Woodcraft Camp for Night Skiing starting Wednesday, Jan. 2nd - 2008

A great night ski on Wednesdays - lit trail (did I mention, free?)
One (plus) mile around lake. Beautiful setting.
Read more about this historic camp here!

UPPER WORKS HIKE to Lake Colden/Algonquin Mt.

For the link to great info on the Upper Works Hike
being planned for this Sat., Jan. 5th, click here!
This high peaks hike is the closest high peaks experience (and most gradual ascent) to those of us heading up from the southwest ADK's!

Plans for Next Saturday - back to Algonquin Mountain on January 5th

Did not make it to the top yesterday - so have posted in the right sidebar slides that someone took who have made it snowshoeing all the way to the top - I hope to try again next Saturday. Anyone want to join me? The Upper Works Trailhead is 1/2 hour north of Long Lake, off Rt. 28N - details on this great hike (10 miles to the top) can be found at www.adirondackjourney.com. If we get as far as Lake Colden (5 miles in ) I will be happy, as the ascent up Mt. Algonquin is steep (2000 ft in 2 miles) but not un-doable. I will leave home here in Eagle Bay/Old Forge area at 5 - 5:30... with skis for the first mile, and snowshoes for the rest. Call me at 315.868.8436.
by the way, am initiating a weekly moonlit (headlamp) hike up Bald each week, meeting at the trailhead at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Wine and cheese at the top - and dinner later at local hotspot.

From Upper Works Road, to Lake Colden and Mt. Algonquin

Crossing Calamity Creek

A bridge to the New Year.... crossing Calamity Creek in the High Peaks.
Yep. Calamity Creek. Figures. It's been that kind'a year!
More to follow..... (grin)

Night Skiing - Cross Country

Last winter, I skiied several times at night
at the trail maintained by Woodcraft Camp,
and open to the public to ski during the winter season
for no charge (lit at night on Wednesdays)

Will check this out this Wednesday...
company welcome!

Call for details -
Cathy 315.868.8436

Moonlight meanderings....

Skiing by Moonlight
by Sandra Alcosser

Gray cloud like a sweater pulled over the heart of the moon.
High-napped purple sky. Why are so many friends
Leaving or getting left behind?

Mao’s anti-sparrow campaign: to kill and eat the birds
That were eating the grain. Winter sun drifts away
Leaving thin taffy light. Venus Mercury Jupiter—

Three pearls in the morning sky. By thinking herself
Invisible, the fox walks over hoarfrost not breaking
Morning’s delicate lace. Leaving no trace. Lace is beautiful

Because of absence, the place that lets the light through,
Gives it strength. Mother Teresa in the hospital
Watches the annular eclipse. Once every twenty thousand years—

A portion of the sun visible as a ring surrounding the dark moon.
The doctor tells her—protect yourself, hold an x-ray of your lungs
Up to the window, let only the waning light pass through.

Fast trail down the mountain –10 degrees. Starving vole
Tracks ornate Victorian filigree. What is the bearing weight
Of an ice crystal? Why will a person freezing to death

Inch into the false warmth of the moon? Eros is the wound.
White will go to shadblow. White will go to orchid bloom.
Except by nature—as a woman, I will be ungovernable.

Found on-line
at Ploughshares.
Click here.

Bald Mountain Fire Tower Christmas Ornament

Belatedly, just discovered that the Town of Webb Historical Association in Old Forge offers beautiful Christmas ornaments depicting the Fire Tower on Bald Mountain. give them a call for next year - (315) 369 - 3838 or better yet, stop in at the Goodsell Memorial Museum, 2993 Main Street in Old Forge.

The Poet on Green Lake

Just discovered this wonderful hiking blogspot - that features Mt. Rainier hiking information (I hiked Ranier in 2001)...
In it, a poetess is featured who set up a table for a month of Sundays... encouraging those who ran/jogged, or sauntered the Green Lake in Seattle to contribute poetry.
Mimi hikes four miles each way to and from her post, by the way.

Perhaps one of us should set up such a table atop one of our local peaks? Thoughts?

