Lake Ontario Dune Trail LbNA #9442
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Add Location| Owner: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Jun 26, 2004 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Woodville |
| County: | Jefferson |
| State: | New York |
| Boxes: | 4 |
| Planted by: | MTnestRobin
  |
|---|---|
| Found by: | Scoot (3) |
| Last found: | Oct 10, 2010 |
| Status: | FFFFFFFFFFFFa |
| Last edited: | Jun 26, 2004 |
LOCATED AT:
Southwick Beach State Park and
Lakeview Wildlife Management Area
8119 Southwick Place
Woodville, NY 13650
315-846-5338
Southwick Beach State Park is spacious and popular, known for its outstanding swimming and sunning on its long sandy beach. Campers and day-users enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing and games on the playing fields. The park has a carry in carry out trash policy. There is a parking fee of $7 to enter the Park or free with your Empire Pass. Dogs must have proof of current rabies inoculation (a dated collar tag or copy of the veterinarian certificate) and be kept on a leash not exceeding 6’ at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the beach and picnic areas. ** (That leaves just the trails and camping areas).
The Park is adjacent to the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, home to the environmentally sensitive coastal sand dunes. Coastal sand dunes are created over thousands of years by waves; currents and winds forming sand ridges landward toward the beach. Dunes protect shorelines from erosion and property damage by storms and waves. The dunes, beaches and the shore environments they protect provide habitat for rare and unusual wildlife and plant species including the Common Tern, Black Tern, Piping Plover and Sand Dune Willow.
The Lake Ontario Dune Trail will guide you through many different habitats; woodland, meadow, wetland, sand dune and Lake Ontario shoreline. The trail begins opposite the entrance booth for Southwick Beach State Park. You can no longer park at the trail heads unless you are handicapped. Therefore, you will now have to enter and park in the lot (and pay). Pick up a brochure/map for both Southwick Beach and Lake Ontario Dune Trail at the entrance booth. This is a flat easy hike, but can be muddy in spots! There is a half mile of beach walking on the trail so pushing a stroller through soft sand may be taxing in the hot sun, but then again so is carrying a hot and tired toddler.
NOTES:
** Clues to the last two boxes take you through an area that dogs are not permitted. You may have to omit searching for these boxes unless one of your party is willing to stay behind with the dog.
Beware, there are no lifeguards on the DEC stretch of beach! Swim at the guarded beach on State Park property in the designated area only! The guarded beach is a wonderful beach for children. It slopes gradually from a shallow shoreline with normally, gentle wave action.
The WMA is open for hunting in the fall. If you are seeking these letterboxes around that time use precaution, wear blaze orange and put some on your dog too!
These letterboxes may be inaccessible in the winter due to heavy snow cover in this “lake-effect” area! E-mail the placer before seeking these from snowfall to snow melt.
DIRECTIONS:
From North or South: Take Interstate 81 to Exit 40 (Pierrepont Manor / Ellisburg). Take 193 West (toward Ellisburg) approximately 7 miles to the intersection with Rt 3. The Park entrance is straight ahead. Drive slowly. (Many turtles cross and sun themselves on this stretch of road. Do not approach them, most are snapping turtles!)
LAKE ONTARIO DUNES TRAIL LETTERBOXES
CLUES:
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Mostly flat easy hiking through various habitats. The trail is open to bikers. Some beach walking is involved. Soft sand can be tiring to walk in and both the sun and sand can be hot at times! The trail for these letterboxes is a little over 2 miles round trip. Add about 1/2 mile to that if you are a greedy letterboxer! ;-)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Make sure you pick up a brochure at the park entrance booth.
- If you did not enter the State Park, you may want to pack-in your swimsuit and towel to enjoy a break when you get to the beach.
- Bring insect repellent and plenty of water to drink!
- You will need your compass and your own inkpad for these boxes!
- Handmade stamps and logbooks.
- Stay on the trail out of the poison ivy!
Park at the trailhead or use the parking lot and walk back to the trailhead. Parking in the lot does not add any extra mileage to your hike.
