Inspiring Excursions

Some pages straight out of Owl Light Q2
featuring our newest Owl Light contributor –
Trail Otter’s Bill Waterhouse

The trails are snow-laden as I write in early February.  Two storms placed more than a few inches of fluffy white across our region and has me pondering what might be happening by the time you’re reading this in early spring. What animals scurrying under that insulating blanket are now feeling sunshine, what buried seed, cone or fungi is now cracking its winter shell, and what patient flower bulb is now pushing up through the leaf litter?

Spring is when many people think of heading outside more. My partner Sonni and I have been fortunate to have explored Letchworth State Park throughout winter. When we arrived in Dansville three years ago, we had the idea of starting an outfitter business. We both had “indoor” jobs in the past and we were looking to do something that would keep us hiking, healthy, and outdoors. Upstate New York is full of great trails and hidden waterfalls, so we took the plunge and started Trail Otter in Leicester, minutes from Letchworth State Park. We have no regrets, as it’s been so rewarding meeting other hikers, backpackers, and area explorers. We are truly fortunate to have such adventurous people in this area.

We realize that not everyone has the confidence or experience to get out there alone so we have focused on programs to help transition new hikers outside and to help more experienced hikers build additional skills. Our goal is to inspire others, as we have been inspired by those before us. One way we have inspired people this winter is with a Hike Letchworth Winter 50 Challenge. This winter-only event challenged participants to hike 50 miles during the winter calendar season on any of the open trails inside Letchworth State Park. We also hosted free Sunday hikes for those trying to complete the challenge. We have been impressed with the number of participants and they have been a source of camaraderie and inspiration for attaining our personal goals.

Inspired by the initial responses to our recent outings, we are creating three new challenges. Letchworth’s Hiked ‘Em All Challenge will motivate hikers to traverse all 28 trails in the park, and the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park will have two challenges, one for hikers and another for bicyclists. Each of these challenges will allow you to get outside and experience the upcoming woodland rebirth. 

Although it’s now easy to watch anything on YouTube, we find it much more enjoyable to experience springtime in the woods in person. We understand that getting out of the house and going hiking can be daunting, especially if you’ve never experienced this. Spring can bring variable conditions, with snow changing to spring mud. But choosing to disconnect from the artificial internet and experience the very real sun, soil and smells of springtime can be very rewarding as long as you are prepared.

What might you want to consider when wandering out for springtime hikes?  

Spring means rains, and streams can be bursting with water, sometimes unexpectedly. If you’re hiking near any of our hundreds of gullies, water levels may require you to ford across streams. This can get very tricky and potentially dangerous, especially if the water is high and flowing quickly.  Always use your best judgment and err on the side of safety. If you do decide to cross, one trick we use for keeping our feet dry is to put your feet and socks inside bread bags.  Your feet may perspire a little more but they will be much drier than your boots, especially if water goes over the top of them.  

Microspikes may be the best item to keep in your backpack for spring conditions. Icy mornings are not uncommon and having super-grippers for your feet with you could mean the difference between confidence and panic, especially if you’re walking a very strong dog. Carry them until there is no chance of overnight ground ice. 

If there isn’t ice, you can almost bet there will be mud in early spring. Anyone who has hiked the east side of Letchworth in springtime can attest to very swampy conditions. One person walking along a trail won’t make much of a mess, but high traffic will soon turn a wet spot into a mucky boot swallowing slip and slide. We try to avoid wet and muddy trails until the ground frost has disappeared and we’re walking on soil instead of mud. There’s debate around whether one should walk through the mud or around the mud. Most experts recommend that you walk through the mud. I would agree, unless you’re not sure how deep the mud may be. Unfortunately, bread bags won’t keep mud from oozing over your boot tops, and cleanup, well, that’s another story.  There are many Letchworth trails that allow for spring season outing without going knee deep in muck. Stop into Trail Otter and we can provide you with a map of the drier trails.

Regardless of when you are heading out, always carry the 10 Essentials:

Navigation: Bring a compass (and possibly a GPS) and understand how to use them
Insulation / Rain Gear: Winter gear in cold weather, waterproof gear any time of year
Light Source: Bring a headlamp/flashlight, and don’t forget extra batteries
First Aid Kit: Make your own or purchase a pre-made kit
Emergency Kit:  Place whistle and knife / multi-tool  in your pocket, duct tape 
Fire Starter:  Waterproof matches, fire starters, and a lighter (we wrap it with our duct tape)
Nutrition: Bring high protein and high calorie foods, and pack extra just in case

Water: Figure on 2 liters per person per day, and/or pack a water filtration system
Sun & Insect Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses (even in winter), and spray for ticks & mosquitoes
Emergency Shelter: Bring a space blanket or bivy sack

Source:  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28708.html

In addition to the above 10 Essentials, obtain a map and plan your trip before heading out on the trail. Place it in a waterproof baggie to keep it dry on the trail. State land and park maps can be obtained from dec.ny.gov and parks.ny.gov. If heading our way, we’ll provide you with a free Letchworth map and gladly point you in the right direction based on your ability and time constraints.

Most importantly, tell someone where you’re going and what time you’ll return so they can send help if you don’t arrive back by your expected time. At the very least it could save you a night in the woods, and possibly save your life.

Later sunsets and earlier sunrises provide weekday opportunities to explore trails before or after work without headlamp illumination. Warmer weather allows lighter jackets and regular boots. There are so many great benefits to spring hikes. Just don’t let your guard down too much. Remember to always anticipate an unexpected night in the woods. That way if something does go wrong, you are prepared.  

So, go on!  Get outside!  The springtime birds, emerging  plants, and bursting trees await your visit. The buried squirrel nuts, maple helicopters and billions (trillions?) of seeds bursting through to sunshine.

We will be sharing trail tips and tricks with you about the wonderful worlds of hiking and backpacking in upcoming Owl Light issues. If there is a topic of interest that you would like to see covered. let us know? Email info@trailotter.com or call us at (585) 382-5055 Better yet, stop in at Trail Otter to see us and share your favorite outdoor adventure story (maybe it will make it into the Owl Light) or talk with us about your next adventure. We’d love to help!

Bill Waterhouse is the owner of Trail Otter LLC, an outdoor adventure company located in Leicester New York.  A native of Dansville, he and his partner Sonni Olbert are having too much fun exploring all the nooks and crannies of area trails and waterfalls. He loves having fellow hikers and backpackers stop into Trail Otter to share trail stories and favorite places to escape civilization. Although he doesn’t mind crowds, his favorite places are the rustic east side of The Grand Canyon of the East (Letchworth), the quieter western side of the Adirondacks, and The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania (Pine Creek). He’s always on the lookout for good espresso, fun folks to hang out with, and very dark beer. Email: info@trailotter.com