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HIKE REPORTS
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MAY 2012 HIKE REPORTS
On Sunday morning, 6 May 2012, we 8 hikers took one of the most leisurely hikes in recent memory: Sue Berkeley, John Carhart, John Knapp, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Bruce Wackford, Bruce Webster, and Don Windsor. We covered 3.9 miles in 3.1 hours for the relaxed speed of 1.3 miles per hour.
We parked on Hoag Road and hiked north on Coy Street until we bushwhacked east to visit the wonderful swamp north of the county landfill. Nice stone walls and young balsam firs. We then went northwesterly until back on Coy. Whereupon we bushwhacked west at the Button foundation until we came upon the old horse trail. We took that north until we found an intriguing old logging road. Of course we had to take it west until it petered out. Undaunted, we plunged through some brambles and entered the FLT in the blowdown. We hiked that and chanced to see a mixed flock of warblers. We took a break there to see what else would occur. We then hiked the FLT north to the Truck Trail and took it easterly to Coy Street and back to our cars.
We had some good views of birds, close enough to not need binocs: 2 Wood Thrush on logs, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Black-throated Green Warbler. We heard and saw Common Ravens and heard Yellow-throated Sparrows and Oven birds. Jack-in-the-pulpit was blooming and so were the Pin Cherries, plus a nice Red Elderberry. We also encountered a large Garter Snake. A nice day to be in the woods!
APRIL 2012 HIKE REPORTS:
Nice morning for a hike so 9 hikers took advantage of our trek through the Long Pond State Forest in Smithville: Anne Altshuler, Larry Armstrong, John Carhart, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Rich Natoli, Joyce Post, Dominic Shea, and Don Windsor.
We parked at the kiosk on Route 41, hiked through the Tarbell Farm ruins, and picked up the snowmobile trail going northeasterly. We crossed County Road 2 and went up to Nelson Road. At the eastern end of state land we took a well deserved break, and hiked Nelson back to Road 2. We then bushwhacked through the woods following the state boundary marks until we dropped south back to the snowmobile trail and returned to our cars. We covered about 6 miles in 3.7 hours for a speed of 1.6 miles per hour.
My purpose was to see if we could make a loop out of the snowmobile trail, so that we would not have to back track or spot cars. My other purpose was to bushwhack before all the leaves break out.
The highlight was seeing a pair of Brown Creepers close enough to not need binocs. Linda and Anne heard and saw some Black-throated Green Warblers. In addition to the wildflowers listed last week, we picked up Barren-ground Strawberry.
No rain! So 7 hikers enjoyed a pleasant hike along the FLT in the Basswood State Forest in Oxford: John Bogardus, John Carhart, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Rich Natoli, Dominic Shea, and Don Windsor. We covered 6.6 miles in 3.2 hours for a speed of 2.1 miles per hour.
We parked along Brooksbank Road and hiked up, south, on Puckerville Road to Shapley Road and east to the FLT trailhead. Whereupon, we took the FLT northerly, pausing for a well deserved break in the woods, to our cars. The FLT was in great shape; deadfall was minimal. More blazes would be helpful.
Although it was too cold (<50 deg) for most wildflowers to be fully opened, we did see in bloom these 17 species: Shad, Marsh Marigold, Sweet White Violet, Common Blue Violet, Dwarf Ginseng, Red Trillium, Spring Beauty, Bellwort, Wild Strawberry, Trout Lily, Crowfoot, Wood Anemone, Round-leaved Yellow Violet, Goldthread, Dandelion, Winter Cress, and Gill-over-the-ground.
The BHC FLEET Group has had two hikes in the past 1 1/2 weeks. The hike organizer/leader will now (finally), fulfill his duties by getting the hike reports completed.
