This week we will once again venture into the Wesley Hill Nature Preserve where Briggs Gully, a former artists’ cabin, abundant forests, plant life and wildlife abound. A total of 360 acres contains five walking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Click on the trail map to the right if you want a larger trail map in a new tab.

We will all meet at the preserve parking lot, on the west side of Gulick Rd., bright eyed and bushy tailed, and ready to start at 2 PM.

Climbers, lead by Melissa, will follow the red trail into the woods, pick up the orange trail, take a short jog on the yellow and then back to the red. At the intersection of the green trail, climbers will head down to the gully, then back up the green trail to the parking area on Gulick Road. Total distance is about 4 miles over slopes, hills and through forests and fields. Iridescent rocks may be spotted in stream beds along the way.

Tourists, lead by Dena, will take the green trail down to the red trail and follow the red loop back to the parking area, for a total of about 3 miles with lesser slopes than the climbers will tackle.

Naturalists, lead by pokey Gene,  will drive from the meeting place to the Wesley Road parking lot, and begin their journey starting on the yellow trail, and then picking up the blue trail, then following the yellow trail back from the scenic overlook for a total of about 2 miles. Those who select this option will have a special opportunity of being joined by our guest, Richard Aaron of Toronto,who is a professional nature leader, and member of the Toronto Mushroom Club.

Directions to the Gulick Rd parking lot are, from 15A, go east on 20A through Honeoye, turn right onto East Lake Rd. Take the first left following CR 33, then 1st right onto Pinewood Hill which becomes Gulick Road.  Wesley parking lot is 4.3 miles down Gulick, on the right side.

Optional after-hike social will be at Java Mama in the plaza on Main Street/Route 20A.  They’re kindly letting us use their facility but we are bringing our own food so, please bring a dish to pass, and your beverage, or make a donation.  The manager will make us a fresh pot of coffee and put out any leftover Danish they have.  Although they’re not charging us anything for all this, a basket will be available for those who would like to join me in leaving a tangible token of appreciation, which will be presented as a “tip” from our club.  Also, don’t forget to express your appreciation to Dena for all her work in organizing this great Sunday activity.