The Goose Story

Geese - Little Sodus Bay

This story appeared in Gordie Allen's Journal and Republican weekly column, Allen's Alley. Having just seen a flock of geese flying overhead during my morning walk, thought I would share this information.

The Goose Story

Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in a "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as
each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to do it alone and quickly gets into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way as we are going. When the goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It pays to take turns doing hard jobs.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. An encouraging word goes a long way.

Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by a gun shot and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and
then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.
- Author Unknown

"Yes We Can" ~ 125,000 people - Grant Park

Store Front - State Street

It has been a long time since I have been awake past the witching hour. But here I am watching the TV after the midnight hour. On the screen a throng of 125,000 people are gathered in Chicago's Grant Park. Then President-elect Barack Obama approaches the lectern and states, "It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America."

Election Day 2008

It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will
~ Sam Cooke

In 1962, registered to vote. Have exercised this privilege ever since. Today leaving the polling booth witnessed a first. There in the Casey Park recreation center parking lot getting our of their car was a couple with their child. Their youthful faces brought to mind my first voting experience. But what was most amazing was that he was an Afro-American and she was a Caucasian. Perhaps change has come.

Cayuga Community College Trail

On this sunshine bright Fall afternoon I decided walk the Cayuga Community College Trail located on Franklin Street in the City of Auburn.

Using Rich & Sue Freeman's Take a Hike Family Walks in the Finger Lakes Region as a guide, parked at the coordinates below:

Location - N42° 56.727 - W76° 32.662

Beyond the parking area entrance is large sign that provides a trail map.



Also there is a sign with the trail rules.



This 1-mile loop was extremely busy today. Taking advantage of it were parents with children, dog walkers, runners, causal strollers, and one elderly couple who were enjoying a snack sitting on one of the benches along the trail.

Just off the parking area headed left on a stone dust trail. For the most part I will stay on the 6-foot-wide stone dust trail as it makes its way around the perimeter of this natural oasis.



On my right was a knoll with a bench. It overlooks a man-made pond.



To the right of the bench near two black walnut trees and a crab apple tree was a wooden bridge.



Crossing it gives you access to the far side of the pond.



At the north end of the pond was a wooden swing.



Behind the swing an elevated trail crosses a marshy area. This is for another day.



Back on the main trail there was a gateway to my left which enter into the Auburn High School athletic fields. Football, soccer and field hockey teams were practicing.



Came upon a second pond. To the right was a wooden bridge. Crossed over and looped the pond.



Just before a concrete bridge on the right was third pond.



After walking over the concrete pad went right into the woods.

On the left before the S curve there was a trail. Took a short excursion which brought me to the west end of the third pond. Flushed out a rabbit before reaching the pond.



Back on the main trail after crossing another wooden bridge came to an opening on my right from which I could view both the second and third ponds. Walking on crossed yet another bridge and came upon a couple resting on a bench.

Then came the most exciting point of the journey. Proceeding along the northernmost stretch of the trail a good size doe leaped out in front of me. She did not wish to be photographed.

After regaining my breath passed the alternative entrance at the intersection of Bowens Street and Boyle Avenue.



Came to a “T” with this sign.



Decided to take the Running Trail. Following a white chalked line in place for the runners brought me to knoll on the east side of area.



After continuing through some woods got off the trail to my left.



Visited the Thomas F. Steenburgh Nature Center.



This compacted area accommodates a classroom, a gazebo, a lily pond, and a bench dedicated to Shirley Kudla.



Returning to the trail crossed a bridge on the left.



There was one final bridge before approaching the parking lot.



Photo of first pond - taken 7/30/2007.

Esker Brook Nature Trail

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Note - clicking on photos enlarges them.

This morning Joan and I decided go leaf-peeping in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and walk the Esker Brook Nature Trail.

On our way to the refuge we made a stop at the CJS Vineyards.



Our goal was to find a Route 5 & 20 geocache. But since the winery was closed, we decided to look more closely later.



The Scholomiti family established this family vineyard and micro-winery in 1995. Vinifera and hybrid grapes growing on the rolling hillside produce fine Finger Lakes table wines. Specializing in Riesling and Chambourcin.



After turning north on Route 89 we proceeded to the flooded timber area of Tschache Pool. Walking to the top of the observation deck we took this photo.



On the ground a few feet into the area we photographed this great blue heron.



Using Rich & Sue Freeman's Take a Hike Family Walks in the Finger Lakes Region as a guide and we parked at the coordinates below:

Location - N44° 58.438 - W76" 47.044

In the parking area large signs inform you of the trails, the wildlife to look for, and plants to avoid.

We stepped off south into the woods from the parking area passing a post saying Ridge Trail.



Wooden bridge over Esker Brook.



Came to a dual sign post with a wooden bench on the left. Continued on Ridge Trail. Will save the South Spring Trail for another day.



Reached a T intersection and went right on mowed path to a bench close to the pond.



The trail trio - the bench, Joan & Doug.



Since the suggested trail was unmowed, we decided to not venture between the two ponds and headed back to the T intersection.



Esker Brook Pond

Crossed a wooden bridge.



Took the trail to the left which brought us to a small observation platform.



Returned to the junction. Insteaad of using the Orchard Trail we recrossed the bridge and took the Brook Trail.



Wooden bridge on the Brook Trail.



Near the parking lot are these two trail signs. Next time the Orchard Trail.



A most enjoyable trek is a remarkable location.

Guppy Falls Trail

Skaneateles Conservation Area

This morning Joan and I decided go leaf-peeping in the Skaneateles Conservation Area. There are 6 geocaches ( GCZ5A4 - GC111YB - GCR3ZX - GC19NAF - GCYKZQ - GC1H6FT ) to be found in the vicinity.

Using the the coordinates below, we drove from Skaneateles, out New Seneca Turnpike, Route 41, for 1.5 miles until we came to the intersection of Gully Road. Taking a left on Gully Road we went for 1 mile until we saw the turn-out on the left for the parking area.

Location - N 42° 58.095 W 076° 23.420

Note - clicking on photos enlarges them.

The trail sign at the trailhead.



Stairs to trail.



Trail sign - go left.



Proceeding along the ridge edge we crossed a wooden bridge.



View of the gully to the left of the trail.



After a moderate uphill climb came to a “Y” intersection. Went left.



Guppy Falls - extremely dry.



Photo taken standing on a geocache (GCZ5A4).



Joan and I near bench which overlooks Guppy Falls.



On the return trip when reaching the "Y" intersection you can go straight. This will take you back to the stairs.

Three photos of the Skaneateles Conservation Area taken from the shoulder of Gully Road.







Leaving Gully Falls we returned to New Seneca Turnpike and turning right onto Rickard Road we drove to Tim’s Pumpkin Patch. Mary, Cindy’s friend, waited on us. We purchased three pumkins, several gourds, Indian corn, four acorn squash, and a molasses coookie (it was quite good).



Joan seeking the perfect pumpkin.