Category: hike reports

Hello Hikers!

Wed Dec 8

Hike report by Jim

Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve

Hikers met on Ellis Hollow Creek Rd for a hike of the trail circuit within the Preserve there.

It was a cold morning with a fresh dusting of snow on the ground.

Several individual dog walkers arrived while I was waiting for the group to show up, so the last few arriving Ithaca Hikers found themselves having to park along the shoulder of  the road. While I was assisting with that process the main group took off up the trail from the parking lot to the welcome kiosk. Jack and Mary took over leaingd the main body of the group as it moved along the trails

Hikers initially travelled in a clockwise direction; after passing the welcome kiosk the group made the first water crossing and took the blue and red trails in a loop. Coming down the slopes near the second  stream crossing at the top of the loop proved to be a little tricky due to the snow covering the leaves.

There were  a few patches of semi-solid mud near the top of the trail circuit that were hanging on despite the cool temperatures, but nothing that seemed too intolerable.

The sun shone down through the trees, creating an enjoyable  patchwork of light and shadow throughout much of the hike.

Completing the first circuit the group temporarily reconvened. Those who wanted to complete a second circuit started hiking in a counter-clockwise direction, the group again breaking down into a couple of different sub-groups  as hikers again found their own pace.

My sub-group of hikers, reaching the top of the loop, opted to re-trace our route back to the welcome kiosk. There we met the fast group as they reached the completion of their second time around the trail system.

There were  a few late arrivals to the hike, but I am fairly certain that the total count for this hike was 18 hikers and 4 dogs.

Warm return welcome to Bud, who re-joined the group today for the first time in a long while!

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Sat Dec 10

Hike report by Nancy L

Mulholland Wildflower Preserve to Potter’s Falls, Six Mile Creek

16 people and 2 dogs met on a warm early winter day at the Mulholland Preserve parking lot for the hike.  Because of a storm the previous night Six Mile Creek was full and flowing fast affording picturesque falls and cascades.   We started off along the creek and chose the creek hugging trails until we reached a trail heading diagonally up hill to higher ground.  Most of us chose a path that followed the edge of the hill going upcreek until we reached the overlook above the “six mile creek” reservoir, the first reservoir you encounter going up the creek from Giles.  Some of us, made our way down a steep muddy spot to a closer view of the reservoir and dam.  Then we returned to the higher trail following the edge of the reservoir toward the upper six mile creek.  After a ways the wide trail ended leaving only a billy goat trail up the hill to higher ground.  Most of the group turned around at this point.  Part of the group including me went up the billy goat trail, which once scaled allowed us to the follow the creek up further to Potter’s Falls.   The falls  is at the bottom of a narrow chute, flowing from the second dam that holds back Ithaca Reservoir.  The hike from the lower reservoir  was rough in places, involving an additional steep muddy hill climb but the views were worth it!  We took a different route back which allowed us to avoid the steep hills but instead necessitated crossing over several side creeks with steep banks.  Eventually we found a wide trail that brought us back to the high trail along the lower reservoir.  Randy’s group returned from the base of the billy goat trail first along a wide trail high on the side of the hill.  A new trail has been recently developed which took the hikers from this high trail down to the trails along the edge of the creek.  This new trail follows a side creek.  It has stone steps that ease the hikers  down the hill.  At the bottom we   followed the well trodden trails back to the cars.
Note that there are some interesting links about the Six Mile Creek:  http://toursixmilecreek.org/https://www.cityofithaca.org/301/Six-Mile-Creek-Watershed

Photos by Nancy L/Randy

You can see Randy and Nancy’s complete album here

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Dec 12

Hike report by Jim

Jim Schug trail, Dryden

20 hikers and 6 dogs met at the Kenny Van Sickle ballfields in Dryden Village, for  a hike of the Northern end  of the Jim Schug Trail. This location was  a change of pace from our normal meeting place on Lake Rd, prompted mainly by my concerns for possible winter weather and associated parking problems. Our recent hike on the Dryden Rail Trail has me considering the issue of parking when choosing where to hike.

