Susquehanna Chapter ADK

Beginning and ending at the Milford Nordic Ski Parking area, 24 ADKers enjoyed walking 3 miles through the sweet-smelling woods of Arnold Lake State Forest. The day was cool and most participants found comfort wearing jackets during the first descending mile. Most hikers, however, had their jackets tied to their waist during the steep final ascent. Near the finish a light rain spurred hikers to quicken their pace and discouraged them from eating lunches in the parking lot.

On a sunny, 22-degree day, 23 ADKers donned skis or snowshoes to enjoy the groomed trails at Gilbert Lake State Park. Ten participants went around the Lake twice on snowshoes and two others went on the “Wilderness Trail.” Eleven skiers went along one side of the lake, crossing the road, connecting with the trail loop passing “Ice Pond” and “Twin Fawn Ponds.” Despite the chill, everyone was warm upon return and felt pleasantly exercised and ready to enjoy a handful of trail mix.

Fine weather held for the 27 participants hiking Andy’s Trail at the Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park. Along the way the group stopped at Betty’s Cabin for a group photograph and looked in the windows of Wilbur’s cabin to see Carol Saggese’s paintings. On returning to the cars, the group spotted a log with insect tunnels, another log covered by a fern-like moss, and a dead tree hollowed out, presumably, by a Pileated Woodpecker. The spider-like jungle gym called for another photo opportunity and the “Sunset Pavilion” provided the perfect spot for lunch.

Under dry to semi-dry conditions, 28 ADKers enjoyed a 3 mile hike in Arnold Lake State Forest and Hartwick Public lands. The hike started and ended at the Nordic Ski Parking area off of Joe Cornell Road about 5 miles from Milford, NY. The principal beauty and pleasure of the hike were the soft trails through mature forests, and the main challenge was the steep 1 mile incline back to the cars. The most unusual plant seen was the Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) and the most obvious domesticated escapee was the Garden Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata).

On Tuesday, June 2nd, 33 ADKers walked uphill from the entrance of upper Riddell State Park to a creek where we took a snack break. Some decided to return at this point, but 26 hikers crossed the creek and continued to Mud Lake. Mud Lake is an open bog surrounded by a sphagnum moss mat. To walk on the mat is a water-bed experience. Growing from the mat we examined the specialized flora of Early Azalea, Pale Laurel, High-bush Blueberry and carnivorous plants. Both Pitcher and Sundew plants were observed and photographed.

The first Susquehanna Chapter ADK hike of 2009 took place Tuesday, January 6th, in the lower Robert V. Riddell State Park. Eighteen participants walked familiar trails and a newly developed loop that went through a White Pine forest. Despite freezing temperatures initially, the morning was sunny and the exercise warmed us. What delighted everyone was the decorated vegetation along Schenevus Creek with lovely ice crystal jewels. Julie Smith and Carol Saggese have captured this beauty of nature in their photographs below.