Armed with your Lake Ontario Dune Trail brochure, start your search at the trailhead closest to the park entrance booth. Enjoy this woodland walk on the newly constructed gravel path. After the path takes a very sharp left turn begin to count three of these, a right one, a left one, and another right one. You'll know you are near the third when you pass "M M" carved on what was once a mighty beech "Wolf Tree" on the right side of the path. “Wolf” trees once grew in the open and were able to spread their branches before the rest of the forest grew up around them. This particular beech tree was the subject of this letterbox but succumbed in a recent winter storm. Have a seat on the nearby bench where you can rest a moment and view the other “Wolves”, mainly paper birches.” You can find yet another “Wolf Tree” tucked up under your seat. (suggested ink color: jungle green and a medium brown). Please re-hide securely.
Continue on your quest, bearing on the right path rather than looping back. The nice gravel path ends at the wooden bridge over Filmore Brook. Cross over and enter into the maple-red cedar wood. If it seems a bit eerie in here read your brochure to discover its oddity. Meandering along, if you notice movement near your feet most likely leopard frogs are hopping off the trail to get out of your way. A wetland soon becomes visible on the right. Amongst a stand of large paper birches a once red bench offers you a rest and view of this cattail marsh. On you go and stay the greater path. Don’t take Lakeview’s to the left. Keep a watchful eye on the wetland, we’ve seen some very large turtles here. As you go over yet another bridge notice the abandoned beaver work on the right (2011- new construction wiped out the beaver work). Be careful to stay on the narrow path OUT OF THE POISON IVY! Here the path turns sandy and a boardwalk protects the fragile dunes. With your left hip to the right of 6, five paces onward takes you to within an arms reach. Stamp into “Beware the Dune Steward” then go on to the beach!
Welcome to the Lake Ontario Shoreline! Head northward on the beach. You are re-entering Southwick Beach State Park property at the post in the sand near the waters edge. On a nice day overflow from the main beach drifts onto this side. Don’t be tempted to swim here, wait until you reach the guarded beach just ahead. If you are with a pet you must exit at the boat launch area (“pet walkway to Lakeview” on your Southwick Beach map) and walk on the road through the camping area back to your car. Everyone else can exit the beach on the boardwalk near the concession area. For those that can continue... follow along the railing and sidewalk that skirts the concession area until you come to the panoramic viewer that offers (for 25 cents) a view of the lake and shore. I know everyone is probably ready for a break by now, but hold on for another minute or so! "Poopingous Scavengii Nastiness" is nearby and would love to be included in your break. Continue along the railing northward, going down the broad steps. Just before the railing corner find this “little scavenger” tucked against the post under the rail like the others!
Important Note: This can be a very busy spot! Plan your retrieval before you get there. You shouldn't have to bend down, instead, just reach under, feel around and pull it out of the holder. If there are people around you may want to throw a towel over to block their view. Please don’t compromise the location of this box if you can’t retrieve it discreetly. Email me! If you are stamped in to any of other boxes I will gladly send you the stamped image through the mail. *
Okay, so NOW is a good time to take that break! Use the restroom, go swimming, eat lunch, stamp in, etc.
When you are ready for the last box. Walk northward through the picnic area, past the parking lot to the further most grill. A large boulder out in the water lets you know you're in the right area. From the last grill head towards the edge of the woods on an approximate 20 degree bearing. Just into the edgewood you will spy a dead but still upright, weathered gray and pecked tree. Reach over into the hollow and under some bark wrapped in cammo is “Sunset at Southwick.” (suggested ink color: red, orange or both). Please put the box back in its camouflage bag and carefully replace it in the same spot in the hollow, then cover it well with bark. Note: I am 5’3” and can reach it well enough to maneuver it in but am too short to see it. If you are more “height-challenged” than I you might want to bring along some extra height! NOTE: 2011- This area is no longer accessible. I did save the box, but have no where to put it. You can get a complementary image by commenting on one of the other letterboxes in this series. I will also consider any ideas for its future placement (so keep your eyes open for a good spot).
MtnMan and I frequently drive over and toast the sunset! You may see us there if you stay!
