Winter anyone?

Well this past week with 3 to 6 inches of snow a night has been at last normal weather for us - it is beautiful here right now!  Time to snowshoe, ski and sled!  Stats from Snodeo weekend last week show they had a great turn out - if you missed it plan on coming next year - see what's new from the snowmobile industry as well as get some of you seasonal shopping done! 
For me I'm counting on UPS and fedex showing up with all my goodies - shopped 99% online this year -no time to hit the stores - The Stillwater Shop is all fluffed up and full of great items for the winter season - keep watching the ebay store which will have more to come soon as well as super deals on clearance auctions. 
We still have one room open for New Years Eve so get it while you can!

Merry Christmas!

We wish you all a joyful holiday season filled with happiness!  Winter has been coming and going here as is typical for this time of year although we are ready for it to stay.  The kids have gotten me out on the cross country skiis for the first time and so far so good - although the hike up the Maple Ridge hill behind the school was a little challenging - should be easy by the end of the winter ! LOL! 

Don't forget we have gift certificates available for the Bed and Breakfast and the Stillwater Shop - and keep an eye on our ebay store - we will be listing more items this week and throughout the season!

Rooms are filling for the snowmobile season so don't wait to long to pick your date.

Hope to see you soon!

First Snow of Season!

Well Friday AM brought us a light dusting but Saturday we awoke to about two inches of the white stuff and we were all happy to see it except Frank of course who still has many outside chores he would like to accomplish before snowmobile season begins.  Hunters are out and about which is good and I know they were happy to see the snow as it makes for good tracking.  Folks are still camping and enjoying the peace and solitude of the season.  Actually rented a canoe yesterday at the shop!  Don't forget to watch the Ebay store for great deals as I'm starting our clearance auctions - first round ended yesterday will start some more today.  http://stores.ebay.com/The-Stillwater-Shop

Still lots to do in the Adks so come up and enjoy some R&R before the holiday rush - the quilt show at the Arts Center runs through November 11
The Holiday Bazaar at the Arts Center is November 14 and Adirondack Christmas on main street is Nov 26-28  Nov 26th is also the annual Wine Tasting Reception and Festival of Wreaths Auction at the Art Center.

PreSeason trail passes are on sale now so Don't miss out!  Contact the Old Forge Tourist Center go to http://www.oldforgeny.com/ for links.  Also don't forget to register your sled early!  Out of state folks can contact me on Mondays and Fridays at the DMV 315-369-3301 for details and you can do it through the mail.

Snowmobile trails will open 12/6 and Don't miss seeing our booth at snodeo the 10th thru 12th of December! 

So what's new?

Well like most of you we have been fairly saturated here from the rain although this weekend is spectacular!

 Cool but the sunshine is most welcome - starting to turn thoughts towards winter and prepping up for snow....we've started updating our Ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/The-Stillwater-Shop

So keep an eye on it - we'll be posting items every week now - some fixed price and some auction items so you never know what you may find! 

Marian's wine tasting is coming up in November - the first Sat - the 6th - we still have rooms available that weekend. She always does an excellant job and the weather is still agreeable that time of year.

After Columbus day we offer discounted weeknight stays in addition to our other specials so keep an eye on our Bed and Breakfast.com listing for offerings - including our military discount:

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/626344/ListingSpecials.aspx

Looking for some fall color?

Took a ride down the Big Moose road this week and was awed by the color - we are just about at peak for the leaves so if you're looking for a scenic trip now is the time! These shots were all taken along the Big Moose Rd - it really is a spectacular time of year to come to the Adirondacks - warm days and cool nights :)

Red Horse Trail

Well, summer is almost passed us and fall is evidenced everywhere one turns - I had a couple of things on my to do list for this year before the snow flies and finally got to one this week.  Our Stillwater chicks snow shoe group hiked the Red Horse Trail.  The first time for a couple of us ladies - 11 miles round trip.  We had a great time and I will admit was a bit of a physical challenge for me as I've done nothing but work for the past two months but I made it.  Boated up to Trout pond and hiked from there - first stop is Salmon Lake about a mile and then from there it's up to Witchopple which is the original home of the historic Rapshaw Club here at Stillwater.  That leg of the hike is about 2.5 miles.  Once there we sat and watched the loons and were delighted to see they have a chick up there.  The trail varies with lots of little stream crossings - balancing on downed trees, and one pretty awesome beaver dam - which the group decided would be safer to cross than the old bridge which was partially under water.  From there it's about another 2 miles up to clear where we took our lunch brake.  The 11 mile round trip took us about 7 hours including breaks.  It was a full day and we did see a couple of other groups on the trail.  Well worth the effort - and now I can cross it off the list for this year - next year should be able to take the kids - the Adk club is currently working on the trail so unless mother nature decides otherwise the trail should be in great shape for the next year or so until nature reclaims portions of her again.  For those who back pack and camp there are several fairly established spots to camp at the different lakes - the last photo you will see here is what happens when campers don't put their fires out properly.  Thankfully this one extinguished itself before it got out of hand but left a huge hole where it had burned out.  This was at Clear Lake.  The area was about 12 x 8 and fairly deep - fires can burn underground - not a good thing. 
We will head back up this trail this winter - will have to have the men drop us off via snowmobile - not sure if we'd be able to do the whole trail do to the shorter days but should be able to at least make it up to Witchopple :) For those of you who don't have the desire to go the whole way the hike up to Salmon is pretty easy and worthwhile also - was kind of wishing we had one of those light weight canoes to carry up there and explore the lake - maybe I'll have to talk to Santa.  See you soon!

