Hemlock Lake always calls us back. So this week we are hiking on the west side of Hemlock Lake. We will meet at the middle parking area of
3 parking areas off Blank Road, just to the right of Niver Road. You can reach this area from the North by going through Hemlock Park at the end of Hemlock Lake, up Rix Hill and taking a left at the top of the hill onto Blank Road. Follow Blank Road until it becomes a dirt road. Look for the parking lot on the left side just past Niver Road.
We will meet just before 2:00.

The Climbers will drive down Mission Road and park in front of the Mission. The hike is on the Nature Conservancy land (sorry, no dogs
allowed) which surrounds the Eagle Crest Winery along the west bank of Hemlock lake. This hike is for the advanced hikers only and is a strenuous off trail walk with a steep descent and ascent through a hemlock forest. Starting at pole #141 on Mission Road the hike will drop down the steep hill to Hemlock Lake along the north boundary of the Conservancy land. We will then travel south along the lake shore past the Winery pump house and finally ascend the hill on the south edge of the Conservancy land. This will bring us back up to Bishop road and further up the hill to Mission road and finally a flat road walk back to the cars. Rick Osiecki and Wendy Stevenson will be the hike leader and sweep for this group.

The Tourists and Naturalists (and the dogs) will stay at the 3 loop trails in the area of the Blank Road parking area. We will select from
2 or all three of the loops. The loop trails are wide grassy trails with both flat and somewhat steep areas. The trails traverse the west side slope of Hemlock Lake through a dense forest with many different
species of trees and woodland plants. There is a gully to the right
of the middle loop that provides views of the lake and opportunities for advanced hiking. Mac and Duff have offered to lead the Tourist group, and if there are more flowers out, we will recruit leaders for the Naturalists group.

The after hike social will be at the Hemlock Grill on 15A at about 4:30.

From Wayland and Springwater, take 15A N to the North end of Hemlock Lake. Go Left on Rix Hill Rd through the park. Take a left on Blank Rd at the top of the hill. The parking lot is on the left just past Niver Road. From Websters Crossing, take 15N past Sliker Hill Rd and Cole Rd. Turn Right on Niver Rd. At the end, turn Right on Blank Rd, the parking lot is on the left. From Livonia, take 15S 4.2 miles and turn Left on Niver Rd. At the end, turn Right on Blank Rd, the parking lot is on the left.

On April 28, Chuck Winship is hosting a NYFOA (New York Forest Owners Association) Woodswalk from 9:30 to 2:00. NYSDEC Wildlife Biologist Art Kirsch will give a presentation about the statewide deer management plan.