Hike #1- was on Thurs. 4-12-12. This was a logistical nightmare as it turned out, mostly due to a lack of verbal communication and checking to see that everyone was on the same page. The plan was to hike on Map M-32, from Balsam Lake trailhead to Fair Meadow Rd. 6.1 mi. John Elia, Rich Natoli, Jim Schmitt, Tom Bryden and Grover Cook did hike that section as planned. A great hike with intermittent snow flurries and sunshine, typical and beautiful Spring weather. A relatively level hike along the upper reaches of the Beaverkill River (Creek), was a pleasant picturesque trek along the Neversink-Hardenburgh (FLT) yellow blazed trail. Midway to Fair Meadow Rd., we met Warren Johnsen, Dorothy Rice and later Anne Altshuler, who had walked from east to west. The original plan had them hiking with us, but the afore mentioned snafu, led them to go to the opposite end of the trail. When we reached Fair Meadow Rd. our car spotters, Jim White, Teresa Blenis and Linda Natoli, along with navigator Ed Sidote, met us and transported us to Claryville. After a short break, Bryden, Elia, Cook, Rice, Natoli and Altshuler took the 7-mile ride up to the Denning Rd. trailhead. Ed accompanied us and gave a running commentary of his knowledge of people and places along this route, he is truly amazing. The five of us hiking, went up to the Long Path and back, a short 1.3 mi. walk each way. This pleasant sunny route had ample "picture ops" for John, and of course we all had to pose at the eastern-most point on the FLT. We returned to the store/restaurant for a well-deserved meal and drinks, with loud entertainment, provided by "traildawg". He had truly enjoyed the afternoon sipping Russian "Baltikas" and the results were well....... A long day, unfortunately less than complete for Anne and Dot, as they lost out on some of the miles they'd hoped to complete. Regardless - an adventure, unique as all our hikes seem to be, and wonderful April weather in the Catskills. Thanks again to our car spotters who made this tough logistical 50-mile car spot, to help us hike 6-miles, possible. Also of course thanks to .the incredible Ed Sidote, who had compiled an itinerary for the trip and hike. That one driver failed to get the same info as the other two, was our fault, not his. As always our mishaps only add to the adventure on the FLT.
Hike #2 - was Monday 4-16-12. We again had Linda Natoli car spot us, a great help, as John Elia, Rich Natoli, Tom Bryden and Sally Goddard hiked in Schuyler County. Sally had surprised me with a call on Sunday night, saying she was in the area and hoped to join us on the hike. All details fell into place, and we had a great day hiking, and catching up with her about her adventures in Costa Rica, and our own, since her last hike with us in December. This would also be the last FLEET hike for John Elia, (until Connie boots him northward again - certainly by Summer), so it really was a hike to remember (aren't they all.) We hiked on Maps M-13 and M-14 west of Watkins Glen. We added 1.5 mi. of roadwalk to a planned 5.9 mi. hike as the next section west has been mostly moved to the road, due to loss of landowner permission. We began at the intersection of Grandview Rd. (aptly named), and Fish Hill Rd. a 1.5 mi. roadwalk in temps already reaching 80 degrees. The views along here looking out on Mud Pond and Lamoka Lake from the hilltop are truly breathtaking. As we left Sugarhill Rd. and reached another hilltop they were better yet and John's picture-taking took over. About 2.5 miles into the hike we came out into the beautiful Six Nations Cemetery, with a view north to Lamoka and Waneta Lakes -spectacular. We soon reached Cty Rte 22, and headed east uphill into Sugar Hill SF, very dry, very hot. After what seemed like a very long 1.5 mi. we reached Maple Lane. Here we took a break, a lengthy visit with a DEC volunteer, Keith Reynolds who was painting the steel gates on the DEC roads. Very friendly, a horseback enthusiast and trailworker - who John talked into car spotting he and Max Blenis for the following day's hike. I honestly believe John can sell any idea that comes into his mind, especially to novices. I'm much more suspect after a year of dealing with his wild schemes. We followed the hill contours around and past the access to Sugar Hill Fire Tower, (too hot to venture that extra 0.4 mi.) and the Mohawk and Seneca Trails. We reached Cty 21, our waiting "savior" Linda Natoli, and mostly importantly an ice cold "Sam Adams Lager". (What a guy - that Rich Natoli.) We passed the Watkins Glen Speedway again, John still insistent that we talk our way in, and take a trial run. Last year I might have fallen for that. We dined at "Bleachers", a sports bar/restaurant in Watkins Glen, good burgers and beer, a great place to relax. We said our good-byes to Sally, hopefully she'll catch us again before she takes another hiatus to Costa Rica in November. John finished Schuyler County the next day with Max Blenis, he has only Allegany, Cattararagus Counties and 20-miles in the Catskills to complete his E-to-E. I have no doubt some hot Summer evening he'll call from the highway between Mooresville, NC and Norwich and say, "lets-a-go" tomorrow on the FLT. It's going to be quiet for awhile without him, "traildawg" is doing interviews to find his replacement.
