After hikers collected mushrooms all around the tree farm, experts identified most of the mushrooms and mentioned which ones were poisonous, which appeared only in the fall, and which were unusual to the Eastern US.

The ROCHESTER AREA MYCOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION  (RAMA) annual gala, gourmet dinner will be held February 6^th.  A Saturday evening of mycophagal delights will complement the camaraderie.

RAMA Members and guests will commence with our revelries at THE CASTLE   around 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres. We will plan to dine about 6:30pm .

Please bring a place setting, the beverage or  wine with which  you wish to complement  the grand buffet of fungally inspired dishes which we are eager to create and share from the fungi we have collected this past summer- but do not be deterred from coming if you do not have  a  mushroom casserole, because there is always  need for desserts, cheese and crackers,  vegetables and salads!

The Castle is located on the corner of Mt Hope Ave and Reservoir Ave ( 5 Castle Park) in Rochester.

One final suggestion: remember the castle floors can be cold, so slippers are recommended.

Please contact Gene to join his caravan from Wayland and Springwater.  Come and enjoy a wonderful RAMA tradition!

The New York Museum of Transportation presents a movie documenting the days of freight car building in East Rochester.  The presentation is at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 7, 2016 and is free with admission of $5 adults and $4 age 3 – 12.

An enormous manufacturing complex in East Rochester once produced railroad freight cars for Merchants Despatch Transport and the New York Central Railroad. This period film presented on video captures the wide scope of operations as mammoth freight cars were constructed for service throughout the nation.

Open Sundays only (winter hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the New York Museum of Transportation features an array of full-size trolley cars, a steam locomotive, antique highway and horse-drawn vehicles, a large model railroad, and gift shop. The museum is located at 6393 East River Road, W. Henrietta, NY, just 20 minutes from downtown Rochester and easily reached from Exit 11 off I-390. In the summer season, museum visits include the only electric trolley ride in New York State.
(585) 533-1113; info@nymtmuseum.org

Back in April 2015 we had an S/T hike at the recently acquired park land in the Town of Rush on the Genesee River.  Several hikers thought it would be a suitable place for cross country skiing, so we are headed over there on Sunday. Back when this was first posted in August 2015 we knew it was important for the weather to cooperate, but there is always snow in February.  Well, anyway, we are headed there, for what we hope will be a beautiful “spring” hike along the Genesee. Please join us for a hike and exploration, followed by a Souper After-hike Social at the American Hotel with live Irish music.

Meet in the Visitor parking lot (see below) at the NY Museum of Transportation.  If you would like to attend the Despatch Car Shops, a film about the building of freight cars in E. Rochester, at 1:00, plan to arrive well before 1:00 to allow yourself time to view the exhibits on the way to the film.

We will have three hike levels, according to the interests of the hikers.  All hikers will leave from the NY Museum of Transportation on East River Rd and will proceed to the river. Exploration will be up to the three hike leaders.

An after-hike social to be held at The American Hotel in Lima.  The American Hotel is a historic venue which is highly acclaimed for its daily fresh made soups.  Also on the first Sunday of every month there is live Irish music in the afternoon.  No coincidence that the hike is scheduled for the first Sunday of February, we will be enjoying some live music, great soups, other menu fare, and libation.

Directions: 

From Springwater: Head north on NY 15A for 26.1 miles, through Hemlock, Lima and Rush. After crossing Honeoye Creek in Rush, turn left at the light, onto NY 251 W. Continue straight on NY 251, past NY 15 and I390 for a total of 3.3 miles.  Turn right on East River Rd (CR 84).  The Museum of Transportation is on the left in 1 mile, a few feet before the Welcome to Henrietta sign at Town Line Rd.

From Rochester: Head south on I390, past the Thruway.  Use Exit 11, and make a sharp right turn onto NY-15 N. Take the first left (0.7 mi) onto Rush Henrietta Townline Rd.  At the end of Townline Rd (2.1 mi) at East River Rd, the Museum of Transportation in at a slight left across East River Rd.

From Dansville and Geneseo: Head north on I360.  Use Exit 11 (NY 251 and NY 15), and make the first sharp left turn off the ramp onto NY 251 W. In 1.9 miles, turn right on East River Rd (CR 84).  The Museum of Transportation is on the left in 1 mile, a few feet before the Welcome to Henrietta sign at Town Line Rd.

Parking: Parking is limited in the Museum parking lot, and the Museum is open to the public on Sunday.  Any car pooling that can be done, will not only save gas, but also parking spots.  Follow the signs to the Visitor Parking lot.  If that lot is full, the Museum suggests that we continue around behind the building where the volunteers park, since the grass “auxilliary” lot may not be firm enough for parking.

This Sunday’s outing will be at the Bristol Harbour Resort overlooking Canandaigua Lake.  We will meet in the parking lot for the Lodge and Golf Course. The Robert Trent Jones golf course is an 18 hole course that has paths which can be used in winter for walking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing.  This is a scenic course with hills, ponds, woodlots and views of the lake.  It is open to the public at no charge for these winter activities.

