Hike Report M23 Perkins SF Snowshoe Lean-To Loop 01/26/25
This morning it was much warmer but much windier!
7 hikers, Anne A, Jean P, June Granz, Gwen W, John N, Guy F & Steve E
Snowshoed (or not) East on the red trail (snowmobile tr) then NNW on the FLT white blazed trail.
We turned West on the blur trail to the lean-to.
At about 1.8 miles the lean-to was a great place to hydrate, snack and rest a bit.
There was about 8-10 inches of snow in th woods so this hike was a good check for snowshoe preparedness.
Map:
Photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i-OqLVhNk5HVPjY5LxzMvlq8B6abIi_Y
I'm going Home...
Another day on the level!
Steve
Hike Report: 4-H hike to Perkins Pond Lean-to, 12/27
The winter woods came alive on Friday, December 27th, as a merry band of nine adventurers set out: five 4-H kids, one 4-H adult, and four Bullthistle hikers.
The morning air felt almost balmy in comparison to the recent sub-zero temperatures. The kids, oblivious to the cold, raced and tumbled through the snow, their laughter echoing through the silent woods. As we ventured down Gorge Road, the younger ones transformed the snowy landscape into a playground, leaping and twirling, and showering each other with icy confetti.
The Bullthistle hikers introduced the young explorers to the FLT and taught them how to read and follow the trail blazes. The kids - quick learners - soon took the lead, navigating the snowy paths with confidence. They darted through the woods, creating impromptu snow forts beneath the protective branches of pine trees, crafting snow angels, and bounding through the drifts with the boundless energy of puppies. Their playful antics occasionally led to unexpected snow showers for unsuspecting hikers!
A well-deserved break at the Perkin's Pond lean-to offered a respite from the snowy adventure. Cider and gingerbread cookies were shared, a group photo was taken, and then we made our way back to the trailhead.
This successful hike marked the beginning of a promising partnership between 4-H and Bullthistle, aimed at inspiring future generations to cherish the great outdoors.
Thank you to Steve, Gwen, and Mike for coming along!
- Kirsten
Hike Report M23 Lower Pond > Jackson Pond Johnson St Loop 122324
This morning brought us the coldest day this year so far for a hike.
Early morning temperatures were reported at -7° and -5° but when we met it was close to 0° almost balmy!
The seasonal Elmer Jackson Rd was perhaps a little risky but Columbus took a chance!
We were able to get to the Lower Pond without a problem but it was downhill..
Melissa, Holly Gwen, Guy and Steve agreed that the goat path and the water crossings were not a good idea for the conditions today.
A contingency hike was decided this morning so we hiked from Lower Pond on Elmer Jackson to Jackson Pond on John Smith Rd. and returned on Johnson St then South on to Elmer Jackson.
This was the route we took on the last moonlight hike with Chris, Rebecca & Sam.
The snowscape was incredible everywhere you looked with the sun and blue sky.
Guy took the Silky saw and cleared a blowdown before we got to John Smith Rd.
Now we know that section is clear. At times we do trail maintenance while we hike.
Jackson Pond looked frozen but we dared not test the ice. Gwen noticed that the tree on the island had tipped over.
Another blowdown casualty.
The wind picked up in the openness of the clearcut in recent timber sale area.
Soon we were back in the woods and came to the Passport station where Holly colored her Passport book and made it to another level.
Near Johnson St we found another blowdown that will require a chainsaw and will get that when we can drive in on the seasonal Rd.
The roads back were covered with at least 8" of snow but the strange thing was there were no snowmobile tracks.
Some say that everyone has switched to UTV's (side by side's) because of the lack of snow in recent years.
We took some time and photos of course at the Lower Pond dam. The falls had a lot of ice built up.
The photos really tell the story of how beautiful it was. We hiked about 4 miles.
Map:
Photos:
Just chill!
Steve
Hike Report Pitcher Springs SF Ralph Brown Homestead 12/15/24
Four hikers carpooled from the FLT crossing by the Bullthistle Bridge on NY23 this morning.
Alice H, Gwen W, Guy F, Steve E. We parked on the corner of Ralph Brown Rd and hiked back to the old homestead.
The wind made it seem colder than the 8 degree temperature we had the day before.
There the remains of a house foundation, several barns and lots of stone walls sparked our curiosity of what life must have been like back then.
I guess the kids did not have cell phones.
We hiked the perimeters of these old buildings and could see that the barn must have had a manure trough.
Another building had openings like windows but they were at the level of the floor???
There were opportunities for 'pipe portraits', 'hot dog tree' & balance beam photos.. always serious and never silly!
We hiked through all the foundations of the homestead and down a lane through the woods and cut through a draw to the snowmobile trail.
