Sunday, December 28, 2014

Hand Hollow

Went for a short hike with Benny this afternoon. Visited Hand Hollow Conservation Area near New Lebanon. Parked at the eastern trailhead on CR 9. Followed the green marked trail all the way to Meizinger Lake. Also did a short loop on the red trail. Trails were wet and muddy in a few spots, but not too terrible. Stopped for a snack at the gazebo. There were a few other people out trying to burn off holiday cookies. Benny got to meet Willie (of Williesmom who follows this blog). Quite the coincidence to meet someone from the Internet. Walked a bit over 3 miles on a gloomy day.
Hand Hollow

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Hayes

Visited a couple of nature preserves in Clifton Park this afternoon with Benny. First stop was Hayes Nature Park. Parked in the small lot off Moe Road. Walked most of the trails here - including the two loops. The trails are smooth and wide and paved with stone dust. But today, they were slippery with packed snow and ice. Someone had hung holiday ornaments in the branches of some trees along the way. This is a nice wooded area nestled in a neighborhood. About 1.5 miles of walking.

Afterwards, went to Vischer Ferry and did a short loop. Walked another 1.4 miles.



Saturday, December 13, 2014

Pine Bush

Went for a short walk with Benny this afternoon at the Albany Pine Bush. From the Blueberry Hill East trailhead, did a counter-clockwise loop on the yellow marked trail. Snow was already packed down from previous travelers. Nice that the sun made an appearance after a gloomy week. Walked about 1.9 miles. A much better alternative to malls and crowds.


Sunday, December 07, 2014

Rotterdam

Did some local hikes with Benny this afternoon in Rotterdam (near Schenectady). The first was at Old Maids Woods (Nature Conservancy). The trailhead is a little bit hidden off a NiMo access road. The entrance trail was a mess with blow down. Once up on the plateau, the orange blazed trail was clear, but it was still a bit of challenge to follow at times. Couldn't really get lost though  as there was a rail line on one side and the access road on the other. At one point, Benny picked up a scent and went into full beagle mode - sniffing like crazy. It was the first time I heard him baying. There was lots of deer sign in the open woods. Did a short loop and then went back down to the car.

 Next, we went to Great Flats Preserve nearby. There was a small windmill at the parking area. Followed the wide entrance trail (more of mowed path). And then the trail around the big swamp. Nice flat walk. Altogether walked about 3 miles on a very sunny but cold day.
Rotterdam