Erie Times News
Feature Article, July 18, 2003
Section C, page 1, Weekend

CLIMB ROCKS

For adventure or leisure
Panama park has tons of fun

by Jennifer Pierson, jenniferpierson@timesnews.com


Technically - according to the Panama Rocks Scenic Park brochures -
the rocks are an outcrop of glacially cut ocean quartz conglomerate.

That means they're big - really big rocks with cliffs, caves and crevices.

Whether you want to study them, explore or just enjoy the rocks,
Panama Rocks Scenic Park in nearby Panama, NY, is one of the
most interesting geological sites in the region.

"It's a wonder of nature," Craig Weston said simply. For the past
25 years, Weston and his family have served as keepers of the park.
They know all about the geology and history of what they call "this
special little spot in the world." The Westons, who take pride in caring
for the trails, welcome families that come to take a short hike.

"We didn't have any accidents last year," Weston said in the park office.
He quickly rapped his knuckles on the wooden counter in front of him.
"And, we haven't had any accidents yet this year either," he added,
knocking on the wood again.

In the park it's easy to see how accidents could happen. Part of what
makes Panama Rocks an adventure is that visitors are allowed to climb
and crawl on the rocks.

The trail is a one-mile loop, about half of which runs along the bottom
ridge of the rocks. The rocks are huge - some are the size of SUV's.
Others match the heights of two- and three-story buildings. From the
top of the ridge, visitors gaze eye level with the trees growing along
the bottom of the ridge.

"If this were a state park, there would be rails, you wouldn't be able
to climb and there would be lots of graffiti," Weston said. As long as
our visitors are careful, it's OK.

Near an area called Fat Man's Misery, Connor Thomas, 5, hoisted himself
onto a rock ledge that was taller than he. Connor's dad, Jeff Thomas,
climbed alongside him, keeping careful watch.

"I remember coming with my parents when I was a kid and climbing too high,
Jeff Thomas said. "They got nervous and told me to come down. I wanted
Connor to have the same opportunity I had to have the same memory."

Connor's mom, Brittany Thomas, stood nearby on the damp mossy ground,
keeping a sharp eye on both of the boys as they climbed.

Before the Thomases entered the park, they had to sign the same waiver
everyone does, testifying that they understood the park is dangerous.
One of the Westons stamps the hands of hikers with
"Watch Your Step," just as an added reminder. ...

The trail is not handicapped accessible, and strollers can't be
accommodated. But don't get the wrong impression: The one-mile
loop is an easy hike. Even a 5-year-old like Connor had no problems.

The lush forest, which is filled with mosses and ferns, is old. Exposed tree
roots line the main trail. ...There is no litter or evidence of other people.
It's also pretty much the same as Thomas remembered it from when he
was a child. "It's a nice day trip down from Buffalo, where we live," he said.
"I have so many fond memories of coming here and climbing the rocks,
and I knew Connor would like it, too.



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