The bitterest day of winter proved to be a fine time to visit VanRiper, our conservation area that protects 1,900 feet of glorious, undeveloped lakeshore in Seneca County.
Listen to the waves and waterbirds.
Photo: FLLT
At 8 o’clock in the morning, two degrees below zero. Surely you’re the first visitor today.
Photo: FLLT
Not quite! Somebody else has put down first tracks. Make that TWO brave somebodies.
Photo: FLLT
The trail is only a quarter of a mile long, but this marker reminds you what state you’re in. Just in case you get brain freeze out here.
Photo: FLLT
When you get to the creek, listen very closely for the babbling water—you won’t hear a thing. Frozen solid.
Photo: FLLT
Trail and creek meet again at the bottom of the bluff. You are now at lake level, and there IS something you hear.
Photo: FLLT
Tiny waves lap on the rocks. Ice fragments crackle. Perhaps a thousand feet offshore, a giant flock of geese chatters nonstop (listen to the video at the top).
Photo: FLLT
The lake level is low in winter, turning the bottom into a kind of tidal zone.
Photo: FLLT
Aquatic creatures are exposed. Normally your kayak would float right over.
Photo: FLLT
Follow the trail upshore til you find the “living room” and Leopold Bench.
Photo: FLLT
Further up the hill, take the laneway which will lead you to the shelter of your car.
Photo: FLLT
Don’t stop to read now—too cold!
Photo: FLLT
Grab a brochure to study up for your next visit to the VanRiper Conservation Area and Whitlock Nature Preserve. Take a copy of our popular newsletter, The Land Steward.