The day was sunny and cool; for the outbound leg of the hike the group was walking into the sun almost the entire length of the hike, which had me happy for my sunglasses. The various water-filled potholes along the way had a minor layer of skim ice covering them on the out-bound leg of the hike, the ice having melted by the time we made the return trip.

Leaving the parking lot the group walked down Mill St then turned onto Main Street to reach the trail. Casey made a good point that we should have simply jumped onto the end of the Rail Trail on Elm Street to access the Schug Trail; we’ll certainly do that the next time we do this particular hike.

The northern end of the Schug Trail passes through several blocks in the heart of Dryden Village, the footpath weaving behind residences, the village DPW, and a few road crossings;  it takes a little longer to get into the more rural parts of the Trail than the group is used to when hiking in from the Lake Rd end.

Once past the Village the Trail became more enjoyable, with the sorts of scenic stream views, beaver dams and that sort of thing which add to the charm of the hike.

The main body of the group surged past me to get much further South on the Trail than I did, as I was stopping fairly regularly to look at the view, talk to people, etc.

At the appointed hour the group turned around and re-traced its steps to the parking area and our cars.

Feedback from the group indicated that hiking the trail from a different starting point was a welcome change of pace.

Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Dec 1

Hike report by Jim

Stewart Park, Renwick Woods and Newman Golf Course

15 hikers and 4 dogs met in Stewart Park near the recently restored boathouse, for a walk around the bird sanctuary, the golf course, Lighthouse Point, and onwards to the Farmers Market. The skies were clear, with an excellent view down the lake.

Crossing the first foot bridge, the group turned into the bird sanctuary now known as Renwick Wildwoods. Moving at a quick pace to stay warm on a  cool morning, the group made a quick loop within the Wildwoods before returning to the boardwalk and continuing over the second footbridge.

Turning into the golf course the group skirted the greens and the flocks of birds occupying the fringes. We soon arrived at the entrance to the Lighthouse Point area. This area was a little muddy, but the shallow pools were easily passed.

A quick walk to the end of the jetty where the lighthouse is located, and we were soon back on firm ground and making a loop around the remainder of the golf course.

As we walked we looked at the on-going construction in the area; this particular part of town was a frequent destination for my family when we visited friends who were still living in the area into the 1970s; it looks nothing as it did back then.

The group crossed over the footbridge leading to the farmers market area.

Walking past the Market the group continued on, arriving at the CU and IC boathouses before turning around to re-trace our path back to Stewart park and  our cars.

A warm welcome to Paul, on his first hike with the group!

Photos by shesse

And here’s a final photo from an unusual angle — hiker Sabine happened to be walking along toward Cass Park on the other side of the inlet, when she noticed the group walking along the pier:

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Sat Dec 4

Hike report by Jim

Shindagin Hollow SF Rim Trail

24 hikers and 3 dogs gathered at the end of the maintained portion of Shindagin Hollow Rd, for a hike of the rim and bicycle trails in that area.

Upon arriving I had spoken to some dog walkers who were in the process of leaving the area, in order to find out what trail conditions were like.

The morning was cool, and the seasonal portion of Shindagin Hollow Rd ahead of us was already glazed over with patchy ice. The sides of the road still bore random piles of snow that had already melted away in other parts of the county. Foot traction was worn by some, although not entirely necessary.

The group set off down Shindagin Hollow Rd before turning into the Rim Trail. There was little mud, although water was flowing freely across or down the trail in a few places, sustaining random pools of mud that had to be skirted. Cool air blew towards the hikers from the depths of the valley below us. The sun shone down, bright but offering no real warmth. The air was clear, offering excellent views to the other side of the gorge area and the path ahead.