August! Already??!!!

Well the summer so far has been great - great weather and lots of fun - seems I've been in a time warp without a minute to spare - not unusual for this time of year.

Have tried some new garden planters - although they are actually made of a special fabric - so far potato and tomato plants all look really great - actually ate our first vine ripe tomato yesterday :)  Lots of lettuce in raised garden bed - hopefully some eggplant - peppers not so good and my spinach and broccoli were not successful - will have to try something different next year - maybe some more attention to them would help but I do what I can. 

Just discovered a DEC link which should prove interesting - google earth maps of trails - you have to download the latest version of google earth to view - kind of neat and I'm sure at the end of the summer I'll have time to really check it out in more detail!
http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/42978.html


Made it to the Tug Hill Winery for a "Wine" down after hours - went on a night with music - one word AWESOME!  Met a group of friends and enjoyed food and wine - did not need to go out to dinner afterwards.  A must do!

Have made it up to Norridgewock a couple of times for supper - as always a great time - nothing like cruising to supper - so summer is in full swing - fast and furious for our house - but we are loving live in the Adks and wouldn't have it any other way - still have a couple must dos on my list for the summer good thing there's still a month left - I want to finally hike the Red Horse Tr and then kayak down river below the dam. 

Thank you to all our guests who have been coming to stay with us at the B&B - we have enjoyed you all and are happy to be able to share this area with all of you!

So here are some things for August:
Sunday evening band concerts at the Old Forge Lakefront 7pm to 9pm.



Bingo every Monday at the Old Forge Fire Hall starting at 7:30pm.



Old Forge Farmers Market every Friday from 2pm to 6pm.



Historic Walking Tours All new tours for 2010 - FREE to the public, led by our Town Historian Peg Masters. 9:30-11:00 Friday mornings in August. Call 315-369-3838 315-369-3838 for additional information.



Aug. 1 Shakespeare in the Park - "Twelfth Night" will be performed at the Moose River House at 2pm. The classic jazz songs of the 1950s keep the beat for this tuneful, topsy-turvy tale of mistaken identities and foiled lovers. When the Rat Pack meets the Bard, it’s very funny, very romantic, and way cool. (Rated G). This centerpiece of the Adirondack Lakes Summer Theater Festival will feature professional actors and local talent performing for free in 18 locations around the Adirondack Park. Admission is FREE.



Aug. 2 Victorian Party on the Porch - This fundraiser-benefit will be held from 2-5pm on the porches of the Goodsell Museum, 2993 State Route 28, Old Forge. Enjoy the displays and exhibits, refreshments, entertainment, conversation, and silent auction. $15 pre-paid includes all refreshments and entertainment. Sponsored by the Town of Webb Historical Association. For reservations and additional information, please call 315-369-3838 315-369-3838.



Aug. 2 Kinderwood Classic Golf Tournament - To raise funds for the naming right for the Miriam Davis Kashiwa Kinderwood Suite at the Arts Guild's new Arts and Sciences Center. For more information contact Sharon Kleps at 315-369-3105 315-369-3105.



Aug. 3 "Keep Looking for the Bluebird: The Wildlife Art Adventures of Tom Yacovella" - Art exhibit opening reception at the Old Forge Library from 6pm to 8pm. The artist will talk about his work and sign his book. The exhbit will be on display the month of August. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 for additional information.



Aug. 3 "The History of Lakes and Lake Districts" - Thomas Vawter, Ph. D. will speak at the Tuesday Lecture Series at 7pm at the Arts Center/Old Forge. Presented free of charge as a public service



Aug. 4 Shakespeare in the Park - "Twelfth Night" will be performed on the Old Forge Lakefront at 7pm. The classic jazz songs of the 1950s keep the beat for this tuneful, topsy-turvy tale of mistaken identities and foiled lovers. When the Rat Pack meets the Bard, it’s very funny, very romantic, and way cool. (Rated G). This centerpiece of the Adirondack Lakes Summer Theater Festival will feature professional actors and local talent performing for free in 18 locations around the Adirondack Park. Admission is FREE.



Aug 6 Art Walks - The first Friday of every month June - October, many local businesses will stay open later and provide a variety of activities for art lovers. The Art Center/Old Forge will offer reduced admissions fees, as well as beverages and hors d'oeuvres.



Aug 7 Big Moose Bazaar & Festival - Fun for all ages! Held rain or shine at the Big Moose Community Chapel from 9am until 2pm. Fun and games for the entire family! Live music, sale items, special guests. guided party-barge tours of beautiful Big Moose Lake and more.



Aug 7 Tennis Classic Cocktail Party - You are invited to celebrate the Adirondacks and our Tennis Tournament at a catered event. A limited number of Cocktail party tickets for guest are available. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sponsored by the Art Center/Old Forge. For more information, please call 315-369-6411 315-369-6411.



Aug. 8 Cabin Concert Series - An intimate setting for lovers of classical music. The musicians will perform on the 1908 Steinway Concert B piano. Champagne, lemonade, and tea-sandwiches will be served. Limited seating; reservations required by the Wednesday prior to the concert. Sponsored by the Art Center/Old Forge, phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411.