This was an old road that was lined with stone walls on both sides. This road took us back to the homestead and we made it back to the truck.
We hiked about 2 miles with an elevation gain of 148'
Map:
Photos:
Just wander and look,
Steve
Hike Report M22 Truman Hill > Stage Rd.
This morning it was about 12 degrees and no concern to 5 hiker that showed up at the Otselic fishing access.
Kirsten, Christine, Gwen, Guy & Steve worked at the first uphill to the bench at the top.
The cold was no longer a problem after a 500' climb. the woods were surprisingly dry on Truman Hill.
We signed ins at the register and headed East toward Raider Hill Rd and came across what looked like large barrel hoops and some cast iron water fittings.
Perhaps it was from an old fire wagon.
There were several small blowdowns that we cut out of the way and some larger ones that have gps waypoints saved so we can go back.
With all the resin and the sudden cold the needle ice grew everywhere.
The light dusting of snow made for animal track sightings.
Bobcat, coyote, fox, deer, squirrel, turkey, mice.
I'm looking forward to seeing the snow fleas!
We took a break at the bench. On top of the next hill there were lots of water pockets that were frozen but not enough to walk on.
We went past Will Warner Rd and headed toward Stage Rd. Then it hit me... there was a lot of snow melt and a lot of rain and the creek at Stage Rd was surely gushing.
I thought that we could cut over to Peg & Mike Fullers and bypass the creek.
The creek offered its own beauty with the different ice formations.
We were searching for a place to cross, then, Guy made it to the other side.
We each took a leap of faith and one by one we made it without getting wet.
The hike was 5.7 miles with an elevation gain of 993'
Map:
Photos:
See you in the woods,
Steve
Hike Report Cazenovia Gorge Trail > Chittenango Falls SP O&B 12/08/24
This morning 4 of us met at the parking area on Clark St in Cazenovia where we started the gorge trail.
Ben H, Lisa R, Gwen W, Steve E walked the trail following and watching Chittenango Creek most of the way to the State Park.
We met Holly C, Bot🐾 and Carrie W at the Falls parking lot. We took a break there, had some snacks and walked around the fencing by the falls.
The water was really roaring over the rocks.
The trail to the lower falls is closed and perhaps a good thing because of the ice on the stairs.
The falls drops 167' over 4000 year old bedrock.
Chittenango Falls State Park is also home to the endangered Chittenango ovate amber snail.
Our return to the trail head included 2 more for a total of 6 hikers.
This morning there were skiers, runners, dog walkers and hikers of course.
There was a small covered bridge on someone property that went over the inlet to a pond
The return was a little more leisurely since we didn't have a schedule for the return.
Lisa and Ben were ahead and rolled snow for a snowman when we arrived they assembled it and everybody helped to dress Frosty up.
We diverted to a laid stone arched culvert that must have been put in before the Lehigh Valley Railroad was laid.
The hike was 8.3 miles mostly flat except the road walk to the falls.
Map:
Photos:
Just a step away,
Steve
'
Hike Report M26 Cooper School House Rd > Bainbridge 12/6/24
Friday morning 7 hikers and a Border Collie met at the trailhead on Cooper School House Rd.
Cindy S-S & Lucy 🐾, Joanne F, Beth S, Gwen W, Tom M, Guy F, Steve E.
We started out with 3 people wearing snowshoes and 4 in boots.
The snow varied from a little in the woods to over a foot near the drifty hedgerows.
I think the snowshoes kept people from breaking through to wet spots where the boots went through unexpectedly.
The wind was ferocious in the open areas then calm in the woods.
The sun helped warm us but the uphill hiking helped the most.
We were bundled up but always in 'stile' as we crossed 6 of them.
One of the ammo box trail registers must have a bad gasket and leaked as it was almost half a block of ice with the register bag frozen into the block.
It seemed that the miles were accumulating slowly 3.1 miles by 11:30 then 4, 5...
The 'Pine Cell Tree' is now en route on the new section of the FLT.
We descended down the old logging road to Kirby St. and when we got to Bainbridge we had logged 7.8 miles.
Special thanks to Cindy, Lucy and Joanne for accompanying us as they know the turns and trails well.
Map:
Photos:
Hike instigator,
Steve
Hike Report: Berry Hill Fire Tower > Bowman L. > E. McDonough 12/01/24
On this first day of the last month in 2024 we had 8 hikers show up for the start of a triple hike (Short, Long & Fast).
Holly, June, Mellissa, Gwen, Anne, Karen, Guy & Steve.
Cars were left at Bowman Lake for those not going through so we all carpooled to the fire tower.
