Newsletter of the Cayuga Trails Club Founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, and preserve wild lands and places of natural beauty... "

January-February 2004 Winter Edition Vol. 44, Nos. 1 & 2

Two Members Finish Trail Hike for First Time! 11Java Joe" Completes Fifth End-to-End!

Editor's Note: Twenty members of the Cayuga Trails Club have completed end-to-end hikes of the 563-mile-long Finger Lakes Trail (FLT). Long-time CTC member "Java Joe" Dabes finished his fifth end-to-end hike of the FLT on October 9, 2003. Incredible! He was the 167th person to hike the whole trail. CTC members Jay Zitter and Jim Connors were FLT end­ to-enders #169 and #171, respectively. Below are their stories.

Jay Zitter' s FLT Hike Jim Connors' s FLT Hike

was over 50 and had lived in the area almost 20 years ell, I finished the main Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) before I ever heard of the Finger Lakes Trail. Newly on October 26, 2003, and will go down in trail Idivorced, I wanted to do something different, something W lore as #171. As is customary, those who join I'd never done before. I joined the 1994 annual Earth the ranks of FLT "End-to-Enders" are asked to Day hike of the Cayuga Trails Club and found myself write about their hiking experience, so here goes. exploring the Cornell campus and the Cayuga Trail on an My first FLT hike was on April 28, 2000, on the Con­ outing led by Tom Reimers. I was hooked and promptly servation Trail south of Buffalo. Friend John Andersson joined the CTC. had been persistent in his invitations to go hiking, and I The first distance hike, however, didn't come until finally decided to join him at the spring 2001 gathering of 1998 when Bill and I joined Jack Van Derzee on the first the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) in beautiful leg of his Tompkins County hike series, some 10+ miles. Ellicottville, . Camaraderie's were quickly Jack was my first hiking mentor. Although I had a sturdy formed on the trail with John, Jack Van Derzee, Phil Dan­ pair ofhiking boots that Bill had thoughtfully given me for kert, Matt Underwood, and Vicky a nd P aul Gae ta. I en­ Christmas, that was about it in terms of equipment- no joyed Ellicottville's beauty, the Spot Coffee shop, and raingear, no stick, no first aid kit. After we drove the hour dancing at the corner pub. home to Virgil, we almost literally crawled from the car to Continuing my novice hiking career in 2000, I joined our front door, our muscles unused to the demand. While Jack Van Derzee's cross-county hike series of Steuben that hike was enough to whet my appetite, my motivation County and other hikes organized by Linda Sundloff to hike was conditional. For example, after doing a hike on Cruttenden and Jennifer Wilson. John Andersson led a FLT map M-12 (area east of Bath, New York) with Jack hike where I hit the trail for the first time with my wife to that ended in pouring rain, I canceled out ifthere was even be, Sigrid. The fall 2000 FLTC meeting was at Letchworth a hint of rain to come. where I learned about drying wet hiking shoes My second mentor was Linda Cruttenden. Her adver­ on our cabin's oven door. It is here where the legend of tised list of kinder, gentler hikes appealed to me, and she "Jack the Muffin Man" was born, and, where I met "Gus." was doing the area in my neighborhood in 2000. We had Gus is the name that Warren Johnsen and I gave to an lots in common, and she had a great deal of sensible exuberant young boxer who energetically followed us on advice to hand on to a neophyte. The miles just flew! a 6-mile hike. We had to talk Jack into giving the hope­ Over the course of those first four hiking seasons, I lessly lost dog a ride home. Ah yes, 2000 was the start of leisurely covered only 100 miles of the trail, but Bill and I a wonderful hiking career. I had been bitten by the hiking adopted two miles of FLT to maintain east of Caroline, and bug. The year 2001 brought a cross-county hike of Chen­ I served briefly as an officer of the Cayuga Trails Club. ango County. I met a guy named Ed Sidote on my first continued on page 3 continued on page 5 Co-president's Message

by Jennifer Wilson

few early winter storms­ State to lend a hand, giving up a week of vacation or have confined me by retirement leisure. I hope members of our club will also A the window sill, gazing approach the FLTC to sign up as a volunteer. I can att~st off at the marching firsthand that these projects are a blast! You'll meet future white ranks of snow sweeping trail buddies, and you will be fed every meal if you work across the hills of Homer, a the whole week! So, I'm glad we can look forward to this poor substitute in my mind for project this year. myself charging around outside I'm also pleased that in 2003 we saw the long-awaited in hiking gear or on skis or publication of our newest edition of Guide to Trails ofthe snowshoes. It's a good time to Finger Lakes Region. This was a pet project of Betty sit with a mug of cocoa and Lewis, and we are ever so grateful to her for all her hard think about the year past and work resulting in a fine and useful publication. I'm grate­ the one to come. ful to Jack Van Derzee, who has kept the area stores As a new co-president in 2003 (with Phil Dankert), I supplied with the books, which have sold with such alac­ had high hopes. Our club was going to fix or replace the rity that the guide has already paid for its own production. Shindagin Lean-to that year! Anyone who has visited it Future sales allow us to keep our dues unchanged without lately would have scratched his or her head at this pre­ cutting back on the siZe or quality of our newsletter, as diction, because the ever more drunkenly leaning structure well as to support trail work and refreshments at some lately has sported a very large tree on its decaying roof, special events and our ability to annually "buy down" the making it unsafe for use [see closing notice on page 11]. cost of our dinner at the annual meetings. Figuratively speaking, several hundreds oflarge trunks During 2003, I'm glad to say we made a commitment to laid waste to this plan in 2003. A series of savage winter a major event to take place in 2004: a special hike series and early spring snow and ice storms decimated the across Tompkins County on the FLT. The FLTC is pro­ region's forests ofmainly human-planted pine plantations. moting the series as it has moved from Chenango and Very tall with weak and shallow root systems, the trees Cortland counties in the last two years, busing groups of came crashing down or snapping in two, bringing their up to 80 hikers. Our club will have major responsibilities brothers down with them, across the trails our club main­ in terms of organizing and running the Tompkins County tains. After some awe-filled contemplation of the devas­ series, and I'm grateful to Sigrid Connors for agreeing to tation-the club now even has a commemorative sign near oversee the project. Much will be asked of members as Shindagin Hollow donated by Bob Timmerman of the volunteer organizers, hike leaders, sag wagon operators, Sunshine Sign Co. of Dryden- it's as if we collectively etc. I took part in the Cortland series so I can attest that it rolled up our sleeves to make things right will attract many people new to hiking (maybe you '11 meet Led by Trails Chairman Tom Reimers, several large that special someone to help you finish the entire Finger work parties tackled different sections of the 91 miles of Lakes Trail on this series). So, by all means participate Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) System we maintain. Much of and please help out if you can. the work was heavy and risky, and several volunteers were I have a good feeling about 2004, even if a few more trained to use a chain saw to tackle the massive task Some trees topple this winter across our woodland routes! I hope landowners and volunteer section maintainers never asked members will want to join in the work and the fun of for the club's help, because they had finished the job maintaining and using our precious, bountiful resource of themselves. I'm proud to say that by National Trails Day hiking trails. in early June, we were able to reopen to the public the FLT System and Cayuga Trail, which we also maintain. Cayuga Trails is published six times each year and Although we did not gefto fix the lean-to this year, I'm is edited and published by Thomas J. Reimers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. happy to say the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) Deadline for the 2004 early spring edition is Feb­ will sponsor an Alley Cat trail work project for the ruary 15, 2004. Send to [email protected] or Shindagin Lean-to next summer. The New York State JC Wildflower Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850. Department of Environmental Conservation will donate the logs. Volunteers will come from around New York

Cayuga Trails - 2 - Winter 2004 Jay'S Hike (continued from page 1J Both her example and her advice were excellent models to follow. This Catskill section was a challenge, not only the Then, in the late summer of2002, all of a sudden, I was total of 9,000 feet of ascent, but the robust stinging nettles, inexplicably determined-on fire, in fact- to finish the fed by the summer's rain, chest high on both sides of a FLT, to become an "end-to-ender." But how would I do it? rocky, muddy, six-inch path! Like zombies, we hikers Although he supported my goal, Bill wasn't interested in returned to the campground each night, where Bill made hiking all those miles. Scheduled group hikes were just not sure we had enough to eat. .. and drink. frequent enough or in the areas I needed. Therefore, I was We stayed at the Covered Bridge Campground near going to try hiking by myself with no dog and no cell Round Pond. The family who ran the campground loved phone. The first solo hike was on August 25, 2002, in the animals. They cared for two dogs, twelve cats, a variety of Town of Caroline. We took two cars, set mine up at the end species of exotic chickens, goats, rabbits, and even a of the segment, and Bill dropped me off at the trail head. I couple of braying donkeys that worked overtime as found the solo experience absolutely stimulating! I alone roosters. However, the surprise bit of wildlife that made was in charge of finding the blazes. I had time to con­ the biggest impression on us was the young bear that template the beauty of nature that surrounded me and to raided the dumpster perhaps 30 feet from Heidi's tent two converse with myself endlessly. I really hated to see my car! nights in a row! The night of the big interstate blackout Over Columbus Day weekend of2002, Bill and I joined found us around the campfire content to stay longer if Linda and Barry Cruttenden for the 30-some miles of the necessary; we had a propane-powered refrigerator full of Catskill road hikes. We proudly toasted Linda as she food and beer and a brand new four-seater outhouse! What received her FLT end-to-ender badge from Ed Sidote, more could one want? cheered on by Marie Inglee, at the Bear Spring Game By October 1, we'd covered over 350 miles oftrail , and Management Area. I saw that determined lady framed hiking, rain or shine, truly was a way of life. On the final against the gorgeous autumn mountain backdrop and 2.4 miles just north ofBainbridge, New York, as usual, we dreamed of the day when a similar badge would be mine! had Mina, Jacqui's German shepherd, with us. About half By the end of that season, I had hiked about 70 solo a mile before the end of the trail, Heidi said quietly, miles and 160 group miles, and I had lost 20 pounds! This "Jacqui, I see a hunter ahead ofus. Better put Mina's leash was a lot more fun than the gym. on." I looked around, and, sure enough, there was a deer The 2003 hiking season was going to do it! Starting blind up ahead with only a hat and a pair of glasses April 28, every weekend was absorbed by hiking! The beneath it visible from our location. As we made our way previous September, Linda and I had been joined one day closer to the blind, I finally shouted, "That's Ed Sidote!" by Heidi Bellinger, a young chef from the Rochester area. Ed the Ubiquitous Hiker had come to award us our end­ Little did I know that trek would be only the first of to-end patches and decided it would be fun to meet us at hundreds of miles and hours of laughs that this faithful the deer blind. He led us out the last half mile to the road companion and I would share together. Then Heidi intro­ where he officially awarded us our patches as cameras duced me to Jacqui Wensich, a retired but oh-so-energetic rolled, and then out came the champagne. Hiking the FLT administrator from Rochester, and a compatibly crazy trio has greatly enriched my life, and this past summer was one was formed for the summer of 2003. of the major highlights of my 60 years. When I retired from teaching at the end of June, I took The back country: I've lived in New York State since three weeks off to enjoy a trip to Australia and New Zea­ 1979, but I didn't even start to know it intimately until I land, but then we came back to hike the rest of the trail became a hiker. How satisfying to explore the back roads, to with a different strategy. This time we headed out in our "collect" waterfalls, to view Keuka Lake in full color from truck camper. Bill would meet us with the camper a couple Route 23, to climb on an erratic pushed and then deposited of times during the course of each day's hike. We could go by a 10,000 years ago, to peer at the aged markers in to the bathroom, change clothes or shoes, and sit in a chair the small cemeteries, and to wonder at the stone walls that for a few moments of rest! After four to six days of this, delineated a farmer's house or well or property line! Haven't we'd head back home, then rest up a few days before we all tried to strip back the layers of time and imagine heading out again. Has there been any other end-to-ender ourselves in one of these spots 100 or 200 or 1,000 years so spoiled? ago? How interesting to discover that there is far more August 10-16 found the trio and Bill and the camper in forested land in the state today than in 1850, that the farms the Catskills. We did our planning based on Linda's ac­ that became unworkable and unprofitable during the count in the winter 2001 issue ofFinger Lakes Trail News. Depression formed the basis of our state forest system today. continued on page 4

Cayuga Trails - 3 - Winter 2004 Jay' S Hike (continued from page 3)

The wildlife: One day, near Michigan Hollow, two young deer shadowed my every movement. They followed me for perhaps a quarter mile at a safe but viewable dis­ tance. Where was mom? I became used to the sound and then the sight of jumping white tails as I inadvertently ventured too close in the forest. In early May, in western New York, as I descended toward Fancy Tract Road, three gamboling deer in the meadow below me made my heart sing. In the Connecticut Hill area as I crossed the broad planked bridge that supposedly once served as a stage­ coach bridge, I spotted a blue heron not ten feet from me. However, getting my camera out was enough to make him take flight. On another day in western New York, a skunk, which looked and acted amazingly like Bambi's Flower, shadowed me, even allowing me a couple of pictures. Last summer, the wildflowers were spectacular, and I learned the names of many that I had not known before. The FLT end-to-end hiker Jay Ziller (left) with Ed Sidote and Heidi Bellinger. Photo by Bill Fair. Indian pipes, Emily Dickinson's favorite flower, appeared in profusion during this wet season. Here's my best tip to everyone: Hike between Ridge Road and Dublin Road in Backpacking in the Alps! Chenango County right around Labor Day for unlimited blackberries right on the trail! ~Y_U~a Trails Club members who are interested in The health and exercise: The pounds and inches I lost JOimng members Barbara and Michael Nussbaum were a real ego-booster, but the physical and mental ener­ in a backpacking tour in the Alps between the Mat­ gy resulting from hiking were exhilarating and made my C terhorn in Switzerland and Lago Maggiore in Italy day job easier. I loved using a pedometer. It was helpful to calibrate that I hiked 2,600 steps per mile, so that when the -next summer for about 10 days, may contact them at hiking text said, "Go 0.3 of a mile," I could count between [email protected]. Hiking trails will be at an altitude 750 and 800 steps and expect a tum blaze. between 3,000 to 9,000 feet, surrounding peaks may be The fun and the friendships and the networking: What higher than 12,000 feet. Reasonably priced mountain lodg­ can I say about the terrific people I've met and hiked with? es or villages with hostels can usually be reached for food Heidi and Jacqui, Linda and Jack and Tom represent only and drinking water as well as for overnight stays. But the tip ofa treasured iceberg ofwonderful helpful humans. warm showers are a luxury and cannot be expected. The Membership in the Cayuga Trails Club led to membership trails will be for middle-level hikers. That means no gla­ in the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, where our president, cier crossings and no roped climbing. But the hikes Irene Szabo, leads with incredible energy and wit. Howard between the lodges may be long and arduous, up to 8 hours Beye (FLTC Trails Chairman) has also devoted years of with ascents and descents of more than 4,000 feet per day. his life to our marvelous trail system. We look forward to Hiking experience is strongly recommend. the annual spring and fall conferences, which are stimu­ lating and fun. Now we are members of the Association as well, which inspires us to hike farther afield and enables us to get to know more of these dedi­ CTC Member Honored cated volunteers who put in thousands and thousands of hours to make quality hiking possible. Thank you for your ong-time CTC member Susan Merrill, R.D., vision and hard work and your high standards! was honored recently by the American Dietetic However, most of all, I have to thank Bill. Without his jovial and consistent support, his willingness to spot me/us LAssociation for her contributions to the pro­ for hours and days on end, and the game acceptance to put fession of dietetics. She was honored at the his goals on the back burner for now, I would not have 86th Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in San been able to accomplish this goal. We want to help more Antonio, Texas, on October 25, 2003. Sue has served folks become FLT end-to-enders as others have helped us. as Foodnet's registered dietitian for 10 years. Look for us on Ed Sidote's list of car-spotters!

Cayuga Trails - 4 - Winter 2004 Jim' S Hike (continued from page 1) hike of the series. He met us at every road crossing for the entire county. We all became familiar with Ed's Subur­ ban's horn as he would use it to signal the large vehicle's passing through a comer. The FLTC is truly blessed to have a person ofEd's generosity of time and talent. Thank you, Ed! I got serious in 2002 about knocking off the miles by doing many independent hikes, two different county series, and the spring/fall FLTC-led hikes. Sigrid and I even spent a few days of our honeymoon hiking FLT maps M-1 and M-2 in western New York. We bit off 16 miles and three mountains ofM-1 in one day in the high humidity and heat of August. The hike got really quiet near the end as each step became a challenge. I think I dodged a bullet as we are still happily married! . Now finally on to 2003. Ed Sidote encouraged me that Jim Co1111ors (ftfth from left) with his hiking partners on the day he I had better get in gear as he is not getting any younger, finished his FLT end-to-end hike. Photo by Marsha Zgola. and he wanted to see me finish. So taking his lead, I planned a hiking schedule that took me through Cortland County, the Catskills, and the many gaps all along the FLT Valentine Ski at Bear Swamp that I needed to fill. My final hike was attended by John Andersson, Jack Van Derzee, Marsha Zgola, Jennifer Wil­ Saturday, February 14, 2004 son, Scott Lauffer, Sigrid Connors, Vicky and Paul Gaeta, ring your sweetheart, your bu.ddy, or just yourself Jay Zitter, and Joan Jedele. We had a wonderful wine and for a fun day of cross-country skiing at Bear snack party at the trail head after the hike on South Road Swamp. This will be a joint ski outing of the in the Town of Caroline. B Cayuga Trails Club and the Finger Lakes Chapter of So what did it take for me to finish the trail? It took 63 the Adirondack Mountain Club. The Bear Swamp Nordic hiking excursions which spanned an accumulative 252 ski trail system cuts through numerous wetlands and deep hours and 5 80 miles of main trail. It took car spotters Suzy woodlands to give skiers varied terrain and technical chal­ Stetz, Vicky and Paul Gaeta, Don French, Ed Sidote, Gary lenges. Bear Swamp is located south of the west shore of Klee, Marie Inglee, Nancy and Harry from the Adam Farm Skaneateles Lake near Sempronius, New York. We will B&B in Downsville, Jim Wheeler, and George Probst. It meet at 10:00 a.m. for the folks in the Ithaca area and took the FLTC conference programs, the Cayuga Trails 10: 15 a.m. for those meeting in Cortland. For those folks Club programs, all of the trail maintainers, hike leaders, corning from the Ithaca area or south, meet Seana Thrasher and all my hiking friends whom I would never have met if in the Wegman' sparking lot closest to the Barnes & Noble not for hiking. It took a v.rife who loves to hike and who bookstore off NY Route 13 . For people coming from the pulled me to safety more than once when I strayed into the Cortland area or north, meet Jennifer Wilson in the far roadway while gabbing to a friend. A big thank you to all corner of the parking lot of you! I have many fond memories of my hiking adven­ (nearest NY Route 281) of the tures and look forward to many more. Cortlandville Wal-Mart. Bring extra money if you would like Special gifts to the Cayuga to eat a late lunch with us after Trails Club were received in the ski at the Colonial Lodge Restaurant next to Bear 2003 from Swamp. Contact Jennifer Wil­ Lawrence and Cornelia Marks son at 607 /753-8641 or wilsonj @cortland.edu or Seana----.&.--:--~~ Eastern Mountain Sports in Ithaca, NY Thrasher at 607/594-4749 or VALENTINES DAY smt2 [email protected].

Cayuga Trails - 5 - Winter 2004 Report on November Special Hike

Date: November 16, 2003 Location: Finger Lakes National Forest Leaders: Marsha Zgola and Jennifer Wilson eaders Marsha and Jennifer led 21 determined hikers along the Interlaken Trail in Finger Lakes National Forest on a cool, cloudy day in mid-November. Zgola and Wilson have led this jaunt at least twice before as the club's last hurrah before Lthe start of shotgun hunting season, which began the next day. Shuttling a few cars filled with walkers to Parmeter Road, the group disembarked and began its almost 12-mile day hike during the late fall's short window of daylight hours. Participants hailed from as far away as Johnson City and the Rochester area. Fortunately, the rain remained at bay allowing the group to enjoy cool walking weather and to savor the beautiful, misty hilltop views across wide fields, for which the Finger Lakes National Forest is second to none in the region. Two hikers opted to shorten their hike with a mid-point car shuttle and everyone gathered at the end in the late afternoon dusk for a small tailgate party of cider and brownies. You're Invited! Cayuga Trails Club Annual Meeting & Luncheon Sunday, :r anuary 25, 2004 12:00-4:00 p.m. Angelina Centini' s Italian Ristorante 124 Coddington Road, Ithaca, New York Social hour with hors d'oeuvres and cash bar at 12:00 p.rn. Lunch at 1:00 p.m. his afternoon event will feature annual committee reports, election ofofficers for 2004, Oscar awards for distinguished service, and a presentation by Rulon Clark! Rulon, a graduate student in Cornell University's Department of TNeurobiology and Behavior, will give a presentation on "Appreciating Local Wildlife: Timber Rattlesnakes ofthe Twin Tiers." Rulon studies the timberrattlesnakes of Steege Hill, a nature preserve in Chemung County owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Timber rattlesnakes once were abundant top-level predators throughout the forests of the eastern United States. In recent times, their range has been massively reduced both by habitat loss ~~ \,\.... and active eradication programs implemented by humans. However, they still manage to persist in a few ~~ wild and cemote comers of the Finger Lakes Region. Come learn mmc about this fascinating and ~!).__ under-appreciated animal as Rulon presents his research on the hunting behavior, social lives, and - ' conservation biology of timber rattlesnakes. Lunch will include: choice that day of lasagna, manicotti with choice of house or marinara sauce, capellini with fresh vegetables cooked in olive oil and garlic, marinated grilled chicken breast with a side dish of pasta with house or marinara sauce, or eggplant parmigiana with a side dish of pasta. Also includes antipasto bar, bread and butter, dessert, coffee, tea, or soda! Members who don't care to dine are welcome to arrive at 2:00 p.m. to attend the meeting and program.

Return this form and make check payable to Cayuga Trails Club, c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 754, Ithaca, NY 14851-0754 Reservation deadline January 15, 2004 Your name(s) ______

Number of reservations.___ @ $12.00 = $ ____

Support Your Club. Please Attend the Annual Meeting.

Cayuga Trails - 6 - Winter 2004 Snowshoeing Cornell Plantations at the Arboretum Natural Areas

Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #484 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #485 January 10, 2004 (Saturday) February 8, 2004 (Sunday) • location: Cornell Plantations and vicinity, Ithaca • Location: Cornell University natural areas on and near campus, Ithaca • Meeting Place: F.R. Newman Arboretum parking area off Forest Home Drive near Flat Rock • Meeting Place: Cornell Plantations headquarters, One Plantations Road, Ithaca • Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m. • Meeting Time: 1 :00 p.m. iz Millhollen, from Eastern Mountain Sports at Thresh­ old Plaza in Ithaca, will lead a special snowshoeing om Reimers will lead this 3- to 5-mile-long hike Lclinic on behalf of the Cayuga Trails Club. The clinic, through several natural areas on and near the Cornell originating at the Cornell Plantations test gardens, will T University campus. Depending on the weather and be for both beginners and more advanced snowshoers. snow cover, these areas will include Gymnosperm The clinic for beginners will cater to those who don't Slope, Beebe Lake, Mundy Wildflower Garden, Slim Jim have their own snowshoes but would like to learn to explore Woods, Fall Creek Plateau, McGowan Woods, and the East the woodlands in this unique and increasingly popular way. Ithaca Recreation Way. Some of these places have magnif­ EMS will loan the snowshoes to participants, who are en­ icent old growth forests with huge, wonderful trees. We'll couraged to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear (hiking boots try to identify trees, berries, and wildflowers in winter. For are perfect) and warm clothing. Bring spare clothing layers a preview of the areas we plan to visit on this hike, Tom as well as fluid and snacks. Many snowshoers use ski or recommends getting a copy of A Field Guide to Cornell's trekking poles, so bring these, too, if you have them. For Natural Areas On and Near Campus by Nancy L. Ostrnan beginners, the distance covered will probably be insig­ and F . Robert Wesley. It is for sale at the Cornell Plantations nificant, but there will be plenty of exercise as snowshoeing Gift Shop. Call Tom at 607/272-8679 or email him at is a rather vigorous activity. The Cornell Plantations site [email protected] for more information. Be sure to provides a varied terrain for participants to try their paces. dress for the weather! The advanced group will probably cross Fall Creek and strike out to explore more challenging terrain in the area. Supplies ofsnowshoes are limited, so pi ease register your name in advance with EMS to enroll in the clinic and reserve More CTC a pair. Call EMS at 607/ 272-1935 or stop in the store to outings register. If you plan to show up with your own snowshoes, kindly call your CTC representative, Jennifer Wilson, so that on pages Liz and Jennifer can plan for whatever size event Contact 5 and 9. Jennifer at 607/753-8641 or [email protected].

