Hello 2021! – “The only constant in life is change.” – Heraclitus of Ephesus, 500BC

By Dave Kraus

At no time has this proverb been truer than in this past year. 2020 gave the world more change than it knew what to do with. The Covid pandemic has made it a historic year on every level. From “masking up” to quarantining to soaking everything in sanitizer, almost every aspect of life in America has changed. READ MORE

This Winter’s Perfect Winter Sport

By Skip Holmes

Nordic Skiing, or cross country skiing as some people call it, has been around for many years with its origins in Scandinavia. Its humble beginnings started with a pair of shaped wooden boards, and over the years has seen many significant improvements to the equipment and techniques that are used to propel us across the frozen tundra, or the majestic forests of upstate New York. READ MORE

Three-Foot Passing Bill – We Need Your Help!

By Dave Kraus

You know the feeling, and it happens way too often. You’re “JRA” – just riding along – and you hear the vehicle coming up behind you. Your muscles tense and your hands tighten on the bars until they’ve passed, often way too closely. But hopefully there will be a new law finally passed this year that will lead to safer roads for cycling in New York. READ MORE

Know Before You Go – New York Ski Trip Planning

By Collin Parsons

When New York State began reopening after the NY Pause order last spring, outdoor recreation dramatically increased in popularity. After many weeks indoors, people wanted to enjoy safe, socially distant activities. Trails, lakes and roads were busy with outdoor sports and recreation enthusiasts, beaches and state parks saw high demand, and there were even shortages of various equipment and clothing. READ MORE

Lake George Recreation Center, Prospect Mountain and More

By Rich Macha

The Nor’easter on December 17 bypassed much of the Adirondacks but it did manage to sideswipe the park’s southeastern corner with accumulations of around two feet in the Lake George area. This gave me the opportunity to return to the Gage Brook Cross Country Ski Trails system at the Lake George Recreation Center and further explore the area around Prospect Mountain. READ MORE

Ray O’Conor & Joe Murphy – A Friendship for the Ages

By Linda Waxman Finkle

When 55-year-old Ray O’Conor and 25-year-old Joe Murphy found themselves in the same vehicle one morning in May 2009, little did they know that the former’s extensive CD collection would hold a key to their future relationship. “Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers,” says Ray. “In spite of age, we had a lot in common in music.” As members of the Adirondack Mountain Club, they were part of a group heading up to do the Seward Range that day, and would find themselves together again the following month climbing the Santanonis. READ MORE

Reimagined Resolutions

By Laura Clark

Even if you have long ago given up on the typical New Year’s resolutions – eat healthy, save money, clean your clutter – chances are you are still a closet practitioner. Once the holiday celebrations have ended, most runners and triathletes set exercise goals for themselves, including perhaps a target race, a time objective or a destination race. READ MORE

Brookhaven Park

By Jack Rightmyer

As an avid cross country skier for over 40 years, I thought I had discovered all the best places to ski in the area such as Garnet Hill, Lapland Lake, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Cascade, Pineridge, and a variety of other areas in Vermont. I also ski at numerous state parks and fields close to my home in Burnt Hills, but it was three or four years ago when I received a call from my friend Janine who informed me that I needed to go to Brookhaven Park, about ten miles northwest of Saratoga Springs. READ MORE

Balm of Gilead Mountain – A Wonderful Short Trek with Incredible Views

By Bill Ingersoll

Sometimes the small mountains are the best hiking experiences. I keep a list of them in my metaphorical “back pocket” to recommend for people who want a memorable experience for modest effort. There are actually many such mountains scattered throughout the Adirondack Park, but many are bushwhacks; in my opinion the region would benefit if a few more of these “low peaks” had trails. READ MORE