Karen took off on her own to get back early. She reported seeing two deer, then some hunters putting on a drive.
They kicked out a large that Karen saw but the hunters must not have seen because there were no shots fired.
The other seven of us meandered through the woods looking for things that might be interesting and imagining things that would be interesting.
The snow in the woods was not too deep. This will be a good beginning for a base if there is not a thaw.
There are no two icicles alike, I guess like snowflakes.
The recent heavy snows did not bring down many branches so we did only minor trail maintenance.
There is a tree down North of Preston Rd and one South which we plan to get this week.
We got back to the Bowman Lake SP where four people ended to go about their day and Three of us went on to E. McDonough.
The FLT trail register off Bliven Sherman had Karen's entry... we were 1Hr & 10 Min behind.
Nonetheless we followed her tracks, crossed the I-beam bridge (how did it get there?)
An interesting intersection of three stone walls, Gwen pointed out that it was shaped like a peace sign.
Bowman road was icy, none of us went down but it was close. Uphill by the old camp and down to NY220.
We arrived at the Outpost where coincidentally, our spot vehicle was.
Map:
Photos:
Intentional Wandering,
Steve
Hike Report Norwich Greenway River Trail South & North 11/24/24
little drizzle this morning did not deter 11 hikers and 2 dogs for a ramble along the river.
Holly Crouch with Bot🐾, Abbie Tamber with Pic 🐾, Marian Winter, Brenda Redd, June Granz, Chris Gregoire, Joyce Post, Gwen Wehbe, John Nesbitt, Guy Forden & Steve Ellsworth
We went South through the Norwich High School athletic field where we noticed two new shot put rings and a new discus cage.
Walking along the river we could see a homeless encampment across the river. Under the Hale St bridge and along the tracks we came to the Jordan Spreader.
This railroad engine could spread ballast (crushed stone) along the tracks as well as plow snow.
The spreader had plow-like wings on both sides that could be raised or lowered to the angle of the side slope of the railbed.
The trail took us to the wastewater plant South of town where we turned and made the loop heading North to the parking lot.
At Black Bridge that crosses the Canasawacta Creek we stopped for a group photo.
At 2.9 miles we arrived at our vehicles and five hikers ended there to go off to make it to their other afternoon plans.
The rest of the group (six) went to the Greenway North trail. A little road walk to get to the river by Matthews Ford then we were on the path again.
At Rexford St we had to hike around the Norwich Town Garage and some other businesses before we came back to the trail.
The hike was really nice along the river and not muddy at all.
We walked by the old O&W train trestle and the stone columns still look to be in good shape.
Here is a link to some history of the O&W and the great chocolate train wreck in Hamilton in 1955.
We saw something in the river porposing close to the surface, a dark shadow surfacing and diving going with the current.
We thought it was a big beaver, eyes fixed on this beast, it came to shallower water where it surfaced and we saw what it was.
(to be continued next week...) It was a tire rolling downstream!
We went to the end of the line behind Aldi's and returned for a total 7.3 miles.
This hike worked well for those who wanted a short hike and others that wanted a longer hike.
Map:
Photos:
On the level,
Steve
Moonlight Hike Report, Wednesday 11/13, 6pm
Six hikers and one dog met on a lonely section of seasonal road in north Pharsalia for this month's moonlight hike. They were: Steve Ellsworth, Gwen Wehbe, Guy Forden, Rebecca Hargrave, Chris Sprague, Samuel Sprague (10), and Apollo the dog. We briefly inspected the bridge and impressive stonework of the dam at Lower Pond before setting off into the dark shadows of the cathedral-like Norway spruce that greet hikers as you head west on the FLT from Elmer Jackson Rd.
We moved quickly at first, and the trail was in good condition with only one step-over which we decided was slightly too heavy to try to move out of the way. A little while later, closer to John Smith Rd, there was a spruce top that had broken off and speared itself into the trail. This will also likely need chainsaw work but was easy to step around. Crossing John Smith Rd, we continued west down into the riparian area below Jackson Pond. Despite the cold, the dog immediately took advantage of the water and mud to refresh himself in Canasawacta Creek. We emerged out of the darkness a few minutes later onto the dam at Jackson Pond and paused for some group photos and astronomy. Gwen's phone took some exceptional shots of the night sky. Wisely, though somewhat surprising, even the dog chose not to swim.
Leaving the dam, the trail turns northerly heading uphill to an elevation above 2000ft and into the recent clearcut. There was a noticeable breeze out in the open and the air was brisk. The clearcut is more accurately described as a seed-tree harvest, with mature trees left behind to produce seeds for the next forest. On the forest floor there were briars, for sure, but we also witnessed an abundance of red maple seedlings--all browsed by deer of course. Trail maintenance will be challenging here for the next 5+/- years until new trees shade out the briars, but it will be interesting to watch the new forest grow, and it will be a good place to see and hear a variety of birds not usually observed in the deep woods of Pharsalia.
