Saturday, July 19, 2003Just realized I did not put in entries for the last two hikes. doh!
Saturday's hike to the "unique area" in the Garrison highlands went very well! Since we were all experienced hikers we did a much longer and more remote trail which brought us face-to-face with three snakes which included a rattler! I've been hiking for years in the area and I have never seen any of these snakes before so we were VERY lucky! We usually use easier trails that get more traffic for the Pagan hikes so don't worry if you are spooked by snakes. Ironically Pete had a dream about being bitten by 2 poisonous snakes and 2 of the 3 snakes we saw were venimous! Greg will have pics soon.
Attendees: Me, Coley, Greg and 2 new addtions Felix and Pete (friends of Greg that I hope join us again!)
Weather was not too hot at all and since we were mostly in shade make it much easier.
Snakes we saw:
Copperhead (Pretty sure on this one)
Body and head copper-colored, on body darker cross bands narrow in the middle of the back, no rattle on tail
http://www.cortland.edu/herp/keys/images/snakes/acontolg.jpgNorthern Black Racer
Black with white belly
http://www.cortland.edu/herp/keys/images/snakes/cconstlg.jpgTimber Rattlesnake
Scales are small on center of head between eyes, body tan, gray, yellowish, or black with dark cross bands, posterior part of body often darker than rest, head usually without markings
http://www.cortland.edu/herp/keys/images/snakes/chorrilg.jpgSaturday, April 16, 2002
What a great Spring day for a hike, complete with a few short showers to add texture to the day. I had planned to hike up towards breakneck but since we had to make a detour for restrooms I took the old trails off Main Street in Cold Spring. Its a great trail - easy going at first and then a few inclines as we enter the outskirts of the highlands. Very scenic area - I love the rock formations, and of course the old cemetary. Noelle_christmaschild brought along two friends - Jenn and Liz. They are a great addition to the hike and I enjoyed their company. So together it was the five of us: Me, syrenichol, noelle_christmaschild, Jenn, and Liz. We headed into town afterwards for some window shopping. Cold Spring is full of antique shops and other such goodies. Unfortnately I had to run soon after getting back to town since I work was paging me. Good timing too... it starting pouring after I got home. Good thing the girls were near the train station. I almost ran down with a few umbrellas but by the time I got there I they would have been on the train. Anyway, it was a great hike and a much needed workout. PICS
Sunday, October 28, 2001
We met at Garrison to hike the old carriage trails behind sugar loaf. It is such a wonderful trail this time of year - one of the more colorful areas. Despite having many votes only noelle_christmaschild showed so it was just her, syrenichol and myself. The only down side to Garrison is appart from the scenery there is no place to hang out after the hike - just a small deli.PICS