Aug. 10 "Emily Dickenson, A Life" - Performance at 7:30Pm at the Old Forge Library by Eleanor Stearns. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 for additional information.



Aug. 11 "Open Mic Night " - Readings of prose and poetry at the Old Forge Library starting at 7:30pm with Emcee Bibi Wein. Public invited to attend and participate. For more information, please call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008.



Aug. 12 "Seasons to Remember" - Gala fundraiser to benefit the Town of Webb Historical Association at The Strand Theatre. This popular event returns and begins with a Cocktail Party at the Historical's Hemmer Cottage along the Old Forge waterfront. Guests will proceed to the Strand Theater for a premiere showing of spectacular photographs submitted by friends of the Association highlighting all four recreational seasons in the Old Forge area. Contact the Association Director Gail Murray at 315 369-3838 315 369-3838 or by email if you have photos to share or are interested in more details.



Aug. 13 Butterfly Hike with Gary Lee- Meet at the Art Center at 10am with naturalist and author Gary Lee. Presented free as a public service and sponsored by the Art Center/Old Forge.



Aug. 14 House Tour by Boat - Tour waterfront homes along the Fulton Chain. Whether an historic site or a spectacular new design, individuals with noteworthy homes will host visitors and offer tours. Participants will be shuttled between the specially selected homes in the comfort of party barges. This event is a wonderful way to explore our local waterways, and to learn about the beauty of the homes along them. Benefit for the Arts Center/Old Forge by reservation only. Phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411 for reservations and additional information.



Aug. 14 & 15 Antiques Show & Sale - The Antiques Show and Sale will feature, vintage Adirondack furniture, historic guide boats & canoes, genuine Old Hickory, fine art, Native American jewelry & artifacts, folk art, Oriental & Persian rugs, Olympic advertising, camp & trade signs, taxidermy, books & ephemera for the collector, and everything camp and cottage. www.AdkMuseum.org



Aug. 15 Old Forge Library Bash - Fundraiser sponsored by The Friends of the Old Forge Library, 4 to 6pm. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 for additional information.



Aug. 17 "Wildlife & Wildflowers, My Orchid Collection" - Naturalist Gary Lee will speak at the Tuesday Lecture Series at 7pm at the Arts Center/Old Forge. Presented free of charge as a public service.



Aug. 17 "The Worlds of Johann Sebastian Bach" - Reading and musical presentation by author Raymond Erickson at 7:30pm at the Old Forge Library. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 for additional information.



Aug. 19 Historic Walking Tour of Moss Lake - Sponsored by the Town of Webb Historical Association in Old Forge and led by Geof Longstaff, son of former owner of Moss Lake Camp for Girls. Reservations are required, tour limited to 30 individuals. Rain or shine, meet at Moss Lake Trailhead off the Big Moose Road. Donations welcome. For registration and additional information,



please call 315-369-3838 315-369-3838.



Aug. 19 4th Annual Youth Artist Festival - Hosted at McCauley Mountain Ski Area from 10am to 2pm by Khoros Performaing Arts Company for Kids, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Old Forge Library, the Arts Center/Old Forge and McCauley Mountain. The Youth Artist Festival is to bring together all young artists, ages six through young adult, with and without special needs to share their talents in a day long celebration of the arts. The festival goers can prepare a short performance piece or exhibit their visual art work. Entertainment will be provided by professional artists at intervals during the festival as well as many hands-on arts activities. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 or 315-369-6411 315-369-6411 for additional information.



Aug. 19 "Deaf Stories" - Presented from 11am to Noon by storyteller Nickie Nordquist as part of the Youth Artist Festival at McCauley Mountain. Sponsored by the Old Forge Library. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 for addtional information.



Aug. 21 Gallery Walkabout & Continental Breakfast - John Cullen will lead a group discussion on several paintings on display. A renowned abstract impressionist, Cullen's keen eye and unique perspective will help him guide the discussion, which has become a highly anticipated event for both art lovers and exhibing artistis. Sponsored by the Art Center/Old Forge, phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411.



Aug. 21 " 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" - Six young people in the throes of puberty learn that winning isn’t everything in this Tony Award winning musical by William Finn. Join us for an afternoon of laugh out loud lyrics and equally beautiful music as we end the inaugural season of ALSTF with this hysterical musical comedy. (Rated PG-13). Presented at The Strand Theatre at 2pm as part of the Adirondack Lakes Summer Theatre Festival. Admission is $22 / $15 for members of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.







Aug. 21- Oct. 3 29th Annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors -



The Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors features aquamedia works on paper from many of the best living painters in North America. It has been ranked one of the ten best competitve watercolor exhibitions in the country by The Artist's Magazine and has recieved many endorsements and accolades. Come and revel in the breathtaking work that has been selected for this highly competitive watercolor exhibition. Sponsored by the Arts Center/Old Forge, phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411



Aug. 24 "American Songbook" - FREE performance at 7:30pm at the Old Forge Library by Jazz duo Too Human: Roger Bruno and Ellen Schartz. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 for additional information.



