Hiking a ridge along a waterfall can be quite slippery when it involves climbing a steep embankment and traversing over an inch of light snow covering leaves. I would consider this hike one of our most adventuresome endeavors, thrilling, but at times being very cautious at the waterfall area. 20 hikers bundled up and put on their ice treks in 15 degree temperature to explore the Johnson Hill Trail, cross a creek above a gorgeous frozen waterfall, and wander into a large eastern hemlock forest at the top of the loop trail high above the northern ridge of Reynolds Gull.

Using a dog rope, Mark and others assisted hikers to climb up the embankment next to a waterfall at the county line, as others searched for an alternative route, sometimes crawling and using the assistance of trees. At one point Mark and Char decided to slide down the hill together, knocking each other to the ground. Other hikers drove or walked to Johnson Hill Trail to start their hike on more flat terrain. The highlight of the ice covered waterfall was worth every minute of the slippery uphill hike. Hikers took time to admire and photograph, being careful not to get too close to the edge. Next time a rope will be tied to Wil and Wade for their bravery. This area is known for unexpected accidents and hikers being Mercy flighted out of this remote area.

Turtle Rock on north side of waterfall

Since the main trail was only a mile and 1/2 long, many hikers extended the hike to include bushwacking through the DEC forest to find the south boat launch road to Hemlock Lake and walking on the frozen lake. Seeing an ice fisherman on the lake, hikers felt the ice was safe for exploring, then proceeded on a long walk back up the road to the trail head parking lot. Trying to find a safe spot to photograph the waterfall, tourists found a very large turtle rock on the south side of the upper waterfall. Naturalists eventually picked up the climbers by mistake, managing most of the way to survive the extended hike.

Tailgate social along the Reynolds Gull Creek proved to be a eatting frenzy for 10 cold hikers who beared the cold weather and although difficult, ate with their gloves on.

keeping the grill going in the wind

Hot dogs were grilled, tasty appetizers,salads, chili, lentil soup, and sweet potatoes were consumed eagerly. Thanks to the Binders and Carol for offering their home for an alternative social location and for Georgia for appearing with a warm soup. We’ll take you up on a social location another time.

Georgia’s hot lentil soup

tailgate social

Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area was busy this first weekend of 2014.  Activities started with a snowshoe competition Saturday morning and ended with a Springwater Trails hike.   Eighteen hikers joined Springwater Trails at the parking lot of HHS Park.  We split into three groups, the skiers, the climbers on snowshoes and the tourists on snowshoes or hiking boots.  We covered most of the well groomed trails in the park and enjoyed the sounds of the winter forest.

No one got lost during this hike, thanks in large part to a map the Rick found of the ski trails.  This was originally found in the March newsletter from Rochester Nordic Ski Club and was referenced in a blog from Footprint Press that you may find interesting. I am also copying the mileages from the Nordic Ski Club newsletter.

Does anyone have the same phobia as I seem to have regarding walking across a log two feet above a fast, cold, and icy creek in winter conditions?    I  admired 5 of our brave climbers that crossed a section of the Canadice Outlet Creek by log while 4 others watched and chose an alternative route.

Climbers and Tourists continued to hike the challenging ravines on both sides of the creek, taking time to explore the creek from many scenic angles and observe remains of old mills.   Although the creek gully was beautifully laced with peaceful water sounds, ice castles, and scenic views, the land conditions proved to be slippery, muddy, and steep in some areas on a cold rainy day.

Superman’s Ice Castle does exist in the Canadice Outlet and the history of the 19th century Dixon Hollow community was shared.   In an area where the first saw mill was built an oxbow developed a natural dam site.  Tourists were able to walk out on a little island that housed the Adam Mill and observe the race way and old hand hewn beams.  Further up the stream Pam, Marty, Dena and Rick hiked the steep west ridges  in the northern area of the outlet, looking for owl pellets and finding an old road that would lead to the dam area on 15A.  Maybe another hike will gain permission to continue to this section of the outlet which is restricted access and to explore some of the other flat areas along the northern part of the outlet creek.

Climbers, led by Rick, pursued the eastern ridge areas to a challenging ravine that was difficult to climb in sneakers.  Their destination was the Short Cemetary which lies behind the Hemlock Sportsman Club and directly in view of the shooting range.    John, Char and Mark took note of the dates of some of the early settlers in Hemlock and returned by road while Rick and Don found a shorter return route by crossing the creek directly in a foot of water in dark conditions.

After hike social and 1910 maps of the Canadice Outlet hosted a variety of Christmas cookies, bean dips, chili, potato soup, and veg’s at Pam’s cabin.  Thanks to Rick Osieki, Pam Masterson, Nanette and Steve Smith, and the Hemlock Sportsman Club for making this hike possible. Welcome new members Linda, Amy, and Molly our youngest member!   We will return to the Canadice Outlet on March 9th for hopefully another “winter wonderland” hike on snowshoes. For more information on the Canadice Outlet check out hemlockandcanadicelakes.com. or google maps.