First Week at Mount van Hoevenberg

Finally, I found a downhill turn that I can take flat out. It’s the sweeping right hander that takes you into Mount van Hoevenberg’s biathlon range. Look around the corner, where you want to go. In the name of all that’s holy, don’t look down at your ski tips. Step lively in the apex. The transition back to diagonal stride is a challenge.

Pitchoff and Whiteface
Whiteface in the clouds

A few months ago, I moved to Saranac Lake. I’m getting used to the rhythm of life in the north country. I should have known better, but I dilly-dallied with pre-season ski prep. So as Mount van Ho and other northeast ski centers open, I’m still organizing my quiver.

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Hurricane Mountain Hike

After two weeks of shuttling back and forth between states, I’m finally settled in my new place in Saranac Lake. It’s still unsettled, as I have more books than shelves. As many guitars as chairs. That can be easily rectified with the acquisition of additional guitars. Fear not, gentle reader: I have more skis in than guitars. I’ve set up the wax station in the basement.

Although the weather was sketchy, I’d be returning to NJ for band practice for the weekend. Wednesday seemed the day for an excursion to Big Crown and Little Crow mountains in Keene. Early October in the Adirondacks isn’t as benign as back in NJ. In the morning, I frittered away time rooting around for micro spikes, mitten shells, and other items that would come in handy above treeline.

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Hudson Highlands State Park Hike

On an odd Sunday in July, I wasn’t working for a change, and the weather was good. After having driven through three monsoons in five days, I was ready for a day in the woods. I kicked around various destinations, including the Schaeffer trail up Gore, and the Taconic Hereford multiple use area.

view of West Point
West Point from the Hudson Highlands

Waking up at 6:30 put the kibosh on Gore. Decades ago, I’d climbed Breakneck Ridge near Cold Spring NY, and as I finished my coffee, I decided I’d check out Hudson Highlands State Park.

I followed my nose to a small trailhead just off Route 301 outside Cold Spring. Unloader brace? Check. Heart rate monitor? Check. Hydration vest? Check. Off we go.

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