Aug. 27 10th Annual Choo Choo For Charity Golf Tournament - Enjoy a wonderful round trip ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad leaving Union Station in Utica in the morning and then energizing yourself with a great day of golf at the Thendara Golf Club. If you are not a golfer, there are other activities including sightseeing and shopping in the Old Forge area. For more information and registration, please call 315-724-3151

Bluegrass Festival

June 18 - 20 is the Tug Hill Bluegrass Festival at Maple Ridge Center just outside the  village of Lowville.  You can go for the weekend or a day - or just for the evening!  visit http://www.tughillbluegrass.com/

Runs from 2pm Friday until 2 pm Sunday!

Pig Roast this Sat

Ohhhhh...and - this Sat is pig roast/chicken barbeque at the Restaurant in Stillwater - and great home show in Old Forge - we were at the flower planting party tonight for CAP 21 in town (helped to plant all the flower baskets that you see throughout the Rte28 corridor) and some of the show goodies were already rolling in - should be a good show - some nice hot tubs already were there and some neat grills and stoves - just to give you a sneak peak! :) And enjoy the flowers in town!  We brought back about a dozen for Stillwater - it's taken us a few years but we've figured out how to get them home without flipping them out of the baskets on the dirt roads.  The first year we unplanted them all on the way home and got to scrape the dirt out of the bed of the truck and replant in a swarm of black flies - lots of fun. 
By the way the bugs are at a low this week! I think the dry spring helped curtail the bug production.
See you soon!

Water Levels

Hello all!
Recent rains have helped our water level here recover - we are now at about 1674 with 1679 being full to the tippy top of the boards on top of the dam.  We will be in good shape for summer!  Right now we have some beach exposed - has been cooler here the past few days so if you are planning on coming this weekend plan on cool nights and warmer days.  Usually we reach high water ealier in the season but we have enjoyed the warm dry weather this spring and are thankful for the rain now to play catch up on things!

See you soon!

June local events

Hello to All! 
Spring has been a busy season here at Northern Lights - gardens are looking great this year although things are blooming earlier than usual!
Here are some upcoming events in the area which should be of interest!
STILLWATER RESERVOIR-
June 12th is the Stillwater Pig Roast/Chicken Barbeque call the restaurant 315-376-6470 for details - starts around noon!

Surrounding area:
June 4-6 Thunder in Old Forge - Motorcycle gathering. Vendors and exhibitors at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center Pavilion on North Street. Guided rides, parade, Custom Bike Show, Blessing of the Bikes and more. Sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association, phone 315-369-6983 315- 369-6983. www.ThunderinOldForge.com



June 4 Art Walks - The first Friday of every month June - October, many local businesses will stay open later and provide a variety of activities for art lovers. The Art Center/Old Forge will offer reduced admissions fees, as well as beverages and hors d'oeuvres.



June 5 Ride the McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift - Special one day of operation from 10am to 3pm in conjunction with "Thunder in Old Forge". $1 off admission to all those with Thunder wristbands. Adults $6. Seniors (over 65) & Juniors (6-16) $5, Children age 5 and under FREE.



June 6 Annual Neighbor Day Celebration - Join your friends and neighbors for fun at the Arts Center on Neighbor Day, with food, music, activities, and your last chance to check out "Exaggerate" the multimedia exhibit. It will also be the last day of Dino Petrocelli's motorcycle photography in celebration of "Thunder in Old Forge". Events for the whole family are planned. The Northwoods Lodge Masons and Dewey-Old Forge Order of the Eastern Star will sell their famous chicken barbecue dinners. Awards will be given for prize winners in both the art and writing portions of the exhibit, and 2010's Annual Beautification Award winner will be presented with this honor. Mark Andrews will be signing the 29th Annual Adirondack National Exhibition of American Watercolors commemorative poster. Sponsored by the Arts Center/Old Forge. Phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411 for reservations and additional information.



June 8 "Climbing Your Family Tree" - Program 7-9pm at the Goodsell Museum, 2993 State Route 28, Old Forge. Pre-registration required for this genealogy program is required to insure copies of hand-outs to attendees. Space is limited. Program presented by Richard Williams, Town of Kirkland and Village of Clinton Historian. Sponsored by the Town of Webb historical Association. For registration and additional information, please call 315-369-3838 315-369-3838.

June 10 Adirondack League Club Cocktail-Reception Fundraiser - Save this TENTATIVE date for a rare opportunity for a guided tour of THREE 1906 Club Cottages - designed by Augustus D. Shepard, PLUS the 1908 ALC wooden tennis courts rebuilt in 1923, the 1912 Little Moose Boat House, the 1919 Mountain Lodge (Summer House), the 1914 Little Moose Guide House - (Winter House), and the 1925 Doctor's residence & office. Guideboat lovers will enjoy seeing many vintage boats including the "Resaca" that once belonged to President Benjamin Harrison, a former summer resident on the Fulton Chain. $90/TOWHA members and $100/non-members. The event includes a souvenir program, hors d'oeuvres and beverages. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - pleased call the Town of Webb historical Association at 315-369-3838 315-369-3838 for more information.



June 11-13 2010 Adirondack Camp & Home Show - Featuring a variety of seminars and scores of vendors specializing in Adirondack home building needs, from windows to docks to home decorating accents. Sponsored by Brooker's True Value Hardware at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street in Old Forge. More information on the event is available by calling event organizer Don Simpson at 315-369-3233 315-369-3233 or visit the website www.adkcampandhomeshow.com.



