HOME-local area of Central NY
May- COVID 2020
Things have moved swiftly since my last post. When it once felt like we would never get back to "normal" it seems like things have made a quick change in what is open and what is available. As the weather has been better, I have made a commitment to get outdoors on a regular basics. I found the Alltrails app and started to knock off all the local trails. Just a few months ago, I was struggling to walk around the block due to back pain. I am now up to on average 2-4 miles or more.
When I was first starting out these daily "hikes", I was still a little hesitant to 1. go alone, and 2. get to far out and not be able to get back, 3. afraid to get lost. (I have a terrible sense of direction.) and 4. Riley is not a pup who does well in the car. ( He is getting better, or maybe I am becoming more tolerant.) With these 4 things being my concerns, Many of my first trails were close to home.
Riley (the pup) and I walked the Bear Trap Creek Bikeway.
The walk is pretty with a paved trail around 2.5 miles round trip.
We enjoyed the wild flowers that line the fence boarding the highway. (The only downside to this walk is the noise of the cars.)
There were also a ton of snails to enjoy scattered right on the trail in the sun. (Any wildlife is a great bonus.)
Riley and I will sometimes find that the trails are not long enough to satisfy our needs. (More his then mine.) This Marsh for example took all of 5 minutes (if not less) to get to the end.
The Stanley J Hamlin Marsh is right around the corner from my home and I never even noticed it before.
Although short, the views were quite lovely.
I'm sure that this is an enjoyable place to search out birds and have a nice bird watching moment.
Needless to say, this was not enough of a "hike" for both Riley and myself, so we were soon back at the Alltrails app for a new adventure.
As I continued to venture a little more away from the trails not to far from home I did get the courage to head out to a state park that I knew well from growing up, it was also close to my parents home, so I figured at least if I had a bathroom crisis, I could get to their home soon. Clarks Reservation is a beautiful park, that quite honestly has always been underrated as a park to visit. On this particular day, that could be further from the case. For the most part all of my hikes had been mine alone, Clarks was so packed that it was difficult to find a spot to park and the six feet rule was at sometimes even difficult to follow.
Riley and I set off anyway and made our generally rushed trek slowed to avoid running into others.
The park is considered a geological wonder flanked with rugged cliffs, large slabs of stone, streams and a pond that was created during the ice age by glaciers.
The crowds, I guessed that everyone has been cooped up for so long and this was one of the first really nice days we have had in some time. Parks were the only thing open at the time, and people were eager to get out and get some sunshine, and this really is a lovely park.
Riley and I did attempt to take the trail along the pond, but I was a little fearful of walking down the steep steps with him. He is a husky and likes to pull. All I could envision was him pulling me and taking a tumble all the way to the bottom. Even if I slipped just a little and caught myself, the embarrassment would have been awful there were people everywhere, so we took a few steps down got a look and headed back up.
These two pictures are along the stairway. Nothing but rocks to catch any fall.
I decided on a view of the pond from the top was enough at least for today. Maybe sometime I will feel more comfortable in both my ability to manage my balance as well as Riley obeying my commands. For now, it was a nice hike above any stairways down.
I stopped and visited my parents after the hike. It was only the second time I had seen them since December and before the whole pandemic started.
After complaining about having nowhere to go and needing to get out, my mother invited me to take a trip with her to Hamilton NY, home of Colgate University. My mother had pieces of her art to pick up from a gallery in the village. Could we possibly throw in a hike on the way? My amazing now 72 year old mother agreed and we found, (With some navigational difficulties, I am finding the the alltrails app has not been 100% accurate on the directions) the Harry H Lang cross country and fitness trails.
Should you ever decided to seek out these trails located on the Cornell campus drive all the way to the top of the hill and park in the cemetery.
The trail begins with a whole lot of UP. My not so in shape body suffered climbing these hills directly in the sun. I huffed and puffed for a good deal of the hike, grateful for a break in the exposed trail to find some nice shaded paths in the woods. Below is the view looking down from the hike up. In the foreground is Cornell.
Although we did not exactly follow the Darwin thinking path, (I wasn't sure where it was located) I thought the quot was awesome.
