This Sunday, we return to the Wheaton Hill trails to view the results of our summer war of the roses and to tag a route from the Red Bud Trail to 15A.

We will meet at the Wheaton Hill Rd entrance to the trails (42.6552,-77.591).  Park on the west side of the road headed downhill.

Today is warm but Sunday is supposed to be chilly. As ususal, please check the weather and dress in layers before coming. Socks and boots are important in this weather.

Come prepared for an interesting hike with some trailblazing.  We will break into two groups, both starting on the east side of the road.

The Climbers will head south to the rosebud trail and take the loop clockwise around to the lowest point. Bring clippers so we can clear some of the roses from this area that we have not yet attacked.  At the low point, we will leave the trail and head south west to Rt 15A and the north edge of the village.  We will tag the route and remove any old tags that are misplaced.  At the road, we turn around and retrace our steps.  On the way out the climbers will follow the Spruce trail back to the entrance. Across the road, we will follow the skid and pine trails for a complete coverage of these trails.

The Tourists and Naturalists will start to the left around Spruce Trail and then will follow Red Bud.  After crossing the road, they will take the Pine loop and return to the cars.

What to bring:

• Short handled clippers for any roses we decide to attack.
• Good gloves for handling  roses. These gloves must be washed following the hike to remove any Poison Ivy you may have touched.
• A plastic bag – use this to transport your gloves during and after the hike.  You do not want to spread any Poison Ivy.

Please park headed down hill on the right hand side of the road.  Pull off the road as far as possible.  We will place the Springwater Trails sign above the curve to warn drivers.  If you prefer, parking is available at the South Hemlock Access parking area and you can car pool from there.  In any case, be on the alert for cars on Wheaton Hill Rd!  Directions are available to the Wheaton Hill trailhead and to the South Hemlock Access parking area

After the trail work, we will take advantage of Pam’s grill for hot dogs and baked beans.  Please bring something to drink – Springwater Trails will provide the food.