My wife & I drove over from Watertown today (Wednesday, February 5th) to see my boyhood hometown’s 2025 Ice Palace. The sun along the drive up along Route 3 was bright, making sunglasses required, especially when it reflected off the fresh fallen snow. The outdoor air temperature, however, rebuffed...

He awoke every morning at 5am, without fail. Through threescore north country winters, the old man had evolved his own ruggedly well regimented daily routine. Harsh was the price paid for deviation or lackadaisical lay about laziness. A lesson winter’s other old man had no qualm reminding him of,...

Could the earth’s shifting magnetic poles impact lake effect snow patterns? Let me be crystal clear. This piece is not about climate change or global warming. Nor is it in any way, shape, or form an attempt to deflect blame for their escalating impact from the true culprits. This...

I was out along one of my back trails on my afternoon walk yesterday. I love walking my network of trails. It’s so tranquil and quiet. Whether it’s the fluttering flush of a frantic ruffed grouse, or a crisp set of critter tracks breaking trail through fresh fallen snow,...

What happens when apex predators collide? The bobcat hunted sunset’s far edge, scent marking territory as it silently stalked evening’s meal. The stealthy cat had been tracking a cottontail rabbit. Eyes, nose and ears honed on its target, the feline moved slowly forward, one step at a time, pausing...

My Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Button Quest ********** I penned a story several years back titled “Don’t Touch the Buttons” regarding an incident in which a particularly snobbish & rude Saranac Lake Winter Carnival kiosk clerk ripped a box filled with old Garry Trudeau winter carnival buttons from my...

New Year’s Greetings to All As one year’s trail ends Another’s journey begins What lies ahead Are tales unknown What lies behind Are stories now owned ********** To all my ADKO readers, followers, family & friends, May your 2025 journey be joyful Wishing everyone a Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-ppy New Year! Until...

Into the forest he ventures Unfamiliar the route Chasing hope filled dream aspirations Seeking destiny’s redoubt Hiking hill, mountain, dale Resolve’s sturdy staff stout Slogging swamp, bog and swale Facing fear’s silent shout Braving rain, snow, foul weather Spurning snow drifted growls He journeys onwards towards nothing Beyond coyote...

“I SHALL LIVE OUT MY DAYS BEING TRUE TO MYSELF” ********** Until Our Trails Cross Again: ADKO...

Greetings! Even after nearly fourteen years, this remains my daily prayer. Said quietly, every morning, first thing, as I mark yesterday off the calendar, put that day in my pocket to save, and prepare to take on THIS day! I was out working on my trails one day a...

Have you ever passed in a no passing zone? Ran a Red Light…. On purpose? Exceeded the speed limit….After Dark….While driving your Dad’s boat? Checked out in the “Express Lane” with too many items? Made a wake in a “NO WAKE” zone? Called in sick when you weren’t? Raise...

Author’s Note: Greetings to all who read my writing adventures & follow my blog. After finishing “Campfire Bears”, it occurred to me that I now have TWO granddaughters. Thus, in all Grampa Christmas gift fairness, I realized that I needed to write and illustrate not one but TWO books....

Welcome to North Country Winter Where Great Lake Winds Growl Where Hardy Souls Steel Themselves For Snow Season’s Prowl Praying Mother Nature Will not Bury Them Deep Beneath Lake Effect’s Howl ********** Welcome to 2024’s rendition of North Country Winter. The first lake effect storm of the season blew...