Arriving at the Jeep Trail parking lot the lead group found that about a third of the group had fallen substantially behind. After a short while we proceeded ahead, jumping onto the bicycle trail that leads down into the gorge and the water crossing there. A substantial amount of water was flowing downstream, but a thoughtful pattern of hop scotching rocks offered the group a dry path to the path on the opposite shoreline.

My group of hikers continued onwards; the heavy leaf cover and lack of blazing forcing me to rely more on memory of past hikes than is normal. On most of this section the footpath stands out from the surrounding area, but at one small water crossing I lost the path and had to do a little searching before continuing onwards.

Proper homage was given at the stump with the golden shoe, which the group had replaced after the preceding shoe was removed earlier this year. I’m always curious on this hike to see if the shoe remains, or has been taken again since our last walk through the area.

Reaching Gulf Creek Rd some of the hikers in my party opted to turn around and make an out-and-back hike through the woods. The remainder continued down Gulf Creek Rd to Shindagin Hollow Rd for a road walk back to our cars. There we met the second half of the full group, who had chosen to make a road walk of the remaining hike rather than walk the bike trails as my group had done. That subset of hikers continued down the road awhile before turning around and joining us on the slog up the hill back to the parking area.

Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Dec 5

Hike report by Jim

Owl Creek Trail and Rim Trail, Buttermilk Falls SP

There were multiple late arrivals for this hike, but I am fairly certain that the count below is an accurate final accounting for both hikers and dogs

28 hikers and 6 dogs met at Buttermilk Falls State Park for a hike of the Owl Creek and Rim Trails.

The question came up during the hike as to whether the waterway the Owl Creek Trail follows is actually “Owl Creek”. I’ve done some internet searching at home after the hike and there is apparently an officially named Owl Creek waterfall along the route, which I was unaware of:

Owl Creek Falls – Bobbieswaterfalls

The state park map does not name the waterway on the official park map

Buttermilk Falls State Park Trail Map (ny.gov)
but it does answer Rogers question about where the Owl  Creek waterway leads once its on the flats.

The group set off from the lower Buttermilk Falls parking lot, walking up the asphalt roadway towards the camping area. Turning onto the Owl Creek Trail the group was soon churning its way up the hill. This particular trail always gives me a good work-out with its various up-hill sections and occasional and very welcome flat stretches. Today was no different.

Following the green trail discs we took the official trail to its Stone Quarry Road trailhead:

Owl Creek Trailhead in the city Ithaca (worldorgs.com)

Then re-traced our steps to the trail fork and took the unblazed trail to the cemetery. Pausing there for a group photo, we soon found ourselves re-tracing our route back down the hill.

The group jumped onto the Rim Trail, then gradually broke into smaller ability groups with instructions for everyone to turn around and return to the parking lot at a certain time. This worked fairly well, and everyone was back at the cars at the two hour time limit.

Welcome to Shannon on her first hike with the group!

Question to everyone regarding January hikes, which I’m already planning.

Assuming the trails are mostly clear of snow, given that we have the special bow season for all of January, how comfortable would everyone be as far as hiking at least some of the hike locations on trails which might be open to bow hunters. Last year during the special season it was my impression that most of the bow hunters were out of the woods around the time that the group started its hikes. If anyone feels one way versus the other, please reach out to me with an opinion over the next couple of weeks. Thanks!

Hello Hikers!

Wed Nov 24

Hike report by Jim

Dryden Rail Trail, Varna section

14 hikers and 2 dogs met on the unsigned service road to the Stevenson Rd solar farm, for a walk of the recently opened Varna section of the Dryden Rail Trail, as well as a portion of the Monkey Run trail system.

As with most rail trails, this is a wide and fairly level of former railroad bed, better than a road walk but not as enthralling for me as a walk on the FLT through a favorite section of woods

On this particular hike we’d had our first snow accumulation the previous day, and already there was a glazing and surface irregularity to the snow-covered footpath due to others using the multi-use trail.

Soon enough we veered off the rail trail and entered the Monkey Run trail system. This was one of our more commonly hiked sections, but on this particular day we were hiking I in the opposite direction from what we normally do. Things in the woods still have a way of looking different if you just take the time to look at them from a different vantage point.

