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HIKE REPORTS

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AUGUST 2010 HIKE REPORTS

Hike report - Tuesday 31 August 10 - Slow to Barlow - Barlow Swamp is a fantastic place, and our slow, short hike to this Pharsalia wonderland on Tuesday 31 August 2010 had 3 hikers: Anne Altshuler, John Carhart, and Don Windsor. We covered 1 mile on my topo map measurement and 0.76 mile on John's GPS in 3.1 hours for a speed of 0.3 or 0.2 miles per hour. I announced this as a slow, short hike. How is this for truth in packaging?

We hit the exact spot that where took a break on our hike on Sunday 13 September 2009, the place with that "Indian Tree" with a back rest. We obtained a nice list of swamp plants, including cottongrass, creeping snowberry, swamp dew berry with fruit, royal fern, mad-dog skullcap, and marsh bedstraw. No bog plants, however.

I intend to go back next week, weather permitting .

Hike Report from Pharsalia Woods Hike: Sunday, August 29th - There were 9 hikers present: John Carhart, Rich Breslin, Van Mason, Linda Mason, Don Windsor, Anne Altshuler, John Elia, Rebecca Hargrave who carried James Sprague and Chris Sprague.

The hike started out cool and easy heading south from the FLT trailhead on Fred Stewart Road. We quickly left the comfort of the trail and after some wandering and exploring an old farm road, the hike took an unexpected twist when the GPS guidance could not penetrate the dense Norway spruce canopy. Much to my surprise we emerged from the spruce stand on North Road instead of Center Road. After a moment of confusion we were back on track and heading back north towards the Canasawacta Creek.

Crossing the creek proved easy, but would be improved with some rock work. We finally took a break at the border between the WMA and State Forest. After the break and a short jaunt down to Elmer Jackson Road the group split up. Already 11:30 and with a potentially steep descent ahead, John, John, Rebecca and James split off from the rest of the group and hiked back to the vehicles via One Eye Street. The rest of us braved the unknown and followed the WMA boundary line east to the gorge. Much to our surprise we found a relatively easy descent into the creek bottom. Crossing the creek was a bit of a challenge, but all made it across with dry feet. From there we enjoyed freshly maintained trail thanks to the recent hiking series all the way to Grover Brown Road. The hike ended in blazing heat marching down State Hwy 23 and up Fred Steward Road.

The bad news is that we did not hike nearly as far as it felt we did. Those that did the long hike can claim a mere 6.4 miles. Those that took the fork in the road accumulated 4.8 miles of hiking. Total elapsed time was approximately 5 hours for the longer hike for an average speed of 1.28 mph, including our rest break.

When all is said and done, we did find a potential option for rerouting the trail. This latest route has several challenges with wet ground and moderately steep slope and will need further exploring and extensive trail work if adopted. But it all depends on the interest level of the FLTC and how flexible the Bureau of Wildlife is with the trail location. Nonetheless, everyone agreed that all the options we explored over the past few months are better than hiking on the highway.

More discussion on this topic in the months ahead.

Hike report - Sunday 22 August 10 - Whaupaunaucau SF - So, did it rain where you were? Affirmative for the 7 of us: Anne Altshuler, John Carhart, John Elia, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Dominic Shea, and Don Windsor.

We did not go to Pitcher+German as announced, because it made no sense to drive a long distance to get wet when we could just drive a short distance. We hiked in the nearby Whaupaunaucau State Forest, from the lower gate to the upper gate, and returned via Lean Two and Lean One. We covered 4.8 miles (5.4 on Carhart's GPS) in 2.6 hours for a speed of 1.9 (2.1) miles per hour. Sharron alerted us to two dead short-tailed shrews on the road at some distance apart.

The Sandbergs brought a large box of their tasty homegrown tomatoes for the hikers to take. I took one on the hike and it made a juicy break treat.

When we were assembling for the hike in the HoJo lot, Ed Sidote drove in. But he did not go with us. Instead he hiked to Denny's FLT (Front Left Table).

Sunday 15 August 10 - PWMA In spite of a gloomy Sunday morning, 15 August 2010, with feeble drizzle, 19 hikers showed up for John Elia's intergenerational hike in the Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area: Anne Altshuler, Tom Bryden, John Carhart, Malcolm Comfort, Connie Elia, John Elia, Bill Hubbard, Owen Hubbard, Taryn Hubbard, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Richard Natoli, Joyce Post, Ted Robinson, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Don Windsor, Elliana Windsor, and Nicholas Windsor. 