We paused on a perfectly placed log on the edge of the harvest for our mid-hike snack. The evening's snack prepared and provided by Rebecca, were beaver dams (aka haystacks) and caramel creams in honor of super full beaver moon. Rebecca informed us that chemicals from beavers' glands are used in vanilla scents, but she promised not in the food we were eating.
Continuing northerly eventually back into the woods, we emerged onto Johnson St. Here we turned east. The moon was high above now and, except for some tricky ruts and muddy spots in the nearly frozen road, we could walk without our headlamps. The moon glow cast some beautiful shadows and the there were several pauses for photos of various forest scenes. Reaching our turn to head south at the intersection with Elmer Jackson, the group stopped to appreciate and photograph the 'great ash' on the corner; deformed, diseased, and dying from emerald ash borer. After some brief tomfoolery, we finally head south to the delight of one 10-year-old who was ready to be back in the car, as he had been occasionally reminding us for the previous 3.5 miles. Reaching the cars, we had achieved 3.95 miles so some of wandered a little further to round that off to an even 4. The hike started at 6:38pm and concluded around 8:44pm, though I am less certain about that time.
Here is a photo link for your hike report.
Thanks to everyone for an enjoyable hike. The next full moon is December 15th. Perhaps will have snow?!
Hope to see you there,
Chris
Hike Report Kopac Passport - Bowman Loop 11/11/24
At O-dark fifteen 7 hikers and one border Collie head lamped on to the trail.
Cindy S, w/ Lucy 🐾, Brenda R, Marian W, Sheena W, Gwen W, Guy F & Steve E. first headed to the observation deck then around to the Kopac trail, North
wandering around trees looking for the blazes we missed one turn but doubled back quickly to find the turn.
We came to the junction of Whaley to the West / Bowman to the East, took a break and voted whether to go back or make it a loop.
There were no arguments, so we headed toward the FLT and South to Bowman Lake.
The moon showed itself between the clouds and for a while, it had revealed a bright gibbous moon.
Crossing the Bowman Creek bridge we attempted a group photo so we'll see how that came out.
Not long after following the FLT South we came to Bowman Lake SP and walked down the Eastern side to the dam.
The walk on the dam was like a game hop-scotching around the goose droppings.
From the dam we took the blue trail over the hill and back to the Kopac trail.
There was a hollow tree that we shined out headlamps in to see if something would jump out and scare us.
A screech owl would have done the trick.
Map:
Photos:
Night Owl,
Steve
Hike Report O2 DeRuyter E Lake > New Woodstock + Bonus - Delphi Falls Park
This morning six hikers and one canine 🐾 met at the trailhead on East Lake Rd in DeRuyter,
at the Onondaga Trail / NCT (North Country Trail) trailhead which is on FLT map O2 (Onondaga 2)
Holly C, Bot 🐾,Gwen W, Brenda R, John N, Guy F, Steve E.
We left a car at the endpoint on Webber Rd in New Woodstock, our end point.
Hiking through the DeRuyter SF and some private lands almost all of the up/down hill trails were serpentine or zig-zagged in the toughest spots so our elevation gain was not so bad.
After crossing Fairbanks Rd. we passed next to a lake and wet area where the beavers had really been busy.
There were at least 6 beaver slides that crossed between the two water areas.
As archery season has started and gun season a week away there were lots of treestands and blinds on our hike.
There was a fence stile at the edge of the trail where anyone could sit and be in style.
The last downhill stretch there was a huge sugar bush laced with blue sap lines that sent sweet gold to the sugar shack below.
Bonus trip was to:
Delphi Falls County Park Located in New Woodstock, NY, this 12-acre park features a beautiful waterfall and surrounding woodland.
The park is situated at the confluence of two streams, creating a picturesque setting for visitors.
The Upper Falls Rim Trail is now open but it is not without steps.
The Lower Falls trail is closed as it is being developed but shows in this video what it will be like.
Video:
Map:
Photos:
Short strider, take it easy,
Steve
Foghat "Slow Ride":
Hike Report M21 Stoney Brook Rd>Cheningo Solon Pond Rd 11/08/24
This morning seven hikers met on top of Stoney Brook Rd where the wind was whipping.
Chris G., John N., Guy F., Gwen W., David R., Lisa R., Steve E.
We started and came to the first trail register at the intersection of the NCT & FLT signed the register and found Harold's hammer there.
