surprised the group with bandannas for each participant, and delicious chocolate and vanilla half-moon cookies during our lunch break.

When it was all said and done, the 17+ mile leisurely excursion took 2.5 hours.

Several members desired more riding time to justify the driving time to Gloversville, so opted to drive to Fultonville to ride the Erie Canal trail east toward Amsterdam. This group of six terminated their ride at the historic Schoharie picnic area, where there was a double lock, with numerous descriptive displays on the grounds. This group rode an additional 17+ miles.On behalf of the gang, Thank YOU Bobbie for making this Tramp event most memorable.

Write-up: Walt Pillar

Leader: Walt Pillar

Co-Leader: Laura Pillar

Beaversprite is the 1300 acre wildlife preserve founded by Dorothy Richard, the “beaver lady”. It was acquired by the Utica Zoo in2019.

Following an “Interesting Evening” presentation Tuesday on the history and plans for the future by the Zoo Education Manager, 37 Tramps (including 4 first timers) hiked the trails of Beaversprite on a beautiful spring sunny day. The Beaver Lady’s house was not open because the Zoo was in the process of hiring a full-time caretaker, but we could see where she had modified the house for a family of beavers to live with her and her husband.

We had lunch and visited the Nature Center at the opposite end of the preserve. The trail on the way back required a little bushwhacking. We only got a little lost.

Write-up: Tom O’Hara

Leader: Tom O’Hara

Co-Leader: Peter Franz

Due to an unfavorable weather forecast, we decided, for the safety of our group,  to cancel the paddle on the West Canada Creek. Instead,  we hiked along its shoreline, on our way to Partridge Hill. 

Seven members hiked 6.0 miles,  up over 1,000 feet of elevation.   A variety of trails made it enjoyable for all. Thanks to Mother Nature for blessing us with a beautiful day.  Guess we can’t even trust the weather apps. And of course, burgers and beverages at JAKS, the remodeled South Trenton Pub.  Great food and service.