John Boyd Thacher State

After much blogging and many email notifications sent out for the first Dig The Falls hike of the year, the hike at John Boyd Thacher State Park went off without a hitch. That is to say everyone that came had a great time.

The day came with its share of bad weather though. For an hour before the hike my fiance and I sat in our car with our two dogs watching the storm clouds approach where the hike was supposed to take place. In our minds we were wondering if anyone else would cancel out due to the weather. We couldn't blame those that did though. The temperatures were in the 30's and 40's, not including the feeling of the frigid wind across your face!

Ten minutes before everyone started to show up it began to poor with a mixture of hail and rain. Now we were really doubting our timing on this outing!!
No worries though, because as the rain and hail started to ease up our guests began to arrive. We had a modest gathering of six people, including Jess and I with our two dogs.

Authors and photographers Russell Dunn and his wife Barbara Delaney had been the first to reply to our newsletters, accepting our invitation. Russell and Barbara have done a lot of research pertaining to JBT State Park and have written extensively on the waterfalls and hiking opportunities in it's park boundaries.

Photographers and videographers Christy and Jan Butler were right there along with Russell and Barbara as being true hikers in the days gloomy weather. Christy and Jan are the creators and admins of www.BerkshirePhotos.com. A website built around 180 and 360 degree views of waterfalls!!

Hikers: (from left) Jessica Painter, Jan Butler, Christy Butler, Barbara Delaney and Russell Dunn
Not pictured: Edward Smathers

We were all a bit optimistic that the weather would hold off long enough to allow for at least a leisurely hike along the escarpment. Along the way Chris was able to capture some really great photos which can be seen at our Outlet Falls and Minelot Falls photo pages. Russell and Barbara were able to explain the use of the escarpment long ago and even pointed out an old road that was once use, but is now so overgrown with bush and tree that it could barely be seen at all.

After the trek along the escarpment we all chose to have a short "picnic" (picnic in quotes due to the weather conditions of the day) and relax over some friendly conversation.

It was with much debate that Jess and I had to leave for the day after this, but everyone else chose to make their way to Rensselaerville Falls; another close by attraction that begs to be seen anytime of the year!!

Take note that Dig The Falls relied heavily on books written by Russell Dunn and Barbara Delaney to set up this excursion. For more information and to purchase any of their books please visit the Black Dome Press website.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, has to be one of the finest examples of the New York State Park System. With several miles of trails and 19 waterfalls, two of which you can walk under, it is hard to beat the glen's beauty.

Dig The Falls was fortunate enough to have some of its members join them in a short hike through the gorge trail. Paul Swiatkowski and his family made the trek along with Joe Zimmerman and his wife. Jessica Painter and Alicia Zimmerman volunteered to stay behind with Jack and Jill, our dogs, while the rest of us set off to photograph the gorge falls. 

Photo By: Jessica Painter Photography

The day was a little too sunny for long exposure photographs, but it seemed that the group has had their share of experience with the sun. It was great to be able to meet the group and hike with them for the first time. It seemed as though Paul and Joe both got some very impressive shots. I, on the other hand, did not have as much luck, but still enjoyed all the time spent.

With this hike over Dig The Falls has already decided to look forward to the Fall weather and colors. The next hike will be located in Letchworth State Park, just 15 minutes south of Geneseo.