Although there was questionable weather predicted for our second trimodal event around Canadice Lake, dedicated members brought their bikes, kayaks, hiking shoes, raincoats/umbrellas/hairdues to participate in what turned out to be a “not too hot” but refreshing August day.  A slight breeze on the lake ended up being acceptable for a paddle and 6 kayaks were prepared along the shoreline for the returning trimodal bikers. 4 bikers unloaded their bicycles, bike tires were pumped up, helmets secured, and stretchy black biking shorts were the preferred comfortable clothing.    Although road conditions were somewhat dry, trail conditions ended up being a little muddy after the morning rains.  5 climbers quickly took off in a southern direction to pick up the south Canadice Trail for an extended hike of 5 miles to the north entrance trail parking lot.

The estimated time for members participating in all 3 events was projected to be between 2 1/2 and 3 hours.  A slight competition seemed to develop along the way to shorten the time span to two hours max.  We shortened the walk, either leaving our bikes at the south entrance trail, or walking the bike for a short distance.  Arriving at the kayak/canoe boat launch, a quick trip across the lake and back, set the time record of 90 minutes to bike,walk,kayak Canadice Lake.  It was estimated that a  little longer 1/2 hour walk or an extended 1/2 hour kayak would of set the time for 2 hours to complete the trimodal.

Climbers traveled along the Canadice Trail enjoying new friends and conversations, stopping to observe and photograph a bright red unidentified leaf,  sweet peas and search for the locations of kayakers on the lake. They completed their 5 mile hike in 1 3/4 hours. Kayakers leisurely explored the shorelines looking for the eagle that often visits the south end of the lake. Instead of the eagle, they found a large gathering of people from a local labor day weekend party.

Members completing the trimodal were Mark, Linda, Melissa and Pam.  A grand prize photograph was presented to Melissa for her inspiration and spirit.  Thanks to the Smiths for hosting the social and all the members that contribute healthy salads, seasonal fruits and vegetables.  Welcome back Joan and Bob and new member Doug who provided beautiful pictures.

Mark generated a draft fall schedule and encouraged members to sign up as hike planners. Good luck to Mark and Linda on their bike tour from Pittburgh, Penn, to Ohio, traveling at least 50 miles a day. It’s also time for Bob and Joan to get your sea kayaks back out on the lake!

Beautiful biking weather last Sunday. Not bad for hiking either. Mark and Pati took to the trail on foot with the Westies. The rest of us greased up our chains and pumped up our tires(except for Dena) for a leisurely trip down the rail trail from Orleans to Flint. Lots of flora a fauna were viewed along the route. Pam pointed out Tansy, a flowering plant sown by farmers to keep away flies.

Pam plays with railroad spikes

Too bad it did not work on mosquitoes. We were also on the lookout for poison sumac. The trail was lovely and shaded in many areas, with a steep drop to the creek. Fortunately we did not veer off into any of the ravines. The trip south took us just under an hour, but the return trip was much faster. Bikers seemed to get their legs on the return journey. Had we known that, we could have made it all the way to Stanley in the allotted time.

About a mile from the finish we encountered some of our hikers who had arrived late: Katherine, Gene, and Georgia were meandering the trail observing the plants and fending off insects. All returned to the parking area in plenty of time to head out to our social.

Social at the Green Front 8/17/14

Thanks to John, we landed at a perfect spot for hungry hikers, the Green Front, in Canandaigua. Beer was great, several varieties on tap, and food was most delicious, especially the free pizza enjoyed by Melissa and John. Hats off to the crew at the Green Front.

Hope to see you all on the trail next week.