Despite the gloomy forecast, we had 14 hikers in the Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area on Sunday 15 April 2012: Anne Altshuler, Sue Berkeley, Jon Bogardus, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Mike Messere, Rich Natoli, Joyce Post, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Mark Stanley, Julia Stevens, Bruce Webster, and Don Windsor.
We parked at the wide spot on County Road 42 and Plank Road, across from Perkins Pond, and hiked the snowmobile trail to Johnson Street. We took Johnson a short way east and then moved southeast on the FLT past Jackson Pond to John Smith Road. We then moved along on the FLT to Elmer Jackson Road and the former CCC, Sheriff, and YMCA camps. We enjoyed a welcome break at the upper dam, a short visit to the lower dam, and then trekked north on Elmer Jackson, west on Johnson, north on the Snowmobile trail to our cars.
We covered 5.4 miles in 3.2 hours for a speed of 1.7 miles per hour. The ever present gloom was brightened by the brilliant green moss and the wildflowers. Just about to bloom were trout lilies. In bloom were coltsfoot, periwinkle, spring beauty, red trilium, and yellow violet. Samaras on the ground confirmed a large black ash, about 5.5 feet circumference (1.75 feet diameter), the largest so far in Chenango County. The black ash dugout canoe in the museum is about 2 feet in diameter and was found in Deer Pond on Route 23 about 2 miles away. It was dated to 1720 AD.
A sunny Easter morning is an ideal time to visit Perrytown, because the blooming daffodils highlight the old foundations. We had 10 hikers on 8 April 2012 in the New Michigan State Forest in Plymouth: Anne Altshuler, John Carhart, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Dennis McCloskey, JoAnn McClosky, Joyce Post, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, and Don Windsor.
We parked in the DEC lot at the end of Elmer Harris Road and headed southerly to the Truck Trail. Whereupon we hiked east to where the old horse trail crossed. We bushwhacked through the tornado blowdown to the first foundation. We then traversed the hemlock swamp to Shipton's corner and veered westerly to downtown Perrytown, where we took a break and enjoyed the warm sunshine. Afterward, we marveled at the century old crocuses and daffodils. We departed on a northerly course through the overgrown salvage logging area back to the Truck Trail. We then trekked west to Twisted Tree, turned around, and ambled back to our cars.
We covered 4.0 miles in 3.3 hours for a speed of 1.2 miles per hour. The main wildflower in bloom was Spring Beauty, but we also saw several Hepatica. Emerging leek leaves seemed to be very abundant.
#1 - On 3-29-12 the BHC FLEET Group had 7 hikers, (John Elia, Rich Natoli, Tom Bryden, Warren Johnsen, Rich Breslin, Grover Cook and Phil Dankert), hike 8.0 miles to complete Map M-15. We began our hike on Satterly Hill Rd. northeast of Watkins Glen in weather totally different from one week earlier. We had hiked in 90-degree temps the previous week, (same location), this time snow was blowing in 25-30 MPH winds. The wonders of Spring in NY State !!! The early mileage took us downhill, along an old RR bed and through a farm called "Country Critters", miniature horses, cattle, donkeys and more in abundance. At "twin tunnels", (one for the road and one for the stream, with the RR above), we began a lenghty roadwalk which took us through the hamlet of Burdett and west toward Seneca Lake. Logan Creek has created an impressive/picturesque gorge along the route west and south. The map shows Hector Falls just downstream near Rte 414, though we didn't get that far. Middle Rd. took us along the east edge of Seneca Lake, with great views to the west and south. The FLT then crosses Rte 79, follows a "dreaded uphill" on Jolly Rd., where we crossed the hiilside east of Watkins Glen, (up and down).We went around a couple of gorges and proceeded downhill along "ExcelsiorGlen", (awesome scenery - huge oak trees), to Rte 79 lakeside. The trail then follows the edge of the lake and road into the village of Watkins Glen and through the park at the south end of Seneca Lake. Great scenery but a cold, misty rain dampened our appreciation. Now hiking on village sidewalk we crossed the canal bridge, followed Magee St. south and 10th St. west to Watkins Glens SP entrance. A village street/sidewalk hike is not common on the FLT but this one is well worth it and memorable. Phil shuttled us to our car on Satterly Rd. and headed home, while Warren and Grover waited patiently at the State Park souvenir shop, John of course terrorizing the friendly shop attendant. A fine meal and "cold brews" at the "Flower Power Cafe and Roosterfish Brew Pub" completed another great FLT day.