Then crossing Stoney Brook and stepping into the woods came to another trail register where someone commented, "Are these trail registers going to be every 50 feet?".
That was not the case, a Brune memorial bench was not far after the register.
There was a little rise and then over Randall Hill in the Cuyler Hill SF.
There was a bivouac area and an old foundation that had a chair setting at its edge that one hiker had to try.
Just past the foundation there was a horseshoe balanced in a tree. Up so the luck would not 3run out!
There was a hatch of moths that were captured in a video, a trail cam was spotted, wild geraniums thriving in a tree crotch and an inordinate amount of twisted trees.
Between the wind and the sun shining through the leafless trees we got more than expected.
It was up and down until we finally got to Freeman Rd where our car spot was.
There were plenty of stream crossings but no water!
Map:
Photos:
The hike was 7.95 miles with an elevation gain of 935'
Just another great day in the woods!
Steve
Hike Report M23 Jackson Pond Passport Hike 11/04/24
At 5PM, just about dusk 9 hikers set out to test their headlamps.
Brenda, Sheena, Marian, Melissa, Brandy, Larry, Gwen, Guy, Steve
The wind was cool and more forceful in the clear cut.
Almost as soon as we entered the woods the headlamps turned on.
This section of trail has changed dramatically since the timber sale.
Where it was wooded for the entire trail there are now two areas that are wide open.
We expect there to be plenty of berries in the next couple of summers.
The clouds passed and the sky was crystal clear.
The stars popped out showing us the Big Dipper, Jupiter and the Space Station.
Total silence when we came back to the pond made it seem like we were in some remote place far away.
Map:
Photos:
Great people make for a great hike!
Steve
Hike Report Whaupaunaucau SF Larch March
Perhaps the coldest morning this fall, 22⁰ when I left.
12 hikers showed up for a crystal clear sky hike.
Bill, Erica, Robin, Jeanne, Joyce, Anne, Tom, Pat, Karen, Gwen, Maryann, Steve and most anxious,
Otto the german short haired pointer who was ready before anyone could even put their packs on.
We headed South on T20 to the DEC lean-to but didn't stop long because we hadn't earned a break yet.
Then T17 & T15 where there were some larch ready to lose their needles. We may have been a bit late as they seemed a little brown compared the the usual bright yellow.
Looking up from the forest doesn't seem to do them justice like when you look at a stand of larch from a distance.
We headed North on T13 that had some considerable blowdowns where we had to bushwhack a little to get by.
In a short time we made it to the Clement lean-to where we took the group photo and took a break.
The bird feeder seemed to have come to life. (photo)
We walked out the Forest Access Rd and T6 for a ways and decided to turn around and head toward the cars.
We made it to Jeffery Pond via T8 & T4 and walking toward the dam we watched and photographed a beaver.
After we crossed the dam it was a short walk to the parking area and then to the kiosk where our cars we parked.
Map:
Photos:
The hike was allegedly 3.5 miles but we got our money's worth today with 5.9 miles.
Anne, you're a trooper!!!
Any way the wind blows, (the needles fall)
Steve
Hike Report M24 Ludlow lean-to > Stone piles > Passport station 10/27/24
28⁰ this morning and 8 hikers showed up for bushwhack (maybe they didn't know).
Brenda Redd, Melissa Tworkowsky, Christine Gregoire, Cindy Manwarren, Shirley Emhof, Sheena Williams, Marian Winter, Steve Ellsworth
We started on the FLT and stopped at the lean-to to write in the register, enjoyed the 'little' falls as there was not much flow.
Inspected the privy (photo) then set out on the path along the creek.
We noticed what may have been abutments for a bridge on both sides of the creek.
The water was coated with multicolored leaves.
We made our way through the woods making our own path and using some herd paths.
There was a trail cam cabled to a tree with a scent rope a short ways away. I hope everyone smiled as they passed.
The ground was really scraped up there.
We headed up the hill and saw a hunter's seat strapped to a tree. Then we came to the stone piles.
There were a couple smaller piles then we came to the larger one where we took the group photo.
Another hill to climb, when we crested it, and then began to pick a path through the woods again.
The hemlock groves and hardwoods were easy but the beech saplings and berry brambles were more difficult.
I did bring my pruning shears and was glad it did.
We came to the FLT and went to the Passport Station and register box, 6 people got their E07 Passport rubbings today.
I was glad we walked on the FLT back to the lean-to and Tucker Rd. as I explained to the new hiker that this is what it's normally like.
Hope the bushwhack doesn't scare them off.
We hiked 3.5 miles and it was 32⁰ when we finished.
Map:
Photos:
Bushwhack paddywhack,
Steve
Hike report Bullthistle Bridge > Sandberg Lean-To > Berry Hill Fire Tower
We all headed South from the FLT crossing on NY23.