Once there, we will break into groups based on people’s interests.  If there is enough snow and you would like to cross country ski or snow shoe, come prepared with your equipment as they do not have rentals.  Cold temperatures are forecast for this weekend so everyone should dress accordingly.

Our after hike social will be in the tavern in the Lodge which was built and is furnished in a rustic Adirondack style.

Directions

From Springwater: It is about 30 miles and a 45 minute drive to Bristol Harbour from the 4 corners in Springwater.  Starting from the 4 corners, head north on 15A, take a right onto Old Bald Hill S and then on Johnson Hill Road. At the top, turn left onto County Route 37.  At Route 20A turn right and head east through Honeoye and then take a right onto East Lake Road.  Turn left onto County Route 33.  At Route 64 turn right and just past Bristol Springs take a left onto Route 21 north. Turn right onto Bopple Hill Road (0.8 mi) which becomes Seneca Point Road at the lake.  Follow Seneca Point Road along the lake and up the hill (2.2 mi) to the driveway on the left for the Bristol Harbor Lodge and Golf Course.

From Wayland (23 miles, 35 minutes): Head east on NY 21 through N Cohocton and Naples. Turn right in South Bristol to stay on NY 21N. In 0.8 mi, turn right onto Bopple Hill Road which becomes Seneca Point Road at the lake.  Follow Seneca Point Road along the lake and up the hill (2.2 mi) to the driveway on the left for the Bristol Harbor Lodge and Golf Course.

From Rochester and Canandaigua: Take NT 21S from Canandaigua for about 6 miles from Rts 5 & 20. Turn left onto Seneca Point Rd. (If you miss Seneca Point Rd, turn left on W. Lake Rd, then the first right on Seneca Point Rd)  Follow Seneca Point Road for 2.9 miles to the driveway on the right for the Bristol Harbor Lodge and Golf Course.

Hemlock lake is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Finger lakes.

Arch Merill’s 1943 Democrat and Chronicle article gives an apt description of this wondrous lake.

“She is a wild and elfin child of the hills and forest.  None of the slim blue lakes of the Genesee country has more physical allure.”

“Hemlock is a mountain lake although the conservativism of her people would never let them call Old Bald Hill, or her other guardians, anything but plain hills.”

Hemlock lake played an important part in the development of Springwater.  The lake was a highway used by many of the earliest settlers of the town.  In 1807 Seth Knowles traveled up the ice of Hemlock with his family and all his wordly possessions.  He settled in the western part of Springwater.

On Sunday we will hike the Northern end of Hemlock lake.

We will meet at the Hemlock lake Park Parking area, North end of the lake.

Climbers, Tourists, and Naturalists will proceed in a Westerly direction along the dike and pass the outlet end of the lake.  We will hike the short Walnut trail on the West side of the lake (several old foundations can be seen along this route).  We can get some great lake views walking the West shore line.  If time permits we can cross the road and walk part of the Bur Oak Trail.

Dress according to weather conditions.  Boots will be an excellent idea if weather conditions remain warm as the trails are muddy.  If we get freezing conditions traction devices might be helpful.

Social:  After the hike we will meet at Sammy’s Family Restaurant in Springwater; on the right heading South, aprox 1/4 mile past the traffic light in Springwater village.

As is usual this winter, our Sunday hike in the Schribner Valley will be flexible to adjust to the snow that is on the ground.  We have three hikes planned if we can hike without snowshoes.  If there is enough snow to wear snowshoes and skis, then we will adjust to those conditions.

NOTE: Today is Friday and the ground is covered with snow and the temperature is below freezing.  But Sunday is expecting a high in the 50s, so I believe we will be hiking with waterproof boots.  Go figure!

The Climbers will head west across the valley and up through the woods.  We will select a safe route through the forest that is currently being logged, and the climbers will get a first hand view of the logging process.  When we reach the top, we will take time to enjoy the views to the south, then will head down through pine woods and return along the stream to the house.

The routes for the Tourists will travel through the fields, across the stream, and will climb to the lower side of the forest that is being logged.  They will follow the edge of the forest to the far end of the valley, and then come back to the house. Keep your eyes open for animal tracks – lots of deer and fox, but probably not any bear.

The Naturalists will stay on the house side of the stream and will cross walk in an area of the valley that Springwater Trails has not explored.  Expect one or two hills with about 25 ft rise. On the return, the naturalist will see the cut logs up close.

Following the hike, join us for a pot luck social at the Hopkins house.  If it is cloudy, we will have a fire going and a big plate of pulled pork. Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverage, or make a small ($5) contribution to the social fund.

Directions: During the winter it is necessary to enter Schribner Rd from Tabors Corners road.  Detailed directions are available here. Parking for five cars is available in the driveway, or park along Giles Rd just past the driveway.

From Wayland: From Rt 15, head east on Rt 21 toward North Cohocton for 3 miles. Turn left on Tabors Corners Rd (Steuben Co Rd 37).  After 2 miles, turn left on Schribner Rd (the second left).  The driveway is the 2nd driveway on the left one mile up Schribner Rd and about 10 feet before the intersection with Giles Rd. Turn around at the intersection and park on the west side of the road.