Cayuga Trails - 7 - W inter 2004 Report on Walk, Look, and learn Hike #482

• Date: November 9, 2003

• Location: Keuka Outlet Trail • Leader: Clifford Blizard n a mostly sunny, brisk autumn day, seven hikers octagonal red brick chimney, and a massive flywheel, set out from Penn Yan, New York, to follow the slowly rusting. We continued down the trail, hurrying past 0 Keuka Outlet as it makes its 274-foot descent from still more ruins that would have to be saved for a future Keuka Lake down to Seneca Lake. The trail began excursion. We passed another set of mill ruins, at the base along the edge of a Little League ball field; we felt a bit ofa spectacular waterfall. Arriving at another set of build­ incongruous in our hiking garb and with our walking sticks ings (several of which were part of a factory that produced as we hit the pavement, strolling past a woman unloading carbon bisulfide for pesticides and other purposes), we several children in baseball outfits from her car. We soon were lucky enough to catch a volunteer for the Friends of arrived at the Keuka Outlet (with, unfortunately, no view Keuka Outlet, Inc. (which maintains the trail) at the Keuka of the lake), then crossed it on an old bridge of the Penn Outlet Visitor Center. The building still needs further re­ Yan and New York Railroad. Looking back, we paused to modeling; it used to be a tire sales facility, and looks the photograph Birkett Mill, the only 19th century mill still part. Still, there are several worthwhile exhibits about the fairly intact along the route. Keuka Mills, including some old photographs of mill We continued past a dam that regulates the level of buildings. More exciting, though, were the well-swept Keuka Lake, passing under a bridge whose stonework was carbon bisulfide production buildings, which we were able originally part of the Crooked Lake Canal (built in 1833). to enter and explore. We continued past remnant sections of the canal (partly On oµr way again, we walked along rugged walls of filled in with sediment, partly with tires and dead appli­ shale and limestone, then along a pleasant stretch ofwoods ances). Leaving the pavement behind, we began passing and fields. At last, the NY Route 14 bridge in Dresden one set of stone foundations after another, all ruins of came into view. After passing under its modem immensity former mill operations (at one point, 30-40 were operating (somehow less impressive than the older bridges we had at once along the outlet!). We took a brief excursion off­ seen), we began the brief, gentle climb up from the Keuka trail to view the impressive ruins of one of the larger mill Outlet flood plain to our waiting cars. As we left the outlet complexes, a former paper mill with still-intact walls (of behind, many of us began making plans for future visits canal stone) and holes that appear to have contained vats. and further mill explorations. We all decided, too, that the We lunched at yet another mill ruin-this time one that trail had offered us a most delightful and fascinating walk, only shut down in the 1960s, with a stunning nearly-intact and certainly nothing "run of the mill"! Welcome to New Members

Kristen Hoey Sam Broaddus Chani Robinson

Ithaca, NY 14850 Downington, PA 19335 Alexandria, VA 22314 Gregory Konover

Ithaca, NY 14850 Ed & Carlyn -Buckler Gail Steinhart & Joe McMahon

Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850 Yawen Lu

Ithaca, NY 14850

Cayuga Trails - 8 - Winter 2004 Special X-C Ski Outing Special February Hike

January 31, 2004 (Saturday) February 21, 2004 (Saturday) Rain date February 1, 2004 • Location: Finger Lakes Trail on the south rim of • Location: Beam Hill near Hammond Hill, Town of Glen Creek in and near Dryden, Tompkins County Schuyler County '

• Meeting Place: 400 Beam Hill Road • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca • Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m. • Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m. eam Hill is home to some of Tompkins County's best snow and ski conditions, as well as CTCer and ~agin.e an ancie?t massive glacier: miles of ice in every BCayuga Nordic Ski Club member Lois Chaplin. If drrect10n, covenng the Finger Lakes area in trillions of there's going to be snow in February in Tompkins Itons of ice, perhaps hundreds of feet deep. Incredibly County, it will be on Beam Hill! If you are a beginner powerful, this juggernaut crushes boulders into dust, skier and interested in an afternoon of skiing with some scouring out the deep gorges, ravines, streams, and lakes basic instruction, guidance, and support, you are invited to we see so often along the Finger Lakes Trail. It all hap­ join Lois for a joint CTC/Nordic Ski Club outing at 400 pened thousands of years ago. Beam Hill Road. We'll have a chance to imagine the power and witness This is your chance to try out those new skis, or the ones the aftermath of the as we hike the Art Kopp you 've been tumbling offof in frustration when you end up section ofthe Finger Lakes Trail that travels along the dra­ with a group of skiers more advanced than you are. Nobody matic south rim of the Glen Creek gorge. We'll see hem­ gets left behind at this event! We'll have a loop through the locks and white pines 100 years old or older, recent backyard and around the pond for you to practice some evidence of beaver, and man's influence, too: two dams, simple kick and glide techniques. Learn to fall in a two lakes, an impressive railroad trestle, and an old sus­ supporting atmosphere! Test out your clothing to see how pension footbridge, both of which span the gorge. If we well it keeps you warm and repels moisture! Another trail are very fortunate, we may even see a hawk carrying lunch will be set up for those a tad more adventuresome taking in its talons as it wings its way through the gorge. you on a short loop through the woods where there's a little The plan is to carpool from Ithaca, beginning the hike vertical variety. For those who get chilled, the hot water at the parking lot at the lower entrance of Watkins Glen will be on the kitchen stove; hot chocolate, other State Park, intersection of 10th Street and Franklin Street warming drinks, and snacks will be available. If poor con­ in the Village of Watkins Glen. We will hike up the gorge ditions cancel the January 31 outing, plan to come the next to "Julie's Crossing" and return (an "out and back" hike). day and also enjoy a Super Bowl party! Assuming moderate snow cover, this w ill be a moderately Bring your own ski equipment, water bottle, extra difficult hike. The first half mile features some steep uphill mittens, questions, and a change ofdry clothing. For safety climbs with a total change in elevation of over 600 feet. reasons, dogs are not invited. Ifyou 're a more experienced However, the remainder of the hike is along fairly level to skier and would like to lend a helping hand, please join us. gently rolling terrain and reasonably well-maintained trail. To get to Beam Hill Road, turn onto Irish Settlement Total distance is about 8.6 miles. Road from NY Route 13 just south of the village of Dry­ Only a select few of your fellow hardy Cayuga Trails den. Travel three miles and turn left. (You've gone a half Club members are likely to brave the elements and the mile too far if you get to Hammond Hill Road.) Number elevation on this hike. Get off the couch and join them to 400 is the third house on the left, one-half mile up the see one ofthe jewels of the Finger Lakes Trail in its winter road. Call 607/844-3935 with questions or to confirm. splendor, a time when few visitors ever see it. Bring water, a snack, appropriate winter clothing for the weather, and warm, broken-in boots. A blizzard or extreme winter weather cancel this hike. It will be led by Gary Mallow and Jennifer Wilson. For more information, call 607/ 564- 7938 or email [email protected].

Cayuga Trai ls - 9 - Winter 2004 Winter Events at Ithaca EMS

he Eastern Mountain Sports store in Ithaca has a great array of winter events planned. Cayuga Trails Club members are invited to participate. All events meet at the EMS store at Threshold Plaza, 722 South Meadow Street in Ithaca at Tthe times indicated. Call 607/272-1935 to register and obtain more information.

• Introduction to Nordic (X-C) Skiing wintry Finger Lakes Trail, where you can enjoy the fresh Sunday, January 11, 2004 air and maybe find a valentine! Open to all. Free. (See also 10:00 a.m. our club's ski outing on Valentine's Day, page 5.) Learn an activity that will bring the joy back to the winter season .. .learn to Nordic ski! Beginning skills including • Winter Dog Trot diagonal kick and glide, hill techniques (snowplow, her­ Owner/dog hike to benefit the SPCA ringbone, and cat-paw), and more will be demonstrated Sunday,February,22,2004 and instructed. This outdoor clinic is intended for skiers 10:00 a.m. with little or no prior experience and has limited space so Has Fido shredded your Acom slippers? If it's a case of sign up soon. Adult rental gear will be provided free on a doggie cabin fever there's only one solution: get outside first-come, first-served basis. Free. and let your pooch play in the snow with canine com­ panions. Leashes, pooper scoopers, and baggies are re­ • Abbott Loop Snowshoe quired. There is a $10.00 donation for this event, and the Saturday, January 24, 2004 entire donation will benefit the Tompkins County SPCA. 9:00 a.m. If you don't have a dog but would like to participate, Experience the beauty ofMichigan Hollow in winter. This Tirzah will be happy to arrange for a "loaner" pooch from moderate/strenuous 6.7-mile-long outing is intended for the SPCA. intermediate level snowshoers and has limited space. Snowshoes are available for this outing free of charge. • Long-Distance Backpacking Free. Sunday, March 7, 2004 11:00 a.m. • Kick and Glide by the Light of the Moon Interested in long-distance backpacking but not sure how Full Moon Nordic (X-C) Ski to start planning? Join '99 thru-hiker Friday, February 6, 2004 Amanda to hear trail tales and to learn the ins and outs of 6:00 p.m. hike planning for any long-distance trail adventure. Free. Prepare to be dazzled by snow glistening in the moonlight! Join Michelle for a moderate to strenuous Nordic ski on • Map and Compass for Dummies! Sunday, March 21, 2004 the trails at Hammond Hill State Forest. Compact Nordic 11 :00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. skis will be available for this outffig free of charge, but Do concepts like declination, bearings, and triangulation space is limited so sign up soon! Free. make you feel lost even though you have a map with you? • Full Moon Snowshoe Trek Join John for an introductory course in map reading and Friday February 6, 2004 map and compass orientation. This four-hour seminar will 6:00 p.m. include indoor and outdoor components and will be thor­ For a different view of the woods, join Pablo for a full oughly participatory. Come learn a skill that could save moon snowshoe. We'll walk by the light of the moon on your life! Registration is required. this easy to moderate hike. Dress for the cold, and prepare • GPSBasics to be dazzled! Call the store for more information (snow­ Sunday, March 28, 2004 shoes are available free ofcharge for this outing). Space is 11 :00 a.m. limited, so sign up early. Free. Curious about GPS but afraid of having to sift through the • Valentine's Day Trek manual to be able to use it? Let John show you the basics Saturday, February 14, 2004 of GPS use and how a GPS can improve your outdoor 10:00 a.m. experience. Registration is requir_ed. If you love the outdoors and are looking to meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, this is the outing for you. Liz will lead you on this easy to moderate hike along the

Cayuga Trails - 10 - Winter 2004 Report on Executive Board Meeting

he Executive Board of the Cayuga Trails Club met Trails: Tom Reimers reported that letters peeled off the for a regular meeting on December 2, 2003, in the sign for Diane's Crossing on the Finger Lakes Trail in TScott Heyman Conference Room, Old Jail, 125 East Michigan Hollow soon after installation about 9 years ago. Court Street, Ithaca. Board members present were It was made by the Sunshine Sign Company in Dryden. John Andersson, Jim Connors, Sigrid Connors, Barb Recently, the company replaced the sign at no charge and Morley, Tom Reimers, David Schwartz, Jack Van Derzee, also provided another sign for the FLT in Shindagin Hol­ and Jennifer Wilson. The following is a summary of some low State Forest denoting damage to trees from last win­ of the items considered and actions taken as recorded by ter's ice and snow storms. Secretary Sigrid Connors. Tom also reported that he has four volunteers on a Co-president Jennifer Wilson called the meeting to waiting list who would like to adopt sections ofthe Finger order at 7:32 p.m. Treasurer Jack Van Derzee reported a Lakes Trail System for maintenance. Currently the CTC checking account balance of $1, 169 .11 and a savings maintains 77.3 miles of main trail and 13.5 miles of loop account balance of $6,689.83. Jack also reported that the and spur trails for a total of 90.8 miles. anticipated revenue from membership dues had exceeded Adopt-a-Highway Program: Jim Connors reported his expectations. that nine members attended the October 18 cleanup ofNY Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes: Jennifer Wilson re­ Route 366. Jim also surprised Tom Reimers with acer­ ported that Clifford Blizard tendered his resignation as tificate in recognition and appreciation of his perfect chair of the Walk, Look, and Learn Committee but ex­ attendance at the highway cleanups. The certificate was pressed an interest in continuing to lead special hikes as presented to Tom at the General Membership Meeting on able. Jennifer asked all to let her know if anyone is October 19, 2003. interested in serving as chair. Tom Reimers agreed to lead Other Business: As chair ofthe nominating committee, a walk through the Cornell Plantations natural areas on Jim Connors was pleased to report that he and committee February 8, 2002. Barb Morley will see if she can find a members Marsha Zgola and Varya Siegel had a full slate of hike leader who could combine nature photography tips candidates for club officers in 2004. The slate will be with a hike. Jennifer noted that approximately 10 people presented at the annual meeting on January 25. attended Carol Mallison 's hike at Sapsucker Woods, and Barb Morley reported that the voluntary Internet list­ 23 energetic people turned out for the Interlaken Trail hike serv for reporting trail conditions and last-minute hikes has in Finger Lakes National Forest led by Jennifer and had about one message posted a week. Barb will follow Marsha Zgola. up on the suggestion that she send out a reminder next Guidebook: Jack Van Derzee noted that we have spring to CTC members about the site and its purpose. reached the break-even point having sold about 1,500 copies of the ninth edition of Guide to Trails of the Finger Lakes Region. We have 2,500 left and are now making a profit. Lean-to Closed Membership: Jennifer Wilson reported on behalf of Suzanne Cohen that the club has 190 members. Six mem­ The Shindagin Lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail bers joined through the recent EMS Club Day. in Shindagin Hollow State Forest has been closed Social: John Andersson reported on arrangements for by the NYS Department ofEnvironmental Conser­ rhe upcoming 2004 annual meeting and luncheon at vation. The closure was necessary because the Angelina Centini's restaurant. After discussion the board deteriorating shelter was damaged when a large chose the $15.95 per person menu package. The price (20"- 24" diameter) pine tree fell on the roof includes gratuity, and no tax will be added. Attendees will during a recent wind storm. Volunteers from the be able to choose among five entrees on the day of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Cayuga Trails meeting, and a cash bar will be available. The package Club will build a new Shindagin Lean-to from includes the antipasto bar, bread and butter, dessert, cof­ August 16 to August 22, 2004. This project is one fee, tea, and soda. Tom Reimers made a motion to sub­ of three being done next suminer by the FLTC's sidize the meals by $4.00 to bring the cost down to $12.00 Alley Cat Trail Crews. Specific information will per person. The motion passed unanimously. appear in upcoming issues of Cayuga Trails.

Cayuga Trails - 11 - Winter 2004 Mark Your Calendars

Saturday, January 10, 2004 ... . Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #484. Snowshoeing at the Arboretum. Meet at the F.R. Newman Arboretum area off Forest Home Drive in Ithaca at 9 :00 a.m. Details on page 7. Jennifer Wilson (6071753- 8641 , wi/[email protected]), contact person.

Sunday, January 25 ...... Cayuga Trails Club annual meeting and luncheon. Angelina Centini's Restaurant, 124 Coddington Road, Ithaca. See page 6 for informatio~ and reservation form. Deadline for reservations is January 15.

Saturday, January 31 ...... Special X-C ski outing on Beam Hill. Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at 400 Beam Hill Road, Town of Dryden. Lois Chaplin (607/844-3935), leader. Rain date February 1 . Details on page 9 . Tuesday, February 3 ...... Cayuga Trails Club Executive Board meeting. 7:30 p.m. Old Jail Building, 1 25 East Court Street, Ithaca. Members welcome. Sunday, February 8 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #485. Cornell Plantations Natural Areas. Meet at 1 :00 p.m . at Cornell Plantations headquarters, One Plantations Road, Ithaca. Details on page 7 . Tom Reimers (607/ 272- 8679, [email protected]), leader.

Saturday, February 14 ...... Valentine Ski at Bear Swamp. Meet at 10:00 a.m. in Wegman' s parking lot near Barnes & Noble in Ithaca or 10: 15 a.m. at the far corner of the Cortlandville Wal-Mart parking lot. Details on page 5 . Jennifer Wilson (607 /753-8641, [email protected]) and Seana Thrasher (607 /594-4749, [email protected]), leaders. Sunday, February 15 ...... Deadline for submitting materials for the early spring issue of Cayuga Trails. See information in box on page 2 .

Saturday, February 21 ...... Special February hike. Finger Lakes Trail on south rim of Glen Creek in and near Watkins Glen State Park, W atkins Gl en. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K­ Mart Plaza, Ithaca. Gary Mallow (607/564-7938, garymallow2002 @yahoo.com) and Jennifer Wilson (6071753-8641 , wilsonj@cortland .edu), leaders. Details on page 9.

Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. NON-PROFIT P.O. Box 754 ORGANIZATION Ithaca, NY 14851-07 54 U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA, NY PERMIT NO. 94 Newsletter of the Cayuga Trails Club Founded in 1962 ''to explore, enjoy, and preserve wild lands and places of natural beauty... "

March- April 2004 Early Spring Edition Vol. 44, Nos. 3 & 4 Cayuga Trails Club 2004 Oscar Awards

etty Hansen and Kurt Seitz bring the Cayuga Trails Tom Reimers, who was also recognized in 2003, Club Oscars home for 2004! The Oscars are small decided to award Oscar Brown to Kurt Seitz: Kurt has Bporcelain gray and brown squirrels awarded each served as trails chairman for the Cayuga Trails Club. Tom year at the annual meeting to two members who said, "While trails chairman and since then, he has funda­ have provided distinguished service to the club in the past mentally changed and beautified the Finger Lakes Trail year. The winners get to keep the a"".ards for a year and (FLT) in three places: Connecticut Hill, Lick Brook, and then choose winners in 2005. Rieman Woods. Last summer and fall, I thoroughly Tom Gudeman, one of the winners last year, honored explored the FLT in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Man­ Betty for the many years of continued service to the agement Area. The reroutes and new trail Kurt Seitz built Cayuga Trails Club. Tom said, ''Betty had been a ded­ are outstandingly beautiful. I especially like the long walk icated volunteer for the club for through the pine plantation east quite some time when I got to of Boylan Road." know her. When I was heading Kurt was also responsible for up trail maintenance a couple development of the · beautiful summers ago, I felt rather over­ Van Lone Hill Loop trail in whelmed by the amount ofwork · ' Schuyler County and the section one person was expected to take · l ofthe FLT that goes through the on. Thank goodness for Betty magnificent Cayuta Gulf. Kurt having been involved with the was involved in a major way paperwork part of it. She reg­ with planning and construction ularly came to the trail work of the two footbridges in the sessions and made sure that the Cayuta Gulf with Cornell civil necessary forms for the volun­ engineering students. teers involved were taken care ·· Tom added that Kurt was al­ of and kept all this in order. This so resp,onsible for planning and is no small task. And then she _,...... _ building the very beautiful Lick took up tools and worked hard Oscar award recipients Kurt Seitz and Betty Hansen. Photo by Brook Loop trail at the Sweed­ with everyone else to clear the Tom Reimers. ler Nature Preserve. He first had trails or fix a bridge or whatever to convince the Preser\re Man­ needed doing, all the while being friendly to everyone. For agement Committee of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, a time period, she even took on the task ofmaintaining the which owns the nature preserve, to allow rerouting of the brush mower that is kept at the Finger Lakes National main FLT through magnificent woods and across small Forest headquarters near Hector. gorges. He not only convinced the committee to allow the "She also kept statistics on volunteer hours, making reroute, but members ofthe committee continue to this day sure she got the information she needed with extra phone to comment about the beauty of the rerouted trail. Finally, calls and emails. Her dedication to doing this work persis­ Kurt planned and built a reroute for the FLT in Rieman tently helped to ensure that the Finger Lakes Trail Con­ Woods which the Cayuga Trails Club owns in the Town of ference had a clear picture ofhow things were going in our Enfield, Tompkins County. neck of the woods. All this she did for many years. Tom concluded his award presentation by saying that "Betty is a quiet person, and tends to work more behind Kurt is an expert with the chainsaw. "I called upon him the scenes than out front. But her consistent method of several times in 2003 to clear fallen trees on the Finger seeing that things were taken care ofmakes her a powerful Lakes Trail. He also notified me a couple times that trees force. And as such, I am honored to pass on this Oscar were down on my adopted section of FLT along Lick award to her with my best wishes." Brook. He cheerfully offered to cut and remove them." Co-Presidents' Report

wo members are sharing the pr~side~cy ofthe Cayuga Trails Club i~ ~004. Phil Dankert continues as co-president, and John Andersson replaces Jenrufer Wilson. They plan to alternate wntmg newsletter columns and leading meetings, but Tthey thought this first message of 2004 should be a joint venture. John: Thanks to you Phil and Jennifer for heading up the club last year, and thanks also to the membership for electing me as Phil's partner for 2004. I look forward to sharing the job I last had from 1997- 1999. Phil: John, I want to add my thanks to those members who served on the , Executive Board in 2003. They all did an outstanding job. I also want to extend a very special thanks to my 2003 co-president Jennifer Wilson. Even though she will soon be assuming duties as an officer of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) she will continue to serve on the CTC Executive Board as chair of hikes and outings. I look forward to working with you in 2004. Perhaps the most important event planned for 2004 will be organizing and running the hike series across Tompkins County (see announcement on page 4). To accomplish this successfully we will need many volunteers to serve as organizers, hike leaders, sag Co-presidents John Andersson and Phil Dankert. wagon drivers, and others. I want to thank Sigrid Connors for agreeing to organize Photo by Luanne Andersson. this event. She has already accomplished a great deal. John: That's for sure, Phil! In addition to the cross-county hike series, the annual meeting of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference will be nearby, at Toggenburg Ski Center near Fabius, New York, from April 30 to May 2. Since it is so close, we hope to see many CTC members attend the hikes, dinner, and other events. You don't need to be an FLTC member to have fun at the FLTC weekends! Anyone can download the registration at www.fingerlakestrail.org. Phil: It appears that although the condition of sections of the Finger Lakes Trail we maintain won't be as bad as it was in 2003 there will be major obstructions-caused by fallen tree limbs and whole trees that are down- that will need to be tended to. Thank you Tom Reimers for volunteering to serve one more year as trails chair. As Jennifer reported in the last issue of Cayuga Trails, the Shindagin Lean-to will be rebuilt in August of this year by the FLTC. Although the CTC will not have much of a responsibility, there is some work to be done by us. A major challenge for us according to Tom will be to find a route to get supplies into the work site. Volunteers from the Cayuga Trails Club are certainly welcome to help with the Shindagin Lean-to project. · John: I'd like to put in a pitch for FLTC relationships. The CTC has contributed volunteer members for the FLTC Board of Managers and officers for many years. Tom Reimers is ending a three-year term this spring, and I am finishing up four years as recording secretary after three years on the board. This work makes me appreciate all the people who contribute their time (and landowners who let us traipse across their property!) to make the main FLT and branch trails realities. Jennifer Wilson has stepped up and volunteered to serve as secretary of the FLTC for 2004-2005, ensuring that there is a CTC "presence" on the FLTC Board of Managers. Our CTC as a hiking, trail building, and trail maintaining club is dear to me. But the FLTC makes it possible to walk from the Catskills to and continue to other trails on either end. The FLTC provides opportunities for grants and manpower beyond the CTC's capabilities that benefit the very trails we maintain. I encourage those who want to make a larger contribution to trail efforts to consider joining the FLTC. An online membership application can be found at www.fingerlakestrail.org. Phil: There is plenty· ofopportunity to volunteer and help the CTC in 2004. Any member who has some time to contribute can contact any officer and offer a little time or a lot, on the trail or at his or her home. Together we can all make the Cayuga Trails Club and the trails we maintain the best in the state!