Ah...a step away from the uphill hiking.
We tried to guess what might be living in that hole.
..and what insects have killed this tree.
The trails were quite lovely, and it was nice to spend the time with my mother. I'm not sure how many miles we did, maybe 1, but we had to get back to town and get my mothers art work.
Still more up.....
The Cornell Campus is beautiful, we didn't spend much time exploring but it would certainly be a nice stroll with some amazing architecture.
Once in the village, we stopped to pick up mom's artwork. She makes quilts and has amazing pieces that are more art then to lay on a bed although she does that too. She fortunately sold a few pieces. I was surprised to see no one in a mask in Hamilton and there were people gathered together ignoring any social distance guidelines. It was nice to feel like there was an END and there were people actually living in that end.
I joined a group on Facebook called NY State Waterfalls and when I saw the sign for the town of Oriskany Falls, I simply assumed there had to be some waterfalls there and asked if we could swing by. So we did.....this was pretty, but not what I had expected.
There was not much of a hike as these falls run right through town and much of it looked man made.
We wondered if it was really worth the 7 miles out of our way, but considered it all an adventure.
and besides.....we got to see Buffalo.(or are they Bison?, I'm never sure)
We had come around a corner on the drive home and my mom said..."look Buffalo." NICE!
We did get a little loss and my phone died so no maps. But we eventually found our way and I came home to NO POWER. It had been hours out according to my son, so we made the best of it and played some board games.
I just love Disney's version of clue.
Another Riley adventure was at Three Rivers. This area is actually not to far from my home and another location I had never heard of.
There were multiple trails and turn offs in the area and I did speak with a women who was so thrilled to talk to another human she even had to apologize for such. She admitted that she had been in her home alone for all of the pandemic and grateful to be out having conversation. I was empathetic, but really did not need to hear all about this strangers life...plus Riley was getting anxious to start moving.
We did some smaller trails that led to areas that needed some bushwacking before we decided to turn around and find the trail recommended by the talking stranger.
Ahh...this is a little more like it. Nicely graveled walkway leading through the wilderness. No concerns with what might be hiding in the brush.
The walk was so peaceful...and the day was incredibly nice.
Many joggers, bike riders and a few dog walkers joined us on the trail, but not enough to feel crowded in.
I was just thinking how pretty everything was when out of the corner of my eye I spotted movement, EKKK!!!! SNAKES.
Let me remind myself that we had been walking in that tall grass earlier....if I had stepped on a snake Oh MY.. I am not sure, but I do believe there are rattle snakes in the area. I am pretty sure that these guys are rattle free.
Super pretty and a much enjoyed walk. I would definitely come again despite the snakes.
When I got home, I found I had been fairied. Wine Fairy that is, by my friend Renee. What a wonderful gesture.
The Erie Canal is very close to where I live and it spans across NY state. Although most of it no longer used as it was in the days of it's glory there are an incredible amount of sections that are kept up for trail walking and biking. I do believe one could go from Albany NY to Buffalo NY along the trails. I think it is something like 350 miles of trails. There are all kinds of programs around these trails online. I looked into one that supports the trail walks and encourages that you add up the miles for decals as an incentive. I've not explored to much into this, but for a while the Riley adventures did seem to stretch along these trailways. We tried this one....
It was as most of the Erie Canal trail is, very easy, flat and running along the canal.
At this location there is also a kayak launch. Mark and I are still interested in investing in these soon.
Just as the trail started, I found a display of rocks...
I love finding these along the trails. I have found several over my trail walks.
Hiking/walking along the Erie Canal is pretty, but there really is not much to see after the first few steps. The canal with some woods to one side. Although I do look closely in the canal for any wildlife
and I found a few turtles out sunning themselves.
The nice thing about the canal trails are that they are measured so you know how many miles you walked and they are pretty flat. No trips here.
I enjoyed walking on this trail, although I did notice that there was another trail on the other side that looked like it ran through a more wooded area. Perhaps I will walk that one sometime.
