A quintessential experiencing, learning, and  networking opportunity with all kinds of outdoor activity possibilities is the 18th Annual ADK Outdoor Expo to be held at Mendon Ponds Park at the beach area on Saturday, June 13, 2015 (for set-up 9:00AM) 10:00AM-4:00PM for public participation.  Organized by the Adirondack Mountain Club – Genesee Valley Chapter (ADK-GVC) this day consists of hikes, bike rides, kayaking and canoeing, equipment trials & info, demos, learning workshops and presentations, and more, all with the outdoor enthusiast in mind.

Beginner Orienteering, GPS selection & use, kayak selection & technique, paddling safety, white water experience, Backpacking 101, Camping essentials, easy tarp hanging, treating water for drinking, several biking topics, happy healthy hiking dogs, Disc Golf, drying food snacks, knot tying, how to not get lost in the woods, birding workshop, favorite National Parks, tree & shrub identification, and much more are all on the schedule.  In fact there are a minimum of 5-8 activities to choose from at any one time and scores of separate activities planned in the schedule, so pretty much guaranteed to be numerous opportunities of interest for all outdoors oriented folks.

With so many activities, and participation and presentation by so many hiking and outdoor related groups, outdoor equipment outfitters & retailers, municipal and service agencies alike, perhaps the toughest part will be choosing which opportunity you want to participate in over another.

Further details can be gleaned from  http://www.adk-gvc.org/Expo   Check out the photo array of some of the equipment on hand at last years ADK Expo.   Oh, and did I forget to mention, it is all FREE?  No admission fee to Mendon Ponds Park or to the ADK Expo.   And free live music performances by Golden Link Folk Singing Society, too.

        If you as a S/T hiker wish to volunteer for two hours at the ADK Expo, the organizers would greatly appreciate the offer.  Of note: many hiking groups are participating, two of which are Victor Hiking Trails & Genesee Valley Hiking Club.

       So, there you have it Springwater Trails hikers, some varying new opportunities and for sharing.  One never knows what we can learn, and apply to the Springwater Trail and our S/T hiking group.   Hope to see you at the ADK Expo, and on the trail along with newly acquired knowledge as well.

For you GPS and map coordinates users, the Mendon Ponds Park Beach area has coordinates of 43.02918, -77.55879