Hike report - Sunday 8 August 2010 - Balsam Pond + Perkins Pond -  Another nice Sunday morning on 8 August 2010 brought out 13 hikers: Anne Altshuler, Sue Berkeley, John Carhart, John Elia, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Nickolas Natoli, Richard Natoli, Joyce Post, Ted Robinson, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, and Don Windsor. We had 2 hikes.

The first was on the roads south of the Balsam Pond parking lot: Balsam-Tyler Road to Beckwith Road to Keinitz Road to Pike Road to Beckwith Road to thebparking lot. We did this 5.1 miles in 1.8 hours for the astounding speed of 2.8 miles per hour. This is our fastest ever!! If you heard thunder, that was Bullthistle Hikers generating sonic booms. We did not take any breaks or stop for anything; that is why our speed was up.

After the hike we looked for Nodding Ladies' Tresses orchids in the dam spillway. We found none. We went to the dam and admired the view.

We then went to Perkins Pond to look at some orchids Chris Sprague reported. We did find them, thanks to his map and ribbons. We also explored the pond itself, which had been draind by the NYS DOT to repair the culvert under Route 42. We
bushwhacked for 1.8 miles. Those hikers who did both hikes logged in 6.9 miles.

Hike report - Tueday evening 3 August 10 - Mead Pond Road - Our scheduled hike went on time, even after a drenching rain storm. We hiked from Mead Pond to Plasterville. We got someewhat wet from vegetation, but biting insects were surprisingly minimal. Wildflowers galore! Especially a bright red cardinal flower spotted by Carol and Linda.We had 12 hikers: Stan Benedict, Malcolm Comfort, John Elia, June Granz, Warren Johnsen, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Dot Rice, Carol Smith, Collen Stapleton, Pete Stapleton, and Don Windsor. The hike was a forth and back, 3/4 mile each way, for a 1 1/2 mile trek. We left the Y around 6:40 and returned by 7:50.

Sunday 1 August 10 - FLT + Blue Trail, Pharsalia - This loop route will be ideal for next year's Sidote Hike. It is a nice gentle trek with minimal road walking. Both the Short (3 miles) and the long (7 miles) can start together.

We had 12 hikers: Anne Altshuler, Sue Berkeley, Rich Breslin, John Carhart, John Elia, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Richard Natoli, Joyce Post, Ted Robinson, Dominic Shea, and Don Windsor. We hiked the 7 miles in 4.3 hours for a speed of 1.6 miles per hour.

Our much heralded Round-leaved orchid was cut off at ground level, so we never saw it bloom. No wonder these plants are so rare.

The main FLT was in great shape, as was the Blue Trail between Stewart Road and Coy Street. However, the stretch between Coy Street and the Truck Trail is getting overgrown. The blue blazes along this section need repainting with a lighter shade of blue, and their number should be increased. 

JULY 2010 HIKE REORTS

Hike report - Sidote Hike - Saturday 24 July 10 - Otselic SF - Despite the discouraging weather forecasts, we had a nice day for hiking. However, the low attendance on our Sidote Hike, on Saturday 24 July 2010, was disappointing. We had only 30 hikers: Anne Altshuler, Larry Blumberg, Susan Blumberg, Kathleen A. Brennan, Rich Breslin, Tom Bryden, Joe Dabes, Warren Doolittle, Carol F..?.., Karen Goodman, June Granz, Eleanor Hurst, Mahlon Hurst, Ruth Hurst, Sarah Hurst, Warren Johnsen, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Joyce Post, Carol Morris, John X. Morris, Dot Rice, Ted Robinson, David Ruston, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Carol Smith, Loma Wilkins, Don Windsor, and Bruce Wright. And of course, Ed Sidote, making it 31 participants.Our long hike (8 miles) had 21 hikers and our short hike (3 miles) had 9. Both hikes were loops combining the FLT with the Truck Trail. Both hikes stopped at Winston Braxton's Memorial Bench. The long hikers ate lunch there, arriving at exactly 12:00 in a remarkable example of perfect timing. Ed Sidote was on the Truck Trail with his famous Sag Wagon handing out much appreciated cold water and tasty goodies. The hikers of the day had to be Larry and Susan Blumberg, who did both hikes. 

