The weather isn’t cooperating with our hikes this month. With temperatures below zero and wind between 20 and 30 mph we are canceling the hike that Melissa had planned on the Genesee Greenway for Sunday.  Thank you Melissa for working on this hike.

According to the National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart, wind of 20mph at 0 degrees indicates frostbite will occur within 30 minutes.  It just seemed to Melissa and I that a two hour hike would not be safe at these temperatures.

But there are several recommendations for how you can deal with your disappointment:

1. Saturday will be warmer than Sunday.  It would be a good day for a hike and you may want to get out and walk around the block or down the road.  Or, call a friend and meet at Canadice Lake for a hike along the west side trail – skis or snowshoes are highly recommended.  And please dress warmly in layers.
2. The 4th Annual Penfield Hiker’s Jamboree is being held on Saturday from 10 to 12.  Come to the Penfield Town Hall, 3100 Atlantic Ave to hear a Boy Scout presentation and to network with other hiking and trails groups in this area.  This is a great opportunity to learn how other communities are building hiking trails in their towns. After the Jamboree, take some time to hike the Veteran’s Memorial Park at the Town Hall.
3. On Sunday, as you stay warm by the fire, take some time to consider how you can become even more active in Springwater Trails.  Melissa is chairing the nominating committee for the Springwater Trails Executive Board.  If you can spare two hours once a month, and a couple more hours reviewing our meeting minutes and handling your action items, please send Melissa an email volunteering for a position on the executive board.  The Board consists of 6 positions: President, Vice President, VP for Hiking, Secretary, Treasurer and Trail Master.
4. One more way to contribute: join Springwater Trails at Maple Weekend at Stoney Ridge Farms on CR 28 in Farmington.  We need volunteers on both days of the two Maple Weekends March 21, 22 and March 28, 29.  Send me an email if you would be able to help.