June 12 Gallery Walkabout & Continental Breakfast - Award-winning artist, Sean Dye, will lead a group discussion, from 10:30am until Noon, on paintings in the National Pastel Exhibition. Currently teaching at the University of Vermont and popular workshops, Dye's talent for discussing artwork in combination with his artistic ability makes this an event not to be missed. Sponsored by the Arts Center, phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411.



June 12 - July 10 6th Annual Northeast National Pastel Exhibition - The Northeast National Pastel Exhibition features artwork from renowned pastel artists from across the United States and Canada. Marvel at the versatility and vibrancy of paintings created using pastel, and discover why it is such an exciting medium for artists everywhere. Whether you are familiar with pastels or if this is your first pastel exhibition, you will experience artwork sure to delight and surprise. Sponsored by the Arts Center/Old Forge, phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411



June 16 Enchanted Forest/Water Safari Opens for the Season - New York's Largest Water Theme Park with over 50 rides & attractions including 32 of the wettest and wildest water rides! Open from 10am to 4pm the first day of operation.

June 18 Ferd's Bog Hike with Gary Lee - Meet at 7am at the corner of Uncas Road and Route 28 in Eagle Bay. See boreal birds and orchids with naturalist and author Gary Lee. Presented free as a public service and sponsored by the Art Center/Old Forge.

June 18 Father's Day Weekend Classic Car Show Parade - Main Street, Old Forge. 7pm.
June 18 "Over the River and Through the Woods" - Reader's Theatre encore production by the Mountain Theatre Company's Director Alan Sabin at 7pm at the Old Forge Library. Call 315-369-6008 315-369-6008 for additional information.
June 19 13th Annual Father's Day Weekend Car Show- Cash prizes to two best of show winners (antique/classic and modified street rod), dash plaques to first 100 entrants. First, second and third place trophies in 20 classes. Gates open at 9am, judging starts at noon, prizes and trophies awarded at 3pm. Also auto-related vendors and swap meet, food and beverages available. In case of rain, show cars parked inside pavilion on first come basis. Car registration fee $8 advance received before June 1, $10 gate. Auto vendors and swappers registration $10. George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center. Spectators $2, children under 12 free. Sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association and Kratzenberg Masonry & Excavating, Inc. Click here to register your car.

June 20 Remsen Bog Hike with Gary Lee- Meet at the Art Center at 9am to carpool or at the OK Corral in Remsen at 10am. See Showy Lady Slippers, Grass Pinks and Liesel's Twayblade with naturalist and author Gary Lee. Presented free as a public service and sponsored by the Art Center/Old Forge.

June 20 Annual Father's Day Frog Jump - Children can bring their champion frog to win prizes and fathers should wear their most outrageous tie! Largest, smallest, and longest jumper. Great family fun! Don't worry, all frogs are released unharmed.

June 20 Adirondack Scenic Railroad Father's Day Special - Fathers ride free! Click here for schedule.

June 21 Town of Webb Public Beach Opens for Season - Open daily 9am-6pm, weather permitting, free of charge on the Old Forge Lakefront. Entrance and parking on Lakeview Avenue.

June 25 McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift Opens for Season – Call 315-369-3225 315-369-3225 for dates and times available until Columbus Day in October. Click here for schedule

June 25 - Oct. 8 Old Forge Farmers Market – Fridays from 2pm to 6pm on Park Avenue between Crosby Boulevard and Lamberton Street. For additional information, please call 315-369-2313 315-369-2313.


June 26 Kiwanis Old Forge Paddle Classic - 6 & 12- mile Canoe and Kayak races and Kid's Fun Loop. Registration 7:30am to 9am at the Hemmer Cottage on the Old Forge Lakefront. First start 9am. Entry fee: $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Out and back races. Food will be available during the awards ceremony immediately following the races. For additional information contact: Sheila Brady, Email: thorshannon@frontiernet.net, Phone: 315-369-3872 315-369-3872.

This weekend.....

BIG Weekend in Old Forge - Paddlefest - Fishing expo - Kayak racing - concert at the Strand!

Also - Saturday night - fund raiser for Pat Russell at McCauley - A benefit to support Herkimer County Legislator Patrick Russell in his fight against cancer will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at McCauley Mountain. All proceeds from the benefit will go to the cost of Russell’s medical treatment and travel as he receives treatment in New York City.A silent auction and raffles will take place. Food will be provided.The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children from ages 5 to 11. The cost is free for children less than 5 years old. There also is a cap of $30 per family.


May 21- 23 Paddlefest - America’s largest on-water boat sale. For three days they get to test paddle hundreds of different models of canoes, kayaks and whitewater boats. Paddling industry representatives and experts are on hand to answer your questions, and help you choose the perfect boat. Adirondack Paddlefest, sponsored by Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, is your chance to actually test paddle as many boats as you like, get personal, expert advice, find great deals on boats and paddling accessories, and.. have fun! For more information contact Mountainman Outdoor Supply Compnay at 315-369-6672 315-369-6672 or at www.mountainmanoutdoors.com




May 22 & 23 1st Annual Adirondack Fishing Expo - Held at the Park Avenue Building in Old Forge from 10am to 5pm. Fishing and outdoor vendors, cooking demos, fly tieing, casting contest and more. Sponsored by Souvenir Village and Leo Maloney Enterprises. Call Leo Maloney at 315-363-3896 315-363-3896 for additional information.



