Monday, October 20, 2008

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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

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.