Abraham Lincoln Hike

I took advantage of the nice weather we had on Sunday to go for a hike.  I was in the mood for a strenuous, hilly hike that would start getting me ready for Marcy.  No one was around, so I decided to head up to Durand Eastman park, and found the trail poorly marked.  I missed the trail head, and when I came back around the place was swarming with emergency vehicles.  I figured I’d go back home and scope out my other options.

I decided to check out Abraham Lincoln Park which was formerly known as Irondequoit Bay Park East.  I had never been there before, and I was excited to get out there, especially because it is rumored to be hilly and a great workout.

I was pleasantly surprised!
Aside from the slightly muddy and slippery downhills in a few places, the trail was awesome.  The change in terrain and elevation was perfect.  The change in vegetation made it interesting.  It was simply beautiful!  I really want to get down there again and bring a friend!

One of the great things about Rochester is that you are so easily escape the noise and busyness of an urban area – in just a few minutes.  As I descended into the gully, the sounds of the street fell away and were overtaken by birds, rivulets of water, chipmunks, and squirrels.  Simply put, it was a great hike, and a really good workout.  My legs are feeling it today!  Here are just a few pictures that I took.  I was too busy enjoying myself to think about taking too many pictures!

DSCN7064

Looking up the downhill near the start of the trail. Loved the way these evergreen trees towered over everything.

DSCN7063

Not much water was flowing through this creek bed, but the soft trickle of water was so pleasant. Everything was just so verdant!

DSCN7065

Standing on the eastern shore of Irondequoit Bay looking west. It was such a beautiful day!

DSCN7066

I wonder what this building is? It looks like an old hangar or boat house. Nearby were some concrete stones in a distinct pattern that led down to what was once a dock. Would love to know the history behind it.

DSCN7069

Looking north you can see the Irondequoit Bay Bridge. I drive over that bridge on my commute to work. I don’t often see it from this angle!

2 Comments

Filed under Adventure, Nature, New York

Unwrapping New York State's New "Common Core" Tests--Its Contents and Costs

Reblogged from Andrea Gabor:

Five years ago, I found myself drafted onto a New York State Department of Education committee charged with revamping the English Language Arts standards. As a journalism professor at Baruch College/CUNY, I had the non-fiction expertise that were seen as so important to developing the new standards. Although I had no experience in public schools, I was on the receiving end of the abilities and deficits of kids graduating from the city’s high schools.

Read more… 2,293 more words

If you're trying to understand why educators in NY are upset with the new barrage of testing - take the time to read this blog post. It does an excellent job of summarizing the main arguments! I hope to follow up with a post myself about my experience at the June 8th rally for education in Albany this past weekend!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

White Pine

white pine

Here’s something a bit different!  There’s just something about this picture that I really liked – even if it isn’t that great of a shot!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Nature, Photography

Black Snake Mountain Hike

This weekend I ventured out to the Southern Tier of New York.   I visited a couple of friends on Chautauqua Lake, and we took a drive over to Allegany State Park.  I haven’t been there in years, probably since college, and I was eager to be there.  We opted for a shorter, but strenuous hike on the Black Snake Mountain Trail.  It seemed more than 3 miles, and it wasn’t as challenging as I had hoped.  But it was fun nevertheless.  I took a few photographs along the way, and I enjoyed this tree covered with fungi!

fungi on tree

2 Comments

Filed under Adventure, Nature, New York, Photography

Letchworth Trestle Bridge

It was a perfect day for a hike through Letchworth State Park today.  I went with a few friends in my attempt to add a weekly hike to my new fitness routine.  The day lent itself well to hiking – and photography too!  We have some AMAZING view here in Western NY!

tressle

4 Comments

Filed under Adventure, Nature, New York

Marcy!

I’m so excited!
I am TOTALLY excited!

My friend Patricia asked me if I was interested in hiking Mount Marcy this summer.

HIKE MOUNT MARCY!

It would be challenging for sure, but it is definitely motivation, a goal, for me to get back in shape after a long winter of becoming a blob.

Patricia and I took a short hike the other day, and it felt great. It really got me inspired and excited about this summer!

There will be more to come later…

2 Comments

Filed under Adventure

Welcome, Luna

Luna is the new polar bear cub at the Buffalo Zoo.   She’s quite playful and fun to watch!  We had a great time on Easter Sunday visiting the Buffalo Zoo, and I took a bit of video to share with you all!  Enjoy!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Animals, New York