Please Join Us... FLTC 2012 Fall Campout and Hiking Weekend Sept

Summer 2012

Please join us... FLTC 2012 Fall Campout and Hiking Weekend Sept. 21–23 at Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca Hosted by the Cayuga Trails Club celebrating its 50th Anniversary! Complete information and registration form – pages 11-15 www.fingerlakestrail.org President’s Message: Pat Monahan

appy 50th Anniversary, Finger Lakes Trail Many thanks to Ken Reek, Phil Metzger, John A-X. H Conference!! Thanks to our founder, Wallace Morris, and Pat Haynes who will be leaving the Wood, the trail has grown to be a continuous Board and to Roger Hopkins who will be remaining footpath across New York state as he and others had on for a second term. The remaining members of the envisioned. Today, in addition to the main Finger Class of 2015 include Terry Meacham, Greg Lakes Trail, there are six branch trails with a total Farnham, Doug Cunningham and Laurie Ondrejka. mileage in the entire trail system closing in on 1,000 In addition, Peter Wybron is retiring as Treasurer miles. Find your favorite spot, park the car, and head after 16 years of service. (He does plan to continue off to North Dakota on the North Country National on as Quartermaster and trail maintainer.) Quinn Scenic Trail. Or head south for the winter on the Wright will become Treasurer. Jacqui Wensich is Crystal Hills Trail to the Florida/Alabama border stepping down as Vice President of Membership and following the Great Eastern Trail. Be sure you have Marketing, but will continue as End-to-End your passport to leave the Conservation Trail in Niagara Falls so Coordinator. Gene Bavis will serve as interim holder of the you can cross the Canadian border and head north on the Bruce Membership and Marketing position. I plan to appoint Peggy Trail. Skip the Thruway and head to NYC via the Catskills and Coleman to fill this vacancy in January 2013. Peggy will join us Long Path. Wherever you are on the trail, you will have nearly with vast experience in marketing. Quinn Wright will resign as 10,000 miles of hiking trails to explore at a more leisurely pace. As Director of Crews and Construction, and Matt Branneman, a small a trail organization, we recognize that to accomplish our mission business owner in home construction and remodeling, will take statement of “Forever!” our future efforts must focus on this position. Joe Dabes, Director of Trail Inventory and Mapping, negotiating trail easements with our landowners. This is a process will be retiring and be replaced by Greg Farnham. Finally, Jo to legally add the trail route to the landowner’s deed and it will Taylor, our newsletter editor, will also be retiring. No replacement remain in the deed forever. On behalf of the trail conference and has been found to date. These are all volunteers who have given all who use the FLT system, thank you to those landowners who hundreds if not thousands of hours to the FLTC. Each has have worked with us and added a trail easement to their deeds. made contributions that have shaped the FLTC into what it is We are 50 years strong as an organization. Over the years, the today. On behalf of all the membership, I want to thank them Board and its officers have shepherded the trail—from determining for their dedication and many hours of service. the trail route to blazing the trail, from managing the growth of the Gene Bavis is also “retiring” from his current position as trail across the state in the early years to state-of-the art electronic Executive Director on June 30, 2012. Gene has led us out of the maps, endowment funds to protect the trail, and nearly 1400 FLTC basement. (Literally!! Office business was conducted from members—always leading the organization with an eye on the Howard and Dorothy Beye’s basement for 17 years until 2001.) future. It is now fifty years after our inception. Who would ever Membership has grown to 1400 members strong with his guidance. have imagined? What will the next fifty years look like? What will The Store has traveled around the state to many events! Whenever the trail be like? What will the organization be like? Who and what something has needed to be done, Gene knew someone or took will influence the decisions made by key leaders in the FLTC? I care of it himself. He has given tirelessly of himself in order for can tell you this. If we stay true to our mission statement (“… to the FLTC to flourish. Thank you, Gene, for leading us to our 50th build, protect, enhance and promote a continuous footpath across anniversary as a healthy and vibrant organization. New York State. Forever!”), we will be a recreational asset I also want to welcome our next Executive Director, Richmond recognized as THE premier hiking trail in New York. Forever!!! “Dick” Hubbard. Dick began on April 1 and has been working side I have started this section of my column for the summer edition by side with Gene during the transition in leadership. Dick is a many times today and have found it very difficult to write. As strong communicator, understands trails as a hiker, and has a president, I receive messages from across the trail system and strong background in membership, marketing, finance, and attend meetings both on site and via conference calls in addition to technology. Dick will be engaging with many groups and the many other aspects of my position. The FLTC leadership keeps organizations as well as local and state agencies to promote the me well informed so I can perform my duties effectively and Finger Lakes Trail to our publics. I am sure you will agree when efficiently, and as President it is my responsibility to maintain you get a chance to meet him that Dick is an excellent choice as communication with the membership. I regrettably must inform our next Executive Director. you that on one of our most recent Alley Cat crews in the Catskills, With all of this change in leadership, I want to assure you that I there was a tragic accident that claimed the life of one of our will remain as president for the FLTC. I am very proud to be volunteers. Gerry Benedict from Newark, N.Y., will be associated with this organization and will do my part to ensure a remembered for his dedication to the FLT and his many other seamless transition. I also believe that this creates a great volunteer initiatives throughout his life. In my brief experiences opportunity for the FLTC to reaffirm its foundation and grow into with him on a couple of Alley Cat crews, I can only say he was the the future with fresh ideas. I encourage and challenge each of you model volunteer that everyone looked up to. Comments like to identify a strength or skill you have that could be utilized with “inspirational”, “never stops”, and “Amazing” were heard the FLTC. We continue to need assistance with our GPS team, frequently wherever Gerry was working. As we celebrate Gerry’s website team, and technology in general. If you have a few hours accomplishments, I also want to express my deepest sympathy to or more, consider this “an ask” to help. Find a way to give back to his family and friends. He will be missed. the trail you love. This year seems to be filled with changes in the organization’s As always, enjoy the wonderful summer in New York. It is what leadership. Our Board of Managers Class of 2012 ends their all of us have been waiting for. So, as I always say, “Go take a commitment as of the annual meeting held on June 16, 2012. hike!!”

FINGER LAKES TRAIL NEWS Published for Members and Friends of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. Summer 2012 Volume 51 Number 2

This issue of the Finger Lakes Trail News is dedicated to Gerry Benedict who lost his life while serving the FLT hiking community Mission Statement as a volunteer trail worker. Gerry was a dedicated FLTC volunteer The mission of the Finger whose enthusiasm for hiking was evident as both a hiker and as Lakes Trail Conference is to one who sought to work to make the trail better for all. build, protect, enhance, and See the memorial tribute to Gerry on page 9. promote a continuous footpath across 6 Crystal Hills Trail Update, by Pat Monahan New York State. 6 Dale and Esther Howell Easement #2, by Ron Navik Forever! 7 Amazing One Day Hike of the FLT, by Roy Dando, Larry Blumberg, and Roger Hopkins, FINGER LAKES TRAIL NEWS with reflections on the occasion by Ed Sidote Volume 51 Number 2 8 North Country Trail Association Annual Conference Summer 2012 9 Memorial Tribute to Gerry Benedict, by Lynda Rummel Finger Lakes Trail Conference Service Center 11 Fall Campout, Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca 585/658-9320 Schedule, Hiking Schedule, Meals and Lodging, [email protected] Registration Form Editor 16 Tompkins County Hike Series, by Karen Serbonich Jo H. Taylor Fall Campout [email protected] 16 Phase Two Outback Inn (De)construction, by Lynda pages 11-15 Rummel Editing Assistance Sharon L. Galbraith 17 A Miscellany of Photos End-to-End Update 26 Yates County Resolution honors the FLT Jacqui Wensich 27 10 Easy Outdoor Activities for Kids, by Heather Stephenson Trail Medicine Bob Michiel Departments Wildflowers 5 Faces of the FLT: Paul Hoffman RWW Taylor 25 End-to-End Album: John A-X. Morris (#303), Tylor Davis (#337), Walking through Time Cory Davis (#338) Irene Szabo, Tim Wilbur 31 Hiking Calendar Natural Connections 32 Name that Map! John A-X. Morris Answers to the Spring quiz, page 3 FLT Archives Georgeanne Vyverberg Columns Finger Lakes Trail News is the Inside front cover... official publication of the Finger President’s Message Lakes Trail Conference, Inc, and is published four times each year 2 From the Desk of the Executive Director by the Finger Lakes Trail Con- ference, 6111 Visitor Center 4 Trail Medicine: Good Form Walking Road, Mt. Morris, NY 14510. 18 Trail Topics, reports from the trail management directors Comments and original con- 23 Wildflowers along the Trail: Four or Five? tributions are welcome and may be submitted to Jo Taylor, 967 Meigs Street, Rochester, NY 28 End-to-End Update 14620. Phone 585/473-6729. And on the back cover… Send address changes to Gene Bavis, Executive Director, at the Trail Town: Masonville, by Roy and Laurie Dando Mt. Morris address above or [email protected]. Cover: Left to right: Anibal, Christian, Jade, Grandma Shell (with mini-dachshund Pepé), Kaiden, Robyn, Ethan, and Sarah after a backpacking weekend in Cattaraugus Copyright 2012 by Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. County last summer (map M3, access 4, where they resumed their hike of the FLT on Memorial Day weekend this year). You are certain to enjoy their blog, Short Strides (shortstrides.blogspot.com). Photo taken using a timer and submitted by Sarah Gravino.

Summer 2012 - 1 - Finger Lakes Trail News

his will be my last column as T Executive Director. I can’t believe From the Desk of the Editor or Editor/Layout Team Needed for the that it was over 11 years ago when I Executive Director assumed this position as the very first Finger Lakes Trail News Gene Bavis Executive Director. For those who are FLTC OFFICE HOURS: We are newer members you may not be aware normally open Mondays and Immediate Opening that our entire operations were Thursdays, 9:30 to 3:30, but there This volunteer position must be filled in time to product. Editorial experience is required. Previous conducted out of Howard and Dorothy are frequent exceptions, so call produce the next issue of the News. experience designing and producing newsletters is Beye’s basement in Rochester until ahead if you want to be sure. April 2001 when we moved into our The position requires editorial, design, and layout useful, as is a working knowledge of Adobe couple of presidents and others. Our 585/658-9320 InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, or other page layout new office next to the Mt. Morris Dam. spring and fall weekends and our skills to produce the Finger Lakes Trail News which Gert Hauck and I were hired to staff the family. Gerry was an incredible person. is published four times a year. Articles, photos, and programs. This position could also be separated into annual cross county hike series events its editorial and layout components. If you have the office. Over the next two or three years are great fun for those who attend. I Please read the memorial tribute on other materials are submitted by set deadlines. Very we gradually moved most of the certainly hope to see a large crowd for page 9. little, if any, writing is required of the editor. skills and interest for either or both parts of the job, operations here. Howard retained the th our 50 Anniversary. On the topic of finances, our audit Currently, the publication is submitted electronically please contact FLTC President Pat Monahan: Trail Management functions. I guess I should report some “regular” report came back with very good in PDF format to a printing company, which handles 607/936-8312, [email protected] A lot has changed over the past 11 business before I go. As you probably ratings. There were NO issues that our the art work for the cover and produces the finished years. We have made many improve- know we are still in the process of auditors were concerned about. As I ments on the trail. Our maps have membership renewal. I can’t give you reported last time, our long-time changed drastically. In March 2006 we details as I sometimes do because of treasurer of about 16 years, Peter abandoned the old hand-drawn “blue” some technology issues at the office. In Wybron, is stepping down with our Answer to Spring 2012’s Name that Map! quiz maps in favor of color maps with con- the middle of our busiest time, our Annual Meeting. Quinn Wright will be tour lines printed on waterproof paper. database decided to give us a hard taking over and the transition has In honor of the FLT’s 50th The upcoming Hike Across Tompkins The new maps have been very popular. time. We also upgraded our computers already begun. anniversary you were asked to name County (the first one) was to be held Since inception of the new style, we in May and are still working through Speaking of transitions, I am happy to the map and the long time FLT in 1992 and the group of us decided it have sold nearly 200,000 maps. AND it the learning curve. What I do know is report that Dick Hubbard, our next volunteers pictured. There was only was time for something more doesn’t end there. About three years that quite a few members have NOT Executive Director, officially began one correct answer: permanent to be constructed in that ago we made GPS track data available yet renewed their memberships and working for us on April 1. April and Hi Jacqui, Doris Abbott here – swamp. This was about the time we for purchase with a set of maps. NOW, new memberships are coming in more May were designated as orientation started putting puncheons here and we are offering downloadable maps as Where did you ever find that photo of slowly than normal. As I write this, we months where he attended some there along the trail where needed, so a part of our new FLT on-line store. me pounding nails in that puncheon – are preparing to do a second renewal meetings and came into the office to the idea of constructing a puncheon This past year we also added an I’m referring to the photo on page 40 mailing, so hopefully that will get us learn about our operations. In June, we across that area was the first thing we interactive map of the FLTC on our of the latest copy of the Finger Lakes back on track for meeting our will share the duties and at the end of thought of doing. Cliff and I still had website. This map doesn’t provide News!!! What a surprise I had when I membership goals. the month, I will hand over things to our Bronco in those days so we enough detail for taking out on the saw it. The copy of the photo I have him. I feel that things are going very loaded the lumber and other supplies trail, but it’s a great tool for planning Some sad news that is reported here has 1991 on the back so I guess well. The current plan is that I will into the back of the vehicle and drove your backpacking trip. elsewhere is the accident that claimed that’s when it was taken. Cliff and I, become interim VP of Membership and everything along the abandoned the life of Gerry Benedict. While Tom Reimers, and I think Peter railroad track to the location where Thinking back over the past 11 years, I Marketing from July 1 until December Tom Reimers working on an Alley Cat crew in the Harriott built the puncheon. we were to work. Using 12-foot have met so many wonderful people Catskills in May, Gerry was struck by a 31 at which time our new VP of M&M The location where it was installed, sections of wood, we ended up with and have worked with some great limb that fell due to a chain reaction. will take over. □ hikers a dry, firm crossing instead of M18, is between Coddington and approx. 50 feet of puncheon. By the leaders on our Board of Managers and Everyone thought he was far out of wet feet. Gene Bavis, Executive Director White Church Rds. [Tompkins way, that is Cliff standing behind me. committees. Our meetings have harm’s way, but unfortunately he become more productive than ever [email protected] County] A little background that At the time the photo was taken, I was We are going to be very interested in wasn’t. Our sympathy goes out to his might interest you: there was a good pounding some of the last nails into finding out whether anyone other than thanks to innovations made by the past wife Sue, his six kids, and all of his 315/986-1474 (home office) sized swampy area that the trail the wood. Tom or Peter recognize where the photo was taken. crossed before veering up onto the After seeing the photo the other day, Join the FLTC Yahoo! groups e-mail list abandoned railroad track in that area. Cliff and I wondered what condition, Doris This had been a problem for years. if it was still there, the puncheon is in The Finger Lakes Trail Conference's e-mail list is a discussion group hosted by yahoogroups.com. Its purpose is to allow People had tossed pieces of wood and today. We have been spending most the subscribers (approximately 400 people) to communicate information to each other pertaining to FLT hikes and other tree limbs, even sections of trunks of our time with the Abbott Loop for Our sincere thanks for a gift FLTC activities, and to also allow subscribers to post general hiking-camping-backpacking and/or FLT-related questions (see photo) into the water to serve as a the last 20 years, so hadn’t been on in honor of: that can be answered by any of the other participants. makeshift bridge. Unfortunately, that section of trail for quite some Ken and Margaret Reek nothing had taken care of the prob- The co-moderators who will oversee the use of this electronic mailing list and offer help with questions are: Larry time. We hiked out to the spot and from Blumberg ([email protected]) and Jack VanDerzee ([email protected]). lem. The debris always sank when were very pleased to find the Rochester Ski Club one stepped on it, sending the hiker puncheon is still in place, giving To join the group, send a note to one of the co-moderators, or go to the FLTC website (fingerlakestrail.org) and follow the ankle deep into the mire and muck. instructions for subscribing.

