What a great start to the season!  There were 16 guys who got together for the day hike around the Hamlin Conservation and Recreation Area.  We met up around 10AM just off of Chemung Road.  After getting ready and most of us deciding to dispense with the snowshoes (the trail was packed and it hadn't snowed in a couple of weeks), we made the usual introductions and headed out along the Crocketts Ledge Loop Trail at about 10:30AM.  The weather was incredible, being in the low 40's and mostly sunny.  The trail started out pretty flat passing by a beaver pond, which you could make out through the trees, and a small cemetery with a couple of very worn headstones.  The pace was easy-going so the group could stay together...of course the ever impatient Markus headed out on his own to explore.  A little further along the trail it began to ascend gradually up to the ledges.  Here there were nice views over Lake Wicwas and to the northeast into the White Mountains.  We took an extended break here for the views before continuing along the loop trail.  This portion of the trail descends from the ledges and passes through an old-growth maple forest before ending up at the lake.  It was about 12:30 and we decided it was a good spot to enjoy our lunches (Markus had rejoined us by this time).  It was sunny and felt good out on the ice.  A short time after being on the ice, the ice made a very loud cracking noise and I don't think I've ever seen Rick move so fast!  It didn't phase everyone, in fact, Kevin took the opportunity to do some running slides on the ice.  After almost an hour we headed back to the trail and continued to meander through the forest before heading back up to the ledge.  Several members of the group had gone ahead and we lost track of them through the various trail junctions, but they were with Markus, so I didn't worry too much.  The rest of us climbed back up to the White Mountain Ledge and proceeded to make our way back by the route that we had come.  Part way back we passed the trail junction for the Crockett Ledge and I went out to investigate, while the others proceeded along the main trail.  This ledge had a nice view of the lake, but didn't offer much of a view into the surrounding mountains.  Anyway, I caught back up with the group and we headed to the parking lot.  We returned at a little after 3PM (where we found the rest of the group standing by the cars).  Afterwards we headed over to the Rt. 104 Diner and capped off the day with more socializing and a light bite to eat.

A huge thanks to every one that came out and joined the hike...it was a great group of guys and a wonderful way to kick off the season despite the lack of any fresh snow!

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