Lisa Robertson, Guy Forden, Gwen Wehbe, Christine Gregoire & Steve Ellsworth fighting off the morning chill, burned up the hill.
The trail leveled off and the sun started to peek through the tree trunks as it rose slowly as did the temperature.
We crossed Center Rd then turned at the Fred Stewart spur access and walked through the 2011 tornado area.
There were molasses cookies, oatmeal cranberry orange cookies, trail mix when we got to the Sandberg lean-to.
A short break was all that was needed then we were off.
The Fred Stewart / Hoag-Childs register wasn't too far, the register was signed then on the road walk to the tower.
It is uphill most of the way to Tower Rd.
Ken and Sarah Jensen came out to greet us at their Berry Brae Farm 1191 County Road 10 (in Pharsalia)
The fire tower was awesome today, not too windy and not too cold. The cabin on top was solar heated.
You can see us in the group photo and wonder what the maximum occupancy is.
Map:
Photos:
Steve
Hike Report M27 Steam Mill to Dry Brook 10/20/2024
Two hikers took the hilly challenge on a beautiful fall day to hike the Steam Mill from Rt8 to Dry Brook road and back. Sue N and Karen E hiked 6.8 miles up and down three hills for a total of about 2000 foot total elevation gain.
The trail was mostly well maintained and took us through areas with nice stone walls and past some stone foundations giving us clues to its former settlement. There was a line of square stone piles (see picture) that appeared to be used as a property boundary. The woods changed tree composition in different areas as we saw both old apple trees and what looked like planted pine trees. One lone tulip tree stood out, as well as a very small chestnut tree that was next to the trail. We went by stands of young deciduous trees as well as large pines, and some interesting rock outcroppings and a couple stream crossings. With many leaves off the trees, we did have some view through the canopy from the hill tops across to the next hill.
The weather was perfect, sunny and not too warm and the trees beautiful with color and leaves crunching underfoot. The trail was hard to find at times as the blazes were faded or missing and the leaves hid the path, but no complaints as this was a nice, isolated trail through the fall woods and a great day to spend outside.
The hill coming from Dry Brook on the return was a thigh burner half mile straight up, but overall, it did not seem like the 2000 foot elevation gain that the hike turned out to be. At the trail register near Dry Brook we found an entry from the Bullthistles from May of this year. I guess Steve beat us to this part of the FLT!
No bears to report on this hike, but we can always hope for the next hike.
Here is a link to the few pictures:
Hiking time about 4 hours for a speed of 1.7 miles/hour for 6.8 miles
Happy Hiking!
Karen
Hike Report Central Passport 12 Daisy Hollow Rd>Spanish Loop>Irvin Trail

What a day to get out for an after-work/late afternoon hike! Sunshine and tee shirts in late October (some even wished they'd worn shorts)! 6 hikers and one dog showed up: New Member, Miriam, Sheena, Zoe, Jim, Dixie, Steve & Gwen met on Daisy Hollow Road. We followed the instructions up the Spanish Loop, through the pine nursery to the Irvin Trail. Sheena and Zoe worked on perfecting their acorn cap whistling techniques. Dixie responded with enthusiasm. We were all challenged to find something the color of our tee shirt which kept us busy searching the surroundings to find the best matchy match. We crossed a dry creek bed and decided to forgo the out and back to the Upper Falls as they were also, most certainly, dry. Instead, we continued upward to the powerline opening where we all got our Passport rubbing, a group picture, and photo ops of our final tee shirt color match items. We saw an amazing view of the colorful hillside and a fabulous sunset! As daylight was fading, we took the English Loop back to the Spanish Loop with rope supports for some tricky downhill terrain and we finished by passing through "Sherwood Forest" but we didn't see Robin Hood. A nice outing was had by all!
Step lightly,
Hike Report Beaver Meadow SF 10/20/24
We met at Camp Thompson - YMCA in Smyrna this afternoon.
The weather warmed by 2PM and it was tee shirt weather with the sun out.
June Granz, Joanne Finch, Anne Altshuler, Gwen Wehbe & Steve Ellsworth showed up to walk the talk.
We met at the corner of George Crumb Rd just past the YMCA Camp. and hiked up the snowmobile trail for about a 1.2 miles.
A couple of side by sides came up the hill where we started and so watched from the trail's edge as they could ascend much faster than we could.
The ATV ruts left the trail with puddles and mud.
We found some periwinkle that was a clue to an old foundation. You could see the front steps to the house which seemed huge.
That size leads us to believe that a barn was attached???
Tall majestic spruce trees lined the trail on the return which reminded me of how small we are.