Finger Lakes Trail News - 2 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 3 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Good Form Walking (Continued from page 4) A slight heel-strike will occur by natural design (key word being Faces of the FLT by Grant Robison Two things to think about with regards ‘slight’); however, try to make contact to your stride are: with the ground light and smooth, so Paul Hoffman *Stand with your feet slightly apart, that you can quickly transfer your I met Grant Robison, a US Olympic  Keep it short and comfortable and extend your arms above your head. weight to balancing on your whole Age: 64 runner who ran the 1,500 m race in the  Let cadence be your accelerator 2004 Olympics, last year when he was Reach as high as you can with your foot. This is particularly useful during Birthplace: Buffalo upper body, leaving your heels on the (not your stride length) stretches of trail that are slightly more presenting a conference on Good Form Residence: ground. Now slowly bring your arms “Short” is a relative term, so rather than “technical” in nature. Roots, rocks, Running at Fleet Feet in Syracuse. I Dansville, NY had been utilizing the techniques he back down to your sides, take a deep thinking of it in general terms of slippery surfaces, steps and any other breath and relax without letting length, think of it as an individual cue obstacles that might appear underfoot Occupation: spoke about for several years, and have Retired reduced my injuries while becoming a yourself slump back into lazy posture. to not reach out with your foot and can all be treacherous when it comes to maintain balance. Keeping a short more efficient runner. Grant was kind This simple exercise helps position “over-stride”. Keeping your stride short Favorite outdoor stride, a light footfall, and getting your pursuits: Hiking, enough to extend his discussion to your hips forward, pulls your shoulders will help you keep your knees whole foot on the ground quickly will photography and trail sawyer work. Good Form Walking and hiking in this back slightly, and lifts you into good unlocked and supple, as well as go a long way to creating balance in article. His organization, Good Form full body alignment. It is especially creating better balance throughout your Other interests: Local history, music, Running, is sponsored by the New helpful to “reset” periodically through- stride. every step regardless of the terrain. home repair work. Balance athletic gear company. out your walk or hike in order to main- Cadence is simply the rate at which Lastly, this short, light, quick stride is How I “met” the FLT: I had read a tain a healthy body position that is you move your feet. You can use perhaps most important when going small newspaper article about an — Bob Michiel, Trail Medicine editor to healthier bodies and happier hikes. conducive to efficient movement. cadence to create a quicker rhythm and downhill. All the damaging forces that organized hike across Tompkins As we approach that time of year when There are 3 basic “points” of Good therefore help you practice shorter are put on your body while over- County. After calling several incorrect the wintery mess begins to thaw and Form Walking that will help direct this strides. If you have already found a striding on flat ground are amplified phone numbers listed in the article, I the flora and fauna prepare for a season desired awareness. These “3 Points” comfortable stride length, use cadence when you add a downhill into the eventually tracked down the FLTC and of growth, so grows the anticipation of are Posture, Stride, and Foot Strike. to quicken or slow your pace rather equation. Making an extra effort to signed up for my first organized hike. Together these provide a simple the Finger Lakes community to get than forcing your stride to lengthen. keep your stride short and light, or That was 2004. History repeats itself: back out on the trails! A season of method for how we can maximize our This summer I am leading one of the finding a way to switchback as much as hibernation has hopefully healed old hiking time and minimize our risk of Foot Strike possible will also go a long way hike groups in this year’s 2012 version injuries, and perhaps landed us with an injury, particularly on the undulating Typically when an over-stride occurs towards easing the stress on your of the Tompkins County hike series. extra layer of insulation as well. It’s terrain of the trails. and the knee is locked up, we also joints. Relationship to the FLT: Besides being going to be a good year! A year of a frequent hiker (End-to-End #216), I Posture point our toes to the sky and ram our We don’t often think of walking as healthy exercise, free of injuries, free tend a short section of trail below the heels into the ground. This not only something we necessarily need to of aches and pains, and full of valuable The importance of good Posture and An ‘animated’ over-stride! Genesee River crossing at Whiskey Stride puts a lot of unnecessary force on our practice or work on, but with just a time spent soaking in the beauty that alignment is impossible to understate. joints, but it also positions our foot, and Bridge (M6). I am also a certified sawyer the Finger Lakes Trail has to offer. Posture starts with your feet but Think for a moment about the last hike little focus given to improving our and run the “Travelin’ DR mower”. I am therefore our entire body, in a very mechanics this can be the year of pain- Here are a few tips developed by Good encompasses your entire body, creating you went on, and imagine yourself on precarious unbalanced position. If you fortunate that one of the FLTC’s DR Form Walking and New Balance to a full body balance. The more tired you one of the challenging uphill portions free hiking! For more information go to mowers will fit into my van and I am have never tried balancing on one heel, goodformrunning.com and keep an eye help make that happen. get, the more important this balance of that hike. What do you do with your or even tried walking in place on your able to take it not only to my section of becomes. To achieve proper posture body? What do you focus on? When out for more videos and improved trail for mowing but also to help other In 2010 New Balance partnered with a heels, you should. Then you will keep the following ideas in mind: traversing a hill, almost all of us resources throughout the summer. □ trail maintainers with mowing. grassroots program called Good Form wonder why you hike up and down naturally do one thing to make the Running, developed by Playmakers, an  Bend your knees not your waist trails that way. Favorite section of the trail: It is really process a little easier; we take a shorter independent retail store in mid-  Head up, hips forward, reset! difficult to single out one favorite trail stride. Yet on flat ground, when we Michigan. The partnership provided a section. Having a soft, unlocked knee joint think about really exerting ourselves vehicle for both running and walking Memorable FLT experience: Hiking throughout the stride cycle will enable and walking hard, we tend to take Advertisement form clinics to reach a national audi- the Balsam Lake to Alder Lake section your body to better absorb impact and bigger steps, reaching way out in front ence. This year, with help from Play- in the Catskills (M32) of the FLT, deal with uneven terrain. Bending of ourselves in an attempt to lengthen Trail Property for Sale makers, a new program will be rolled September 26, 2004, with Jim & Sigrid forward at your waist puts undue stress our strides. out to address the specific bio- Connors leading. This was at the fall on your lower back and hips, while For Sale. 50 acres + cabin @ 7984 State Route 54 FLTC Frost Valley Conference. I was mechanics of walking. Good Form actually making it harder for your The down-side of a long, reaching Walking addresses the basic movement stride is that it creates a hyper- between Bath and Hammondsport, Steuben County, new to hiking at that time. The hike muscles to propel you up the trail. To Map M12 Access 6. Once in lifetime opportunity was memorable to me as it capped off that everyone does, every single day, improve this, think about keeping your extension (straightening out) of the knee. This straightened knee position residential, recreational or commercial. $129,000. Lorri three days of challenging hiking. A without ever thinking about it. head-up and eyes forward rather than tough hike with great views. I have leads to much of what eventually be- Rouse Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Sunrise Local One of the primary goals of the Good staring at the ground directly in front of since repeated the hike three more come achy knees. When fully extended, Realty, 607-794-0901 [email protected] for details. Form Walking program is to help in- your feet. An easy way to bring all times. the knee can’t properly flex to absorb crease the awareness given to how we these posture cues together is called the impact or adapt to the terrain. Recent achievements: Summiting Mt move our bodies. Through increased “Posture Reset”. Kilimanjaro in February 2012 raising awareness and a little practice we hope (Continued on page 5) over $6,200 for the American Cancer that the following techniques will lead Society.

Finger Lakes Trail News - 4 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 5 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Good Form Walking (Continued from page 4) A slight heel-strike will occur by natural design (key word being Faces of the FLT by Grant Robison Two things to think about with regards ‘slight’); however, try to make contact with the ground light and smooth, so to your stride are: Paul Hoffman *Stand with your feet slightly apart, that you can quickly transfer your I met Grant Robison, a US Olympic  Keep it short and comfortable and extend your arms above your head. weight to balancing on your whole Age: 64 runner who ran the 1,500 m race in the  Let cadence be your accelerator 2004 Olympics, last year when he was Reach as high as you can with your foot. This is particularly useful during Birthplace: Buffalo upper body, leaving your heels on the (not your stride length) stretches of trail that are slightly more presenting a conference on Good Form Residence: ground. Now slowly bring your arms “Short” is a relative term, so rather than “technical” in nature. Roots, rocks, Running at Fleet Feet in Syracuse. I Dansville, NY had been utilizing the techniques he back down to your sides, take a deep thinking of it in general terms of slippery surfaces, steps and any other breath and relax without letting length, think of it as an individual cue obstacles that might appear underfoot Occupation: spoke about for several years, and have Retired reduced my injuries while becoming a yourself slump back into lazy posture. to not reach out with your foot and can all be treacherous when it comes to maintain balance. Keeping a short more efficient runner. Grant was kind This simple exercise helps position “over-stride”. Keeping your stride short Favorite outdoor stride, a light footfall, and getting your pursuits: Hiking, enough to extend his discussion to your hips forward, pulls your shoulders will help you keep your knees whole foot on the ground quickly will photography and trail sawyer work. Good Form Walking and hiking in this back slightly, and lifts you into good unlocked and supple, as well as go a long way to creating balance in article. His organization, Good Form full body alignment. It is especially creating better balance throughout your Other interests: Local history, music, every step regardless of the terrain. Running, is sponsored by the New helpful to “reset” periodically through- stride. home repair work. Balance athletic gear company. out your walk or hike in order to main- Cadence is simply the rate at which Lastly, this short, light, quick stride is How I “met” the FLT: I had read a tain a healthy body position that is you move your feet. You can use perhaps most important when going small newspaper article about an — Bob Michiel, Trail Medicine editor to healthier bodies and happier hikes. conducive to efficient movement. cadence to create a quicker rhythm and downhill. All the damaging forces that organized hike across Tompkins As we approach that time of year when There are 3 basic “points” of Good therefore help you practice shorter are put on your body while over- County. After calling several incorrect the wintery mess begins to thaw and Form Walking that will help direct this strides. If you have already found a striding on flat ground are amplified phone numbers listed in the article, I the flora and fauna prepare for a season desired awareness. These “3 Points” comfortable stride length, use cadence when you add a downhill into the eventually tracked down the FLTC and of growth, so grows the anticipation of are Posture, Stride, and Foot Strike. to quicken or slow your pace rather equation. Making an extra effort to signed up for my first organized hike. Together these provide a simple the Finger Lakes community to get than forcing your stride to lengthen. keep your stride short and light, or That was 2004. History repeats itself: back out on the trails! A season of method for how we can maximize our This summer I am leading one of the finding a way to switchback as much as hibernation has hopefully healed old hiking time and minimize our risk of Foot Strike possible will also go a long way hike groups in this year’s 2012 version injuries, and perhaps landed us with an injury, particularly on the undulating Typically when an over-stride occurs towards easing the stress on your of the Tompkins County hike series. extra layer of insulation as well. It’s terrain of the trails. and the knee is locked up, we also joints. Relationship to the FLT: Besides being going to be a good year! A year of a frequent hiker (End-to-End #216), I Posture point our toes to the sky and ram our We don’t often think of walking as healthy exercise, free of injuries, free heels into the ground. This not only tend a short section of trail below the An ‘animated’ over-stride! something we necessarily need to of aches and pains, and full of valuable The importance of good Posture and puts a lot of unnecessary force on our Genesee River crossing at Whiskey Stride practice or work on, but with just a time spent soaking in the beauty that alignment is impossible to understate. joints, but it also positions our foot, and Bridge (M6). I am also a certified sawyer the Finger Lakes Trail has to offer. Posture starts with your feet but Think for a moment about the last hike little focus given to improving our and run the “Travelin’ DR mower”. I am therefore our entire body, in a very mechanics this can be the year of pain- Here are a few tips developed by Good encompasses your entire body, creating you went on, and imagine yourself on precarious unbalanced position. If you fortunate that one of the FLTC’s DR Form Walking and New Balance to a full body balance. The more tired you one of the challenging uphill portions free hiking! For more information go to mowers will fit into my van and I am have never tried balancing on one heel, goodformrunning.com and keep an eye help make that happen. get, the more important this balance of that hike. What do you do with your or even tried walking in place on your able to take it not only to my section of becomes. To achieve proper posture body? What do you focus on? When out for more videos and improved trail for mowing but also to help other In 2010 New Balance partnered with a heels, you should. Then you will keep the following ideas in mind: traversing a hill, almost all of us resources throughout the summer. □ trail maintainers with mowing. grassroots program called Good Form wonder why you hike up and down naturally do one thing to make the Running, developed by Playmakers, an  Bend your knees not your waist trails that way. Favorite section of the trail: It is really process a little easier; we take a shorter independent retail store in mid-  Head up, hips forward, reset! difficult to single out one favorite trail stride. Yet on flat ground, when we Michigan. The partnership provided a section. Having a soft, unlocked knee joint think about really exerting ourselves vehicle for both running and walking throughout the stride cycle will enable Memorable FLT experience: Hiking and walking hard, we tend to take Advertisement the Balsam Lake to Alder Lake section form clinics to reach a national audi- your body to better absorb impact and bigger steps, reaching way out in front in the Catskills (M32) of the FLT, ence. This year, with help from Play- Trail Property for Sale deal with uneven terrain. Bending of ourselves in an attempt to lengthen September 26, 2004, with Jim & Sigrid makers, a new program will be rolled forward at your waist puts undue stress out to address the specific bio- our strides. Connors leading. This was at the fall on your lower back and hips, while For Sale. 50 acres + cabin @ 7984 State Route 54 FLTC Frost Valley Conference. I was mechanics of walking. Good Form actually making it harder for your The down-side of a long, reaching Walking addresses the basic movement stride is that it creates a hyper- between Bath and Hammondsport, Steuben County, new to hiking at that time. The hike muscles to propel you up the trail. To Map M12 Access 6. Once in lifetime opportunity was memorable to me as it capped off that everyone does, every single day, improve this, think about keeping your extension (straightening out) of the knee. This straightened knee position residential, recreational or commercial. $129,000. Lorri three days of challenging hiking. A without ever thinking about it. head-up and eyes forward rather than tough hike with great views. I have leads to much of what eventually be- Rouse Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Sunrise Local One of the primary goals of the Good staring at the ground directly in front of since repeated the hike three more come achy knees. When fully extended, Realty, 607-794-0901 [email protected] for details. Form Walking program is to help in- your feet. An easy way to bring all times. the knee can’t properly flex to absorb crease the awareness given to how we these posture cues together is called the impact or adapt to the terrain. Recent achievements: Summiting Mt move our bodies. Through increased “Posture Reset”. Kilimanjaro in February 2012 raising awareness and a little practice we hope (Continued on page 5) over $6,200 for the American Cancer that the following techniques will lead Society.

Finger Lakes Trail News - 4 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 5 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Crystal Hills Trail: GET in NY part 7 Amazing One Day Hike of the entire FLT by Pat Monahan, FLTC President by Roy Dando, Larry Blumberg, and Roger Hopkins On June 2, 2012, about 500 of us The Amazing One Day End to End 2011 in Review. The Crystal Hills  This hike exemplifies many of the gathered at different trail heads at Hike Committee would like to thank Trail, a 45-mile branch trail of the various types of landscapes the FLT different times to accomplish one goal: Finger Lakes Trail system and the crosses. everyone involved: have each section of the entire main Great Eastern Trail has been in Regional hike organizers from the local Finger Lakes Trail hiked by at least one  We had 20 hikers ranging from 10 existence for the last six years. During affiliated hiking clubs who organized person that day. Yes, that is all 562 to 80 years of age! its infancy before being officially multiple hikes, individual hike leaders, miles, that is 1 million yards, or 3 named, most knew the trail to be called  The highlight was stopping at the picnic organizers, trail maintainers, all million feet or if you choose, 36 the GET in NY. With nearly 40 miles cairn the Benedict family made as a the people who helped out with the million inches received at least one complete and only five to go, the trail memorial to Gerry Benedict. It publicity, and finally, all the hikers footstep on June 2. It took 103 leaders stands on its own merit and can be stands as a fine tribute to a man themselves who chose to “Tie up their and co-leaders to make sure the seventy hiked as a wilderness-type experience. who gave so much and now is laces and take a hike” with us on -five hikes (average length 7.5 miles) greatly missed. Saturday. Without them, the hike Work continued on the Crystal Hills went off smoothly. Without all of these would not have happened. Trail as we close the gap in Steuben people taking on a leadership role, this  It was a fantastic day! Very thrilled County. Approximately 1100 volunteer hike could not have been the success it to be a part of this Amazing Hike. Please see the photo gallery at our hours were invested from RIT students, was. While we walked that day, many website. Eagle Scout projects, Scouts, comments were made that at that very REFLECTIONS ON JUNE 2 Alternative School for Math and much as possible” as described in the of trail off road below Addison to the moment, each hike was progressing FROM ED SIDOTE, former FLTC Science (Corning, N.Y.) parent and Erwin Unit Management plan of the Pennsylvania border in the future. This with hundreds of people simultane- President and end-to-end coordina- student volunteers, as well as many NYS Department of Environmental will be extremely challenging and time ously out enjoying the FLT. We would tor. Ed has assisted and encouraged other community volunteers from Conservation (DEC) written in 2008. consuming since all of it will be like to think that Wally Wood, the several hundred aspiring end-to- across New York and Pennsylvania. Landowner negotiations are still located on private land. If you are person with the original FLT concept enders. Ed attended one of the after- Many thanks again to the young and ongoing in another case after 14 interested in becoming involved in any 50 years ago, would be proud that it hike celebrations at the Ludlow Creek old who have supported this volunteer months. This entire new section will aspect of building the Crystal Hills has grown to be loved by so many that Lean-to in Chenango County. trail construction effort sponsored by connect the trail between Painted Post/ Trail, please contact Pat Monahan at an event such as this could come to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. Corning and Addison. Our final effort [email protected]. □ fruition. First, I want to thank the “Amazing Last year’s construction effort was will be moving approximately 6 miles One Day Hike Committee” for orga- Upon completion of their hikes, many focused in the Painted Post area from nizing these 75 hikes. It must have people joined one of the après hike West Hill Rd./West Hill State Forest to been a time consuming task. picnics. It is estimated that there were the base of Erwin Hollow Rd./Erwin over 200 people enjoying these Second, I think we should thank all of Hollow State Forest. This work was Dale and Esther Howell Blumberg Larry festivities including the Grand Marshal those involved with planning and completed in the early spring 2012. We Easement #2 himself, Ed Sidote. He joined the making preparations for the after-hike inadvertently flagged the trail on a It’s Ed Sidote, Honorary Grand Triple Cities and Bullthistle hiking picnics and celebrations, and all the neighboring landowner’s property in Marshal of the event, enjoying the clubs at Ludlow Lean-to for the others who made food contributions this area. The first landowner did give festivities at the Ludlow Creek festivities. for these. us permission to walk on their property ale and Esther Howell have Lean-to. welcomed the trail and all and also identified that approximately D Here are a few snippets from hike Third, I think it was a terrific idea to I had the privilege of working with variety of hikers on their property for have a one day hike of the Finger 150 yards of the flag line was on the leaders written as part of their hike many of them over the last 35 years. neighbor’s property. Once this was many years. They’ve helped maintain report: Lakes Trail! the trail and directed lost hikers on I enjoyed doing trail work for new known we immediately contacted the  We have 338 FLT End-to-Enders and their way. In 2005 they donated one Very cool knowing that at this very trail and miss it very much. other landowner to apologize and ask moment people were hiking the more to come this year. of the first permanent trail easements I enjoyed meeting End-to-Enders the permission to walk on their property. entire FLT! I have participated in the 25th and Negotiations continue. to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, day they finished the FLT and award- insuring that the trail will always be Dale & Esther Howell  We met 24 Boy Scout participants 30th FLT anniversaries, both of ing them with their patches and their 2012 and beyond. Trail construction is available for hikers to enjoy the which were held at Ithaca College. I are located south of Letchworth State from Geneseo and Dansville. card of congratulations. anticipated to be completed in 2012 peace, serenity, and stress relief of hope to also attend the 50th anniver- Park near Hunt, N.Y. (Map M7).  We took our time and did a little It was a pleasure to be able to attend through more private property and getting away from their busy lives sary at Keuka College where the FLT trail maintenance along the way. one of the after-hike picnics. working cooperatively with CAMBA and enjoying the Howell’s beautiful The Howells have been great friends was organized in 1962. (Corning Area Mountain Bike property. In 2011 they purchased of the trail in every way.  First time my family hiked with me. We owe a lot to folks like Howard Finally, I want to thank the hike lead- Association) in the Erwin Wildlife another property with the trail on it Ron Navik A very special day. Beye, Erv Markert, Terry Giarrosso, ers and sweeps and all the hikers who Management Area (WMA). This and donated a permanent easement on Vice President Trail Preservation  There were 7 children on this hike. Bob Muller, Doris and Cliff Abbott, hiked each section. approximately two-mile section may be that property as well. Their properties [email protected] Laura McGuire, Winston Braxton, the only section of the trail that is Youngest was 9 months! THANK YOU, 585/377-1812 Irene Szabo, and many, many others Edward J. Sidote shared with another use due to the for their efforts on behalf of the FLT. expectation to use “existing trails as [email protected]

