Buck Mountain, NY: 6/28/10

TR submitted by Fujative:

On June 28th, our group met at RockSport at 8:30 am, sorted gear, and headed over to Stewart's Ledges on Buck Mountain on the East shore of Lake George.

Lake Minnewaska, NY: 6/27/10

Posted by Jamesdeluxe:

Since moving to the NYC area in 1997, I've made several dozen trips to Lake Minnewaska State Park near New Paltz, and the place never disappoints.

Awosting Falls

Upper Hudson Rail Trail

Friends of the Upper Hudson Rail Trail is a group that formed late last year to promote the conversion of the old National Lead rail line in the Adirondacks, into a bike trail.

The trail would follow the line that was used to transport iron from the Tahawas mining operation during World War II. The right-of-way begins in North Creek and makes its way along the Hudson and Boreas River valleys, until it reaches the old mine in the southern High Peaks.

My love affair with Adirondacks started in the 1970s when I began cycle touring the mountains. I loved the views and the water everywhere. But I soon tired of the sections of road without shoulders, and the interaction with traffic in some of the busier parts of the park. This bike trail could provide a 29-mile stretch of beautiful, peaceful Adirondack bike riding.

Friday Fantasy Photo #4

Twister Glades • Gore Mountain, NY • Mar 6, 2010

Quebec Earthquake felt across NY State

An Earthquake centered in southern Quebec was felt across the North Country this afternoon. The tremor took place around 1:45pm and was reported by various sources to be between 5.0 and 5.7 in magnitude. It was measured at 5.0 by the US Geologic Survey.

Various news reports detailed minor shaking and minimal damage across the Adirondacks in New York State. According to the Associated Press reports of shaking came from Buffalo to Albany to Massena, along the Saint Lawrence River. CBC reported more significant damage in Bowman, Quebec, near the epicenter.

Hook Mountain, NY: 6/22/10

Posted by Jason:

People think that since we live only 40 minutes north of New York City, we are surrounded by concrete and suburban sprawl. Hook Mountain has great views of the Tappan Zee bridge, and on a clear day, you can see the city.

Friday Fantasy Photo #3

Rochester Mark • Gore Mountain, NY • Mar 20, 2010

Hunter Mountain Zip Line

by Jamesdeluxe

Over the past week, Hunter Mountain in the Catskills unveiled its much-awaited year-round attraction: zipline tours. Jason, I, and 20 other thrillseekers met with New York Zipline Adventures principal partner Bradd Morse, who, over a 27-year career, has helped design and operate canopy tours all over the world.

After leading us to the equipment office to sign an extensive release and provide us with a specialized harness and helmet, we boarded a custom built "Zipline Limo" and were transported to the mid-mountain tour area.

Friday Fantasy Photo #2

Powderqueen in Cirque • Gore Mountain, NY • Dec 20, 2008

Send your fantasy photos to: harvey44@nyskiblog.com

ORDA Budget Update

With the early season pass discount deadline looming on June 17, we took the plunge yesterday and laid down our money for two full passes. I'd assume early deadline passholders are curious about the budget. But from what I've heard, passes are selling at a normal pace.

I found an article in the Press Republican, dated yesterday, that reported on a recent meeting of the Essex County Board of Supervisors. Ted Blazer, ORDA CEO, seemed confident that ORDA would operate in some fashion next season. The state has been passing weekly "emergency extender bills" to keep the government running and ORDA has been included.

According to the article in the Press Republican:

"The Senate version of the budget would end state funding for ORDA, Gov. David Paterson's budget would give $5.6 million to ORDA, and the Assembly version would give it the same $6.6 million it received previously."

Ted expects the Gore Mountain Interconnect to be done by the start of the 2010/2011 season. And he's also optimistic about the completion of the Lake Placid conference center. Construction has been put on hold due to the budget situation. For more detail see the full Press Republican article.

Nick Z Productions Update

We first profiled the snowmaking of Nick Z Productions back in April. Now he's hit the big time. Nick Z put together a photo/essay presentation about his snow making escapades last winter and submitted it to SNOWatHOME, his primary gun supplier.

Now Nick is the grand prize winner of the SNOWatHOME Photo Contest. The prize is full reimbursement for his gun. Nice Nick!

Friday Fantasy Photo #1

Jason on Freefall • Plattekill, NY • Feb 27, 2010