The 'new trail' cut back to George Crumb for about 1.5 miles. where we returned to our vehicles.
We noticed that someone dumped roofing or asphalt buckets and trash in a 'parking area' on top of the hill.
The hike was 3.2 miles with an elevation gain of 337'
Map:
Photos:
Awesome weather!
Steve
Hike Report M23 Fred Stewart>Sandberd LT O&B 10/19/24
28⁰ this morning proves the tenacity of these 7 hikers...
Anne Altshuler, Sharron Sandberg, Joyce Post, Abbie Tamber & Pic 🐕, Brenda Redd, Gwen Wehbe & Steve Ellsworth
We did our fullmoon morning hike in the light as it set at 8:49.
The FLT trailhead starts out by the trail register as a path then soon widens into a 'highway' suitable for xcountry skiing & snowshoeing. (hoping!)
The color of the leaves on the ground and those left on the trees are just a visual delight.
It's hard to believe that there are still blossoms in the woods but Herb Robert's and Myrtle gave us proof.
The stop at the Sandberg lean-to provided time for a group photo, and water break.
At the lean-to we decided to take the softer path back rather than the road which added a little distance to the plan.
Distance 4.3 miles
Elevation 278'
Map:
Photos:
Found my resting place,
Steve
October Moonlight Hike, Friday 10/18
Last night we had a gorgeous fall evening for a hike. 6 hikers and one very happy black lab met at the observation platform in Plymouth. They were: June Granz, Sue Nogaret, Julia Iannello, Jennifer Benson, Rebecca Hargrave, Chris Sprague, and Apollo the dog.
First, we walked up to the observation platform to enjoy the final glow of sunset. While Venus shone brightly on the western horizon above Round Pond and other stars gradually became visible as darkness set in, we were not able to spot the comet (photo below). At 7:15pm, GPS now activated, We headed out from the platform turning south onto the Red trail. The woods were very dark as the moon had not yet risen high enough to be visible through the trees, but the freshly fallen leaves underfoot still had brilliant color in the halo of light provided by our headlamps. Shortly after passing the yellow trail, deep in the hemlock, a lone barred owl called out nearby. We stopped to listen, but no other owl responded, so I did. Unimpressed by my imitation, the owl hooted a few more times before resuming its customary silence.
We continued on southward to the truck trail, clearing small sticks and branches as we went, but the trail was in good shape overall. We turned east on the truck trail, short-cutting the red trail, but rejoining where it turned back south into the red pine clear cut. We paused here to admire the crystal clear sky again. A few satellites were spotted, but still no comet. We continued along the red trail, turning east on the yellow trail which is lesser used and was harder to follow because the markers are not reflective.
We stopped for a snack where the trail rejoins the old road. In honor of the Hunter moon, we enjoyed meat sticks, seriously sharp hunter cheddar, crackers, apple cider, and pumpkin shaped peanut butter cups. Fully energized, we followed the blue trail west along the old stone wall turning south rejoining the red trail again. It was especially dark and quiet under the Norway spruce. Crossing Reservoir Hill Rd and back again we completed the loop back to the parking area arriving at 9pm.
The hike covered a a distance of 3 miles in 1:45, including the snack break. Thanks to everyone for coming.
November 15 is the next full moon. Unfortunately, that coincides with the start of regular deer season, so we may need to take the month off. TBD.
Hike Report M22 Ridge Road > County Route 12 101824
This 32⁰ morning 6 people showed up for a hike that turned out to be more than expected.
Lisa Robertson, Paul Sirtoli, Tom Monday, Gwen Wehbe, Guy Forden & Steve Ellsworth
The fall colors were spectacular as were the trails through these woods.
We started out on Ridge Rd in S Otselic in the Bucks Brook SF crossed Ratville Rd. paralleling Mariposa Rd.
Entered Mariposa SF after walking gradually up and crossed Bamberry Rd. then down to Mariposa Rd (County RD13) then Dublin Rd.
From Dublin Rd we ascended and ascended to Wood Road and Paradise hill Rd.
We found an old foundation with a huge laid up stone square in the middle. Could it be a chimney footer? (photos)
A variety of other 'plants' were along the way... Hawthorn apples, puff balls, lions mane, bittersweet nightshade, herb Robert, bristly ox tongue., partridge berry.
We saw remnants of a maple sugaring operation before going down to CRT12
A chainsawed carved bear crossed our path... yikes!
The Hike was 11.9 miles with an elevation gain of 1278'
Map:
Photos:
Whaupaunaucau SF 10/12/24
What a wonderful October day! 9 hikers showed up to enjoy what looks to be about the peak of the falls colors.