Hoarfrost atop Rocky and Bald - Christmas Hikes

Sigh - Crashed my computer Christmas Eve - Bah Humbug

Sigh... sitting at home hoping my friend can help get this system up and running again. A hearty hike up Rocky Point today in Inlet with three dogs running circles around me. Unlike me, they did not sink through the foot deep snow - that had been nicely iced last night. Trees atop rocky were layered in ice.
When last here, I had brought bubbles and video-ed a prayer for Jamie, who lay dying at Strong. Her mother told me that she had enjoyed these postings from her hospital - bed there. It's tough starting these again... as the wind is out of my sails. Yet, the air here is so clean. Fresh. And the beauty is breath-taking.
As much as I dislike the music of Enya... was listening to her rendition of the old hymn -"How Can I Keep From Singing?"... and it seemed appropriate. How can we keep from singing?
Before becoming ordained as a Presbyterian minister in the Manhattan area before 911, I was privileged enough to take my first cross-country drive - alone. I stopped at every state and national park that I could along the way. There is one word that the countryside sang, over and over again. The word? "Glory."
I am a realist. Whether they be songs of lament or songs of praise - "How can we keep from singing?"

To Jamie, for whom this blog is dedicated....

In memory: Jamie Badding, my niece, who passed away Dec. 12, 2007

 

For after a great ski/skidoo/or pratfall!

Just broke C-country trail round CascadeLake (5.4 miles)

Cascade Lake (Note: Hike no. 27 in the AMC Guide to Trails: Book 5) was a summer camp for 50 girls (with a stable of 25 horses) in the 40's. Let's just say, it's been a while! This trail is much more fun to ski than hike - the falls always kinda- disappointed me, and the blow downs and wet area on the east side of the lake are a problem (had to remove my skis several times to climb over or under some real messy falls) However, once you hit the waterfall (which is hard to find if you have never been there before) the route west of Cascade Lake is easier. I would suggest skiing this in a counterclockwise fashion. Andy and I were both pooped long before we made it back to the trail head. All in all, there are nicer skis, but it was good exercise and a pleasant variation.
To get to the trailhead: From NY 28 in Eagle Bay, drive NY on Big Moose rd. for 1.2 miles. There are CED Yellow trail stickers for skiers (red for hikers).

Cartwheels, Jamie

Jamie - hope you are enjoying these great pictures.
Remember when you tried to teach me how to do cartwheels again last summer, before you got sick? Well, I think today I shall have to try to do a cartwheel for you from atop Bald Mountain. Should I bring a parachute?
Some days, we should all travel with parachutes.

Many of my friends saw you and the "Buld'A-Bears" you donated to the hospital on CNN this week.
You are a special girl, Jamie.
You are teaching us all how to live life with passion and integrity.
-Aunt Cathy

Snodeo Weekend in Old Forge

Does this look like fun, or what?




















(if you are a 12 year old kid, that is!)

You can try this at home OR you can experience this through his webcam.

Tell me.
How's YOUR health insurance coverage? (gulp)

Future Snowmobiler....

For great live webcams, check out www.absolutesnowmobiles.com
And, hey! Thanks for maintaining such great trails.
Us hikers, x-country skiers, and snowshoe-ers often benefit.

Just broke X-Country Ski Trail at Moss Lake - pant, pant

Snow angels on Bald - click below

snow angel

Moments before the WhitefaceWaterLoo -

See this cold mountain stream.
See Andy - safely watching.
See James - about to meet his WhiteFaceWaterloo....
(you can guess the rest!)
note: temperature: 5 degrees or so
note: water temperature? James is about to find out.

Winter Wonderland atop Bald Mountain this morning

Fallen Angels

Do fallen angels ever sleep?

Spread good vibes.

Please email stories or photos about your favorite outdoor activity or experience here in the central Adirondacks!
Love to share them with others (especially my niece, Jamie - in hospital in Rochester, NY)
Write catherinelight@bluelinebydesign.com. Thanks a bunch.