Finger Lakes Trail News - 6 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 7 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Crystal Hills Trail: GET in NY part 7 Amazing One Day Hike of the entire FLT by Pat Monahan, FLTC President by Roy Dando, Larry Blumberg, and Roger Hopkins On June 2, 2012, about 500 of us The Amazing One Day End to End 2011 in Review. The Crystal Hills  This hike exemplifies many of the gathered at different trail heads at Hike Committee would like to thank Trail, a 45-mile branch trail of the various types of landscapes the FLT different times to accomplish one goal: Finger Lakes Trail system and the crosses. everyone involved: have each section of the entire main Great Eastern Trail has been in Regional hike organizers from the local Finger Lakes Trail hiked by at least one  We had 20 hikers ranging from 10 existence for the last six years. During affiliated hiking clubs who organized person that day. Yes, that is all 562 to 80 years of age! its infancy before being officially multiple hikes, individual hike leaders, miles, that is 1 million yards, or 3 named, most knew the trail to be called  The highlight was stopping at the picnic organizers, trail maintainers, all million feet or if you choose, 36 the GET in NY. With nearly 40 miles cairn the Benedict family made as a the people who helped out with the million inches received at least one complete and only five to go, the trail memorial to Gerry Benedict. It publicity, and finally, all the hikers footstep on June 2. It took 103 leaders stands on its own merit and can be stands as a fine tribute to a man themselves who chose to “Tie up their and co-leaders to make sure the seventy hiked as a wilderness-type experience. who gave so much and now is laces and take a hike” with us on -five hikes (average length 7.5 miles) greatly missed. Saturday. Without them, the hike Work continued on the Crystal Hills went off smoothly. Without all of these would not have happened. Trail as we close the gap in Steuben people taking on a leadership role, this  It was a fantastic day! Very thrilled County. Approximately 1100 volunteer hike could not have been the success it to be a part of this Amazing Hike. Please see the photo gallery at our hours were invested from RIT students, was. While we walked that day, many website. Eagle Scout projects, Scouts, comments were made that at that very REFLECTIONS ON JUNE 2 Alternative School for Math and much as possible” as described in the of trail off road below Addison to the moment, each hike was progressing FROM ED SIDOTE, former FLTC Science (Corning, N.Y.) parent and Erwin Unit Management plan of the Pennsylvania border in the future. This with hundreds of people simultane- President and end-to-end coordina- student volunteers, as well as many NYS Department of Environmental will be extremely challenging and time ously out enjoying the FLT. We would tor. Ed has assisted and encouraged other community volunteers from Conservation (DEC) written in 2008. consuming since all of it will be like to think that Wally Wood, the several hundred aspiring end-to- across New York and Pennsylvania. Landowner negotiations are still located on private land. If you are person with the original FLT concept enders. Ed attended one of the after- Many thanks again to the young and ongoing in another case after 14 interested in becoming involved in any 50 years ago, would be proud that it hike celebrations at the Ludlow Creek old who have supported this volunteer months. This entire new section will aspect of building the Crystal Hills has grown to be loved by so many that Lean-to in Chenango County. trail construction effort sponsored by connect the trail between Painted Post/ Trail, please contact Pat Monahan at an event such as this could come to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. Corning and Addison. Our final effort [email protected]. □ fruition. First, I want to thank the “Amazing Last year’s construction effort was will be moving approximately 6 miles One Day Hike Committee” for orga- Upon completion of their hikes, many focused in the Painted Post area from nizing these 75 hikes. It must have people joined one of the après hike West Hill Rd./West Hill State Forest to been a time consuming task. picnics. It is estimated that there were the base of Erwin Hollow Rd./Erwin over 200 people enjoying these Second, I think we should thank all of Hollow State Forest. This work was Dale and Esther Howell Blumberg Larry festivities including the Grand Marshal those involved with planning and completed in the early spring 2012. We Easement #2 himself, Ed Sidote. He joined the making preparations for the after-hike inadvertently flagged the trail on a It’s Ed Sidote, Honorary Grand Triple Cities and Bullthistle hiking picnics and celebrations, and all the neighboring landowner’s property in Marshal of the event, enjoying the clubs at Ludlow Lean-to for the others who made food contributions this area. The first landowner did give festivities at the Ludlow Creek festivities. for these. us permission to walk on their property ale and Esther Howell have Lean-to. welcomed the trail and all and also identified that approximately D Here are a few snippets from hike Third, I think it was a terrific idea to I had the privilege of working with variety of hikers on their property for have a one day hike of the Finger 150 yards of the flag line was on the leaders written as part of their hike many of them over the last 35 years. neighbor’s property. Once this was many years. They’ve helped maintain report: Lakes Trail! the trail and directed lost hikers on I enjoyed doing trail work for new known we immediately contacted the  We have 338 FLT End-to-Enders and their way. In 2005 they donated one Very cool knowing that at this very trail and miss it very much. other landowner to apologize and ask moment people were hiking the more to come this year. of the first permanent trail easements I enjoyed meeting End-to-Enders the permission to walk on their property. entire FLT! I have participated in the 25th and Negotiations continue. to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, day they finished the FLT and award- insuring that the trail will always be Dale & Esther Howell  We met 24 Boy Scout participants 30th FLT anniversaries, both of ing them with their patches and their 2012 and beyond. Trail construction is available for hikers to enjoy the which were held at Ithaca College. I are located south of Letchworth State from Geneseo and Dansville. card of congratulations. anticipated to be completed in 2012 peace, serenity, and stress relief of hope to also attend the 50th anniver- Park near Hunt, N.Y. (Map M7).  We took our time and did a little It was a pleasure to be able to attend through more private property and getting away from their busy lives sary at Keuka College where the FLT trail maintenance along the way. one of the after-hike picnics. working cooperatively with CAMBA and enjoying the Howell’s beautiful The Howells have been great friends was organized in 1962. (Corning Area Mountain Bike property. In 2011 they purchased of the trail in every way.  First time my family hiked with me. We owe a lot to folks like Howard Finally, I want to thank the hike lead- Association) in the Erwin Wildlife another property with the trail on it Ron Navik A very special day. Beye, Erv Markert, Terry Giarrosso, ers and sweeps and all the hikers who Management Area (WMA). This and donated a permanent easement on Vice President Trail Preservation  There were 7 children on this hike. Bob Muller, Doris and Cliff Abbott, hiked each section. approximately two-mile section may be that property as well. Their properties [email protected] Laura McGuire, Winston Braxton, THANK YOU, the only section of the trail that is Youngest was 9 months! 585/377-1812 Irene Szabo, and many, many others Edward J. Sidote shared with another use due to the for their efforts on behalf of the FLT. expectation to use “existing trails as [email protected]

Finger Lakes Trail News - 6 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 7 - Finger Lakes Trail News

North Country Trail Meet Dick Hubbard, the new A Memorial Tribute to Gerry Benedict Annual Conference Closer to Home This Year Executive Director Gerard “Gerry” Benedict died May 11th, 2012, fatally injured by a falling limb while working on the Finger Lakes Trail in the Catskills. He was 65. hile it’s great fun to see trail in far-off places W like North Dakota and Minnesota, this year’s erry Benedict loved rocks. He poles with the Grip Hoist, or working NCTA annual bash is in southern Michigan, an easy G loved to move them and he the Grip Hoist himself, all the while day’s drive for us in New York, from August 2 loved to create with them, the bigger, showing the rest of us, by happy through 5. Sited at a luxury golf resort, food and the better. As a volunteer on the Mt. example, how to pitch in and get lodging will be top notch, while hikes will still feel Washington Rebuild Alley Cat crew things done. Besides the tools he “normal,” through rolling forests, a bird sanctuary, in 2009 (Map M12, Hammondsport), brought in his old pick-up, there was past glacial pothole lakes, and through covered the first big FLT project he worked a load of heavy asphalt shingles that bridges. Workshops are plentiful, offering both hands on, he carried several large, thick flat he carried in with his wheelbarrow. -on trail layout education and sessions on member- stones up the very steep hillsides and Gerry, of course, did the knuckle- ship growth, outreach, and trail protection. Learn built rock steps at the turn of a new scuffing work of cutting the shingles about NCTA’s Trail Towns program. switchback. into strips for the students to nail to Don’t miss the Friday evening program, when awards The next year, Gerry co-managed the the bridge decking to combat are given out to deserving volunteers from the seven reconstruction of the ten bridges that slipperiness. states of the trail’s breadth. Don’t tell anybody, but lay between Elmboise and Bean In 2010, Gerry also volunteered on some New Yorkers win big this year! Station Rds. on the Bristol Hills the Tinker Falls Alley Cat project on Details of programs and registration are in the April- Branch (Map B3, Prattsburgh). Al- the Onondaga Branch (Map O1, SE of though there were no rocks anywhere June issue of the NCTA magazine North Star (the Syracuse) which involved building a Rummel Lynda recent issue with Jacqui Wensich’s picture of trillium in the thick sediment left by an double staircase and a reroute. This in Cortland County’s Taylor Valley on the cover), or ancient glacial lake, Gerry accepted time there were rocks, and one Gerry, happily cutting strips of the assignment and over the course of particular one stood out. As Pat online at northcountrytrail.org. If it’s not already too President Pat Monahan (left) welcomes Dick Hubbard. asphalt shingles to be nailed to late, hurry, since registration fees rise slightly after the summer, Gerry, Mike Schlicht, Monahan tells it, Gerry and his son bridge decking to help prevent July 1. □ Photo by Gene Bavis. some students from RIT, a small band Jason unearthed a huge flat rock slipping. Bean Station Bridges of us FLTC volunteers, and Gerry’s Project, 2009. son Jason put in two new telephone (Continued on page 10) First and only NCT highway pole bridges and rebuilt or replaced sign in New York all the others. Along with Mike, Gerry was always in the thick of Fred Szarka handed me these two signs at things, moving swiftly to lift what- one of the NCTA conferences a LONG time ever needed to be lifted, teaching ago, and just how long ago is pretty embar- students (including a welter-weight rassing. But in keeping with my finely honed hearing impaired student from Japan) tradition of world class procrastination, I let how to move 1,200-lb. telephone these National Park Service gifts age in my garage. In April, Gin Shear and I finally installed these two on the trailhead bulletin board at the Cobb property (Map M4, east of Ellicott- ville), after re-doing the vandalized Plexiglas and signage. Sure needed those extra hands to handle these big fat things, and Gin comes complete with a generator so we actually had electricity for drilling. I have since learned that the NPS can't get Left: Same kiosk from June of LAST those signs any more. It's very cool to see summer. The bat was hiding under the such big trail signs in Pennsylvania, Florida, Plexiglas over the bulletin board Massachusetts, and elsewhere, but now it materials (this is hiding?) and just sat appears this will be the only set in New Gerry (far left) and inmates from the Monterey Correctional Gerry and his son Jason dug out this huge slab of rock Facility used this huge boulder to help armor the creek bank still for a picture after Irene took off the York. and turned it into a lovely stone bench. Tinker Falls framed clear cover. under one bridge end. Birdseye Hollow Bridges Project, 2011. — Irene Szabo Project, 2010. Photo by Tony Rodriguez. Photo by Lynda Rummel.

Finger Lakes Trail News - 8 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 9 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Gerry Benedict ...

taught high school biology for 35. He (Continued from page 9) telephone poles, were very visible from Birdseye Hollow Rd. Gerry was a Master Gardener, composted (estimated to be about 2’x4’) and decided to camp nearby, to keep an religiously, kept bees, helped out at somehow “hefted it to a very close eye on things. While taking a sponge the local food closet, donated blood, spot on the upside of the trail – not bath near the creek, Gerry heard a and as a last act of great generosity, sure how they did it! There is now a truck slow down, so he hurried out to donated his liver and kidneys. beautiful [stone] bench on a steady the road to see what was happening. Gerry drew beautiful construction 10% grade trail to stop and rest for He could see their eyes grow big plans for footbridges, and his students the lengthy climb to the top of the when he emerged from the woods, he say his illustrations of plants, which hill.” Tony Rodriguez, the project said, but he talked with them for a he loved as much as rocks, were manager, says frankly that they while and convinced them to continue exquisite. He also sketched political “could not have accomplished all that on their way—and he convinced them cartoons and scenes of trail work, and stone work, in the time we did, with- not to throw their empties into the as his blog showed, he was pretty out Gerry and Jason,” and recalls, as woods! Every time I imagine Gerry good at wood carving, but his twin well, how Gerry’s “infectious leaning against a beat-up pick-up qualities of laughing at himself and enthusiasm” inspired everyone. along a busy road talking to two good making puns (some witty, some real ol’ boys, with just a towel wrapped In 2011, I asked Gerry to co-manage groaners) were what completely around his waist, I can’t help but endeared him to us. with Mike again and build two laugh out loud. bridges across Birdseye Hollow The morning of Gerry’s memorial Creek (M12, SE of Bath). This time Lanky and tall, with a thick droopy service, I drank my coffee out of a the rocks weren’t where they needed mustache that was almost wider than ceramic cup made by his sister-in- to be. The bank under one end of the he was, Gerry was also very strong, law, Faith. A lovely gray-blue with bigger bridge needed to be “armored” agile, and tough. He loved the woods. the images of two narrow leaves, in against the current. Gerry brought a He loved to hike and backpack. He white, on one side, the mug is my small skid from home that inmates was an end-to-ender, and he loved the favorite for what it says on its other from the Monterey Correctional FLT. He maintained the stretch from side, in capital letters: This is not Facility could use to move the biggest Hughes Road to the east end of Styrofoam. From now on, this small boulders, including a large glacial Cochrane Road on M11, west of but beautiful and functional creation erratic. The memory of Gerry pushing Bath. His family reports that his Alley will call Gerry to my mind every day, that boulder toward the bank while Cat co-workers said that “he often forever reminding me of his deep, the inmates pulled, and then working lagged behind as they hiked into a pure and joyful devotion to the shoulder to shoulder with the inmates work site, and then would catch up, natural world and all its inhabitants. and then lag behind again. It was only down in the creek instantly brings Gerry was so very full of life, the tears to my eyes. when they hiked out that they saw he had been placing stepping stones in antithesis of Styrofoam. Steve Mike Schlicht wrote about his the trail as he brought up the rear.” Catherman, who worked with Gerry experiences of working with Gerry: His last project was clearing trail in on the Birdseye Hollow Bridges, “Gerry taught me a lot. [I] will always the Catskills. speaks for all of us when he says that remember the times he had everyone we “will remember him for his working on the projects [and] he Gerry thought about the planet’s big humor, his work ethic, his ability to looked lost because everyone knew problems and, every day did what he teach those around him, and of what to do and how to do it. That is a could to make things better. A course, his passion for unearthing and sign of great leadership and a skill in favorite saying was, Think Globally, building things with huge rocks!” As short supply these days. [At Birdseye Act Locally. He served in the Peace Mike Schlicht says, “It was an honor Hollow,] he had those [young Corps in India for three years and to know and work with him.” □ inmates] moving the boulders and they were happy to do so.” By Lynda Rummel My other image of Gerry from the FLTC Vice President for Trail Quality Birdseye Hollow Bridges project is Regional Trail Coordinator, Bath – Watkins Glen purely my own creation but comes from Gerry’s account of meeting up with two locals who drove by the night before work was to start. All the materials had been delivered and stored under tarps; the piles, and the

Finger Lakes Trail News - 10 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 11 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Gerry Benedict ... Finger Lakes Trail Conference- 2012 Fall Camp Out September 21 - 23, 2012 taught high school biology for 35. He (Continued from page 9) telephone poles, were very visible Robert H. Treman New York State Park, Ithaca was a Master Gardener, composted from Birdseye Hollow Rd. Gerry Hosted by the Cayuga Trails Club celebrating its SO'h Anniv·ers:an1! (estimated to be about 2’x4’) and decided to camp nearby, to keep an religiously, kept bees, helped out at somehow “hefted it to a very close eye on things. While taking a sponge the local food closet, donated blood, Schedule of Events bath near the creek, Gerry heard a and as a last act of great generosity, spot on the upside of the trail – not Friday, September 21 Lower North Pavilion -Robert H. Treman State Park sure how they did it! There is now a truck slow down, so he hurried out to donated his liver and kidneys. 12 noon Registration opens beautiful [stone] bench on a steady the road to see what was happening. Gerry drew beautiful construction 10% grade trail to stop and rest for He could see their eyes grow big plans for footbridges, and his students l-2pm Hikes depart, see schedule the lengthy climb to the top of the when he emerged from the woods, he say his illustrations of plants, which Spm Social hour- you may bring alcoholic beverages hill.” Tony Rodriguez, the project said, but he talked with them for a he loved as much as rocks, were 6pm Buffet Dinner while and convinced them to continue manager, says frankly that they exquisite. He also sketched political 7:30pm Evening Presentation- To be announced-check FLTC website “could not have accomplished all that on their way—and he convinced them cartoons and scenes of trail work, and stone work, in the time we did, with- not to throw their empties into the as his blog showed, he was pretty Saturday, September 22 Lower North Pavilion -Robert H. Treman State Park out Gerry and Jason,” and recalls, as woods! Every time I imagine Gerry good at wood carving, but his twin 7:30-8:30 am Buffet Breakfast leaning against a beat-up pick-up well, how Gerry’s “infectious qualities of laughing at himself and 7:30am Registration opens enthusiasm” inspired everyone. along a busy road talking to two good making puns (some witty, some real ol’ boys, with just a towel wrapped 7:30-9:30 am Pick up trail lunches In 2011, I asked Gerry to co-manage groaners) were what completely around his waist, I can’t help but endeared him to us. 9:00 - 9:30 am Hikes depart, see schedule with Mike again and build two laugh out loud. 11om-3pm Reserved for use by Cross County Hike Series bridges across Birdseye Hollow The morning of Gerry’s memorial 4pm Board of Managers Meeting Creek (M12, SE of Bath). This time Lanky and tall, with a thick droopy service, I drank my coffee out of a the rocks weren’t where they needed mustache that was almost wider than ceramic cup made by his sister-in- Spm Social Hour- you may bring alcoholic beverages to be. The bank under one end of the he was, Gerry was also very strong, law, Faith. A lovely gray-blue with 6pm Buffet Dinner bigger bridge needed to be “armored” agile, and tough. He loved the woods. the images of two narrow leaves, in 7pm Evening Presentation - "Fungi in our Forests", Dr. Kathie T. Hodge, Associate He loved to hike and backpack. He against the current. Gerry brought a white, on one side, the mug is my Professor of Mycology, Author, Blogificator, Cornell University was an end-to-ender, and he loved the favorite for what it says on its other small skid from home that inmates Bonfire -weather permitting from the Monterey Correctional FLT. He maintained the stretch from side, in capital letters: This is not Hughes Road to the east end of Facility could use to move the biggest Styrofoam. From now on, this small Sunday, September 23 Lower North Pavilion -Robert H. Treman State Park Cochrane Road on M11, west of boulders, including a large glacial but beautiful and functional creation 7:30-8:30 am Buffet Breakfast Bath. His family reports that his Alley will call Gerry to my mind every day, erratic. The memory of Gerry pushing 7:30 -9:30am Pick up trail lunches that boulder toward the bank while Cat co-workers said that “he often forever reminding me of his deep, 8:30 - 9:30 am the inmates pulled, and then working lagged behind as they hiked into a pure and joyful devotion to the Gather for Scheduled Hikes work site, and then would catch up, shoulder to shoulder with the inmates natural world and all its inhabitants. Directions-The Robert H. Treman State Park, lOS Enfield Falls Road is located south of Ithaca at the intersection down in the creek instantly brings and then lag behind again. It was only Gerry was so very full of life, the of Rt-13 & Rt-327. After you enter the park, follow FLTC signs for parking. www.nysparks.com/parks/135. tears to my eyes. when they hiked out that they saw he had been placing stepping stones in antithesis of Styrofoam. Steve • From North East - NY-81 S, Exit 12 for NY-281 Homer/Cortland, Lon NY-281 S for 3.8 mi, NY-281 S merges into Mike Schlicht wrote about his Catherman, who worked with Gerry the trail as he brought up the rear.” Rt-13 S, go 7.6 mi to Dryden, go 13.8 mi to Ithaca on Rt-13 S through Ithaca, Ron Rt-327 N, Lon Park Rd . experiences of working with Gerry: on the Birdseye Hollow Bridges, His last project was clearing trail in • From South - 1-86 (old Rt 17) - Exit 54 for Rt-13 N to Ithaca - go 24.5 miles, Lon Rt-327 N, Lon Park Rd. “Gerry taught me a lot. [I] will always the Catskills. speaks for all of us when he says that remember the times he had everyone we “will remember him for his • From East (Watkins Glen) - Rt-414 N, slight Ron NY-79 E, go 9.1 mi, at bottom of hill coming into Ithaca take a working on the projects [and] he Gerry thought about the planet’s big humor, his work ethic, his ability to Ron Rt-13A S/Fioral Ave, for 2.1 mi, Ron NY-13 S for 1.1 mi, turn Ron NY-327, Lon Park Rd. looked lost because everyone knew problems and, every day did what he teach those around him, and of • From West (Whitney Point)-Rt 79 W to Ithaca 30 mi, stay on Rt 79 W through Ithaca (Seneca St), street will could to make things better. A what to do and how to do it. That is a course, his passion for unearthing and end at State/Martin Luther King Jr St, Lon Rt 13A (Floral Ave) S 2.1 mi, Ron Rt-135 1.1 mi, Ron Rt-327, Lon sign of great leadership and a skill in favorite saying was, Think Globally, building things with huge rocks!” As Park Rd . short supply these days. [At Birdseye Act Locally. He served in the Peace Mike Schlicht says, “It was an honor Corps in India for three years and Hollow,] he had those [young to know and work with him.” □ Parking at the Lower Treman Park is free on Fridays and $7 on Saturday AND Sunday. To reduce parking fee: inmates] moving the boulders and • Camping at Treman or any local NYS Park includes the daily parking fee they were happy to do so.” By Lynda Rummel Purchase an Empire Pass- support your state parks and enjoy any park all season long! My other image of Gerry from the FLTC Vice President for Trail Quality • Purchase an Access Pass (restrictions apply - check with NYS Parks) Birdseye Hollow Bridges project is Regional Trail Coordinator, Bath – Watkins Glen • Car-pool with friends purely my own creation but comes from Gerry’s account of meeting up • Park on south side of Rt-13 at access area OR at Ehrhart Propane and walk under bridge to the pavilion. with two locals who drove by the Questions? Contact Jim or Sigrid Connors, 607·898-4163 (evenings or weekends) night before work was to start. All the materials had been delivered and [email protected] or [email protected] stored under tarps; the piles, and the

Finger Lakes Trail News - 10 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 11 - Finger Lakes Trail News

2012 Finger Lakes Trail Conference Fall Camp-Out Hike Schedule, continued 2012 Finger l akes Trail Conference Fall Camp-Out Hike Schedule Meet ready to deport for o/1 hikes ot the Robert H. Tremon Lower Pork Entrance to arrange for cor-pooling ot time listed.

