March 5th, 2010
Each year the Finger Lakes Trail Conference offers a hike series across one of the counties on the Finger Lakes Trail. This year we will hike across Chenango County. The series consists of 7 hikes on a Saturday typically once a month. Hikers are divided into their respective speed groups and are guided along the way. Each participant is asked to pay a small fee to cover the cost of transportation, snacks, a patch, and a picnic at the end. Hikers meet at the end point for the day’s hike and are transported by charter bus to the beginning point. They then hike to their cars.
This hike series is considered moderate to strenuous as hikes will range in length from 6.9 to 12.9 miles. We plan to offer a second hike series this summer aimed at beginners. Stand by for news on that.
To get more information and register for the Chenango County Hike Series, go the the FLT website and click on the Hike Series icon. www.fingerlakestrail.org
Gene Bavis
Executive Director
Finger Lakes Trail Conference
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February 28th, 2010
I planned to go along with Len Pratt to tour Darien Lake State Park by snowshoe today a beautiful bright snowy day but I went to the wrong Park entrance. After a suitable wait I strapped on my shoes and went for a delightful walk anyway.
I followed a snowmobile trail so I’d be easy to find if I got into trouble. I hiked part way with a park neighbor and his two too friendly Labrador Retrievers.
Snowmobilers waved happily as they roared past scaring away any bears that might have entertained me.
It was great but I’ll read the fine print next time.
Submitted by Larry Beahan
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February 25th, 2010
Check out the petition on this website and add your signature!
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/SaveNYSParks/
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February 25th, 2010
Due to the New York State government’s corruption and mismanagement, one of our greatest assets, the State Parks, are being threatened by budget cuts! We need to fight to stop this. The parks belong to all of us, let’s stand up and be heard!
Join the FB group, Keep New York State Parks Open and let your voice be heard.
Also sign the petition at: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/SaveNYSParks/
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February 25th, 2010
These are tough times in our State & Nation with regards to our economy. We have to make difficult decisions and set priorities. Many of our State Parks may be closed because of budget problems in NYS.
Recently at the Empire State Tourism Conference in Albany some significant facts were brought out:
Tourism is the #1 industry in NYS.
One dollar spent on tourism promotion will return seven to ten dollars on average.
There were two million more visitors to NYS parks in 2009 than there were in 2008.
The Finger Lakes Trail goes through or near MANY of our NYS Parks. Many of the campers in our parks are hiking trails in the parks.
Draw your own conclusions, and if you feel so inclined, contact your local Assemblyman and/or State Senator. The link below gives you some of the details of the proposed closings and reductions.
http://readme.readmedia.com/Statements-from-Governor-David-A-Paterson-and-Commissioner-Carol-Ash/1166601
Paraphrased from an appeal sent out be Gene Bavis, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference 2/25/10
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February 24th, 2010
The End to End Guide – Helpful Info for Backpackers and Hikers on the Main FLT Rev. 2010 has been completely updated, with new emphasis on web and GPS resources. This is useful for all hikers of the main FLT, whether contemplating end to ending, or not.
For example, did you know that you can find a complete listing of NYS B & B’s alphabetically by cities at: www.bedandbreakfastguideusa.com/newyorkbedandbreakfast.htm?
Order at www.fingerlakestrail.org; only $6.00 until March 1, when prices on guidebooks, maps and the GPS Track and Waypoint Data CD go up in price. Or call the FLTC office 585-658-9320 Mon. or Thurs. 9 AM – 3 PM.
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February 19th, 2010
what a fun way to spend a snowy evening!
The drive home from work was more difficult than the drive to Chestnut Ridge. Those who took the chance & made the drive were rewarded with one of our best snowshoes. The snow was fresh powder and quite deep. Afterwards we all enjoyed the hot chocolate with whipped cream that has been perfected by our own Charles Goodrich!
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February 16th, 2010
Do you remember the ’60’s song, “The Great Pretender?” Well, I felt like The Great Pretender on Sunday. Although I was scheduled to lead the x-c ski, I chose to be the “sweep.” Marion Field, in fact, actually was the leader taking us along a new route over to the Scherff Road Tower, past the McMansions at the park’s periphery, down the road paralling the tobaggon run, back up the road, around the penisula, and then to our “regular” loop trail near the fire tower. What a Valentine’s Day workout! Love your heart. Thank You, Marion. Submitted by Lois Kelly
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February 14th, 2010
- Byrncliff X/C Ski Pics
The weather hasn’t been the best for x-c skiing in Western New York this year, but we got lucky this day. There was sufficient snow for Byrncliff to groom and set tracks and we had a good sized group of eager skiers. Mike Promowicz and Mike Ford helped out with some skate-ski and emergency braking instruction and Larry Beahan was our group photographer. It was a joint outing between ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) and BNSC (Buffalo Nordic Ski Club). A couple of people came out for snowshoeing and a few of us took advantage of Byrncliff’s Indulgence Package to celebrate Valentines’s day. We skied all day, had a sumptuous dinner, danced to live music, stayed over-night with an excellent brunch and then skied again before coming home.
Submitted by: Richard Schraven
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February 12th, 2010
Come & join the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club as we learn about our region’s most precious and abundant resource. On Saturday April 10th, 2010, we will once more put on a seminar to entertain and educate the public on matters of the environment. Learn how the Great Lakes and the Niagara River were formed thanks to the knowledge of Penn Dixie. The Army Corps of Engineers will explain how they help to sustain our waters with coastal protection and the restoration that they perform. Tim Tielman from Campaign for Greater Buffalo will regale us with Western New York’s rich aquatic history, and Great Lakes United will update us with the successes the Lakes have seen in recent years, and give us some tips on how we can help preserve our treasure for generations to come.
The hoopla all starts at 8:30 AM when the doors open at Woodlawn Beach State Park on Route 5 in Blasdell, just minutes from downtown Buffalo. Free refreshments will be offered. From 9-1, the presenters will capture our attention, with an outing highlighting our waters to follow. Please take the time to show your support and your thirst for knowledge. We hope to see you there!
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