How did the states establish long straight borders before GPS?

Of interest to any of us who use maps, determine true north from magnetic north, or cop out and rely on a GPS – click here to read a humorous take on the history of mapping.

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Introduction to Cross Country Skiing at Harriet Hollister Jan 16 or Feb 6

This class will get you started on the right track as you learn how to cross country ski this winter! The Pack, Paddle, Ski lesson will have you sliding and gliding on the snow in no time at all. The enjoyable instruction accelerates learning. This fun class will have you coming back for more!
Meets at [...]

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A New (Old?) Way to Save the Environment

Here’s a new trend in England. As hikers we’ve been doing this for years. Is it now time to bring the practice home? Click here to read: Should gardeners urinate outdoors?

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Winter Events at The Mountaineer in Keene Valley

The nights are cold again in Keene Valley and the folks at The Mountaineer are getting excited about ice and snow: They should be climbing, skiing and snowshoeing in a matter of weeks.  Their winter events schedule is taking shape, and there will be more opportunities than ever before to join them and take a [...]

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DEC Offering a “Becoming an Outdoorswoman” Workshop, Jan 29-31, 2010

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the second annual winter “Becoming an Outdoorswoman” workshop will be held the weekend of Jan. 29-31, 2010, at the Rensselaerville Meeting Center, Albany County. This is 17th year that DEC has offered these types of workshops; more than 2,500 women have already [...]

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Proper Backcountry Bathroom Etiquette

An opinion article by MIKE LYNCH, Enterprise Outdoors Writer, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, link to original post
If you’ve visited any high-use camping areas such as the High Peaks Wilderness, St. Regis Canoe Area or Bog River, you may have encountered, just off the trail, a minefield of toilet paper off a side trail – or worse, [...]

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Learn Ice Climbing in Middlesex Jan 30

Frozen waterfalls. Vertical Ice. Climbing ever higher. Nearby we have some great ice! This is a great way to add adventure to your winter! You will learn how to put on crampons, tie into a rope and use ice tools to climb a perfect beginner’s climb. Just walking up the gully to the frozen falls [...]

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Wilderness first aid

Click here to read about Gillian Scott’s experiences with wilderness first aid and some upcoming courses.

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Practice regular maintenance with your hiking boots

Hiking boots endure a significant wear and tear while exploring the great outdoors, so they need plenty of care off the trail. Hikers should perform the following tasks to keep boots durable and comfortable.
- Use oil-based waterproofing on leather boots. Apply silicone-based waterproofing to synthetic boots. If boots have a Gore-Tex lining, use a silicon-based [...]

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Stand Up Paddling … Time To Sit Down

by Sue Freeman
It seems to be all the rage. I keep seeing mentions of the new paddling sport called stand up paddling. It started with surfers paddling out to meet the waves. The equipment and techniques got revised and fine tuned and has now emerged as a whole new sport. Intriguing, I thought. I’d like [...]

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