Friday September 21st Hike #1: Cayuga Trail Hike, see Cayuga Trail M ap, 4.4 miles. Rated moderat e. Meet at 1:00 p.m. The Cayuga Trail t akes hikers along the high banks and water's edge of Fall Creek, through hardwood forests and pine plantations. Breathtaking vistas, interesting geological features and the beauty of wild sections of Fall Creek and Cornell's off-campus natural areas w ill greet you on this hike. Cars w ill be spotted at the end of the hike and hike w ill begin near Freese Road. Hike leader: Tom Reimers.

Hi ke #2: Cayuga Water Front Trail, Phase 1 Hike, 2.0 miles. Rated easy. Meet at 2:00p.m. Stretch your legs just a bit after your travel to Ithaca and walk along phase 1 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail Cass Park Loop section. This paved loop trail highlights wide-open views of Cayuga Lake Inlet. Hike leader: John Andersson.

Hike #3: Taughannock Falls State Park, North, South & Gorge Trails, 4.2 miles. Rated easy. Meet at 1:00 p.m. On this hike you will explore Taughannock Falls State Park trails which boast spectacular overlooks. The upper falls has a drop of 215 feet and is one of the highest east of the Rocky Mountains. Hike will start at the Falls Overlook parking area on Taughannock Park Road. After enjoying the view of the Falls you will head west on the North Rim trail to where It intersects the South Rim trail. From there you will hike east to the Gorge Trail and hike into the falls basin and back. A short walk north on NYS Route 89 will take you to the North Rim trailhead and back up to the Falls Overlook parking area. Hike leaders: Carol Mallison and Barbara Nussbaum.

Hike #4: Tamarack Lean-To Hike, FLTC Map M17, 5.8 miles. Rated rigorous. Meet at 1:00 p.m. Check out the Tamarack Lean-to rebuilt in 2010 by the Alley Cat Crew. Hike will start at the junction of Heisey and Eastman Hill Roads then climb over the shoulder of Round Top, descend steeply to route 96B followed by a steep ascent to the Tamarack Lean-To. A final descent to South Danby Road brings this hike to a conclusion. Hike leader: Larry Blumberg

Saturday September 22nd Hike #5: Robert H. Treman Park Hike, FLTC Map M16, 5.2 miles. Hike rated moderate. Meet at 9:30a.m. This loop hike starts on t he Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) in the lower park and ascends to the upper pa rk on the FlT and Old CCC Camp Trail, and returns to the lower park on the Gorge Trail. Lucifer Falls and other wonderful sites along Enfield Creek are yours to enjoy. Hike leader: Eric Mastroberti from Eastern Mountain Sports.

Hike #6: Virgil Mt. Area loops Map, 9.0 miles w/4.2 mile opt out. Rated moderate/rigorous. Meet at 9:00a.m. Although t his loop hike has a bit longer drive to the trailhead t han the others it is well worth the trip. On t his figure eight hike you will start and finish at the intersection of Bleck and Hauck Roads. Follow the Dabes Diversion Loop Trail to Stone Pile junction where a spectacular view awaits. After taking a moment to check out Foxfire Lean-to t he hike w ill continue on t he Finger Lakes Trail east downhill and then ascend to the center of the figure eight. Here you can opt for the 4.2 mile hike by taking the Dabes Diversion Loop west back to your cars, or continue on to Virgil M ountain summit (highest point w ithin 70 miles at 2134') and then a long descent back to the center of the figure eight where you once again pick up the Dabes Diversion Loop and hike back to the starting point . Hike leaders: larry Blumberg and 'Java' Joe Dabes.

Hike #7: Abbott Loop, see FLTC Abbott Loop Map, 8.4 miles. Rated moderate to rigorous. Meet at 9:00a.m. Built and maintained by t he Cayuga Trails Club t he Abbott Loop Trail encompasses some of the most beautiful scenery in Danby State Forest. Hike will start at the north crossing of the Finger Lakes Trail on Michigan Hollow Road close to Diane's Crossing. Expect some rugged climbs, steep descents and brook crossings. Thatcher's Pinnacles provide a scenic overlook of West Danby, t he Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve and the forested hills beyond. Hike leader: Marsha Zgola. Finger Lakes Trail News - 12 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 13 - Finger Lakes Trail News

2012 Finger Lakes Trail Conference Fall Camp-Out Hike Schedule, continued Hike 118: Cayuga Trail Hike, see Cayuga Trail M ap, 7.9 miles. Rated moderate. M eet at 9:00 a.m. Hike the entire Cayuga Trail from the Stewart Avenue Bridge to Monkey Run Road parking area. Amazing views are yours when crossing the suspension bridge over Fall Creek, hiking along Beebe Lake and to 'The Overlook'. Continue on across Stevens Suspension Bridge; ascend through a spruce plantation up to Freese Road. See Hike #1 description above for trail description that will take you to Monkey Run Rd. Hike leader: Anna Keeton.

Hike 119: Lick Brook, FLTC M ap M17, 6.8 miles. Rated easy t o moderate wit h a st eep descent . Meet at 9:30 a.m. Beautiful views of Inlet Valley are in store on this hike, which starts at Comfort Road and ends at NY Routes 13, 34, 96. Spectacular views of Cayuga lake Inlet Valley, Lick Brook Upper & lower Falls await you along with the Sweedler and Babcock Preserves. There is a portion of road hiking but the views are worth it . Hike leader: Gary Mallow.

Hike 1110: Arnot Forest Hike, in Townships of Newfield & Van Etten, 4.5 miles. Rated easy. Meet at 9:30 a.m. 'The Arnot' is a research and teaching forest located in the hilly forested Southern Tier that is owned by Cornell University and managed by their Department of Natural Resources in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Mature forests, grasslands, softwood plantations, 400 species of vascular plants, 135 species of birds, numerous amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife inhabit 'The Arnot'. Hike will start at the north gate and end at the south gate. Hike leader: Barbara Nussbaum.

Final Hike for Tompkins County series registered hikers only. Start time 8:45am. Details of this hike and end-of-series picnic provided by hike coordinator Karen Serbonich.

Sunday September 23rd Hike 1111: Van Lone loop Trail, Connecticut Hill. FlTC map M16, 5.8 miles. Rated m oderat e. Meet at 9:00 a.m. This beautiful, rugged route that winds through several gorges will combine sections of the Finger Lakes Trail, Cayuta Gulf Trail, the Swan Hill Trail and t he Van l one Hill Trail to complete the loop. Hike w ill start and finish at the parking area near the intersection of County Route 6 & Gulf Road . Hike leader: M arsha Zgola.

Hike 1112: Internat ional loop, see FlTC M ap with same name, 7.2 miles. Rated moderate. Meet at 9:00a.m. This loop hike combines the Swedish Loop Trail, several parts of the Finger Lakes Trail (American) and the Spanish Loop Trail to create a 7.2 mile international hike. Hikes starts and ends at t he newly constructed parking lot on Daisy Hollow Road. Hike leader: Phil Dankert.

Hike 1113: Connecticut Hill & Bob Cameron Loop Hike, FLTC M ap M 16, 6.1 miles. Rated moderate to rigorous. M eet at 9:00 a.m. This hike explores the woods of Connecticut Hill from Todd Road to Black Oak Road while also combining a side hike on the Bob Cameron loop. Hike leader: Jack Vanderzee

Hike 1114: Cayuga Water Front Trail, Phase 3 Hike, 4 miles. Rated ea.sy. Meet at 9:30a.m. Walk phase 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail from the Ithaca/Tompkins Visitor's Center to Ithaca's Farmers Market. This loop hike is on a paved trail and is a great place to walk while providing views of Cayuga Lake. It passes t hrough Stewart Park and part of the Fuentes Bird Sanctuary on its way to t he Farmers Market. Hike leader: Carol Mallison.

Shop in support of the t rails for shirts, jackets, caps, patches, maps and more at the always popular Finger Lakes Trail Conference store. Cayuga Trails Club Guidebook and hiking shirts will also be available.

More detail on the conference presentations will be posted on the Finger Lakes Trail Conference website. www.fingerfakestroil.org Finger Lakes Trail News - 12 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 13 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Finger Lakes Trail Conference – 2012 Fall Camp Out

Courtesy coffee ond teo will be available throughout the weekend

Meals All serving wore and utensils used will be compos table Ithaca's well-praised 'Ithaca Bakery' is the catererfor breakfast, trail lunches and Saturday dinner!

Friday Buffet Dinner- Pizza- choice of vegetarian and meat options, Garden Salad, choice of dressings and ice cream

Saturday Continental Breakfast - Orange juice, Fresh Fruit Salad, Assorted Yogurt, Assorted Mini-Bagels with cream cheese, butter & jelly, Assorted Mini-Danish and M ini-Muffins

Saturday & Sunday Trail bag lunches -Include scrumptious sandwiches, fresh fruit, mini granola bar, cookie, bottled water: Country Turkey with Brie, Spring Mix, Plum Chutney on Baguette Roost Beef with Herb Aioli with Oven Dried Tomato, Spring Mix, Parley, Oregano on Baguette Smoked Gouda with Roasted Red Pepper, Parsley-Garlic Dressing, Romaine on M ulti-grain Roll Hummus with Roasted Red Peppers & Spouts on Oatmeal Whole Wheat (vegan)

Saturday Buffet Dinner- Cornell Recipe BBQ Chicken, Porta bella M ushroom Stacks (some vegan), Baked Beans (Veg), Salt Potatoes, Garden Salad w lemon Vinaigrette, Fresh Fruit Salad and Rolls & Butter

Join us aper dinnerfor a ce/ebrat01y piece ofcake in honor ofthe FLTe and ere 5ff' Anniversaries!

Sunday Continental Breakfast - Orange juice, Fresh Fruit salad, Yogurt, Assorted mini-bagels with cream cheese, butter & jelly, Assorted Coffee Cake and Cinnamon Buns

Camping Public Campgrounds - Toll free 1-800-456-CAM P or http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com J> Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, NY, (607) 273-3440 J> Buttermilk Falls State Park, 112 E. But termilk Falls Road (off Rt 13 S), Ithaca, NY, 14850, 607-273-5761 l> Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd. (Rt 89), Trumansburg, NY (607 387-6739 J> Finger lakes National Forest, Hector Ranger District, 5218 State, Rt 414, Hector, NY (607) 546-4470 www.fs.usda.gov/activitv/fingerlakes/recreation/camping-cabins J> lansing Park/Myers Point, Myers Rd, (off Rt 34B), lansing, NY (607) 533-7388, www.lansingrec.com

Private Campgrounds l> Pine Creek Campground, 28 Rockwell Rd. Newfield, NY (607) 273-1974, www.pinecreekcampground.com J> Spruce Row Campground, 2271 Kraft Rd (off Rt 89 N), Ithaca, NY (607) 387-9225, www.sprucerow.com

Other Area Activitiesfor Hikers and Non-Hikers!- visit our display oreo with brochures ond directions J> Cornell Plantations -explore self-guided tours of the botanical gardens, arboretum and natural areas www.cornellplantations.org J> Cornell lab of Ornithology- free guided beginner bird walks in Sapsucker Woods, 7:30 to 9:00am www.birds.cornell.edu ). Museum of The Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Road - paleontological exhibitions www.museumoftheearth.org l> Ithaca Brewery, 606 Elmira Road, Ithaca, www.ithacabeer.com (607) 273-0766 J> Six-Mile Creek Winery, 1551 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, www.sixmilecreek.com (800)260-0612

Other Lodging Ithaca - 0.5 to 2.3 miles (or www.visitithaca/lodginc.com, www.bedandbreakf ast.com/ithaca-new-york.html) l> Gray Haven Motel (0.5 miles or 10 min walk) 657 Elmira Rd, Ithaca. (607) 272-6434, www.grayhavenmotel.com l> Comfort Inn, 356 Elmira Rd (2.1 mi), Ithaca, (800) 228·5150, www.Comfortlnn.com l> Hampton Inn, 337 Elmira Rd (2.3 mi), Ithaca, (607) 277-5500, www.lthaca.Hamptonlnn.com

Finger Lakes Trail News - 14 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 15 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Finger Lakes Trail Conference – 2012 Fall Camp Out FLTC Fall2012 Camp-Out - Registration Form September 21, 22 & 23 - Ithaca, New York Registration form also available at www.finqerlakestraif.org Registration due no later than September 6, refunds cannot be guaranteed after this date. Mail registration & check payable to ' Cayuga Trails Cl ub' to: The Connors I02 Old Stage Road Groton, NY 13073 Name(s)·------Address.______

City/Town ______state ___ county ______zip Code _____

Phone(s) ______

Email(s) ______

Emergency Contact Name & Phone------

local Hiking Club/Affiliation ------End to End Badge #.______

Any special needs we should be aware of?------REGISTRATION FEE FLTC member X $12 $ ___ Non-member X $18 $ ___ $ ___ FRIDAY- Dinner X $10 Hikes #1 #2 #3 #4 SATURDAY Continental Breakfast X $ 7 $ ___ Trail Bag l unch · circle choices Turkey/Beef/Gouda/Hummus X $ 8 $ ___ X $18 $ ___ #6 #7 #8 #9 #10

_____x $ 7 _____x $8

Total Enclosed $______

Please read and Sign the following: Those persons enjoying the Finger L.akes Trail (Fl.T) and/or activities sponsored by the Finger L.akes Trail Conference (Fl.TC) or any clubs conducting activities on behalf of, or in support of the FLTC, accept full personal responsibility for their own well being, or, for the weU being of a minor when acting in the capacity of parent or guardian. Further, users of the Fl.T accept and understand that hiking is a rigorous activity often conducted in rugged outdoor conditions subject to variations in weather and terrain conditions which may involve the risk of injury or death, and, that we arc fully responsible for our own safety and selecting activities that are consistent with our physical capabilities. Print Narne______Signature, ______Date ______Print NaiDe,______.Signature ______Date ______

Finger Lakes Trail News - 14 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 15 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Tompkins County Hike Series Alter Egos? by Karen Serbonich, Hike Series Coordinator

he Finger Lakes Trail Conference series indicates that this program is a T hike series across Tompkins great way to encourage and attract new County has begun with 127 registered hikers to the trail. April’s hikers. Waldo Next year, decide to join the cross Joanne Facci During the first hike in April, 77 hikers county hike series and set a goal to began their journey on a brisk Saturday become and “End to Ender.” □ Below: morning on the 58.8 miles that the May’s Finger Lakes Trail crosses through April: Wood- Waldo Tompkins County and a small portion land phlox

of Tioga County. The beautiful Lick TaylorRWW

Brook Gorge provided a great uphill Joanne Facci workout with spectacular gorge views. A later crossing through what I called “The Sound of Music” field provided an amazing view of one of the valleys Teeter Pond on the Interloken Branch Trail in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Left, taken by Jacqui Wensich on in this county. A few groups even September 27, 2004, appeared on the cover of the Fall 2005 issue. Right, taken by Candy Dietrich on March 31, 2012. broke out in song. Continuing the “Where’s Waldo?” tradition started by Pat Monahan a number of A cross county hike series provides the May: Dame’s years ago, an incongruous object is opportunity to hike and to make friends Rocket hidden somewhere along the trail and Chinese Register Entries while experiencing New York State’s Larnard Pam hikers deposit a penny in the nearby The Chinese writings on the left are from the beauty through the generosity of many bucket to indicate they found it. Some trail register on the Huckleberry Bog Trail also throw in dollars for trail mainte- private landowners. The positive feed- (Bristol Hill Branch map B3). Irene Szabo, back from the many hikers new to the nance. This year’s “Waldos” are made from recycled materials by Karen maintainer of the Huckleberry Bog Trail, says Serbonich and her grandson Noah. it’s fascinating how many international visitors sign the register there. Apparently, it’s a favor- Phase Two of Outback Inn roop 37’s Dan Connors just earned his Eagle ite place to take visitors. Irene enlisted the help T Scout status by completing the deconstruc- of Ken Chin and end-to-ender #34, Susan Yee, (De) construction Under Way tion of the old Outback Inn (Map B2, east of to get the entries translated. Susan says these Naples, Ontario County). When we left the story are typical traditional verses written by young by Lynda Rummel in early winter, Ethan Stacklyn had completed his teen-agers. They are both nature verses. The Eagle Scout project of building a replacement hikers were from the “Guangzhou #7 Middle Outback Inn, the old Outback Inn had been de- School.” The first verse begins molished, most of the old materials were neatly piled on site, and Connors had arranged with White rabbit runs/plays in the green meadow Troop 68 from Hall, New York, to take out stuff Run to the east; rush to the west that couldn’t be burned or buried by skidding it ... down the hillside to Kamp Koininea, far below in Italy Valley. Photo by Georgeanne Vyverberg Kamp Koininea is a private retreat facility. The troop maintains a rugged trail from the camp up The FLT in Arizona? Well, yes, but not our FLT. This the valley’s steep east side which joins the FLT FLT is an abbreviation for FLEET that identifies the near the shelter. With so little snow this year, vehicle as a rental car. Coincidentally, the FLT lettering prospects for completely removing all materials is on a yellow background looking like a miniature trail- were dim; however, Troop 68, under the direction head sign. of assistant scoutmaster Mark Mayton, braved the snow and cold late last December, and using old Submitted by Tim Wilbur roofing material for the sled, skidded out a lot of material. More materials can be taken out the next time we have some snow. In the meantime, the site of the old Outback Inn and the service track Photo by Mark Mayton into the site will be remediated this season and both Troop 68 and Troop 37 will be involved in that work. □

Finger Lakes Trail News - 16 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 17 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Tompkins County Hike Series Alter Egos? by Karen Serbonich, Hike Series Coordinator he Finger Lakes Trail Conference series indicates that this program is a T hike series across Tompkins great way to encourage and attract new County has begun with 127 registered hikers to the trail. April’s hikers. Waldo Next year, decide to join the cross Joanne Facci During the first hike in April, 77 hikers county hike series and set a goal to began their journey on a brisk Saturday become and “End to Ender.” □ Below: morning on the 58.8 miles that the May’s Finger Lakes Trail crosses through April: Wood- Waldo Tompkins County and a small portion land phlox of Tioga County. The beautiful Lick TaylorRWW