Coming out onto the Monkey Run parking area we crossed over and back into the woods, and followed the orange blazed trail on that side back to the Rail Trail.

The group took the Rail Trail until the Rte 13 crossing, at which time we turned around and walked back on the Rail Trail to our cars, without incident.

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Sat Nov 27

Hike report by Nancy L

Architectural walk, downtown Ithaca and Cornell, with our retired architect Randy

25 people and 2 dogs gathered in Ithaca on Esty between Albany and Plain street to tour Ithaca and the Western slope of the Cornell campus to look at registered historical buildings.   The ones we visited are of course only some of the ones listed.  There are descriptions on Wikipedia of the buildings:   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register _of_Historic_Places_listings_in_Tompkins_County,_New_York
We compiled a list of the buildings we hoped to visit though we didn’t have time to visit many of the registered buildings at Cornell.  Here is that list:

We first toured in the downtown area managing to stop by those historical buildings listed above that we’re downtown.   Next we headed up a combination of Cascadilla Park Road and short cuts between its bends to Stewart Ave.  From there we  proceeded uphill to the Deke and Telleride houses.  We climbed the rest of the hill to Morrill Hall, one of the earliest “newly constructed” buildings on campus.  The walking was more leisurely on the way over to A.D. White House, the home of Cornell’s first president.  After that, we took in a view from the slope and then headed down to Llenroc, the residence of Cornell’s founder, Ezra Cornell (along with Andrew Dickson White).  It’s a mansion on spacious grounds hidden away on a cul de sac. Most of us headed back through the neighboring cemetery to Cascadilla Park road and along the sidewalks by the creek to the cars.

You can see photos of the buildings the group looked at here

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Nov 28

Hike report by Jim

Groton village trail system

18 hikers and 2 dogs met on Spring Street Extension in the Town of Groton for a hike of the Groton village trail system.

There was light snow falling, with a minimal accumulated amount of loose powdery snow on the ground. While it was a generally overcast day it was still enjoyable to look out over the valley at the hills on the opposite side towards Cortland County

The hike starts out from the parking area across open fields before plunging into the woodline.

The trail is initially what appears to be a former logging road that makes its way through the undulating hillside quite nicely. Soon enough the group turned down the hill, starting our first loop through the woods to the West of Sovocool Hill Rd. Theres a very bizarre ( to me ) portion of this part of the trail where the footpath follows a utility right of way, resulting in a hiker being able to almost reach up and touch the utility lines where they run up the hill. A switchback away from the power lines would be better at this point in the hike.

Taking a side trail, the group crossed Sovocool Hill Rd and completed a small loop that included a short portion of the Groton High School track. Returning to the woods, the group completed that loop before returning to Sovocool Hill Rd.

Crossing Sovocool Hill Rd the trail splits again, following a very nice ravine area that had a decent amount of water flowing today. That trail arc brings hikers through some nice stands of pines before returning hikers to the original old logging roadf section of trail that leads back to the parking area.

The trails themselves are well-marked with wooden name placards as well as red trail discs, although the trail names do not appear on the map posted at the trailheads and on-line.

It was good to have long time Ithaca Hiker Casey Creamer hiking with the group again today. Welcome back Casey!

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Nov 17

Hike report by Jim

Hammond Hill SF

14 hikers and 1 dog met in the parking lot on Hammond Hill Rd, for a walk of various yellow trails on Hammond Hill State lands.

The parking lot was cold and brisk with early morning winds, cold enough that one late arrival who never found the group turned around and left shortly after arriving.

The winds encouraged the group to not dawdle in the parking lot, and soon we were churning our way up the first trail section.

Reaching the first trail  intersection the group made a quick right turn and continued our climb.

Soon we were passing through the stands of evergreens that represent my favorite part of this particular forest.

