Outdoor adventures for everyone.
Jump Into ADK Fun
1.
Inside Tupper's Tinman
It takes a lot of coordinating to make the Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon happen, and Race Director Wendy Peroza is at the center of it all. This is the event's 37th year, but Wendy hasn't been involved for quite that long. Her first time volunteering was in 2002, when she provided support to the athletes during the swimming portion of the race. It was an exhilarating experience, being in a kayak while hundreds of competitors swam past her, and Wendy was hooked.
2.
Bring the kids
What do the founder of Gibson Guitars, Almanzo Wilder of Little House on the Prairie fame, and William Wheeler, the 19th vice president of the United States have in common? They were all born and raised in the Malone region, which is a great location for a day of exploration and adventure for the young and young at heart. Because planning a family day can be a challenge and simply having fun is more important, we've done the work of planning for you!
3.
Hot summer events
No matter how old I get, the anticipation of summer makes me think of glowing pink evenings, playing all day, fireworks, soft breezes, hot dogs, and most of all, extra time with family and friends. Summer in Saranac Lake is an ideal place to savor just such time, as the village takes advantage of the fine weather to host an array of wonderful outdoor events, from music to biking, running to art, all in an atmosphere of family fun and community togetherness.
4.
Climbing the chasm
Referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is an awe-inspiring sight and a one-of-a-kind adventure. With roaring waterfalls cascading through deep sandstone canyons, the stunning views are so powerful they will take your breath away. This beautiful destination has much more to offer than just vistas though. The wide variety of adventurous activities give visitors the opportunity to experience the chasm from new and exciting perspectives. On a recent trip, my friends and I had the chance to enjoy several of these perspectives—including the view from above!
5.
Get ready to paddle
Spring in the Adirondacks can be moody. The promise of warmth and sun are often met with the realty of a chilly rain or even snow. In fact, a birding trip I was scheduled to guide in early May has been postponed due to a forecast of 40 degrees and rain. Such is the Adirondack spring.
But spring is here, and we will be watching the temperatures climb even if some days it doesn’t feel like it. After all, our lakes, ponds, and waterways have been opening up for weeks, marking the beginning of paddling season, and I’m starting to feel the urge to get on the water.
6.
Avian adventures
The Adirondack Birding Festival is celebrating its 15th anniversary! New this year is a bonus day. The festival has been extended to four days, from its usual three, to accommodate popular demand for field trips. In addition to four days of exciting field trips, the 2019 Adirondack Birding Festival will also feature a Friday speaker, a Saturday afternoon keynote speaker, and a social dinner at The Adirondack Hotel Saturday evening. The popular Friday night dinner cruise on the WW Durant will return next year!
7.
Avoid the mud
Over the past few years, mountain biking has emerged as the go-to summer activity in the Whiteface Region. Thanks to the work of the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), state Department of Environmental Conservation, and dozens of volunteers, miles of trails designed for knobby tires have been created and are being maintained in the area. There are stand-alone routes, like the fast and fun Poor Man’s Downhill, and there are two trail networks — Hardy Road/Beaver Brook and the Flume — that provide terrain and features for a range of skill levels, from first-time riders to thrill seeking experts.
8.
Train like a champion
Living and training as a triathlete in the Adirondacks isn’t like training anywhere else. I train year-round and the winter months are no game-stopper. Some might begin to decrease activity, hang up their bikes, and settle into hibernation for off season, but not me! As soon as the weather begins to change, I shift gears and adapt to the elements.
This year’s training all started with a decent block of recovery and mellow walks in the woods with my big goofy dog, who had waited oh-so-patiently all summer long for this time of year to arrive. The time when mom can finally slow down enough to be on the trails at her pace again. This period is probably one of the most vital times for an athlete. It is time to reflect and allow our bodies to deeply recover, not only physically but mentally for a new season to come. I personally take this time to honor all the ways I may be feeling, to disconnect from the outside world a bit, and to reconnect with myself, nature, and my surroundings. I use this time to be alone among the mountains and winding trails; to allow myself to get lost in the woods with my thoughts; and to find solitude along the lakes and streams.