On a very warm and muggy day, 30 people came out to enjoy the FLT Conference's annual summer hike, named for Ed Sidote.  This hike took place in northern Chenango County, and each of the hikers had the opportunity to meet and greet Ed, the hike's namesake, so counting him that actually made 31 in attendance !

Two hike distances were offered, a longer one of about 8 miles and a shorter one of around 3 miles.  The hike was on the eastern end of FLT Map M22, near the FLT crossing of the Otselic River (NY Rte 26).  Both groups of hikers passed by the Winston Braxton Memorial Bench.  There's a plaque on the bench indicating that it was erected in 1987 by the ADK Club - Onondaga Chapter.  Anyone have any information about who Winston Braxton was, and why a bench was dedicated in his honor ?

The hikes then returned to their respective starting points via parallel state forest roads, where Ed was serving as the official sag-wagon host, plying the passing hikers with cookies and bottles of nice cold water (by the way, thank you, Ed !).

The hike was planned and led by Don Windsor of the Bullthistle Hiking Club, Ed's home club.  Don, great job as always !

Joe Dabes, the FLT's "map man" was there with GPS in hand, of course, recording more way points for our maps.  Thank you, Joe !

The trail was in excellent condition, evidence of recent trail maintenance was very noticeable.  Thank you to the Bullthistle Club and the trail stewards for their hard (and appreciated) work !

And, thank you to all who participated. ..

I have some pictures posted on the Triple Cities Hiking Club's website (triplecitieshikingc lub.org)...click on photo albums, then on 2010, and then on July 24 Ed Sidote hike.  I'd like to add photos to this album, so anyone who has some photos can either e-mail them to me, or I can provide instructions to you on how you can add them yourself.


NEXT NAMED HIKE SERIES
Erv Markert Hike
Saturday, October 16
Queen Catherine Marsh Loop Trail
Watkins Glen, NY
Hike leader - John Morris, john.ax.morris@ gmail.com



Thanks,
Larry Blumberg
FLTC "Named Hikes" chairperson
LBlumberg@stny. rr.com

Hike report - Sunday 18 July 10 - Otselic SF - This was a "punishing" hike, at least, that's what John Carhart called it. Indeed it was. It was the dry run for next Saturday's Sidote Hike. We had 9 hikers: Anne Altshuler, Rich Breslin, John Carhart, Malcolm Comfort, John Elia, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Joyce Post, and Don Windsor. We parked at the handicapped lot on Route 26 and the Otselic River and hiked the FLT to Braxton's bench (4.6 miles). After visiting with Winston, we walked back on the Truck Trail (3.4 miles). We covered 8 miles in 3.9 hours for a speed of 2.1 miles per hour. This is a remarkable pace considering the long steep hills.

We began the hike by continuing with our tradition of the person who has a birthday brings the wine for our toast. Linda Mason not only brought wine but also chocolate kisses. Just what we needed to scramble up Truman Hill. John Elia brought a couple large cucumbers, which he passed around at our bench break. Wine and chocolate is better.

Hike report - Sunday 11 July 10 - Otselic SF -  Sunday morning 11 July 2010 was a nice warm day and 17 hikers turned out for a dry run of the Short version of the Sidote Hike for Saturday 24 July: Anne Altshuler, Sue Berkeley, Larry Blumberg, Rich Breslin, Tom Bryden, John Carhart, Malcolm Comfort, John Elia, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Richard Natoli, Joyce Post, Dot Rice, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Jim White, and Don Windsor.

We met at the Handicap Access site on Route 26 then drove to Will Warner Road and parked on the Truck Trail (TT). It took 7 minutes to make this drive.

We did 2 hikes. First was the Short Hike, north on the FLT to the TT and south on the TT to the cars. we did this 3.0 miles in 1.4 hours for a speed of 2.1 miles per hour. This included our stop at Winston Braxton's bench and a break at the FLT+TT. Larry, Tom, and Jim departed.