Finger Lakes Trail News - 16 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 17 - Finger Lakes Trail News

work on the early summer Alley Cat crews in the Trail Topics, continued... Trail Topics Catskills. Other stories dealt with: goals and recommendations based on local public input. I  the sighting of a headless hiker near the new lean-to expect the final version of this proposal, which should be How to Contact Trail Management on Getter Hill (which locals called Spook Hill), to T available this summer, to spur community interest in Steve Catherman, Vice President of Trail Maintenance enhancing and hopefully adopting one or both of these loop emphasize the key specifications for building trail M 7399 CR 89 trails. that will last Steve Catherman Bath, NY 14810 New Friends of the Trail  the reported attacks on trail maintainers by Vice President of [email protected] multiflora roses with some ideas for how to handle 607/569-3453 The Vinehurst Inn and Suites, located adjacent to the trail Trail Maintenance on State Route 54 at AP 6 on Map M12 near Hammonds- the problem Lynda Rummel, Vice President of Trail Quality port, is under new ownership. Kitty and J.P. Oliver are  the FLTC’s new free credit card program (not true!) 968 Esperanza Drive opening their newly remodeled business for the summer to emphasize the new (and very real) purchasing Trail Sponsor News Keuka Park, NY 14478 tourist season beginning Memorial Day weekend. They are policies [email protected] It is with great sadness that I’m announcing an opening for very excited about having the trail in their backyard and 315/536-9484  the fake proposal to build eco-resort hotels at trail a new volunteer to take over the trail section that Sponsor will be distributing our brochures as well as displaying 315/679-2906 (Jan-Mar) heads, to stress the need to look for ways to attract Gerry Benedict had been maintaining for the last three FLT information on their website. Hikers are welcome to younger volunteers and members, and years. His memorial service in Newark was attended by Ron Navik, Vice President Trail Preservation park at the Inn when there is room, but are encouraged to please stop in the office first and ask permission. We wish several hundred people and was certainly a testament to the 27 Edenfield Rd.  an advertisement for useful tools such as weed the Olivers success in their new venture and look forward impact this man had on all those who had the opportunity to Penfield, NY 14526 whips and tamper-proof hardware so that readers to having them as new friends of the trail! know him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. [email protected] know such things are available from the FLTC The section of trail that Gerry maintained and is now 585/377-1812 BOCES Bridge Office. available stretches nearly 8.5 miles from Hughes Road to Rob Lemay and his BOCES shop class from Hornell have the east end of Cochrane Road on Map M11 just west of Matt Branneman, Director of Crews and Construction In this annual issue, I attempt to present useful volunteered their services to supply and build another Bath in Steuben County. This section can be split up. 715 Hector St. information in a way that lightens up trail building Ithaca, NY 14850 bridge for the FLT this summer. Last year, Rob’s class, The 2.8 mile section of the Bristol Hills Trail between and maintenance—the hope is to entice maintainers to [email protected] consisting primarily of junior high boys and girls, built a read about stuff that can be pretty dull. But five years Access Point 14 at CR 74 and Access Point 15 at CR 77 on 16' long king post truss bridge in their shop, partially 607/220-7812 of trying to come up with amusing hoaxes and tall Map B3 near Prattsburgh in Steuben County has been disassembled it and then trucked it to the site just off Lain adopted by Trail Sponsor Mark Musso from Pulteney. Greg Farnham, Director of Trail Inventory and Mapping Road at AP 5 on Map M10 where they reassembled it in tales that “teach” at the same time is taking its toll— Mark graciously agreed to add this section of trail to the 315/877-5762 place. This year’s bridge will be constructed at the end of this could be the last April Fools’ issue. This and half mile of trail he already tends between AP 15 and AP Please use this email address for trail condition reports Fitzgerald Road on the blue spur trail to the Kanakadea earlier issues can be seen at www.fingerlakestrail.org 16 on the same map. and mapping questions and requests: Lean-to on Map M9 near the western border of Steuben > Members > Trail Workers. Even if you’re not The New York New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) [email protected] County. This is a great learning experience for the kids and interested in trail maintenance, these are a good read has also agreed to maintain more miles of trail for us in the a big improvement to our trail facilities. Thank you, Rob, and tell you a lot about the trail you love. Catskills. They have picked up 5.7 miles of the Mill Brook nearest two shelters at Hickory Hill and Moss Hill. I also for promoting this partnership! Look for more information Ridge Trail and 1.5 miles of the Balsam Lake Mountain and want to thank retiring Sponsor Lisa Treichler for her years on this project in the next issue of the FLT News. Travelin’ Training Team Needs New Dry Brook Ridge Trails, spanning from the east end of of service maintaining this section of trail. Members Alder Lake to Beaverkill Road in the Balsam Lake Trail maintainer Warren Johnsen has traded his Sponsor The April Fools’ issue also asked persons interested in Mountain Wild Forest on Map M32 in Ulster County. From role for that of a Steward for the Bullthistle Hikers Club joining The Travelin’ Training Team to contact us, as that point, they will continue to tend trail eastward into the where he will be tending trail closer to his new home in we are looking for additional folks who like to teach Big Indian Wilderness, maintaining another 8.9 miles of the Norwich. This creates an opportunity for someone and would like to share trail building information with Neversink-Hardenburgh Trail on Map M33 north of T interested in maintaining the 1.6 mile spur trail to Oquaga Claryville. Many thanks to the NYNJTC for partnering with others. This is a very serious request. The team simply Creek State Park in Arctic China State Forest on Map M27 Q us “down east!” Lynda Rummel needs more members. If you don’t know the funda- in Delaware County. mentals of trail building and maintenance already, Jeff Amsden and his children, Connor and Ashlyn, from The Queen Catharine Marsh Loop Trail and the Hammondsport are taking over the 5 mile section of trail on Vice President of we’ll gladly train you. Then your job is to train main- Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail near Watkins Glen in Trail Quality tainers on their section of trail (so their own section Map M12 in Steuben County between AP 7 at Winding Schuyler County are still both in need of a new Trail Stair Road and AP 10 at North Urbana Hill Road. This gets improved at the same time as they learn) or at Sponsor or Sponsors. Since our last newsletter however, a segment of the trail includes property formerly owned by convenient locations or at meetings—whatever you promising draft corridor study has been published that Irene Szabo containing two generous trail easements. Irene Trail Tender News have the time and opportunity to do. It’s fun, and it’s includes a redevelopment proposal for the Queen Catharine is currently negotiating with the new trail-friendly owner of th Marsh. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County The 5 April Fools’ issue was distributed in early really important. The goal of our training is to produce the property, Terry Northrup, to redraw the easement is partnering with DesignConnect, a student-run campus April, thanks to quick work by the FLTC Office. The trail workers who can train others to build quality lines to allow both her the room to build a cabin, and the group from Cornell University, to complete this report issue carried the announcement of the date change for back-country trail that will last for decades (thereby FLTC the room to build a lean-to on the property. The lean- which encompasses the State Route 14 corridor between the Trail Council meeting and asked for volunteers to to was actually Terry’s idea and will be located near the Montour Falls and Watkins Glen. The study includes midpoint of a 30 mile gap along the trail between the (Continued on page 20) existing inventory and initial design concepts as well as

Finger Lakes Trail News - 18 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 19 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Trail Topics, continued... who volunteer for the Finger Lakes National Forest some of the less frequently used skills. We will mention everyone. However, those project and construction (FLNF). In the past, tl1e FLNF has allowed our continue to work with Bill to make sure that everyone managers deserve special recognition for their tireless reducing the work maintainers have to do!) and that sawyers 10 take their training at no charge, but we is trained to a level that he is comfortable with. One efforts in accomplishing truly exceptional results. Please will provide hikers with a positi ve hiking experience. were infonned that the FLNF has no plans (yet} to recertifier chose not to fell a tree on the target and so thank them for their contributions to the FLTC whenever oiTer training this year. Before taking our training. the completed only Level 1. The goal of the training is for you might see them: Matt Branneman, Steve Catherman, Certified Sawyer Training Roy Dando, Dave Drum, Roger Hopkins, Gary Mallow, Pat FLNF volunteers agreed to volumcer two hours each everyone who uses a chainsaw on our trail system to All volunteers who wam to usc a chainsaw anywhere Monahan, Dave Potzler, Ken Reek, Rick Roberts, Tony of service. After completing the training. both FLNF be able to operate a saw safely. Rodriguez, Lynda Rummel, and Mike Schlicht. Sadly, on the trail nrc expected to take trainins that ccrtilics volunteers expressed an eagemcss to join in work them to Levels I & 2 (S 2 12) or the equivalent. To Sawyers are also required to be trained in CPR and Gerry Benedict was to have been listed among these special parties and participate more. contributors. help achieve this goal, the FLTC offered two training Basic First Aid. Once the courses have been taken in a weekends, April 21 and 22 and May 5 and 6. Everyone who participates in the chainsaw training hands-on format, recertification through an online Finally, please welcome Matt Branneman as the new program promises to volunteer outside their home tcr· format is acceptable. We have found two sources for Director of Crews and Construction. Matt brings a wealth This )ear our expert trainer, Bill Lindloff, allo\\ed us ritories. when asked and when they arc able to. in good online courses: The International CPR Institute, of experience as a construction superintendent and a to add two more to the roster free of charge and two exchange for receiving the free training. which both Ken Reek and I recommend, and the construction company owner and I am certain will find additional at a cost of S I 00 each per day, so 24 could National Safety Council, which is recognized by many many opportunities to improve upon how we accomplish take the training. Rooming m the ··scout House·· This is the first year we've been able to calculate how our never-ending list of major trail construction projects. many certified sawyers we retained from the class that government agencies as an approved trainer and building in Hammondsport cost $6() (total). CoiTcc. was due to receni ty r m sure this tactoid will interest which Marty recommends. CPR training from both is doughnuts, and sports drink mixes were donated: good for two years; Basic First Aid training is good participants paid for their own lunches. dinners. gas. only us administrators, but 13 of 24 from the class of '09 due to recertifY did so-a 55% retention rate. for three. The principle virtue of the online courses is and all their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) their convenience, but they are also very affordable. If We'll be checking with those who did not recertify except for UL-approved chaps. whi ch the FLTC you come across other really good online courses, T with us to find out why, but some tumovcr is good provided to those who didn't have them. Thus far this because it allows new talent to be added to the pool to please let us know. I year. the cost of the chainsnw training to the FLTC Joe Dabes adds up to $2860. This may sound like n lot. bul it is replace those who may feel they can no longer do the work. more than wot1h the price 10 have well-trained Director of Trail chainsaw users working on the trail. At the end of each trai ning Many Howden. Trail Inventory and Quality's Chainsaw Training Coordinator. and I asked C The lin aI rosters consisted or 16 sawyers who were Mapping recenitiers whether they thought two days was recertifying. including two who volunteer for the C This will be my last article for the FLT News as I will be Central New York Chapter of the NCTA and one who necessary. Unanimous!y, they agreed that it was, Quinn Wright because the course had changed signi ficantly since the stepping down from this position in June. However, I'll volunteers in the Cntskills. and eight lirsHimers continue to be somewhat involved with GPSing reroutes, last time they had taken it and Lhey had forgouen Director of Crews including one who volunteers in the Catskil ls and tw~ and Construction map work, inventorying facilities, and updating Trail Conditions on our website. I thank Don McClimans for all his help with GPSing and mapping over the last three years. I also thank Greg Farnham, who will be taking over for me. It is with a heavy heart that I write my last report as the The three of us have been, and will continue to be working Director of Crews and Construction. While much has been closely together. accomplished over the past three and one-half years of I plan to backpack the entire main trail this summer (my Alley Cat crews, the sadness of the loss of one of our tenth E2E) in stages of 3 to 7 days, partly for fun and partly stalwart volunteers has clouded my enthusiasm for writing to keep our GPS data and inventory of structural facilities this report. However, I know that Gerry Benedict would up to date. Greg plans to accompany me for much of this. want us to celebrate our accomplishments. Please remember to inform Greg or me of any reroutes or Four years ago when I brazenly volunteered for the task of new structures along the trail. planning and overseeing the large construction projects that are accomplished by the many trail maintenance volunteers FLT Structural Inventory of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference I had no real idea Our trail inventory of nearly 1,000 structural facilities is what I was getting into. The job is far more time-consuming now available on a Panoramio website. This website not than I had imagined, so I took the approach of trying to find only shows a photo of a facility with structural information, individual project and construction managers to direct each but also shows where it is on a Google Earth map. If you May 5. 6-From row k•eeling. L /o R: Lynda Rummel. Wtl)'lle Smilir. Paul Wmrender. Bill Lind/off(ifl.\lniC/llr). project. Were it not for the depth of talent and quality of would like to see our facilities on this website contact me at these managers, coupled with our volunteers’ inexhaustible [email protected] and I'll send you the necessary info. Nllke TenKare April ] /, 12 &a1ed, L 10 R: Greg FarnJwm. Man Brtume supply of humor, skill and energy, I would surely have man. Bill Lindlo.O' (i!ISII'IIC/Or) Sumding. Dtll'e Pol:ler. Bob Back row, srandinf!, L N> R: Bruce Kritall. Scoff Bmren. failed in my endeavor to help the FLTC. Ke11 Reek. Tom Bryde11. Je.Q'Sal'1(ctll. Scoll Seller.•. Dan Mnses. Rick Rohcl'l.f. Ben Pelly.<:ak. Jim 7./cmi>a. Tony Rn

Finger Lakes Trail News · 20 · Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 21 - Finger Lakes Trail News

some of the less frequently used skills. We will mention everyone. However, those project and construction continue to work with Bill to make sure that everyone managers deserve special recognition for their tireless is trained to a level that he is comfortable with. One efforts in accomplishing truly exceptional results. Please recertifier chose not to fell a tree on the target and so thank them for their contributions to the FLTC whenever completed only Level 1. The goal of the training is for you might see them: Matt Branneman, Steve Catherman, everyone who uses a chainsaw on our trail system to Roy Dando, Dave Drum, Roger Hopkins, Gary Mallow, Pat Monahan, Dave Potzler, Ken Reek, Rick Roberts, Tony be able to operate a saw safely. Rodriguez, Lynda Rummel, and Mike Schlicht. Sadly, Sawyers are also required to be trained in CPR and Gerry Benedict was to have been listed among these special Basic First Aid. Once the courses have been taken in a contributors. hands-on format, recertification through an online Finally, please welcome Matt Branneman as the new format is acceptable. We have found two sources for Director of Crews and Construction. Matt brings a wealth good online courses: The International CPR Institute, of experience as a construction superintendent and a which both Ken Reek and I recommend, and the construction company owner and I am certain will find National Safety Council, which is recognized by many many opportunities to improve upon how we accomplish government agencies as an approved trainer and our never-ending list of major trail construction projects. which Marty recommends. CPR training from both is good for two years; Basic First Aid training is good for three. The principle virtue of the online courses is their convenience, but they are also very affordable. If

you come across other really good online courses, T please let us know. I Joe Dabes

Director of Trail Inventory and C C Mapping Quinn Wright This will be my last article for the FLT News as I will be stepping down from this position in June. However, I'll Director of Crews continue to be somewhat involved with GPSing reroutes, and Construction map work, inventorying facilities, and updating Trail Conditions on our website. I thank Don McClimans for all his help with GPSing and mapping over the last three years. I also thank Greg Farnham, who will be taking over for me. It is with a heavy heart that I write my last report as the The three of us have been, and will continue to be working Director of Crews and Construction. While much has been closely together. accomplished over the past three and one-half years of I plan to backpack the entire main trail this summer (my Alley Cat crews, the sadness of the loss of one of our tenth E2E) in stages of 3 to 7 days, partly for fun and partly stalwart volunteers has clouded my enthusiasm for writing to keep our GPS data and inventory of structural facilities this report. However, I know that Gerry Benedict would up to date. Greg plans to accompany me for much of this. want us to celebrate our accomplishments. Please remember to inform Greg or me of any reroutes or Four years ago when I brazenly volunteered for the task of new structures along the trail. planning and overseeing the large construction projects that are accomplished by the many trail maintenance volunteers FLT Structural Inventory of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference I had no real idea Our trail inventory of nearly 1,000 structural facilities is what I was getting into. The job is far more time-consuming now available on a Panoramio website. This website not than I had imagined, so I took the approach of trying to find only shows a photo of a facility with structural information, individual project and construction managers to direct each but also shows where it is on a Google Earth map. If you project. Were it not for the depth of talent and quality of would like to see our facilities on this website contact me at these managers, coupled with our volunteers’ inexhaustible [email protected] and I'll send you the necessary info. supply of humor, skill and energy, I would surely have failed in my endeavor to help the FLTC. There have been hundreds of volunteers who have carried (Continued on page 22) out these projects (about five per year) and I cannot

Summer 2012 - 21 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Wildflowers along the Trail, #38: Four or Five? Trail Topics, continued... Our sincere thanks for gifts in

