Niagara Gorge at Low Water

I always try to go to a few of the hikes organized by the New York State Parks Department. 

Morgan at the Whirlpool

The NYS Parks Department works really hard to get these hikes together and I'm so thankful they do.

Me and My Shadow :) in the early sun

I always learn something new. Like the fact that at this time of year, so much water is diverted for power that the whirpool no longer exists at the bend. It's still a great spot, even without the swirling whirlpool.

Especially on a day like this one.

And although I've hiked this gorge many times, it never ceases to amaze me all the hidden treasure I somehow missed the last time through. 

This time around I learned that one of the workers engraved the year along the pathway beyond the whirlpool flats.  Keep your eyes open next time you hike that ledge and see if you can find it.  Pretty cool.

And we came along these remnants of a by-gone era:

Heaps and Heaps of cast off hardware from a long gone factory that was at the top of the gorge some time ago.  All melded together.  Forever.

Pure Art if you ask me.  Fascinating.  As mezmerizing as those rapids.  The more you look, the more you see.

 

Very Cool Indeed.

Golden Hill State Park

 I'd been to Golden Hill once before years ago on a rather too-hot day to tour the light house, but wasn't even aware of the extensive trail system that traverses the grounds.  Luckily a friend (thanks Morgan!) clued me in on this, so Pete and  I packed up the dogs and headed for Lake Ontario.

 Heading south on the trail directly off the parking lot, I wasn't too enthused with the trail.  HoHum, kind of dull.  We came across an opening to the west, so we headed in and immediately were on a trail surrounded by fairly dense underbrush.

 We could see a stand of pines ahead (and I love pines), so we continued on until....

 Ahhhhh,  a cathedral of stately pines.  So quiet and dark and mysterious.

 That trail led us back to the main roadway into the park so we turned back around and went back to the original  (what the park calls the "Interpretative Trail") trail.  A little ways down, we came across a trail marking that links into another trail heading west.  Since we had just come from that area, we stuck with the Interpretative Trail.

 We eventually came to Golden Hill Creek and a sweet little bridge.  I could listen to the gurgling of a creek all day, but we pressed on.

 There were some topped off huge trees right at the bridge.  They reminded me of totem poles.

 The trail follows the creek and led us into a more heavily wooded area (yeah!)

 All along the trail we kept noticing these pink splotches of color but no indication of what was causing it- then I came across this one - mystery solved!

 A smaller tree blocked the trail for us, but the dogs had no trouble getting through.

 Almost to the lake, we came across this monstrous tree - huge!  Look at the size of that trunk!  I couldn't  resist hugging it - Pete just rolled his eyes!

 A little further along and we came across some evidence of beaver. 

 At last we came to Lake Ontario.

 So unbelievably quiet.  It was snowing slightly, but a very light wind.

 Some really interesting snow volcanoes.  They are deceptively small in these pics - but they were actually pretty deep.

 Look at these fun ice circles that formed.  Too funny!!

It looks like they are all doing the hula dance ;)

Even though it would be brutally cold to be there on a windy  day, I would like to see the waves crash into snow volcanoes and spray up.  That would be a sight to see.

 I understand this park is a great place for birding.  We didn't see any except these little guys feeding.  Not sure what they are; finches maybe?

 Came across this sign on our way out.  The Interpretive Trail is shown in red/orange.  Next time we'll try the green hiking trail.  Can't wait!

 



Iroquois Wildlife Refuge

The weather has been unbearably hot and humid lately.  This morning seemed cooler and a bit breezy so Pete and I headed out with the dogs to find a new trail.  We headed down Meadville Road and came across a spot to pull the truck off the road and headed in.

Tent caterpillars looked like cotton candy spun through the branches.

We crossed through a field where these adorable flowers were in bloom.  No idea what they are.

And this tree was loaded with beautiful berry pearls.

Came across a few ponds along the way.

Love the reflection in the still water.

Look at at how the toppled tree just peeled up the bank.  Would have liked to witness that!

Finally, woods!

A hint of what's to come...

A short steep climb and look what was at the top:

How fun and unexpected!!!

I think fungus is fascinating. 

The cool morning quickly turned warm and humid. 

Ugh. 

Before I knew it, I was sweating up a storm and the mosquitos were on the hunt.

So, although it was a short walk (1.88 miles according to my pedometer), I was so happy to be back in the woods.

Diesel was happy too. 

 It amazes me he can fit all that tongue in his mouth!

We drove down the road a way and the woods opened up and there are these huge power lines.  Spied a hawk on one and was able to get a picture before he took off.  

Watching him soar silently across the open field was a nice finish to a morning hike.