The Oatka......(Named by the Seneca for "Leaving the highlands", or "Approaching an Opening")
This latest fishing hole has become my favorites. As a spectator, there are some great
paths to follow for a hike, some interesting railroad remains to explore, and
lots of photo opportunities. We
went on Easter Sunday with #2 and #3, on a pretty sunny day. #3 and I got down to business
exploring. 1.7 miles of shoreline
of this beautiful creek is open to the public, adjacent to a town park. Hiking along the shoreline we found
lots of pretty flowers starting to blossom, along with lots of evidence of
beaver activity. A large old
stone fireplace with chimney was in the distance and we hiked up to it to check
it out. The remnants of an old
bridge span the creek, and lead you to more trails. You would think that it being Easter it would be pretty
quiet there, but at least a dozen fishermen were trying their luck in the
water.
The hike itself is fun. Very tall trees all over and hugging the shoreline. In one spot it looked like the last
windstorm visiting there with a vengeance. Trees were just toppled everywhere. One actually arching over the path
along the creek.
We went and explored the remnants of the old railroad, the
Rochester & Southern Railroad line that went through this area at one point
long ago. Very cool walking around
the moss covered stone foundations.
We walked the paths that were once walked by the Seneca Indians, this
area being home to the Seneca Nation Territory, part of the Iroquois
Confederation. In nearby Garbutt,
the gypsum mines were abundant, first found and used for fertilizer, then used
for building materials. (Home of
Garbutt Gypsum Co. and many other such companies). Lots of history around here, and from what I hear, lots of great fishing!
And yes, they caught some fish J
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