Leave Only Footprints - Take Only Memories

I heartily ascribe to the wisdom
"Leave Only Footprints - Take Only Memories"

However, like anything - there can be wonderful exceptions.
Last fall, I came upon this beautiful bouquet left behind in the crotch of a tree half way up Bald Mountain.
It has left a fine footprint upon my memory,
and warms me this cold December night.
I was feeling rather lonely until I came upon this photo again...
a gift.
Thought I'd pass it along...
(it IS December, after all!)

Join Eagle Bay Photo/Hiking Meetup Group

James has decided to help facilitate my Eagle Bay Photography group on www.Meetup.com
Check out this website, which is organized by interests. Want to fine a local dance group in the area? Or want to get form your own interest group and meet others interested in the same thing? This is a great site! www.Meetup.com

SnowShoe-ing White Face Mountain

My first hike of the high-peaks.
James Lewis, new to Adirondacks, has just moved to the Adirondacks with his new girlfriend Paula. They share my passion for photography and hiking. Jim suggested this hike, wanting to "do" all 46 high peaks. Well - "Why not?" - I thought.
So, at 4:30 am yesterday, I packed snowshoes rented at MountainMan Outdoors (a real deal at $16 daily) and met James in Long Lake. The adventure began when his KIA sank into two feet of mud and water at the trailhead.
Then continued as Andy did the same. Not a good thing for a dog in 5 degree weather. Worse for a person.
James will confirm.
After we trekked a delightful 3 1/2 miles we met our "water"loo.
Specifically, the trail has a lot of 'blowdowns'
and many mountain streams to cross. Too many.
In fact, after three successful crossings - on flimsy logs and slippery poles that have been haphazdly thrown across the stream, I suggested we were pushing our luck, the time and the weather conditions.
James reluctantly agreed... then promptly fell off the log he was using to fiord the stream one last time. James was baptized.
A real trooper - we made it back down without further incident

Thendara Golf Club - cross country skiing

Wonderful skiing this week - with the right wax, that is!

Skiing at Thendara Golf Course

One of the more popular cross country ski places in the Old Forge area is at the Thendara Golf Club (Directions). Although privately owned, skiiers are welcome - and it is a very popular spot. this week, we had a healthy 5 inch snow fall, and are looking for more. Some rolling hills - and great places for a warm brew following the ski are nearby. I suggest Frankie's restaurant for GREAT Italian, and www.mountainmanoutdoors.com.
Both places are nearby on Rt. 28 as you enter Old Forge. A nice advantage to renting both snowshoes and skiis are Mountainman is that you can apply all your rental fees in a three month period to the purchase of either snowshoes, skiis, bikes, whatever. How cool is that?

On the secret anniversaries of the heart . . .

The holiest of all holidays are those Kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart, When the full river of feeling overflows; The happy days unclouded to their close; The sudden joys that our of darkness start As flames from ashes; swift desires that dart Like swallows singing down each wind that blows! - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

pure whimsy -

What a wonderful world... (Click Here!)

To Fourth Lake

Oh - for a healthy snow cover...

Just on the way out for the first cross country ski of the year. We had enough snow last night to warrant the effort.... at least on packed road surfaces or hard paths...
will ski near Fourth Lake.

By the way, to see the video below, click on arrow on left.
This blog is to share my love of the central Adirondacks. You will hear me mention Jamie upon occasion. The bubble'd prayers from atop Rocky Mountain were for her, and others like her.

Bubble'd Well-Wishes From Atop Rocky Mountain

Click on arrow...

Jam Session - Adirondack-style (a littly campy, in other words)

One of the things I am looking forward to this year is promoting the work of Pamme (pronounced "Pammie") Swan, an Adirondack folksinger. She recorded this in my office/studio last night - late. In her jammies, actually. So this was truly a "jam" session, yes? Give the phrase "jammie with pammie" more meaning, somehow! Check out her website www.pammeswan.com, and if you want to book her for a special event, hey, let me know! She is currently writing up a storm, and has on her agenda the composition of a song honoring Anne LaBastille, whose book is mentioned below. Ann, I told you that we would be having words!

