hikers enjoying the panoramic views
at Vista Point of Mohican. Soon they
were about to hike the very trails they
admired from their picnic table perch
high above the valley. 14.5 miles later,
these same three and the photographer
enjoyed the comfort of another picnic
table as they celebrated their endurance
with victory ice cream.
Starting from the parking lot of the
eastern most camp site in Mohican, the
hikers followed the Hemlock Gorge trail
along the swollen river.
Listening for birds and watching for
any interesting or unfamiliar botany, the
team's pace was hindered by frequent
yellow Wingstems, Actinomeris alternifolia and a lovely spattering of the purple Great
Lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica. Blue Jays were the most vocal of the avian forms, although a Worm-eating warbler vocalized as well. The pleasant early morning trek was slowed a
bit by mud and fallen trees; it was perfect weather for day-long hike in varied terrains.
of roadway, and a brief pursuit of a
Fritillary butterfly, the Ace hikers re-
entered the forest on a portion of the
trail that has been recently re-designed
for bikes. The overall vegetation was
much sparser, but the pine needle
covered trail was a kind respite for tired
feet. Some thought was given to the
possiblity of a future hawk watch in this area. Birding is never far from these
hiker's minds.
A few energetic bikers passed the well
worn group on the trail. Gary noticed the
chatter of chickadees in nearby trees, and patient watching was rewarded by the
of the canopy, feeding in the tree tops.
A Canada warbler was the highlight of
this group of fall delights.
The last miles of the journey were
knocked off with relative ease as the trail slopes gently down towards the camp
area and the lure of double scoops of ice
cream. Another successful trip for the
Ace hikers and one very tired tag-along.
Watch Tim's calendar and feel free
to join the fun on future outings.
Copy by Cheryl Harner
Tim Leslie calculates the miles back to the camp-ground and ice cream.
Photo Cornell.edu
Photo Cornell.edu
Photo C. Harner
