After two mild winters with little snow, we finally had enough to really enjoy the sport of snowshoeing. Sixteen Huggers gathered Sunday morning at Pittsford Plaza to form car pools, with four others meeting us at our destination, the MaryFrances Bluebird Haven Trail in Victor. This area was donated by Robert Butler to the Town of Victor in 1996, and dedicated as a bluebird sanctuary. A stone statue of an angel was erected in 1997 in memory of the donor’s wife, MaryFrances.
It was a beautiful, cold, but sunny day with a bit of wind stirring up the snow. After strapping on our equipment we headed out on a one-mile loop across open meadows and through woodland paths, including one small, but steep challenging hill. After some basic instruction everyone handled it easily. Although this outing was designed for beginners, it had enough variety and challenge to give our newcomers a real taste of snowshoeing.
An hour or so later we were back at the cars, but everyone wanted more, so we went back out for another 45 minutes, crossing the wind blown meadows for another visit to the woods, where more "hill climbing" experience was gained.
After that we returned to the parking lot for hot chocolate and snacks. Special thanks to Alice P. and Pauline for making dozens of homemade cookies, brownies, and delicious pumpkin bars to munch on. The Huggers 10-gallon thermos did a great job of keeping the water hot for our chocolate. I also wish to thank Victor Hiking Trails, Inc., who maintain these trails, for their assistance. Everyone, especially the first-time snowshoers had a great time.
- Dave K.