To me, summer means long treks into the backcountry. As any serious outdoors adventurer can attest, there isn't a single "correct" way to do that, although there are some guidelines worth adhering to. Those aside, outdoor exploration is a realm of self-sufficiency, an endeavor where tricks are acquired through conversation and experience.

Long days outside means there's no easy way to get food or water. A small, pump-style water filter makes filling up on the trail easy. The filter is lighter than carrying several liters of water, and the streams here are ice cold year-round.

For food, I rely on things that don't go bad. I also consider weight, as a day spent hiking a dozen miles over several summits requires energy, and food isn't necessarily light. That's where dehydrating comes in. The early spring months are a great time to stock up on dried food, and since the prep time is minimal it's easy to do yourself.

Dying to dry

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To dry food, all you really need is a food dehydrator and a couple of basic kitchen items, like a mandoline or power slicer, which will ensure everything is the same thickness. That's important to get uniformly dried results.

There are differing opinions on how to prep fruits and vegetables for dehydrating. Some foods, like potatoes, always require some prep before being dried. Typically, blanching — that's a brief plunge in boiling water — or steaming is all that's necessary. But there is a debate about whether or not to prep other foods, like carrots and bananas, and it seems to center around two things: How old your machine is and whether you care about what the finished product looks like.

The age of the machine seems to be the main issue. Older machines took longer to fully dry foods, so many iterms had to be pre-treated to prevent them from spoiling before they were fully dried. Ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfate dissolved in water was often used.

Lightly colored items, like apples, tend to brown a bit when dried unless they're treated. The browning doesn't affect anything but the look of the apple chip, which is why food purists opt not to use them. And therein lies the debate: If pre-treatment isn't necessary, why do it?

A chip on my shoulders

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I've never been a big fan of potato chips, but veggie chips are a totally different thing. They don't taste exactly like the veggies they're made from. Eating a beet chip isn't the same as taking a bite out of a beet. The sugar-filled root vegetable actually has a sweet taste in chip form. I've found things like carrots, turnips, and radishes to have a similar sweet taste when dried.

Veggie chips are easy to make. Simply slice them to the same thickness — no thicker than a quarter inch is best — and lay them on the tray of the food dehydrator so they aren't overlapping. Flipping or rotating the food isn't necessary; the spaces in the trays will alleviate that. Set the temperature to 125 degrees and walk away for four to eight hours, depending on the humidity in the air. The higher the humidity, the longer foods will take to dry. The best way to gauge humidity is to check your local weather online. There should be a humidity percentage on the web page that you can use.

The nice thing about dehydrating is it isn't tricky to do successfully. Much like crock pot cooking, there's a huge margin of error. In other words, things don't go from almost done to burnt in 10 seconds like they do when stir frying. Keep an eye on the food and set a timer. When it's dry, it's done. It's as simple as that.

Get creative

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I love veggie chips, but that's not all a food dehydrator can do. Fruits can be sliced or cubed, whole green beans cut to uniform length make a great dried snack, and fruit roll-ups can be made by pureeing fruit, spreading it on a nonstick sheet, and drying it like the chips.

And then there's jerky. Chewy, delicious jerky. It's easy to make. Simply whip up a marinade, slice the meat — beef, chicken, venison, fish, ham, turkey — and marinate it overnight. The next day, pull the strips out of the marinade, let the excess liquid drip off, lay them on the trays, and dehydrate at 155 degrees until dry.

Don't be intimidated by the marinade. The basic components are water, salt, and some kind of flavoring. Liquid smoke adds a great taste to the meat, as does cracked pepper, garlic, ginger, and Tabasco sauce.

You can go classic

Marinate 3 to 4 pounds of meat in the following:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. cracked pepper
• 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke

Or try something different

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• 2 tsp. ground ginger root
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt

The best method is to follow a recipe then adjust accordingly until it suits your taste. Dried meat is an excellent, lightweight option for long day hikes and backpacking trips. Spend a few nights making batches in the spring and you'll have plenty for your summer hikes.

A full spread?

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I haven't delved into the world of making dehydrated main courses yet, but I know it can be done. I've seen recipes for things like dehydrated beef stroganoff and pad Thai that probably taste like a thick slice of heaven around a backcountry campfire. It makes sense — dehydrated foods can be reconstituted by soaking them in boiling water and some things, like herbs and leafy greens, don't even need to be soaked. Simply add them to anything that contains hot water and they'll bounce right back.

Looking for a vitamin packed beverage at the end of a long hike? Dehydrate some spinach or my favorite spicy green, arugula, break it up, and add it to warm water for a nutritious trailside tea. Want to make it more like soup? Stir some powdered bullion into the water along with a couple of dried minced vegetables. Onion and parsnip come to mind.

Be careful when trying any of the above suggestions, though. Once you begin dehydrating, it's difficut to stop. Happy drying!

There are plenty of hikes in the Schroon Lake Region to bring your deydrated food on. When you're finished and ready for something more substantial, swing by one of our restaurants and treat yourself to a well-deserved meal.

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The Adirondacks Spring Into Action this week:

Top tips for 3 cool activities

Couch to ouch to 5k

Paddling Q & A

Run through history

Easy storage steps for winter gear

5 trails to reach your goal

2 wheels, countless routes

If we dream of a delightful destination wedding, the Schroon Lake area has all the places we'd want to get away to. Our resorts have been catering to people, and making their dreams come true, for over a hundred years. If practice makes perfect, we can claim some awesome credentials.

As seen in these wedding photos from a local studio, Bird On A Wire Photography, we'll make choosing the destination for that wedding as easy as one -- two -- three!

1. Choose a gorgeous place

Gorgeousness abounds in the Schroon Lake Region. It is easy to find a lovely setting for almost any size of gathering.

We have plenty of wilderness, but it is also accessible. From lovely Schroon Lake which is a part of its namesake town, to classic resorts and beautifully maintained public spaces, the Adirondacks have been a place where people have celebrated for a century.

There are forests and lakes and mountains, but there are also resorts and restaurants and charming old inns.

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There's a wide variety of lodging, from the sweep of Elk Lake Lodge, a private resort on its own lake, to charming B&B's which are just right for an intimate family occasion. Most of them have their own amenities, like gazebos, docks, and common spaces, which are available to organize ceremonies and receptions.

There are also public spaces with plenty of room, beautiful views, and limitless sky. With nature as our canvas, we can take advantage of the beauty provided and let much of the decorating take care of itself.

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Schroon Lake has a town beach with a gazebo for some lovely backdrops. The Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club has a warm, paneled meeting space in a rustic setting that is still near plenty of services.

Nearby Gore Mountain is a ski resort in winter, and a stunning facility and grounds for special occasions in the summer. The town of Minerva has beautiful parks, pavilions, and a town beach available for groups.

