Hike and Paddle at Hemlock Lake

It was a glorious day to be outdoors, on the final day of June.  An even dozen gathered at Hemlock Lake to enjoy the cool, sunny weather and were rewarded.  We had our usual hiking groups.  Four hardy hikers walked the length of the lakeshore then climbed through the woodlands on Rob’s Trail, for an impressive 4.25 miles.  Another four motored up to Rob’s Trail trailhead and worked their way back to the boat launch.  In this group we welcomed two new hikers, who appeared to enjoy the outing and the easy going group of Tourists.  Two folks took the Naturalist. route along the DEC trail, out and back to the boat launch, which was a hefty 3.5 miles.  From the bench at the terminus of this trail, they spotted and waved at the paddlers out on the lake.  Only 2 kayakers ventured out on Hemlock Lake for 4 + miles of paddling.  At they headed across the lake, an eagle appeared, swooping along the western shore.  That was a good omen.  The breeze pushed them swiftly down the lake, yet was not too much of a hindrance on the crossover or the upwind part of the loop.  It was a decent workout.

A delicious picnic supper, awaited the group as they returned to Hemlock Park.  It was a perfect evening, weather wise.  Everyone remarked or the variety and quality of the culinary offerings.  (Nutritious and delicious!)  It was a top notch day at Hemlock Lake.  Thank you to all who participated.