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Easy Short Adirondack Hikes: Sawyer Mountain Indian Lake/Blue Mountain Lake

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By Diane Chase Sawyer Mountain  Distance = 1.1 mile Elevation  =  Elevation  = 2,600' Vertical Ascent  = 640' Location: Between Indian Lake and Blue Mountain Lake (Hamilton County) Sawyer Mountain’s 1.1-mile climb is popular with a wide age set and we are no different. The parking lot has only one car as ours pulls in but we’ve been told it will soon fill up. My son signs us in at the trailhead register and we start the modest ascent to the summit. We soon catch up to the owners of the lone vehicle. The first thing we are asked is if the walk is going to be worth it. We have never been here before but our answer is a resounding yes. The trailhead and for most of the walk we are under a canopy of hardwoods. Mud from a recent rain provides a few obstacles but nothing we can’t handle. My daughter is rather curious about value added onto a climb. “Is it worth what,” she questions in a stage whisper, “money?” She is a typical six-year-old in that she realizes

What is the difference between the Old and New Wind Chill Formulas?

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National Weather Service Windchill Chart Weather channels and news organizations are still making reference to the "old" wind chill formulas. Wind Chill describes the rate of heat loss on the human body resulting from the combined effect of low temperature and wind. As wind increases the internal body temperature is driven down at a faster fast, quickly reducing the exterior and interior body temperatures.   The "old" wind chill formula was first instilled in the 1940s and based on the research from Antarctic explorers Siple and Passel. The Siple and Passell formula was implemented through a series of observations on freeze times of plastic cylinders filled with water and placed in differing temperatures and wind speeds.  This old system did not take in consideration that the human body produces its own heat, unlike the plastic containers. In addition, weather stations measure wind speed, the basis for the WCT index , at a height of 33 feet where it is oft

Strangers On A Bridge – Cold War Attorney James Donovan’s Granddaughter Reflects on His Legacy

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Strangers on A Bridge by James B. Donovan “I decided to keep a diary on the case…on what would appear to be my most challenging assignment of law since the Nuremberg Trials.”   ~ James B. Donovan, Strangers on a Bridge : The Case of Colonel Abel   Nowadays one would be hard pressed to find someone who has not heard of the historic role of Cold War attorney James Donovan , the subject of the Steven Spielberg’s six-time Oscar nominated film, Bridge of Spies . One Google search, a subscription to Time , The Wall Street Journal,   The New York Times or any other newsfeed provides enough information to fill a term paper or at the very least a few paragraphs of this post.  Donovan’s granddaughter Beth Amorosi recalls when that wasn’t always the situation.  An untimely death in 1970 of a heart attack at the age of 53 pushed her grandfather’s legacy to the bottom of the history pages, into the footnotes.  “Over the years my family was somewhat actively trying to revitali

DEC and Long Lake Move Snowmobilers From Canoe Carry to New Route Between Raquette Lake and Forked Lake

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A new route outlines snowmobile travel between Outlet Bay and North Pt Rd between Maquette Lake and Forked Lake  The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that snowmobiles can no longer travel on the Raquette Lake Canoe Carry trail  between Outlet Bay of Raquette Lake and North Point Road,  which is on a private driveway and private road. The DEC only has a deeded right away for non-motorized public use.  Any snowmobilers traveling between Raquette Lake and Forked Lake in the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest must use the new designated snowmobile trail  (see map) between Outlet Bay and the North Point Road located 1.2 miles west of the Raquette Lake Canoe Carry and 1.6 miles of North Point Road between the designated snowmobile trail and the Forked Lake Canoe Carry Road. The new trail is marked with red markers and directional signs.  The Forked Lake Canoe Carry Road between North Point Road and Forked Lake remains open to snowmobiles.

Adirondack Ice Bowl Pond Hockey: Inlet's Winter Escapades

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The Adirondack Ice Bowl near The Woods Inn, Inlet My family and I’ve played some rousing games of pond hockey. Since none of us have ever played on a team, we are a bit lackadaisical with the rules. Camaraderie ties with competition every time.  That certainly seems to be the case when it comes to the Adirondack Ice Bowl in Inlet. Camaraderie is what pulls people back the shores of Fourth Lake every year, but it’s the fun competition that keep people in the game.  Adirondack Ice Bowl: January 29-30, 2016 at The Woods Inn, Inlet The Adirondack Ice headquarters is located at the historic Woods Inn where spectators and competitors can warmup in a variety of ways from Sky Box viewing to a lakeside pavilion. The two-day event (with Sunday held in reserve for inclement weather) starts today, Thursday, January 28 with registration at the  Screamen Eagle  and a captain’s meeting.

