Category: upstate New York

Things I will be bringing on my ark

In my hometown, Greenwood Lake, N.Y., there was a guy we called Noah. He was reputed to be building an ark and was quite a legendary character in our small town. He was the first person I ever knew to wear garbage bags as outerwear, predating Bradley Cooper's Silver Lining Playbook character by nearly four … Continue reading Things I will be bringing on my ark →

4, 3, 2…

Four of us attended Mountain Jam for what was consecutive year number three and I learned two very important things... the first had something to do with knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that everything will be fine because your oldest friends always have your back.  The second was equally practical but involved mud, … Continue reading 4, 3, 2… →

Everything I know about Troy, I learned from Mary Panza

Ok, maybe that isn't 100% true, but she really did get me started on my Troy education.  When I first moved to Albany almost 25 years ago, I received some advice from a childhood friend regarding Troy.  He said, and I quote, "Troy is the armpit of the Universe." I was uncertain exactly what that … Continue reading Everything I know about Troy, I learned from Mary Panza →

Hand in Hand Run/Walk

Last Sunday I absolved myself for Saturday night's indulgences by participating in the Hand in Hand Run/Walk down in the Hudson Valley.  Let me be honest with you, I'll pretty much take any opportunity to visit with friends in the New Paltz area to enjoy some "adults only" time, but the added bonus of a … Continue reading Hand in Hand Run/Walk →

A love letter to Belleayre Mountain

Maybe it is because this was the first place I ever truly skied.  Perhaps it is a result of the stunning panoramic views in every direction.  It may be because of the friendliness of every staff member I've ever encountered.  Or, it might be because of the all-things-considered reasonableness of the price of a lift … Continue reading A love letter to Belleayre Mountain →

Schooled on skiing

I spent most of my childhood in a village nestled in a valley between two (smallish) mountains.  Each of these mountains was home to a (smallish) ski resort.  Despite the proximity of these places to experience skiing, I personally never availed myself of the opportunity.  Skiing was always a bit beyond the budget, a fact … Continue reading Schooled on skiing →