#2 - To quote the infamous Warren "traildawg" Johnsen, this was his most memorable hike "ever" on the FLT. An ominous statement to say the least, but perhaps the man does dabble with the truth now and again. Only 4 hikers, (Elia, Bryden, Natoli and Johnsen), ventured out on 4-2-12. Two cars I argued in Norwich, to avoid logistical problems at hike's end. (Words I'd later regret). We left the "Mi'ya mobile" at Watkins Glen SP entrance and went west to Cty Rte 21 not far from Watkins Glen International Speedway, impressive as we passed it. The hike would take us 7.9 mi. mostly downhill along Glen Creek and Watkins Glen Gorge. This is certainly one of the most scenic and varied hikes we've encountered, and yes "memorable". The first 2.5 miles moved quickly with hardwoods, pine forest, views along Glen Creek and we reached the 1800's era Buck Settlement Lean-to and cemetery near-by. A local Boy Scout Troop has helped restore this area to near "park-like" status, kiosk, grave stones restored, an intriguing area.(Numerous times we mentioned how our BHC resident historian Don Windsor would enjoy this location.) We crossed the creek at "Ebenezer's Crossing", (named for Ebenezer Buck, one of the earliest names we saw in the graveyard). At about this time I mentioned to Rich Natoli that I had put my car keys in his console, did he by chance grab them. Alas no, nor had I - the waiting car at hike's end would be have no access. I toyed with not telling Warren and John until the end, but thought these two "fine minds" might come up with an amazing solution. At "Julia's Crossing", inside the park at about the 5-mile mark of the hike, we had several adventures, wet feet, amazing feats of stone bridge building and log crossings. Thank goodness this is a dry Spring !! From hear on, the gorge/glen views are incredible. We passed the cabins of a 4-H Camp, old pavilions and lean-tos, stone tables, Punch Bowl Lake and Dam. The south rim trail near hike's end is easily the finest awe-inspiring view, we've encountered on the FLT. A hiking teacher from WG told us there were no taxis in the village, so as we ended the hike the dilemma !!
How to get to our keys 10 miles away? "Smooth-talking John Elia" proceeded across the street to the Schuyler County Sherrif's Dept. to seek help. Of course no one can say no to John so he soon waved us over. I being the only one who knew the car location on Rte 21, was selected to ride in the patrol car. (These guys are lost as soon as they leave Norwich, oh so handy to be GPS ignorant.) The dispatcher and deputy were extremely friendly and helpful, took all vital info, asked if I had weapons or drugs, (I must have appeared a threat to ride in the patrol car.) The deputy armed himself with a "Taser Gun" and I wedged myself into the back seat of the patrol car. As we left the parking lot John Elia waved the deputy down to get some very "incriminating pictures", which were in Norwich via cellphone, before we were out of town. Many laughs at my expense, all deserved. I even tried to buy supper to shut them up, (didn't work). Curly's Diner provided a much-needed excellent meal, and we headed home much later than expected. Again thanks to the Schuyler County Sheriff's Dept. for helping us out, and no thanks to my hiking partners (Johnsen and Elia), for the continued abuse. (Of course I'd never do anything like that to them.) A "memorable" day on the FLT.
YES! Bigfoot. On Frenchmans Road, in Plymouth, we were about a half mile along the abandoned road when a brown-haired creature saw us coming, got startled, and dashed north into the woods. Its gait resembled that in the famous Bigfoot movie, swinging arms and all. It caught us by surprise and happened so fast that no one could snap any photos. we called out to the critter, but heard no response. Unfortunately, our resident monster quester was not on this hike...
This monster was seen on Sunday morning 1 April 2012 by most of our 10 hikers: Anne Altshuler, Teresa Blenis, John Bocardus, Warren Johnsen, Dennis McCloskey, Dot Rice, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Dominic Shea, and Don Windsor. We covered 5.2 miles in 3.2 hours for a speed of 1.6 miles per hour.
We parked on Doing Road and hiked westerly on Brooking Road then southerly on Blackman Road and westerly on the Truck Trail. At the end of the private property, we entered the New Michigan State Forest and hiked west on Frenchmans Road. Several foundations were examined, along with some spooky trees and a rusty McCormick hay bailer. We took a break at the former Noble estate and returned via the Truck Trail.
Amphibian eggs were seen in several vernal pools. Periwinkle and coltsfoot were blooming, but other flowers were not.