While stuck at home, there was some things that got done and that was the garden. I ventured out to a public place...the local regional market and got some flowers. I actually went at 7am on a Thursday and the place was MOBBED. I wore my mask, got my flowers and got the heck out of there.
Mark and I have been doing a ton of work on the yard these days. We see we are expecting...Looks like baby Robins will be here soon.
Pre-flowers, the garden bed needed some updates and I was missing the stones that lined the garden.
Round 1 of flowers in the garden.
Another hike in the Adventures with Riley. One day we headed to this great hiking trail. Actually I should call them trails as there are several. I had been here before, but I was really stepping up my independence on this one as the trails span for several miles and they are not as clearly marked as I would like. These trails are definitely not the Erie Canal.
I was shocked to see so many people at this secluded and lesser known area located outside of Phoenix NY. In my past hikes here there was noone else but me and the family. At the front entrance it was difficult to stay 6 feet apart and people allow their dogs to run loose. I suppose that is their right as there are no signs saying you cant, but I really feel uncomfortable with Riley. He's a gentle dog and has never really had any issues with other dogs, but there was one time that he was provoked and attacked. (No people or animals were hurt) but I just don't know what he could do. This is one of the reasons why we stopped going to the good dog park. On a leash you have some control over your animal, running wildly anything could happen.
Despite the crowds and the many free running pups, we were able to find an empty trail and walked for several miles all by our lonesome.
The forest really is beautiful and there is such a quiet sense of peace. With all the crazies going on out there in the world, these trees, rocks, streams and greenery seem to offer up a calming that takes all that away.
Ahhhhhh!!!!
Most of the trails are fairly well maintained and easy to access, although I did get a little backward in my direction.
Once you get away from the crowds of the front gates you really feel all alone and far away from any civilization. This thought both brings me solace and a little fear. I'll admit, I am still navigating the idea of hiking by myself with any confidence. Riley is of course the buffer, I'm not sure if I am ready for a solo hike just yet.
The green was incredible. I was so enjoying this. That was until I got a little off course and was not sure which way the exit was. I know that I will become more confident with this as I get out more, but I found myself wondering if I had somehow wandered just a little to far off. Retracing my steps would have been in vain as there were so many off shoots of the original trail, I would not be able to recall if I had come from the left or the right. My mind starts to think....I could be lost in here forever....(Yes I really am that dramatic). Do I take this right and go over the hill, cross the stream? What do you think Riley? He has no answers. But then a few kids on bikes come by...OH you silly women you are most certainly NOT lost in some massive forest mile and miles from anything, pull yourself together. I'm getting there someday, I will not be so overly concerned about the loss potential. To many Stephen King novels and true crime tv for me.
At any rate, my fear had me feeling the best direction to head was towards where I knew the exit was and started off that way. Once back at the car, I realized that we could have continued and enjoyed the forest much more if I was just not an anxiety ridden fool. Feeling like I hadn't given Riley or myself the full outdoor experience, I stopped at a little park on the way home and explored the Seneca River.
Not a hike at all, although the water was lovely and we did find a short trail possibly made by kids to hide out and party that took us to some views of the railroad bridge.
and some graffiti.
oh well, we added some steps and it was getting hot. And after all this was pretty.
Feeling like my last wooded hike with poor trail directions had me thinking, there are plenty of Erie Canal trails to walk and if you get lost one them, there there really is a problem. Off to Camillus NY for one of the best staring sites of the Erie Canal. I say this, because there is more then just a stone trail and have been here before. The area also has a General Store, mill and some other buildings replica of the era.
This particular section of the Erie Canal also has a few side trails that take you into the woods on trails that generally take you back to the straight gravel walkway of the canal itself. no worries about getting lost here.
Riley and I headed to the side trails taking us into the woods.
Very nice.
Back to the main trail. We walked for a few miles and headed back towards where we had started the trail.
At the entrance there was a painted rock garden. These were not the take and re-hide kind so I enjoyed and took a few pictures. (I did find one on the trail that was the kind to take and re-hide.)
So COVID appropriate. Wash those hands.
We crossed the main road and did a little exploring on the other side of the canal. There is a fitness trail there. It was a little muddy in some parts but accessible.