Cayuga Trails is published six times each year and is edited and published by Thomas J. Reimers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the late spring edition is April 15, 2004. Send to nyhiker@Jocalnetcom or 3C Wildflower Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Cayuga Trails - 2 - Early Spring 2004 Great Success: 2004 Annual Meeting and Luncheon

by Sigrid Connors and Philip Dankert

ifty-four members and two guests attended the 2004 maturity at 10 years ofage. Females give birth to 5 to 10 live annual meeting held on Sunday, January 25 , at offspring every 3 to 5 years. Of most interest were the FAngelina Centini' s Restaurant in Ithaca. A delicious fascinating time-lapse clips showing rattlesnakes setting up meal was preceded by a social hour. Being a clear, ambushes to hunt for prey in locations they change every sunny day we were afforded excellent views of Cayuga several days. Although they are· not successful at every Lake, Cornell University, and Ithaca College from the strike, they usually feed on small birds, rabbits, shrews, restaurant's many windows. chipmunks, and squirrels. When they are successful, their The business meeting was convened after lunch and venom is lethal; prey animals live about 10 to 20 seconds began with reports by the treasurer, committee chair­ after being bitten. The snakes get by on about 4 to 5 good persons, and one of the co-presidents who briefly dis­ meals a year with supplements of voles and field mice. cussed the club's accomplishments in 2003. Following this Harassment is not something that we usually associate the nominating committee announced _the slate of candi­ with snakes of this size but a number of videos showed dates for the 2004 Executive Board. Members unanimous­ chipmunks, squirrels, and birds harassing the snakes while ly elected John Andersson and Phil Dankert to be the keeping out ofharms way. The snakes would usually move club's co-presidents, Dave Schwartz as vice-president, to other locations after the harassment. Sigrid Connors as secretary, Jack Van Derzee as treasurer, Rulon reminded us ofthe need to conserve their habitat Garry Mallow as member-at-large for 2004-2005, and and recognize that timber rattlesnakes are a flagship wild Carol Mallison as member-at-large for 2004. The business forest species. By understanding their value through edu­ meeting concluded with the presentation of the annual cation and knowledge we can help overcome the negative Oscar awards to Betty Hansen and Kurt Seitz (see article image and preserve the species and its ecosystem. on page 1). A big thank you to John Andersson and Marsha Zgola Rulon Clark, graduate student in Cornell's Department for their help in arranging the meeting details. of Neurobiology and Behavior gave an informative _and visual presentation titled "Appreciating Local Wildlife: Timber Rattlesnakes ofthe Southern Tier." Rulon studies the timber rattlesnakes of the Steege Hill Nature Preserve in the Town of Big Flats, Chemung County, to learn their natural history and biology in pursuit of bis doctorate. Guests were treated to nighttime and time-lapse videos of rattlesnake habitat and hunting behavior. Rulon hoped that the presentation would increase our appreciation and awareness of the rattlesnakes and help the snake's public image problem. He used innovative, low-tech, and inex­ pensive equipment in his studies due to the length of time it takes a snake to move and especially because ofthe need . to film at night. These rattlesnakes, yellow and black colored morphs, ~ belong to the pit viper family. Along with acute vision and . excellent chemical senses (via the forked tongue) they use thermal imaging to detect images and body heat of their prey. Although these snakes were previously found ex­ Rulon Clark describes his research on timber rattlesnakes at the tensively in the eastern and southern United States, they CTC annual meeting on January 25. Photo by Tom Reimers. are now only found in isolated and scattered areas. Adult snakes are ~nywhere from 42 to 54 inches long and up to 4 to 5 inches in diameter. They bide beneath the frost line in winter and emerge in April to sun themselves on ex­ posed outcrops to regulate their body temperature. Their average life span is 30 to 35 years but they are slow to reproduce with the females only reaching r~productive

Cayuga Trails - 3 - Early Spring 20 04 Report on Special The Finger Lakes X-C Ski Outing Trail Conference

+ Date: January 31 , 2004 + Location: Beam Hill, Town of Dryden, Tompkins County + Leader: Lois Chaplin announces the n Saturday, January 31, twenty-four people showed up for the "Beam Hill-for-Beginners" ski HIKE ACROSS 0 outing. All attendees started out with a few warm­ TOMPKINS COUNTY up laps around the pond and barn. Due to the windy nature of the day, everyone was more than willing Hosted by the Cayuga Trails Club to tackle the hill that leads to the trails through the woods. Smaller groups were formed to suit interests and skill Here is your opportunity to hike 52 miles levels. With nearly three feet of snow on the ground, there of the Finger Lakes Trail with a guide. was plenty of snow to cushion the occasional sitz-mark­ A picnic and ceremony will be held maker. There were short loops and longer loops on the at various trails. After a couple hours of skiing, most folks the end with special recognition for found their way to LQis's kitchen. Socializing over snacks those who complete all hikes. and hot drinks allowed participants to meet new friends and/or greet familiar faces. This outing was co-sponsored The 2004 dates are: by the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club. May 8 June 12 Report on Walk, Look, July 10 August 14 and Learn Hike #485 September 11 October 9 + Date: February 8, 2004 For more information send a self + Location: Cornell Plantations Natural Areas addressed stamped envelope to + Leader: Tom Reimers Finger Lakes Trail Conference Hike 6111 Visitor Center Rd. old temperatures (about 20° F) and icy paths didn't Mt. Morris, NY 14510 stop 14 CTC members and one guest on a bril­ or email Cliantly sunny afternoon from enjoying a stroll along footpaths and roads of Cornell Plantations. [email protected] Deep snow prevented the group from visiting Gymno- sperm Slope and McGowan Woods-natural areas orig­ inally planned for visits by the leader. Instead, hikers walked around Beebe Lake and through the Mundy Wild­ flower Garden, the F.R. Newman Arboretum, Arboretum To learn more about the Meadows, Arboretum Woods, and Fall Creek . Finger Lakes Trail Conference Hikers were tested on winter tree and wildflower iden­ tification along the way. Tom also took the group for a go to www. fingerlakestrai/. org. brief visit to the Muenscher Poisonous Plants Garden by Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. Although the vegetation was covered with snow, Tom recommended that the hikers return in the spring and summer to see what surprises this garden has.

Cayuga Trails - 4 - Early Spring 2004 Cayuga Trail West! Earth Day Hike on the Cayuga Trail Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #486 March 21 , ?004 (Sunday) Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #487 + Location: The Cayuga Trail, west of Freese Road, April 25, 2004 (Saturday) · Tompkins County + Location: The Cayuga Trail, Town of Dryden, Meeting Place: Liddell Laboratory at the top of the · + Tompkins County winding section of Freese Road in Varna + Meeting Place: ·Liddell Laboratory at the top of the + Meeting Time: 1 :00 p.m. winding section of Freese Road in Varna he Cayuga Trail east of Freese Road forms a rough + Meeting·Time: 1:00 p.m. loop trail that follows beautiful Fall Creek and Tmakes for a popular hike (see next WLL hike on pril 22 marks the 34th.anniversary of Earth Day. right). Not so the western portion of the Cayuga To celebrate this very important event, the Cayuga Trail, which runs into the City oflthaca and involves for A Trails Club will sponsor the 13th annual Earth Day would-be hikers a car setup or a return trip along the same Hike on the Cayuga Trail on April 25. This 5-mile route. Yet, the orange paint-blazed western end meanders loop hike will go through Cornell Plantations natural alongside the same lovely creek offering a series of spec­ areas. Tom Reimers will lead the hike from Liddell Lab­ tacular views. The outing evolves into a semi-urban ram­ oratory beginning at 1:00 p.m. ble through the Cornell University campus to the Stewart The Cayuga Trails Club started building the Cayuga A venue bridge over Fall Creek, about one mile from Trail in 1964; it has b~en expanded several times in its downtown Ithaca. Carol Mallison and Jennifer Wilson will history. The most recent expansion was done in 2000 after organize the necessary car shuttle for those who show up a short section ·of trail along Fall Creek was washed out to take part in this hike. Everyone will meet at the parking during heavy spring snow melt and rains. The section was . lot of the Liddell Laboratory where west meets east. replaced by a very scenic reroute following both sides of It's hard to say what the trail conditions will be like this a gorge entering Fall Creek. . year in late March, but warm clothing, extra rain wear, and The Cayuga Trail takes hikers along the high banks and sturdy boots seem to be in order for this outing. The hike water's edge ofPall Creek, through hardwood forests, pine will be 3 .9 miles in length. The more adventurous may plantations, and interesting areas of lush ferns and haw­ leave their cars at Freese Road and double back at Stewart thorns. This hike annually features early spring wild­ A venue. For more information, contact one of the hike flowers, birds, railroad history and lore, magnificent vis­ leaders: Carol Mallison at 607/564-3396 or carol @me tas, interesting geological features, and the beauty of very grawhouse.org or Jennifer Wilson at 607/753-8641 or wild sections of Fall Creek and [email protected]. Cornell's natural areas. The Cayuga Trail is considered one of the most beautiful foot trails on university prop­ erty. Wear sturdy footwear and bring · t . Also see special April rain gear and drinking water. Call · 1/(9 hike on page 6. Tom at 607/272-8679 (email nyhiker ·~ . @localnet.com) if you would like ® more information.

Cayuga Trails - 5 - Early Spring 2004 2003 Annual Report of Walk, Look, and Learn Committee

by Jennifer Wilson (acting chair)

'd like to report that we organized a total of 25 hikes in didn't come on a hike. The hike with "too many" people 2003 including Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes, special that the hiker referred to was Joe Dabes's Walk, Look, and Ihikes, ski or snowshoe events, evening hikes, and sev­ Learn Hike on July 13 at Kennedy State Forest in Virgil, eral rambles associated with special events. We had Cortland County. Thirty people showed up for his hike! I three more hikes than in 2002; in 2001 there were only 19 think everyone still had a good time. But, in 2003, the hikes. So, we've made considerable progress in expanding · average participation was 11 members and guests of the our outing offerings to members and the public. I'm glad club. to say one reason for this is that more members are willing I'm grateful to the many volunteers who are willing to to volunteer and lead outings, and in some cases several plan and lead hikes, distribute the sign-up sheets, and turn outings. Dave Schwartz, our vice president, once again the sheets in. Most are members but a few are just gen­ took the initiative to organize his summer evening hike erous with their time and knowledge. I'd like to thank ev­ series. We also created "spontaneous" hikes in 2003, or­ eryone who led outings in 2003: John Andersson, Clifford ganized quickly and advertized via our email listserve. Blizard, Lois Chaplin, Suzanne Cohen, Joe Dabes, Peter Leaders weren't asked to report on participation so there Harriott, Ed Hart, Eric Kindig from Eastern Mountain may be additional hikes I haven't counted. Sports, Carol Mallison, Chris Proulx, Tom Reimers, Dave Altogether, we had at least 286 members and club Schwartz, Varya Siegel, Jack Van Derzee, Robert Wesley guests participate in those hikes. That's a slight decline from Cornell Plantations, and Marsha Zgola. I hope I've from 302 hikers in 2002. The weather did not always forgotten no one. Thank you all! cooperate in 2003. One hike was canceled due to a snow I wanted to let you all know I have offered and the storm and a few of the more poorly attended outings were board has accepted me to serve as hikes committee chair ·accompanied by inclement conditions. There's always an in 2004. I hope we will enjoy many happy hikes and new upside, and in this case it's that one hiker complained to friendships this year! me about having to do something so too many people Special April Hike

April 3, 2004 (Saturday) + Location: Van Lone Hill Loop

+ Meeting Place: NY Route 79 in Mecklenburg at abandoned store at the Schuyler County Road 6 intersection + Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. ayuga Trails Club members Marsha Zgola and frost. Bear, foxes, and many other creatures have been Varya Siegel will jointly lead a special hike on t~e spotted here. Participants are advised to bring fluids and CVan Lone Hill Loop trail, a rugged route that ts plenty of snacks for this outing and wear or stow in a day especially beautiful (and muddy!) in early spring. pack appropriate footwear and clothing for the hike and The hike actually combines the main Finger Lakes Trail season. Snowshoes and poles are advisable if the route is with the Cayuta Gulf Trail, the Swan Hill Trail, and the expected to be icy and rain gear is needed if it is supposed Van Lone Hill Trail for a 5.5-mile-long loop beginning to be wet. Anything could happen, so be prepared! and ending about 400 feet southeast ofCounty Route 6 in From Mecklenburg, participants will carpool the ap­ Schuyler County. While walking alongside scenic gorges, proximately six miles south along Route 6 to reach the up hills covered with hardwoods, and through pine plan­ trail head beyond Cayutaville. For more information, con­ tations, the observant visitor is likely to see wildlife, or at tact Marsha at 607/546-7367 or [email protected] or least an interesting array of footprint stories written in the Varya at 607/272-0504 or [email protected].

Cayuga Trails · - 6 - Early Spring 2004 CTC 2004 Executive Board Volunteer Needed Co-presidents ...... Phil Dankert John Andersson he Cayuga Trails Club needs someone with an Vice President ...... David Schwartz Internet connection to check and forward club email! Our current volunteer, Sara Miller Catterall, Secretary ...... Sigrid Comiors T is expecting a time crunch in March and needs to Treasurer ...... Jack Van Derzee give up the job. This task involves logging onto the club's Walk, Look, & Learn Hikes . . . Jennifer Wilson email, deleting the junk em.ail, a~d forwarding the rest to Finance ...... John Rogers an officer for response. Checking and forwarding once or Guide Book ...... Sigrid Connors twice a week in enough. Usually only one or two messages MemQership ...... Suzanne Cohen per week need forwarding. If you want to give this a try, contact John Andersson at 607/539-7096 or jlandersson Social ...... John Andersson @odyssey.net. Thank you! Trails ...... ·...... Tom Reimers Newsletter ...... Tom Reimers Archives/Historian ...... Barbara Morley CTC Co-President Publicity ...... Carol Mallison Honored by SUNY Adopt-a-Highway ...... Jim Connors Members-at-Large ...... Carol Mallison ayuga Trails Club Co-president Philip Dankert won Gary Mallow the 2003 State University of New York Chan­ Ccellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship. Welcome to New Members The award was given in recognition of Phil's out­ standing service to the Cornell Library system, particularly the Martin P. Catherwood Library in the School of Indus­ Karene Booker trial and Labor Relations. Phil has been the Collection Development Librarian at the ILR library since 1968 and Ithaca, NY 14850 is responsible for the selection of more than half of the li­ brary's current collection. Based on an article in the Cornell Chronicle, Beth Harris February 12, 2004

Ithaca, NY 14850

Anna Keeton

Ithaca, NY 1485 1

Paula McConnell

Ithaca, NY 14850

Devn~ and Wolfgang Moehler

Ithaca, NY 14850 Sigrid Connors (left). Jim Connors. and Carol Mallison at the CTC annual meeting. Photo by John Andersson.

Cayuga Trails - 7 - Early Spring 2004 '<--

Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, March 21 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #486. Cayuga Trail West! Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at the Liddell Laboratory on Freese Road in Varna. Details on page 5. Carol Mallison (607/564-3396, carol @mcgrawhouse.org) and Jennifer Wilson (607 /753-8641, [email protected]), leaders. Saturday, Apri1 -3 ...... Special April Hike on the Van Lone Hill Loop Trail. Meet at 10:00 a.m. on NY Route 79 in Mecklenburg at abandoned store. Details on page 6. Marsha Zgola (607/546-7367, [email protected]) and Varya Siegel (607/272-0504, [email protected]), leaders.

Tuesday, April 13 Cayuga Trails Club Executive Board meeting. 7:30 p.m. Old Jail Building, 125 East Court Street, Ithaca. Members welcome.

Thursday, April 1 5 Deadline for submitting materials for the late spring issue of Cayuga Trails. See information in box on page 2.

Saturday, April 24 Adopt-a-Highway Program spring cleanup of NY Route 366. Meet just before 10:00 a.m. in Cornell's "O" parking lot at the inter- section of Route 366 and Caldwell Road. Jim Connors, leader ( 607 /8 98-4 1 63, jconnors@twcn y. rr. com).

Sunday, April 25 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #487. Earth Day Hike on the Cayuga Trail. Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at Liddell Laboratory on Freese Road in Varna. Details on page 5. Tom Reimers (607/272-8679, [email protected]), leader.

Friday-Sunday, April 30-May 2 Finger Lakes Trail Conference Annual Meeting, Toggenburg Ski Center, Fabius, New York. Cayuga Trails Club members are welcome! Program, registration form, hike schedules, etc. can be found at www.fingerlakestrail.org or call the Finger Lakes Trail Conference Service Center at 585/658-9320.

Saturday, May 8 ...... Hike #1 of the Hike Across Tompkins County series. See announcement on page 4.

Saturday, May 15 ...... Trail work session. Details later.

Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. NON-PROFIT P.O. Box 754 ORGANIZATION Ithaca, NY 14851-0754 U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA, NY PERMIT NO. 94 Newsletter of the Cayuga Trails Club Founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, and preserve wild lands and places of natural beauty... "

May-June 2004 Late Spring Ed ition Vol. 44, Nos. 5 & 6

National Trails Day National June 5, 2004 Trails Day· nee again, the Eastern Mountain Sports store in Ithaca will join forces with the Cayuga Trails Club for a special trail project celebrating National Trails Day. Staff and 0 volunteers from EMS will build a new outhouse at the popular Shindagin Lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail in Shindagin Hollow State Forest beginning at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers from the Cayuga Trails Club will help carry in materials from a nearby road to the work site, a one-way distance ofabout one mile. Refreshments will be provided. Join in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new outhouse. The club may even provide a little Amrriun Hilling So

hree sections ofthe Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) are available for CTC members to adopt for maintenance. Trail adopters should check their section oftrail at least three times per year. Each adopter receives an Adopt-a-Trail agreement form, Ta volunteer time report, an FLT Field Maintenance Manual, and an updated version of the trail-blazing standards. Expenses for paint and other materials are reimbursed by the club. The available trail sections are: • NY Route 79 in Burdett to Logan Road, Schuyler County. This 3 .9-mile-long section goes along streets in Burdett (short distance) across private properties, and through parts of Finger Lakes National Forest (abandoned vineyards, fields, and beautiful woods). • NY Route 228 southwest of Cayuta Lake in Schuyler County to County Road 6. The distance is about 1.0 mile across private lands. This section was just recently re-blazed and is in excellent condition. • Spur trail that connects Treman Lake in Buttermilk Falls State Park to the main Finger Lakes Trail at Li~k Brook. The distance is approximately 3 miles on state park land and private property. Please contact Trails Chairman Tom Reimers if you are interested in adopting one of these sections. His phone number is 607 /272-8679 and his email address is [email protected]. Co-President's Report

by John Andersson ay and June are busy with the cross-county hikes, National Trails Day, or trail months for Nature maintenance, don't be shy to contact one of us to volun­ M and also for the teer! Besides organizing for the outdoor work and play, Cayuga Trails Club! your board addressed two issues that could threaten the Trail sponsors will be out fin­ trails as they exist in our area. The one that has many trail ishing spring twig and branch organizations upset is the section in the governor's pro­ removal, repainting blazes, and posed budget (there is no state budget as this is written) to getting their sections in shape allow the commissioner of the NYS Department of En­ for hikers. The first weekend in vironmental Conservation to use only her judgment in May brings the annual meeting deciding where ATVs and motorcycles can use state for­ of the Finger Lakes Trail Con­ ests. We co-presidents were authorized to write letters ference (and we are lucky to opposing this to the governor and state leaders, saying have it nearby in Fabius). We start the Hike Across such uses affect different groups of people and need the Tompkins County on May 8, followed by our first trail input of all users as well as professional wildlife and for­ work session on Saturday, May 15. May and June's Walk, estry experts. The other issue is the Town of Danby is­ Look, and Learn hikes and other hikes are described suing a variance so a house can be built on a piece ofland without municipal road frontage. The current"landowner elsewhere. Saturday, June 5, is National Trails Day (read (who is selling) allows the Finger Lakes Trail to pass about our event on page 1) and June 12 is the second in the along the edge of it. We sent a letter to the town, not cross-county hike series. There are jobs aplenty for the opposing the variance, but asking that the town consider Executive Board and other club members. Many hands the value of the Finger Lakes Trail in these kinds of make lighter work and a better job for all to enjoy. If a decisions. The Town did not make a decision at the April board member hasn't reached out and touched you to help meeting. See you on the trail! Try Yahoo!

by Barb Morley o, the weather has warmed up a bit, you've got a list for any topic related to outdoor recreation, and requires Saturday free, and you wonder about trail con­ registration and approval based only on CTC membership. Sditions in a distant section of the Finger Lakes We also welcome member contributions to other areas Trail. Maybe you've found a great source of topo­ ofthe club's Yahoo Web site at http://groups.yahoo.com/ graphic maps and aerial photographs on the Web (like group/CayugaTrailsClub/ including your digital photo­ terraserver.com) and want to let other club members graphs of trails or outdoor activities, Web site recommen­ know. Have you inherited money and decided to purchase dations, member surveys, and more .... that kayak you've been dreaming of, but need to clarify the To join the listserv, go to http://groups.yahoo.com and specs to look for (beyond red, that is)? Why not join the type "Cayuga Trails Club" in the search box. Click on the listserv of the Cayuga Trails Club? You can send a mes­ listing and follow the instructions to register for the group. sage to [email protected] and see You must have or create a personal Yahoo account, but what other CTC members have to say, or help others who may have your Yahoo email forwarded to a different ac­ have questions you can answer. count, ifthat is more convenient. You can choose to get in­ This informal discussion listserv was initiated one year dividual messages, a daily digest, or pick up messages at ago and is designed to supplement official messages you the Web site when you have time to read them. receive in print and by email from the club. Participation If you think you'd like to join but have questions or is restricted to CTC members ind about 40 people have problems signing on, please write to me at blm2@cornell .edu chosen to sign up so far. It' is an unmoderated, low-traffic and I'll do what I can to help. Hope to hear from you soon!

Cayuga Trails - 2 - Late Spring 2004 Report on Special Report on Walk, Look, February Hike and Learn Hike #486

• Date: February 21, 2004 • Date: March 21, 2004 • Location: Watkins Glen State Park • Location: Cayuga Trail West

• Leaders: Jennifer Wilson and Gary Mallow • Leaders: Carol Mallison and Jennifer Wilson en intrepid hikers--nine members and one guest­ leven club members, two guests, and one poodle braved what the meteorologists predicted to be a braved the elements on this dreary, cold, blustery Thomble day of wet and snowy weather on February Eday. It might have been the second day of spring, but 21st, and they were richly rewarded with moderate temper­ winter shook its icy finger at us as we trudged along the atures for late winter, blue skies, sunshine, and passable win­ Cayuga Trail from the Liddell Lab on Freese Road in ter trail conditions on a hike of the beautiful Watkins Glen Varna all the way down to where the trail ends at the gorge. The group started uphill, gaining access to the park Stewart Avenue bridge over Fall Creek. However, back at through a little known park access road. Tilis route was the trail's beginning as it left the fields and entered the graciously recommended by our mends in the Adirondack trees, we were appropriately welcomed by three robins. Mountain Club-Finger Lakes Chapter, who maintain this The snow-covered trail was sloppy in parts and icy in section of the trail. It allowed us to avoid a dodgy, wet others, but for the most part did not present much crossing of Townsend Creek at Julie's Crossing. Our little group got a chance to see the dramatic gorge difficulty. Orange route markers were somewhat lacking, at a time of year when most visitors will never see it, and and it was challenging to keep track of the trail. At times, it was spectacular, as promised, especially when viewed this became an urban hike as we followed Fall Creek, from the 100-year-old suspension bridge over the gorge. walked over bridges, meandered through Cornell Plan­ Equally important was the camaraderie that developed tations, and marveled at the depths of the gorges and force throughout the hike and on our frequent breaks to snack, of the waters rushing out of Beebe Lake and under other enjoy the view, and checkout recent evidence ofwhite tail bridges farther down the trail. Having car pooled earlier at deer and beaver. Sunset Park, it was the first time some people had visited This was a relatively short hike when compared with this little jewel with its expansive view, hidden in the hills distances club members often cover in warmer weather, of Cayuga Heights. The day was not over for two hikers but given the slushy, slippery snow conditions, the dis­ who turned right around to walk back up to Liddell Lab. tance was about right for most, and it gave us a taste of what the new hiking season has in store in the months ahead. Well worth the trip! CTC 2004 Executive Board

Co-presidents ...... John Andersson Philip Dankert Vice President ...... David Schwartz Secretary ...... Sigrid Connors Treasurer ...... Jack Van Derzee Walk, Look, & Learn Hikes .. . . Jennifer Wilson Finance ...... John Rogers Guide Book ...... Sigrid Connors Membership ...... Suzanne Cohen Social ...... Marsha Zgola Trails ...... Tom Reimers Newsletter ...... Tom Reimers Archives/ Historian ...... Barbara Morley Publicity ...... Carol Mallison Adopt-a-Highway ...... Jim Connors Members-at-Large ...... Gary Mallow Th e "Special February Hikers .. at Watkins Glen State Park. Photo by Carol Mallison Marsha Zgo/a.