There were still some muddy parts in a semi-solid state, not yet completely solidified into the frozen state they will maintain until next spring.

Reaching the seasonal part of Canaan Rd, and after a quick consult with Susan, we crossed over Canaan Rd and plunged into the forest on the opposite side of the road.

It was my intention to hike the more traditional route that Stephen and Susan take when they lead this particular hike.

Travelling in a large loop, the group soon found itself on the seasonal portion of Star Stanton RD, which we road-walked back towards its maintained portion.

Returning to the woods, the group completed the circuit on the yellow trails and returned to the parking lot and our cars much warmer than we were when we initially set out on the days hike.

Photos by shesse

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Sat Nov 20

Hike report by Jim

Taughannock Falls SP

Including one or two late arrivals, a total of 19 hikers and 3 dogs gathered at the parking lot of lower Taughannock Falls State Park for a walk around the parks Rim and Gorge trails.

It was a brisk, cool frosty morning; winter is certainly closer to us ahead than summer is behind, at this point.

The group started our morning by walking to the falls viewing area at the base of the falls. Patches of frozen ice dotted the pathway, and there were enough other dogs out taking their owners for a walk that the group did not feel alone while on our pilgrimage. The skies were clear and the sun played across the upper cliff faces while ground level remained in subdued lighting.

The more enthusiastic members of the group were off like a shot from the parking lot, setting a rapid pace far ahead of the more casual hikers.

After a short observation period the group turned around and returned to the parking lot, and then crossed over the bridge to get to the Rim Trail. The enthusiastic hikers ,who had built up a head of steam on our foray to the falls viewing area, now took the direct route up the stairs which have not yet been closed for the season. The more casual group took to the road that curves up through the camping area before re-joining the Rim Trail.

The walk along the Rim Trail, past the falls overlook area and shuttered visitor center, was enjoyable.

Reaching the pedestrian bridge linking the Rim and Gorge Trails, the casual hikers reunited with the rapid group, and everyone descended as a group along the Gorge Trail back to the parking area and our cars.

Photos by shesse

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Nov 21

Hike report by Jim

Dryden Rail Trail, Dryden to Freeville

30 people and 8 dogs met on Springhouse Rd for a walk of the more easterly parts of the Dryden Rail Trail.

Being early on a Sunday morning, we avoided much of the road noise that for me is the biggest detractor for walking this particular trail.

Temperatures were in the 40s, but with the sunny conditions, a bit of exercise while hiking and good conversations going on throughout the hike, I don’t believe that many people noticed the temperatures.

It was great to see so many people today; one of the largest groups we’ve had since the start of the pandemic.

I’ll be thinking about starting this hike in the future in the Village of Dryden where  there is more parking, plus we would have more access to the Jim Schug Trail there.

Today the group started the hike by walking towards the village of Dryden; we’ve tried to cut out this section in the past, but it cuts the hike short on time. Once we reached the area near the Dryden sewer plant the group turned around and returned to Springhouse Rd. We picked up a late arrival as we crossed over Springhouse Rd and continued towards the village of Freeville.

The  portion of the Trail West of Springhouse Rd runs through a marshy, overgrown  section of streambed. This time of year is the best time for this hike, as the weeds and leafy brush have died back, allowing hikers to see beyond the immediate footpath in more places than is possible during the summer months.

As the group progressed Westerly, the stream became more defined, confined within its banks and following alongside the footpath. Viewing areas with benches to allow walkers to sit and admire the surroundings were common.

As the Trail approached George Rd it leaves the old railbed temporarily. Once over George Rd the footpath runs through William George Agency property for an extended distance. I had hoped to see an owl near George Rd whose presence was put out over the Dryden Rail Trail listserv, but we had no luck today in that regard.

Continuing through William George land hiker find a  stretch of trail where walkers are crossing a bed of old pine needles; a comfortable walking surface compared to some of the other portions of trail. A turn to the North towards Freeville Village soon has walkers passing by open fields on both sides of the footpath; it would be interesting to explore some of those side trails at some point, but much of the Trail is fairly well posted so I can only assume that curious explorers are not welcomed by property owners.