Still shot from video... oh, my

while trying to figure out how to post a video of the Bubble Prayers..
this still shot was taken from the live video of the bubble prayers...
and - my ... DOUBLE CLICK on the image...
it shows movement...
apart from me and the prayers I winged Jamie's way.
It is stunning... and seems to capture the SPIRIT of the place and the event...
you can actually SEE movement in this shot.. movement...
that I was unable to experience while
offering the bubble prayers on her behalf.
No, I did not doctor this photo. Don't have time, for one thing.
I don't mean to get all mystical here...
I have really become quite the realist (thank you, 9/11/2001)
but there is something going on in this world, beyond which we experience with the naked eye -
or exposed heart... that is undefinable, and should remain so.
but it is there...

Bubble Prayers From Rocky Mountain, Inlet, NY

A grey walk to the top of Rocky Mountain to complete a mission, and engage in yet one more.
Having just made sand angels on the shores of the Pacific -
it was time to come back and send angel prayers to Jamie (see below) from atop Rocky Mountain. Andy, pictured - had just launched himself off my nose while I was making this angel.
I was still rubbing my sore nose while taking this shot, atop Rocky.
We then proceeded to launch Bubble Prayers! I am praying alot for Jamie, who is preparing for bone marrow transplant from hospital in Rochester, NY.

No Place Like (No) Home

On freezing up...

My good friend Joanna sent me a copy of this book after visiting me here early fall.
I read it mid-flight on the the trip to and from southern California - and it kept me connected to this place I now call home.
I thought of it again tonight, because I let the wood fire almost extinguish as I worked. Every time I flounder at my efforts at living and eeking (EEK!) a livelihood in the Adirondacks, I will be saying to myself "Annie could have done it!" or "What would Annie say?". Jeez- I couldn't build a log cabin by myself if my life depended on it...
I don't even like emptying mousetraps.
I'm 53 and long ago decided that the women's lib movement was not all it was cracked up to be. Anne LaBastille (French for "fortress", yes?) begins her book with a chapter entitled "No Home" and says this about the November I am experiencing in my own fashion: "the freeze-up is a prelude to hardship" . . . No wonder I relished the trip to southern California for thanksgiving! I grinned wickedly when I returned to hear that the thermometer had dropped to 6 degrees while I was gone....talk about 6 degrees of separation! I am glad I missed it. That morning I had been on a beach wishing I had brought along my wet suit to join the surfers.
I have been anxious about the approaching winter.
My niece, Jamie (see below) is struggling with leukemia, my business is a challenge. It's the holidays and my nearest family is hundreds of miles away.
What do I do to face the unknown?
Walk. Talk....."balk" and "sulk" have their way with me now and again.
Now I have Anne, who I am told lives quite near here.

Mmmmmmm.
She and I will have words this winter.

Home! Andy here I come!

Leaving Albandy to pick up Andy - who has suffered "Kennelship" this week (of course, when I left him he was enjoying his roomie, an older woman (Brittany Spaniel). Andy, we WALK...no, we CLIMB today!

Introducing a great High Peaks hiking site...

An avid Adirondack 46er has a website I highly recommend to everyone -
called www.AdirondackJourney.com
Joel has posted images and information gleaned from every trip up the Adirondack 46 - the peaks over 4000 ft. found within the Adirondack Park. Hats off, Joel! When I need to know how to hang a bear bag, I'll be visiting your site!

A new BLOG - for travels beyond the Blue Line!

This blogspot will remain devoted to the Adirondacks - and its residents.
Upon occasion, I cross boundaries - and leave the Blue Line.
I have now set up several other blogspots for tracking these trips.
If interested in tales of escapades beyond the bounds of the Blue Line, click on
http://beyondtheblueline.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!

Jamie - My camera froze up when hiking Rocky Mountain in the Adirondacks - so I was unable to take a photo of the snow angel I made for you on the top of the mountain. Well, here I am in Long Beach, California... and you now have your own SAND angel in the sands of the Pacific! Love, Aunt Cathy

Home is in your mind?