Ice Skating Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake Ice Track Loop

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My family tries to attend Ottawa’s Wi nterlude , which starts this weekend January 29-February 15, 2016, each year to skate on the canal.  From end to end the whole maintained portion is about 5.0-miles. We’ve rented sleighs, stopped for picnics, and enjoyed hot chocolate at one of the stands. Now Lake Placid has a smaller version of the Rideau Canal, with less fuss.  I’ve skated various segments of the 2-mile weaving path over a frozen Mirror Lake a few times now and with each opportunity I see people utilizing the ice track differently. Two young hockey players passing the puck to each other the length of the track, certainly put me to shame. A dog the size of a small stuffed animal pulled another woman around. Other people have walked around the lake without skates, sticking to the unplowed edge. I love how it isn’t for just one purpose. Everyone has managed to make the place another way to interact with winter sports.

Picture Quote: Martin Luther King, Jr. "I have a dream that little children will one day live..."

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 I Have A Dream ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.  " I have a dream that little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin,  but by the content of their character.  "

Three Kings' Day (Rosca de Reyes) Bread Recipe

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Our tradition is to take down the Christmas tree on Three Kings' Day (January 6). The kings have been traveling around our house, searching for the Creche. When they arrive we will all celebrate with bread and hot chocolate while packing up ornaments.  There are healthier versions of sweetbread but I feel the treat of of this bread combined with the sadness of taking down our tree is worth the extra crunches.   I hide a few pieces of chocolate in the bread. Traditionally a porcelain doll (symbolizing the baby Jesus) is used and the person finding it has to throw the next year's party. In our house who ever finds a piece of candy gets a special wish. Surprisingly enough each of my children usually find the lucky gift.  Three Kings' Bread Recipe

Adirondack Family Time Guidebook for the Champlain Valley: Plattsburgh to Ticonderoga

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By Diane Chase Here is the cover for the 2nd Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook. This guide for the Adirondack Champlain Valley and other Adirondack Family Time guides can be found at Barnes and Nobles , Amazon and a local book store near you! This guidebook for the Champlain Valley from Plattsburgh to Ticonderoga covers the towns of Plattsburgh, Ausable Forks, Elizabethtown, Keeseville, Willsboro, Essex, Westport, Port Henry, Crown Point and Ticonderoga. The four-season guide has  over 300 activities 58   easy hikes  and walks 33 swimming areas and waterfalls 30 museums 46 playgrounds/parks 75 trivia questions 15 inside or nature games  40 ice cream parlors and bakeries with sleigh rides, snow shoe trails, farmers markets, performing arts and more © Diane Chase, author of Adirondack Family Time: Tri-Lakes and High Peaks (Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities) for the towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Jay/Upper Jay, Wilmington, Keen

Craft: Five Ways to Make Reindeer Food (magical)

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We don't leave just cookies and milk out for Santa. We want to make sure the reindeer have enough energy to travel around the world in one crazy night. We are always looking for ways to get Santa's reindeer off the roof and into our backyard. Honestly, I believe that the reindeer are a bit intimidated by all of the wild deer. One way to bring the reindeer a little closer would be to set off some of their favorite foods. Since reindeer are similar to regular deer, we made a mix that would be good for the reindeer, birds and whitetail deer. Please make sure you sprinkle reindeer food only on your own property because it will attract other wildlife such as birds and larger mammals. Also check on your area regulations on domesticated animals or wildlife, including Santa's reindeer. First to make sure you don't put out items for animals that kill, choke or harm them in any way. That includes processed sugars, glitter or plastics. Reindeer Food Recipe

Craft: How to Make a Felt or paperclip Ice Skate Ornament

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My daughter was home sick today so she helped me make our latest Christmas felt ornament. We created two versions, one out of wool felt and the other out of paper. The felt version is a bit complicated, but not so challenging that my 11-year-old with a stomach bug couldn't complete it. The paper version is a great option for younger children who can use scissors and glue. Parents may still want to lend a hand, because it's fun to make together!

Recycle Christmas Holiday Lights, Batteries, Cars and Electronics for Charity or Trade-in!

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I use 'holiday lights" all year long. It isn't any wonder that I have to replace those strings of lights with regularity. One pesky missing light and the whole string makes my house look like it has a black eye. If you have noticed, similar " The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" that  " there's a  light  on this  tree  that won't  light  on one side." please DO NOT just throw away your strands of lights.  Below are some places near and far that recycle lights. Some even offer a discount on the next string of holiday lights. Now doesn't that put you in the holiday spirit!  As we start decorating for the holidays you also may take notice if your string of twinkle lights are no longer working, please don't throw the lights in the trash. Look for places that can reuse and recycle!  HOLIDAYLED , out of Elms Grove, WI, recycles old Christmas lights and gives you a 15% discount on your next order. You do have to pay for shipping.  Ac

Craft: Angel, Star, Tree and Snowman Paper Chain

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How to make a paper chain: Materials : paper*, scissors, pen/pencil, Adirondack Family Time Christmas Template The paper can be as heavy or fancy as you wish. I used the comics as it was colorful and we could dig out something from our recycle bin. Kids of all ages can do this indoor activity. I made the template a bit large so that little hands could help with cutting. This is a good exercise for eye-hand coordination.