To return to your car if you parked at the trailhead: Return to the parking lot you passed on your way to “Sunset” and follow the exit (only one way in or out) out to the road. Left onto the roadway will take you back to the entrance booth and just beyond is the trailhead.
Southwick Beach State Park and
Lakeview Wildlife Management Area
8119 Southwick Place
Woodville, NY 13650
315-846-5338
Southwick Beach State Park is spacious and popular, known for its outstanding swimming and sunning on its long sandy beach. Campers and day-users enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing and games on the playing fields. The park has a carry in carry out trash policy. There is a parking fee of $7 to enter the Park or free with your Empire Pass. Dogs must have proof of current rabies inoculation (a dated collar tag or copy of the veterinarian certificate) and be kept on a leash not exceeding 6’ at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the beach and picnic areas. ** (That leaves just the trails and camping areas).
The Park is adjacent to the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, home to the environmentally sensitive coastal sand dunes. Coastal sand dunes are created over thousands of years by waves; currents and winds forming sand ridges landward toward the beach. Dunes protect shorelines from erosion and property damage by storms and waves. The dunes, beaches and the shore environments they protect provide habitat for rare and unusual wildlife and plant species including the Common Tern, Black Tern, Piping Plover and Sand Dune Willow.
The Lake Ontario Dune Trail will guide you through many different habitats; woodland, meadow, wetland, sand dune and Lake Ontario shoreline. The trail begins opposite the entrance booth for Southwick Beach State Park. You can no longer park at the trail heads unless you are handicapped. Therefore, you will now have to enter and park in the lot (and pay). Pick up a brochure/map for both Southwick Beach and Lake Ontario Dune Trail at the entrance booth. This is a flat easy hike, but can be muddy in spots! There is a half mile of beach walking on the trail so pushing a stroller through soft sand may be taxing in the hot sun, but then again so is carrying a hot and tired toddler.
NOTES:
** Clues to the last two boxes take you through an area that dogs are not permitted. You may have to omit searching for these boxes unless one of your party is willing to stay behind with the dog.
Beware, there are no lifeguards on the DEC stretch of beach! Swim at the guarded beach on State Park property in the designated area only! The guarded beach is a wonderful beach for children. It slopes gradually from a shallow shoreline with normally, gentle wave action.
The WMA is open for hunting in the fall. If you are seeking these letterboxes around that time use precaution, wear blaze orange and put some on your dog too!
These letterboxes may be inaccessible in the winter due to heavy snow cover in this “lake-effect” area! E-mail the placer before seeking these from snowfall to snow melt.
DIRECTIONS:
From North or South: Take Interstate 81 to Exit 40 (Pierrepont Manor / Ellisburg). Take 193 West (toward Ellisburg) approximately 7 miles to the intersection with Rt 3. The Park entrance is straight ahead. Drive slowly. (Many turtles cross and sun themselves on this stretch of road. Do not approach them, most are snapping turtles!)
LAKE ONTARIO DUNES TRAIL LETTERBOXES
CLUES:
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Mostly flat easy hiking through various habitats. The trail is open to bikers. Some beach walking is involved. Soft sand can be tiring to walk in and both the sun and sand can be hot at times! The trail for these letterboxes is a little over 2 miles round trip. Add about 1/2 mile to that if you are a greedy letterboxer! ;-)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Make sure you pick up a brochure at the park entrance booth.
- If you did not enter the State Park, you may want to pack-in your swimsuit and towel to enjoy a break when you get to the beach.
- Bring insect repellent and plenty of water to drink!
- You will need your compass and your own inkpad for these boxes!
- Handmade stamps and logbooks.
- Stay on the trail out of the poison ivy!
Park at the trailhead or use the parking lot and walk back to the trailhead. Parking in the lot does not add any extra mileage to your hike.