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Even many of our campgrounds have more amenities and meeting spaces than we might think. The Medcalf Acres Riverside Resort have camping cabins and RV spaces. Scaroon Manor is a state campground with an open air theater space that was featured in the movie "Marjorie Morningstar."

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The Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb has easily reached trails along with meeting facilities which lets couples craft a wonderful expression of their love for each other, and their love for nature. Newcomb also has a town beach and a scenic overlook that is stunning, just right for a ceremony and picture taking.

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We can shape the event in ways which have meaning to us.

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A couple can make a "wild wedding" both memorable, and comfortable, for their guests, while enjoying the benefits of peaceful surroundings and a sense of privacy like no other.

2. Choose the Adirondack attitude

We aren't the place for a lot of fretting and stress. We're the place people go to get away from all that.
Destination weddings evoke the warmth and closeness of family. Summer vacations in the Schroon Lake region have brought families closer for decades, in relaxed surroundings during long lazy days.

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That same sweet feeling can make for an extraordinary event that contains all the popular Adirondack elements which we welcome you to make a part of your special day.
There's:

Informality - where we can dress "Adirondack casual," even at a wedding. Let our guests feel as relaxed as we are.

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Playfulness - seat the guests at picnic tables, have them line up for a buffet barbeque, do an ice cream sundae reception. The less we need to manage, the less chance of something going wrong on our big day.

We can get married barefoot if we want!

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Hospitality - by gathering all the lodging and dining in one place, we can mingle when we wish, enjoy a stroll through the forest when the spirit moves us, and easily gather together again for important parts of the day's festivities.

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Simplicity - as the saying goes, we can have anything we want. We just can't have everything we want.

It's much too easy to get caught up in doing everything, and then have a rushed and stressful day. When it is a very special day we should simply be enjoying.

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A destination wedding pares down a lot of the guest list, the complicated organizing of shuttling groups from one place to another, and being moved from one impersonal space to another.

The Adirondack way of weddings is to remind everyone of the important thing. Which is that... we're here.

3. Choose the right support

Once we have chosen our venue and taken our deep, relaxing breaths, much of the rest of our tasks can be dismissed or delegated. Making this too complicated is just going to create problems for us.

The area has a devoted business community which knows their specialties better than we do. So we can let them handle much of the logistics and execution.
Leaving us to do what we do best.

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Rocky Acres is an Adirondack B&B and sewing service willing to cheerfully fuss over a bride's gown before the ceremony and fuss over the honeymoon couple after the wedding.
Schedule a couple's massage at Schroon Lake Massage and Wellness Center.

Arrange for the bridal party to take a yoga class at True North Yoga. Get the whole wedding party team shirts at First Impressions Stitching & Sportswear.

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There are local bakeries, breweries, and catering services which can give exactly the right Adirondack touch to this most wonderful day. Then, we can choose another wonderful place in the area to have our honeymoon, or wave goodbye to our guests and not even have to unpack.

Our Adirondack way is about being one with nature, letting it lead us, and not trying no to impose control over something that is, after all, bigger than we are.

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Just as two people join themselves in something more important than they are separately, the Adirondacks can help us remember that centering ourselves in nature is where we can draw the deepest satisfaction, relaxation, and understanding.

Remember, we are not alone in this. We just, sometimes, want it to look that way.

Choose the perfect lodging for everyone. Explore the dining. Ask the Chamber about services for that dream wedding.

All photos by Bird on a Wire Photography.

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In related ADK news: Put a ring on it ADK style

Say yes to Lake Placid

Betrothed on a budget

In the heart of the ADKs

Feel the love, Adirondack style

The coolest place to tie the knot

Farm to bridal table

Unique locations, fun destinations

*Note that the Tavern at The Schroon River Falls is closed as of this blog's update, 8/1/2024

SCHROON LAKE — Clean out your cupboards, because alcohol has been outlawed in Schroon Lake.

On Thursday night, the Schroon town board voted 3-2 to re-institute Prohibition in the quaint Adirondack town.

According to the town board members who voted in favor of the decision, visitors were having too much fun, so they had to nix it.

“It’s just too much — people laughing, grinning, singing, playing all the time,” Town Grand Pubba Ike Arnell said after the vote. “This is a serious place, and we need to take it seriously.”

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The scene on the streets of Schroon Lake this morning.

The two who dissented, Town Councilors Robert Bakedman and Mara Chibbs, immediately quit the town board in disgust.

“This is absurd — it’s 2024!” Chibbs was heard declaring as she stormed out of the town hall.

The vote came despite an impassioned plea from Pammy Smitty-White, chief tour guide for the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce, who insisted that alcohol is far from the only reason people have fun when they’re in Schroon Lake.

“We have tons of hiking, paddling, fishing, boating, waterskiing, plays, live music, awesome attractions, the best beach ever, and, jeez, so many other things I can’t even list them all!” Said Smitty-White. “Seriously you guys, people have a blast here all the time, and alcohol is just one small part of that.”

Owners of the Silver Spruce Inn Bed and Breakfast spent all night preparing to reopen their famed speakeasy. Current owners Millie and Sheldon Copperwoman took a page from the B&B’s original owner, Sally Miller Smith, who bought all the liquor in three liquor stories before the country-wide Prohibition passed in 1919 and built hidden cubbies all over the B&B to stash bottles in. Smith ran a raucous speakeasy in the basement of the Silver Spruce throughout that era, complete with the bar from the original Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel in Manhattan, which she bought before the hotel was torn down to make way for the Empire State Building.

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What a lovely place for an illegal drink.

The Copperwomans have been quietly stocking up on liquor since the first whispers of teetotaling were heard in town, taking all the empty display bottles out of the hidden cubbyholes and filling them up with the real deal. The speakeasy, called the Tavern at The Schroon River Falls, is officially set to open tonight, around the time that all the town’s anti-fun residents have gone to bed. Ask around town for the secret knock to be allowed in.

“There wasn’t much of a market in speakeasies, so we didn’t bother to open that part of the establishment,” Millie said. “But thanks to those dumbasses, we’re gonna make a killing!”

The Paradox Brewery already has plans in place to take its delicious brews underground — quite literally. They’ve been digging ditches for days in the woods, and they plan to move their huge brewing tanks into an underground room that they insist no one will ever find. Plans are currently in the works to create tasting rooms out in the woods.

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The old tasting room. Drinking inside is overrated, we guess?
Sign up for the brewery’s newsletter and follow it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr, Vine, MeetUp, Tagged, Friendster, MySpace, and VK. Each day they’re open, someone from the brewery will send a message with coordinates of the tasting room to one of those networks — but you’re going to have to watch all of them, because it’ll change each time in order to keep police guessing. They’ve also buried bottles and growlers of beer throughout the region, and if you find their tasting room and want to purchase a six pack, they’ll give you coordinates for where to dig one up.

