Join the first public hike on the new Wildway Passage Trail in Westport on Saturday morning, November 22 from 9:30 – 11:00.  We invite hikers of all ages to meet on Angier Hill Road, about ½ mile north of Lakeshore Road, to walk the easy two-mile trail loop and then go to Dogwood Bakery in Wadhams for cider and cookies.

This is shorter than last fall’s hamlet-to-hamlet hike but the days are shorter too, so it gives you a chance to check out the new trail, envision skiing on it when the snow files, and then get some tasty food at Dogwood Bakery.

The trail is on property CATS purchased to protect habitat in the Split Rock Wildway wildlife corridor connecting Lake Champlain to the Adirondack Mountains.  It also secured the opportunity to have a trail for people to hike or ski between Coon Mountain and Split Rock Wild Forest, a major part of the “lakeside” trail planned between Westport and Essex.

You will see the work of the unique crews who made the trail.  Last summer, twenty-five campers from South Woods Camp in Paradox teamed up with Essex County’s Youth Advocate Program to cut the “Connector Trail.”  In October, thirteen people from all over the country came as part a “volunteer vacation” to clear the “Loop Trail,” which is where we will hike.  Then last week, six people cleared the final part of the trail.

Start Thanksgiving week this year with a hike—guaranteed fun and we’ll thank you for making it all possible.

Owl Prowl—A Fabulous Night-Hike

We heard some great owl calls—they all came from hike leader Gregg Van Duesen as we visualized owls sitting in nearby trees wondering what this crew of nighttime hikers was doing in their woods.  Gregg told wonderful stories as our eyes adjusted to the dark and we walked without flashlights between the trees.

The hike was “sold out” within hours of being announced so we are planning more owl prowls.  We’re even planning CATS’ first full moon hike in January so stay tuned.

Chris Maron
CATS Executive Director

Related articles

• Volunteer Vacation Crew Completes Three Trail Projects (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• CATS’ Grand Hike A Great Success (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Photo: Lake Champlain from Crater Club (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)