Contemporary Science Fiction
While no one tumbled during the invigorating and challenging climb to the top of the steep hill on December 22, 2013, hikers were awestruck and enchanted by these modern giants rising above the Tumble Hill Campground in Atlanta.
Contemporary Science Fiction…
Does anyone have the same phobia as I seem to have regarding walking across a log two feet above a fast, cold, and icy creek in winter conditions? I admired 5 of our brave climbers that crossed a section of the Canadice Outlet Creek by log while 4 others watched and chose an alternative route.
Climbers and Tourists continued to hike the challenging ravines on both sides of the creek, taking time to explore the creek from many scenic angles and observe remains of old mills. Although the creek gully was beautifully laced with peaceful water sounds, ice castles, and scenic views, the land conditions proved to be slippery, muddy, and steep in some areas on a cold rainy day.
Superman’s Ice Castle does exist in the Canadice Outlet and the history of the 19th century Dixon Hollow community was shared. In an area where the first saw mill was built an oxbow developed a natural dam site. Tourists were able to walk out on a little island that housed the Adam Mill and observe the race way and old hand hewn beams. Further up the stream Pam, Marty, Dena and Rick hiked the steep west ridges in the northern area of the outlet, looking for owl pellets and finding an old road that would lead to the dam area on 15A. Maybe another hike will gain permission to continue to this section of the outlet which is restricted access and to explore some of the other flat areas along the northern part of the outlet creek.
Climbers, led by Rick, pursued the eastern ridge areas to a challenging ravine that was difficult to climb in sneakers. Their destination was the Short Cemetary which lies behind the Hemlock Sportsman Club and directly in view of the shooting range. John, Char and Mark took note of the dates of some of the early settlers in Hemlock and returned by road while Rick and Don found a shorter return route by crossing the creek directly in a foot of water in dark conditions.
After hike social and 1910 maps of the Canadice Outlet hosted a variety of Christmas cookies, bean dips, chili, potato soup, and veg’s at Pam’s cabin. Thanks to Rick Osieki, Pam Masterson, Nanette and Steve Smith, and the Hemlock Sportsman Club for making this hike possible. Welcome new members Linda, Amy, and Molly our youngest member! We will return to the Canadice Outlet on March 9th for hopefully another “winter wonderland” hike on snowshoes. For more information on the Canadice Outlet check out hemlockandcanadicelakes.com. or google maps.
January, 2011
Explore the winter wonderland of the Canadice Outlet this coming Sunday, December 29, 2013 from 2:00 – 4:00. Snowshoes,waterproof boots with ice clamps, and warm winter clothing are recommended to trek into a gully, cross an either partially frozen or flowing creek (depending on weather conditions), and hike the ridge of the creek that connects Canadice Lake and Hemlock Lake in the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest. Please arrive by 1:45 at 5107 Old Bald Hill Road, Hemlock to prepare for the hike. Dogs are not recommended on the hike due to the depth of the snow, steep gullies, and the dangers of the creek.
Note that our unusual weather conditions over the last two weeks in New York have ranged from 2 feet of snow and 4 degree temperatures to 55 degree weather, rain and complete melting of snow which have dramatically effected the creek area. The Canadice Outlet creek was partially frozen two weeks ago, and according to our scout Rick, the creek was a raging river on Christmas Day. Water conditions for our hike will effect us crossing the creek and we may adjust the route the day of the hike.
This hike is mainly geared toward tourists and climbers as they will be traveling over snow and up and down gully ravines. However, naturalists will follow a snowshoe packed trail on an old abandoned road, hike to a slight downhill area to the creek, search for animal tracks in the snow, and enjoy the stillness of the isolated gully. Climbers, lead by neighbor, Rick, will hopefully cross the creek at a given location and follow the eastern ridge of the Canadice Outlet to a designated destination. Tourists, lead by Pam, will follow the western ridge of the creek to a designated destination, search for owl pellets, and look for locations to slide down closer to the creek. Bring your camera’s as Dena may be wearing her red long coat to go sliding!
After hike social will be at Pam’s house. Holiday appetizers are welcomed to celebrate the coming of the New Year. A hearty soup and a fire will warm your bones. Bring your own beverage or a addition to a holiday punch.
More information on the Canadice Outlet available at hemlockandcanadicelakes.com.
Directions and Parking: From Rt 15A in Hemlock, turn on Old Bald Hill North (across from the entrance to Hemlock Park). Near the first big bend, park on the side of the road and walk in long driveway to left of mailboxes. Food may be dropped off early.
An email from Rick.
We had a great hike Sunday at Tumble Hill. Eleven hikers enjoyed the warm weather hike. Tumble Hill is situated on 67 private acres with varied terrain and great views. 
The climbers followed an old logging road up through the hardwoods to the top of the hill where they could observe a large windmill farm in operation. We were able to use the pavilion at Tumble Hill for our “afterhike” social.
Thank you Tumble Hill