The Winter wolf is still wearing sheep’s clothing and wool, as we all know is warm, just like the weather these last few weeks, but it won’t hold back the freeze indefinitely. Soon the wolf will shed its disguise and bare its teeth in a howling winter storm. Before that happens, step outside and enjoy an easy walk in one of the state parks or wildlife preserves that are a short drive from your home. Don’t be afraid to leave the trail, unless it’s prohibited, and explore a little. If you keep your eyes open, you will see things that everyone else misses. Don’t just look for the big, look for the small things that are often stepped over or on. Recently, I was in the woods and I wanted to look down from a ridgeline to the creek flowing along its base. While checking my footing, I looked down and saw a tiny face staring back up at me. I may not be a ‘Techie,’ but I know how to use the camera on my phone and I snapped the photo you see on this page. I’d walked past that location many times before and it wasn’t until I veered from my usual path that I came upon my little friend. I could have picked any spot along hundreds of yards of ridgeline, but I chose that particular spot. It was a chance encounter that just as easily may not have chanced. I feel that my life is richer for it. Enrich your own life by going out and discovering things that perhaps only you were meant to discover.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
With Winter keeping a low profile of late, there hasn’t been a lot of ice forming on the local lakes and ponds. This has been a serious point of frustration for the ice fisherman who anxiously await the arrival of safe ice. Safe ice is a debatable term among the ice fishing community. There are those reckless few, whose impatience compels them to risk their luck on ice that I wouldn’t cross if it covered a puddle in my driveway. Most of us have more sense than that and are willing to wait until the ice is at least 4 inches thick. Personally, I like to wait until there’s 6 inches of ice to make up for inconsistencies in thickness. I am not a fan of ‘polar plunges!’ There is good ice to be found if you’re willing to travel north to some of the Adirondack lakes and ponds. It’s colder in them thar hills and the ice is thicker. Conditions can change rapidly, so check with local shops and online ice fishing forums for up-to-date reports.
If you’re interested in a hands-on, ice fishing learning experience, Moreau Lake State Park is offering an ice fishing clinic on January 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. All you need to do is dress warmly and bring your curiosity. Friends and volunteers will provide equipment and instruction in the art of ice fishing. There will be a warming hut and snacks available. Call the park’s main office for more information.
On January 20, the Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville will be hosting their annual Winter Fest with all sorts of activities for all ages. There will be snow sculptures, snow bowling, ice harvesting, sledding (down-hill and horse-drawn), a bird walk, cold water rescue demonstration, ice fishing, food and fire! Who could ask for more? Let’s all root for a little snow, or maybe a lot, to make it more wintery. Check them out at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and plan on being there.
The Cossayuna Lake Improvement Association is hosting their annual Ice Fishing tournament on February 2. They run a good derby and get a lot of entrants every year. Go to www.cossayunalake.com for rules and registration info.
I’m looking forward to spending time outdoors this winter. Fishing, hiking, hunting and even camping in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks are all on my calendar this season. Plan to spend time outdoors this season, dress warm and remember, “Winter is coming.” I hope to see you out there.
