Our merry group of 9 beat the extreme heat enjoying a delightful 4-mile hike in the cool forest of Darien Lake State Park — a terrific way to launch the festive holiday week!
The trail was in great shape, with bright orange markers, boardwalks through wet areas, and an impressive new lean-to. We took a relaxing break to snack and chat at the Sumner Road turnaround point.
A variety of trees provided ample shelter from the hot sun, including maple, cherry, hemlock, pine, and a healthy-looking array of ash trees thankfully not afflicted by the Emerald Ash Borer.
On our pre-hike 2 days earlier to inspect the trail, we spotted a lime-green Luna Moth on a tree trunk, our first sighting in the wild. These beautiful creatures are rarely seen due to their very brief (1 week) adult life.
It’s always a joy to be in the woods. You never know what Mother Nature will reveal.
— Submitted by David and Janet Kowalski