Swift Hill

While researching the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT), I discovered the Passport Program sponsored by Wegmans.  The point of the program is to encourage people to get outside and hike.  There are 3 different areas: West, Central, and East.  You must complete a certain number of hikes in each of the brochures to receive a patch.  After looking at the different Passport booklets, I decided to tackle the West Passport first.

Last Friday, August 21st, I was going to do a 5K Run in Pike, NY.  After the 5K (which I did in 41:40 - my best 5K time yet) I decided I was going to go to the Swift Hill State Forest in Centerville, NY to complete my first Passport hike.  The Passport guide stated it was an easy 2.2 miles out and back, so I figured it would be bad to do after the 5K.

Sign Next to the Parking Lot

 When they say this hike is easy, it was super easy.  The trail was well marked except when you got through the woods and had to cross the road.  Luckily, I printed the map from the booklet so I could look at it.  There wasn't much to look at on the trail in terms of scenery, it was just a nice walk through the woods.  I did bring my new selfie stick that I bought for $5 at Walmart and had some fun taking pictures.

Trail Signs near Rushford Road

Selfie with Passport Program Station

You put paper over the W07 and rub it with a pencil to prove you walked the trail.

Still getting used to using the selfie stick.

This was my first hike with my backpack but I still didn't have the chance to go to Buffalo or Rochester to purchase hiking boots.  The backpack was great, but the hike was so short that I didn't really need to drink any of the water I brought with me.  However, by the end, I could feel a blister starting to form on my right big toe.  I wore and old pair of running sneakers (my Saucony Hurricane 14s).  I really just need to throw those sneakers out.  I was able to go on Sunday and buy hiking boots so I'll get to try those out soon.

By completing this short trek I have completed 1.1 miles of the 572.5 miles of the FLT Main Branch. That means I have completed 0.2% of the trail.  Yes, its not a lot, but it is a start!