Susquehanna Chapter ADK

Eighteen participants enjoyed a sunny, warm walk (87 F) on the well-maintain trails of Milford State Forest. The trail skirted a picturesque pond situated on one side of “State Lands Road” and then following a loop-path on the opposite side of the seasonal road. The vigorous growth of young trees denoted clear evidence of the forest recovery since the tornado of 1998.

Twelve intrepid hikers defied 90 degree temperatures to tramp over diverse terrain @ Garrettsvile, just off route 16. Keith Bott, virtual leader, son-in-law of the ADK leader, started us off at a small pond, and guided us over a mowed path beside a bog which fed the pond. We passed through a fallen tree area, an old apple orchard, and a conifer area. Leaving the clearing, the trail led through a woodsy section of hard woods, old stone walls, and across a small creek ( also part of the water shed).

Due to wet, slippery fields by Monday's rain, the hike was changed to follow a scenic route in the Decatur hills. The selected road went along side cornfields and through woodsy areas. The vistas of ponds and distant hills were magnificent. Fifteen Tuesday hikers enjoyed a mostly dry and cool outing followed by an ice-cream treat at the Gyori’s ramshackle farm. Report by Gerda Gyori

We wandered up, down and around Winney Hill Ridge where we came across a few surprises. As we walked past Fred and Ginger Volpe's place on the Gas Line, mouths dropped open as people spied a zebra hanging around with a horse by the fence. It seemed friendly and interested in our group of fourteen people. It followed us down the hill as far as it could go. We also saw the spectacular view from the highest point on the hill. There was a beautiful summer flower garden as well. The walk was about three miles plus in a circle back to our house through the woods.

Fifteen members and six guests attended a picnic and short hike on July 21st at the former YMCA Day Camp in West Laurens, hosted by the new owners, Scott and Joyce Beach (Moira’s family). Although a small group, we enjoyed a meal and celebrated the 70th birthday of Doug Fielder. After the picnic, several people hiked around the pond and Erika even went swimming. Steve Bonnell’s daughter, Mary, shared memories she had of being a camp counselor in the Nature Center at the Y camp a few years ago. Report by Moira Beach

There were 22 of us who gathered to hike at Mt. Otsego in Pierstown on a beautiful Tuesday morning. This was made possible by The Otsego Land Trust and land owner Susan Birdsall. Preceding the hike we were given a brief history of the ski slope by Barbara Mulhern whose father was instrumental in its beginning back in 1938. We were led on our hike up the ski slope and through a beautiful wooded area by Connie Tedesco and Peter Hujik from the Land Trust.

On a beautiful summer morning, 23 participants set out from our house to hike to the Collier's Dam. Some of us went down the steep, rocky trail that goes to the base of the dam. The previous week, four of us went to check and clear the trails. Near the dam we encountered numerous empty, and some full, water bottles that had been provided for the racers in the Canoe Regatta. On hike day we went prepared with bags for clean-up. We picked up not only the water bottles but also cans and other trash along the way. A total of 57 bottles and cans were collected.

The day dawned very nicely with some sun and a good south wind on Canadarago Lake. 25 Members plus 4 guests participated. All met at the outlet bridge on Rt. 22 Schuyler Lake. Some had the opportunity to chat on the bridge with three students working with the NYS Department of Fish and Wildlife who do monitoring of the Lake and its tributaries. All watched as eight Kayaks and one canoe put in at the outlet and enjoyed the pretty paddle to the mouth of the Lake.

There were 21 hikers who walked a seasonal road in Milford on June 15th. It was a beautiful sunny morning and by starting at 9:00 am we were done at 11:00 am and avoided the mid-day heat. There were a lot of hills so there was a car at the bottom for those who didn`t want to walk back up. Every seemed to have a good time as usual. Co-leaders were Dran Darrah, Bev Hensle and Maureen Willis

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.