Our next hike was west on Will Warner Road then north on Flanagan Road to the FLT. Whereupon we took the FLT east for about a furlong and then went south on the TT (again). This hike was 3.1 miles and we did it in 1.2 hours for a speed of 2.6 miles per hour. Combining both hikes gave a speed of 2.3 miles per hour. Good times, considering the prolonged hills. We passed two blooming specimens of Helleborine, our most common orchid and heard a raven.

Hike report - Sunday 4 July 2010 - Jam Pond and area around - A hot Sunday morning on 4 July 2010 brought out 14 hikers: Anne Altshuler, John Carhart, John Elia, June Granz, Linda Mason, Van Mason, Joyce Post, Dot Rice, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, Carol Smith, Allan Strong, Don Windsor, and Bruce Wright. Joyce and I carried American flags, provided by John Elia. We covered 5.3 miles in 3.9 hours for a speed of 1.4 miles per hour.We ventured into Jam Pond and saw 3 blooming orchid species: Calopogon, Rose Pogonia, and White-fringed. Blooming also were Pitcher plants and cranberries; Cottongrass was just starting. Sundews were abundant. Creeping Snowberry was not blooming.

After the pond we donned our hiking boots and bushwhacked north to Shingle Street. I woke up with some gastric distress this morning, but got temporarily debilitated midway through the bushwhack. I thank John Elia for carrying my pack the rest of the way. We took Shingle Street west to Rabbit Path Road then south to County Road 5 and our preheated vehicles. Much of this hike was in the Five-Streams State Forest.

JUNE 2010 HIKE REPORTS

Hike report - Sunday 27 June 2010 - West Hill, Norwich -This hike was led by Art and Sharron Sandberg. Here is their report.

Catskills Campout/Hike 6/25-6/27/10 Woodland Valley Camp Ground - We only had four hikers for this outing, Rich Breslin, Dorothy Rice, Allan Strong, and Warren Johnsen. We all arrived on Friday the 25th of June and set up our camp sites. Early Saturday morning we headed for Slide Mountain. We climbed Slide via the old carriage trail, a steady climb with increasing temperatures along the way. We took a short break at the summit of Slide and then proceeded steeply down the mountain to Cornell Mountain, descending the ladders on Slide, then all successfully passing through the Lemon Squeezer, sans our packs. Onward to the infamous Cornell Crack, going down is easier than going up. A short climb of Cornell Mountain and soon we were at the summit of Wittenberg, where we enjoyed our lunches. We then headed out for our base camp at the Woodland Valley Camp Ground. The hike was 9.7 miles long and we accomplished it in 7 hours and 20 minutes. We celebrated by drinking a bottle of Arrogant B**tard Ale at the camp ground. The group had an excellent time, performed well, and earned a few bumps, bruises, and tired joints...

Hike report - Sunday 20 June 10 - Sherburne Water Works - Those who missed this hike, missed a good opportunity to see some interesting land that most of us were unaware of. We had 8 hikers: Anne Altshuler, Al Marsters, Richard Natoli, Joyce Post, Ted Robinson, Art Sandberg, Sharron Sandberg, and Don Windsor. Al and Art grew up around here and told us about the local history. We hiked both sides of the long reservoir, mostly on trails. Our mid hike break was taken on the Mountain Top golf course. You might say we enjoyed our tee time snacks. We covered about 4 miles in about 3 hours for a speed of 1.3 miles per hour. After the hike, we scrambled down to the bottom of Rexford Falls, stood in awe, and then ambled over to the historical bridge overlooking the falls. While up there, Art pointed out "Fat Man's Misery", a narrow rock crevice through which he used to slip. 

Friday 11 June 10 - Orchid hunt - Whaup SF - Success!! We found what we were looking for. We had 4 hikers: Anne Altshuler, Joyce Post, Loma Wilkins, and Don Windsor. In the Whaupaunaucau State Forest in North Norwich, we found 5 specimens of Round-leaved Orchid, 1 with a flower stalk and another just starting its bloom. We also found several Pink Ladyslippers, Royal Fern, and copious blossoms of Virginia Waterleaf and Blue-eyed Grass. We covered 1.3 miles in 2.3 hours for a speed of 0.6 miles per hour. We still have time to find this orchid in other towns, so we will continue looking.

Saturday 5 June 10 - Nat Trails Day Bowman Lake SP - We celebrated National Trails Day, Saturday 5 June 2010, at Bowman Lake State Park by conducting 2 hikes and a work party.