New Bridge in Conklin Gully

It like Narnia out there today. Early spring snow squalls and sun. Ran up the right side to the blue trail spur. This new bridge is under construction - a big project. 

Big Rock

Up to Big Rock

Straight up the hill from here - no trail.

I found Big Rock today. An 'old time picnic spot' in Italy Hill State Forest. Not easy to get to  - straight up the hill - no trail, steep, loose. Up is a burn and down is a wild ride.  

Big Rock

Home School Group Hikes For Teens

Home School Group Hikes & Activities for Teens

a dynamic experience through engaged activity  

Tuesday mornings April 5 - June 14; sessions will run 8:30 - 12:00* &
Thursday afternoons 12:30 - 4:00

Check the schedule for each week's location & details.

*alternate days/times can be arranged, please contact to set up

Experience the variety and beauty that the Naples area has to offer:

• Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, birding, photography in High Tor- 6,100 acre wilderness area,
• Miles of single track throughout the Finger Lakes trail on Bristol Hills Branch of the FLT
• Discover scenic vistas, picnic areas, hiking & mt. biking trails in Ontario County Park
• Frisbee golf, hiking trails in the Naples Community Park
• Explore the gullies and waterfalls of Grimes Glen, Conklin Gully, Clarks Gully & Tannery Creek.

Enjoying a waterfall

Weekly group hikes and activities provide an opportunity for home and unschooled teens to socialize, work together, be engaged socially, and build connections in an outdoor environment.  

Team building, problem solving, and activities/games incorporated within each session along with time for teens to be teens to interact with one another in a safe social setting.

Sessions led by a professional educator with over 20 years of experience across a range of age levels and models of education.

Initial sessions will be planned, but participant leadership and direction of future sessions will be encouraged.

Participants need to be prepared with daypack,journal, lunch/snacks, appropriate footwear & clothing for weather/environmental conditions.  Each participant will require a completed waiver form.

Fee: $20 per participant per day. Family rate of $10 for each additional sibling.

*maximum of 12 participants per session.

For information, questions, and to register your child, contact Seth Almekinder.

by email at salmekinder@gmail.com or by phone: 585 760 9403

Find out more about Furtherance Education and details regarding each week’s plan on Facebook: Futherance Guided Recreation & Education and at http://furtherancerecreation.blogspot.com/

Spring amphibian migrations.

The weather was perfect, as long as you were a salamander.  An amazing sight to see - the road crawling, a warm foggy night, with rain coming down in early march.  I received a tip earlier in the day that conditions might be right.  They were.  The DEC site on amphibian migrations is a great place to start.  You are also able to print out the paperwork for your own data collection to send in, which we did...

An excited wildlife biologist

Here is a wildlife biologist in the field helping count and move migrating salamanders. Identified over 35 Spotted and a dozen of Jefferson salamanders. 

Jefferson Salamander

Spent an hour on rt. 36 - west hollow road - just above the old ski valley-  counting and helping salamanders cross the road.

Spotted Salamnder

First spring run?

A run through the swamp to west river. The bridges are open to foot travel from VFW out...

I heard birds. Ran the rail bed from parish flats - in both directions. It will get wet - but green and alive. Wear your mudders.