Cayuga Trails - 3 - Late Spring 2004 Nex\ Mother's Day at the Cayuta Lake Gulfs Mcllroy Bird Sanctuary Walk, look, and learn Hike #489 June 13, 2004 (Sunday) Walk, look, and learn Hike #488 May 9, 2004 (Sunday) • Location: South of Cayuta Lake, Schuyler County

• Location: The Dorothy Mcllroy Bird Sanctuary, Town • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell of Summerhill, Cayuga County across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza

• Meeting Place: Cornell's "O" parking lot at junction • Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m. of NY Route 366 and Caldwell Road, Ithaca his hike will take place in an area very close to our • Meeting Time: 8:00 a.m.! well-traveled "gulf' hike from County Road 6 on Gulf TRoad along the first gulf or gorge ofthe glacial Cayuta irds and wildflowers! A perfect time of year to visit Lake. There are three gulfs draining Cayuta Lake to the this mysteriously beautiful nature preserve near the broad former river valley (NY Route 13) leading to Cayuga Bheadwaters of Fall Creek. Tom Reimers will lead this Lake. Our new footbridges on the main Finger Lakes Trail hike on well-marked trails with abundant boardwalks across are about at the beginning ofthe second gorge which widens wet areas. The hiking distance isn't far-about 2 miles-but out (a former lake) about the time we leave the second there are many things to see along the way. The preserve is bridge and trudge up the steep trail. The second and third named for Dorothy Mcilroy who was a charter member of gulfs continue on, and the third continues just before it the Cayuga Trails Club and an extraordinary birder. She was emerges into a wide field adjoining NY Route 13. Because instrumental in beginning the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. of topographical mapping difficulties this last gulf was The preserve is owned and managed by the Finger Lakes ~issed for some years and is therefore referred to as "The Land Trust. L6st Gorge" or Hendershot Gorge. The Mcilroy Preserve consists of 128 acres of swamp We' ll meet at Taco Bell and drive out to a parking area forest south of Lake Como. The cool temperatures and near Alpine Junction and begin hiking by 1 :45, accomplish­ northern plant species support breeding populations of ing a round trip exploration of old logging trails leading to northern birds such as dark-eyed junco, hermit thrush, winter the Lost Gorge. The estimated time for the hike is three wren, Canada warbler, and mourning warbler. State forests hours which includes steep climbs, beautiful woods, and and a state park nearby, in combination with surrounding your old friend "mud" occasionally. Good hiking boots and farmland, provide a large range of habitats and give this hiking stick are suggested. Hike leader Ed Hart will describe whole plateau between Locke and Homer some of the the geology as we go along. For more information contact Ed highest breeding bird diversity in New York State. at [email protected] or 607/272-2943. But the most unusual aspect of this preserve is the flora. Rich shrub fens grade into peat swamp and forest on either side ofFall Creek. A number of plants that are unconunon or rare in our region are found at the preserve--cuckoo flower, tuberous water lily, marsh skullcap, wild calla, swamp Many more hikes saxifrage, purple-fringed orchid, northern green bog orchid, on pages 8, 9, pink lady's slipper. and 10! Bring your binoculars and field guides for this expedition. We' ll leave Ithaca early in the morning (8:00!) to improve ~ our chances of seeing and hearing birds. For more infor­ mation contact Tom Reimers at [email protected] or 607/ 272-8679.

Cayuga Trails - 4 - Late Spring 2004 Cayuga Trails Club Membership List Tear out and save these pages.

Abbott, Doris & Cliff Andersson, John & Luanne Angrick, Werner Argetsinger, Susann Buckler, Ed & Carlyn Barcelo, Lucy Bavis, Eugene Bergmark, William & Donna Bernstein, Jonathan Beyer, Ann Blake, Gail A. & Jennifer Dotson

Blake, Martha Blizard, Clifford Booker, Karene Broaddus, Sam Brown, Irene Brown, Warren Brown, Lincoln & June Meyer

Burke, Sherry & Thomas Burnett, Carol & Dave* Burns, Elsie U. Buttel, Linda Carruth, Bradford Cassel, Edith Catterall, Sara & Simon Chamberlain, John & Barb Morley Chandler, Adam & Sarah Chaplin, Lois Clauson, Margery Cohen, Suzanne & Phil Davis

Coleman, Jim & Ellen Connors, Sigrid & Jim

Conta, Claire Dabes, Joe & Kathy Brennan Dankert, Philip Darrow, Frank & Catherine Demo, Bill & Sarah · DeRemer, Florence

DeStefano, Anthony & Marilyn Dick, Richard & Delores Dineen, Doreen Donovan, Joseph Doucet, Camille Durant, Katherine Emerson, Nancy Engle, Michael Engman, Herb Fair, Bill & Jay Zitter Fairand, Kathy 5 Feuer, Carl

Firebaugh, John & Francille

Flinn, Kathryn

Frank, Linda & Len Cohen

Gaeta, Paul & Vicky Gilcher, Sue

Gillespie, Virginia Greene. Sandra E. Grossman, Rick, Joan, & Jesse Gudeman, Tom Gyrisco, Valerie Habel, Robert & Wilma Hansen, Betty Harriott, Peter & Mary Lou• Harris, Beth Hart, Edward Hertzberg, Steve & Meira Hess, George & Susan Hoey, Kristen Ingraham, Tony Johnson, Karl & Julie Johnston, Roxanna Kalka, Paul Kazarmoff, Michael & Holly Keeton, Anna Klepack, Bill & Carol Konover, Gregory Kooperman, David & Denise Kundu, Mary Lou & Mila Laun, Karen Lee, Gundy LeMoine, Nadine

Leso, Laura, Angela Burchfield, Niko & Erika Feldman Levine, Gilbert & llma Lewis, Betty Little, George Loomis, Linda

Lu, Yawen Lymberis, Gwyneth Maginnity, Kate & Ken Daile Mallison, Carol Mallow, Gary Manzella, Fran & Fred Marciniak, Paul Marisa. Rich & Tracy Marks, Lawrence & Cornelia Mattice. Linda D. Maxwell , Eileen & Richard Maybee, Stephen & Loretta Heimbuch McConnell, Paula Merrill, Susan Mills, Harold Moehler, Devra & Wolfgang

6 Moh, Kathie Morris, John, Carol, & Steve Mower, Robert G. Muenster, Anna Marie Nelson, Patti Nostrand, Scott & Valerie Novak, Dani & Haya Nussbaum, Michael & Barbara Nuzzo, Victoria Ostrowski, Helen Petryszak, Ben Pratt, Paul Proulx, Chris Reimers, Tom Rezelman, John Robbins, Louise E. Robinson, Chani

Rueckheim, Jack & Joan Jedele Ruppert, David Salino, Karen Schurman, Dave & Jean

Schwartz, David I. Scott, Danny & Kristin Seitz, Kurt Sidote, Edward Siegel, Varya Sjamaar, Reyer Smith, Calvin D. Spry-Campbell, Robin Steinhart, Gail & Joe McMahon Stoscheck, Claudia & John Rogers Straight, Clara Sullivan, Jae Thayer, Ree Turk, James R. Turner. Lowell Uhll, Linda & Peter Rothbart

Updike, Donna Vandam, Nick & Lucy Gagliardo Van Derzee, Jack VanEtten, Janet Vlot, Corina Wilkin, Brigitte & Harvey Wilson, Jennifer Wilson, Don Wadzinski, Richard & Claudia Wooster, Greg & Pamela Williams Wruck, Al Zgola, Marsha

All area codes are 607 unless indicated otherwise. Asterick (*) indicates charter member. Please report corrections to Suzanne Cohen, Membership Committee chairperson, at 607/272-5461 or [email protected].

7 Walk, ·Look, and Learn Hike Special Evening Hike #483 (rescheduled) Stairway to Treman (revisited)

May 11 , 2004 (Tuesday) June 2, 2004 (Wednesday) • Location: Finger Lakes Trail in the Town of • Location: Robert H. Treman State Park, Tompkins Enfield, Tompkins County County • Meeting Place: Enfield Elementary School, Enfield • Meeting Place: Lower Treman State Park off NY Center Road just off NY Route 79 west oflthaca Route 327 south oflthaca • Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. • Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. sharp id you know that the Cayuga Trails Club is a ave Schwartz will lead this 4.5-mile hike that be­ landowner? The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) crosses gins our exploration of local waterfalls this year. D on our land. Come explore Reiman Woods (owned D Robert Treman hosts a loop trail that follows the by the CTC) between Trumbull Corners Road and Porter gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Hill Road and adjacent areas. Reiman Woods was pur­ Falls. Given enough interest, time, and energy, the group chased by The Nature Conservancy and granted to the might explore a bit of the Finger Lakes Trail that goes Cayuga Trails Club. The hike should be about 4 miles. The through the park. hike leader will be Jack Van Derzee. Contact him at 607I As with the other evening hikes that Dave leads, the 387-5810 [email protected] ifyou would like more pace is "medium," meaning a bit over 2 m.p.h. with mostly information. The dotted line on the map below is the FLT. continuous hiking because of dwindling sunlight. The This hike was originally set for December but was can­ hikes tend to last between 2 and 3 hours with infrequent celled due to the weather. stops. Hikers should always bring water and a few snacks in case dinner seems a long way off. Depending on hunger and interest, we might grab dinner afterwards. The lower park entrance is a turn just off NY Route 327 which intersects NY Route 13 south of Ithaca. Follow the entrance to the main parking lot just after the rest rooms. The \park charges $6.00 for parking if you arrive significantly barlier than 6:00 p.m. Contact Dave at 607 /257-7980 or [email protected] for additional information.

Adopt-A-Highway HtNES Cleanups for 2004

by Jim Connors ave the dates of June 19,August28,and0ctober23 for this year's remaining Cayuga Trails Club Adopt­ Sa-Highway cleanups. This is when we pick up litter, debris, and sometimes treasures along both sides of "our" two-mile section of NY Route 366. Volunteers are always needed for these cleanups. Many hands make for lighter and fun work. So please come meet-rain or shine-at Cornell's "O" parking lot at the corner of Route 366 and Caldwell Road in Ithaca shortly before l 0:00 a.m. so that administrative matters (i.e., paperwork and safety briefing) LAKES can be taken care of. We should be finished cleaning up the route by noon. Contact me [email protected] or 607/898-4163 for more information.

Cayuga Trails - 8 - Late Spring 2004 Special May Hike

May 22, 2004 (Saturday)

• Location: Finger Lakes Trail in Schuyler County through Watkins Glen • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza • Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m. lub members Marsha Zgola and Jennifer Wilson will lead a faster hike along the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) heading east from six miles west of Watkins Glen to six miles east of the village at the edge of Finger Lakes National Forest Cin Burdett. This hike encompasses miles ofbeautiful vistas of the Watkins Glen gorge as well as ravishing rural views overlooking Seneca Lake from the east. A highlight ofthe route is the FLT in the magical Excelsior Glen, maintained by our club (the western portion ofthe FLT is called the Art Kopp Trail and is maintained by the Adirondack Mountain Club-Finger Lakes Chapter). The first six miles feature rolling hills leading gradually down into the village while the eastern portion is six miles of steady uphill climb. Not for the faint-of-heart, the route includes a sometimes tricky creek crossing. Participants should arrive fit and prepared with plenty of drinking water and snacks and appropriate clothing for the outing. We will drive from Taco Bell and leave cars along Satterly Hill Road beside the old railroad bridge and shuttle everyone to Van Zandt Hollow Road to begin our hike. For more information, contact Marsha at 607/546-7367 or mmz2@com ell.edu or Jennifer at 6071753-8641 or [email protected]. Special June Hike

June 26, 2004 (Saturday)

• Location_: Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, Tompkins County • Meeting Place:. Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza • Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. onnecticut Hill contains some of the more remote and wild woodland in the Finger Lakes region with trails running through a state wildlife management area. Gal!' Mallow and Carol Mallison will co-lead_a rigorous, 12.6-mi_le ~ke that Cencompasses both the main Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) and the Bob Cameron Loop Trail, both proudly marntamed by the Cayuga Trails Club. Participants will caravan to leave vehicles at the radio tower on Tower Road, then we will shuttle everyone to the western end of this section of FLT at Van Lone Road. The four-mile Bob Cameron Loop Trail, which originates near the radio tower, offers a beautiful side excursion to the main trail. This is a popular cross-country ski trail in the wintertime. Folks who leave their cars at the tower will have the choice of shortening their hike to about 8 miles. As well as being long, the route is moderately difficult in terrain. Please bring fluids, lunch, and snacks and don appropriate footwear and clothing. For more information, contact Gary at [email protected] or 60715 64-793 8 or Carol at carol_sue5 2 @yahoo.com or 607/564-3396. Some Web Sites for Hikers .• . .~ ,;- Cayuga Trails Club www.lightlink.com/etc Finger Lakes Trail Conference www.fingerlakestrail.org North Country Trail Association www.northcountrytrail.org American Hiking Society www.americanhiking.org Adirondack Mountain Club www.adk.org

Cayuga Trails - 9 - Late Spring 2004 The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail Welcome to New Members

Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #490 (early notice) Sherry & Thomas Burke July 25, 2004 (Sunday) Ithaca, NY 14850 • Location: Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, Penn Yan to

Dresden

• Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca Richard & Delores Dick

• Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. Ithaca, NY 14850 id you know that Keuka Lake is the only finger lake that drains directly into another finger lake? Clif­ Meira & Steve Hertzberg Dford Blizard will be leading a reprise of a fas- cinating hike that follows the Keuka Outlet as it descends Ithaca, NY 14851 274 feet from Penn Yan on the northeastern arm ofKeuka Lake to Dresden on the western shore ofSeneca Lake. The Keuka Outlet Trail, evocative of a bygone industrial era in upstate New York, runs along an old railroad bed, parallels Mary Lou & Mila Kundu the remains ofthe Crooked Lake Canal (with 27 lift locks), and passes the ruins of several mills, an abandoned bridge, Waverly, NY 14892 and the site of a locomotive turntable. (The outlet itself formed about 10,000 years ago, cutting through limestones and shales that are 350 million years old!). Mill ruins are interspersed with woods and parklands, rock walls, and Karen Laun several waterfalls. We will carpool from Ithaca and leave vehicles at both Ithaca, NY 14850 ends ofth e trail. Al though the hike is fairly long (about 7.5 miles one way), the trail is practically flat, and the section through Penn Yan is paved. Our walk will take several hours, because there are so many intriguing historical Jae Sullivan features to examine along the way. We will arrive back in Ithaca by 5:00 p.m. Bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of Ithaca. NY 14850 fluids. For more information, contact Clifford Blizard at 607/272-1299 or via the Internet at deep_landscap e @hotmail .co m.

Cayuga Trails is published six times each year and is edited and published by Thomas J. Reimers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the summer edition is June 15, 2004. Send to nyhiker@localnetcom or 3C Wildflower Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Cayuga Trails - 10 - Late Spring 2004 Report on Special April Hike

• Date: April 3, 2004

• Location: Van Lone Hill Loop Trail • Leaders: Marsha Zgola and Varya Siegel n Saturday April 3, Marsha Zgola and Varya Siegel led a 0 hike on the Van Lone Hill Loop. Twenty people and four dogs hiked the muddy trail under a cloudy spring sky. Hikers saw daffodils that were about to bloom, young pussy willows, and some skunk cabbage peeking out from under ~?4... ~:~ the ground cover. The rain held off until -..-::i:.: . - the last of the hikers reached their cars! ~;;. A good time was had by all. - i.

The Van Lone Hill Trail hikers. Photo by Marsha Zgola. Report on Executive Board Meeting

he Executive Board of the Cayuga Trails Club met were 148 memberships in 2003. We also had 20 con­ for a regular meeting on April 13, 2004, in the Scott tributing memberships THeyman Conference Room, Old Jail, 125 East Court Trails: Tom Reimers reported that he had been out on Street, Ithaca. Board members present were John An­ the trails, and conditions are much better than last year at dersson, Suzanne Cohen, Jim Connors, Sigrid Connors, this time. lbree sections of the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) Phil Dankert, Carol Mallison, Gary Mallow, Barb Morley, still need adoption (see page 1). Larry Banfield of Tom Reimers, Dave Schwartz, Jack Van Derzee, and Newfield is a new adopter for the Cayutaville Road to Jennifer Wilson. The following is a summary of some of Rumsey Hill Road section of FLT. A footbridge will be the items considered and actions taken as recorded by built across a small stream on the FLT in the Town of Secretary Sigrid Connors. Co-President John Andersson Enfield by Syracuse-area Boy Scouts. Tom moved to add called the meeting to order at 7 :25 p.m. Treasurer Jack $400.00 to the trails budget for the bridge project based on Van Derzee reported a checking account balance of estimates provided by the project leader. The motion $1 ,821.85 and a savings account balance. of $4,353.52. passed unanimously. The Ithaca EMS store approached Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes: Jennifer Wilson re­ Tom for ideas for a National Trails Day project on June 5. ported on several successful hikes. She and Carol Mallison The project will be to build a new outhouse for the led a well-attended hike along a section of the Cayuga Shindagin Lean-to (see page 1). Trail. Marsha Zgola and Varya Siegel led a hike on the The Alley Cat Trail Crew of the Finger Lakes Trail Van Lone Hill Loop. Tom Reimers led a hike at Cornell Conference has l 0 volunteers signed up to build a new Shindagin Lean-to during the week of August 16-20. Pre­ Plantations and has another planned for April 25. A registration for volunteers working the whole week is Mother's Day hike on May 9 will be led in the Dorothy closed, but day workers are welcome. Mcilroy Bird Sanctuary in Cayuga County. Ed Hart will Other Business: Sigrid Connors reported that 73 lead a hike through the Van Lone Hill area on June 13 to people have registered so far for the Tompkins County a gorge that is rarely visited. Jennifer commented that cross-county series and hike plots have been mailed out. waterfalls are becoming the hike theme this year. Evening The following people are coordinating work for the hike hikes under consideration will be at the TaughannockFalls series: John Andersson-sagwagons, Jack Van Derzee-hike Rim Trail, Buttermilk Falls, Six-Mile Creek, and the leaders and sweeps, Carol Mallison-publicity, Marsha Cayuga Trail. A longer hike may be held at Watkins Glen. Zgola-picnic, and Gary Mallow-patches. Sigrid noted that Membership: Suzanne Cohen reported that we have the series is only open to the registrants and workers. 150 memberships (49 are family memberships). There

Cayuga Trails - 1 1 - Late Spring 2004 Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, May 9 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #488. Mother's Day at the Mcilroy Bird Sanc­ tuary. Meet at 8:00 a. m. at Cornell's "0'1 parking lot at the junction of Cald­ well Road and NY Route 366 in Ithaca. Details on page 4. Tom Reimers, leader ([email protected], 607/272-8679). Tuesday, May 11 ...... Rescheduled Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #483. Finger Lakes Trail in Enfield, Tompkins County. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at Enfield Elementary School, Enfield Center Road just off NY Route 79 west of Ithaca. Details on page 8. Jack Van Derzee, leader ([email protected], 607 /387-5810). · ~~~a~~-~~·-·· · ·· Trail work session. Details will be sent by email. Saturday, May 22 ...... Special May hike on the Finger Lakes Trail in Schuyler County. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Details on page 9. Marsha Zgola (607/546-7367, mmz2@cornel/ .edu) and Jennifer Wilson (607 /753-8641, [email protected]). leaders. Tuesday, June 1 Cayuga Trails Club Executive Board meeting. 7:30 p.m. Old Jail Building, 125 East Court Street, Ithaca. Members welcome. Wednesday, June 2 ...... Special evening hike. Meet at lower Robert Treman State Park at 6:00 p.m. Details on page 8. Dave Schwartz, leader ([email protected], 607/257-7980). Saturday, June 5 ...... National Trails Day event at the Shindagin Lean-to. Work with volunteers from the Ithaca Eastern Mountain Sports on construction of a new outhouse. Details on page 1. Tom Reimers, leader (nyhiker@loca/net.con, 607/272- 8679). Sunday, June 13 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #489. Cayuta Lake Gulfs. Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Details on page 4. Ed Hart, leader ([email protected], 607/272-2943). Tuesday, June 15 ...... Deadline for subm~ttjng materials for the summer issue of Cayuga Trails. See information in box on page 10. Saturday, June 19 ...... Adopt-a-Highway Program cleanup of NY Route 366. Meet just before 10:00 a.m. in Cornell's "O" parking lot at the intersection of Route 366 and Cald- well Road. Jim Connors, leader (607 /898-4163, [email protected]). Saturday, June 26 ...... Special June hike in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, Tompkins County. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Details on page 9. Gary Mallow (garymallow [email protected] or 607/564-7938) and Carol Mallsion (carol sue52@yahoo .com or 607/564-3396), leaders. - Sunday, July 25 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #490. The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. Meet at 10:00 a.m . at the Ithaca Shopping Pl aza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Details on page 10. Clifford Blizard, leader (deep_landscape @hotmail.com or 607/272-1299).

Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. P.O. Box 754 NON-PROFIT Ithaca, NY 14851-0754 ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA, NY PERM IT NO. 94 Newsletter of the Cayuga Trails Club Founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, and preserve wild lands and places of natural beauty... "

July-August 2004 Summer Edition Vol. 44, Nos. 7 & 8

Lots of Work on National Trails Day!

by Tom Reimers National Trails Chairman Trails Day· he Cayuga Trails Club and the Eastern Mountain Sports store in Ithaca joined forces on June 5 for a special trail project celebrating National Trails Day. Staff from EMS and T volunteers from CTC built a new outhouse at the popular Shindagin Lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail in Shindagin Hollow State Forest. Fourteen participants carried in nearly a ton ofwood and other materials from Shindagin Hollow Road to the work site about a mile from the road. Under excellent supervision by Rob Champion, the new outhouse slowly at first then quickly took shape. While some were working on the outhouse others continued demolishing the Shindagin Lean-to which is due forreplacement in August. Abundant refreshments were provided by the club. Approximately 100 person-hours went into building the outhouse. A major effort, Amtriun Hiking So

~ ; -- ~ . Jonathan Bernstein begins building the Gary Mallow takes a break after installing Almost finished! Rob Champion and stone foundation for the new outhouse. shingles on the nearly finished outhouse. Amanda Jaros returned another day to &~''h•op••'i"' Co-President's Report

by Phil Dankert

urious as to what activ­ gers and business meetings, and the Saturday evening ities our club was in­ program with a speaker. This was followed by folk singing C volved with in its earlier and square dancing! One thing has changed: the cost for years, I ventured over to the weekend event (registration and four meals) was $8.00. the Rare and Manuscripts Divi­ A very interesting, brief article has the title "The sion of the Kroch Library at Cayuga Trail"?????. The author states, "

From the Cayuga Trails Club archives at the Carl A. Kroch Library Cornell University "There should be no monotony, for one who studies botany, It relieves the strain, and stirs the brain, unless one hasn't gotany." by former member Jean Doren August 1962 discovered and submitted by Barb Morley

Cayuga Trails - 2 ~ Summer 2004 The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail Mushrooms and More!

Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #490 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #491 July 25, 2004 (Sunday) Sunday, August 8, 2004 • Location: Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, Penn Yan to • Location: Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Dresden, New York Area, Tompkins County • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza • Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. • Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m. id you know that Keuka Lake is the only finger or at least the fifth time for the Cayuga Trails Club, lake that drains directly into another finger lake? Cris McConkey will lead a hike that focuses on DClifford Blizard will be leading a reprise of a Fmushrooms that can be often found in the woods this fascinating hike that follows the Keuka Outlet as it time ofyear, especially ifthere has been recent rain. descends 274 feet from Penn Yan on the northeastern arm Part ofthis hike will include hiking on a fairly new spur to of Keuka Lake to Dresden on the western shore of Seneca the Finger Lakes Trail that significantly extends the Bob Lake. The Keuka Outlet Trail, evocative of a bygone Cameron Loop. Be prepared for a moderately difficult hike industrial era in upstate New York, runs along an old of up to six miles in length. Bring fluids, a snack, and if railroad bed, parallels the remains of the Crooked Lake desired a small basket or bag and knife in case edible fungi Canal (with 27 lift locks), and passes the ruins of several are found. For more information, contact Cris at cmcc mills, an abandoned bridge, and the site of a locomotive @light/ink.com or 607/387-9830 if you want more in­ turntable. (The outlet itselfformed about 10,000 years ago, formation about this hike. cutting through limestones and shales that are 350 million years old!) Mill ruins are interspersed with woods and parklands, rock v.ralls, and several v.raterfalls. We will carpool from Ithaca and leave vehicles at both ends ofthe trail. Although the hike is fairly long (about 7.5 Many more miles one way), the trail is practically flat, and the section hikes on pages through Penn Yan is paved. Our wa:lk will take several hours, because there are so many intriguing historical 4 and 5! features to examine along the way. We will arrive back in Ithaca by 5:00 p.m. Bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of fluids. For more information, contact Clifford Blizard at . 607/272-1299 or ·via the Internet at deep_landscape @hotmail.com.

Cayuga Trails is published six times each year and is edited and published by Thomas J. Reimers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the early fall edition is August 15, 2004. Send to nyhiker@localnetcom or 210 Wildflower Drive, unit 3, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Cayuga Trails - 3 - Summer 2004 More Evening Waterfalls Hikes

July 13, 2004 (Tuesday) • Location: Taughannock Falls State Park, Town of Ulysses, Tompkins County • Meeting Place: Taughannock Falls State Park gorge parking area on west side of NY Route 89 • Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. xperience Taughannock Falls from above and below as part of our evening waterfalls hike series. This 215-foot-high waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls by 31 feet, while Inspiration Falls in beats it by another E13 5 feet. We'll start at the south rim and work clockwise making a three-mile loop featuring many spectacular overlooks and finishing at the north rim. Time permitting, we'll also walk the half-mile trek into the gorge itself.to view the falls from below. This part of the hike may inspire some wading in the creek bed over the water-smoothed Tully.limestone. For more information, contact Carol Mallison at [email protected] or 607/564-3396.

July 26, 2004 (Monday) • Location: Buttermilk Falls State Park, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County • Meeting Place: Lower entrance Buttermilk Falls State Park • Meeting Time: 5:45 p.m. ave Schwartz will lead this 4-mile hike that continues our exploration of local waterfalls this year. Buttermilk Falls State Park starts with the falls and continues with beautiful scenery, including a lake and dam. D As with the other evening hikes that Dave leads, the pace is "medium," meaning a bit over two m:p.h. with mostly continuous hiking because of dwindling sunlight. The hikes tend to last between 2 and 3 hours with infrequent stops. Hikers should always bring water and a few snacks in case dinner seems a long way off. Depending on hunger and interest, we might grab dinner afterwards. The lower park entrance is a left turn, ifcoming from the north, just offNY Route 13, across from the Home Depot. The park charges $6.00 for parking ifyou arrive significantly earlier than 6:00 p.m. Contact Dave at 607/257-7980 or [email protected] for additional information.

August 5, 2004 (Thursday) • Location: Fillmore Glen State Park, NY Route"38, Moravia, Cayuga County • Meeting Place: Under the large clock and sign at Triphammer Mall, NY Route 13 and Triphammer Road, Lansing (Ithaca) • Meeting Time: 5:15 p.m. illmore Glen State Park is an oasis of cool, _dens~ woo?s crowding into a long, narro~ gorg~. Its hikin~ trail_s o~fer spectacular v iews, unique geological formations mcluding five waterfalls, and a botanically nch glen. With this hike, FJennifer Wilson and Gary Mallow will continue this summer's weekday evening hike series focusing on area waterfalls. The hike will be a little over 4 miles round-trip and the pace brisk, as we are racing the end of daylight. We will hike up the glen along the Gorge Trail, which is a slowly ascending trail to the dam at the top ofthe glen. There are many beautiful bridges, several major waterfalls, and a few more minor cascades. We will hike back to the cars via the North Rim trail, through the relatively dense woods that line the top ofthe gorge. There are no facilities at the top ofthe glen, so you will want to bring water and perhaps a snack. For more information, contact Jennifer at 607/7 53-8641 or [email protected] or Gary at607/564-7938 or [email protected].

August 19, 2004 (Thursday) • Locaticm: Lick Brook in the Sweedler Nature Preserve, Town oflthaca, Tompkins County • Meeting Place: Parking area just south of (and on the same side of the road as) the former Turback's restaurant on NY Route 13, at the base of the hill up to Newfield • Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. dd the Lick Brook waterfalls to our evening waterfalls series. This loop includes a steep climb through beautiful woodlands, then a breathtaking descent along the edge ofLick Brook gorge which includes three major waterfalls and A several beautiful vistas. For more information, contact Carol Mallison at [email protected] or 607/564-3396.

Cayuga Trails - 4 .- Summer 2004 Cayuga Trails Club Picnic

July 28, 2004 (Wednesday) 6:00 p.m. nee again it's time for our CTC annual summer picnic, so mark your calendars now. We've reserved the 0 pavilion at upper Buttermilk Falls State Park for the evening. The club will provide charcoal, plates, cups, and plasticware so please bring drinks, something to grill, and a dish to pass. Come early, stay late, bring a friend ifyou 'd like, and enjoy an evening of good food and camaraderie. We might even be able to squeeze in a good hike after dinner. Questions? Contact Marsha Zgola at 607/546-7367 or [email protected].

Special July Daytime Hike Report on Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #487 July 17, 2004 (Saturday)

• Location: Abbott Loop trail, Danby State Forest • Date: April 25, 2004 • Meeting Place: Danby Park & Ride lot on comer of • Location: The Cayuga Trail NY Route 96B and Gunderman Road, six miles south of Ithaca • Leader: Tom Reimers • Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. ttendance for the annual Earth Day Hike on the Cayuga Trail is always unpredictable. More than ack Van Derzee, a member of both the Triple Cities A30 hikers and as few as three have participated in Hiking Club and Cayuga Trails Club, will lead a past years. Weather is a very important factor af­ J joint club hike of the full Abbott Loop, a premiere fecting attendance. Despite this year's weather, the 13th Finger Lakes hike that features a scenic overlook of annual Earth Day Hike was enjoyed by eight CTC the Cayuga Inlet Valley in the Town ofDanby. Created by members. It was rainy and temperatures were in the 40s, so long-time CTC members Doris and Cliff?rd Abbott, t~e vve had the Cayuga Trail to ourselves a ll afternoon. trail is 8.6 miles long and includes l.9 rrules of the mam The temporary closing of the Freese Road bridge over Finger Lakes Trail. Participants will climb to a spectacular Fall Creek precluded the usual loop hike from Freese Road ledge called Thatcher's Pinnacles at an elevation of 1,700 to NY Route 13 on the north side of the creek and back feet. The Pinnacles overlooks the Lindsay-Parsons Bio­ along the south side to Varna with a road walk to our cars diversity Preserve owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. at Liddell Lab. Rather, this year's hike was an "out and Fairly rugged climbs and descents are hard to avoid on this back" hike between Freese Road and Route 13. hike, although it may be shortened by placing "bailout" Starting from Freese Road, the group passed the high cars at strategic road crossings in advance. The Danby banks area along Fall Creek and then descended to the Park and Ride is on the west side of NY Route 96B just creek's edge before heading up a side gorge. Some early south of Gunderman Road. Those commuting from the wildflowers including trillium, coltsfoot, hepatica, and cut­ southwest may meet at the trail head on Michigan Hollow leafed toothwort were blooming. After reaching Route 13, Road, allowing time for the main group from Danby to the group turned around and headed back. This trail is show up. Participants are advised to bring fluids and beautiful in both directions! Thanks to the eight enthu­ plenty of snacks for this outing and bring appropriate siastic participants! clothing for the hike and season. For more information about this, email Jack at [email protected] or call him at 607/387-5810.

Cayuga Trails - 5 - su·mmer 2004 Welcome to New Members

Peter & Cindy Bradbury Jerry Gabriel Katy Pearce

Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850

Joanne Church John Gebo Kate Potterger & St eve Goggin

Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY--14850

Bryce Urbany Laurie DeFlaun Tom & Jean Gerow Lansing, NY 14882 Ithaca, NY 14850 Newfield, NY 14867

Kay White Linda Falkson Vicki Meyers-Wallen Waverly, NY 14892 Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850

Change of Address

CTC 2004 Executive Board

Co-presidents ...... John Andersson Philip Dankert Vice President ...... David Schwartz Secretary ...... Sigrid Connors Treasurer ...... Jack Van Derzee W alk, Look, & Learn Hikes . . . . Jennifer Wilson Finance ...... _ . John Rogers Guide Book ...... Sigrid Connors Membership ...... Suzanne Cohen Social ...... Marsha Zgola Trails ...... Tom Reimers Newsletter ...... Tom Reimers Archives/Historian ...... Barbara Morley Publicity ...... Carol Mallison Adopt-a-Highw ay ...... Jim Connors Members-at-Large ...... Gary Mallow Carol Mallison

Summer 2004 Cayuga Trails - 6 - Report ori Walk, Look, Report on Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #488 and Learn Hike #489

• Date: May 9, 2004 • Date: June 13, 2004 • Location: Dorothy Mcilroy Bird Sanctuary, Cayuga • Location: Cayuta Lake Gulfs, Schuyler County County • Leaders: Ed Hart and Don Wilson • Leader: Tom Reimers twas difficult to predict club participation because of twas raining lightly when 10 hikers met at 8:00 a.m. in the sunny skies and a major cross-county hike the day Ithaca on Mother's Day for a very interesting visit and Ibefore but "alls well that ends well." Including myself, Ihike at the Dorothy Mcilroy Bird Sanctuary, owned by there were nine hikers. We used four cars for shuttles, the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Three more participants leaving two on the NY Route 13 side of Alpine Junction I were met at the preserve. The preserve is named for and two cars at the start at Gulf Road and C~unty Road 6. Dorothy Mcllroy who was a charter member ofthe Cayuga The weather was perfect, mostly sunny but cloudy later, Trails Club and an extraordinary birder. with a sprinkling shower. Don Wilson assisted with the The Mcilroy Preserve consists of 128 acres of swamp hike in that he helped plan the route and explain the geol­ forest south of Lake Como. Lots of birds and wildflowers ogy as we hiked. We started at Gulf Road near Cayuta were heard and seen. Hikers lingered for almost 30 min­ Lake and proceeded on the excellent Finger Lakes Trail utes at the observation overlook built along the shore of through the first Cayuta gulf, then past the two foot­ Fall Creek to watch geese, spotted sandpipers, tree swal­ bridges. As the white-blazed trail went up the steep climb lows, ducks, and other fauna. beyond the second bridge, we entered the intermediate gulf It was a very enjoyable hike, and many participants said leading to the junction with Swan Hill Road, at the be­ they would return to this place soon ... and bring along a ginning of the lost gorge or gulf. We passed through two­ friend or two. thirds of Hendershot Gulf or lost gorge to a hanging waterfall which contained a trail connecting Hendershot to a fine trail (really a "shining path") leading in turn to the next large gorge to the east. We then followed an old jeep trail leading to the parked cars on Route 13. Enthusiasm remained high throughout the hike. It was a happy, conversational, moderately paced hike over a stunningly beautiful route with many identifiable remnants left from the melting of the last glacier. The total hiking time was approx 2:Y,. hours. Cayuga Trails Club Trivia

1. When was the original Shindagin Lean-to built? 2. The Finger Lakes Trail Conference accepted the first sponsorship for a section of the FLT from the Cayuga Trails Club in 1962. How long was the section?

Despite the light rain, hikers were ready for WLL Hike #488 at the 3. When did the Cayuga Trails Club conduct the first Mcilroy Bird Sanctuary. Photo by Tom Reimers. Hike Across Tompkins County? 4. How did the Abbott Loop get its name? 5. The first section of the Finger Lakes Trail was certified by the National Park Service as official North Country National Scenic Trail in November 1985. Where is this section located? Answers ofpage 9

Cayuga Trails - 7 - Summer 2004 One More Time!

?e Fi~ger ~akes Trail will get a brand new lean-to sion is needed to finish the job demolishing the lean-to and m ·Shmdagm Hollow State Forest in August 2004. the old, crumbling outhouse. Please help! TAn Alley Cat Trail Crew from the Finger Lakes AworksessionhasbeenscheduledforSunday,July 11. Trail Conference will spend a week there building Please meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Caroline Elementary the shelter where the old and damaged one now (partly) School on NY Route 79 east oflthaca or at 10:30 where exists. On May 23 club volunteers began tearing down the the FLT crosses Shindagin Hollow Road in the Town of old lean-to after Joe Dabes and Ray Kuzia removed the Caroline, Tompkins County. Bring drinking water, a huge pine tree that crashed down on the roof last winter. lunch, work gloves, crowbars, and hammers. No ex­ Work continued on June 5, National Trails Day. On perience is necessary. Contact Tom Reime,rs at 607/272- that day, a new outhouse was also built by volunteers from 8679 or nyhiker @localnet. com ifyou have any questions. the club and the EMS store in Ithaca. One more work ses- Let's finish the job! Rain or shine.

The panly demolished Shindagin Lean-co. Volunteers are needed on July 11 to finish tearing it and the old outhouse down. Photo by Tom Reimers. Adopt-a-Trail Opportunity

ne section of the Finger Lakes Trail that th~ club maintains i~ still available for a member or m~mbers to adopt. Tra~l adopters should check their section of trail at least three times per year. Each adopter receives an Adopt-a-Trail 0 agreement form, a volunteer time report, an FLT Field Maintenance Manual, and an updated version of the trail­ blazing standards. Expenses for paint and other materials are reimbursed by the club. The available trail section is between NY Route 228 and Coilnty Road 6 southwest of Cayuta Lake in Schuyler County. Distance is about one mile across privately owned lands. This section was recently re-blazed and is in excellent condition. Please contact Trails Chairman Tom Reimers if you are interested in adopting this section. His phone number is 607 /272-8679 and his email address is [email protected].

Summer 2004 Cayuga Trails - 8 .- Report on June Evening Hike Report on Special May Hike

• Date: June 2, 2004 • Date: May 22, 2004

• Location: Robert H. Treman State Park, Tompkins • Location: Watkins Glen State Park to Burdett, County Schuyler County

• Leader: David Schwartz • Leaders: Marsha Zgola and Jennifer Wilson n Wednesday, June 2, evening hike leader Dave small group, only seven, gathered to enjoy a fan­ Schwartz patiently waited at Treman State Park, tastic biking day along the main Finger Lakes Trail 0 figuring that the downpour and construction A in Schuyler County. The 12-mile-long fast hike bottleneck on NY Route 13 in Ithaca might have proceeded from six miles west of Watkins Glen to scared off evening hikers. To his surprise, three intrepid end six miles east ofWatkins Glen just beyond the village hikers, including a non-member, arrived eagerly seeking of Burdett. The weather was sunny and fairly cool, ex­ the full hike, despite the rain! The bikers were blessed cellent for hiking. The group walked swiftly but paused for with astonishing views ofthe waterfalls, roaring along the many breaks to rest and chat. way. To think that Dave almost cancelled the hike! Every­ The earlier miles in the wooded and watered splendor one was in awe of the views and thrilled to see the park in along Watkins Glen were punctuated by the dropping of a new way. A great time was had by all. articles such as cell phones along the trail, to be picked up by the sweep and returned to their owners. '.fhe hike features an urban component, the walk through Watkins Earth Week Glen, but this is mitigated by a stroll beside the creek that runs out of Watkins Glen. Co-leader Jennifer Wilson was Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup unaware ofthis stretch when she first completed end-to-end hiking of the Finger Lakes Trail. Perhaps the Finger Lakes by Jim Connors Trail Conference will be contacting her to ask for her FLT end-to-ender badge back! While nothing like the magnif­ n April 24th five teams oftwo people each split up icent Watkins Glen, Excelsior Glen to the east ofthe village to do sections of our Adopt-a-Highway project on is a ravishing little streamlet that refreshes the eyes. Later 0 NY Route 366. We had beautiful blue skies and miles presented ravishing views out over Seneca Lake. The dry weather to go with a brisk, chilly wind. Eleven variety of this hike is what makes it so special. A small bags of trash and one bag of recyclables were picked up, bistro in Burdett had just closed as the party passed making this outing a big success. The joggers were also through, but water was offered to the footsore travelers. out in force enjoying the spring weather. A TV set and an Burdett was taken over by a flea market and it was difficult unopened can of prescription cat food tied for the "most to walk by and not peruse the wares. The railroad bridge interesting" find in the trash picked up. Our remaining marking the journey's end was a sight for sore eyes. cleanup dates in 2004 are August 28 and October 23. Please plan to join in the fun by meeting at Cornell's "O" parking lot at the corner of NY Route 366 and Caldwell Road shortly before 10:00 a.m. We should be finished picking up the route before noon. For more information contact Jim Connors at 607/898-4163 or jconnors @twcny.rr.com).

AlUno~ puen..Jo~ 'u!e1unow 1!6J!A JeaN ·g l!BJl a41 ll!nq pue pauue1d 04M llOqqy spoa pue #!18 Jaye paweu seM ll ·v l66~ .£ Sal!W OL ·z 996~ JO llB.:I . ~ ·L a5ed uo suor1sanb e[l\!Jl 01 sJaMsuv

Hikers take a pause on the Finger Lakes Trail in Watkins Glen State Park during the special May hike. Photo by Marsha Zgola.

Cayuga Trails - 9 - Summer 2004 Hike Across Tompkins County 2004

by Sigrid Connors

he Tompkins County hiking series on the Finger Morley, Deb Patterson, V arya Seigel, Jack "no more hills" Lakes Trail is off and running. We had an over­ Van Derzee, Mike Whelsky, Jennifer Wilson, Marsha Twhelming response with 150 registrants, and if we Zgola, and Jay Zitter. had accepted everyone past the deadline, this num­ Hike number two in the series was completed on June ber would have been at 175 or more. Our May 8 hike 12. We couldn't have had better hiking weather-not too started out with a cool brisk wind in the 40s. After parking hot and not too cold-with sunny skies and nice breezes. 78 cars, the two Birnie busses and six vehicles got every­ Ninety-two registrants and nine worker b~es once again one to the trail head to begin the cross-county journey. filled out busses and four more vebicles to· shuttle to the One hundred five registrants finished the hike with the start of the hike in Shindagin Hollow. Our swift group help of seven additional hike leaders and sweeps and five actually started out the hike with a run up the first hill and · sag wagons to make sure everyone got through. Only two completed the 9.3 miles in 3 hours. The nature­ folks pulled out. We had a baby in a backpack, a 9-year­ appreciative hikers renamed themselves the turtles and old youngster, and one hiker true to their name finished the celebrating a 77th birthday on hike in 5 hours and 44 minutes. the hike. We had a baby in a backpack, a 9-year­ Most impressive of all, 100 per­ old youngster, and one hiker The large gathering of hikers cent finished the hike. Eastman was split into five groups based celebrating a 7 7th birthday on the hike. Hill seemed to win the prize as on hiking speeds. The swift the most challenging climb but group finished the 8.5-mile hike all enjoyed the ability to end the in 3 hours and 40 minutes while the nature-appreciative hike on the downhill slope of Durfee Hill Road. Our sag group strolled in after 5 hours and 30 minutes. The trails wagon volunteers included myself, John Andersson, and were in pretty good shape despite the mud from all of the Phil Dankert. Hike leaders and sweeps included Marsha recent rains. Many hikers sent appreciative emails for the Zgola, Vicky Gaeta, "Java Joe" Dabes, Jennifer Wilson, opportunity to hike without the stress of getting lost and Jim "the scout" Connors, Jonathan Laskowitz, Tom "the arranging transportation. Thank you to all the volunteers mushroom man" Homa, Gary "only 200 more yards" who made the hike so much fun: John Andersson, Luanne Andersson, Larry "the eternally nice guy" Bloomberg, Mallow, and Deb Patterson. Jack "no more hills" Van Susan Bloomberg, Jim "the scout" Connors, Joe Dabes, Derzee once again hiked with all five groups. I look Tom "the mushroom man" Homa, Gary Mallow, Barbara forward to July.

Some ofthe participa~ts in the club's National Trails Day project on June 5, 2°04. Left-right:· Gary fv!allow_, Tom Reimers, Jack Van Derzee, Phil Dankert, John Andersson, Gll'.}ln Lymberis, Jonathan Bernstein, Jennifer Wilson, Megan Kumpf See article on page I. Photo by Marsha Zgola.

Cayuga Trails - 10 ,. Summer 2004 Report on Executive Board Meeting

he Executive Board of the Cayuga Trails Club met There are three new trail adopters for sections of the for a regular meeting on June 1, 2004, in the Scott Finger Lakes Trail. Two sections were mentioned in the THeyman Conference Room, Old Jail, 125 East last issue of Cayuga Trails. There is still one section Court Street, Ithaca. Board members present were available for adoption (see page 8). John Andersson, Suzanne Cohen, Phil Dankert, Carol Adopt-a-Highway Program: Jim Connors (not pres­ ~fall ison, Gary Mallow, Barb Morley, Tom Reimers, John ent) sent a written report that the first highway cleanup Rogers, Dave Schwartz, Jack Van Derzee, Jennifer was on April 24, 2004. Ten club volunteers participated. \\"ilson, and Marsha Zgola. The following is a summary of The next two cleanup dates are June 19 and August 28. some of the items considered and actions taken as Other business: Registration for the hike across Tomp­ recorded by Acting Secretary John Andersson. Co­ kins County series was cut off at 150 based on discussions President Phil Dankert called the meeting to order at 7:33 with Gene Bavis and Irene Szabo from the Finger Lakes p.m. Treasurer Jack Van Derzee reported a checking Trail Conference. At least 20 people have been denied account balance of $1,328.18 and a savings account registration, and requests keep coming. The first hike on balance of $4,040.05. May 8 was overflowing but quite successful. Two char­ Walk, Look and Learn Hikes: Jennifer Wilson tered busses and six sag wagons were used to get everyone reported that Tom Reimers led the walk at the Mcllroy to the trail head. One hundred thirteen hikers, leaders, and Bird Sanctuary with 14 people participating, Jack Van sweeps were on the trail by 10:13 a.m. Jack Van Derzee Derzee led the rescheduled walk in Enfield with 10 arranged for leaders and sweeps for five speed groups to people; Marsha and Jennifer's 12 miler had 7 people. help spread out the large number of hikers. John An- Gary Mallow and Carol Mallison will lead a 9-12 mile . dersson coordinated the sag wagons along with Luanne hike on June 26 on Connecticut Hill and the Bob Cameron Andersson, Barbara Morley, and Jim Connors. One hun­ Loop. Carol volunteered to lead a hike at Taughannock dred eleven hikers completed the 8.5-mile hike. The Falls State Park. Clifford Blizard will lead a hike on the youngest hiker was 9 and the oldest-at least that we knew Keuka Lake Outlet Trail on July 25. about-was 77. The water, Gatorade and bug spray were Guidebook: Sigrid Connors (not present but submitted much appreciated at the road crossings. Sigrid expressed a report) reported that Joe Dabes has joined the Guide­ her appreciation to Jim Connors, Jack Van Derzee, and book Committee. He has much to offer and already has a John Andersson for their help on the team. list of updates and revisions for the sections he maintains. John Andersson reported that he received a letter from Sigrid has contacted Betty Lewis to arrange for an ex­ the City oflthaca asking him to participate in a committee change of guidebook materials. to explore permitting ice climbing in the city's gorges. He Membership: Suzanne reported there are now 164 wrote back, declining, stating lack of time and limited m emberships, up 15 since the last board meeting. interest to CTC members. Phil Dankert received a letter Trails: Tom Reimers reported the following. Work from Andy Zepp, executive director of the Finger Lakes began May 23 on tearing down the old Shindagin Lean-to; Land Trust, thanking the CTC for the $500 donation to six people removed the old shingles, roof, and rafters so Biodiversity Field Days. only the log walls are left. Using chainsaws a few days Marsha Zgola agreed to organize the CTC picnic on before, Joe Dabes and Ray Kuzia removed the large pine Wednesday, July 28, at upper Buttermilk Falls State Park tree that was resting on the lean-to's roof. A new lean-to It was decided to hold the fall membership meeting and will be built by volunteers in August. dish-to-pass supper on October 17 at the Ellis Hollow Community Center.

