No 'kick and glide' to be found when skiing 2 feet of fresh snow By Tom French As those of us from the North Country know, one day it’s pushing seventy, and the next it’s snowing. My relatives from other parts of the country are in disbelief … [Read more...] about Wanakena winter wonderland
A return to Pa’s Falls (and the mystery of the missing monuments)
On a mission, and scouting out outings, in the Bog River Flow By Tom French Whenever Doug and I try to find some historic artifact in the middle of the Adirondacks, Doug points out that our batting average is not good. Our trek along the … [Read more...] about A return to Pa’s Falls (and the mystery of the missing monuments)
Hikes, climbs along historic Tooley Pond Road
By Tom French Barbara McMartin’s Discover the… Adirondacks series has been my exploration bible since the 1980s. Although dated, McMartin died in 2005, they still serve as my go-to source for interesting tidbits and history before I embark … [Read more...] about Hikes, climbs along historic Tooley Pond Road
Biking the backroads, backstories of Essex
Boquet Valley tour pedals unique area of historic preservation By Tom French The first settlers in the Boquet Valley near Essex included Revolutionary War soldiers/farmers, shipbuilders, and frontier entrepreneurs who owned or worked the many … [Read more...] about Biking the backroads, backstories of Essex
Burnt colors biking Burntbridge Pond Loop
A tale of two maps in this remote St. Lawrence Co. ride By Tom French As an Adirondack Explorer, I’m always keen to check out remote places with an interesting history. Add a biking icon in the legend along with discrepancies between maps, and … [Read more...] about Burnt colors biking Burntbridge Pond Loop
Finding magic at 16-mile level of the St. Regis River
Middle Branch proves you can't paddle same river twice By Tom French I like to think I was the first person to access the 16-mile level of the Middle Branch of the St. Regis River when it opened to the public in 1999. A parking area near … [Read more...] about Finding magic at 16-mile level of the St. Regis River