memory of: RWW Taylor (Continued from page 21) Harry Clar the vegetables to be found in bins in New Maps Available on New Store n untrained individual asked to dicots, according to whether the from A quickly draw a picture of a sprouting seeds form just one, or any produce section, plus the plants Our new FLT online store is now up and running, thanks to the Lonnie & Suzanne Clar flower will very likely produce a set of alternatively two, embryonic leaves. A whose seeds produce such other efforts of our webmaster Roger Hopkins. You may now loops arranged in a circle around a curious fact is that monocots produce important food products as canola oil purchase a map (PDF and GPX files zipped together) for Patrick Monahan, Sr. center, reflecting the central symmetry flowers with either three or six petals— and table mustard. immediate download. I find it handy to have our maps as PDFs from exhibited by most common garden and the technical term is that these plants The converse observation is that plants on my Android phone, where they can be zoomed (I use the Phil Dankert lawn flowers—and by the majority of are trimerous. In contrast, flowers of with five-petaled flowers do not belong free Astro File Manager app). Since I always carry my phone, I wildflowers as well. There are of dicot species are almost invariably to the mustard family. One large always have these maps with me. Ellsworth Stein course many exceptions to this observed to be (in the shorthand used 5-merous family is the rose family, Also available on our new store are eight new loop maps. These from generalization, such as the uneven by botanists) either 4-merous or which includes (from the wildflower are some of the loops shown on our "regular" maps, but Gordon & Helen Jarvis blooms of the various species of violet 5-merous. This is a key observation: perspective) the cinquefoils and magnified on the map side and with much more detail on the that proliferate across lawns, waste counting the petals on a flower strawberries and all the wild cherries back side. Henry & Louise Beetz areas and trailsides in spring and provides an immediate important clue and plums. And of course the roses Elizabeth McCollum summer and the snapdragon-like to its classification. Using Our GPX Map Files themselves, whose basic five-petaled Dick & Linda Butler yellow flowers of the commonly- For example, observing a plant in four- flower structure is easily observable in We will be discontinuing the sale of our GPS data on CD as sighted Butter-and-Eggs plant. Also, all petaled bloom raises an immediate the several species of wild roses GPX files, as you can now purchase each map as a download. Rosa Wolfer of the various members of the suspicion that it may belong to the growing across our fields and thickets Directions on how to use our GPX data with various Garmin widespread pea family (including the widespread mustard family, or cruci- even though this structure may be well and Delorme units are now found on our website: Home > Shop Anthony Natoli clovers) bear flowers displaying their fers, a family that includes—in addition hidden in the much-bred, multipetaled the Store > Maps and GPS > Maps and GPS Files for Instant from family’s own characteristically to the low cresses whose small flowers varieties of rose raised for garden Download > GPS Data; click the "provided here" at the end of Ed Sidote irregular shape. appear beginning in early spring—the display. the second paragraph. Gerry Benedict But, by and large, central symmetry more showy Dame’s Rocket a bit later A large number of additional families Free Public Land Boundary GPX Files rules. This symmetry may be exhibited in the season and also the seriously of wildflowers invariably exhibit five- from in the form of a simple flower— invasive species Garlic Mustard that petaled flowers; learning to recognize These are not yet on our website, but if you would like these Charles Gibson (free!) send me an email at [email protected]. You might find colored petals arranged around a set of has become such a nuisance in our area members of these various families by them useful, especially if you explore off the trail, or are Sandra Marcano stamens and pistils at the center of the in recent years. Also included in this their individual characteristics is the blossom. Or it may instead be realized, family, it should be noted, are half of chore (and the pleasure) that awaits the building trail on public lands. Ed Sidote in the case of plants in the vast enthusiast. One particular family Recommended "Hiking" GPS Units Gene & Liz Bavis composite family, by a more of 5-merous flowers commonly Many have asked me over the years which "field" GPS units I'd Quinn Wright complex structure, with several grown in gardens that is always a (sometimes a great many) indi- pleasure to run across in the field recommend. Well, it depends on what you want to do. First I'd Julie & Gary Marks recommend a Garmin unit, and second I'd stay away from their vidual ray flowers forming a ring is that of the phloxes. A number Ed & Carol Wertz cheaper units, like Etrex (these can have quite poor accuracy). around a central cluster of disk of phlox species, including low- Henry Peck flowers that bear the responsibil- growing Moss Phlox and bright- Some units, like the older GPSMap 60CSx (now discontinued, ity of actually producing seeds. pink Wild Sweet William, may Geiger Pump & Equipment Company but you might find one on Ebay or Amazon) and its newer This structure is very evident in occasionally be spotted in bloom replacement GPSMap 62's have protruding internal antennas, Frederick & Trudy Hicks the various species of sunflowers along trailsides. One particularly which I've found have very good accuracy even without the Coterie Club and coneflowers growing in our attractive species, Wild Blue amplified external antenna that these units accept (for even woods and fields (including the Phlox or Woodland Phlox (Phlox better accuracy). Mary Guchone common Black-Eyed Susan), divaricata), may establish itself Probably a little easier to use, because of their touch screens, Ann & Steve Rose and is also evident in the wide showily in large patches in flat are newer Garmin units like the Oregon, Dakota, and Montana. Georgiana Binder array of asters on display in late wooded areas. This flower is The best of these (and the priciest) is the Montana and it is the summer and fall, and as well frequently confused with the only touch screen unit to accept an external amplified antenna. Dorothy H. Rockwell (though less apparently) in the much more commonly spotted Some of the 62, Oregon, and Montana units have a built in Carol Catoe blooms of their closely-related Dame’s Rocket that grows in the camera, nice if you want to take geotagged (lat/long coordinates Shirley Kem cousins the goldenrods. same sort of locations in springtime, but to keep things embedded) photos for posting on websites such as Google's Jim & Wanda Barbour Stepping back, it should be Panoramio, where you can not only see your photo, but where it recalled that all flowering plants straight all you need to do is is on a Google Earth map. Gregg & Elizabeth Dell (angiosperms) can be divided count the petals—five, not four! □ Where to buy? I've always purchased at www.amazon.com as NYS DEC Division of Lands & Forest into two large classes (plus a prices there are about the lowest and they are very reputable. & the members of the Forest Preserve couple of additional small Advisory Committee (FPAC) groups)—the monocots and the

Finger Lakes Trail News - 22 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 23 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Wildflowers along the Trail, #38: Four or Five? Trail Topics, continued... Our sincere thanks for gifts in memory of: RWW Taylor (Continued from page 21) Harry Clar the vegetables to be found in bins in New Maps Available on New Store n untrained individual asked to dicots, according to whether the from A quickly draw a picture of a sprouting seeds form just one, or any produce section, plus the plants Our new FLT online store is now up and running, thanks to the Lonnie & Suzanne Clar flower will very likely produce a set of alternatively two, embryonic leaves. A whose seeds produce such other efforts of our webmaster Roger Hopkins. You may now loops arranged in a circle around a curious fact is that monocots produce important food products as canola oil purchase a map (PDF and GPX files zipped together) for Patrick Monahan, Sr. center, reflecting the central symmetry flowers with either three or six petals— and table mustard. immediate download. I find it handy to have our maps as PDFs from exhibited by most common garden and the technical term is that these plants The converse observation is that plants on my Android phone, where they can be zoomed (I use the Phil Dankert lawn flowers—and by the majority of are trimerous. In contrast, flowers of with five-petaled flowers do not belong free Astro File Manager app). Since I always carry my phone, I wildflowers as well. There are of dicot species are almost invariably to the mustard family. One large always have these maps with me. Ellsworth Stein course many exceptions to this observed to be (in the shorthand used 5-merous family is the rose family, Also available on our new store are eight new loop maps. These from generalization, such as the uneven by botanists) either 4-merous or which includes (from the wildflower are some of the loops shown on our "regular" maps, but Gordon & Helen Jarvis blooms of the various species of violet 5-merous. This is a key observation: perspective) the cinquefoils and magnified on the map side and with much more detail on the that proliferate across lawns, waste counting the petals on a flower strawberries and all the wild cherries back side. Henry & Louise Beetz areas and trailsides in spring and provides an immediate important clue and plums. And of course the roses Elizabeth McCollum summer and the snapdragon-like to its classification. Using Our GPX Map Files themselves, whose basic five-petaled Dick & Linda Butler yellow flowers of the commonly- For example, observing a plant in four- flower structure is easily observable in We will be discontinuing the sale of our GPS data on CD as sighted Butter-and-Eggs plant. Also, all petaled bloom raises an immediate the several species of wild roses GPX files, as you can now purchase each map as a download. Rosa Wolfer of the various members of the suspicion that it may belong to the growing across our fields and thickets Directions on how to use our GPX data with various Garmin widespread pea family (including the widespread mustard family, or cruci- even though this structure may be well and Delorme units are now found on our website: Home > Shop Anthony Natoli clovers) bear flowers displaying their fers, a family that includes—in addition hidden in the much-bred, multipetaled the Store > Maps and GPS > Maps and GPS Files for Instant from family’s own characteristically to the low cresses whose small flowers varieties of rose raised for garden Download > GPS Data; click the "provided here" at the end of Ed Sidote irregular shape. appear beginning in early spring—the display. the second paragraph. Gerry Benedict But, by and large, central symmetry more showy Dame’s Rocket a bit later A large number of additional families Free Public Land Boundary GPX Files rules. This symmetry may be exhibited in the season and also the seriously of wildflowers invariably exhibit five- from in the form of a simple flower— invasive species Garlic Mustard that petaled flowers; learning to recognize These are not yet on our website, but if you would like these Charles Gibson (free!) send me an email at [email protected]. You might find colored petals arranged around a set of has become such a nuisance in our area members of these various families by them useful, especially if you explore off the trail, or are Sandra Marcano stamens and pistils at the center of the in recent years. Also included in this their individual characteristics is the blossom. Or it may instead be realized, family, it should be noted, are half of chore (and the pleasure) that awaits the building trail on public lands. Ed Sidote in the case of plants in the vast enthusiast. One particular family Recommended "Hiking" GPS Units Gene & Liz Bavis composite family, by a more of 5-merous flowers commonly Many have asked me over the years which "field" GPS units I'd Quinn Wright complex structure, with several grown in gardens that is always a (sometimes a great many) indi- pleasure to run across in the field recommend. Well, it depends on what you want to do. First I'd Julie & Gary Marks recommend a Garmin unit, and second I'd stay away from their vidual ray flowers forming a ring is that of the phloxes. A number Ed & Carol Wertz cheaper units, like Etrex (these can have quite poor accuracy). around a central cluster of disk of phlox species, including low- Henry Peck flowers that bear the responsibil- growing Moss Phlox and bright- Some units, like the older GPSMap 60CSx (now discontinued, ity of actually producing seeds. pink Wild Sweet William, may Geiger Pump & Equipment Company but you might find one on Ebay or Amazon) and its newer This structure is very evident in occasionally be spotted in bloom replacement GPSMap 62's have protruding internal antennas, Frederick & Trudy Hicks the various species of sunflowers along trailsides. One particularly which I've found have very good accuracy even without the Coterie Club and coneflowers growing in our attractive species, Wild Blue amplified external antenna that these units accept (for even woods and fields (including the Phlox or Woodland Phlox (Phlox better accuracy). Mary Guchone common Black-Eyed Susan), divaricata), may establish itself Probably a little easier to use, because of their touch screens, Ann & Steve Rose and is also evident in the wide showily in large patches in flat are newer Garmin units like the Oregon, Dakota, and Montana. Georgiana Binder array of asters on display in late wooded areas. This flower is The best of these (and the priciest) is the Montana and it is the summer and fall, and as well frequently confused with the only touch screen unit to accept an external amplified antenna. Dorothy H. Rockwell (though less apparently) in the much more commonly spotted Some of the 62, Oregon, and Montana units have a built in Carol Catoe blooms of their closely-related Dame’s Rocket that grows in the camera, nice if you want to take geotagged (lat/long coordinates Shirley Kem cousins the goldenrods. same sort of locations in springtime, but to keep things embedded) photos for posting on websites such as Google's Jim & Wanda Barbour Stepping back, it should be Panoramio, where you can not only see your photo, but where it recalled that all flowering plants straight all you need to do is is on a Google Earth map. Gregg & Elizabeth Dell (angiosperms) can be divided count the petals—five, not four! □ Where to buy? I've always purchased at www.amazon.com as NYS DEC Division of Lands & Forest into two large classes (plus a prices there are about the lowest and they are very reputable. & the members of the Forest Preserve couple of additional small Advisory Committee (FPAC) groups)—the monocots and the

Finger Lakes Trail News - 22 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 23 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Article removed at author's request End-to-End Album Connecticut Hill, post holing for eight A Father’s Memory of the FLT miles, 27 miles in one day (with a full pack), using mud to avoid mosquitoes, the by Cory Davis hike/bike trip we did around the Alder Lake ur adventure on the Finger Lakes Obstacles, which I merely stepped over in area, why we never leave the pant legs O Trail started on May 13, 2006; my stride, became a navigational debacle for home, how to subtract miles on the map, son Tylor had just turned 10 years old a Tylor. After hiking behind him I could start our mutual feelings about road hiking, couple of weeks earlier. We had signed-up to see the problem; it was always a choice “meet you at the top”, the shortcut to for the Stueben County Series; this was the of over, under, or around! Kanakadea park, the night at the Cheningo Day Use Area, our discussion of what hurts As the miles and years rolled by Tylor and I the most with compare and contrast—the kept learning and growing together. Some- list goes on and on. During our completion times other life activities such as family, hike on the FLT we were able to relax Boy Scouts, or school functions would take around a fire and reminisce about many of precedence, but we always tried to get in a these stories and more. It was very weekend here or a hike there. The trail is a heartwarming to hear the boy who “hated” great place to truly absorb and learn so much. Hours on end with each other provide lots of uninterrupted opportunities to chat, discuss, joke around, and bond. It’s amazing how far you can hike down an old forest road, not talk, and still grow closer to each other. We also refined our outdoor skills as our ability and first of many make-up hikes. (We never did stamina improved. Tylor would experi- get a chance to ride the bus.) Both of us ence disbelief from his peers and were very new to hiking and the FLT. The teachers, as he would show up to hike went on for the entire day, all ten miles school on Monday telling how he of it! We still don’t see much sense in hiked or backpacked 15, 20 and some- easing into something. By the end of the times nearly 40 miles the previous hike, I was truly in love with visions of weekend! Our adventures also served grander adventures. What would be next? us well around our Boy Scout Hiking the AT, PCT, connecting footpaths campfires. Our time together outdoors and trails and hiking across this great nation developed our confidence in ourselves and hiking tell and talk of stories of his journey, of ours? Then there was Tylor, nodding and enhanced our ability to teach these smiling the whole time saying, “This is as he was now nearly 16 years old, and true fundamental skills to others. great!” After three long and slow day to form he made his father proud by hikes the truth come out, he hated it. announcing, “Never let the facts get Tylor was simply trying to appease in the way of a good story!” Dad. Still to this day one of Tylor’s On April 6, 2012, after seven years best characteristics is his compassion and nearly 40 outings Tylor and I for others. completed the FLT. During that time Tylor’s love of the trail, or lack of, led I was afforded the opportunity to me to an early lesson, GOALS. Our teach and more importantly learn goals were completely different. Mine from my son. At the same time I was was how many miles and how fast, able to watch him grow into an very measureable and usually admirable teenager. We will have obtainable. At 10 years old Tylor was these memories to share for the rest more interested in counting newts, of our lives, along with many others taking in the scenery, meandering due to this pastime. through the woods and smelling the Lastly, Tylor thought so much of his roses. As a result we found a happy experience on the Finger Lakes Trail medium, but acknowledging this early Many of the people we met along the way he has decided to give back via his on in our journey kept us coming back to asked us what our favorite section of the Eagle Scout project. Tylor has been the trail. FLT is. We could never answer. Our hike is working with Marty Howden, Genesee Our first season on the trail led us to many measured more by our favorite stories. Here West Regional Trail Coordinator. He plans lessons. For example, footwear and its are some highlight catch phrases and on building puncheons in the Swift Hill proper use: the shoe laces actually have to themes: our first backpack trip, hiking in a State Forest. □ be tight to help support your ankles! Pace is nor’easter, the world’s best checker game, Tylor and Cory Davis of Belmont, another good one. Someone 6'1" has a very our first 20 mile day, diving in the tent just New York, are FLT end-to-end hikers different pace than someone barely 4'. before the heavens opened on top of #337 and #338.

Finger Lakes Trail News - 24 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 25 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Natural Connections: August III End-to-End Album by John A-X. Morris Connecticut Hill, post holing for eight A Father’s Memory of the FLT miles, 27 miles in one day (with a full he Mayan calendar began 5126 is not evenly divisible by 4, but But, most likely, what would be seen by Cory Davis pack), using mud to avoid mosquitoes, the T August 11, 3114 BCE, making 2012 is. This means that the Mayans is a Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura. hike/bike trip we did around the Alder Lake this the year 5126. Those are our will not elect a leader this year, but Cathartes is a very descriptive genus ur adventure on the Finger Lakes Obstacles, which I merely stepped over in area, why we never leave the pant legs home, how to subtract miles on the map, numbers, not theirs. They used a we will. That person will be name: it has the same Greek root as O Trail started on May 13, 2006; my stride, became a navigational debacle for son Tylor had just turned 10 years old a Tylor. After hiking behind him I could start our mutual feelings about road hiking, vigesimal (Base 20) system, as responsible for getting us out of or “cathartic,” meaning “evacuating the “meet you at the top”, the shortcut to opposed to our decimal (Base 10) keeping us from getting into all kinds bowels.” Turkey Vultures combat the couple of weeks earlier. We had signed-up to see the problem; it was always a choice for the Stueben County Series; this was the of over, under, or around! Kanakadea park, the night at the Cheningo system. For the numerically of hellish predicaments, and we need effects of the Three H’s of August Day Use Area, our discussion of what hurts challenged, Base 20 meant that you to choose wisely. It is no wonder that (Hot, Hazy, and Humid) by As the miles and years rolled by Tylor and I the most with compare and contrast—the did math barefoot so as to allow you so many people look heavenward and urohydrosis: the squirting of liquid kept learning and growing together. Some- list goes on and on. During our completion to count on both your fingers and pray to their God or Gods of Choice excrement on their legs. As it times other life activities such as family, hike on the FLT we were able to relax your toes. In our decimal system, you evaporates, it has a cooling effect. It Boy Scouts, or school functions would take around a fire and reminisce about many of for guidance. precedence, but we always tried to get in a need only count on your fingers. It probably has a cooling effect on these stories and more. It was very And what are they likely to see up weekend here or a hike there. The trail is a heartwarming to hear the boy who “hated” was once fashionable for math there, circling, circling, circling? personal relationships, too. The great place to truly absorb and learn so teachers to expose hapless students to Well, given that it’s a presidential (Continued on page 29) much. Hours on end with each other various bases, but after a few years of election year, it might be a provide lots of uninterrupted the auto-depilation that resulted, they, Washington Vulture, Cathartes opportunities to chat, discuss, joke sensibly, gave up and stuck with the around, and bond. It’s amazing how districtofcolumbiensis, commonly far you can hike down an old forest equally impossible task of teaching called a Lobbyist. fractions. road, not talk, and still grow closer to each other. We also refined our outdoor skills as our ability and first of many make-up hikes. (We never did stamina improved. Tylor would experi- get a chance to ride the bus.) Both of us ence disbelief from his peers and were very new to hiking and the FLT. The teachers, as he would show up to hike went on for the entire day, all ten miles school on Monday telling how he of it! We still don’t see much sense in hiked or backpacked 15, 20 and some- easing into something. By the end of the times nearly 40 miles the previous hike, I was truly in love with visions of weekend! Our adventures also served grander adventures. What would be next? Mayan Glyph for King Vulture us well around our Boy Scout Hiking the AT, PCT, connecting footpaths campfires. Our time together outdoors and trails and hiking across this great nation developed our confidence in ourselves and hiking tell and talk of stories of his journey, of ours? Then there was Tylor, nodding and enhanced our ability to teach these Left: Black Vulture (L) and Turkey Vulture smiling the whole time saying, “This is as he was now nearly 16 years old, and true fundamental skills to others. great!” After three long and slow day to form he made his father proud by hikes the truth come out, he hated it. announcing, “Never let the facts get Below: Black Vultures love parking lots. One Tylor was simply trying to appease in the way of a good story!” feeds on dead insects on the bumper and others Dad. Still to this day one of Tylor’s On April 6, 2012, after seven years prepare to strip any exposed rubber. best characteristics is his compassion and nearly 40 outings Tylor and I for others. completed the FLT. During that time Tylor’s love of the trail, or lack of, led I was afforded the opportunity to me to an early lesson, GOALS. Our teach and more importantly learn goals were completely different. Mine from my son. At the same time I was was how many miles and how fast, able to watch him grow into an very measureable and usually admirable teenager. We will have obtainable. At 10 years old Tylor was these memories to share for the rest more interested in counting newts, of our lives, along with many others taking in the scenery, meandering due to this pastime. through the woods and smelling the Lastly, Tylor thought so much of his roses. As a result we found a happy experience on the Finger Lakes Trail medium, but acknowledging this early Many of the people we met along the way he has decided to give back via his on in our journey kept us coming back to asked us what our favorite section of the Eagle Scout project. Tylor has been the trail. FLT is. We could never answer. Our hike is working with Marty Howden, Genesee Our first season on the trail led us to many measured more by our favorite stories. Here West Regional Trail Coordinator. He plans lessons. For example, footwear and its are some highlight catch phrases and on building puncheons in the Swift Hill proper use: the shoe laces actually have to themes: our first backpack trip, hiking in a State Forest. □ Dihedral wing posture of a be tight to help support your ankles! Pace is nor’easter, the world’s best checker game, Tylor and Cory Davis of Belmont, Turkey Vulture another good one. Someone 6'1" has a very our first 20 mile day, diving in the tent just New York, are FLT end-to-end hikers different pace than someone barely 4'. before the heavens opened on top of #337 and #338.