Cavuaa Trails - 11 - Summer 2004 Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, July 11 ...... Trail work session to finish tearing down the old Shindagin Lean-to and outhouse in Shindagin Hollow State Forest. Meet at 10:00 a .m. at the Caroline Elementary School on NY Route 79 east of Ithaca or at 10:30 where the FLT crosses Shindagin Hollow Road in the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County. Tom Reimers, leader (6071272-8679,nyhiker@loca/net.coni. Details on page 8. Tuesday, July 13 Evening waterfalls hike at Taughannock Falls State Park. Meet at 6:00 p.m. in the park's gorge parking area on the west side of NY Route 89. Carol Mallison, leader (607/564:3396, [email protected]). Details on page 4. Saturday, July 17 ...... Special July, hike. Abbott Loop trail in Danby State Forest. Meet at 10:00 a.m . in the Danby Park & Ride lot on corner of NY Route 96B. and Gunderman Road, six miles south of Ithaca. Jack Van Derzee, leader (607/387-581.0, vanderze @ithaca.edu. Details on page 5. Sunday, July 25 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #490. The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Clifford Blizard, leader (deep_/[email protected] or 607/ 272-1299). Details on page 3 . Monday, July 26 ...... Evening waterfalls hike at Buttermilk Falls State Park. Meet at 5:45 p.m. at the lower park entrance off NY Route 13, across from the Home Depot. David Schwartz, leader (607/257-7980, [email protected]). Details on page 4. · Wednesday, July 28 Cayuga Trails Club annual picnic. Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park. 6 :00 p.m. Marsha Zgola, leader (607/546-73E?7, [email protected]}. Details on page 5. Thursday, August 5 Evening waterfalls hike at Fillmore Glen State Park. Meet at 5:15 p.m. under the large clock/sign at Triphammer Mall, NY Route 13 and Triphammer Road, Ithaca. Jennifer Wilson (607 /753-8641, [email protected]) and Gary Mallow {607/564-7938, [email protected]), leaders. Details on . page 4. Sunday, August 8 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #491. Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, Tompkins County. Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Cris Mcconkey, leader (607/387- 9830, [email protected]). Details on page 3. Sunday, August 1 5 ...... Deadline for submitting materials for the summer issue of Cayuga Trails. See information in box on page 3. Thursday, August 19 ...... Evening waterfalls hike at the Sweedler Nature Preserve at Lick Brook. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at the parking area just south of (and on the same side of the road as) the former Turback's restaurant on NY Route 13 south of Ithaca. Carol Mallison, leader (607/564-3396, [email protected]). Details on page 4. Saturday, August 28 ...... Adopt-a-Highway Program cleanup of NY Route 366. Meet just before 10:00 a.m. in Cornell's " O" parking lot at the intersection of Route 366 and Caldwell Road. Jim Connors, leader (607/898-4163, [email protected]). Details on page 9. Sunday, October 1 7 ...... General membership meeting and dish-to-pass supper at the Ellis Hollow Community Center. Early notice. More information later.

Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. NON-PROFIT P.O. Box 754 ORGANIZATION Ithaca, NY 14851-0754 U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA, NY PERMIT NO. 94 Newsletter of the Cayuga Trails Club Founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, and preserve wild lands and places of natural beauty... "

September- October 2004 Early Fall Edition Vol. 44, Nos. 9 & 10

All Member and Guests Invited! Cayuga Trails Club General Membership Meeting and Dish-to-Pass Supper Sunday, October 1 7, 2004

11 members invited! Prepare a dish-to-pass and bring a guest and your table service to the Ellis Hollow Community Center on Genung Road in the town of Dryden, Tompkins County, on Sunday, October 17, at 4:30 p.m. or so for the AGeneral Membership Meeting. The club will provide coffee and a little wine. You will provide a main dish, salad, vegetable, or dessert. The one business item we have to cover during the meeting is to elect the nominating committee that will select the slate of officers for 2005. Think about members you'd like to see as officers next year and tell the nominating committee. (Don't be shy: mention yourself1 If you are not ready to jump in with both feet, offer to help a committee chair on a project.) After socializing and eating and selecting the nominating committee, enjoy slides from members' adventures. Feel free to bring up to 10 slides of one of your adventures to share. For those who want to work up a hunger first, see the related article below describing the pre-supper hike. Ifyou have any questions, please call Marsha Zgola at 607/546-7367 or John Andersson at 607/539-7096. Special October Hike Leads to Supper!

alk up an appetite before the General Membership Meeting and dish-to-pass supper on Sunday, October 17, with Dave Burnett and Joan Jedele. Dave and Joan will lead walks at the Ringwood Preserve, a Cornell University W natural area. This place is located off Ringwood Road near Freeville in Tompkins County. Meet at 2:30 p.m. on Ringwood Road approximately 2.6 miles from NY Route 13 or 1.9 miles from Ellis Hollow Creek Road. Park on the broad shoulder of the road next to a pond. This hilly area is a glacial dump with kettle holes both wet and dry, a ridge with a conical hill at its end (is it an or lateral ?), a disappearing stream, a miniature kettle hole in the trail and more. The trails could be wet, depending on the weather, so appropriate footwear is suggested. Dave's hike will be leisurely while Joan's may be farther and faster if wanted. We plan to be back at the road by 4:30 p.m. in time to get to the dish-to-pass supper and meeting at the nearby Ellis Hollow Community Center. For more information, contact Dave at 607/539-7977 or Joan at 607/539-6710 or jjedele @cortlandschools.org. See article above for information on the post-hike event. Check These Web Sites!

www.lightlink.com/ etc www.fingerlakestrail.org www.northcountrytrail.org Co-President's Report

by John Andersson

eptember brings us into a sends email reminders and notices to us members, and new season with new op­ Gary Mallow who has jumped in to provide extra trail S portunities! Thanks to our work this year. And, of course, thanks to all of our ex­ volunteer organizers and ecutive board members, trail maintainers, landowners who hike leaders, hiking opportu- allow us on their property, and agency folks who work nities abound as detailed in this with us on trails across state parks, state forests, a state newsletter. The fall meeting of wildlife management area, and a national forest. the Finger Lakes Trail Confer­ Yes, the Cayuga Trails Club works only because of ence is coming up September volunteers! Volunteering your dues and attending club 24-26 in Frost Valley deep in hikes and events are important, but won't you consider the Catskills, and I hope to see spending additional time on "administrative" matters? All many ofyou there. Our own fall committee chairs can use help and support, and you can membership meeting will take learn how the club really works, make new friends, and place October 17 at the Ellis hook up for impromptu hikes. We will need more volun­ Hollow Community Center, and it won't be long before teers to help us organize and carry out our sponsoring of our annual meeting in January! The final two hikes for the the annual meeting of the Finger Lakes Trails Conference cross-Tompkins County hike series are scheduled for Sep­ the weekend of April 30 to May 1, 2005. We will need tember 11 and October 9. Many thanks go to Sigrid and hike leaders, registrars, and idea people (for speakers, Jim Connors, who have, gone above the normal call to meal ideas, and othernecessities). Officers are listed in the make this series run smoothly. They join the likes of Tom newsletter and our bi-monthly meetings are open to all Reimers who spends much time and effort as both trails members (the next one is scheduled for October 5 at 7:00 chair and newsletter editor, Jennifer Wilson who finds and p.m. in the Old Jail at 125 East Court Street in Ithaca). coordinates the many hike leaders, Suzanne Cohen who Getting more involved improves everything! Thanks! Trails Report

by Tom Reimers ·Trails Chairman

he big trail maintenance event in August was con­ skidder and a "legal" all-terrain vehicle. Six volunteers struction of a new lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail showed up to help on that day. The cost of materials for T in Shindagin Hollow State Forest by an Alley Cat the lean-to was covered by a Challenge Cost Share Grant Trail Crew from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference from the National . Thirteen volunteers for the crew arrived on Sunday, Au­ Park Service. The new outhouse was funded by a $500 gust 15, and stayed until the lean-to was finished on grant from Eastern Mountain Sports. Friday, August 20. And is it a beauty! The footbridge for the FLT right off Shindagin Hollow Lots of work by CTC members preceded the crew's Road was rebuilt two years ago by CTC volunteers. It was arrival. A new outhouse was built at the site on June 5, a beautiful repair job with a wonderful stone wall under National Trails Day. Nine volunteers finished tearing one end ofthe bridge. Unfortunately, thatend ofthe bridge down the old lean-to and the old outhouse, which was was badly undermined by rain storms this past spring. The badly in disrepair, on July 11. Gary Mallow, Joe Dabes, Alley Cat work crew that built the new lean-to also re­ and I "carved" a camping and cooking area out of the tall paired the footbridge with washout-proof gabions filled weeds for the crew at a spot al orig Shindagin Hollow Road with rocks. The crew also built a picnic table, a round near the FLT on August l l. Milled logs, provided by the table, and at least eight benches and installed two steel fire NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and places on concrete slabs at the new lean-to site. other materials purchased from 84 Lumber were delivered Two Boy Scouts have offered to do eagle projects on on August 12. The delivery site was Camp MacCormick, the FLT we maintain this year. One young man wants to a maximum security detention facility for youth located on upgrade the footbridge at Diane's Crossing near Michigan South Road in the Town of Caroline. From there, all Hollow Road. The second wants to replace the outhouse materials were transported about a mile through the forest and do other repairs on the Tamarack Lean-to in Danby on an old logging road to the work site on a DEC-provided State Forest. Both will probably be done this year.

Cayuga Trails - 2 - Early Fall 2004 The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail Autumn in 11The Arnot"

Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #492 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #493 September 12, 2004 (Sunday) October 10, 2004 (Sunday) • Location: Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, Penn Yan ro + Location: Arnot Forest, Schuyler and Tompkins Dresden, New York counties + Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell + Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca + Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. + Meeting Time: 1 :00 p.m. id you know that Keuka Lake is the only finger om Reimers will lead this fall hike in the beautiful lake that drains directly into another finger lake? Arnot Teaching and Research Forest. "The Arnot" DClifford Blizard will be leading a reprise of a Tis located in the hilly, forested Southern Tier region fascinating hike that follows the Keuka Lake Out- of New York State. The Arnot is owned by Cornell let as it descends 274 feet from Penn Yan on the north­ University and managed by the Department of Natural eastern arm of Keuka Lake to Dresden on the western Resources in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. shore of Seneca Lake. The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, It is the largest actively managed forest owned by Cornell. evocative of a bygone industrial era in upstate New York, In addition to 2,400 acres of mature forest, the Arnot runs along an old railroad bed, parallels the remains of the includes some 100 acres of open land (grass and gold­ Crooked Lake Canal (with 27 lift locks), and passes the enrod), 1,345 acres of old fields, saplings, brush, and pole ruins ofsevera l mills, an abandoned bridge, and the site of timber, 170 acres of softwood plantations, 40 acres of a locomotive turntable. (The outlet itself formed about sugarbush, 20 acres of field campus, 10 ponds, and Ban­ 10,000 years ago, cutting through limestones and shales field C reek. More than 4 00 species of vascular plants and that are 350 million years old!). Mill ruins are interspersed 135 species of birds, in addition to numerous amphibians, with woods and parklands, rock walls, and several waterfalls. reptiles, and mammals, inhabit the Arnot. Approximately We will carpool from Ithaca and leave vehicles at both 100 contiguous acres of grassland are maintained to pro­ ends ofthe trail. Although the hike is fairly long (about 7.5 vide habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. miles one way), the trail is practically flat, and the section There are no hiking trails in the Arnot. However, old through Penn Yan is paved. Our walk will take several used and unused roads are great for hiking. They pass by hours, because there are so many intriguing historical one of the best autumn views in the area. We will visit features to examine along the way. We will arrive back in several interesting historical features such as a U.S. Soil Ithaca by 5:00 p.m. Bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of and Water Conservation erosion study site, an old Amer­ fluids. This hike was originally scheduled as WLL Hike ican chestnut plot, and a long-abandoned fireplace and pic­ #490 in July 2004 but was cancelled at that time. For more nic area deep in the woods. For more information contact information contact Clifford Blizard at 607/272-1299 or Tom at [email protected] or 607/272-8679. via the Internet at deep_ [email protected].

More hikes on pages 1, 4, 7, and 9

Cayuga Trails - 3 - Early Fall 2004 Adopt-A-Highway Update Special September Hike

by Jim Connors September 19, 2004 (Sunday) n June 19 six brave folks met amidst a driving rain + Location: Abbott Loop trail, Danby State Forest, to clean up "our" section of adopted highway Tompkins County 0 along NY Route 366. It was baptism by rainfall for first timer Cindy Bradburg who started and fin­ + Meeting Place: Danby Park & Ride lot on corner of ished the day's work with a smile on her face. Carol Mal­ NY Route 96B and Gunderman Roads, six miles lison was talking about hiking later in the day, but I think south of Ithaca it became a bit too soggy. Anyway, we did our duty and + Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m picked up several orange bags oftra sh along the roadway. I must confess that the rain made us step a little bit faster, arya Siegel will lead a club hike of the full Abbott but all in all a good job was done. Thanks to Phil Dankert, Loop, a premiere Finger Lakes hike that features a Sigrid Connors, Edith Cassel, Cindy, and Carol for getting Vscenic overlook of the Cayuga Inlet Valley in the soaked and for a "job well done"! Town of Danby. Created by !Ong-time CTC mem­ Our final highway cleanup this year will be on October bers Doris and Clifford Abbott, the trail is 8.6 miles long 23. Please join in the fun and meet at Cornell parking lot and includes 1.9 miles of the 560-mile-long Finger Lakes "O" at the comer of Route 366 and Caldwell Road at Trail. Participants will climb to a spectacular ledge called 10:00 a.m. We should be finished with our section before Thatcher's Pinnacles at an elevation of 1,700 feet. The noon. Contact me [email protected] or 607/898- Pinnacles overlooks the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Pre­ 4163 if you have any questions. serve owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Fairly rug­ ged climbs and descents are hard to avoid on this hike, although it may be shortened by placing "bailout" cars at Still Available! strategic intersections in advance. The Danby Park and Adopt-a-Trail Opportunity Ride is on the west side of NY Route 96B just south of Gunderman Road. Those conunuting from the southwest may meet at the trail head on Michigan Hollow Road, ne section of the Finger Lakes Trail that the club allowing time for the main group from Danby to show up. maintains is still available for a member or mem­ Participants are advised to bring fluids and plenty of 0 bers to adopt. Trail adopters should check their snacks for this outing, and bring appropriate clothing for section of trail at least three times per year. Each the hike and season. For more information, contact Varya adopter receives an Adopt-a-Trail agreement form, a vol­ at [email protected] or call 607/272-0504. unteer time report, an FLT Field Maintenance Manual, and an updated version of the trail-blazing standards. Ex­ penses for paint and other materials are reimbursed by the club. The available trail section is between NY Route 228 CTC 2004 Executive Board and County Road 6 southwest of Cayuta Lake in Schuyler County. Distance is about one mile across privately owned Co-presidents ...... John Andersson lands. This section was re-blazed last spring and is in ex­ Philip Dankert Vice President .. . . .· ...... David Schwartz cellent condition. Please contact Trails Chairman Tom Secretary ...... Sigrid Connors Reimers if you are interested in adopting this section. His Treasurer ...... Jack Van Derzee phone number is 607/272-8679 and his email address is Walk, look, & Learn Hikes .... Jennifer Wilson [email protected]. Finance ...... John Rogers Guide Book ...... Sigrid Connors Membership ... _ ...... Suzanne Cohen Social . _ ...... Marsha Zgola Cayuga Trails is published six times each year and Trails ...... Tom Reimers is edited and published by Thomas J . Reimers. Newsletter ...... Tom Reimers Comments and original contributions are welcome. Archives/Hist orian ...... Barbara Morley Deadline for the late fall edition is October 15, 2004. Publicity ...... Carol Mallison Send to [email protected] or 210 Wildflower Adopt-a-Highway ...... Jim Connors Drive, unit 3, Ithaca, NY 14850. Members-at-Large ...... Gary Mallow Carol Mallison

Cayuga Trails - 4 - Early Fa ll 2004 The Summer Hikes Across Tompkins County

by Sigrid Connors

e had a bright and sunny day for the third hike field hills. Lick Brook, the Sweedler Nature Preserve, and of the cross-cmmty series on the Finger Lakes Cornell Plantations's Babcock Preserve are all reasons for W Trail on July 10. For the first time we didn't a repeat hike for many. In all, we had 80 on the trail overflow the busses. The 78 registrants and including 73 registrants, 2 guests, and 5 worker bees. Our worker bees (hike leaders and sweeps) all fit into the two youngest hiker, 9-year-old Peter Newman, finished every Birnie busses on Comfort Road for the ride to Durfee Hill step of the hike while Clainie Lashley at 22 months old Road. The hike started on a path nicely mowed by a local enjoyed the ride in her parent's backpack. landowner and then, not to disappoint anyone, the five Ed Hart completed the 9.4-mile hike in 3 hours and 10 hiking groups started up the first of several "classic" hills. minutes. Once again 100 percent of the hikers finished The hike passed by the Tamarack Lean-to, went through a within 5 hours and 20 minutes. We extend a special thank larch tree plantation, crossed Miller Creek, went down into you to Ehrhart Propane Gas Company for allowing us the Michigan Hollow, and finally went past the Chestnut use of its property to park our 52 cars for the August hike. Lean-to until everyone arrived at Comfort Road. Thanks are also extended to Jim Connors who spent Sag wagon volunteers enjoyed dispensing cold water, considerable time brush-hogging the chest-high weeds Gatorade, pretzels, and apples and cheering the hikers there. Our trails chair, Tom Reimers, was very successful onward. And surely this helped because all of the regis­ in encouraging the trail adopters and other volunteers to trants completed the hike. Our first hiker finished the 8.1 get the trail in tip-top shape. Many remarked on the great miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes and the last of the conditions despite the inevitable mud. "turtles" came in at 5 hours and 41 minutes. Our enthusiastic and energetic worker bees for the third Our fourth hike on August 14 was sandwiched between and fourth hikes included: Marsha Zgola, Jack VanDerzee, Tropical Storm Bonnie and the remnants of Hurricane "Java Joe" Dabes, Jennifer Wilson, Larry "The Eternally Charlie as \Ve lucked out again with another beautiful crisp Nice Guy" Blumberg, Don French, Tom "The Mushroom day. After the busses made the steep uphill climb to Man" Homa, Keith Eggleston, Jay Zitter, Deb Patterson, Comfort Road all hikers were on the trail by I 0:00 a.m. John Andersson, Phil Dankert, Warren "Traildawg" John­ This hike swept along backcountry roads providing son, Barbara Morley, Jack Sexton, and Sue Collier. magnificent vistas of the Cayuga Inlet Valley and New-

Parricipants wait to load busses on Comfort Road for the third hike One ofth e hiking groups on July JO pauses for a photo where the across Tompkins County on July 10. Photo by Tom Reimers. FLT crosses Hill Road in Danby State Forest. Photo by Tom Reimers.

Cayuga Trails - 5 - Early Fall 2004 Recent Hike Reports

Special June Hike July Evening Waterfalls Hike #1

+ Date: June 26, 2004 + Date: July 13, 2004 + Location : Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management + Location: Taughannock Falls State Park, Tompkins Area, Schuyler and Tompkins counties County + Leaders: Carol Mallison and Gary Mallow (author + Leader: Carol Mallison of this report) was inspired to suggest a waterfalls ·theme for our n June 26th a :friendly group of 10 intrepid evening hike series because I've lived here over 20 hikers-six CTC members and four guests­ Iyears and never hiked the rim of Taughannock Falls. 0 enj·oyed a beautiful early summer day of light So, I contacted the park office and obtained a brochure breezes, blue skies, and puffy white clouds in the with a map. Five members and five guests took a pic­ Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. We hiked turesque jaunt around the falls rim loop, a relatively easy nearly the entire distance that the Finger Lakes Trail hike suitable for the whole family. The most challenging travels on Connecticut Hill, all of it on public land. A piece is the staircase that climbs to the top at the beginning feature ofthis hike was a travelogue from living legend Ed of the 3-mile loop, whether you start on the north or south "Ultraman" Hart, who provided directions and a marked rim. Once on the trail, the woods are very open and airy topo map showing the way to Hendershot Gulf on un­ with no place to hide, if you know what I mean, so take marked trails for those who want to take an adventure on care of business before getting on the trail. another day. On this day, we stuck to the white blazes and At this time of year, the woods are filled with Indian were rewarded with views of white-tailed deer, a ground pipe and poison ivy and magnificent large old trees. And, hog, a pileated woodpecker, and abandoned foundations there's an impressive falls visible where the rim trail m_arking the location of old farmsteads. We were sere- crosses from south to north. A camera and binoculars are . naded by a red-eyed vireo and many other birds. Half of good tools to have for the many spectacular views across the group hiked up to the radio and microwave towers and and into the canyon below as well as the falls, of course. called it a day. The remaining five hardy hikers resumed It's easy to see why people are tempted to leave the trail the hike by completing the pretty Bob Cameron Loop, for and get a closer look, but plenty of danger waits for those a total distance of about 13 miles. who do. Less dangerous was our stop at the official fall s overlook where one hiker taught us an amazing optical Special July Hike illusion involving any waterfall or other constantly mov­ ing object, such as a train. At the bike's end, seven of us + Date: July 17. 2004 chose to continue into the canyon to the base of the falls. via either creek bed or path. + Location: Abbott Loop trail, Danby State Forest, Tompkins County July Evening Waterfalls Hike #2 + Leader: Jack VanDerzee + Date: July 26, 2004 n Saturday, July 17, Jack.VanDerzee led a hike on the Abbott Loop. It was a beautiful day (unusual + Location: Buttermilk Falls State Park, Tompkins 0 for this summer). There were "lucky 13" ofus plus County several baby birds. The trail was in very good + Leader: David Schwartz condition considering ·an of the wet weather. Midway through the hike we were given a lesson on what to do in hree intrepid hikers braved yet another rainy day for a thunderstorm by one of the hikers since we heard thun­ an evening hike. However, the rain didn't stop der. Luckily the storm never got too close to us, and we T them! Armed with raingear, they marched around didn't have to practice what we learned. After the hike the full four-mile loop, though they did get quite most of us stopped in Danby for ice cream. wet. The sights were very beautiful in the rain, especially seeing the rain hit the lake. Maybe the leader's next eve­ ning hike will be more sunny, but all are encouraged that evening hikes happen, rain or shine.

Cayuga Trails - 6 - Early Fall 2004 More Recent Hike Reports Special November Hike

August Evening Waterfalls Hike November 13, 2004 (Saturday) + Date: August 5, 2004 + Location: The Interloken Trail, Finger Lakes National Forest, Schuyler and Seneca counties + Location: Fillmore Glen State Park, Cayuga County + Meeting Place: US Forest Service parking area at + leaders: Gary Mallow (author of this report) and south end of the Interlaken Trail off Burnt Hill Road, Jennifer Wilson north of Bennettsburg and south of Wyckoff Road ive Cayuga Trails Club members made the short trek + Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. outside the bounds of Tompkins County to explore Fthe oasis of cool, dense woods that is Fillmore Glen lub members Marsha Zgola and Jennifer Wilson State Park on a Thursday evening. They were re- will lead a special hike along the Interloken Trail in warded with a short but satisfying hike up the long, narrow CFinger Lakes National Forest. This approximately gorge that was nearly deserted on this weeknight. We 12-mile-long hike will feature dense forests, open stopped a number of times to soak up the experience of meadows," and rolling farmland and pass by several ponds, witnessing and listening to a number of pretty waterfalls campsites, and a lean-to. The trail is an official spur of the and small cataracts of fast water, surprising for August in 800-mile-long Finger Lakes Trail System and also encom­ central New York, but not so unusual this year. The group passes a short segment of the multi-state North Country hiked uphill as far as the dam at the far end of the gorge, National Scenic Trail. The terrain is easy and will be hiked then turned back and descended, using several bridges that in a slightly downward direction. Given the time of year span the gorge, maintained by our friends in the state parks and the miles hiked, this outing will not be for the department. Jennifer Wilson also led the group to a small faint-hearted, however. restored log cabin, a facsimile of the home of President We will proceed somewhat briskly with few and short Millard Fillmore, an important historical figure for our breaks. Please dress for the time ofyear. Layering ofwarrn state and on the national scene in the 19th century. This but breathable garments and a daypack with raingear are was a nice, short hike that offered good fellowship, con­ advisable. Bring sufficient drinking water and a sandwich versation, and some brief exercise on a night when most of or high-energy snacks. We will leave most cars at the us might have otherwise been watching a sitcom or base­ trail's southern end and shuttle together to begin at the ball game on TV. Fillmore Glen is a good location for a north end on Parmenter Road. For those who are unsure picnic for family and friends, or possibly a group affair about finding the trail head or who want to carpool, meet like a CTC picnic. Worth the short drive. Jennifer at 9:20 a.m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across New York Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. For Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #491 more information, contact Jennifer at 60717 5 3-8641 or [email protected] or Marsha at 607/546-7367 or + Date: August 8, 2004 [email protected]. + Location: Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, Tompkins County + Leader: Cris Mcconkey eventeen CTC members and guests identified and shared knowledge about forest mushrooms and S other fungi on a perfect Sunday afternoon along the Bob Cameron Loop on Connecticut Hill. Leader Cris McConkey was joined by Andres Quaroni in mush­ room identification. Both Andres and Greg Wooster took advantage of the opportunity for some mushroom photo­ graphy and there were some very interesting and attractive species to photograph. The hike had been intended to be longer, but there were too many interesting mushrooms, so we just walked the BCL north and south branches. Everyone who so desired brought back with them various - edible mushrooms for the table. Cris and Andres in­ Paul Gaeta (left) and Ed Hart during hike #4 ofth e cross-1"ompkins spected each basket. County series 011 tire Finger Lakes Trail. Photo by Sigrid Connors.

