It’s that time of year when fathers have their own special day and have permission to  do whatever they want.  Going fishing, spending time with their children, visiting, phoning, or remembering their own father, or just lounging around, doing nothing, are common past times on Father’s Day.    Springwater Trails is planning their first annual “triathlon event” in honor of fathers in the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest along Canadice Lake.     We will all begin and end at the canoe/kayak launch (about a mile south of the boat launch) on Canadice Lake at 4:00 sharp.    Feel free to bring your father, children, or your favorite memory and arrive between 3:00 and 3:30 if you need to unload your kayak or bike.

Members can choose to participate from a variety of options based upon skill level.  We hope to have several tourists and climbers participate in all three events which include hike/bike/kayak(or canoe).    A course will be set up around the lake for those that would like a good work out, challenge, and maybe a little competition or not. Please listen closely for arrival times.

Those that choose to participate in all 3 events will meet at the kayak/canoe boat launch at 3:00 to unload kayaks, prepare equipment and bikes. Those that choose to only kayak or bike can arrive at 3:30.  Those that choose  to just hike can arrive at 3:45.  Event will start promptly at 4:00.

Now for the events……

Hikers led by Pati and Linda will travel south to the south entrance of the Canadice Lake Trail.  This will require about .7 miles of road walk before the trail is picked up that travels around the lake.  At the south end of the lake is a very nice bench with a view of the lake, bird watching, frog sitting, and turtle nesting for those that want a shorter hike.  It’s a nice place to rest or continue around the west side of Canadice Lake.    Hikers can choose to walk a distance of 1-2 miles  along a wide grassy trail and return to our starting point, or walk the entire 4 miles of the lake for a pick up at the N. Parking Lot.  The trail is mostly flat and is open to all skill levels…naturalists, tourists, or climbers.

Bikers will travel north on Canadice Lake Road, pass Purcell Hill Road to Canadice Hollow Road, follow Canadice Hollow Road back to Purcell Hill Road and enter the North Parking Lot of the Canadice Lake Trail.  From there they will bike along the lake for a distance of 4 miles, and return to the starting point.  Total distance about 10 miles.  If time permits extreme bikers may want to travel south on Canadice Lake Road for an extended ride or up nearby Luckenback Road for an aerobic uphill workout. Bikers need to keep on eye out for hikers and dogs on the trail around the lake.

Kayakers/Canoeists, led by Bob R.,  will launch (weather permitting) and travel south along the east shoreline, cross the lake, travel along the west side and return to the starting point. Life preservers are required and some experience in kayaking is helpful.

Hikers and bikers on June 26, 2011 at Canadice

For those who would like to participate in the triathlon, we will begin by biking north on Canadice Lake Road to the North Parking lot on Purcell Hill Road, pick up the Canadice Lake Trail on the west side of the lake and travel south to the entrance of the south entrance trail.  Bikes will be left at the entrance, picked up and protected.    The event will continue by foot along Canadice Lake Road to the kayak/canoe launch where boats  previously prepared for a quick take off, will cross the lake (weather permitting) to a marker and return to the finish line.  Those participating in the triathalon event will receive a gift from Canadice Kitchens. For more information, rules, and maps of the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest contact Department of Environmental Conservation.

After hike social will be a tailgate along Canadice Lake Road.  Please bring your father’s favorite dish to pass and your drink of choice. Small propane grills are allowed.

Directions:  From RT 15A take Purcell Hill Road to Canadice Lake Road. Turn right and travel south along the lake 3.1 miles to the Kayak/Canoe Launch on Canadice Lake.   Park on the right side of the road and unload.