NOTE START TIME AT 2 PM!  Traditionally, after Labor Day, the hike time changes from 4 p.m. back to 2 p.m. to avoid the hike ending after dark.

This week we will have the third opportunity to do a Mushroom Foray along with the hikes on the newly made trail in July, hiking in a northwesterly direction on the All Western Evergreen Farm, and continuing with permission onto privately owned land by neighbors to the east, before deer hunting begins.  Three hiking groups are planned, all starting and ending at the farm house.  With thanks to Laura, Melissa, Char, Mark, Gene, Georgia, and Carol, we will have both a Plan A and a Plan B, depending on the weather, trail building, and who comes to hike.  Friendly dogs are welcome on the hike; however, those who want to hike the new trails on other’s lands will be crossing Liberty Pole Road where a leash will be needed.  You can expect a few other dogs will be hiking with you.

See http://www.springwaterfiddlersfair.net/

Note the new Fall time

Building a trail – October, 2013

Rick and I got together today to plan our extension to the Springwater Trail.  We have been investigating paths around the Schribner valley and last year we started a trail west from Schribner.  This Sunday, we will work to improve that trail and extend it across the top of the hill.

We have two tasks on Sunday.  One portion of the trail built last year is built on a slant that is difficult to hike across.  We will work to flatten the trail to make it easier and safer. Please bring a shovel or rake to help Rick with this portion of the trail.

The rest of us will go to the end of the trail we worked on last year.  From the top of the hill we will follow the orange flags through the wood.  The work is primarily removing fallen branches and some trimming of the trees.  Work gloves and loppers and good hiking boots are the appropriate tools for this team.

After two hours of trail work, come join us for grilled chicken. Please bring a dish to pass.

Sometimes you just have to seize the moment when our “little finger lakes” provide a unusual hiking opportunity. The weather has been unseasonably warm, the lake level of Canadice Lake is unusually low, and bow hunting season is upon us. The City of Rochester has been working on clearing debris in the Canadice Outlet area and log jams on  the dam off Rt. 15A in Hemlock.    This has resulted in the lowering of the Canadice Lake waters and keeping  the lake waters on Hemlock Lake higher. For the past two years, Springwater Trails  have  hiked the shorelines of Hemlock Lake at this time of year.  This year, the Canadice Lake shoreline provides hikers a unique opportunity for us to experience.

While kayaking on Canadice Lake this week, I followed the shoreline to the North End to examine the possibility of an entire hike around the shoreline of Canadice Lake.  What I experienced confirmed that a change of hike location was needed for our local hikers.    We will meet at the South Canadice Lake Trail on Canadice Lake Road at 1:45 for immediate take off at 2:00.    Following the trail through the swampy area to the west side, we will drop onto the shoreline and hike to the spillway area at the northwest end of the lake, then cross over to the northeast shoreline and hike at least to the boat launch or further, time permitting.  Climbers will attempt to hike the entire shoreline at a fast pace, Tourists will hike to the boat launch for a pick up, and Naturalists may walk at their desired pace as far as they wish for an hour and return to their cars.  Bring your cameras for capturing fall foliage pictures, sighting the eagles, and colorful reflections in the water.

After hike social/campfire will be at Pam’s on Old Bald Hill Road.  Bring a healthy fall dish to pass and your drink of choice. Also, for those interested in beginning archery, bring your bows and arrows!
Directions for the south entrance at Canadice.

An opportunity to explore the west side of Letchworth Park with the Genesee Valley Hiking Club.  This is a very strenuous 14 mile hike.  Bring water, snacks and lunch.  See details at the GVHC meetup site and be sure to read all of the comments.

Our annual autumn hike at the Eagle Crest Winery will take place Sunday, October 12.  Joan and Bob are planning a hike to explore the DEC and Nature Conservancy land around the Winery with an emphasis on an up close view of the working vineyard.  With a bit of help from the sun, we also expect to enjoy the fall colors around Hemlock Lake. The hike will be followed by wine tasting and a potluck social at the winery.  Come try the “No Frackin’ Way” Wines and take home a bottle at the special hikers price. Please bring a dish to pass for the outdoor social.

Agenda

1. Approve Minutes
2. Treasurer’s Report
3. Fiddler’s Fair Report
4. Fall Schedule Status