Cayuga Trails - 7 - Early Fall 2004 The New Shindagin Lean-to! (Photos by Tom Reimers)

Clzris Proulx removes tlze last logs from the old lean-to. Members ofth e Alley Cat Trail prepare logsfor the lean-to walls.

All that's left to do is finish the roof

A dangerous dead tree was cut so it wouldn 'tfall on the new lean-to. Crew members Tony Rodriguez (left), Kristin Schafer, and Ken Reek.

Cayuga Trails - 8 - Early Fall 2004 Welcome to New Members The New Shindagin Lean-to:

Vito & Ben Brancato Dedication and Hike

Spencer, NY 14883 October 3, 2004 (Sunday) + Location: Finger Lakes Trail in Shinda~ Hollow State Forest, Town of Caroline, Tompkins County William Clay + Meeting Place: Caroline Elementary School on NY Route 79 southeast of Ithaca Freeville, NY 13068 + Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m. ou've read and heard about it for months! Now see Jan de Roos the final product. Trails Chairman Tom Reimers will lead an easy downhill hike to the new Y Shindagin Lean-to and other accoutrements built in Ithaca, NY 14850 August 2004 by the Alley Cat Trail Crew of the Finger

Lakes Trail Conference. It's a beautiful new lean-to well worth the 1.5 mile hike. You will also see other trail im­ Sophea Ekengren provements done by the crew during their week-long work session: better drainage and two new steel fireplaces, Ithaca, NY 14850 benches, and a new picnic table at the lean-to. Of course, you will also want to see, if you haven't already, the new outhouse that was built by CTC volunteers and staff of

Ithaca's Eastern Mountain Sports store on National Trails Audrey Feint Febus Day, June 5. The hike will begin on South Road and go downhill Dryden, NY 13053 toward Shindagin Hollow Road. The lean-to is about halfway down the hill on the trail. If you haven't been at the site before, you will love the nearby waterfalls and deep gorge. Shindagin Hollow is beautiful and even better Kenneth Finch now that the old leaning and decrepit lean-to has been replaced with a new one. Ithaca, NY 14850 We will meet at the Caroline Elementary School located just west of West Slaterville on NY Route 79 southeast of Ithaca. We will pool cars there and proceed to Shindagin Hollow Road where we will leave a few cars. Carla Go lden & Diane Carruthers Then we will pool cars again and go up to the start of the hike on South Road. For more information, contact Tom Ithaca, NY 14850 Reimers at [email protected] or 607/272-8679.

Meena Haribal

Ithaca, NY 14850

Marcia Herrick

Lansing, NY 14882

Cayuga Trails - 9 - Early Fall 2004 Report on Executive Board Meeting

he Executive Board of the Cayuga Trails Club met house on July 11. Logs, provided by the New York State for a regular meeting on August 3, 2004, in the Department of Environmental Conservation, and other TScott Heyman Conference Room, 125 East Court building materials purchased from 84 Lumber will be Street, Ithaca. Board members present were John delivered on August 12 to Camp MacCormick on South Andersson. Phil Dankert, Suzanne Cohen, Carol Mallison, Road in the Town of Caroline. From there, all materials Gary Mallow. Tom Reimers, John Rogers, Jack Van will be transported about a mile through the forest on an Derzee. Jennifer Wilson, and Marsha Zgola. Guest old logging road to the work site. Cost of the lean-to will Jonathan Bernstein was also present. The following is a be covered by a grant to the FLTC from the.National Park summary of some of the items considered as recorded by Service. The new outhouse was funded by· a $500 grant Secretary Sigrid Connors. from Eastern Mountain Sports. The Alley Cat crew will Co-president John Andersson called the meeting to also repair the footbridge on the FLT just east of order at 7:25 p.m. John read the treasurer's report sub­ Shindagin Hollow Road and build a new picnic table and mitted by Jack VanDerzee. The club has a checking ac­ fireplace at the lean-to. The footbridge was rebuilt two count balance of$2, 146.11 and a savings account balance years ago by CTC volunteers but was badly undermined of $2,735.19. on one end by rainstorms last spring. It was a beautiful Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes: Jennifer Wilson re­ repair job with a wonderful stone wall under one end of ported on recent hikes which are reported elsewhere in this the bridge. About half of the wall is now gone. newsletter. She is now planning for the Two Boy Scouts are planning eagle September and October hikes. Tom projects on the FLT. One young man Reimers offered to lead a hike in the wants to upgrade the footbridge at Arnot Forest on October 10 and Jon­ Diane's Crossing near Michigan Hollow athan Bernstein offered to lead an over­ Road. It is now a tricky crossing espe­ night hike in Robinson Hollow State cially when wet. He plans to make a Forest on August 28- 29. platform with hand railings. The second Finance: John Rogers reported that scout wants to replace the deteriorating he looked over several years' worth of outhouse at the Tamarack Lean-to in the club's financial records. The books kept by Jack Danby State Forest. Both projects will probably be done VanDerzee are clearly marked and very well organized. later this year. The club consistently takes in more money than it spends, Adopt-a-Highway Program: Jim Connors reported has modest end-of-year expenditures, and invests its that six people attended the highway litter cleanup on June money safely. It is financially a very healthy organization. 19. It was quite rainy but fun. The last cleanup this year Upon questioning, John recommended that the club think will be on October 23. Jim will plan one or two summer about long-term financial planning and large capital im­ cleanups next year to start at 6:00 p.m. It was suggested · provement projects, such as construction of a lean-to on that advertising the cleanups would keep the CTC more the Finger Lakes Trail. visible and let people know what the club is doing. Social: Marsha Zgola reported that the annual Cayuga Other Business: Sigrid Connors reported that the Trails Club picnic held on July 28 was very successful. cross-Tompkins County hike series has been going well. Over 30 new and current members came to upper But­ The weather has been great. All of the hikers completed termilk Falls State Park and enjoyed great food. the June and July hikes. Finger Lakes Trail maps, caps, Trails: Tom Reimers reported that the Finger Lakes and other clothing were sold at the mini-store. The apples, Trail Conference's Alley Cat.Trail Crew will arrive on pretzels, and Gatorade have been popular along with the August 15 to build a new .Shindagin Lean-to on the Finger usual drinking water. The latest patch design for the series Lakes Trail during that week. A small camping area will was displayed, and one more design change was suggested be cleared of weeds on state forest land near Shindagin by board members. Hollow Road. Gary Mallow, Joe Dabes, and Tom will Phil Dankert reserved the Ellis Hollow Community clear the camping area on August 11. A new outhouse was Center for the General Membership Meeting and dish-to­ built at the site of the lean-to on June 5 and nine CTC pass supper to be held on October 17. Sigrid Connors volunteers finished tearing down the old lean-to and out- suggested that a larger meeting site be considered next year due to cramped quarters at the community center. ·

Cayuga Trails - 10 - Early Fall 2004 CTC Member Report on Evening Awarded Internship Waterfalls Hike #3

lifford Blizard, a CTC member and graduate stu­ + Date: August 19, 2004 dent at the New York State College of Environ­ + Location: Lick Brook Loop trail at the Sweedler Cmental Science and Forestry, was awarded an Nature Preserve, Tompkins County internship by the Edna Bailey Sussman Foun­ dation. The internship provides oppo$flities for students + Leader: Carol Mallison to pursue "careers, the activities of which affect the ho knew when we chose a waterfall theme for environment, to understand the interaction oftheir chosen our evening hike series that this would be one of profession with environmental concerns." Clifford will W the wettest summers on record, thus extending work with Candor Elementary School to investigate "en­ the true appreciation of our local waterfalls all couraging environmental stewardship with elementary summer long. Our Lick Brook hike was no exception. Four school children." members and three guests hiked under overcast skies and from The Ithaca Journal, July 30, 2004 in between scattered raindrops to enjoy the beauty of cascading large and small falls and several enticing little hideaways along the Lick Brook creek bed. We chose to climb the steepest section first, along the edge of the gorge, in case it really rained and turned the descent into a water slide rather than a hike. The summer's wet weather meant there were plenty of mushrooms and lush fems to identify, along with red efts and toads of var­ ious sizes. Even a garter snake surprised us as it slithered off the dark wet path. A mystery was left unsolved as we tried to identify an odorous and tom apart corpse on the trail that we agreed was probably an opossum. A variety ofplants with flowers or berries also left us wishing we had guide books for proper identification. An exceptionally breathtaking stretch of trail along the "mountain" ridge made us feel as though we were walking the spine of a great dinosaur. Back on the flats, we were amused by a series of artistic The "indoor crowd" at the CTC picnic on July 28 at Buttermilk Falls sculptures where hikers had left interesting collections of Stale Park. Photo by Tom Reimers. broken glass, pipes, and other artifacts on the tops of several low stone columns. 2004 Deer Hunting Seasons

ikers are strongly urged to wear safety orange clothing during deer hunting seasons. De~r hunt~ng Hseaso ns for New York's Southern Zone mcludmg the Catskills are as follows: + Archery: October 15 through November 21 and December 15 through December 19 + Regular firearms: November 22 through December 14 + Muzzleloaders: December 15 through December 21 Please keep in mind that hunting may be allowed in parts of state parks with dates that differ from those above. For more information about hunting seasons call 518/457- 3521 or visit www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife /guide!huntseas.html. For information about hunting in state parks call 518/474-0456.

Early Fall 2004 Cayuga Trails - 11 - Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, September 1 2 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #492. The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. Meet at 10:00 a .m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Clifford Blizard, leader ([email protected] or 607/272-1299) . Det ails on page 3. Sunday, September 19 ...... Special hike of the Abbott Loop trail, Danby State Forest. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Danby Park & Ride lot on the corner of Gunderman Road and NY Route 366. Varya Siegel ([email protected], 607/ 272-0504), leader. Details on page 4. Sunday, October 3 ...... Shindagin Lean-to dedication and hike. Shindagin Hollow State Forest, Town of Caroline, Tompkins County. Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at Caroli.ne Elementary School. Tom Reimers ([email protected], 607/ 272-8679), leader. Details on page 9. Tuesday, October 5 Cayuga Trails Club Executive Board meeting. 7 :00 p.m. Old Jail Building, ·125 East Court Street, Ithaca. Members welcome. Sunday, October 10 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #493. Autumn in "The Arnot." Arnot Forest. Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. Tom Reimers ([email protected], 607/272-8679), leader. Details on page 3. Friday, October 1 5 ...... Deadline for submitting materials for the late fall issue of Cayuga Trails. Articles and photos welcome. See information in box on page 4 Sunday, October 1 7 ...... Special hike to precede General Membership Meeting and dish-to-pass supper. Ringwood Preserve near Freeville, Tompkins County. Meet at 2:30 . p.m. on Ringwood Road. Dave Burnett (607/ 539-7977) or Joan Jedele (607/539-6710, [email protected]), leaders. Details on page 1. Sunday, October 17 Cayuga Trails Club General Membership Meeting and dish-to-pass supper. Ellis Hollow Community Center, Genung Road, Ithaca. Social at 4:30 p.m. and supper at 5:00 p.m. Details on page 1 .. Contact Marsha Zgola at 607/546- 7367 or John Andersson at 607/539-7096 for more information. Saturday, October 23 Final 2004 Adopt-a-Highway Program cleanup of NY Route 366. Meet just before 10:00 a.m. in Cornell's " O" parking lot at the intersection of Route 366 and Caldwell Road. Jim Connors, leader (607/898-4163, jconnors @twcny.rr.com). Details on page 4. Saturday, November 13 ...... Special November hike on the lnterloken Trail in Finger Lakes National Forest. Meet at US Forest Service parking area at sout hern end of Interlaken Trail off Burnt Hill Road, north of Bennettsburg and south of Wyckoff Road, Schuyler County. Jennifer Wilson ([email protected] t , 607/753-8641 ) and Marsha Zgola ([email protected], 607/ 546-7367), leaders. Details on page 7.

Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. P.O. Box 754 NON-PROFIT Ithaca, NY 14851- 0754 ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA, NY PERMIT NO . 94 Newsletter of the Cayuga Trails Club Founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, and preseroe wild lands and places of natUral beauty ... "

November-December 2004 Late Fall Edition Vol. 44, Nos. 11 & 12

CTC Annual Meeting and Luncheon Reports, Elections, and the "Cayuga Lakefront Trail" January 23, 2005

ark your calendars now for Sunday, January 23, 2005, for the Annual Meeting ofthe Cayuga Trails Club. Come and hear the committee chairs, officers, and co-presidents describe important happenings in 2004 and plans for 2005. M Help elect officers! See who last year's Oscar winners choose to take t.1e little squirrels home for 2005 ! Before the meeting enjoy a meal with fellow hikers prepared by Angelina Centini's Restaurant, 124 Coddington Road, Ithaca. Our after-lunch speaker will be Rick Manning, the coordinator of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative. The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is a partially complete six-mile-long trail that will link Ithaca's waterfront destinations including the Tompkins County Visitors' Center, Ithaca Youth Bureau, Stewart Park, Cascadilla Boat Club, Newman Golf Course, Ithaca Farmers' Market, Cornell and Ithaca College Boathouses, Inlet Island, Cass Park, and Allan H. Treman State Marine Park. It will allow users to experience the Ithaca waterfront as a continuous linear park. When the Black Diamond Trail and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail are completed, residents and visitors will be able to walk and bicycle on off-road trails from the Visitors' Center to Taughannock Falls State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Robert H. Treman State Park. Look for a flyer in your mailbox in December with all the details of the Annual Meeting. We hope to see a .-ecord number of members attend this important event! New Lean-to Dedicated

by Tom Reimers

wenty-five club members and friends enjoyed sho_rt hikes from Shindagin Hollow Road and South Road rn Tthe Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, on October 3, 2004, to dedicate the brand new Shindagin Hollow Lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail. The lean-to and other accoutrements were built in August by the Alley Cat Trail Crew, a group of volunteers organized by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. After a few introductory remarks and thank yous by Trails Chairman Tom Reimers, Co-presidents John Andersson and Phil Dankert addressed the crowd of hikers with additional thank yous. 1bree members of the Alley Cat crew attended the event and were recognized: Joe Dabes, Ray Kuzia, and Tony Rodriquez. The dedication was highlighted by cham­ pagne for all. Following the dedication, hikers resumed their Co-president Phil Dankert addresses hikers during the dedication of hikes in either direction back to their cars. the new Shindagin lean-to on October 3. Photo by Tom Reimers. Co-President's Report

by PhH Dankert

y the time you receive this issue of Cayuga Trails we will be well into the fall season. This means, at least for some of us, that our thoughts will be turning in the not too distant future Bto the arrival of snow. Guess it is time to think about checking the condition of my downhill . skis. Yes, for those ofy ou who don't know me that well I am one of probably only a handful ofhikers who still gets a great deal ofpleasure spending my days on the slopes that are within easy l' ~ : · driving distance of my house. In the meantime it is appropriate to review what has been a busy summer and early fall for the Cayuga Trails Club. Saturday, October 9, marked the completion of the cross-Tompkins County hike series. Although other commitments prevented me from being an active participant, I do !mow that this was a highly successful series of hikes. This was due to the tremendous effort on the part of Sigrid and Jim Connors. What is really amazing is the fact that even though we had a very rainy spring and summer the weather cooperated on the days ofthe hikes. On Sunday, October 3, the new Shindagin Lean-to was dedicated. An excellent turnout including three volunteers who helped build it attended. Thanks must go to many individuals who cooperated in the planning and construction including those from Camp MacCormick, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. In addition, our own Tom Reimers did much to ensure that everything before and during the week of August 16 went smoothly for the volunteer construction crew. Finally, I understand from several of our members that the fall meeting of the Finger Lakes Trail Con­ ference held September 24--26 at Frost Valley in the Catskills was a very successful affair. The Cayuga Trails Club will be hosting the annual meeting of the FLTC next spring. Looking ahead, there will be several more hikes before the start of gun season for deer hunting. Information on them are included in the following pages. This is certainly a good time to get out on the trails for perhaps one last time this year. Also, you can now mark your calendars for January 23, 2005, as the date for the CTC Annual Meeting. Additional details will be forthcoming in December. . As John Andersson and I have constantly stressed, our club has been as successful as it is strictly because of the volunteer efforts of our members. Our 100-mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail System receives a great deal of praise for the way in which it is maintained. We can, however, always use additional maintainers. Speaking personally this is something that is very satisfying and does not take an inordinate amount of time. To repeat something that John stated in his last column, "Won't you consider spending additional time on 'administrative' matters?" Although perhaps not always the most high profile of activities, all of our committee chairs can certainly use help and support.

CTC 2004 Executive Board

Co-presidents ...... John Andersson Philip Dankert Vice President ...... David Schwartz Secretary ...... Sigrid Connors Treasurer ...... Jack Van Derzee Walk, Look, & Learn Hikes . . . . Jennifer Wilson Finance ...... John Rogers Guide Book ...... Sigrid Connors Membership ...... Suzanne Cohen Social ...... Marsha Zgola Trails ...... Tom Reimers Newsletter ...... Tom Reimers Archives/Historian ...... Barbara Morley Publicity ...... Carol Mallison Adopt-a-Highway ...... Jim Connors Members-at-large ...... Gary Mallow Carol Mallison

- 2 - Steege Hill Nature Preserve Martin N·ature Preserve

Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #494 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #495 November 21, 2004 (Sunday) December 11, 2004 (Saturday)

• location: Steege Hill Nature Preserve, Town of Big • Location: Martin Nature Preserve, Town of Flats, Chemung County Catharine, Schuyler County

• Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca • Meeting Time: 12:15 p.m. • Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m. inger Lakes Land Trust members Bob Corneau and he quiet and pretty Martin Nature Preserve, located Betsy Darlington have welcomed the Cayuga Trails about a half hour from Ithaca, hasn't seen a lot of FClub to join them as they lead a year-end nature Thikers in recent years. But a new trail has been cut, walk at one of the Land Trust's nature preserves an old one re-blazed, and now this little comer of near Big Flats. The creatures for whom the beautiful woods and creek just southwest of Ithaca in Schuyler woodlands are best known, timber rattlesnakes, will be out County is ready to be seen by CTC members and the pub­ of sight hibernating, and participants can check out some lic. Our short hike in this preserve crosses 110-acres of other features of this 700-acre natural treasure trove. land donated in November 1993 to the Finger Lakes Land Everyone should dress for whatever the weather might Trust by Gene and Joan Lane. Formerly a Christmas tree have to offer (layered clothing) and bring substantial farm, the preserve has many spruce trees and should make snacks and fluids. The walk will go rain, sun, or snow. a lovely winter hike. Catlin Mill Creek wanders through Jennifer Wilson from the Cayuga Trails Club will meet the landscape, and visitors can admire such landmarks as individuals who wish to carpool in the parking lot next to a 300-year-old white oak that is five feet in diameter as the Taco Bell restaurant off NY Route 13 south of down­ well as the "giraffe tree," a yellow birch that appears to town Ithaca. Those who wish to go directly to the trail have stilts to w alk on. head should take the following route and arrive at 1: 30 The Martin Preserve is one of over 20 protected areas p.m. when the hike actually begins. From Interstate 86 either purchased by or donated to the Finger Lakes Land (formerly NY Route 17) take exit 49. Go south on Orcott Trust in a continuing effort to preserve important natural Road. Turn right on Route 64, then right on Route 352. areas, flora, and fauna in central New York. These areas Take the next left on South Corning Road. Cross the have the added benefit to hikers of being off limits to bridge over the Chemung River and go left on Steege Hill hunters, for the most part. Road. The parking lot is up Steege Hill Road on the left. Dress in layers for the weather and consider snowshoes For more information, call Jennifer Wilson at 607/753- if there's deep snow on that day. Bring a snack, and per­ 8641 or the Finger Lakes Land Trust at 607/275-9487. haps a thermos of cocoa or coffee. For more information about this hike or the preserve, contact Gary at garymal Cayuga Trails is published six times each year and [email protected] or 607/564-7938. is edited and published by Thomas J . Reimers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the winter edition is December 15, More hikes on pages 4 & 11 ! 2004. Send to nyhiker@localnetcom or 210 Wild­ flower Drive, unit 3, Ithaca, NY 14850.

- 3 - Special Fall Hikes

November December November 13, 2004 (Saturday) December 5 , 2004 (Sunday) • Location; The Interlaken Trail, Finger Lakes • Location: Robert H. Treman State Park and National Forest, Schuyler and Seneca counties Sweedler Nature Preserve at Lick Brook, Tompkins County • Meeting Place: V.S. Forest Service parking area at south end of the Interlaken Trail off Burnt Hill Road, • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell north ofBennettsburg and south of Wyckoff Road across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca • Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. • Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. lub members Marsha Zgola and Jennifer Wilson eyer Sjamaar will lead a hike covering a 7 .1-mile­ will lead a special hike along the Interlaken Trail long section ofthe Finger Lakes Trail. We will pick Cin Finger Lakes National Forest. This approx­ Rup the trail on Porter Hill Road (east of Rieman imately 12-mile-long hike will feature dense for­ Woods), hike along the south rim ofRobert Treman ests, open meadows, and rolling farmland and pass by State Park, cross the Cayuga Inlet Valley, climb up several ponds, campsites, and a lean-to. The trail is an through the Sweedler _Nature Preserve, and end up on official spur of the 800-mile-long Finger Lakes Trail Town Line Road. The trail passes through mixed forest, System . and also encompasses a short segment of the along fields, through a pine plantation, across the Cayuga multi-state North Country National Scenic Trail. The Inlet as well as some smaller streams, and near the end terrain is easy and will be hiked in a slightly downward alongside the lovely Lick Brook waterfalls. Although there direction. Given the time of year and the miles hiked, this is a net elevation loss of over 500 feet, the terrain is hilly outing will not be for the faint-hearted, however. with several steep climbs and descents. We plan to walk at We will proceed somewhat briskly with few and short a fairly brisk pace and break for·lunch at noon. Please breaks. Please dress for the time ofyear . Layering ofwarm dress appropriately for the season and bring food and . but breathable garments and a daypack with raingear are drink. For more information call Reyer at 607/272-1 811. advisable. Bring sufficient drinking water and a sandwich or high-energy snacks. We will leave most cars at the trail's southern end and shuttle toge_ther to begin at the 2004 Deer Hunting Seasons north end on Parmenter Road. For those who are unsure about finding the trail head or who want to carpool, meet ikers are strongly urged to wear safety orange Jennifer at 9:20 a.m. at the Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco clothing during deer hunting seasons. Deer Bell across New York Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza. For hunting seasons for New York's Southern more information contact Jennifer at 6071753-8641 or H Zone including the Catskills are as follows: [email protected] or Marsha at 607/546-7367 or [email protected]. • Archery: October 15 through November 21 and December 15 through December 19 • Regular firearms: November 22 through Myrle Scott Willis December 14 Myrle Scott Willis, 91, formerly of Ellis Hollow • Muzzleloaders:becember 15 throughDecember21 Road, Ithaca, died September 23, 2004, in Please keep in mind that hunting may be allowed in Wexford, Pennsylvania. She was a long-time parts of state parks with dates that differ from those member of the Cayuga Trails Club and was above. For more information about hunting seasons call the oldest person to complete the fi rst Hike 518/457-3521 orvisitwww.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr Across Tompkins County in 1992. Myrle was lwi.ldlife/guide/h untseas. html. For information about hoot­ born in Condi, South Dakota, and moved to ing in state parks call 518/474-0456. Ithaca as a teenager.

