The summit of Rocky Mountain - Inlet, New York.

Camp Gorham Snowshoe Weekend
Eagle Bay, N.Y. - January 14-16, 2005

The unusually warm winter left us all wondering just how much snow we would have this year. As we pulled into the Old Forge area on Friday afternoon, the lack of activity, especially snowmobiles, answered the question. There was maybe 4-6 inches of snow on the ground, so it was looking more like a winter hiking weekend for us. The weekend guests had all arrived by supper time so we headed out for our traditional dinner at the Big Moose Inn. Even the restaurant was practically empty. The owners said people had gone to Quebec and Minnesota to find snow. Local businesses were hurting.

Melinda headed up the meal planning and did a fantastic job. She had everyone help with the purchasing and preparation of meals so there was plenty of good food - nobody went hungry. On Saturday morning we had a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, cereal, and juice. Then, leaving the snowshoes behind, we set out for the big hike of the weekend, the Vista trail to Carrie Pond. This trail had many ups and downs, a few twists, and took us up a mountainside. As time was running out, we then backtracked to get lunch. Kathy M. took over, bravely leading the troops down the mountain, out of the wilderness, and back to civilization.

Lunch consisted of Alice’s chili, Steve Y’s tortellini soup, Bob D’s legume and cow bean soup, and a variety of cold cuts. After eating, Bob led a group up Rocky Mountain in Inlet, NY. for a short, but steep upward climb that afforded a spectacular view of frozen lakes and high mountains. The sun periodically peeked through the clouds, and distant snow squalls created a dramatic skyline. From there we headed to Ferd’s Bog, a frozen nature preserve, similar to our own Montezuma swamp. Another group took a hike around Moss lake which gave them a variety of scenery to enjoy. Then it was time to get back for supper.

Saturday night dinner consisted of Melinda’s ziti, garlic bread, and a variety of wine and soft drinks. After dinner, a few still had some energy left so a night hike was formed to explore the Camp Gorham area. A short distance away they came across "The Chapel", an open area with benches and an altar backing up to Dart Lake. Father Robert D. offered to conduct services, but was politely refused due to the single digit temperature. Others stayed inside to play Scrabble, with some trying "Speed Scrabble" in which several words and possibly a new language were created.

After another great breakfast of pancakes and sausage on Sunday morning, we set out for one more outing before going home. Bob took a group around Dart lake and then had us bushwhack our way to the summit of Cork mountain for a view of Moss lake from up high. Then it was time to go back, get packed, and head for home. A few folks took time to tour the area, including the Old Forge Hardware Store, which is an experience in itself.

Even though there wasn’t much snow, everyone still had a great time hiking. Carla K. said it well - "I remember coming down a trail sliced with a babbling, ice-covered brook and woodpeckers darting in and out of the snow-covered trees". Such is the beauty of the Adirondack wilderness.
- Dave K.