And owner Saul Frocka said he expects that even though it’ll be a little more work, his customers will put in the extra effort because they love the beer the brewery brews.

“People drool over the mention of our Beaver Bite IPA. We get beer geeks coming from California to taste our Coffee Milk Stout. I’m not too worried about it,” Frocka said.

At Sticks & Stones Bistro & Bar, the plan to skirt the law is to offer all the same amazing speciality cocktails, just list them in the menu as "virgin." The Boat House cocktail will now be listed as a Virgin Boat House, with virgin Smirnoff vodka, virgin Bacardi rum, virgin amaretto, shaken with virgin milk and topped with virgin Pepsi. The Charlie Hill will be listed as the Virgin Charlie Hill, with virgin Tito's vodka, virgin Baileys, virgin Godiva Liquor and virgin milk, shaken and served in a virgin chocolate syrup martini glass. Owner Stan Foam said he doesn't expect the authorities to catch on.

Meanwhile, managers at Flanagan’s Pub and Grill and Timberwolf Pub both said they are excited to focus their energy on their wonderful culinary offerings, rather than having to deal with ordering and buying and selling beer, liquor and wine.*

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*The preceding story is fabricated in celebration of April Fools day, popular for the commission of good-humored practical jokes of varying sophistication.

Some great (and totally legal) establishments to get a cocktail

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War Cannon Spirits

Before the days of prohibition, War Cannon Spirits' original structure stood proudly in Crown Point, New York. Now a distillery utilizing a refurbished and repurposed 200+ year old landmark building. War Cannon Spirits offers a tasting room, restaurant, indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor games, a special event space, and a retail store onsite to buy merch and other locally-crafted goods. Tuck into their tasting room, built in 1820, and indulge in delightfully revolutionary-themed cocktails like the Cannon Ball Old Fashioned, The French Quarter, or the Campfire Martini. 

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The Brown Swan at The Lodge at Schroon Lake

At Schroon Lake's beautiful lakeside resort, tuck into a meal and a wide array of drinks to choose from at the The Brown Swan at The Lodge at Schroon Lake, prohibition who? Pair your farm-to-table eats with craft beers and IPAs, or if you're feeling extra dangerous, try the bourbon mac and cheese, or the maple bourbon chicken with your drink, no one said we couldn't sneak it into the food!

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Paradox Brewery 

As we previously mentioned, Paradox Brewery is a committed and delectable choice for your next drink. And they aren't literally going underground, on the contrary, the brewery here in the Adirondack hub has never been more popular! Brewing innovative beer of the highest quality, their state-of-the-art facility near the old Frontier Town in North Hudson opened in 2020 and features a tasting room with beautiful indoor and outdoors views combined with great beer and an always lively atmosphere! Try their unique cans like the IPA, DIPA (double india pale ale), The Great Kolsch Affair Blood Orange, or the Ay Up Duck. 

Green Mountain seems to be a popular name amongst Adirondack Mountains. The name Green most likely comes from the obvious look it casts over the area. Covered in the deep greens of spruce and balsam, especially on the steep slopes of the south side of the mountain, it sure does make sense that it could be named so.

It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump from Schroon Lake, and we decided to take the approach from state Route 28N. Meeting up with my hiking buddies Melissa and Jarrod at the Stony Pond trailhead, we quickly realized that Microspikes would not be optional. There wasn’t all that much left of the snow, but it had been replaced with several areas of boilerplate ice. What snow was sticking around was also solid and nearly as dicey.

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It was difficult to say how much snowmobile traffic this trail gets in the winter, but it was certain that DEC trail crews and operations were helping them out with some rather impressive new bridges. We quickly passed by the short spur trail to Twentyninth Pond, which we could see through the trees. The trail gained us a small bit of elevation fairly quickly before we descended along the slippery slopes to a crossing of Deer Creek. From here it wasn’t too long until we reached the shores of Stony Pond Brook and its lovely cascading waterfalls. It is true, nature is genius. Stony Pond came soon after, with the lean-to located slightly back in the forest.

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From here we continued toward Irishtown, the suburbs of Schroon Lake. We didn’t travel much further on the trail before we had to start thinking about exiting into the forest beyond. Man is part of nature; I shall immerse myself in it, once again. My perseverance in my desire to visit these lesser known peaks drives me again and again to seek out adventurous routes in hopes of finding something unique and inspiring. I almost always do.

Once we arrived between Stony Pond and Little Sherman Pond, we had to start looking for an exit strategy — the ridge between the two ponds would be it. This land bridge would gain us the steep slopes of Green Mountain, and hopefully some views along the way. The southern face of the mountain dropped right off from the ridge in a nearly sheer fashion, so we would surely get a treat at some point.

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The ridge was not all that steep to climb aside from a couple of short pitches, but the south side of this peak was surely weather beaten, which gave us all of the resistance we needed: The trees were stacked like cordwood. Harsh winters and strong winds surely did its toll on the balsams, and their dead stems and branches made pincushions out of us as we proceeded up the narrow ridgeline. We did manage to find a few observation points while along our course, and even as the small window views they were, it was something. They were actually very lovely, or “cute,” as Melissa would say.

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At this point is where I say, “Hey let’s find a different route down.” But nope, Jarrod beat me to it. He suggested we head down the north side of the mountain toward Center Pond. That’s a superb idea if I say so myself. Melissa didn’t get a vote.

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We started down, trying to remain on the top of the wide ridge, and even though we got pulled off by thicker spruce and balsam growth we made progress in fine time. We found ourselves standing in clumps of evergreens that were small enough so we could pop out for a breather now and again. That makes it sound much worse than it was, all in all we were back into the open hardwoods in seemingly a flash.

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We reached the shore of Center Pond much quicker than I think any of us anticipated, so rather than hike along the shore to the trail we opted to head right over the small knob in front of us to gain the Hewitt Pond Trail on the other side.

The final climb was steep, but it felt great to increase our heart rates, so we pushed through it in a single motion and rapidly found ourselves on the trail, the steepest of the climbing we had all day. This trail in spots was not all that easy to follow, with its sporadic markers and unloved condition. We ended up losing it on a couple of occasions, and on one of those we just gave up and started heading along the shore of Stony Pond toward where we knew the trail was. Eventually we crossed it again and managed to remain on it as it returned us to the lean-to.

We wasted no time at all in our exit from the wild forest we called home for the last 5 hours. I think we were all about ready for some nourishment; even the spine of a deer Jarrod found started to look appetizing. I would of course upscale that need for food by stopping by Paradox Brewing on the way.

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Getting off of the couch hurts.

It's not the emotional kind of pain that comes from the loss of a favorite pet or the cancellation of a beloved reality TV show — I still haven't reconciled how real The Simple Life was — it's the physical pain derived from a sedentary state that's often inspired by a long, frigid winter.

