Undeveloped pristine beaches still exist in Western Florida. One of my favorites is Caladesi Island, one of Florida’s State Parks. Caladesi Island is accessible by the Caladesi Island Ferry which you can ride from Honeymoon Island just off the Gulf coast of the Scottish community of Dunedin, just a little north of Clearwater. At low tide, Caledesi Island is also accessible from North Clearwater Beach, but plan your hike around a little point where Mangroves touch the Gulf waters and the tides. Continue reading
Author Archives: Pam
Ganondagan State Historic Site – Oct 21, 2012 at 2:00PM
This Sunday, October 21, 2012 2:00 – 4:00 we will hike the trails at the Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 Victor-Bloomfield Road (Rt. 444) 
just a little south of the Village of Victor. Information regarding the Seneca Site at Ganondagan can be located on their website. We will meet at the Visitor’s Center at 2:00 sharp.
The view south from Fort Hill
Elisabeth Judson, our hike planner and trail guide for Ganondagan, will give a short introduction to the Seneca historical site at the White Pine. Hikers will be divided into 3 different skill levels. Climbers, led by Elisabeth and Mark will hike a 6 mile clip throughout the trails to an encompassing view at Fort Hill and then proceed south on the Victor Hiking Trail to the Judson’s property. Tourists led by Marty and Pam will hike a 4 mile similiar route, noting the history and plant descriptions along the trails and if time permits exploring another connecting Victor park trail. Self – Guided Naturalists will hike approximately 2 miles on Ganondagan Trails, studying nature and history along the way. A map of the trails will be provided.
Our Social will be at the white farmhouse at 4:30 just 1/2 mile west on Boughton Hill Road opposite School Road. Lou Sinesio will be our social host and is preparing a delicious white corn soup using dried corn from their White Corn Project. Please bring a fall dish to pass. Dishes can be dropped off at the farmhouse at 1:45 before the hike. Coffee, apple cider and apples will be provided. Note alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the state historical site. Dried White Corn Products, including cornmeal and dried whole corn grown and processed at Ganondagan will be available for purchase at the farmhouse for interested hikers to help support Ganondagan.
Directions: Click here for driving directions to Ganondagan.
If you wish to carpool, you are invited to meet at one of two places. Note that these carpools are “unsupervised”. In normal conditions, the suggested departure time should get you to the hike on time. Be sure to bring directions in case you are driving.
In Springwater, meet at the Town Hall at 12:50. Plan to leave the Town Hall at 1:00 sharp.
In Honeoye, meet at Sandy Bottom Park 0.4 miles south of 20A on West Lake Rd.at 1:10. Plan to leave Sandy Bottom at 1:20 sharp.
Hemlock Lake – Eastern Shoreline
Last Sunday we broke our chain of rainy hikes, and with a wonderful fall hike along the shoreline of Hemlock Lake.
There were six naturalist who hiked along the north boatlaunch trail and the adjoining shoreline. Gene indicated he did not find any mushrooms, however they found witch hazel and identified different kinds of trees. I found a giant puffball but following DEC rules and regulations for state forest did not pick it. I also found what I thought were shaggy manes, so I was pleased when Gene confirmed the identification.
It was impossible to miss the incredible amount of crunchy zebra mussels exposed along about 2-3 feet of shoreline.
According to the City of Rochester, the lake level is low due to a lack of rain this summer. It will be interesting to see if it helps with killing off the zebra mussells. It would also be interesting to know if there has been an increase in Kodak usage or demands for watering lawns in Rochester, or a new policy to ultimately lower the levels of the lakes.
13 hikers walked entire shoreline, north boat launch to south boat launch, a distance of about 6 miles which was completed in slightly less than 3 hours.
When the climbers reached the south boat launch, the lack of water was clear all across the inlet.
Chuck met the hikers with the red Sugarbus and crammed all hikers and dogs for a return trip back to the cars at the North Boat Launch.
Three lonely touristy women grazed the shoreline and north boat launch trail for a about a 4 miles hike. We photographed the lake, felt a strong wind pick up and were concerned for those that might be in the middle of the lake in kayaks or canoes. We stood where we haven’t been before because of the water level, searched for artifacts, and hiked to the cliffs where I speculate the Legend of Onnolee (about 1350) took place on Bald Hill. We talked about the poet W. S. Hosmer’s legend of Onnolee and read the lyrics of a song written by Joe Crookston at the point where we suspect Onnolee jumped from a crag overlooking the lake. Since there is no crags on Canadice Lake that we know of (maybe there were more 760 years ago) and since the water level on Hemlock Lake beneath the cliffs isn’t very deep, we are almost sure Onnolee met her death on Hemlock Lake, although the Legend notes Canadice Lake. Look for the Full Moon this month, when the spirit of Onnolee is predicted to hover over the lake.
Lastly 17 hikers joined for a social at the Hemlock Grill. The hamburg was the best I have ever had. Thanks to Todd Emerson and his sister Melissa, we were well taken care of.