FINGER LAKES TRAIL CONFERENCE
Since 1966 TONY PREUS has been hiking with the Triple Cities Hiking Club (Binghamton) and their hikes often took them to the Finger Lakes Trail. Soon Tony was busy writing guidebooks for the trail. "I would spot a bike at a high point, then push the measuring wheel up to the bike, strap on the wheel and ride downhill." Using this sensible method he eventually finished guides to Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, and Ulster Counties of the main FLT, and also for the Onondaga Branch where the NCT turns north- basically all the FLT east of Ithaca. One day Ed Sidote said, "You should hike the whole thing." So Tony did just that, becoming Finger Lakes end-to-ender #7. He now is actively involved in helping others reach that goal. He scouted and flagged a section of the FLT that is east of the portion concurrent with the NCT, in Bowman Lake State Park. Tony, Ed Sidote and helpers from the welfare to work progam chipped in for the clearing and building process. Now Tony maintains that section. He tries to get his Scout troop involved when he can and was pleased to share that his son's Eagle Scout project involved the elaborate undertaking of recycling a bridge made of railroad ties and 4x4's into puncheon to span root holes left by tree throw. Tony says that the most interesting project is always the one that he is currently working on. He's traded in the measuring wheel for a GPS unit, and keeps his guidebooks up to date with this newer technology. Following a trail "beats bushwacking!" exclaimed Tony. Seriously, he added, a well-planned trail "can enhance the outdoor experience. It can lead you to views, sights or interesting vegetation" that you might not find on our own. Keep leading us on, Tony!
SPIRIT OF THE WOODS CHAPTER
ED MORSE found the NCT when hiking in the Manistee National Forest with his son over ten years ago. They would often drive the three hours from Lansing (their home then), just to hike this favorite section. Ed says that he picked up literature about the NCTA more than once before he had the time to follow through. But when he retired he knew that supporting the Trail was something he needed to do. One day about three years ago he showed up for a chapter work day to paint blazes, and he's been one of the most faithful members ever since, despite having long drives to attend meetings or events. He served as secretary one year, and is currently sharing Trail Work Coordination with Ed Chappel. Affectionately called "the Eds," these two have worked together to assess the maintenance and repair needs on the aging section of trail their chapter maintains, and are currently working on writing a Manual for Trail Adopters. Morse was honored by the chapter this past summer for outstanding service, and the task which prompted that award is one which has brought him a sense of satisfaction because it was something that really needed to be done. The chapter's brush mower had never been put to use, and Ed took it upon himself to load it in his truck and take it to many places up and down 80 miles of trail that had never been mowed. "It was quite a job to do alone," he admitted. He discovered which places you can't get the mower to, as well as the ones you can! He especially likes getting ready for large tasks. This past fall the Eds spent two days planning, measuring, and getting set up so that about 15 volunteers could finish building 200 feet of puncheon and re-benching the trail down a high bluff on one Saturday morning. Spending the winter in Florida, Ed commented, "I drove 180 miles yesterday just so I could hike in a State Forest. But when I'm home, in less than half an hour I can be on the NCT where you can walk forever!" He echoed the sentiments of many of us when he added, " To be in the woods is a freedom we have."
NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL HIKERS
BEA ANDERSON calculates that there are only two days out of the past 52 years that she was not outdoors at all! "I was raised on a farm, and I've always loved being out," she says. She explored places in the county and skied all winter. In "every time of year it's different." When she retired 16 years ago, Don Elzinga asked her to a meeting of the recently formed NCT Hikers Chapter, the first chartered chapter of the NCTA. She and her brother wanted to do trail work, but they didn't think they would like group hikes. So Bea teamed up with Marti Leppanen and they began maintaining a long section of trail. Neither one of these gals was exactly young when they took on this project, but only recently have they turned it over to others and taken on a shorter piece. Bea was also one of the team who helped to build the bridge over the Laughing Whitefish River. It took them three years to complete. They had to drive an hour and then carry all the tools and lumber for a mile in to the site. Old pilings were donated by the city of Marquette and sawed by a portable mill. They hauled all this wood to the site, down a steep hill and then back up for a distance, only to have it stolen! They eventually found the lumber hidden in a cave, and the bridge was built. And in the meantime she discovered that hiking with a group has its own rewards. Bea's friends say that she always is cheerful and tirelessly tells others about the Trail, and encourages them to do the same. Bea believes that being dependable is one of her best qualities. "We are a small group and it's important to be able to count on people." She has served the chapter as Chapter Publicity Chairman. She is characterized as an excellent environmental steward. She has encouraged youth projects on the NCT, and has been a hike and trail crew leader. Her friends also say, Bea has an "attitude that makes her a joy to work with."