Armed with your Lake Ontario Dune Trail brochure, start your search at the trailhead closest to the park entrance booth. Enjoy this woodland walk on the newly constructed gravel path. After the path takes a very sharp left turn begin to count three of these, a right one, a left one, and another right one. You'll know you are near the third when you pass "M M" carved on what was once a mighty beech "Wolf Tree" on the right side of the path. “Wolf” trees once grew in the open and were able to spread their branches before the rest of the forest grew up around them. This particular beech tree was the subject of this letterbox but succumbed in a recent winter storm. Have a seat on the nearby bench where you can rest a moment and view the other “Wolves”, mainly paper birches.” You can find yet another “Wolf Tree” tucked up under your seat. (suggested ink color: jungle green and a medium brown). Please re-hide securely.
Continue on your quest, bearing on the right path rather than looping back. The nice gravel path ends at the wooden bridge over Filmore Brook. Cross over and enter into the maple-red cedar wood. If it seems a bit eerie in here read your brochure to discover its oddity. Meandering along, if you notice movement near your feet most likely leopard frogs are hopping off the trail to get out of your way. A wetland soon becomes visible on the right. Amongst a stand of large paper birches a once red bench offers you a rest and view of this cattail marsh. On you go and stay the greater path. Don’t take Lakeview’s to the left. Keep a watchful eye on the wetland, we’ve seen some very large turtles here. As you go over yet another bridge notice the abandoned beaver work on the right (2011- new construction wiped out the beaver work). Be careful to stay on the narrow path OUT OF THE POISON IVY! Here the path turns sandy and a boardwalk protects the fragile dunes. With your left hip to the right of 6, five paces onward takes you to within an arms reach. Stamp into “Beware the Dune Steward” then go on to the beach!
Welcome to the Lake Ontario Shoreline! Head northward on the beach. You are re-entering Southwick Beach State Park property at the post in the sand near the waters edge. On a nice day overflow from the main beach drifts onto this side. Don’t be tempted to swim here, wait until you reach the guarded beach just ahead. If you are with a pet you must exit at the boat launch area (“pet walkway to Lakeview” on your Southwick Beach map) and walk on the road through the camping area back to your car. Everyone else can exit the beach on the boardwalk near the concession area. For those that can continue... follow along the railing and sidewalk that skirts the concession area until you come to the panoramic viewer that offers (for 25 cents) a view of the lake and shore. I know everyone is probably ready for a break by now, but hold on for another minute or so! "Poopingous Scavengii Nastiness" is nearby and would love to be included in your break. Continue along the railing northward, going down the broad steps. Just before the railing corner find this “little scavenger” tucked against the post under the rail like the others!
Important Note: This can be a very busy spot! Plan your retrieval before you get there. You shouldn't have to bend down, instead, just reach under, feel around and pull it out of the holder. If there are people around you may want to throw a towel over to block their view. Please don’t compromise the location of this box if you can’t retrieve it discreetly. Email me! If you are stamped in to any of other boxes I will gladly send you the stamped image through the mail. *
Okay, so NOW is a good time to take that break! Use the restroom, go swimming, eat lunch, stamp in, etc.
When you are ready for the last box. Walk northward through the picnic area, past the parking lot to the further most grill. A large boulder out in the water lets you know you're in the right area. From the last grill head towards the edge of the woods on an approximate 20 degree bearing. Just into the edgewood you will spy a dead but still upright, weathered gray and pecked tree. Reach over into the hollow and under some bark wrapped in cammo is “Sunset at Southwick.” (suggested ink color: red, orange or both). Please put the box back in its camouflage bag and carefully replace it in the same spot in the hollow, then cover it well with bark. Note: I am 5’3” and can reach it well enough to maneuver it in but am too short to see it. If you are more “height-challenged” than I you might want to bring along some extra height! NOTE: 2011- This area is no longer accessible. I did save the box, but have no where to put it. You can get a complementary image by commenting on one of the other letterboxes in this series. I will also consider any ideas for its future placement (so keep your eyes open for a good spot).
MtnMan and I frequently drive over and toast the sunset! You may see us there if you stay!
To return to your car if you parked at the trailhead: Return to the parking lot you passed on your way to “Sunset” and follow the exit (only one way in or out) out to the road. Left onto the roadway will take you back to the entrance booth and just beyond is the trailhead.