It was a good turnout for the Springwater Trails Sunday hike at the All Western Tree Farm.  Twenty two hikers joined Katherine to enjoy the sunny warm winter day and the views from the farm across the Springwater Valley.  The entire group hiked across the farm to Story Road for a view of the  Radar Site south of the farm.  The sun was out and most of the time we were protected from the wind, so many hikers removed one or more coats.

Following the hike a buffet of soup and salad warmed the hikers while Harry Reynolds related the history of the Radar Site.

Well you would of thought it was a funeral procession. 11 cars with their headlights on following a Jeep Patriot up to the top of Garlinghouse Road, dropping off pick up cars along the way. I don’t think the residents in the area have ever seen this many cars altogether on this remotely located road. All the planning and coordination of this hike was worth every minute to bring our hikers into a cold and desolate artic landscape, near the top of Hunt Hollow Ski Resort.

No one got lost or went the wrong way and we arrived at our starting point where the snowplow ended on the east side of Garlinghouse Road. There was adequate parking and we quickly separated into 3 ability levels, cross country skiers, climbers, tourists and naturalists. Ann and Jerry led the climbers, Rick H. the cross country skiers (promising to remove their skies at the steep downhill trail to Liddiard Road), and Pam led the tourists and naturalists. The snowmobile trail was hard packed, widely traveled, easy to walk and one had to wonder when these mysterious loud vehicles travel as no sounds of snowmobiles have been heard in all our walks. Maybe they all travel at night, in large groups, for weekend adventures, from destination to destination.

Tourists and Naturalists separated at the corner of Liddiard Road, Bob put on his snowshoes for the first time in 20 years to travel the unpacked road east. Liddiard Road is quite long and would be excellent for cross country skiing, end to end. There are only 4 houses on the road and the upper
Naples Creek on the east side follows it’s path with signs posted as a public fishing stream.
The west part of Liddiard borders two beautiful ponds and the upper Cohocton Creek.

Climbers continued on the C-4 trail past Liddiard, up hills, to an elevation just under 2,200 feet near the top of Coates Road. Unfortunately views of the windmills and surrounding area was unable to be seen due to the cloudy conditions. Climbers took a very steep walk down Coates Road and surprisingly all hikers met at the same time in LESS THAN 2 HOURS. Actually 1 hour 50 minutes and 30 seconds (Ann and Jerry turn into pumpkins if our hikes are over 2 hours).

Hikers enjoyed our usual bar food at the Middletown Tavern in Naples where many discussions about tapping maple trees, vitamins to take, injuries, and coordination of future hikes. Good to see you hiking with us again Rick and Lois! We’ll return to the snowmobile trail on April 13th to
enjoy another section of what we hope will someday be a Springwater Trail.

Ontario County Park Snowshoe

The forest was calling and twelve intrepid souls answered.   We braved the 20 degree temperature and snowy roads to embrace the beauty of winter in the woods at Gannett Hill.

Because of the small number we decided to hike as one group rather that splitting into the usual three levels. We began as eight, later joined by four others. Following the Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes at first, we stopped to take in the imaginary view at the “lookout” then traversed along the hillside overlooking West Hollow. Major Tom set a reasonable pace. The footing was tricky even with our snowshoes. Char did fine without hers. As we dropped down into the gully then back up the other side, no one complained about the cold. It was a workout. At the top of the hill we dropped down onto the yellow mountain bike trail which we followed through the woods until it intersected once again with the FLT. Soon afterwards, Mark, Linda, and Don caught up with us. It was a treat to travel a new route (the yellow trail) over the river and through the woods. We followed the bike trail through what appeared to be an old orchard, with many thorn apple trees, and thankfully flat terrain, to the park road for an easy return to our vehicles.

John, having skied the park perimeter solo, greeted us with rave reviews of the cross country ski trails.  These trails are not groomed, but that did not seem to trouble John and his legs of steel.  He was delighted with the deep snow and the terrain.  He plans to lobby with the Cross Country Ski  Federation to promote and possibly groom these trails.

