Please note: there is a start time change from the earlier published calendar. This will be the last spring hike with a 2PM start time, and the first SWT event of the year to offer a dish-to-pass social option. 

Gene and Georgia Binder are inviting all hikers to join us this Sunday, June 6, at Durand-Eastman Park and arboretum, located on the shore of Lake Ontario.  Most of us find this facility, with its unique botanical collection, to be quite enjoyable.  Carpooling is advisable if you feel comfortable with it.

Hike Plan: We will start at the circle at the south end of Log Cabin Road, a dead end road on the south side of Lakeshore Boulevard, west of Zoo Road. The full group will begin with a leisurely walk to the arboretum, and into it, enjoying the botanical specimens we encounter.  A special feature, at this time, will hopefully be the attractive pink flowers of the mountain laurel, which goes into bloom in June.  These flowers have a unique way of getting bees to transfer pollen and, if there are any open flowers, we will try to demonstrate their sneaky trick.  For those who would prefer a longer and faster hike, the arboretum walk will be followed by a longer trail walk around Durand and Eastman Lakes.

Social: We will all convene back at the circle on Log Cabin Rd., at 4 PM, for our optional after-hike social.  If you’ve been vaccinated, and feel comfortable with it, we will go back to enjoying each other’s kitchen creations, like we used to, so bring something yummy to share with your fellow hikers.  As before the pandemic, place settings will be provided.  If you’re not yet comfortable doing this, just bring your own meal, as you’ve been doing.  If there’s an unoccupied pavilion, we will appropriate it.  However, if they’re all occupied, we’ll just put our chairs out on the lawn so, be sure to pack a folding lawn chair.  We will pack a folding table and, if you have one that you can fit in, we may be able to use it.  We don’t have a portable grill but, if someone has one and wants to bring it, go for it. There will be a small charcoal grill if you want to cook burgers and such.

Directions:  Going north on 390, entering Monroe County, at the first fork, bear right to get on 590.  At the next fork, bear left to stay on 590.  Continue north in the center lane.  When approaching 104, follow signs for sea breeze, avoiding 104 exits.  Approaching the fourth roundabout, note sign for Durand Blvd.  Go ¾ way around to get on Durand Blvd.  Continuing west, you will come to the park, on your left.  Turn left on Log Cabin Rd., the3rd road on your left.  Go to the circle at the end of Log Cabin Rd., and park.  We will meet there.