I've been through it before. I moved to Plattsburgh to attend college and to live close to the Adirondacks. That meant I spent summers hiking up mountains and the rest of the year hiking from lecture halls to the library with a backpack full of books. The notion of doing squat thrusts between ecology labs never dawned on me, so the non-college season always took some getting used to. Those first few hikes were rough, leg burning affairs that left me winded and cursing my way up the mountain.

After a couple of summers of that, I decided to whip myself into shape. I walked as fast as I could up Poke-O-Moonshine, a small, 2,180-foot foot mountain in the Champlain Valley. The 1.2 mile hike took me about an hour-and-a-half in late May. I proceeded to hike something like a dozen High Peaks and just as many smaller mountains until the fall semester began. The day before classes, I raced up Poke-O again and timed myself: 37 minutes. Not bad.

I was determined not to let myself slump back into another stiff-legged state of being, so I found ways to keep myself active even though I was busy. If it's looking like your first summer excursions are going to bring tears to your eyes, act now. It doesn't take long to warm up tense muscles, and you'll thank yourself later when you're cruising up the trail.

 

Running

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Running can be painful on the best of days.

I hate running. It's boring and tedious, right? If you're nodding your head in agreement, read on.

I started running years ago to keep myself active, and I quickly noticed that I feel spectacularly energized after doing it. Even a 15-minute jog is enough to take the edge off of a long, tiring day. So what's the problem?

One day I decided to switch from jogging around town to trail running, and I had an epiphany: It wasn't the act of running that I despised, it was where I was running. Jogging along a trail is an interesting experience. You have to pay close attention to where your feet are going because there are obstacles everywhere and the dips, rises, bends, and stream crossings keep things lively. If the thought of running on pavement makes you cringe, give it a try.

In the summer, a decent pair of trail runners — running shoes with aggressive treads — do the job. In the spring and winter, add a set of Microspikes to the trail runners and you can jog on almost any surface. I can't say my revelation turned me into a born again runner, but it did add a mental element to the exercise that increased the fun factor exponentially.

Biking

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This is how I feel when I ride my bike.

Sometimes the most obvious things are also the most overlooked. A walk to campus from my apartment took as long as 30 minutes. That was too long when I was pressed for time, but a bike ride usually clocked in at less than 10 minutes. The best part was it was faster than driving since I could avoid traffic by riding along the Saranac River trail. And to think that bike just sat in my apartment collecting dust for all of those years!

Biking to stay in shape doesn't have to involve day-long excursions. A backpack is ideal for picking up a few groceries for dinner, and casual after-work rides are great for relieving stress.

Don't let winter get you down

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The best things in life are free.

The best way to beat stiff spring time muscles is to stay active all winter. You can start with short runs and bike rides before transitioning to bigger mountains, or you can just keep climbing the bigger mountains year round.
After graduating from college I was suddenly plagued by a plethora of free time, so it didn't take long for me to splurge on snowshoes and Microspikes.
Snowshoes are a great all-around piece of equipment. They'll get you out on the trails, prevent you from postholing, and they don't require any special skills to use. Microspikes are just as easy to use, but they're a bit more location specific. Strap them to your boots when there's too much ice for your snowshoes to grip, or when you're hiking mountains in the spring. I usually have a pair in my pack until early summer so I don't get turned around by an icy incline a quarter mile from the summit.

I recently bought Nordic skis to add an option to wintertime activities, and they were worth every penny. They take some getting used to, but if you've never glided down a backcountry hill after a fresh snowfall, you need to put that on your to-do list for next winter. Be sure to take a lesson to learn the proper techniques, and you'll be carving turns in no time.

If you need some tips on how to dress for winter and spring adventures, check out this blog on planning for an adventure.. With the proper gear and the right attitude, it's possible to transition into summer on a fresh pair of legs.

The Schroon Lake Region is filled with hikes of varying difficulty. You can also try climbing and biking!

 

Home is where the heart is

I love to eat out. Possibly because, contrary to my son's belief that I am the 'world's best baker,' I am a horrible cook. (Oliver is 6, so I figure I can get away with holding my title for just a few more years before he discovers the truth.) However, I am not a solo diner by nature. I like the social aspect of a restaurant experience — I want to chat about life issues, debate hot topics, and sample my companions' meals. If I am alone, I usually opt to grab something quick and snack on the go. So, as I head to Pitkin's Restaurant in downtown Schroon Lake, I am a wee bit out of my element. But I am on an adventure, and my 2016 bucket list includes overcoming my shyness. So today I can, and will, eat alone. Dang it.

Of course, here's the thing about Pitkin's: Every time I walk in the door, I feel welcome. If you adhere to the old saying "home is where the heart is," Pitkin's slogan could easily be "Welcome to Marie's home."

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Breakfast of my (childhood) dreams

Honestly, whenever I drive past Pitkin's I am instantly transported back to my youth. Growing up I spent at least six to eight weeks each year at our primitive camp on Hoffman Mountain. As a child, after two or three days without running water or electricity, I was always ecstatic to hear my dad announce we were going into town for breakfast. This meant one thing, and one thing only — Pitkin's. The family-run restaurant was our favorite place, and the fact that we were always greeted with a smile was probably one of the reasons.

After years of doing breakfast here, we had our 'usual' down pat. My dad would order eggs over easy and sausage with a side of wheat toast, and coffee light and sweet. I waffled (not literally) — my choice was either the delicious pancakes with crispy bacon or a bacon and cheese omelet with a side of hash browns. And that last side, my friends, I have never been able to find better anywhere else. Hash browns -— not home fries — shredded, browned delicately and oh, so good. I still randomly order them when I see them on a menu, but never have they lived up to what Pitkin's served up for the formative years of my childhood.

By the time I graduated high school, my father had started building his dream retirement home on our five wild acres, and before I graduated college he had permanently changed his address to Old Sweeney Farm Rd. And, while his camp was no longer primitive in nature (we even had indoor plumbing!), it was still always a treat for us to head into town for a meal when I came to visit. It was a family tradition — one I'm glad to continue today, even if I'm by myself.

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Back to the present

As I enter Pitkin's it's 11:45 a.m. on a random Wednesday in March. It is fairly quiet, just one large group of guys in the corner and a couple of two-tops. I am greeted with a friendly hello and an invitation to sit wherever I like. I grab a booth, and I'm quickly transported back to younger days (and just to age myself, by younger I mean 30-plus years or so.). I have always loved the wall art in the restaurant. Made locally by regional artists, the pieces vary in size, shape, and theme, and honestly, the eclectic collection of pieces just make me happy to look at.

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Kevin, Marie's grandson, is my waiter, and the delicious smells of lunch are wafting from behind the swinging kitchen door. (I can admit I was a bit sad to have missed breakfast — why, oh why, didn't I start my trip earlier?) I quickly glance at the menu and the specials board, but again, I have spent enough time frequenting the joint to know what my order will be. I choose the turkey club with fries, and just to deviate from my childhood choice of chocolate milk, I go with some strong fresh-brewed coffee.