Now for the best part of the afternoon.  We inched our way down Gannett Hill’s slick surface, despite vehicular challenges, to the picturesque burg of Bristol Springs.  (I have heard that there really are some hot springs in the area.)  Our destination, Brew and Brats, proved to be a very nice gathering spot.  It was lots more cozy than the frigid pavilions at the park.   Along with copious popcorn, good craft beer, chili, sauerkraut, and of course German Sausage were enjoyed by all.  Don truly enjoyed the condiments.  Sadly there was no Mayo for Jerri.  Our host, Peter, was most gracious.

hikers enjoy brew and brats

Thank you to Rick for being our Winter Planner and to Brooks for getting us a good table at the Brew and Brats.  This was his first hike with us and I think he was impressed.   Thanks to Pam for capturing the spirit of the group in her photos.  Hope I have included all the important stuff and that everyone got their money’s worth.

Hike Planner, Melissa

foggy hill at top of C-4

“It’s pretty foggy in Honeoye! Are we still hiking?” asked one hiker on his way south to our scheduled Sunday hike on the C-4 Snowmobile Trail. This area is known for it’s high elevations located in the far southeastern section of Livingston County, bordering Ontario and Steuben Counties. My eyes kept looking at the fog covered hills thinking…. what if we can’t see in front of us and get lost up there? Should we tie a rope to everyone to keep them together if visability is poor? I think I have read some survival stories about people getting lost in the fog and it was definately hypothermia weather.

Schum Acres Dairy Farm milks 1000 cattle

As I approached our designated meeting spot at Schum Acres my fears quickly passed as I felt a little more confident that Rick and I previewed the trails a few days before, scanning the area in detail for over 5 hours, identifying the C-4, S44 and HVC 14 trails, following the markers, fields, woods and structures that could guide us if there were no snowmobile paths to follow. The scenic views were beautiful on the preview day, but the fog today would not allow the valley, hills and windmills of the surrounding area to be visible. Luckily a wet snow and 26 degree temperature with no wind created a beautiful day for hiking with no need of snowshoes.

hiking in the fog

Our car poolers got a little confused at the beginning of the hike as to the location to start our hike.  We intended to start at the intersection of Lanning and Richards Road which is accessed from Garlinghouse Rd in Naples, Ontario County. But some drivers thought we were starting at the Springwater end of Richards Road on the Livingston County side of the mountain. A quick phone call (good thing cells worked in this area) allowed the lost cars to eventually find us. Lanning Road was a little slushy, allowing only 4 wheel drive vehicles to make the climb to our starting location.

preview hike of surrounding area with no fog

Climbers took off while Tourists and Naturalists got a bit late start assisting others. Thanks Bob! A reminder to drivers that park on hills in icy road conditions…make sure your emergency brake is on, stay away from the back of the car and if it starts to slide, don’t try to stop it, you’re not superman or superwoman (although Pam and Rick think they are!)

6 Naturalists hiked the flat seasonal road of Richards Road to Pardee Hollow and returned. Comments included beautiful, peaceful, quiet, an easily traveled secluded road also perfect for cross country skiing, led to enjoyment by all. Tourists and Climbers got a strenuous hike right from the start, hiking 200′ up Richards Road to the top of the Arena Farm. From there Climbers turned left to find the HVC 14 feeder trail that definitely passed through Wolfs Gull, rather than dropping into another section of the upper gull as was done last year. Good hiking boots, ice traks, moleskins and poles helped to make our winter hikes more enjoyable, especially descents into deep gully areas such as Wolfs Gull.

Tourists came upon several interesting structures following the main C-4 snowmobile route, including a lean too, outhouse, elaborate tree stands, a logging operation, old fashion windmill, and corn fields. Mac enjoyed being carried most of the way which put another 30 pounds on Mark front. Although evidence of snowmobiles had passed through the area, none were seen or heard.
Tourists finished their hike in a little over an hour and proceeded to walk into Wolf’s Gull at it’s exit on Garlinghouse Road to meet the climbers.

Tourists met the climbers coming out of Wolf’s gull

After hike social and chicken and biscuits were enjoyed at the Mountain View Restaurant in Atlanta where a long lost hiker found us. Missing for 3 months with a knee injury, welcome back Norm!
Bye to one of our regular hikers, Marty, who is off to New Zealand for 3 months. Thanks to Schum Acres, Mike Arena, Mr. Shipman, and Mr. Bauer for allowing us access to your land and to the Honeoye Hill and Valley Riders for allowing us to use the snowmobile trail. We’ll be back to do another section of the snowmobile trail from Coates Road to Warner Road on Feb. 16th.