May 22 Adirondack Paddlefest Canoe & Kayak Race -Two and four-mile races and Youth Kayak Fun Paddle. Starts and finishes at the Water's Edge Inn on Old Forge Pond. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals in all divisions. Sponsored by the Enchanted Forest/ Water Safari and American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley. All proceeds to benefit the American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley. Download entry form here.



May 22 Banjo Legend Tony Trischka Concert -The Strand Theatre and Mountainman Outdoor Supply Compnay will present this Special Paddlefest Performance at 7:30pm at the Stand Theatre. The New York Times has called Tony Trischka "the godfather of what's sometimes called new acoustic music." Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $15 for children age 12 and under. Tickets are available at the Strand Theatre, Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, or by phone 315-369-2300 315-369-2300.



May 23 David Kim Progressive Venue Piano Concert -David will continue his performance in a more intimate setting on a 1908 Steinway Concert B Piano. Culinary delights will be served by hostess, Miriam Kashiwa. Limited number of tickets available. Sponsored by the Arts Center/Old Forge, phone 315-369-6411 315-369-6411

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

At last....

April had something missing this year - and that was rain.  This week we are making up for some of it - steady rains two nights ago, and again last night and today.  The reservoir still has a little ways to go to get up to high water - you can watch the water levels on the Hudson River Black River Regulating District website - they give 7 day forecasts for the water level and have a graph - of course the closer we get to high water the slower the graph moves up as the surface increases incrementally  - you can visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?04256500
to keep watch the increase - we've seen it move up pretty quickly this week however is a steady climb.

  Sounds like snow for Mother's day here - hope you all have a great one!  I was hoping to get the planting started but seems like another weeks wait will be in order...maybe we'll take a day off - probably not.

See you soon!

Lunch with the loons and Today is officially Swinter!

Last weekend we took the hike around Cascade Lake and enjoyed the warm weather and no bugs.  Practiced walking on an Adirondack balance beam to cross the wet areas and then lunched by the lake at a campsite.  Saw some of the first trout lillies, trilliums and little yellow violets of the season.  Also enjoyed the views through the woods at what I like to call living art - now before the leaves you can see all the greatgiant erratics and trees with burls and awesome roots.  Then to make the day a pair of loons swam up to our picnic to provide entertainment!  A must do!

Then this AM we awoke to what our daughter declared is a "SWINTER" day her version of spring and winter combined so today it is swinter in the Adirondacks.  We've been waiting for a spring snow and it finally arrived today - I didn't really think spring could come and go without a good snow storm although it seems north and east of us took the brunt of the storm with some areas of the park getting well over a foot - I would guesstimate we had around 6 inches when I left this AM.  So enjoy the swinter weather now because it will not last long - we do need the moisture as the reservoir is not yet full although well on its' way and certainly ready for boats and campers to come back.  See you soon!

Stillwater Fire Tower

So today I believe is a vote at the APA regarding a couple of fire towers elsewhere in the Park as to weather or not they can remain and eventually be restored.  I am hoping that they will - part of the preservation of the wilderness found here should be the human history involved - the towers certainly are part of this.

http://www.pressrepublican.com/0111_environment/local_story_074221040.html

What I'm not sure about is how many people are aware that there is a group which was formed last fall to begin a restoration project for our fire tower.  Trail clearing was begun before winter set in - part of the trail will likely be rerouted eventually.  The Stillwater Fire Tower was one of our snow shoe destinations this past winter - it was a great day and even though we couldn't climb the tower it was an excellant destination.  On a clear day you can see across the Black River Valley from up there.  If you are interested in the project visit:

http://www.stillwaterfiretower.org/index.html

You will find contact information and photos of the fall work detail.  I encourage folks to take the hike - of course you are heading up on the way there but the reward for the climb is it's all down hill on the way home.  Great little spot to head for a picnic! 

Oh - and if you haven't visited the community photo page yet folks are starting to contribute - a lot of really great shots!!!!!   I still need to get my winter photos all posted!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/stillwaterreservoir/

UPDATE  - APA Voted to keep towers!  Yeah! 

Spring is here

We've just returned from our "spring break" nothing like the college kids do I can assure you.  I am always so happy to come home to Stillwater - we drove to Florida and back over 3000 miles and while I will admit upstate NY appears to be depressed economically - no one else has what we have here.

This morning I just couldn't resist raking out the flower beds - at least starting - they are still kind of wet.  It is always so rewarding to see the plants coming up like old friends back to see us again.  How they make it through the winter here I'll never know - oh there's always a blank spot or to where something is missing but that is just like life in general - we'll go out to our favorite perenial farm and buy some more - up on Tug Hill - I've had the best luck with plants bought there - seems if they can survive Turin they can survive Stillwater. 

I missed my snow crocuses they came and went while we were away - just some shriveled flowers left - daffodils will bloom soon - now that the wet leaves are off them they should have an easier time of it. 

So we'll be open now most weekends and looking forward to May - getting back on a regular schedule!  If you've been missing the webcam it is back online - seems some power hits knocked it off line while we were away.  Talk to you soon!

Who thinks of this stuff!

