In Search of the Saratoga Bog Monster

I enjoyed springtime with my friend, Ginny, yesterday. We slipped and slid down the Bog Meadow Nature Trail outside of Saratoga Springs.

We were in search of the Bog Monster.

We saw its movement under the water. First, it went west, and then it went east. It left a wake behind as it slithered just beneath the newly opened surface of water.

But, it never presented itself. Our guess is that it was a muskrat, who could see us, but didn't want us to see him (or her).

However, we did see ...

Swirls and whirls ...










soldiers at attention ...





new shoots from underground roots (Does anyone know if this is skunk cabbage?) ...





reflections on underwater artwork ...









And outreached arms collecting the warm spring sun.









We ended our afternoon adventure with a culinary journey of the Polish kind. We feasted on pierogies, cabbage and noodles, potato pancakes, sausage, and sauerkraut at Mary Ann's in Broadalbin. An overflowing plate at Mary Ann's is worth every step, even if you don't ever set your eyes on the Saratoga Bog Monster.

Images of Springtime

I wandered along the historic Erie Canal at Schoharie Crossing today in search of signs of spring. Here are a few of the images I was able to capture. I'm not sure Judy will ever "stroll" with me again! (How are the piggies, Judy?) Enjoy!

Bonded cattails ...










A reflective goose ...






Prickly pineapples ...










Dispersing seeds ...










And twisting vines.










What was missing? Snow. No snow! (At least down in the river valley.)

Tomorrow, my adventures take me to the Taconics. Check back to see what's springing forth downstate!

Spring has Sprung!

A wonderful sight awaited me this morning. As I looked out the bathroom window, a crocus looked back. Although there are still feet of snow in the yard (and even more around the perimeter of the house), a tiny patch of bare ground announced itself over the septic tank yesterday. And within that patch is spring's first blossom.

Spring, we welcome you.

Let the Countdown Begin ...

Rinse out those bikinis, Beach Bums. (This request does not apply to men who think they should wear bikini-type suits on the beach.)

The lake officially opens in 70 days!

Last one in above the ankles buys the first beverage of the summer, or some ice cream! (I'll take a Moosetracks, please. I know. I know. I'm dreaming. Like they're going to have the "Break" stocked on that first hot, summer day!)

Just to get your hopes up a little ... just a smidgen ... there is open water on West Caroga Lake!

Tick, tick, tick. (That's a clock. Not those nasty insect critters! Those go buzz, buzz, buzz! Unless Dale's around, of course, then it's a sound SMACK!)

No Canoe Needed

Yesterday's adventures took me to Saranac Lake for the opening of a juried art exhibit. Two of my friends had work selected for the show.

It was shocking to see little to no snow up north! Here, in my corner, we can still measure the snowpack with a yardstick. Up north, bare ground, grass even! Spring must be coming!

This crew of mallards found a little open water on the lake. It won't be long before paddlers find their way down along the shore.

Hoosick Falls Fourth-Grade Crew Sails with Henry Hudson!

Today, I was honored to spend time with inquisitive students in Ms. Katie Brownell's fourth-grade classroom at Hoosick Falls Elementary School.

We talked about explorer Henry Hudson and his third voyage, which took him up the Hudson River in search of the northwest passage.

We learned about relief maps, and then designed maps of our own.

In six groups, the talented youngsters built their own 3-D maps using hand-made salt dough. (We had to figure out recipe ratios to do this.)

Some included the source, which is Lake Tear of the Clouds, high in the Adirondack Mountains.


Others spotlighted a middle section of the 315-mile river.






And yet another group featured the mouth as the river enters the Atlantic Ocean in NYC.


The program was inspired by my chapter book about the explorer.

We had a messily good time, and I thank Carol Gaillard from the Cheney Library in Hoosick Falls for making this happen.

Happy Sailing to the Fourth Graders! You crewed like pros!

A Frozen Twist

With ice cream season not too far away (wishful thinking), these frozen icicles captured my attention. (They reminded me of upside down twisted ice cream cones!)

These twisted 'cicles were hanging from my porch at the cabin. As sheets of snow and ice slowly slide down the metal roof, the sun's warmth is melting the snowload and freezing it as it twists and snakes its way south. If you click on the picture, you'll see a close-up of geometry in action!

There's more snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow. That can only mean fresh flocking for tomorrow's photographic adventure.

Stay tuned!