Certainly pretty, back towards where my car was parked was the additional canal trail way and some more off the main route trails. Riley and I ventured that way first stopping to get a look at this old tractor.
These geese were not happy with us as we headed down this trail....
At the end of this short trail is an overlook of the pond.
Hello geese, we are back....sorry to disturb you.
Off on another walk/hike we headed to another popular spot to start the Erie Canal. This starting point lacked the off trails venturing into the woods, although we did find one, and you can access Green Lakes State Park from here which is always lovely. The trail was very popular, full of joggers, bikes and other dog walkers.
Riley and I pretty much stuck with the trail on this day, there were a few different items to view along the way such as these locks and dams. I am sure that they served some kind of purpose during the Canal days, but I don't have much history on the subject.
way out there where the water is rippling are fish. BIG fish. We walked down this little trail to get a better view, but the phone camera just can't get the full effect. There were many many BIG fish along this pond area jumping out of the water. They were so loud, several people along the trail wondered if it was a beaver or another kind of animal, but these were fish and I cannot express enough about just how big. Wow,
Riley and I veered off the trail a few times for a little back woods experience.
We got some bridge views and a glimpse at some wildlife.
I had hoped this side trail would eventually lead us back to the main trail, but we eventually ran into a golf course (No trespassing) and had to go back they way we came. Once back we moved on down the main trail a little farther and decided to head back. My pool needs some attention back home it is getting HOT.
There always seems to be geese at these places. I guess they make great homes.
Another successful walk/hike and I must say I am so happy that we are getting in between 2-3 miles, I cant believe just a month ago I was hurting simply walking around the block. Something must be going right.
In addition to walking/hiking, gardening, and home upkeep, I have continued to craft. I am always scrapbooking, and I attempted to draw.
I also got addicted to working on these Diamond Paintings (thanks Renee for suggesting). They are pretty cool, and working on them takes your mind away.
But I have found the hikes and time outdoors has really been my sanity......
In an attempt to step outside my comfort zone as well as mix it up a bit and go someplace I have never been, I decided to head out to this trail. also located in Camillus NY. I had never heard of it but I had recently started following the FB group NY Waterfalls and wanted to start my own waterfall sightings.
Riley and I were the only cars parked in the lot when we arrived making it a pretty good bet we would not run into anyone, at least for a while anyway...so off we went.
After a short walk through some lovey flower filled brush we were easily upon the first of many (but I guess there are three in total) water falls.
The trails surrounding the falls are not governed in the sense that you can pretty much go where ever you like. As a kid I might have loved this, as an adult (middle aged-kind of sort of) I was a little weary of the rugged steep slippery trails surrounded by sharp rocks and trippable tree roots. Add to the fact that Riley AKA a pulling Husky was leading the way....I was nervous. It is slippery in some spots and the trails lead over rocks and roots.
BUT OH SO PRETTY!!!!!
I did venture up and around these slippery spots and did need to catch myself a few times. No falling, but close.
Some of the trails were a little to muddy and steep for a climb but we got our fill of waterfalls and headed to the rim trail and eventually the pond trail.
Back on somewhat flat ground....
These moss covered rocks, the lush green trees trickles of water flowing all added to the wonder of this hike. I felt like I was in a fairy wonderland. When I was a kid and we took hikes like this I would imagine that the fairies and the gnomes had their little homes throughout these areas. I could almost bring myself to those youthful visions. It certainly had the makings of a fairy forest.
It was amazingly beautiful, and for the first time since I started hiking alone (with Riley) I didn't feel at all afraid or scared of getting lost, (maybe falling a little). This beautiful little forest of wonder had forced me to think I can go outside my comfort and try new things.
We made our way out to this small pond area before we headed back towards the rim trail.
It was simply an amazing hike that I recommend and will definitely return to.
Despite having quit my job on April 3d, I have still be working from home one day a week. Riley and I had been going on so many walks I couldn't neglect him by missing one simply because I was still working, so we headed to Onondaga Lake Park for an extra early morning stroll.
This park is located in my home town of Liverpool NY and I have visited several times. Its a great park for running, biking rollerblading, dog walking and you can most always see a ton of geese.
