Trip Planning Webinar for New York’s Canals

Thinking about exploring the Erie Canal corridor by boat, bike, or paddle? Whether you’re dreaming of a multiday adventure or planning a series of scenic day trips, this webinar, on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 12-1pm will give you the tools and inspiration to make it happen.

Join experts from across the Erie Canal network for a practical discussion on how to plan a successful trip along one of America’s most historic and diverse waterways. From navigating locks and finding amenities to visiting PTNY’s Trail Towns and engaging with local history, this session will cover what you need to know before you go.

The webinar will feature representatives from Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Canal Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and Erie Canal Museum. There will also be time for questions at the end. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning canal enthusiast, this webinar will help you plan your Erie Canal adventure with confidence. Register: tinyurl.com/boat-bike-ny-canals-webinar.

Pre-order Unsupported by Bethany Adams

Unsupported follows Bethany Adams (Athlete Profile, May 2021), contributor to Blood Sweat Tears, and her hiking partner, Katie Rhodes, on their record-setting thru-hike of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. Bethany and Katie faced the challenges of the trail head-on, and with each other’s constant companionship, buoyed by their fierce desire to prove just what women can do in the mountains. Through her time on the trail, Bethany is forced to reckon with the dissolution of her marriage, and what it means to be supported in life, love, and adventure. The book release date is March 3: ruggedoutdoorswoman.com. 

In Memory of Karen Delaney 

Karen Delaney of Lake Placid, who was known for her love of family, community, and the Adirondacks, passed away peacefully on January 15 at her home overlooking the mountains. She was born on April 25, 1956, in Germany, and grew up in southeastern Michigan, graduating from the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Raised in Bloomfield Hills with her parents, Catherine and Richard Heinlen, she was the oldest of six children. Attending CYO summer camp and going on family vacations to National Parks heightened Karen’s appreciation for nature and adventure. She visited Montreal for the 1976 Summer Olympics and it reinforced her respect for the goodwill of the Olympic Games. This inspired her move to Lake Placid prior to the 1980 Winter Olympics, where she fell in love with the mountains and lakes as well as her husband, Brian Delaney. Brian first noticed Karen while skiing at Whiteface and then at St. Agnes Church and knew that she was the woman he was destined to marry.

Brian and Karen married in October 1982 and moved from Lake Placid to Cazenovia, where Karen worked as a nurse while Brian managed the Toggenburg Mountain ski area. They returned to Lake Placid in 1983 and established High Peaks Cyclery – High Peaks Mountain Guides. With their new business, Karen and Brian grew their family with the birth of their four children, Shannon, Matt, Kate, and Colin.

While operating a small, family-owned business, Karen maintained her nursing license and worked as a school and camp nurse. She taught swim lessons to children and guided trips for the Lake Placid Outing Club, encouraging students to embrace the outdoors and try new activities. 

Karen was instrumental in her support of Brian and the Town of North Elba when Scotts Cobble Nordic Center was opened and operated by High Peaks Cyclery in 2022. This led to the beginning of the Lake Placid Community Nordic Ski Program that has seen 100 K-6 students ski on Fridays with free equipment and lessons led by volunteers. 

Karen was an accomplished athlete. She hiked all 115 mountain peaks above 4,000 feet in the Northeastern US, completed the Boston Marathon, competed at the World Masters Championship and the American Birkebeiner in cross-country skiing, skied the European Alps Haute Route two times, completed the North East Epoch in seven days on a ski/hike adventure, and was a competitor at local races. When not participating in a Lake Placid event, Karen could often be found volunteering as a lifeguard on Mirror Lake for the High Peaks Cyclery Mini-Triathlon Series or assisting at the Olympic ski jumps and cross-country ski venues.

She was devout in her Catholic faith at Saint Agnes Church and in her service to others. While their children attended Saint Agnes School, she helped at many school events. She quietly assisted people in need with her generosity and resourcefulness. She was known for her positive attitude, her smile, and enduring patience. 

Karen is survived by her husband, Brian, her children, Shannon Delaney, Matthew (Emily) Delaney, Kate (Tyler) Socash, and Colin (Caitlin) Delaney and grandchildren, Phoebe Socash and Tessa Delaney, with two more on the way in 2026. Donations in Karen’s memory can be made to Saint Agnes School (Lake Placid), Lake Placid Outing Club, Lake Placid Public Library, or The Brigid Project.

Karen will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, devotion to family, and the lasting impact she made on the Lake Placid community.