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End-to-End Album 10 Easy Outdoor Activities with Kids he day was cold, wet, and windy; Three’s a Charm, Four’s a Chore T I was cold, wet, and winded. And This article was written by Heather Stephenson and first published on the Appalachian Mountain Club's Great exhilarated! This was the end of my by John A-X. Morris Kids, Great Outdoors blog, greatkids.outdoors.org. It is reprinted with permission. For more tips from AMC, see fourth End-To-End, and it had been www.outdoors.org/kidtips. memorable, though not always in a good way. Need some new ideas for 7. Clear your family’s calendar and take off Camping and tramping at and through outdoor fun with your for an afternoon of outdoor exploring together. favorite glens, creeks, gorges, ridges, kids? Here are a few 8. Visit a sugar shack and watch maple syrup and fields was like visiting old simple suggestions being made. [FLT News: This is a good activity friends, perhaps for the last time. gathered from AMC for March. The Rochester Museum and Science Equally enjoyable was re-visiting trail experts. No expensive lift Center’s Cumming Nature Center near Naples towns and taverns. Alas, the tickets or fancy gear hosts an annual Maple Sugaring in March, and establishment that made the second required. Most are also the New York State Maple Producers Association best wings in the world now made evergreen activities that sponsors a Maple Weekend with open houses for only good ones. But I did finally get work well in any season the public at maple producers throughout the to eat that famous two-pound (even one that can't state.] hamburger, although that elicited an make up its mind). overwhelming craving to flush the 9. Take the inside outside. Bring out your cholesterol from my arteries with a 1. Feed the birds. Set kids’ blocks, dolls, or other traditionally indoor Drano cocktail. However, the up a bird feeder (you can toys and set up a play space outside. Getting make a simple one by Ellicottville Brew-Pub, the Rooster Pinecone bird feeder out of a routine can be entertaining. Fish Brew-Pub, and Ithaca Beer spreading peanut butter 10. Try letterboxing or geocaching, two Company were always there for the on a pinecone). See which types of birds come; pursuits in which you follow clues or GPS thirsty traveler. End of the Trail, for the 4th time! have the kids keep a log of their visits. coordinates to find a hidden item. Kids love the I did about the first half of the mileage that ridge in Allegany State Park beyond mere kinship; hillsides abso- 2. Take a night walk. Choose nearby or new: goal and the reward. in the usual way: hiking with my wife, where I’ve yet to camp; watching the lutely covered with blooming trilliums your neighborhood, a local park, along a Carol, or backpacking, or point-to- Tree Swallows hawk insects over the on M21; Sidoteland, where the trails waterfront, or out in the country. Whether point hiking with Java Joe Dabes. I pond at the lean-to within Camp Sam are always well-maintained and you’re guided by the bright lights of the city or was even able to squeeze in a winter Wood; the playground at Birdseye relatively flat; and the Catskills, where by starlight, pay attention to what you can hear, backpack with my son, Stephan. Hollow, where my son and I once you can never get there from here, the see, and feel. Even a short walk will illuminate Unfortunately, a poorly designed recuperated during a backpacking trip trail either goes too-steeply up or too- the senses! (Read "Fun after dark" http:// bridge left me dangling upside down almost two decades ago; Woodchuck steeply down, and, if you listen greatkids.outdoors.org/2011/07/fun-after-dark- Hollow Lean-to, where he and I spent carefully, you can still hear Hendrick and my knee somewhat shredded, so 10-activities-that-even.html for more nighttime a chilly December night, warmed by a Hudson’s crew playing nine-pins. the second half of the mileage was outdoor activities with kids.) done mainly as short out-and-backs blazing fire in the old Franklin Maybe I’ll join ’em … □ with Clio, my loyal canine compan- stove (!) and a close relationship 3. Play I Spy, with a focus on the natural world around you. ion, or as bike-and-hikes. Yates County Legislature Declares June as National Trails Month Again, I felt an immense gratitude to Honors the FLTC’s 50th at Keuka College and 4. Take photos of favorite spots outdoors. all of the generous landowners who the national significance of the trail system It helps your kids see with fresh eyes—and if allow us passage, and to all of the trail you pull the pictures out in a few months, you maintainers who show us the way. I can note what changes with the seasons. think it’s easy for a casual hiker to get 5. Create a book of coupons that can be annoyed at missing blazes and overgrown briers, but those going the redeemed for particular outdoor activities—hikes distance get a true feeling of the along a nearby trail, or to state parks or enormity of maintaining all of those conservation areas, for example. Then don’t let many miles. Thank you, thank you, them expire! thank you! 6. On your next visit to your favorite park Donna Noteware Noteware Donna I don’t know that I have another one or playground, bring gloves and a bag and pick in me, but I sure would like to visit up trash for a few minutes before playing. Or Donna Noteware’s granddaughters Alexis and those favorite old spots—plus, there take a trash hike around the block or anywhere Emma under the sign for Irene’s Campsite are so many new ones to explore: the else you like. Bacchus Brewery in Dryden, co- owned by one of our trail maintainers;

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Natural Connections ... End-to-End Update a mature Turkey Vulture has a head on his whole head. But T. Vulture like its namesake, the Wild Turkey: it continued to fly up and up until he (Continued from page 24) by Jacqui Wensich has a bald, red head. The Black reached the top of the sky, where he placed Sun to give light to everyone. FLT End-to-End Coordinator species name, aura, is the Latinized Vulture has a bald, black head. A form of the name indigenous Mexicans Lobbyist is just a bald-faced liar. T. Vulture was honored for his brave Car Spotters used for vultures. The baldness of the head helps to deed by all the animals, and though We ALWAYS need more car spotters to assist hikers on his head continues to be bald, red, and In general, birds have no sense of keep it clean while up to its neck in the main and branch trails. Please email me to apply, or get ugly, he still soars the highest, smell, which is why some folks place decaying carcasses, and it is thought the form directly from the website. (For a complete list call circling Sun to this day. moth balls in bird feeders to repel that the ensuing exposure to the 585/385-2265 or email [email protected]) squirrels. (This only works for a short ultraviolet rays of the sun once it That is the way vultures are usually Note: A salute goes to Paul Hoffman for his many car time before the thieving little rodents resumes its soaring kills many of the seen, solo circling, performing due New End-to-End Hikers - Main Trail spotting efforts. [Paul is the subject of Faces of the FLT on dispose of the moth balls over the side.) pathogens that might cause diligence in removing road kill and page 5.] infections. It is also thought that the other rotting remains from offending #333 Donna Coon, Binghamton 4/1/12 Turkey Vultures, however, can smell. We can only assume that they mind the exposure of bare skin aids in thermo- our delicate sensibilities. But Turkey th regulation, certainly a more pleasant Vultures are clever. We see one, but, #334 Jack Sexton, Vestal 5/2/12 “Happy Hiking” from Ed Sidote, Grand Marshal of the 50 smell of their own defecation no more means than urohydrosis. aloft, there are often several to many #335 Bruce Coon, Binghamton 5/20/12 Anniversary One Day Hike of the FLT than dogs do cow manure. But their The lore of the Muskogee Indians of within eyesight of each other, strung #336 Carol Morris, Dryden 5/24/12 sense of smell allows them to seek carcasses by soaring over both fields Oklahoma explains not only how across the skies like an early warning #337 Tylor Davis (son), Belmont 4/6/12 Jacqui Wensich and forests. Black Vultures (Coragyps Grandmother Spider stole the sun, but system. When one drops down to #338 Cory Davis (father), Belmont 4/6/12 20 Sunrise Hill, Pittsford, NY 14534 atratus) lack an olfactory sense and are also how Turkey Vulture came to dine, others quickly follow. 585/385-2265 usually seen riding thermals only in have his bare red head. While in flight, a group of vultures is Comments: [email protected] open habitats. When the Earth was first made, only called a kettle. A group that has one side had light. The creatures of settled in to partake of Nature’s This was Jack Sexton’s second end-to-end hike. He was The heavenly aroma sought by the the dark side, although unaware of bounty is called—this is true—a #204 in 2006. Turkey Vulture is one of decomposi- tion: ethyl mercaptan. This toxic the Star Wars saga, decided to steal a wake. That certainly gives one a lot to Carol Morris is the wife of four-time end-to-ender John A-X. organic chemical occurs naturally in piece to light their side, too. chew on when we attend a wake! Morris. What does that make us? Was there a petroleum and is often added to Fox tried carrying off a piece in his Besides Tylor and Cory Davis, there have been several liquified petroleum gas (LPG, butane, commonality in feeding way back in mouth, and to this day has a black our ancestors’ dim, dark past? Is this father/son/daughter end-to-end duos over the years. In 1999, and propane) because humans can mouth because Sun charred it. John Sweeney hiked with his daughter Nicole; then in 2002 detect its nasty odor at minute levels, as the ultimate in recycling? Next, Possum tried to carry it back completed his second end-to-end hike with his son John small as 1 part in 2,800,000,000 parts A group of vultures resting in trees is Join the North Country Trail Association with his bushy tail, but Sun seared all Colm Sweeney. David and Michael Marchner finished their of air. Indeed, the 2000 edition of the called a volt, venue, or a committee. the hair from his tail, thus giving end-to-end hike in in 2002 as did Kim and Terry Meacham Guinness Book of World Records The latter term must certainly seem Possum a naked tail to this day. with Dad, Donald French. Alma and Cindy Dunham finished proclaimed it the “smelliest substance” appropriate to anyone who has had to in 2003. There are many husband/wife combos. in existence. The editors have obvi- Then Grandmother Spider stepped appear before one. ously never been to DC. forward—about eight times. Instead Please email or call in when you complete your End-to- After lunch at a roadside cool spot of foolishly trying to carry Sun, she End hike asap. Your application and documentation can Another aid to the Turkey Vulture in (refreshment stand/café/grocery store) wove a bag from her webbing and put come later. Photos are always appreciated. his quest for sustenance is his light in Belize, I wandered out back to see wing-loading, meaning that he has a lot Sun in that. She successfully brought It is important to send updates and notice of your intention to if there were any birds flitting around. of wing surface area compared to his it back, but that created a new hike end to end for both the main and branch trails to me. There, assiduously watching me from body weight. He soars with the wings problem: where to put it, and how to Often simple tips can avoid difficulties. Always check the a tall, dead tree was a committee of forming a pronounced dihedral. His get it there. Socialist that she was, fltconference.org/trail conditions before hiking. The End-to- 57 Black Vultures, hoping for any wing beats are slow and clumsy and his Grandma Spider decided it should be End hiking pull-down on the website also has suggestions, indication of my demise, and flight seems unsteady, as though he high in the sky so all would benefit. forms and information. You are still welcome to call me undoubtedly anxious to form a wake. were about to stall out and crash. Everyone knew that Turkey Vulture I began to wonder about the iguana I directly. could fly the highest, so he was had just eaten… The Black Vulture, on the other hand— drafted. Plan to finish this year: er, wing—has but a slight dihedral and Black Vultures—very common David Peterson, John Elia, Max Blenis, Kirk Doyle, and short, choppy wing beats. His tail is He put Sun in the thick feathers on farther south—lack the keen sense of Doug Cunningham also significantly shorter, with the ends top of his head and began to fly to the smell of the Turkeys. One way they of his legs reaching the end of his tail. top of the sky. Up and up he circled, make up for this is by keeping an eye There are ten others who sent in progress reports. You are unlikely to see a Black Vulture and Sun got hotter and hotter. Up and on the behavior of the Turkey this far north, but they do happen by up; hotter and hotter. Soon, Sun Vultures. When Turkeys drop to feed, occasionally. Should you get up close burned through Grandma Spider’s Blacks soon follow and muscle their and personal with a vulture, the bag, but T. Vulture continued. The way in. difference between species is obvious: Sun burned the feathers on top of his (Continued on page 30) head; then Sun burned all the feathers

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Article removed at author's request End-to-End Update by Jacqui Wensich FLT End-to-End Coordinator Car Spotters We ALWAYS need more car spotters to assist hikers on the main and branch trails. Please email me to apply, or get the form directly from the website. (For a complete list call 585/385-2265 or email [email protected]) Note: A salute goes to Paul Hoffman for his many car New End-to-End Hikers - Main Trail spotting efforts. [Paul is the subject of Faces of the FLT on page 5.] #333 Donna Coon, Binghamton 4/1/12

#334 Jack Sexton, Vestal 5/2/12 “Happy Hiking” from Ed Sidote, Grand Marshal of the 50th #335 Bruce Coon, Binghamton 5/20/12 Anniversary One Day Hike of the FLT #336 Carol Morris, Dryden 5/24/12 #337 Tylor Davis (son), Belmont 4/6/12 Jacqui Wensich #338 Cory Davis (father), Belmont 4/6/12 20 Sunrise Hill, Pittsford, NY 14534 585/385-2265 Comments: [email protected] This was Jack Sexton’s second end-to-end hike. He was #204 in 2006. Carol Morris is the wife of four-time end-to-ender John A-X. Morris. Besides Tylor and Cory Davis, there have been several father/son/daughter end-to-end duos over the years. In 1999, John Sweeney hiked with his daughter Nicole; then in 2002 completed his second end-to-end hike with his son John Join the North Country Trail Association Colm Sweeney. David and Michael Marchner finished their end-to-end hike in in 2002 as did Kim and Terry Meacham with Dad, Donald French. Alma and Cindy Dunham finished in 2003. There are many husband/wife combos. Please email or call in when you complete your End-to- End hike asap. Your application and documentation can come later. Photos are always appreciated. It is important to send updates and notice of your intention to hike end to end for both the main and branch trails to me. Often simple tips can avoid difficulties. Always check the fltconference.org/trail conditions before hiking. The End-to- End hiking pull-down on the website also has suggestions, forms and information. You are still welcome to call me directly. Plan to finish this year: David Peterson, John Elia, Max Blenis, Kirk Doyle, and Doug Cunningham There are ten others who sent in progress reports.

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Article removed at author's request Hiking Calendar SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012 SATURDAY, October 13, 2012 Summer / Ed Sidote Hike Fall / Erv Markert Hike

Leader: Don Windsor, [email protected], Leader: Paul Hoffman, [email protected] 607/336-4628 585/335-3688 (h), 585/734-8236 (c) FLT Map M24, Chenango County Crystal Hills Branch Trail (Map CH1) Hike: This is a loop hike consisting of FLT plus Meet: Map CH1, Dry Run Road access point at seldom-traveled or abandoned roads. The terrain is 9:00 AM, N42 13.428 W77 07.958 fairly flat, but tends to be moist. We will have 2 Start: Map 13, Access 4 – South Bradford hikes: a short hike of about 2 1/2 miles and a longer hike of about 6 miles. The two hikes will start End: Map CH1 Dry Run Road together, hiking north on the Kopac Trail. After a Mileage: 7.7 miles mile and a quarter, they will go separate ways. We will meet at Dry Run Road to plan the car Meeting time and place: Meet at 09:00 am at the shuttle. This is an unsupported hike – no sag origin of the Kopac Trail on Sherman Road in the wagons. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Town of McDonough. Park along Sherman Road Moderate hike; we hike rain or shine. near the DEC kiosk. Enjoy this relatively new section of the Crystal Hills Trail (New York’s part of the Great Eastern Trail) as BRING ON THE BRIDGE (Mackinac, that is) Directions to meeting location: we honor Erv Markert who was chairman of the From Binghamton: North on State Route 12 to the Trails Committee for almost twenty years. Join the North Country Trail Association’s Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Village of Oxford, then northwest on State Route Chapter for a wonderful Labor Day event in Michigan. Meet other 220 to the hamlet of East McDonough. Just before Driving directions to meeting location: friends of the NCT for a few days of adventure where Michigan’s upper reaching the Outpost Restaurant on State Route Exit from I-86 at Exit 42 Coopers Plains. Turn north/ and lower peninsulas meet. Hike the NCT by day, enjoy camaraderie 220, turn toward the right on Steere Rd and follow east onto Meads Creek Rd (Co Rd 26) at end of exit and campfire by night, and hike the 5-mile stretch of the North Country all of the Bowman Lake St Pk signs to the park ramp. Just follow the signs for BOCES or Watson Trail that is open only one day every year, the mighty Mackinac Bridge. entrance. However, just before arriving at the park's Homestead to go in the correct direction. (Do not The event will be held August 31 - September 4. Details will be on the “ticket station”, veer left onto Sherman Road and turn south/west towards Rt. 415). Drive NCTA website. follow Sherman Rd for about 3/4 mile to the approximately 2 3/4 miles. (There are no stop lights trailhead at the DEC kiosk for the Kopac Ski Trail. or stop signs once on Meads Creek Rd). From the north: Get on Route 12 and go south to Turn right onto Dry Run Road at sign for Watson FLTC Business Members the City of Norwich, then head out on West Main Homestead. (Sign in field on far right corner). Park Bath Veterinary Hospital Bath, NY Street/County Road 10A/10 to County Road 18, on Dry Run Road near the intersection of Woodcock Bloomfield Animal Hospital Catherine Stiner, DMV Bloomfield, NY then west on Bliven-Sherman/Sherman Road. Road. Davidson Shoes, Inc. Mark Hogan, President Canandaigua, NY From west or east: Get on State Route 23 and go to Norwich, then proceed as above. Downsville Motel Al Carpenter Downsville, NY Coming Winter 2013, the annual Howard Beye Eastern Mountain Sports Peterborough, NH Note: The map will reveal many other back-road ways to get there. However, some of them are hike. Tentative date: January 12 Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance Penn Yan, NY not always (or never) drivable. Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort Randy & Janet Lehman Bath, NY Holiday Valley Resort Jane Eshbaugh, Mktg. Dir. Ellicottville, NY Report on the 2012 Wally Wood (Spring) Hike John M. Andersson Engineering Ithaca, NY There were about thirty participants. I gave a few opening remarks, including in them who Wally Wood was Monro Muffler Brake Rochester, NY (founder of the FLT). Following me, Alex Gonzalez told us briefly the story behind the development of the Pack Paddle Ski Richard French Livonia, NY International Loop. Alex and his wife, Michele, built and maintain the International Loop, which combines the Vinehurst Inn & Suites Kitty Oliver Hammondsport, NY Swedish Loop Trail, the Spanish Loop Trail and parts of the main FLT. One highlight of the hike was a brief stop Wegmans Rochester, NY at the International Mine. A shaft of the mine is still identifiable, but it was filled in a long time ago. William G. Becker & Sons, Inc. Brian W. Becker North Java, NY — Phil Dankert, Hike Leader We encourage members to thank these businesses, which support the Finger Hike participant Terry McConnell described the visit to the International Mine in a hike report emailed to the FLT yahoo group: Lakes Trail, and to use their services. Addresses, contact information and links to these businesses can be found on the FLTC web site: The location of this artifact is marked by a cairn and a special blaze with a red dot in the middle. The mine turned out to be a modest sized pit about 100 feet up a steep side hill from the trail. At the bottom of the pit there is a stony www.fingerlakestrail.org opening too small to fit through that hints at a larger subterranean void beyond. Nobody seems to know who built it, or what they mined here.