In a few hours, I will be air born... heading to California. Strange phrase... "air born". What is born in air, mid flight? Thoughts? Wishes? Hopes?
Read the earlier posting with a quote below by Emerson. He also said, "Home is in your mind." Emerson hated to be quoted, however - and tried to dissuade others from quoting himself and others.

I miss home already. You can quote me on that, but don't.

If "home is in your mind", however - then I am not REALLY leaving it behind, am I? ( On second thought - grin - if you remember Steve Martin's silly film "The Man With Two Brains" - maybe it is possible to miss home with one brain, and "bring it along with you" with your second brain). Which brain do I ship "first class"?

If what we photograph and share with others is a reflection of who we are and what is important to us... it seems apparent that I am committed to my new home in the central Adirondacks.
This blogspace will soon include stories of the creative people I am meeting here as well.

I am committed to this place.
I may leave it, but it won't leave me.
Today I fly to visit my boys on the west coast to experience the places they now call home. I feel blessed to be spending time with them. You don't need to quote me on that. But please do.

My immediate neighborhood - Eagle Bay

This is where I take Andy for short walks. What a beautiful world....

Ralph Waldo Emerson:

There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us. 'Tis good to give a stranger a meal, or a night's lodging. 'Tis better to be hospitable to his good meaning and thought, and give courage to a companion. We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of a good light.

Almost every morning that I walk, I am greeted by an act of generosity offered by a stranger. A simple walking stick. You find them everywhere. I admit that, upon occasion - I have taken them and used them later to help start a fire. . . and feel terribly guilty about doing so. So I offer this as a thank you for the gratitude of strangers who have unknowingly not only provided me an aide by which to ascend some peak, or walk some path yet to be discovered, but who have also provided the tinder for warmth and comfort following the hike. And Andy, who loves nothing better to lie in front of a fire pondering ... well, who knows what? - is also deeply grateful. Just ask him sometime.

A rocky beginning at Rocky Point

Partway up - Rocky Pt., Inlet

The Little
Engine That (Almost) Could...

My camera froze solid on the climb up to make a snow angel - so, Andy and I climbed, then slipped, tripped, and sledded back down... will climb again with new batteries tomorrow! Stay tuned! More pics coming... plus this great quote about climbing by Shel Silverstein...

"He was almost there, when... Smash! Crash! Bash!
He slid down and mashed into engine hash
the little engine that almost could."

I climb for you today, Jamie

Hi, Jamie! I hope you are able to read this today. I am just about to leave and climb up a (little) mountain near here called Rocky Point. Remember, tomorrow I will post some pictures so you can experience the climb "virtually" with Andy and I, on-line! So, off we go... Warm coffee in a mug for when we climb back down, and biscuits for Andy in my pocket! I hope we make it - it is very snowy and cold - but there is a great place on top for making giant snow angels. Cheerio, love! - Aunt Cathy, and Andy the dog.

King Arthur Flour Falling (Moss Lake)

An Arthurian Morn at Moss Lake, Big Moose Road, Eagle Bay

This blogspot is a test for me... and I even gave up my early morning walk this morning to test this technology. I obviously have a few kinks to work out - and the technology threatens to overwhelm the beauty of the imagery, not add to it... so give me some time. Actually, it is something I have just run out of... ciao!

My mood, tonight

Passion

"I want to be with people who know secret things, or else alone." - Rilke

Lately, most of my walks have been alone.
Well, almost alone: I walk with my trusted companion, Andy.
Andy is always happy. Always.
He springs high with delight when excited - and it seems to take very little to
stimulate that excitement. A mysterious aroma on the breeze, a sudden sound from within the woods...
Andy is an 8 month old springer spaniel.
He has been a godsend.

With him, every morning walk is a delight.
And with my camera, I try to capture those things that make my soul spring as high as Andy's leaps. Seeing this shot from partway up Bald Mountain, taken last month, cheers me. The colors have faded from the face of Bald... to rusts, golds, subtle gray.

And now the light is fading on yet another day.