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Within minutes of ordering, I start to become a bit overwhelmed (did I mention that I am really shy and rarely a solo-diner?). I have my back to the door, but it keeps opening. Folks of all ages are piling in. By 12:15 every booth is full, the place is full of happy chatter, and I am double-checking that this is, indeed, a Wednesday morning in March.

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However, there is no need to be shy; conversation flows easily at this town diner. I am soon happily chatting with my booth-neighbors, Heather and Martha. I mentioned spending many of my days at the town beach in the '70s and '80s, and Heather asked if I knew, "...it only became a public beach by one vote." Well, no, I did not know that, and I'm totally intrigued. I spend the next few minutes talking with the ladies about old family ties and a bit of lake history. (If we're lucky, Martha might even write a blog or two about the good, old, Schroon days!)

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As I look around the restaurant, I can't help but note that it's a great mix of locals and travelers. I think one of the coolest things I witnessed in my hour at Pitkin's was how absolutely friendly everyone was. I even watched diners juggle their seating so other groups could be better accommodated. Y'know... it's the little things that really make an impression and keep folks coming back!

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I chat with a few more locals and hear that Marie's famous St. Patrick's Day dinner is coming up. I'm told it's definitely worth making a return trip for. I'll have to keep that in mind as the Irish half of my ancestry does dictate a good corned beef meal every March!

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Everyone had an opinion on their favorite go-to meal, and they were more than willing to share (their opinion — not their meals. Those were disappearing too quickly for me to grab a taste!).

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My lunch arrives, and I'm not going to lie — it's as delicious as it looks. That's really all there is to say about it.

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My only regret? Not ordering the homemade split pea and ham soup. As I glanced around at my neighbor's tables, there was at least one or two cups of soup on most of them. It is obviously a favorite. Hmm, maybe I should have asked before I ordered.

Well, lesson learned, I ask Kevin about dessert. And yes, he assures me, "they're all made in-house by my grandmother every day!" (Did you happen to get a look at the Special's board - if not, take a moment to really read the writing on the board below!)

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I can't decide and they're so affordable, heck, I order the top two recommendations. Sometimes a girl just has to be a bit crazy.

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No regrets: I don't care if you are eating breakfast or dinner — order dessert. Eat it there, bring it home, whatever. Just do it. You will thank me, even if your waist doesn't. Oh, my. Yum.

So, now that I've had my cake and eaten it, too, I'd say it's time to go for a walk by the lake. Today just solidified my love for this Adirondack village — it's nice to know some things just get better with age! I will be making a trip back to Schroon Lake soon, with my son. I think it's time I continued the Pitkin's tradition with him, followed by a hike up my childhood favorite, Mt. Severance.

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Also, keep in mind Pitkin's is currently on their winter hours and only serving breakfast on the weekends — and, here I thought I was late to arrive! You may want to call ahead to make sure they are open before you head over to grab your hash browns! From what I gathered, March hours are Monday through Friday from 11am-3pm, Saturday & Sunday from 8am-3pm. Pitkin's will start opening for dinner daily beginning April 1, and of course special hours for St. Patrick's Day dinner!

(Now, someone needs to let Marie know how much I enjoyed my visit, since she assured me, "Young lady, I never go near the internet!")

 

So, since the extra day landed on a Monday this year, doesn’t that mean you can take the day off? I think it should - fresh air is a great way to improve your mental health! Now the important question: “do I need snowshoes?” Boy, that’s a tough question to answer and unfortunately I have to say, most likely, MAYBE. Does that help? It’s getting to that season where you should have them along, some sort of traction might well be needed. I tend to carry my snowshoes on my pack for a while just in case the snow is a bit deeper up high, and then switch out as needed. Sometimes the snow isn’t all that deep but it’s a mess to walk on. Now, of course, there is the rumor a snowstorm coming and that changing things to a solid YES, you will need them.

The following recommendations for your February 2016 extra day/vacation/sick day make great choices. So when you do take that leap you should head over to Schroon Lake to check out these select seven hiking destinations.

Treadway Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

7.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

4 to 5 hours

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Brief Overview

From the Putnam Pond Trailhead start a moderate and easy winter stroll around the pond. There are a few intersections along this route to the mountain so be sure to take notice of the trail signage. The final climb to the summit is moderate with only a couple of spots that would resemble steep, but it can be very icy. The summit and the approaching ridge are loaded with rock outcroppings and views, take them all in.

Other Notable Features

Be sure to explore all around for different views as the area seems to open up around every corner. This is perfect for snowshoes or not, but there may be a bit more snow up high. Traction of some sort is a must.

How to Get There

From Schroon Lake follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Take a right onto Putts Pond Road and follow to the end at the state campground. You may or may not need to park outside the campground entrance, it all dependson if it is plowed out adequately or not. Either way just walk straight up the hill and the trailhead parking is on the left, and the trail is at the far end.

Pharaoh Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

9.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

6 to 7 hours

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Brief Overview

This hike might be a bit long for some family members. From the parking area you will hike an access road to Crane Pond, which is easy with minimal change in elevation. This is also a nice place to take a break. From there you will hike on a moderate foot trail past Glidden Marsh with tremendous scenic value.

The ending climb to the summit is a bit more demanding, and in some areas could be considered quite steep and surely icy. Some visitors consider this hike moderate, others strenuous, I would say it’s someplace in the middle. The views are from the open summit and former home of a fire tower.

Other Notable Features

Be aware this peak can be very windy; bring something to block the gusts and enjoy the top. Snowshoes should be carried.

How to Get There

In Schroon Lake follow Alder Brook Road to Crane Pond Road which will be on your left. Follow Crane Pond Road to the large parking area. Don’t try to drive any further along Crane Pond Road — it is far too rough for most vehicles, and it is in a wilderness area.

Mount Defiance

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

2.2 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

1.5 to 2 hours

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Brief Overview

You will start heading immediately up the road and on a steady grade you will come to the summit where old cannons and a pavilion are located. The view out over the lake and of Fort Ticonderoga is fantastic. The road is very wide with plenty of room for snowshoers and skiers.

Other Notable Features

This is a great historical peak with neat views out over the lake and into Vermont as well as of Fort Ticonderoga.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga head south on Route 9N, and continue for 0.75 miles to Montcalm Street on the left. Follow Montcalm Street for 0.6 miles to Champlain Avenue, which will be on your right. Follow Champlain Avenue for a very short distance to The Portage on the left, and then take a left onto Defiance Street. Drive Defiance Street to the Toll Road which will be on the right.