From the North: Take Canadice Hill Rd past Harriet Hollister Spencer Park to Springwater where it becomes Wetmore Rd.  Or take Wheaton Hill Rd up from NY 15A to the top at Wetmore Rd.  Continue south on Wetmore. At the end of Wetmore, bear right on Tabors Corners Rd.  After 3.5 miles turn right on Scribner Rd.  The driveway is the 2nd driveway on the left one mile up Schribner Rd and about 10 feet before the intersection with Giles Rd. Turn around at the intersection and park on the west side of the road.  Additional detailed directions may be helpful.

Last year, Springwater Trails signed up to maintain a section of the Finger Lakes Trail, Bristol Branch.  We are responsible for the section from W Hollow Rd and Seman Rd to Mt Pleasant St and N Main St in Naples.  This section passes through the West Hill Preserve off Seman Rd and then across private land to Mt Pleasant St in Naples.

This Sunday, we will explore the Preserve and follow the trail, making notes about areas that need maintenance.  Maintenance days will be planned in the spring and late summer, to help keep this trail in the conditions that hikers have grown to expect.

We will meet at the entrance to the West Hill Preserve.  From there, the climbers will carpool to Naples and hike back to the cars.  Naturalists follow the Bristol trail to the sign in box, where Gene will replace the knob.  They then will explore the other trails on the Preserve, while the Tourists continue on the Bristol Branch for an hour before returning to the cars.

Please note: Dogs are not allowed to hike on the Nature Conservancy property.

Following the hike, please join us for a social at one of the fine restaurants in Naples.

Directions: 

From Springwater: Head south on NY 15 (for 5.2mi). At the light in Wayland turn left on NY 21N (for 6.7mi). In N Cohocton, turn left to stay on NY 21N (for 4.5mi). In Naples, turn left again to stay on NY 21N (for 1.8mi). On the north side of Naples, turn left on CR12 and head up the hill for 1.9 miles.  Take the first left, Rhine St., to the 4 way  intersection.  Go left onto Seman Rd.  Trailhead is about 1/2 mile, by a big sign on the left. Park along the road.

From Honeoye: Head south on CR 36 on the west side of Honeoye Lake (for 13.6 miles from NY 20A). Turn left onto Gulick Rd (for 2 mi), then right on Davis Rd (for 0.7mi). At the end of Davis, turn left on W Hollow Rd (CR 33) for 0.5mi, then right on Seman Rd. The Trailhead is about 1 mile, by a big sign on the right. Park along the road.

Once agina, the Springwater Center has kindly offered to host our Annual Meeting.  This scenic property overlooking the Springwater Valley, and half-way between Webster Crossing and the Hamlet is very appropriate for Springwater Trails.  Our thanks to the entire staff of the center for their welcome.

Prior to the Annual Meeting. we will enjoy the many well marked trails that loop through open fields and forested areas. The trails through the fields are mowed and there are wonderful views of the surrounding hills and the valley below. Two of the trails parallel a creek bed and gorge and one loops to another seasonal creek. Keep your eyes open for the Marker Tree near the creek. Following our hikes, we will set up a pot-luck dinner in the kitchen.  Everyone interested in Springwater Trails is welcome to the pot-luck and the Annual Meeting, and to the hike.

There will be three hikes Wayne Coger and Susan McCallum, longtime Center members, will be available to answer questions and help with directions. Well-mannered dogs are welcome to hike with us.  Dogs should stay in cars during the social.

If you are able to join us for the social after the hike, please bring a dish to pass and a non-alcoholic beverage or consider making a cash donation.  There is a complete kitchen to store and reheat the dishes as needed.  Please bring slippers as shoes will  need to be removed at the door.

Directions

From Springwater: Take Rt 15 to the West from the flashing light at the intersection with Rt 15A.  Follow Rt 15 up the hill.  Turn right at the top of the hill on Mill St Ext (just across the road from Harpers Ferry Rd) – you will see a Dead End sign. Springwater Center is the third driveway to the left (0.1 mile along Mill St. Ext., you will see the sign). Follow the driveway for 0.6 miles to reach the Center parking lot. The main building is just past the parking lot.

Additional directions to the Center are here.

NOTE: This is the first day of Daylight Savings Time.  The hike will start promptly at 2:00 Eastern Daylight Time. The hike will be followed by a social at the Springwater Center and by the Springwater Trails Annual Meeting.

Following the Sunday hike, join us for the Springwater Trails, Inc, annual meeting. We plan to have a slideshow reviewing the 2015 hikes, and a talk, with slides, about Antarctica by Melissa.

The Social and Annual Meeting is open to everyone, and your comments are welcome.  Voting for officers and other business brought up at the meeting is limited to members of Springwater Trails.  Membership forms will be available at the meeting and memberships for 2016 can be purchased at half price.

Agenda

• Welcome to members and friends
• A review of 2015
• Looking ahead to 2016
  • Springwater Bicentenial
  • Springwater Trails Goals
  • A word about seasonal hike coordinators
• Election of Officers
• Penguins of Antarctica – Melissa Cohen
• Adjournment

Powerpoint for the Annual Meeting is available here.

NOTE: The social and annual meeting will start at about 4:30 Daylight Savings Time