- 4 - Adopt-a-Highway Report Welcome to New Members

by Jim Connors Marion Boratynski he third Adopt-a-Highway cleanup for the Cayuga Trails Club on NY Route 366 was held on Saturday, Trumansburg, NY 14886 TAugust 28. Eleven folks participated on a partly sunny, partly cloudy and humid summer day. Edith Cassel made it just in time pulling up on her bike at 10:00 Robin Botie a.m. New CTC member and first time "picker" Marcia · Herrick was teamed up with veterans John Andersson and Ithaca, NY 14850 Jim Connors. Despite this handicap she was able to hang in there until we were finished. Gary Mallow found a "Think Snow" flag that must have fallen off a car. This Marty & Susie Hatch made us think that hiking and Adopt-a-Highway pickups are past the midway point of the season. One Good Ithaca, NY 14850 Samaritan found a stamped and addressed envelope in a ditch and placed it in a mailbox--changing fate for

whomever lost it. Tom Reimers, Sigrid Connors, Phil Dankert, Martha Blake, June Meyer, and Lincoln Brown Roger & Ruth Hopkins rounded out the rest of the cleanup crew. Lansing, NY 14882 Report on Walk, Look,

and Learn Hike #493 Michelle Kelly & Bill Buxton

• Date: October 10, 2004 Cortland, NY 13045

• Location: Arnot Forest, Schuyler and Tompkins

counties

• Leader: Tom Reimers Angele & Tyler McQuade nder threatening skies, 17 happy hikers enjoyed a wonderful walk at Arnot Forest. "The Arnot" is a Ithaca, NY 14850

Utea ching and research forest owned by Cornell University and managed by the Department of )l"atural Resources. It consists of 2,400 acres of mature Amy & Matt Parker forest, about 100 acres of open land, 1,345 acres of old fields, saplings, brush, and pole timber, 170 acres of soft­ Johnson City, NY 13790 wood plantations, 40 acres of sugarbush, 20 acres of field campus, 10 ponds, and Banfield Creek. After gathering at Ithaca Shopping Plaza, cars headed Adam & Kim Scholl south to the lower entrance of the forest in Schuyler Coun­ ty. Some cars were left there as others filled with hikers Newfield, NY 14867 drove to the upper entrance in Tompkins County. Most of the hike was on unimproved Irish Hill Road with a stop at an old graveyard, a walk through a forestry demonstration plot, a visit to remains of a chestnut re-introduction plot, Laura Zastrow and a stop at one of the best autumn vistas in the area. Near the end of the trek, hikers viewed one of the extensive Ithaca, NY 14850 sugarbushes with taps and interconnected plastic tubes that carry sap to the boilers. The hike ended at about 4:30 when a few raindrops began to fall.

- 5 - Report on Special Hike #5: 2004 Hike Abbott Loop Hike Across Tompkins County

• Date: September 19, 2004 September 11, 2004 by Sigrid Connors • Location: Abbott Loop trail, Danby State Forest, Tompkins County nee again our lucky group of cross-county hikers managed to find a cl.ear, crisp day having squeaked • Leader: Varya Siegel 0 by the ram and wmd left over from Hurricane welve people hiked the entire Abbott Loop on Frances. She did leave one reminde~ though, a poplar tree stretched across Black Oak Road where the September 19. Hurricane Ivan had recently brought busses were soon due to pass. Fortunately, Jim "the scout" T a few inches of rain to the area, so the trail was very Connors pulled out his trusty axe and quickly dispatched wet and muddy. Creeks were swollen with rushing the tree. After unloading the busses we paused for a water, and we threw in big rocks to step on io help us cross. ~oment of silence in memory of 9111 and the many dying Luckily, everyone was wearing hiking boots because we rn our country's wars as well as remembering friends who had to slosh through many muddy areas of the trail. had recently passed away. The remote Connecticut Hill Despite the water and mud, everyone had a great time setting under a canopy of trees offered an inviting place to and enjoyed the last days of summer and the beginning help us appreciate those we hold dear and the great beauty signs of fall. There were some red efts crawling across the of the Finger Lakes Trail. damp parts of the trail, and there were apples on trees on By 10:00 a.m. the five hiking groups had gathered and the side ofMichigan Hollow Road. We all enjoyed a great everyone began the obligatory half-mile hike on the FLT view from the Pinnacles because Phil Davis had cleared to the county line and back to ensure that they had com­ the trees at the top of the hill the day before the hike. pleted the trail to the county's western b,oundary. Jim Thanks, Phil! We saw a few maples with leaves tinged stood gallantly on the unmarked county line deep in the with orange and yellow and green acorns on the ground. woods with a sign warning that continuing on meant no We finished the hike at 3:00, and all went home to enjoy sag wagons and most importantly no snacks. the rest of the weekend. This hike passed the highest point in Tompkins County at 2,099 feet near the Connecticut Hill radio tower and gave hikers great views of the Cayuta and Cayuga Lake valleys. There were also many brook crossings that man­ aged to soak more than a few feet. We had 82 on the trail that day plus five workers and sag wagoners handing out Dutch pretzels, Gatorade, and nice cold water. Marsha Zgola's fast group galloped the 9.4 miles in 3 hours and 25 minutes and Gary Mallow's Turtles came in at 3:25 p.m. having enjoyed 5 hours and 20 minutes on the trail. Joe Dabes led the medium fast folks, Larry Blumberg led the steadfast medium hikers or "M&Ms" as they are otherwise lmown, and Jennifer Wilson led the medium slow folks. Keith Eggleston, Susan Collier, Chris Anderson, and Larry Newman "swept" the groups safely in with Jack VanDerzee continuing his goal of hiking with every group. And, thankfully our sag wag­ ons never had to ferry anyone except to bird-sit Marsha's two rescued baby finches.

- 6 - Hike #6: 2004 Hike Across Tompkins County (and picnic!)

October 9 , 2004 by Sigrid Connors he last Saturday of our hiking series started out cool with bits of sun straining through an overcast sky. TAlthough nature attempted to break our record of six rain-free hiking days, the sun prevailed and the raindrops never fell until the picnic cleanup crew started heading home. The hike started on Porter Hill Road in­ stead ofTrumbull Comers Road due to an unexpected clo­ ~~ sure of the Finger Lakes Trail. To prevent a long road hike - I· ~-.__..._ we had everyone backtrack to the Rieman Woods bivouac Sigrid and Ji111 Connors. organizers ofthe 2004 Hike Across area to make up for the lost trail section. Tompkins County. Photo by Marsha Zgo/a_ The 6.7-mile stretch to the hike's finish included a number of gullies and a few field crossings. Many trees were showing their fall colors and folks enjoyed the view of Enfield Creek from on high as the FLT wound its way down into Robert H. Treman State Park. We give thanks to trail maintainers Tqm Reimers, Phil Dankert, and Jon­ athan Bernstein for the-- clearing work they put in to get the trail ready. This included making a ''beetour" off the trail after Tom got stung numerous times by yellow jackets on two separate occasions earlier in the week. Marsha Zgola's group finished in 2 hours and 20 min­ utes at 12:20 p.m. and Jay Zitter's Turtles did an awesome job of hoofing it into the picnic area at 1:30 p.m. We managed to keep the crowd occupied with cider, spirits, and snacks until the Turtles arrived. Ninety-two people then celebrated the end of the hike series enjoying the burgers, hot dogs, and delectable salads and desserts that everyone contributed. Gene Bavis from the Finger Lakes Tompkins County- '"'hikers at the picnic at Robert H Tre111an State Trail Conference managed to get a few samples of the Park 011 October 9. Photo by Tom Rei111ers. food but was kept very busy with the FLTC store he hauled all the way from Mt. Morris, New York. The awards ceremony followed when we happily recognized the 61 hikers who had completed the series ~l~~· ~%-~ with certificates and hot-off-the-press Tompkins County ,,.., _,,~ shoulder patches. We also recognized the many people who contributed to this successful and enjoyable hiking se­ ries including Jim Connors, Jack VanDerzee, John An­ dersson, Marsha Zgola, Tom Reimers, and Gary Mallow. Special mention was given forthe behind-the-scenes work that Irene Szabo and Gene Bavis contributed. And I appreciated the very warm thank you given to me by the group. All in all, it was a fitting close to a great season. And stay tuned for the Hike Across Schuyler County which we will host in 2005 ! The 2004 Hike Across To111pki11s Co1111 ty Patch

- 7 - Trail-Section Adopters

he Cayuga T ra;Is Club is oesponsible for maintenance of 101.2 miles ofth~ Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) System between Watkins Glen m Schuyler County and Carolme m Tompkins County. This mcludes 77.4 miles of the main FLT and T23.8 miles of other trails. The following list indicates the sections of trail and the volunteers who adopted them for maintenance in 2004. If you would like to adopt a section of trail next year, please contact Trails Chairman Tom Reimers at [email protected] or 607/272-8679. . Trail Section Adopter(s) Franklin Street in Watkins Glen to Excelsior Glen Jonathan Bernstein NY Route 414/Excelsior Glen to Main Street in Burdett Jonathon Bernstein Main Street in Burdett to Logan Road Neal Melveney Logan Road to Burnt Hill Road (S) Jack VanDerzee Burnt Hill Road (S) to Texas Hollow Road Ed and Elaine Lopresti, Betty Hansen Texas Hollow Road to Steam Mill Road Ed Hart Steam Mill Road to NY Route 228 Charles Marquaerdt NY Route 228 to County Route 6 Adopter Wanted! County Route 6 to Todd Road Marsha Zgola, Chris Proulx, Varya Siegel Todd Road to Ridge Road Rich and Tracy Marisa Ridge Road to Boyland Road Rick Grossman Boyland Road to Connecticut Hill Road Barb Morley and John Chamberlain Connecticut Hill Road to Cayutaville Road Kurt Seitz Cayutaville Road to Rumsey Hill Road (W) Larry Banfield Rumsey Hill Road (W) to Porter Hill Road Herb Engman Porter Hill Road to Hines Road Charlie and Lori Elrod Hines Road to Woodard Road Michael Turback Woodard Road to NY Route 13/34/96 Eric Kratochvil and Fran O'Rourke NY Route 13/34/96 to Town Line Road (N) Tom Reimers Town Line Road (N) to Town Line Road (S) Greg Wooster and Ree Thayer Town Line Road (at West Jersey Hill Road) to Bruce Hill Road Cornell Digital Library Research Group Bruce Hill Road to Comfort Road (N) Eric Mastroberti Comfort Road (N) to Bald Hill Road John Andersson Bald Hill Road to Michigan Hollow Road Carol Mallison and George Little Michigan Hollow Road to Curtis Road Gary Mallow Curtis Road to Fisher Settlement Road Danny and Kristin Scott Fisher Settlement Road to South Danby Road Tom Reimers South Danby Road to NY Route 96B Michael Kazarinoff and family NY Route 96B to Ridgeway Road David Ruppert and Anne Shapiro Coddington Road to White Church Road Richard and Claudia W odzinski White Church Road to Brearley Hill Road Gary Mallow Brearley Hill Road to Shindagin Hollow Road Phil Dankert Shindagin Hollow Road to South Road Erin Shafto and Noah Hamm South Road to Old 76 Road Andy Boehm and Connie O'Brien Old 76 Road to Level Green Road Stephen Nicholson Level Green Road to Blackman Hill Road· William and Donna Bergmark Blackman Hill Road to NY Route 79 Jay Zitter and Bill Fair Cayuga Trail: Stewart Ave to Freese Road Montessori School Adolescent Program Cayuga Trail: Freese Road to Varna Tom Reimers Abbott Loop: Michigan Hollow Road (N) to Bald Hill Road (S) Cliff and Doris Abbott Abbott Loop: Michigan Hqllow Road (S) to junction with main FLT Joan Jedele and Jack Rueckheim Abbott Loop: Bald Hill Road (S) to Michigan Hollow Road (S) JoAnne Oliver and Edith Cassel Abbott Loop: Thatcher 's Pinnacles Phil Davis Lick Brook Loop Tom Reimers Yan Lone Hill Loop· Marsha Zgola, Chris Proulx, Varya Siegel Bob Cameron Loop Cris Mcconkey Buttermilk Falls Spur Trail Chris Proulx Thank You!

- 8 - Report on Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #492

• Date: September 12, 2004 • Location: Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, Penn Yan to Dresden • Leader: Clifford Blizard n a moderately sunny and somewhat brisk autumn or so, we then took a parallel· side trail to view the only day, seven CTC members and one·guest followed remaining Keuka Canal lock (whose stone somehow 0 the Keuka Lake Outlet on its course from near escaped all of the salvage projects). We found a Keuka Lake down about 275 feet to near its salamander in a wet patch of the path and spent several confluence with Seneca Lake. The rail-to-trail outlet path minutes ascertaining its state of health (finally we took was formerly the bed of a railroad. We began our pronouncing it quite dead). Arriving at a wildly gushing journey at a town park in Penn Yan where a children's waterfall (move over, Niagara!), we breathed in the cool football game was soon to get underway. I remarked to the mist while viewing still more walls of still more mills others that I felt like I had walked into a National along the waterway. We waved, too, at an intrepid hiker on Geographic story about cultural happenings in small town the other side of the outlet, but decided not to hazard a America. Leaving the future football stars behind, we crossing (since we would have been swept downstream reached the outlet, then crossed it on an old railroad quite rapidly). bridge. Just beyond, at a road bridge whose stones were Continuing down the trail, we passed many local folks originally part of the locks of the Keuka Canal (which enjoying a Sunday afternoon stroll, including a couple of flowed alongside the outlet), we stopped to view a small Amish families whose horses and buggies were tethered at gate structure that regulates the level of Keuka Lake. one of the trail access parking areas. We then encountered Continuing past Birkett Mill (the only mill structure still yet another set of industrial buildings, several of which largely intact along the outlet), we finally reached the were part of a factory that produced carbon bisulfide for unpaved part of the trail. We continued to a road crossing pesticides and other purposes. A couple of the buildings where a few of us wended our way through some brush to were open to explore; one ofthem contained an enormous explore the impressive ruins of a former paper mill with furnace where traces of sulfur could still be seen (and still-intact walls (of canal stone, yet again!) and holes that smelled). Beyond those buildings, we at last left Keuka once contained vats. Outlet's industrial heritage behind. For the last one and a We lunched at an outlet road bridge, now closed to all half miles of the trail (which is about 7 miles in total traffic, where we watched a massive quantity of water (by length) we passed outcrops of shale and limestone and local Finger Lakes gorge flow standards) rushing over sauntered along a wooded swath of willows and black boulders. Then we paused at yet another mill ruin, one that walnuts. Eventually, the immense NY Route 14 bridge in was shut down in the 1960s, which still includes a Dresden hove into view high above us. After passing stunning nearly-intact octagonal red brick chimney and a underneath, we began a gentle climb up from the flood­ massive flywheel.·Continuing down the trail another mile plain to our waiting cars.

- 9 - Report on Executive Board Meeting

he Executive Board of the Cayuga Trails Club met to donate. Jim Connors suggested a summary of the cross­ for a regular meeting on October 5, 2004, in the county hike series and a patch would be nice additions. T Scott Heyman Conference Room, 125 East Court Adopt-a-Highway Program: Jim Connors reported Street, Ithaca. Board members present were John that 11 people attended the August 28 cleanup of NYS Andersson, Phil Dankert, Suzanne Cohen, Carol Mallison, Route 366. The final cleanup until next spring will be on Gary Mallow, Barb Morley, Tom Reimers, Jack Van October 23. Derzee, Jennifer Wilson, and Marsha Zgola. The following Old Business: Sigrid Connors passed around the new is a summary of some of the items considered and actions Tompkins County shoulder patch that will be awarded at taken as recorded by Secretary Sigrid Connors. the end of the cross-county series on October 9. Sigrid ex­ Co-president Phil Dankert called the meeting to order pected that approximately 60 hikers will finish by then. at 7:00 p.m. Treasurer Jack VanDerzee reported a check­ John Andersson and Phil Dankert wrote five thank you ing account balance of $1,593.37 and a savings account letters for the Shindagin Lean-to project. Phil read a thank balance of $3,663.66. The 2004 budget is on target, but you note from David Forness in response to his thank you guidebook sales are down. note. David, the supervising DEC forester in Region 7, Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes: Jennifer Wilson recognized Forestry Technician John Dempsey for hand­ referred to the hikes listed in the last Cayuga Trails - She ling all of the particulars. In addition David stated, " ... we noted that although many hikes occurred in rainy weather really should recognize that a lion's share of the credit most were fairly well attended. Eight people attended should be given to the volunteers who contributed count­ Clifford Blizard's very educational hike on the Keuka less hours of labor to the project. There is no way the Lake Outlet Trail on September 12, and Varya Siegel had Shindagin Lean-to could have been rebuilt without the 12 people attend the Abbott Loop hike on September 19. FLTC and CTC's efforts and experience. Please pass the Jennifer also noted the upcoming hikes in the Arnot Forest appreciation from the DEC to all the CTC members who (October 10) and on the Interloken Trail (November 13). worked on the project." Jennifer is planning both vigorous and relaxed hikes at the Tom Reimers distributed copies of table-top display Ringwood Nature Preserve before the General Mem­ board specifications. He reported that a display board bership Meeting on October 17. would cost about $100 per panel including the case. Carol Membership: Suzanne Cohen reported that club Mallison moved that we authorize Tom to purchase a membership stands at 182 including eight new members. three-panel display with a nylon carrying case giving him Social: Marsha Zgola reminded the board about the an estimated budget of $600. Jim Connors seconded the General Membership Meeting and dish-to-pass supper on motion, and it passed unanimously. October 17. She and Jack also·did a major shopping trip in John Andersson reminded the club that we elect a preparation for about 100 hikers who are expected to nominating committee at the General Membership Meet­ attend the picnic after the final cross-county hike on ing. Marsha Zgola and Jim Connors have volunteered to be October 9. on the committee again this year:. Trails: Students enrolled in the "Trail Maintenance" Marsha Zgola noted that a date and location need to be course offered by Cornell Outdoor Education will be doing selected for the Annual Meeting. It was decided to hold a reroute of the Finger Lakes Trail off a gravel road into the Annual Meeting on January 23 at Angelina Centini's the woods in Robert H. Treman State Park. Two Boy Restaurant. All agreed that the food and atmosphere were Scouts will do Eagle Scout projects on the trail. One plans very conducive to the meeting last year. to upgrade the footbridge at Diane's Crossing next spring, New Business: John Andersson reported that a num­ and the other plans to build a new outhouse at the Tam­ ber of people spoke both for and against the use of ATVs arack Lew-to this fall. All three projects have been ap­ on town roads at a recent Town ofNewfield meeting. The proved by state agencies. town deferred a decision and scheduled a working meeting John Clancy, senior forester with Region 7 of the NYS to get more information. Tom stated that the emphasis in Department of Environmental Conservation, supervises his letter to the town board was not to allow roads open to Danby State Forest. He has overseen 25 acres oflogging ATV use in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. in the area and expects a cleanup by October 31. He will Tom moved that the CTC submit an official letter stating minimize impact to the FLT. Tom noted that the DEC that if ATVs are permitted on Newfield town roads that placed huge boulders on the orange branch of the Van those roads in Connecticut Wildlife Management Area be Lone _Hill Loop to keep vehicles off the trail. excluded. The motion was passed unanimously. Archives/Historian: Barb Morley reminded the board that she willingly accepts any records that members want - 10 - Special February Hike CU Students Reroute FLT

February 5, 2005 (Saturday) ight Cornell University students and two instructors recently rerouted a section of the Finger Lakes Trail • Location: Finger Lakes Trail on the south rim of in Robert H. Treman State Park as part of the "Trail Glen Creek in and near Watkins Glen State Park, E Maintenance" course offered by Cornell Outdoor Schuyler County Education. The trail was rerouted off a dirt road and into • Meeting Place: Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell the woods. The group designed the reroute on October 3 across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca and then finished it during a weekend outing on October 16 and 17. Their effort is greatly appreciated! • Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m. magine an ancient massive glacier-miles of ice in every direction, covering the Finger Lakes area in Itrillions of tons of ice, perhaps hundreds of feet deep. Incredibly powerful, this juggernaut crushes boulders into dust, scouring out the deep gorges, ravines, streams, and lakes we see so often along the Finger Lakes Trail. It all happened thousands of years ago. We'll have a chance to imagine the power and witness the aftermath of the glaciers as we hike the Art Kopp section of the Finger Lakes Trail that travels along the dramatic south rim ofthe Glen Creek gorge. We'll see hemlocks and white pines 100 years old or older, recent evidence of beavers, and buman's influence, too: two dams, two lakes, an impres­ sive railroad trestle, and an old suspension footbridge, both of which span the gorge. Ifwe are very fortunate, we may everi see a hawk carrying lunch in its talons as it wings its way through the gorge. -._ After CTC Trails Chairman Tom Reimers "taught" the fine art of The plan is to carpool from Ithaca, beginning the hike paint blazing. Cornell students begin marking the reroute ofa at the parking lot at the lower entrance of Watkins Glen section ofthe Finger Lakes Trail they had designed and built. Photo State Park, intersection of 10th Street and Franklin Street by Tom Reimers. in the Village ofWatkins Glen. We will hike up the gorge to "Julie's Crossing" and return (an "out and back" hike). Assuming moderate snow cover and good weather, this will be a moderately difficult hike. The first half mile features some steep uphill climbs with a total change in elevation of over 600 feet. However, the remainder of the hike is along fairly level to gently rolling terrain and reasonably well-maintained trail. Total distance is about 8.6 miles. Only a select few of your fell ow hardy Cayuga Trails Club members are likely to brave the elements and the elevation on this hike. Get off the couch and join them to see one of the jewels of the Finger Lakes Trail in its winter splendor, a time when few visitors ever see it. . Bring water, a snack, appropriate winter clothing for the weather, and warm broken-in boots. A blizzard or extreme winter weather cancels this hike. It will be led by . Gary Mallow. For more information call 607/564-7938 or Cornell students and instmctors cl// the ribbon to open the new email ga;[email protected]. reroute ofthe Finger Lakes Trail in Robert H. Treman State Park on October 17. Photo by Tom Reimers.

- 11 - Mark Your Calendar Saturday, November 13 ...... Special November hike on the lnterloken Trail in Finger Lakes National Forest. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at U.S. Forest Service parking area at southern end of lnterloken Trail off Burnt Hill Road, north of Bennetts burg and south of Wyckoff Road, Schuyler County. Jennifer Wilson ([email protected], 607 /753-8641) and Marsha Zgola ([email protected], 607/ 546-7367), leaders. Details on page 4. Sunday, November 21 ...... Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #494. Steege Hill Nature Preserve. Meet at 12: 15 p.m. at Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca. Jennifer W ilson, local leader (607 /753- 8641 ) . Details on page 3. Sunday, December 5 ...... Special December hike. Robert H. Treman State Park and Sweedler Nature Preserve at Lick Brook. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, -Ithaca. Reyer Sjamaar, leader (607 /272-1811 ). Details on page 4. Saturday, December 11 Walk, Look, and Learn Hike #495. Martin Nature Preserve. Meet at 1 :00 p.m. at Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca. Gary Mallow, leader (garymallow2004 @yahoo.com or 607/564-7938). Details on page 3. Wednesday, December 1 5 Deadline for submitting materials for the winter issue of Cayuga Trails. See information in box on page ·3. Sunday, January 23, 2005 Cayuga Trails Club Annual Meeting and luncheon. Angelina Centini's Restaurant, 124 Coddington Road, Ithaca. Look for flyer with details in December. Saturday, February 5 , 2005 . .. Special February hike. Finger Lakes Trail in and near Watkins Glen State Park. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Ithaca Shopping Plaza by Taco Bell across NY Route 13 from K-Mart Plaza, Ithaca. Gary Mallow, leader ([email protected] or 607/ 564-7938). Details on ·page 11 .

Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. P.O. Box 754 NON-PROFIT Ithaca, NY 14851-0754 ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA , N Y PERMIT NO. 94