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th Natural Connections ... Cozcaquauhtli, the 13 day of the Winter Solstice of 2012, but then a new Hiking Calendar month. cycle begins. The misconception is the SATURDAY, October 13, 2012 (Continued from page 29) The glyph of the Black Vulture is result of the computational errors of a SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012 usually associated with attacks on fanciful and speculative American Summer / Ed Sidote Hike Fall / Erv Markert Hike In the western US, the California humans and with death. After my author, Frank Waters, who, in 1975, Condor is another family member. encounter with that committee behind created a Mayan prediction of Leader: Don Windsor, [email protected], Leader: Paul Hoffman, [email protected] Almost twice as long as the Turkey the cool spot, I can understand that. apocalypse, and miscalculated its 607/336-4628 585/335-3688 (h), 585/734-8236 (c) Vulture, it is truly a magnificent bird occurrence as Dec. 24, 2011. Perhaps But, really, we ought to be thanking the FLT Map M24, Chenango County Crystal Hills Branch Trail (Map CH1) when seen navigating the thermals he was polydactyl? vultures for recycling road kills and above arid canyons. It took several Hike: This is a loop hike consisting of FLT plus Meet: Map CH1, Dry Run Road access point at trailside corpses—and for reminding us Instead of fearing the end of the world forays up boulder-strewn, precipitous seldom-traveled or abandoned roads. The terrain is 9:00 AM, N42 13.428 W77 07.958 of our mortality. Even during the this autumn, we should celebrate the roads, avoidance of the California fairly flat, but tends to be moist. We will have 2 Map 13, Access 4 – South Bradford height of an election season that has start of a new cycle. To honor the Start: Highway Patrol, and a near-divorce hikes: a short hike of about 2 1/2 miles and a longer plumbed the depths of political Mayans, we could even try their End: Map CH1 Dry Run Road situation before I finally saw one over hike of about 6 miles. The two hikes will start venality, there is still hope circling ceremonial honey fermentation, balché. a distant ridge. He slowly worked his together, hiking north on the Kopac Trail. After a Mileage: 7.7 miles around out there. We just need to Interestingly, they used it in enema way toward me, and eventually glided mile and a quarter, they will go separate ways. We will meet at Dry Run Road to plan the car discern the real from the surreal. It is form to maximize its inebriating directly overhead, only about a Meet at 09:00 am at the shuttle. This is an unsupported hike – no sag not the end of the world—even the powers. I don’t expect it’ll appear at Meeting time and place: hundred feet above me! I gotta confess, origin of the Kopac Trail on Sherman Road in the wagons. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Mayans didn’t think so. True, their singles’ bars any time soon! □ my knees turned to jelly and my hands Town of McDonough. Park along Sherman Road present cycle (Baktun 13) ends on the Moderate hike; we hike rain or shine. trembled almost too much to take a near the DEC kiosk. Enjoy this relatively new section of the Crystal Hills picture. Trail (New York’s part of the Great Eastern Trail) as BRING ON THE BRIDGE (Mackinac, that is) Directions to meeting location: As a result of the ingestion of lead shot we honor Erv Markert who was chairman of the From Binghamton: North on State Route 12 to the and pesticides, the wild population of Join the North Country Trail Association’s Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Trails Committee for almost twenty years. condors was decimated, and by 1987 Village of Oxford, then northwest on State Route Chapter for a wonderful Labor Day event in Michigan. Meet other 220 to the hamlet of East McDonough. Just before Driving directions to meeting location: all wild birds had been snared for friends of the NCT for a few days of adventure where Michigan’s upper reaching the Outpost Restaurant on State Route Exit from I-86 at Exit 42 Coopers Plains. Turn north/ captive breeding. Condors have since and lower peninsulas meet. Hike the NCT by day, enjoy camaraderie 220, turn toward the right on Steere Rd and follow east onto Meads Creek Rd (Co Rd 26) at end of exit been re-introduced into the wild, but and campfire by night, and hike the 5-mile stretch of the North Country all of the Bowman Lake St Pk signs to the park ramp. Just follow the signs for BOCES or Watson with poor results. They still succumb to Trail that is open only one day every year, the mighty Mackinac Bridge. entrance. However, just before arriving at the park's Homestead to go in the correct direction. (Do not lead shot, pesticides, and even The event will be held August 31 - September 4. Details will be on the “ticket station”, veer left onto Sherman Road and turn south/west towards Rt. 415). Drive entanglements with electric power NCTA website. lines. Those reared by parents fare follow Sherman Rd for about 3/4 mile to the approximately 2 3/4 miles. (There are no stop lights better than those reared by man. It is trailhead at the DEC kiosk for the Kopac Ski Trail. or stop signs once on Meads Creek Rd). unlikely that it will again be seen From the north: Get on Route 12 and go south to Turn right onto Dry Run Road at sign for Watson soaring over the New York countryside FLTC Business Members the City of Norwich, then head out on West Main Homestead. (Sign in field on far right corner). Park in our lifetimes. Bath Veterinary Hospital Bath, NY Street/County Road 10A/10 to County Road 18, on Dry Run Road near the intersection of Woodcock then west on Bliven-Sherman/Sherman Road. Farther south, the spectacular and pre- Bloomfield Animal Hospital Catherine Stiner, DMV Bloomfield, NY Road. dominantly white King Vulture might Davidson Shoes, Inc. Mark Hogan, President Canandaigua, NY From west or east: Get on State Route 23 and go to drop in for a bite at the communal Norwich, then proceed as above. Downsville Motel Al Carpenter Downsville, NY carcass. As his name implies, all others Coming Winter 2013, the annual Howard Beye Eastern Mountain Sports Peterborough, NH Note: The map will reveal many other back-road make way for him. And, since no New ways to get there. However, some of them are hike. Tentative date: January 12 World vulture possesses a syrinx (the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance Penn Yan, NY not always (or never) drivable. vocal organ of birds), there’s not a Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort Randy & Janet Lehman Bath, NY word of complaint, just hisses and Holiday Valley Resort Jane Eshbaugh, Mktg. Dir. Ellicottville, NY Report on the 2012 Wally Wood (Spring) Hike grunts, kind of like a football training John M. Andersson Engineering Ithaca, NY table. There were about thirty participants. I gave a few opening remarks, including in them who Wally Wood was Monro Muffler Brake Rochester, NY The Mayans were fond of the King (founder of the FLT). Following me, Alex Gonzalez told us briefly the story behind the development of the Vulture, and he appeared in many of Pack Paddle Ski Richard French Livonia, NY International Loop. Alex and his wife, Michele, built and maintain the International Loop, which combines the their codices. His glyph is easily Vinehurst Inn & Suites Kitty Oliver Hammondsport, NY Swedish Loop Trail, the Spanish Loop Trail and parts of the main FLT. One highlight of the hike was a brief stop identified by the knob on his beak and Wegmans Rochester, NY at the International Mine. A shaft of the mine is still identifiable, but it was filled in a long time ago. the concentric circles of his eyes. At William G. Becker & Sons, Inc. Brian W. Becker North Java, NY — Phil Dankert, Hike Leader times, he was even depicted as a Hike participant Terry McConnell described the visit to the International Mine in a hike report emailed to the FLT vulture’s head on a human body. We encourage members to thank these businesses, which support the Finger yahoo group: Predictably, he often carried messages Lakes Trail, and to use their services. Addresses, contact information and between gods and humans. In the links to these businesses can be found on the FLTC web site: The location of this artifact is marked by a cairn and a special blaze with a red dot in the middle. The mine turned out to be a modest sized pit about 100 feet up a steep side hill from the trail. At the bottom of the pit there is a stony Mayan calendar, he represents www.fingerlakestrail.org opening too small to fit through that hints at a larger subterranean void beyond. Nobody seems to know who built it, or what they mined here.

Finger Lakes Trail News - 30 - Summer 2012 Summer 2012 - 31 - Finger Lakes Trail News

Can you place the scene on the left? Photo by Tom Bryden. The answer to the spring issue’s Name That Map is on page 3.

Club Presidents Council Tick Removal Device The Club Presidents Council is composed of regional organizations that find strength and support through association. If you wish to join, volunteer for trail work, or participate in the activities of these organizations, contact may be made through the telephone numbers or websites listed. Buffalo Area ADK Niagara Frontier Chapter www.adk-nfc.org Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org Rochester Area ADK Genesee Valley Chapter www.gvc-adk.org This simple device, the Tick Key, which Genesee Valley Hiking Club www.gvhchikes.org you can carry on a key chain, is great for Syracuse Area us and for pets. Be prepared; because of the mild winter, this may be a particu- ADK Onondaga Chapter www.adk-on.org larly bad year for ticks (or perhaps we Ithaca and Elmira should say, a good year for ticks, but bad ADK Finger Lakes Chapter 607/936-3988 for us) . Cayuga Trails Club www.cayugatrailsclub.org See www.tickkey.com to order yours. Corning Area Three Rivers Outing Club 607/962-5157 Binghamton Area Triple Cities Hiking Club www.triplecitieshikingclub.org Chenango County FLT-Bullthistle Hikers www.bullthistlehiking.org Eastern NY ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter www.midhudsonadk.org

Thank You Landmax Data Systems, Inc. 5919 E. Henrietta Rd. Rush, NY 14543 (585) 533-9210 www.landmaxdata.com Donor of land boundary research and property information for the Finger Lakes Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail

Finger Lakes Trail News - 32 - Summer 2012 FINGER LAKES TRAIL CONFERENCE 6111 Visitor Center Road, Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. Mt. Morris, NY 14510 585/658-9320, fax: 585/658-2390 Calendar of Events www.fingerlakestrail.org [email protected] July 21 ...... Annual Ed Sidote (Summer) Hike. Chenango FLTC Staff Dick Hubbard, Executive Director County, map M24. See page 31. 585/437-2034, [email protected] August 2-4 ...... NCTA Annual Conference in Augusta, MI (more Jennifer Hopper, Office Manager/Accounting & Database Assistant information at northcountrytrail.org) Stephanie Spittal, Order Fulfillment/General Information August 17...... Deadline for the fall issue of the Finger Lakes Officers Trail News. Pat Monahan, President ◦ Corning ◦ 607/936-8312 ◦ [email protected] September 21-23 ... Fall Campout at Robert H. Treman State Park Ronald Navik, VP Trail Preservation ◦ Penfield ◦ 585/377- near Ithaca. Hosted by the Cayuga Trails 1812 ◦ [email protected] Club. See pages 11-15 Steve Catherman, VP Trail Maintenance ◦ Bath ◦ 607/569- 3453 ◦ [email protected] September 22 ...... Board of Managers meeting at Fall Campout Lynda Rummel, VP Trail Quality ◦ Keuka Park ◦ 315/536- October 13 ...... Erv Markert (Fall) Hike. Crystal Hills Branch. 9484 ◦ [email protected] See page 31. Jarret Lobb, VP Finance ◦ Pittsford ◦ 585/383-1938 ◦ [email protected] November 2-4 ...... Annual Board Retreat, Letchworth State Park Gene Bavis, VP Membership & Marketing ◦ Walworth ◦ January 12, 2013 .... Howard Beye (Winter) Hike. (Date tentative, 315/986-1474 ◦ [email protected] location TBD). Leader: Cate Concannon. Roy Dando, Secretary ◦ Endwell ◦ 607/785-3141 ◦ [email protected] 2012 Hike Series, Tompkins County: Jun 9, Jul 28, Aug 25 and Quinn Wright, Treasurer ◦ Buffalo ◦ 716/826-1939 ◦ Sep 22. For registered series participants only. [email protected] Please check the FLT website (www.fingerlakestrail.org) for Matt Branneman, Director Crews & Construction ◦ Ithaca ◦ 607/220-77812 ◦ [email protected] up-to-date calendar information. Greg Farnham, Trail Inventory & Mapping ◦ Fayetteville ◦ 315/877-5762 ◦ [email protected] Board of Managers Terms Expiring 2013 Cathy Concannon ◦ Geneseo ◦ 585/880-4456 ◦ [email protected] Phil Dankert ◦ Ithaca ◦ 607/257-2578 ◦ [email protected] David Drum ◦ Hammondsport ◦ 607/569-2294 ◦ [email protected] Donna Flood ◦ Clarence ◦ 716/759-6442 ◦ [email protected] Gail Merian ◦ Norwich ◦ 607/334-9794 ◦ JOIN THE FINGER LAKES TRAIL CONFERENCE [email protected] Name ______Terms Expiring 2014 Scott Bahantka ◦ Painted Post ◦ 607/962-7627 ◦ Address [email protected] City/State/Zip ______County______Jon Bowen ◦ Baldwinsville ◦ 315/638-8749 ◦ [email protected] Phone (______)______Email______Donna Coon ◦ Binghamton ◦ 607/237-6311 ◦ [email protected] Make your check payable to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Melanie Okoniewski ◦ Buffalo ◦ 716/341-4737 ◦ mail to 6111 Visitor Center Rd., Mt. Morris, NY 14510 along with [email protected] this application. Sigi Schwinge ◦ East Syracuse ◦ 315/437-6906 ◦ Annual dues (Membership year runs from April 1 to March 1. Dues [email protected] paid after Dec. 31 will be applied to the next membership year.) Terms Expiring 2015 Individual ...... $30 Contributing: Doug Cunningham ◦ Brockport ◦ 585/637-3853 ◦ [email protected] Family ...... $40 Greg Farnham ◦ Fayetteville ◦ 315/877-5762 ◦ Student (full-time; give Pathfinder $50 [email protected] permanent address) ...... $15 Trailblazer $75 Roger Hopkins ◦ Lansing ◦ 607/257-9778 ◦ Guide $100 [email protected] Youth organization ...... $15 Terry Meacham ◦ Hornell ◦ 607/324-0374 ◦ [email protected] Adult organization ...... $50 Life (individual) $400 (family) $600 Laurie Ondrejka ◦ Avon ◦ 585/865-1989 ◦ Business/Commercial (includes a listing on the FLTC website) $100 [email protected] Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. 6111 Visitor Center Road NON-PROFIT Mt. Morris, NY 14510 ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Address Service Requested ROCHESTER, NY Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. ROCHESTER, NY PERMIT NO. 928 6111 Visitor Center Road NON-PROFITPERMIT NO. 928 Mt. Morris, NY 14510 ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Address Service Requested ROCHESTER, NY PERMIT NO. 928

Trail Towns: Ithaca by Jim Connors Nestled at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, one of the deepest in NorthTra America,il To isw Ithaca.ns: Glacial Ma scarvingonv ofi oldlle river and stream valleys resulted in Ithaca's spectacular gorges and deep lake valleys. on the corner (yes, the only corner in Masonville). Here you can valleysTex resultedt and p inh oIthaca'stos by spectacular Roy and gorgesLaurie and Da deepndo lake valleys. find many unique treasures and sample homemade treats such as The many state parks, wildlife management areas, nature preserves The many state parks, wildlife management areas, nature preserves soups and quiches. When passing through Masonville, be sure to andMasonville, use of private at the land intersection by permission of NY provideroutes 8 a and variety 206 ofin Delawarehiking and use of private land by permission provide a variety of hiking ask about The Legend of Spook Bridge and share your rendition opportunities.County, is a place where you can find local lore still being passed down opportunities. with us at [email protected]. We would love to compile various fromIthaca generation welcomes to generation. the Finger AsLakes we Trailhiked (FLT) through from Masonville the west onvia the Ithaca welcomes the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) from the west via versions of this haunted tale to post inside the lean-to. RobertFLT, H. we Treman stopped State at aPark. local The family-owned all-weather trail ice creamhugs the parlor southern named boundaryCountry ofCream the park.(aka TheMore Penguin). adventur Here,ous hikers a vibrant may young choose adult to takeserved up a tantalizing story while she whipped up our ice creams. She spoke the Gorge Trail or Rim Trail, when they are open, which boast of her grandfather, and said that she remembers sitting upon his knee as spectacular views of water falls and high cliffs. The park gorge trails he told her The Legend of Spook Bridge. This local lore is shared by were constructed with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Enfieldmany Creek families bisects who a have portion lived of the in park Masonville and was and the the source beautiful of Enfieldsurrounding Creek hillsides. bisects a portion of the park and was the source of water power in years past for various sawmills, shingle mills, cooper shops,The Legend carding of millsSpook and Bridge grist mills. It causes one to take pause to reflectLong-time a bit on residents the activities say there that was once a murderfrequented over this a card area. game The at Sierra the Big ShelterHotel lean-tothat was provides located aon nice the point corner to inreflect Masonville. on the pine Legend plantations, has it that Sunset on Cayuga Lake, photo by Jim Connors streamsafter the and card gullies game your those hike who has taken had lost you money to. waited on Getter Hill Ithaca is headquarters for the Cayuga Trails Club (CTC), a RoadContinuing alongside your the woodentrek eastward bridge. theThey FLT hid leads in the you trees underneath and waited a for Ithaca is headquarters for the Cayuga Trails Club (CTC), a volunteer organization affiliated with the Finger Lakes Trail fourthe laneguy who highway “had whiletheir money” hugging to Enfieldcome along, Creek. and From shot therehim to you death volunteer organization affiliated with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, crossover Cayuga a card game.Inlet and Some enter time Cornell-owned passed after the murder before a team of Conference, founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, and preserve wild lands and places of natural Babcockhorses gotPreserve. spooked Lick as they Brook crossed is your the nextbridge. Since then, some say this and preserve wild lands and places of natural beauty and interest through informal study of the crossingspot is haunted. which is the lowest point on the beauty and interest through informal study of the natural and historical features of the out-of-doors FLT at about 435 feet. If you are at the natural and historical features of the out-of-doors While we were building the Getter Hill Lean-to in 2011, we crossed by walks and related activities." The CTC lowest point on the trail there is no place to by walks and related activities." The CTC over the culvert where this bridge once was located many times. Each maintains over 100 miles of trails including 75 go except for up - and up you will hike! On maintainsGetter Hill over Lean-to, 100 built miles 2011 of trails including 75 time we crossed, our minds recalled The Legend of Spook Bridge. miles of main FLT from Watkins Glen to Caroline, yourMaybe journey it was because you will the area’s experience DEC Forest the Ranger, the young lady at miles of main FLT from Watkins Glen to Caroline, and, publishes the "Guide to Hiking Trails of the Sweedlerthe ice cream Nature parlor, Preserve and the owned owners by of the the Masonville General Store and, publishes the "Guide to Hiking Trails of the Finger Lakes Region", which I have referenced in Fingerhad all Lakes mentioned Land theTrust same and tale. the lower and Finger Lakes Region", which I have referenced in the writing of this article. Another Ithaca upper falls of Lick Brook. Take a moment the writing of this article. Another Ithaca As you pass through Masonville along the FLT you can spend a night in organization is the Finger Lakes Land Trust to enjoy the spectacular views of Inlet organization is the Finger Lakes Land Trust the newly built Getter Hill founded in 1989 to protect lands that define the Valley and beyond to Connecticut Hill. The founded in 1989 to protect lands that define the Lean-to and take the oppor- character of the Finger Lakes region of upstate trail levels then ascends to Town Line Road character of the Finger Lakes region of upstate tunity to converse with locals to New York. where more vantage points let you take in New York. hear this legend. Where the FLT A tradition among some hikers after a long more views. Almost as fast as you enter A tradition among some hikers after a long crosses Shears Rd. you can (or short) hike is to visit a local establishment near Ithaca on the FLT it bids you farewell to the (or short) hike is to visit a local establishment near walk south for a half mile and the trail for an ice cream reward for their hard south and east towards Danby. the trail for an ice cream reward for their hard devour lunch and anything ice work. What better place than Ithaca—the home of Ithaca offers other hiking experiences at work. What better place than Ithaca—the home of cream-related at the Country the first ice cream sundae—to enjoy a delicious ButtermilkCream Ice Falls Cream State Stand. Park, This Stewart Park, the first ice cream sundae—to enjoy a delicious treat from one of the many establishments. Cassice Parkcream and parlor on createstrails such your as Cayuga treat from one of the many establishments. Water Front, Black Diamond and the So as you amble your way through your Waterice cream Front, by Black whipping Diamond blocks and the The magnificent Fall Creek viewed Cayuga Trail. The magnificent Fall Creek viewed hiking life make certain to stop by Ithaca to take Cayugaof vanilla Trail. ice cream with your from a cliff of the Cayuga Trail in from a cliff of the Cayuga Trail in advantage of all there is to offer in this wonderful choice of fresh ingredients to Ithaca, photo by Jim Connors create more than 52 flavors of Ithaca, photo by Jim Connors town by Cayuga Lake. soft ice cream! Another lovely treat, the Masonville General Above: Masonville General Store. Store, is conveniently located Left: Country Cream, a cherished Masonville institution.