Joyce Post, Marian Winter, Sheena Williams, Alice Holmes, Brenda Redd, Zoe Zerwekh, Anne Altshuler, Gwen Wehbe, Steve Ellsworth.
We turned West off of Post Rd onto T20 stopped at the DEC lean-to, then South on T17 needed multiflora roses clipped back. NW on T15 where we sawed a small tree to clear the trail.
Everyone was willing to get sticks and small deadfalls off the trail.
Onto T18 where there is landlocked private property and another lean-to 'Clement' that we are welcomed to.
The group photo was taken there and a nice water/snack break too.
Onward to T13 and the Forest Access Rd (Post) T4 SW walking along Jeffrey Pond and rounding the dam overflow to the Pond parking area. We can always meet there if the road is not closed for snow.
Out to Post rd again and back to our cars.
We walked 3.6 miles with a 482' elevation gain.
Map:
Photos:
If you don't get out you'll miss it!
Steve
Hike Report M18-Eastman Hill > M17-Michigan Hollow Rd 10/11/24
4 hikers set out on this cool Friday morning (33⁰) on the top of Eastman Hill in the Danby State Forest.
John Nesbitt, Gwen Wehbe, Steve Ellsworth descended to NY96B and crossed back into the woods.
Now came an ascent to Tamarack lean-to where we gathered oxygen and a snack to continue.
The trails were generally very nice with some areas needing weed whacking.
The maintainers were out with their saws and cleared the trails. Thanks!
There were trees that we don't encounter on the Bullthistle Trails.
Cucumber, Chestnut Oak, American Chestnut, Catalpa trees. A couple chestnut burrs. (be careful they are sharp!)
There was a small stand of big white oaks; one was about 120" around and 191 years old.
Then we spotted an even larger one.
A lion's mane mushroom was spotted and temptation almost won but it looked a little old.
'Lion’s mane mushrooms are rich in vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. They are also a good source of essential minerals such as manganese, zinc, and potassium.'
The hike took us by the Abbott loop and took us over a few bridges that would come in handy when the water is high.
The fall colors are starting to really pop out especially when we got a glimpse of the hills in the distance.
We hiked 8 miles and 1222' elevation gain.
Map:
Photos:
Just wanderin'
Steve
Hike Report M25 Buckley Hollow > Basswood Rd Bear Brook 10/06/24
This hike was a prelude to the Bullthistle Hiking Club's 20th Anniversary Celebration!
This morning the temperature was about 38 degrees when we started.
Spotted the truck at Bear Brook trailhead.
Jeanne Peters, Gwen Wehbe, Lisa Robertson, Alice Holmes, Abbie Tamber, Steve Jensen & Steve Ellsworth met at the old gravel pit across from South Oxford Bridge Rd.
We drove two cars to the trailhead at Buckley Hollow Rd & Winner Rd.
The trail started out heading South from Williams Rd and came to the bridge that was too slick to walk on.
The TCHC put some wire and cleats on the bridge and it is now safe. Thanks!
The path along the rim of the gorge gave us views of Bowman Creek and the falls below.
I remember swimming there before the land was sold to someone that built a house on the path to the falls.
Those falls provided a free massage if you laid on the stone table below them.
The trail followed the creek most of the way. Part of the trail is almost a steep goat path but doable.
It was after that the temperature and hikers warmed a little and most of us took off our coats.
There were three fence stiles that we climbed over.
The last stile was by the trail register that we signed but it was as if we were going back in time as the previous entry was 10/11/24 which is in 5 more days.
It didn't take long to descend to the gravel pit where we started our road walk on South Oxford Bridge Rd.
We passed by the field that leads to the Chenango Canal lock #99 then across the Chenango River.
There was a lost princess shoe on the road and we thought that one of the ladies on the hike might be whisked away by the prince.
But alas, the shoe did not fit. We could not say if the shoe fits, wear it.
This road walk is part of the FLT, a section that I had never done but finally connected to the sections that I have hiked many times.
On Basswood Rd. we walked buy some cows that might have been practicing for the circus (see photo)
When we got to the Basswood Bear Brook trailhead we remembered reading about an insufficient blaze or sign where you head in on private property. One of our trail maintainers set out to see if there were any indicators.
There was a double blaze on a tree obscured by lots of brush and vines. They proceeded to make the blaze more visible clipping the brush and vines.
The blaze is now visible but needs refreshing. An FLT sign would help if the landowner would agree to allow one.
(Thanks Gwen!)
Hike distance 3.4 miles ascent 180'
We finished before 11AM and made it to Fred's Inn for the celebration.
Map:
Photos:
Another day in the life of a Bullthistle Hiker,
Steve