From Camp Cutler to Ontario County Park.

We embarked on a 6.7 mile hike from Camp Cutler to Ontario County Park in the fog.  At least is was not freezing and raining.  The hike follows the Finger Lakes trail through the Boy Scout camp across rt. 33 and then up to the county park.  Unfortunately the weather conspired against us again - this hike does offer some spectacular views.  The first overlook in Camp Cutler looks south over Naples and beyond, the second one looks east to Middlesex and High Tor, and finally the view north, the only one we saw, from the Jump Off.  

Glacial rock in Camp Cutler

Should be a great view - looking east.

Even with the fog early, the hike was a good one.  The hike began with a push up the hill then traversing the ridge north before dropping down to route 33.  After crossing the road we continued on to the beaver pond.  The phrase, 'busy as a beaver' is appropriate.  Here we witnessed the work of a very active beaver.  This is also where our trail challenge took place - the 'Half-Life Challenge'.  The group got to four half lives.  I think this is one we can come back to. The word trust was used, and this was our first challenge that required some trust.  We will explore this more in future challenges.

Approach to the beaver pond.

             

Beavers at work

Beaver lodge.

planning the next move

1/2 life challenge

The final section of the hike was the push up to the highest point in Ontario County.  Sitting at over 2000 feet, the park offers great views, trails, and facilities.  We were rewarded with the fog clearing and even the sun came out.

Finally a vista!

Our destination - The Jump Off - view north.