Onondaga Lake was once the dirties waters in the country. Supporters have taken many $s and lots of effort to get it cleaned up. Although swimming has not resurface and there are still signs cautioning fishers not to eat the fish, it has come a long way.
We got our 2 miles in before I had to head back home and sign into the work computer.
A few hours into working and I heard a knock on the door. I'm not sure about you, but this is not something that has happened at our home in a long long time. (NO Thank you...COVID, I miss my visitors)
I was a little alarmed and excited, no friends just the mail woman dropping off a late mothers day present from my darling daughter. Awe...it's chip.
When the whole Corona virus pandemic started. One of the few things that I was most upset by (Besides all the deaths, and the numbers of people getting sick of course) was that our seasonal campground was in the one county in NY State that had set a date for re-opening as July 1st. This was lifted in May when the governor allowed stage 1 to begin. I was a pardon the pun; a HAPPY CAMPER. Although there are some rules ..only family members, no mingling with neighbors, self contained etc. I was just glad to get to our camp and enjoy our home away from home. I even found a new beautiful hiking spot just around the corner in the Town of Camden NY. This place was an amazing surprise.
A lovely road winds through this lush forest surrounded by rivers and tall trees. Easily hike-able and limited fear of getting lost. Riley and I set out on this journey full of natural beauty with an extra stride in our step.
I fell in love. I am so looking forward to many adventures along these trails and so close to camp.
A few trails take you off the main logger road to a more intimate walk with the true outdoors.
I love this place. Camp has trails too and after our first weekend at camp on one day I walked over 6 miles taking Riley out and about.
Also in Camden is this short trail along the River. We walked this to add onto the steps.
It is a short trail, but very pretty.
We also visited Freedom Park; a memorial of Veterans.
across the way is Camden's oldest cemetery. We took a quick look here as well.
Some of the stones are so old, that you can't read the writings on them and others have been placed in wooden boxes with plexi glass to preserve them.
Heading back to camp I nearly ran over this guy.
I stopped and did contemplate moving him out of the road. I guess I should have, but I was chicken. I do hope he made it across safely.
Back at camp there was some down time. I painted these cuties!
The second night at camp was pretty cold so spending time outside was not an option. Instead we popped on Criminal Minds and lite the fire place. Oh so cozy! I am so glad to be back.
Sunday at Camp started with a walk around the grounds. Mark and I have discussed getting a golf cart like everyone else, but have decided that we really enjoy walking and Riley loves us for it.
So pretty, but we have to head back home.......
On our way home, Riley and I made a few stops for some outdoor adventures. We stopped at Verona Beach State Park.
Super Super Pretty along the shores of Oneida lake.
Generally this beach would be full of beach goers at this time any other year...
But not today...these signs were clear on the reality of everything. After spending the weekend at camp, I had forgotten that the world is still separated....
Even the Campgrounds were empty. Riley and I decided to simply enjoy a walk and took a trail that boarders the entire park for about a mile or so. Along the way I saw several chipmunks living in rock condominiums- a home on the lake. They were really friendly and didn't seem frightened at all.
The trail circles the perimeter of the park. I was surprised as it's not really that big of a park. There were several other people walking and jogging as well. The beach and the water was beautiful and Riley enjoyed a dip in to cool down.
After our 1 or so walk around Verona Beach State Park we stopped at a town park on the same water way a few miles closer to my home. I believe the name of the park is Sullivan Park, but I am not positive. I stopped because the sign read dog park and I was interested in letting Riley run. Well the dog park wasn't open but the park although small was quite nice with some great opportunities to view the lake.
I stopped and spoke with this couple who had just caught this fish..I don't know what kind it is and neither did the fishermen. I asked if I could grab a pic before he tossed him back in to swim another day.
The day could not have been more beautiful
The water is so inviting. Well maybe soon the beaches will be open again and I can get some lake swimming done.
So....that has been what I have been up to during the month of May and keeping busy during the pandemic. I anticipate more adventures as we continue to see the COVID restrictions lifted. Until then TTFN.
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