We hope everyone will join us at the Village
Commons this Thursday, June 18, from 1 to 5 p.m., for our incredible fresh
fruits and vegetable market, Pathfinder Produce. Our summer greens and
other items from the Pathfinder Hoop House are 100% delicious and are grown by
members of our Vocational Program and Pathfinder School students.
Special thanks go out to all who sponsored or participated in our
2nd annual Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk this past Saturday. We
had an incredible day of fitness running and walking, a rainbow of celebratory
colors, great exhibits with our vendors, a very lively ticket auction, and lots
of fun with Andrea Pickney, our DJ and Karaoke artist at the Pavilion.
This past weekend’s Splash Path marked the opening of the new Pathfinder Community Trail, which is now available for everyone--members of the public, Pathfinder families, staff members--to enjoy as a safe, fitness option (no cars to contend with!). The new trail ties into our Edmeston 5210 Wellness Committee goals as it encourages all of us to get at least an hour of healthful exercise each day. Several Pathfinder co-workers and friends had already tried the trail, and I was intrigued. I decided I’d go for a picture-taking tour to try it. In a word, it’s great!
I am not in a training program, but like to walk, so I took the entire trail at a brisk pace. Carrying my 5 lb. camera bag, I left the sign for Grant’s Field, went past the new clinic building, and would stop every few hundred feet to take a picture. I completed the trail in about 30 minutes. It was a humid afternoon, and I could tell when I was done that I’d had a work out. Parking is available at the start of the trail, which is at the end of our new road, Turner Lane. I’d recommend taking a cell phone and some water, but anything you carry in you should carry out to help maintain this community resource. Dogs are welcome, but must be cleaned up after, kept on a leash, and not allowed to harass any wildlife or other people. The trail is open during daylight hours; no bikes or motorized vehicles are allowed.
The trail goes out past the old Turner Barn, and follows a nicely mowed path along a fence; there are also white wooden markers along the way. The path at this stage is flat (with one slope), and provides some nice views of the surrounding hills and the Wharton Creek Valley. There are plenty of wildflowers to enjoy, and song birds call as you make your way to the back of the meadow. Between ¼ and ½ mile, there are some minor turn-offs into the woods, which offer some variety for walkers to enjoy. These paths are groomed and easily followed, and parallel the main path which rims the meadow. Runners will need to modify their pace, as there are more natural undulations in the slope of the trail.
Just past the 1/2 mile marker, the trail features a turn-around for the main Pathfinder Trail, as well as the start of the Challenge Loop, which winds through a wooded area, up-and-down the glacially sculpted terrain. (Those with knee- or hip issues may want to forego this section). The well-marked trail offers new views, with little streams, dense hemlock groves, and the new rustic bridge. Don’t be surprised if you startle birds or deer here – you may want to bring along your binoculars if you enjoy bird watching. 
The Challenge Loop leads back to the main Pathfinder Trail, and given the humidity of the day, I chose to walk back along the main mowed path. This was also rewarding, providing new perspectives of Pathfinder Village as I walked back towards the trail head. So, try the Pathfinder Community Trail for a variation to your walking or running workout. The fresh air, the variety of views, the enjoyment of nature, and the avoidance of cars make the trail a real winner.
Lori