Cook's Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

3.4 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

Brief Overview

This peak is part of the Cooks Mountain Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and opened for recreation to the public. The trail begins rather easy but soon begins a steady climb up the east side of the mountain where views through the trees can be collected. While steeper terrain does exist for short periods along the trail is has been graded well and never seems to be very aggressive. A few lookouts will be along the partially open ridge. The end of the trail brings the best bang for the buck. This trail can be very icy in sections.

Other Notable Features

This is a great hike to do with Rogers Rock or Mount Defiance, perfect for the entire family.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga at the intersection of Route 9N and Route 74 in Ticonderoga follow Route 9N south and then shortly a left onto Lord Howe Street. This will soon become CR 5 (Baldwin Road). Follow Baldwin Road for 1.8 miles to the trailhead on the right.

Roger's Rock

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

4.0 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

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Brief Overview

The campground entrance is closed in the winter, so you will need to snowshoe the campground roads to reach the trail which is located there. The trail is located to the back of the campground on the backside of a small loop. Once on the trail you will start to climb immediately on some rather steep terrain. In winter this trail is used much less, making the possibility of the trail needing to broken out that much more likely, so it would be a good idea to have snowshoes in the car to see what the conditions are like. You will quickly gain the ridge high above Lake George where you will have some outstanding views out over the lake and into Vermont. Be careful along the top and the ridge t is very steep and can be slippery.

Other Notable Features

This is a historical location where Captain Rogers evaded capture by the Native Americans, a neat piece of history and possibly a bit of lore.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga at the intersection of Route 74 and 9N in Ticonderoga follow Route 9N south continue for 6.5 miles to the Rogers Rock State Campground on the left, park roadside in a safe location and away from any gates.

Severance Hill

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

2.4 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

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Brief Overview

This family-friendly trail offers good views out over the region with limited effort, but be aware this is a very icy trail and traction is a must. From the trailhead you will soon come to an access culvert that leads hikers to the opposite side of the Northway. On the opposite side, the trail will remain level for about a quarter of a mile before starting to climb slightly and then steeply in areas. At 1.2 miles you come to the first view and a slight bit further to the second. The nice feature of this summit is it is slightly enclosed so winds are not typically an issue.

Other Notable Features

This has always been the go-to hike for families staying in the area, and for good reason — it’s a nice peak, and the hike is an interesting one as you hike beneath I-87 through a large tunnel.

How to Get There

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 just off I-87, exit 28, follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for just over a half-mile to the trailhead on the right.

Goodnow Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

3.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

3 to 5 hours

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Brief Overview

This ragged looking mountain is home to one of the few fire towers remaining in the Adirondack Park and thanks to a not-for-profit organization it’s in great condition too. From the trailhead you will start to climb a bit steeply to a flat area that you will follow for a little while before climbing easily once again. From here to the summit it's a steady climb, but not very steep, although it can be icy and slippery in spots. Upon the summit you will come to the fire tower and great views especially of the High Peaks area.

Other Notable Features

In route there is an old horse barn a great place for a photographic opportunity. There is also a fire tower on the summit adding additional views from the steps.

How to Get There

From exit 28 in Schroon Lake follow I-87 north for one exit to the North Hudson exit 29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N and take a right and head toward Long Lake. Continue for right around 8 miles to the trailhead on the left.

 

Plan to stay in the Schroon Lake Region and choose one of these great hikes for your next extra day!

Winter Birds

This winter, birds in the boreal habitat areas of Newcomb and Minerva have been a magnet for visiting birders! With beautiful Evening Grosbeaks visiting feeders in Newcomb and Red Crossbills currently nesting along Route 28N, most of my guided birding trips this season have been focused in the central Adirondacks and Schroon Lake Region.

Birders delight in seeing our year-round Black-backed Woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and Boreal Chickadees – the sought-after boreal trinity in the Adirondacks. In winter, species to our north irrupt south into our area. Each year, the mix of winter irruptive species is a bit different depending on food sources. The irruptive species add even more excitement to winter birding trips.

This year, irruptive species in the Newcomb – Minerva area include: Northern Shrikes, Bohemian Waxwings, American Tree Sparrows, Snow Buntings, Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaks (the last 3 species also nest in the Adirondacks).

NYS Ornithological Association’s Winter Weekend

The New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA) recently held a winter weekend in the central Adirondacks. Twenty-four people from every corner of NYS and some neighboring states traveled to our area for a birding weekend. I led the field trips both days and we spent most of our time in Newcomb and Minerva.

On the first morning of NYSOA’s winter weekend, we traveled to Newcomb in a long car caravan. We observed many Evening Grosbeaks at feeder locations. Other finch species, including Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and American Goldfinches, were also found at feeder locations and at most of our birding stops along Route 28N. American Tree Sparrows were also observed at the feeders.

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We made a long stop at the rest area near the medical center in Newcomb. Participants were thrilled to see Red Crossbills, and more Evening Grosbeaks flying overhead. A large flock of Cedar Waxwings was found in a fruit tree at this location.

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Newcomb is a small town and our long car caravan of birders did not go unnoticed! We heard that several residents asked if there was a funeral going on that they didn’t know about!

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At the Boreas River Bridge in Minerva, we found 3 Boreal Chickadees and several participants took photos of this active species. More Red Crossbills were found at the bridge gritting in the road. Large flocks of Pine Siskins were found everywhere we stopped.

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A trip to Sabattis Bog in Long Lake gave us time to view beautiful Gray Jays. The friendly Gray Jays came out for bread, raisins, and seeds!

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After lunch, we all gathered at the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb where I gave a presentation on winter irruptive species. Nineteen species that irrupt into our northern NY region were presented using photos, video, and audio sounds. Information on why the species irrupt to our area, and where to find them, was also covered.

Our second day of birding was also primarily spent in Newcomb and Minerva. We visited feeder locations in Newcomb and then spent time in boreal habitat along Route 28N and the Tahawus Road. A Black-backed Woodpecker was heard calling as we hiked along Tahawus Road. As we continued hiking, we approached a rabbit hunter by his truck. His hunting beagle could be heard far away in the forest. He decided to drive down the road a bit when he saw our group approaching. As he drove away, a beautiful Snowshoe Hare, in its winter-white color, hopped across the road from where the hunter’s truck had been parked. Everyone clapped for the wily hare!

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Overall, during the Winter Weekend event, 23 species were found including a Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers, 8 Gray Jays, 3 Boreal Chickadees, 27 Red Crossbills, hundreds of Pine Siskins, and over 50 Evening Grosbeaks. Many of the participating birders were seeing these species for the first time.

Additional Winter Bird Species

Bohemian Waxwings have occasionally been showing up at fruit tree locations in the central Adirondacks including Newcomb and Long Lake. This species nests in northwestern Canada and Alaska. It is usually the most asked-for species to see on my winter birding tours. On a recent tour with a Connecticut couple, we found 29 Bohemian Waxwings in a fruit tree in Long Lake.

