Wednesday, November 19
O.D. von Engeln Preserve, Freeville
Hike report by Greg
Seventeen hikers including 2 first timers met on a chilly (29 degrees) morning at the Von Engeln Preserve in Malloryville. After descending to the bog for a view of carnivorous plants and moss beds we exited the preserve and continued to enjoy more of the Nature Conservancy. Highlights included walking on eskers and crossing a well constructed beaver damn. Here the group fragmented but after 15 minutes we reunited to return on the rail trail to the preserve. Despite the leisurely pace we arrived at our cars after 2 pleasurable hours and a 10 degree gain in temperature.
Saturday, November 22
Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland
Hike report by Leigh Ann
Twenty-three hikers gathered at the northern parking lot on Gracie Road for this lively hike. Our route went west on Lehigh Valley, south on east Fenway to the Mill Pond Connector, clockwise on the Mill Pond Loop with a planned excusion out east of Gracie to Wanderers Way, then completing the Mill Pond Loop and returning via west Fenway and Lehigh Valley. Wanderers was blocked for hunting, so we made up that distance/time by visiting the very enjoyable, surreal Kroot Art Trail on the way back. The first hour of the hike was sparkly and sunlit, and the expected overcast rolled in by the last hour of the hike.
The Kroot Art Trail is a great way to extend this hike by about 15 minutes at the end if needed (it’s about 5 minutes from the cars). It’s nice to keep in mind if Wanderers is blocked off for hunting or if the group turns out to be unexpectedly fast. There’s no way to get lost there, says me. And anyway, it’s so fun to watch hikers look at each other looking at the art that we end up spending at least as much time grinning at each other as we spend looking at the art. Lime Hollow updates these art installations from time to time, so if you haven’t been there in a few years, there are new pieces you can see.
Sunday, November 23
Sims-Jennings Preserve at Cayuga Cliffs, Lansing
Hike report by Nina F.
Twentynine hikers and three dogs met at Sims-Jennings preserve at Cayuga Cliffs in Lansing. The weather was chilly but the rain held off until just after the hike ended.
We hiked several interconnected trails, all of which provided stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The first loop included a small waterfall and a steep descent down to a flat path that ran along the lake from the top of the cliff. We then had to ascend back up to the main trail, stopping for a view of the gorge and lake. Next was an out and back section that led through the forest and treated us to several beautiful rocky creeks and small waterfalls. Finally, we hiked up to two large, mowed meadows and circled them, catching the best lake views of all from the top of the farthest field. The hike lasted exactly two hours.
