2022-03-31 42 -78

Location

Next to Clear Lake in North Collins

Participants

Pedalpusher

Expedition

Looking at the satellite pictures, I initially dismissed this as inaccessible/private property, but then I saw a structure at the south end of the lake and found it was a public boat launch. Switching to Google, I found this was actually within the Clear Lake WMU (Wildlife Management Unit) and state land. I then saw what looked to be a dirt road off of Route 75 almost even with the Geohash by the lake. Maybe this was doable afterall. The Streetview also showed a parking area, and while it looked like it was chained off, there appeared to be viable parking along the road.

After work, I fed the dogs and considered taking them, but thought it might not be the best. They would love the run, but it would most likely be very muddy and being a WMU, there might be restrictions on dogs. I had no trouble finding the location and found that they had recently redone the parking area, but it was still cordoned off so I parked along the road. Hopping out, I started walking down the forest road which led into a giant field. Right before getting into the clearing, I saw a Bald Eagle flying overhead! It was too far away for a good picture on the phone though, but still really cool. Their population is on the upswing and they are starting to move into the area over the last 5 years or so.

Walking the rest of the way through the field, I hit the forest and took out my phone to pull up the HashDroid app. It wasn't that much further and the woods being clear, I was able to easily make my way to the hash and got some pictures. As I was approaching the hashpoint, a pair of geese swam out into the middle of the lake annoyed and honking at me. After getting my pictures, I considered walking along the shore for a bit to explore, but the wind was very strong today, and being in the woods made me a little nervous. I made it out without any issues and on my way back to the car, thought it was a good thing I didn't bring the dogs as the field was passible, but extremely wet and muddy. They would have been a mess.

The drive home was mostly uneventful, but around a curve with some open woods on one side, a very large flock of turkeys decided they needed to be on the other side of the road very quickly, so instead of walking like they normally do, they actually were all flying. Another car was coming from the other way and one turkey had to perform an evasive maneuver, but wasn't in that much danger. I slowed down as I was going by, and the trailing turkeys had no trouble avoiding me either. There were probably 15 to 20 birds!

What an interesting and fun expedition!

Writing up the expedition, I recall thinking I should have checked for GeoCaches in the area as this would be a prime location. Turns out there was one really close, but across the lake, but another one that was just within the Honorable Mention radius, most likely around the parking lot next to where I parked. Oh, well...next time.

Photos

New Parking area, but there's a chain across the driveway so can't enter it with the car.
A couple trees between the parking area and the field, but I need to go That Way!
Entering the woods near the hash, I found a GIANT pile of pine cones. This is definitely the squirrel's favorite spot.
A little further in and I can see the lake.
Made it!
View South and the best view from the hash.
View West along the shore.
View North.
View East and the direction I came from.
Standard Stupid Grin.
View of the Hash area.
Exploring a little, I came across some litter and picked it up.
The trash at home before being properly disposed of.