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Northern Shrikes have also been found in Newcomb and Long Lake this winter. One bird appears to be wintering at the Little Tupper Lake inlet along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake. Many birders have been photographing it.

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With milder temperatures this winter and minimal snow cover, Snow Buntings have been found throughout the winter in the central Adirondacks along roadways. We normally see this species in the central Adirondacks as it migrates through on its way south or to lower elevations in the St. Lawrence or Champlain Valleys. It has been nice to see them all winter!

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The year-round boreal bird species of the Adirondacks bring visitors every winter, and the irruptive species, which are a different mix each year, add even more excitement to winter birding trips!

If you are planning a winter birding excursion to the central Adirondacks, there are many warm, comfortable places to stay and plenty of restaurants with great food to make your trip enjoyable.

Have you been on many organized trips but feel it’s time that you took the reins? Are you leading a trip up a mountain, to a pond, along the river, or someplace else that’s really cool, but it’s your first time? Then there are some things you should look at before you head out and take on the responsibility of others.

Leading a hike is not the same as being a paid guide, but those joining you might feel it comes with similar responsibilities. They are kind of right, but there really is no legally binding contract when you are leading friends or others who want to tag along, which is what many people are doing. As a trip leader you have certain “unwritten” responsibilities to assure your groups are safe and having a good time. Do this first and then you can look into being the tour guide if you like.

Remember, as group leader you always have the right to tell someone who is ill prepared that they can’t go. For example, if they're wearing sneakers in winter or didn't bring water. If you are leading a trip for a third party they will have their requirements set up, so the following are some things to think about when you do a “meet up” group or similar online group hike.

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Who will be on the trip?

This is important to know well in advance, and have their contact information just in case plans change so you can reach out. This way you can also reach out to touch base with them about the trip and being prepared for the conditions. You need to contact them prior to the trip, either by email, social media, or phone, and let them know of the proper clothing and gear.

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Does everyone know details?

This is very important, and be graphically accurate with your information. Do they know the distance, terrain, approximate time out, possible weather conditions, and any other vital information you may know and need to share? Don’t skimp on the details and don’t undersell the trip to try and get more to come. Be honest.

How many will be on the trip and can you handle that many?

In most areas there is a group limit of 15, and that includes you. If the group exceeds that number you cannot lead the entire group. There legally needs to be 15 or fewer people in the group or a 1-mile separation between any additional members if the group is split up, and you can only lead one group.

If you have 14 people in the group, can you handle keeping track of that many individuals? It’s tough, that’s a lot of people to keep tabs on. If you can’t comfortably handle that many participants, limit the number of people who can sign up. Another option is to elect a “sweeper.” This is a person that is always in the back making sure that no one gets left behind – this is actually a good idea for any group with more than six people.

What is the current ability of the group?

Be sure to ask the question about previous experience and ability. You need to know if the trip could be too much for someone. If you are bushwhacking and an individual has never bushwhacked before, you need to know that. This could essentially be hazardous for the person involved and the entire group.

People are often over confident in their abilities and some find themselves biting off more than they can chew. To help avoid this, as mentioned previously, it is important to get all of the information about the trip to each and every participant before they sign up, even the minor details that might seem insignificant. Spell it out to them so there is no confusion or misunderstandings.

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Does anyone in the group have any allergies or health concerns?

If you are leading a group you need to know this as the leader. If you are leading the trip make sure to ask this question. Ask the question in a group setting, but talk privately with the individuals as they may not want the entire group to know.

Realize that unless you are a paramedic you cannot administer any drugs to a participant, but you can help them access it. Some conditions could change the day’s turn of events, pace, destination, or even the ability for them to go at all. That said, don’t discriminate because of ability. You may need to ask more questions.

Are you starting at a good time?

This call will have to be based on the ability of the group. If you see that the group is shaping up to be strong, maybe you can start a bit later. However, you should always allow enough time for the unexpected — breaks, lunches, pictures, and so forth — don’t rush the trip on time restraints. If you are back early, excellent. If the group gets back late, that’s when people start to get edgy and worry.

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Do you have medical training?

If not you should have at least CPR and first aid training of some sort before leading a trip. It is best to have Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder training.

What are the current conditions of the area you will be visiting?

Check out the internet and check multiple weather pages to see what the current weather forecasts are. Check hiking boards and social media sites for trail conditions. You can also contact your local state Department of Environmental Conservation office or the Adirondack Mountain Club.

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What are the projected weather conditions?

Don’t just go to one weather site for details. Go to at least two, if not three. This way you can take an average for things like temperature, rain, and snowfall. While this is never fool proof and in some cases not accurate at all, it’s all you have. Then you can make an educated decision on the trip being canceled, postponed, delayed, or good to go. This will also help you make decisions on proper clothing and gear for the trip.

Where are you going, what route do you plan to use, and who else knows?

Now that you know where you are going and how you are getting there, you need to make sure someone who is not in the group is also aware. Leave a note at home or with a trusted individual with your planned destination, planned route (map), estimated time of the trip, number in group, and estimated time you'll be out. Once you are out of the woods contact that person to let them know everyone is out safe. It is actually best if each person in the group leaves this information with their family.

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Is all of the group gear accounted for?

As the group leader it is important that all the necessary group gear is in the group, whether you are carrying it or not. For example, is there a first aid kit, water filter, and map and compass? In winter, is there a stove, sleeping bag, bivy shelter, and extra food amongst the group? These can be essential survival goodies for the “just-in-case” scenario. Another good reason each person should have the required gear is that it can also become group gear if someone else gets injured.

What kind of gear does everyone have in their packs?

Everyone in the group, regardless of group size or the length of the trip, should have plenty of food and water.

These are the true basics to trip planning as a group leader. If you are leading for a third party, there may be other requirements or even less expectations; but your expectations should still be high. With each of these questions ponder a bit on how you can improve the answers. But all in all it is of utmost importance that your group stays safe while having the time of their lives.

This is where that initial contact with your participants is very important. Make sure you have a proper list for the time of year you will be leading the trip. Don’t create a generic checklist because it does not work. Seasons, weather patterns, conditions, and forecasts are dynamic, and so should your list be.

• Summer is the easiest, but make sure everyone has stuff for rain and comfortable, adequate footwear.
• Fall can get a bit harder. If you are doing a peak late in the season you could run into winter conditions up high.
• Spring may be warm in the valley, but winter conditions still exist up higher in elevation.
• Winter is the hardest and needs the most gear. A problem here is that not everyone will have the big gear shed that you may have. Try to help them find some they can buy, rent or borrow if needed. Pay special attention to clothing, layering, footwear, and traction.

If you're looking for a guide, there are plenty of services in the Schroon Lake Region. There are countless hiking and snowshoeing routes in the Adirondacks to choose from, regardless of your level of experience!