Okay now these next two links don't really have anything to do with the Adirondacks but they are just too good not to share -

Who would ever imagine you could turn a Hummer into a stage coach!

http://www.asylum.com/2010/03/11/jeremy-dean-artist-hummer-h2-into-horse-cart/

And while we know how to manage snow in the North Country check out this method which looks like it just works great down state!


http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tPg1ZMiC9pA

These are some of the things that make this country great!

Maple, wine, music, conditions and a new Eagle in Town! For the off season there is still a lot going on!

This weekend is the last weekend of maple weekend - there is a big pancake breakfast at the Maple Museum in Croghan Sat and Sun then lots of open houses - weather looks good so get outside and have some fun!   http://www.mapleweekend.com/  Read a great sign yesterday - said if your dog is fat you are not getting enough exercise! :)

Also this weekend is a concert at the Lewis County Historical Society - not sure if any tickets are left - you'd have to call - here is announcement from Lewis County Chamber - Lewis County Historical Society Concert! Buskin and Batteau

Buskin and Batteau will appear Saturday, March 27. The Washington Post calls their performance, “an irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit.” Tickets are $18 advance/$20 door. Buskin and Batteau began in earnest when folk legend Tom Rush, in a truly titanic misjudgment, invited David Buskin and Robin Batteau to be his backup band – with David on piano, guitar and vocals, Robin on vocals, violin, guitar and mandolin, and the Mighty Mighty Marshal Rosenberg on percussion. Chaos reigned. Hotel rules were tightened across America. And then suddenly, without warning B & B went out on their own. Call the Lewis County Historical Society at 376-8957 for more info.


Our local winery (I love that we can now boast about having a winery it is a new gem in the area!) is reopening for their upcoming season - http://www.tughillvineyards.com/index.shtml  for schedules - if you haven't been there yet make sure you plan a stop while you are in the area - it is an absolutely spectacular building with a great view of the area.  We attended a fund raiser last fall for the Lewis County Hospital Foundation there and got to say it was one of the nicest events we have been to!  They have Sunday brunches  and looks like their Wine Down After Hours evenings will now feature acoustic music - think I might have to go myself one night!

Took a hike last weekend up to Shallow Pond - still needed snowshoes on the jeep road but snow has been melting down and the reservoir is coming up!  You can track the reservoirs progress by visiting
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?04256500 
courtesy of Hudson River Black River Reg District - also check out their snow survey - seems we only had about half the amount of snow this March that we did last March.  It's been an interesting winter - not a lot of snow but somehow what we got stuck around.  I love spring hikes - the sound of the water rushing through the woods, little streams appearing and disappearing, little ferns appearing out from the snow...........how some of these plants emerge green as if the winter doesn't effect them is fascinating to me............

You may have seen some of the articles about Eagle sitings in NY the past couple of months - a few down in Oneida County - of course we have them here but don't see them all the time - it is a special treat to witness - we did see one at the end of a snowshoe outing in Feb - being chased by a hawk - interesting - guess the Eagle snatched something that hawk wanted ..........but at any rate there is a new awesome Eagle wood carving in Old Forge (actually Thendara) when you are driving through town make sure you look for it! 

On a side note we had a new experience yesterday in Watertown - a good friend took us to the Krysal Restaurant - right on the square in the center of town - it's been there since 1917 - old booths - wood paneled walls - tin ceiling - good food - the only "stand up" bar in Watertown - pretty neat place - worth a visit if you're up there for lunch or supper - prices were good too!  Kind of a walk back in time.

Photo Gallery Sharing - new webpage for Stillwater junkies!

News flash!
I have started a community forum for sharing photos of the Stillwater Reservoir and surrounding Adirondacks - you do need to join - you can post messages and photos -this is a public forum subject to all rules by the provider - flickr!


Please join me at:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/stillwaterreservoir/

Looking forward to your photos!  See you there!

A few things I really liked this winter

So I'm not exactly an avid you tube follower but there are a couple of clips that were sent to me this winter which I really enjoyed and would like to share with you - mainly because all three of these items brought tears to my eyes for different reasons - the first being God and Dog - a song by WJ Francisco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

Next there is the Pink Glove Dance -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

And then I have a new favorite song by a great lady who visits this area often - Pamme Swan - I had bought one of her CDs some time ago and it now stays in my CD player in my car - it is called a Good Horse and I listen to if often - usually my last song to play as I'm almost home - but it is where I am at this time of life if you listen to the words closely- I was going to just link to her website http://www.pammeswan.com/home.html but then I found she has the song on You Tube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZitIvyYQQg&feature=player_embedded

So maybe I am becoming a you tube fan of sorts - none of these are new to everyone but worth a listen if you haven't yet heard them - the God and Dog song I find myself going back to now and then for a reminder!

Enjoy!

Wow - new to me!

So what is this picture of you might wonder? Yesterday I was outside doing my chores when I heard the geese flying over - nothing unusual for this time of year however it happened to be flock after flock of snow geese which was actually pretty amazing.  I've never seen them before.  There were hundreds upon hundreds of them coming in waves with the flocks of birds merging together in a pretty spectacular ballet.  Hard to capture with the camera but I did my best!

Baby chicks - no longer!

So last summer we ordered up from Murray McMurray Hatchery an order of chicks - Rhode Island Reds to be exact - you had to order quite a few - 26 if memory serves correctly - everyone "in the know" told us to expect to loose several - so we weren't so concerned about purchasing so many hens - plus we knew we'd be able to share them with some friends.

