Monthly Archives: November 2014

Fishers Park – Sunday, November 16, 2014 – 2:00 PM

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Fishers ParkLocated in the hamlet of Fishers, this park offers the diversity of passive and active recreation opportunities. Visitors can see a multitude of wildlife from deer, squirrels and other woodland creatures to waterfowl and trout that spawn in the spring and salmon in the fall. The extensive trail system is a great place to winter hike and/or cross country ski. Trails meander through the park across wooded ridges, through wetland areas and along the banks of Irondequoit Creek. There are two tennis courts, a ball field and a picnic area with tables. Acreage off Old Dutch Road provides you with rolling trails with beautiful vistas.

FP1Fishers Park
Length of Trails: 5.0 Miles
Location: 7929 Main Street Fishers (Main Entrance); also entrances on Wangum Road and Old Dutch Road.

FP4We will meet at tlhe main park entrance and explore the diverse landscape of this exceptional park.  We will climb the park eskers and the low wetlands.  Following the hike, join us for a social. Please bring a dish to pass.  If the day is warm we will take advantage of the park picnic tables.  Otherwise we will visit the Fishers Fire House for an indoor social.

Directions:

From Springwater:

FP3Head north on NY-15A for 21.8 miles.  North of Lima, stay right toward Honeoye Falls as 15A bears left. Continue onto W Main St for 1.9 miles into Honeoye Falls where the road joins NY 65 North.  In 2 miles, turn right at the traffic circle onto NY 251E for 4.4 mi. Turn left onto Mile Square Rd for 0.7 mi, then turn right onto Main St Fishers.  In 1 mile, Fishers Park will be on the right.

From Honeoye: Head north on Ontario County Rd 37 for 5.6 miles from Rt 20A.  Continue through W Bloomfield on NY 65N.  Continue straight onto CR 35 when 65N turns left. Continue north for 5.8 miles.  Turn right onto NY 251E for 1.5 mi. Turn left onto Mile Square Rd for 0.7 mi, then turn right onto Main St Fishers.  In 1 mile, Fishers Park will be on the right.

FP5From Rochester: Head south on I-490 E. Take exit 29 to merge onto NY-96 S toward Victor 0.8 mi. Turn right onto Main St Fishers for 1.5 mi. Fishers Park will be on the left.

From Victor and Canandaigua: Head west on NY-96 N through the village of Victor. At the light before 490 and the Thruway, turn left onto Main St Fishers.  In 1.5 mi, Fishers Park will be on the left.

The hunting song (by Tom Lehrer)

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Ah, how clearly I remember, twas a year ago November

I went out to shoot some deer, on a morning bright and clear

I went and shot the maximum, the game laws would allow

2 game wardens, 7 hunters, and a cow

I was in no mood to trifle, I took down my trusty rifle

And went out to stalk my prey.  What a haul I made that day.

I tied them to my fender, and brought them home, somehow

2 game wardens, 7 hunters, and a cow

The law was very firm, it took away my permit

The worst punishment I ever endured

It turned out there was a reason, cows were out of season.

And one of the hunters wasn’t insured

People ask me how I do it, and I say there’s nothing to it.

You just stand there looking cute, and when something moves, you shoot

And there’s 10 mounted heads in my trophy room right now.

2 game wardens, 7 hunters, and a pure bred Jersey cow.

Steege Hill Hike Recap

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IMG_0763The mound ants and timber rattle snakes were nestled in against the brisk autumn winds, so twelve hikers, plus three dogs, had the woods to themselves. Three vehicles transported the Springwater Trails hikers to the Steege Hill Nature Preserve, just east of Corning. Thanks to everyone for heeding the advice to car pool.

IMG_0764The steward of the preserve, Bob Corneau, was there to greet us all and offer his services as guide. As we strolled the woods, he painted a portrait of how devastated the forest had been 40 years ago and how the land had been rescued from illegal logging practices, via a wealthy donor and the Finger Lakes Land Trust.  Bob has been a volunteer steward on this preserve, mowing, clearing the trails, and monitoring the wildlife for 14 years.  He shared fascinating stories and revealed secrets of the forest that the casual hiker would never notice.  We were so very fortunate to be his students for our two hour tour on Steege Hill.

IMG_0767Our journey began with a steep climb from the parking area up to the top of the hill to access the trails.  We set out in one group on the easiest loop to allow us all to learn about the history of the preserve from our host.  The trail is one of the logging roads that wind through the hillside.  Eroded tracks of bulldozers and numerous tree stumps evidence the destruction of the past.  Several varieties of hardwoods were identified, as well a few fungi,  thanks to Gene and Georgia.  A small pond was a highlight, especially for Newton.  Bob told us of a tornado that had cut across the area recently.  We observed a huge chestnut oak, uprooted by the storm.

IMG_0778Eventually our Climbers set out to experience some of the more challenging terrain, hiking down the hillside, overlooking the Chemung River, then trudging back up to meet the Naturalist group. It was all down hill from there, a noticeable chill in the air as the sun dipped below the trees.

Good food and excellent service awaited us at Tags Restaurant.  Everyone was starving, so this was a welcome conclusion to our afternoon excursion.  The buzz at dinner was that folks were anxious to return to Steege Hill.  I encourage anyone to visit this preserve on their own.  The trails are well marked.  The hospitality is outstanding.

IMG_0779Look for Char’s photos.  Mine did not turn out.

Springwater Trail, Sugarbush Hollow, Sunday, November 9, 2 PM

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How does a brisk, mid fall hike, along the nearby, familiar Springwater Trail, followed by some good chicken and biscuits, while watching the Bills win another one, sound?

Park along Coates Road, near the intersection of the road to the late Chuck Winship house, where there is a seasonal access to the Springwater Trail.

Climbers will walk down Coates Rd., cross Pardee Hollow, and enter the loop trail access, which will lead to the main trail.  Make a left on the main trail, which should take you back to Pardee Hollow Rd., where you will cross and re-enter the trail.  When you get to the seasonal access, go left, which will take you back to Coates Rd., and your cars.

Tourists will walk up Coates Rd. (away from Pardee Hollow), to the main trail entrance.  Enter the main trail, take it to Pardee Hollow Rd., and turn right on it.  Here you have a choice.  You can either spot cars at the sugarhouse, or you can walk down Pardee Hollow, turn right on Coates and walk back to your cars.

Naturalists will spot a return car at the sugarhouse.  They will enter the seasonal access, which leads to the main trail, where they will go right and follow it up to Pardee Hollow Rd., and go right, to the sugarhouse.  Hike leaders will be provided with marked maps, and will receive their marching orders, before the hike.

After the hikes, you have the option of enjoying good food and fellowship of your fellow hikers, at the Mountain View Inn, in Atlanta.  Their Sunday special is chicken and biscuits.  They also have burgers, salads and their beverages include a large assortment of beers and wines.

From Springwater, go north on 15A, right on Wheaton Hill Rd. (CR 16), which becomes Tabors Corners Rd.  Go left on Pardee Hollow Rd.  On the corner, is the Punky Hollow Farm, where this year’s Fiddlers Fair was held.  Continue on PHR, by going right at the T.  Take a left on Coates Rd. and look for our sign, parked cars and your fellow hikers.  I’ll try to get there by 1:30.  For the Mountain View Inn, go to PHR and go left.  Go till it ends at Rowe Rd. (CR 38) and go right to SR 21.  Go left, and then, right, into Atlanta.

Looking forward to seeing you happy troopers on Sunday.