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There’s an Adirondack *Shakespeare* Company?

Guest Blogger: Tara Bradway

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You may be so fortunate as to live right here in the Adirondacks, or you may be so fortunate as to get to vacation here each year, or you may be so fortunate as to have your first Adirondack adventure in your future. No matter which, you may or may not be so fortunate as to have been introduced to the Adirondack Shakespeare Company yet.

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Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Tara Bradway, the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of the company. I’ve been so fortunate as to helm this pretty amazing ship with my partner in crime and in life, Patrick Siler, who is the company’s Executive Director (and other Co-Founder).

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Now, you maybe saw the name “Shakespeare” and had a little reaction. (I do all the time, but my reaction is one of joy. I realize not everyone reacts the same way.) Maybe you read some of his plays in high school. Maybe you had a great teacher. Maybe not. Maybe you’ve seen a movie or two. Maybe they were great. Maybe not. Maybe you’ve even been to see a production at the theater. Maybe it was terrible. Maybe not. It’s hard to live in today’s world without some exposure to the Bard, and for many people it’s not in their top five life experiences.

We’re here to change that.

For one thing, we don’t do Shakespeare the way anyone else does. Our cast of fully professional actors arrives here in the Adirondacks fully memorized and ready to dive into twelve to fifteen hours of rehearsal for each production. We don’t worry about sets or fancy costumes or props. It’s all about nailing the language. The actors don’t have anything else in the way of being present with each other and with you, our audience. Even lights. We perform with the lights up, and we’ll actually talk to you. (It’s even ok if you want to talk back!) With everyone on the edge of their seats, it’s impossible not to feel electrified in each performance.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

ADK Shakespeare has been around officially since 2010, although we began producing as a project called “Shakespeare IN THE RAW” in 2008. Our first summer festival was held in Schroon Lake in 2010, and we have happily called Schroon home for the last six years. Our home space is the Scaroon Manor Amphitheater on the west shore of Schroon Lake, and let me tell you this is an incredibly special place. The Amphitheater is the only remaining structure of Scaroon Manor, which is now a campground and day-use facility owned by New York State and administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation. ADK Shakespeare is a Steward of the Scaroon Manor Amphitheater — a beautiful stone amphitheater modeled on the Hollywood Bowl but ravaged by over 60 years of Adirondack winters. It is one of the company’s goals to see this space revitalized, with new seating and weather cover. Last year, we were thrilled to have the stage resurfaced!

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And one man in his time plays many parts...

Since our first official season as Adirondack Shakespeare Company in 2010, we have produced more than half of Shakespeare’s canon. We are on track to completing the entire canon by 2020. As far as we can tell, that’s faster than any other company in the world has produced the full canon for the first time.
Some other fun facts:

1. We have decided to produce Hamlet every year. Other theaters offer A Christmas Carol every year, or ballet companies produce The Nutcracker … we thought one of the greatest plays (and ghost stories) in the English language deserved an annual spin. Every Hamlet is different, so every Hamlet will be different too.
2. We have produced Henry VI Parts 1, 2, & 3 twice, but have yet to do a full production of Much Ado About Nothing (coming this summer!).
3. Our productions are uncut. That’s right, every word is there. Although there are (for many of Shakespeare’s plays) multiple texts, we favor the First Folio. We compile a script using the First Folio as the basis, and sometimes make changes based on what appears in a First or Second Quarto, or Second Folio. Actors are encouraged to research changes and make decisions about word choices too. Once we’ve arrived at this script, though, we are going for 100% of those words. And if you can believe it, an uncut Hamlet can and should run just under three hours. That’s right. Come check it out this fall!

Thy friendship makes us fresh.

So, that’s Adirondack Shakespeare Company in a nutshell. If you really want to get a sense of our spirit, though, I have a little story to share with you about our most recent season. Maybe you even heard a piece of it in the newspaper, on the radio, online, or from someone you know. On the first day of our Autumn Season when the cast was arriving from New York City and beyond, a car full of our beloved actors was struck head-on by another driver. (Thankfully, no one was killed.) Four of actors were taken to Glens Falls Hospital for their injuries and were released several hours later, but one was airlifted to Albany Medical Center with a skull fracture. We, needless to say, were frantic.

Two surgeries and two hospital stints later, Sean Lounsbury was released and has since been working towards a miraculous full recovery. He’s back to New York City, back to work, and as of January 17, back on stage — appearing in a very special remount of this autumn’s production of Hamlet, in which of course he was not able to take part. (You can see him back on the Adirondack stage in just a few weeks as Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice, and reappearing as Flint in Songs of the Iroquois: Turtle Island. He’s also taking on Hamlet himself this coming autumn, so he is indeed back with a vengeance!)

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In the tumultuous days following the accident, the cast held each other close and supported each other. We were also grateful for the incredible support of our community in and around Schroon Lake. At first we couldn’t imagine climbing into cars, driving to rehearsal, putting up a play. But as we began to heal from the trauma, the art began to feel important and even necessary. We were not going to let the chaos keep us down. Slowly, we started rehearsing — at first at the house, and soon at the nearby Tannery Pond Community Center. And through all the tumult and turmoil, we somehow managed just nine days after this accident to open The Winter’s Tale and then the very next day to open Hamlet. Nothing else I can think of gets to the heart and soul of this company and the extraordinary people we have gathered than this story right here.

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If music be the food of love, play on.

If you’d like to get to know us a little better, come out to catch a show this April, this summer, or this autumn. This spring, we are producing The Merchant of Venice (for the third time), Julius Caesar (for the first time), and our original play Songs of the Iroquois: Turtle Island. Later this year you can expect The Comedy of Errors and Much Ado About Nothing, as well as the return of our annual Hamlet in the autumn playing in repertory with Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.

Find out more about the Adirondack Shakespeare Company and plan to catch one of their upcoming performances during your next Schroon Lake stay!

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All photos provided by Adirondack Shakespeare Co.: Header photo: Sean Lounsbury (Pistol) and Katie Fanning (Boy) in Henry V at Scaroon Manor Amphitheater, 2014, Photo by Meghan Blakeman; Adirondack Shakespeare Company logo. Design by Patrick Siler; Tara at Manor: Tara Bradway, Artistic Director, pictured at the Scaroon Manor Amphitheater, 2012; Patrick at Manor: Patrick Siler, Executive Director, pictured at the Scaroon Manor Amphitheater, 2012; John Hardin (Mercutio) and Calder Shilling (Romeo) in Romeo & Juliet at Scaroon Manor Amphitheater, 2015, Photo by Meghan Blakeman; Sean Lounsbury (Friar Lawrence) in Romeo & Juliet at Scaroon Manor Amphitheater, 2015. Photo by Tara Bradway; Cast of Hamlet at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, 2015. Photo by Nat Angstrom.