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.