Ampersand Mountain – An Outstanding Vista in All Directions

By Bill Ingersoll

Ampersand Mountain is a former fire tower summit that now stands guard over the northwestern corner of the High Peaks Wilderness. No tower is needed here for a view, because the bald rock knob that constitutes the summit provides an outstanding vista in all directions. To the north is the lake country of the Saranac and Saint Regis chains, and to the south and east is the mountainous wilderness interior. Few summits provide such good views of both. READ MORE

Tomorrow, We Ride

By Darryl Caron

Summer is here at our doorstep and there are more people than ever enjoying all kinds of bicycling. Fortunately, upstate cyclists have some of the best riding anywhere right out their front doors. It’s been a fantastic season so far of road or gravel riding, mountain biking. That’s true, whether it’s been organized events, club rides, challenging races – or just casually enjoying the outdoors on one of the region’s many miles of bike trails. READ MORE

A Tale of Two Adirondack Streams – East Branch St. Regis River and Stony Creek

By Rich Macha

Streams in the Adirondack Park have a tendency to take their time in getting anywhere in particular – this meandering quality can often offer the paddler an opportunity to get a better view of your surroundings. You also get to utilize your maneuvering strokes as much as your somewhat repetitive forward strokes. READ MORE

You Are Not Alone

By Louis Solano

You are not alone – this is true during a road race and in our everyday lives.

My story began during the summer of 2009. For many years, I suffered from depression and anxiety, for which I did not seek help. Some days, the anxiety was overwhelming, like I was drowning. Other days, the depression felt like a 100lb weight crushing my mind and body. One day, that summer, I attempted suicide. I didn’t commit and that’s when I knew I had to ask for help. That day, I began my own journey to believe in and love myself. READ MORE

ADK-9 Challenge

By “Moose” Murphy

When I was a puppy, my Uncle Ray often came to my house to see Papa (Joe). I was so excited to see Uncle Ray that I would run to the front door as fast as my little paws could scurry across the floor. I was taught not to jump on people or go crazy when a visitor came to our house, but I couldn’t help running circles around Uncle Ray and doing figure-eights in between and around his legs. He always says, “That’s a good-lookin’ dog you got there, Joe!” READ MORE

You Are What You Drink

By Paul E. Lemanski, MD, MS, FACP

Medicines are a mainstay of American life and the healthcare system not only because they are perceived to work by the individuals taking them, but also because their benefit may be shown by the objective assessment of scientific study. Clinical research trials have shown that some of the medicines of Western science may reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death.

In the first 104 installments of the Non-Medicated Life, certain dietary practices and a healthy lifestyle have been shown to accomplish naturally for the majority of individuals most of the benefits of medications in the prevention and treatment of chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, diabetes and heart disease. The dietary practices for the most part focus on foods. However, there is evidence for health benefit and risk also in your choice of beverage. This article will focus on water, tea and coffee. READ MORE

Andy Beers

By Dave Kraus

Andy Beers’ greatest athletics victory was won on a field that’s 750 miles long. Andy, 62, has always had what he calls an “outdoor family,’ hiking and canoeing in the Adirondacks with his wife and two children and living an active lifestyle. He is a Capital Region native who grew up in Delmar. READ MORE