crossing the creek by log in december 2013
Two months ago we hiked into the Canadice Outlet, crossing the creek by log at a designated spot near the old historical village of Dixon Hollow. A little slippery dusting of snow covered the fallen leaves in December, and crossing the creek allowed some hikers to explore the east side of the creek all the way to the Sportsman’s Club in Hemlock.
A month ago the creek looked completely frozen, and one wondered if you could cross the creek by ice, not knowing where the weak areas were located due to the stream still flowing beneath the ice.
conditions of outlet in February 2014
This week’s hike will prevent us from crossing the creek due to the recent warm temperatures that have caused Canadice Outlet to overflow, doubling the size of the creek bed and bringing down ice and fast flowing waters that once powered the dams in the outlet area. The creek is partially ice covered, deep, powerful, and a somewhat green colored. Throughout the season,the Canadice Outlet has an ever changing environment in an isolated location of the Hemlock Canadice State Forest and conditions can change dramatically.
partially frozen creek’s water is somewhat green
We will meet at 5107 Old Bald Hill Road, Hemlock. Please be prepared with good hiking shoes, traks, poles and clippers if you can easily carry them. After dividing into skill level groups, climbers and tourists will car pool to the Canadice Hollow Cemetery just 2 miles away to begin their extended hike from the logging trail on Canadice Hollow Road to the dam on Rt. 15A in Hemlock. For about 3 miles of rugged terrain, most of this route will be bushwhacking and traversing up and down ravines in slippery conditions. Tourists that may have difficulty with this type of hike, being limited by improper shoes or weak knees, can choose to stay with the naturalists who will follow an old road to the outlet creek, observe animal tracks, ponder by the creek waters, and learn about the history of Dixon Hollow’s old mills. The naturalists level is a slight down hill hike into a gully, experiencing a photographic creek and remaining stone structures, taking time to return up the hill.
foundation of old mills still are visible
After hike social will be at Pam’s house. Since the maple season is upon us, a maple barbecue sauce will be served over slow cooked meat as the main dish. Hikers are encouraged to bring their drink of choice and a dish to pass such as salads, vegetables, rolls, appetizers, or desserts or contribute $5.00.
hold onto your hats or the multiflora will take it
Directions: Rt. 15A in Hemlock. Turn onto Old Bald Hill North across from the entrance to Hemlock Park. Go up the hill, at the right curve, 5107 is on the left. Park along the road. Parking is limited in the icy (or is it dicey) driveway.
Just a quick reminder: It is daylight savings time starting at 2:00 AM Sunday. Spring your clocks forward before the hike, or get to Pam’s in time for the social!