Five hikers believe they have found the old growth forest in the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest at the south end of Hemlock Lake. Although there still doesn’t seem to be an agreement on what constitutes the description, there is definately a diversity of tall trees, including hemlocks, maples, and oaks, some appearing to be between 150 and 300 years old in a section of very steep terrain on the west side of Hemlock Lake, across from the south boat launch heading south. The area also encompasses the original nesting site of the bald eagles. If you attended one of the Finger Lakes Museum’s talks a few years ago called “Back from the Brink”, you would truly appreciate the work that was done by the DEC to reestablish the bald eagle population in New York State, and it all started in Springwater.   One can understand, after hiking through this steep dense forest, the reason behind why the Sierra Club protected this area against logging over 10 years ago. Maybe Springwater Trails can provide this program on the bald eagles in our area, so others can value this historical wildlife project. Thanks to Hugh Mitchell, past president of the Sierra Club, for providing information on an area of environmental concern.

While the hikers were bushwacking their way traversing through the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest, six other members and two dogs of Springwater Trails leisurely kayaked the west shore line of Hemlock Lake in search of Pati’s secret spot. It was a beautiful warm and calm day on the lake and Mac,Duff, and Mark enjoyed bathing in the sun while Linda paddled their tandem kayak. Finding the stone love chair, the kayakers rested to begin their trip back, making calls to the hikers coming down from someplace in the forest above.
Thanks to Todd, “Fresh Air Kid” Christopher and son Max for providing a motorboat and others that towed extra kayaks to the pick up point to transport the hikers back across the lake. Thanks to Marty for saving Ellen from going around in circles in a high performance white water kayak that wanted to turn sharply at each stroke!

Dropping from about 1700′ elevation to 900′, Ellen Folts, owner of Amanda’s Garden, identified several plants along the way through the forest, mostly as we approached a lower elevation area: witch hazel shrubs, jack-in-the-pulpit, mayapples with almost ripe green fruit (but poisonous til turns yellow) white baneberry, crinkleleaf sedge, silver sedge, christmas and maidenhair ferns, hepatica leaves, and of course as we came closer to the swamp area many invasives such as multi-flora rose and lots of poison ivy.
Many mushrooms were found along the way,including jack-o-lantern which we now know is poisonous.  Unfortunately our mushroom experts, Georgia and Gene, weren’t with us to identify. It was a good thing many of us had long pants on and sturdy hiking boots to handle the steep slopes! Once we reached the swamp area along the Springwater Creek we traveled faster following well defined deer paths.

After hike social was hosted by Nanette and Steve Smith.  Nanette prepared pulled pork, and many other delicious salads, cornbread, and fresh local blueberries and homegrown vegetables provided a wonderful meal.  Thanks to the Smiths for graciously offering.  We won’t tell where Pam found her lost keys.  It must be a B12 deficiency.

So why did I name this article the Eagle and the Ring? It could become a legend as there is something mystical about this area. A silver ring made out of an antique spoon was lost on the hike when we came upon an unexpected restricted area where the original eagle nesting site was located. The ring silently disappeared right off the finger as if an invisable eagle flew down and snatched it. It was nowhere to be found. Maybe the ring is in her nest or hidden somewhere in the forest for others to find. Anyone want to create the legend? Send your comments in!

We had a great event of hiking and swimming scheduled, at the Lawrence Parks Cohocton Town Park, perfect for a hot, sunny, midsummer day.  The weather, at 4 PM, on Sunday, August 3, turned out to be anything but that.  About 8 hearty souls arrived, in the downpour, and conferred on Atlanta Back Rd., to avoid paying the $1.00 admission charge for the park.  Decision was unanimous that there was little motivation for hiking, under the conditions.

Gene and Georgia subsequently invited everyone to bring what they brought and convene for camraderie at their humble residence in beautiful downtown Wayland.  We enjoyed a good afternoon of dining and ST fellowship, well sheltered from the elements, and well enhanced by such items as Katherine’s delicious hot Italian soup, with sausage and vegetables, and Linda’s superb mozzerella and fruit kababs.

Undaunted ST troopers, Gene and Marty, are planning to offer this event again, in June, when there may also be enough water in the Cohocton River for a kayak venture.  Meanwhile, Springwater Trails is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest and flogging of the ST member who offered margerine to Mother Nature.