The trail surface turns to asphalt as the group draws closer to Freeville. As we approached Railroad Street the group turned around and re-traced their path back to Springhouse Rd

Photos by shesse

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Nov 10

Hike report by Jim

Allan Treman Marine Park, Cass Park and the Black Diamond Trail

14 hikers met in the parking lot of Allan H Treman State Marine Park, for a tour of several area walking trails. The group started the hike by walking  the new paved walking trail  that follows the perimeter of the marina. That trail, once it reaches the marina entrance on Cayuga Inlet, follows the lake shoreline in a loop in the direction of the Hog Hole area.

On this day the trees were brilliant in their fall hues, while the lake itself was a sullen grey color. Breezes whipping across the choppy water made me happy that I’d worn an additional layer on this particular hike.

The group, completing this circuit, crossed the park entrance road and jumped onto the Cayuga Waterfront Trail as it follows the Cayuga Inlet. WE followed the Waterfront Trail as far as the Childrens Garden in Cass Park; crossing State Route 89 the group hopped onto the Black Diamond Trail for a quick out and back portion of the hike to burn up some hike time.

Returning to the Childrens Garden the group paused long enough to allow our newest youngest hiker Imogen some time to check out the equipment and to  interact with the other kids who were there.

With our hike time drawing to a close the group walked on the Waterfront Trail back to Cass Park and then to our cars in Allan H Treman.

While not a regular hike in our rotation, it was a good break from the routine of some of our more frequently visited locations.

Photos by shesse

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Sat Nov 13

Hike report by Nancy L

Shortened Van Lone Loop, Schuyler County

15 hikers (including one toddler in a backpack) and 2 dogs gathered on this damp morning.  We started out by hiking along the Fingerlakes Trail for a pleasant walk along the edge of the “Gulf” creek which is the outlet creek for Cayuta Lake. The water was fairly high but the trail was not flooded.  This portion is quite picturesque. The creek meanders around numerous islands.  At the beginning it flows slowly but in later portions runs more rapidly. A mile and a half in, there is an impressive cascade formed by a feeder stream that flows in from van lone hill from the north.  At this spot, the trail leads us over the stream via an elaborate old curving bridge which looks rickety but has been recently shored up.Shortly after crossing the bridge our hike turned away from the finger lakes trail to follow an alternate route that begins with a short but steep uphill trail that connects to a nice old road through a dark forest high on the east side of the feeder stream.  The road goes through a field before rejoining the Van Lone Loop trail.  This portion of the loop is called “School House Road” .  We took a side trip east to look at the ruins of the old School House before heading West on the trail.  The trail led down to the stream where a few of us got our feet wet crossing due to the recent rain.   From there we had to climb to near the top of Van Lone Hill and over.  The hiking trail ends at the top of Gulf Road.  The drizzle was picking up steam as we descended steeply down the road and back to our cars.

Photos by Randy/Nancy

You can see Randy and Nancy’s complete photo album here

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Nov 14

Hike report by Jim

Monkey Run, south side of Fall Creek, Varna

23 hikers and 3 dogs met on Monkey Run Rd in the Town of Dryden for a hike of the trails in the area. The group started out in a Southwesterly direction on the orange blazed trails. Crossing the open Cornell fields we jumped onto the red blazed trails, which we followed for the remainder of the hike.

Temperatures were cool, which made for a comfortable hike day.

Recent rains had made the trail muddy and slick in places, with wet leaves adding to that problem.

The streams were well-flowing with run-off, and while the skies over all were grey and a little overcast, the  visibility at lower altitudes was unaffected.

Few other people were on the trails, although we did see the Cayuga Trails Club maintainers for this section at the beginning of the hike, as well as a handful of other dog walkers and day hikers at various points.

Welcome to new hikers James, Nick and Joanna for their first hike with the group

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here