Tramp & Trail

Write up – Susan Bell
Leader – Susan Bell
Co- Leader – Roger Felske

It was a beautiful 80 degree sunny day, knots around 5 – 10. Perfect for kayaking on the Cazenovia Lake.

After meeting at Madison Central School the Tramps traveled to McDonalds in Cazenovia to sign-in. Rick Manier lead the group to the south end of the lake on Route 20. There was plenty of parking for the kayakers to unload their boats from their cars.

Putting in at the south end of the lake we paddled on the west side perimeter and for 4 miles observing the summer camps, and year-round homes. We all just couldn’t decide which one we wanted! After reaching the end of the lake, but not going into the cove, we crossed over to east side of the lake to the Helen L. McNitt State Park. This small parking area is a site to launch canoes, kayaks and small rowboats. It also has a port- a- potty available.

Our next stop was Lakeview Park, 2.8 miles up on the south shore following East Lake Road. The waves picked up for about a mile, but calmed down.

After having lunch at Lakeview Park which has picnic tables, pavilion, and bathrooms we traveled past the Cazenovia Willow Bank Yacht Club where families were enjoying a Sunday afternoon and the weekly sailing competition was about to begin.

Rounding the lakes corner to finish our 8 mile kayak, we paddled past the Brewster Inn which was built in 1890 as the summer home of financier Benjamin B. Brewster. We arrived back to the parking lot and refreshments were served at the Bell-Manier home. After leaving, some Tramps drove around the lake to see the front of the lake houses and through Cazenovia’s historical village on their way home.

More photos of June 2015 hikes may be viewed at:
/gallaries/gallery-2015/june-2015/