Looking south down Honeoye Lake from Sandy Bottom Park is one of the most beautiful views in the Finger Lakes.  That is where we will meet on Sunday and split into two groups – one for paddling and one for hiking.  Everyone should plan on meeting in front of the green pavilion by the swimming beach at 4:00 for a general welcome and to sign in.

Paddlers: 

Plan to arrive early enought to have your canoe or kayak unloaded and ready to go prior to meeting at 4:00 at the pavilion.  Unload your boat to the right of the swimming beach and outside of the buoys.  After unloading, take your car back to the main parking area.  You must wear a PFD and should have drinking water, a whistle, and a rope that could be used to tie to your boat.  We will paddle on Honeoye Lake for about two hours – up and back along the west side of the lake.

Hikers:

Park in the main parking area and pick up a brochure/trail map at the small kiosk near the trail head on your way to meeting others at 4:00 at the pavilion.  Hikers may want to split into different groups based on interests, but everyone will basically follow the same loop along the Sandy Bottom Nature Trail up to East Lake Road and back.  The trail winds through a wetland along the Honeoye Lake outlet  (Honeoye Creek) and skirts around an upland agricultural area next to Mill Creek.  It is basically flat, maybe 2 to 3 miles long and has lots to check out along the way – turtles, fish, birds, wild flowers, etc.

Social:

For the social (optional) whoever gets back earliest should try and secure some picinic tables with good views of the lake.  People should bring their own cooler and picnic supper – food, drink, table service, etc. and maybe a folding chair.  No potluck for this social.

There is a nice sand volleyball court, so maybe we will want to try and get a couple of teams together for a game.   As I write this, I don’t know if the swimming beach will be open on Sunday evening or not.  It was closed earlier this week due to blue green algae but when I was there today (Thursday) the water looked good.

Directions: 

Sandy Bottom Park is located at the north end of Honeoye Lake in Ontario County.  At the stop light on Route 20A in the Village of Honeoye, go south on West Lake Road for one-half mile and then turn left onto the Sandy Bottom Park entrance.  In front of you will be the main parking area.

COVID:

All participants will be expected to follow the COVID health and safety guidelines by using social distancing, masks (when needed), hand sanitizers, staying at home if you do not feel well, etc.