But sure enough just about 6 months to the day - those birds started laying eggs - first one then two now 12 to 14 a day - we gave all but 14 of the birds away - you see none died - credit to quality from Murray McMurray!  We have had just tons of unexpected amusement from these birds - for those of you who grew up around farms perhaps it isn't as much fun but for us - it being new to all we have been suprised at how much we enjoy these birds.  They have interesting little personalities - there is one hen who dislikes having her feet in the snow and she'll fly up and land on your arm which just cracks me up.

So having all these eggs now we of course have been warned by our doctor to cut back but they are ever so good - never having had fresh eggs before I've been amazed at the difference - So here is my latest quiche recipe - a quick one - no crust:

Spinach Quiche

3/4 cup baking mix (I use bisquick because my mother always did)

4 eggs

1 1/2 cup milk

1 TBS sour cream

1/4 tsp seasoned salt or garlic salt

fresh ground pepper to taste

1 cup shredded mozarella

1/4 diced onions

1/2 cup mushrooms (use what you like)

2 - 3 cups fresh spinach leaves

Cook onions, mushrooms and spinach in 2 TBS olive oil until spinach is wilted and onions/mushrooms are soft. Allow to cool slightly.

Put filling in bottom of greased pie plate - add shredded cheese toss together in pie plate.

Combine baking mix, eggs, milk, sour cream, salt and a few turns of fresh ground pepper to taste.

Pour over filling in pie plate.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes until set - if you like leave in longer and outside will brown - depends on your taste.

Enjoy!

St Pats day parade

So, yesterday, we attended for the first time, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Old Forge, the weather held out and every had a GREAT time!

Yes apparently one can kayak and waterski down main street on the day that everyone is Irish. The "Brides" of March, the Irish Elvis, and the synchorinized snow plow performance were just a few of the awesome appearances in the Parade. We had fire trucks, ambulances, all of the tractor trailers from the sled manufacturers, singing, dancing, jugglers, it goes on and on - next year do not MISS!

If you haven't seen this weeks Adk Express newspaper make sure you visit pg 8 (http://www.adirondackexpress.com/) and check out the shots of the card board sled race from last month which is part of the Winter Carneval at McCauley - another great afternoon that you shouldn't miss - I sometimes wonder why we put our kids on cardboard and push them down a ski slope but I must admit it is a lot of fun and when you see the photos you'll see how some of us entertain ourselves when we get a little cooped up in the winter time - we had darth vader, trucks, pirate ships, etc!

Enjoy the weekend! PS don't forget to feed the fish - click on the box and you'll see...........

Spring is here – well Maybe!

Almost spring……..so what am I looking forward too?

So this is the weekend to change the clocks – finally we can spring ahead! I cannot wait – I am so tired of waking up at 3:30 AM feeling ready to get out of bed – now it will be 4:30 and since I'm up at 5 I will no longer have to lay awake tossing and turning trying to get back to sleep! It has been quite warm here the past couple of weeks allowing for lots of outdoor fun which for us consists of snow shoeing, snowmobiling, time with horses, and cross country skiing and sledding the backyard luge run for the kids. Yes the sleigh riding hill is now the luge in honor of one of my Adk Sisters Luge and the Olympics of course.

While it will be spring for most up here we know that there will be one or two more good snow storms on the horizon there always is. This winter has been a great winter – lots of snow and lots of fun. The kids had a great time at McCauley Mt in Old Forge – they love to ski – they are both getting into cross country now and hopefully biathlon next season. Our school ski teams did great we have kids heading off to Nationals and the Junior Olympics. Life here is very different from how I grew up in North Jersey. In Jersey we had lots of snow days – here of course very few – usually only for ice or when it just snows so hard so fast it they just take a little longer to clear it. If you haven't read the Jeff Foxworthy joke about being from upstate New York you really need to it absolutely rings true – especially the parts about snow. We had several groups come to stay at the B&B to snow shoe and ski which was great – this area is just awesome for snowshoeing but folks just don't seem to know about it.

So I'm actually having mixed feelings at the moment – I haven't quite had my fill of snow – still lots of places I was hoping to get to with my Adk Sisters snowshoeing – I'll try in the next post to describe our trips this winter which have been fantastic – but I'm also looking forward to getting out on the horses again – it's hard to ride here in the winter – snow gets too deep in the woods and roads get icy and of course on the weekends lots of snowmobile traffic – so like the Adirondacks are stuck between winter and spring – I too am stuck in the change of seasons which here takes a while to convert to spring – it doesn't happen according to the calendar – it happens when it happens – so I guess I will hope for so more fun in the snow because while it's spring today I know it won't stay – at least not yet.

Some events of interest – snow cross this weekend in Old Forge – http://www.oldforgeny.com/ then the next couple of weekends are maple weekends – yes MAPLE as in syrup of course! http://www.mapleweekend.com/

If you've never been to a real sugar shack you really should take the kids – we lived here for many years before we actually ventured out and now we try to go every year – gives you a whole new appreciation for what you are pouring on your pancakes in the AM – an unbelievable amount of work goes into that stuff – it is what we would call in our house a labor of love! Some of the places have sleigh rides – and yes they still do it with horses not tractors – for the most part – lots of snacks – of course all laced with maple sugar/syrup so forgo the sugar for a few days and don't OD!

Have a great day and have fun!