Saturday, March 21, 2009

Spring is sprung!


One of the first signs that Spring has arrived in the North Country is the appearance of Skunk Cabbage sprouts. There is actually a wildflower wrapped up inside the leaves you are seeing on the outside. Soon the leaves will unfurl and you can see what's inside.

In case you weren't aware, I've been working with Diane Collins, a wildflower specialist, for the past year on two upcoming wildflower books. We hope to have the SPRING edition out in April. Then you can read all about Skunk Cabbage and 74 more wildflowers to come out April-June. Then comes the SUMMER edition with another 75.

Stay tuned, and enjoy the great spring weather and flowers.

R

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Lake George Biking


We went biking up in Lake George Village this past afternoon. Between the snowbanks. Spring IS coming, albeit a little slow up there.

But a rumor has also sufaced that our new book, 25 Interesting Bicycle Trails in the Lake George, NY Region has been published and should be available for sale to the public next week. Just in time for the spring thaw!

We'll keep you posted.

R

Friday, March 6, 2009

Winter perspectives

North Country Temperature Conversion Chart
@ +70 degrees Texans turn on the heat and unpack the thermal underwear. People in NNY go swimming in the St. Lawrence and Hudson Rivers.
@ +60 degrees North Carolinians try to turn on the heat. People in NNY plant gardens.
@ +50 degrees Californians shiver uncontrollably. People in NNY sunbathe.
@ +40 degrees Italian & English cars won't start. People in NNY drive with the windows down.
@ +32 degrees Distilled water freezes. Lake Erie water gets thicker.
@ +20 degrees Floridians put on coats, thermal underwear, gloves and woolly hats. People in NNY throw on a flannel shirt.
@ +15 degrees Philadelphia landlords finally turn up the heat. People in NNY have the last cookout before it gets cold.
@ 0 degrees Californians fly away to Mexico . People in NNY get out their winter coats.
@ -25 degrees Polar bears begin to evacuate the Arctic. NNY Boy Scouts postpone "Winter Survival" classes until it gets cold enough.
@ -45 degrees Microbial life no longer survives on dairy products. Cows in NNY complain about farmers with cold hands.
@ -60 degrees ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero in the Kelvin scale). People in NNY start saying, "Cold 'nuff for ya?"
@ -100 degrees Hell freezes over. The Buffalo Bills win the Super Bowl!