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