Snow fun in Adirondack wonderland

Those looking for traditional outdoor snow sports can find plenty to do in the Central Adirondacks.

A light snowfall dusts the balsams with a fresh coat of white, contrasting with the stark gray of the hardwood trees along the mountainside. Cross country skiers pause to watch deer or perhaps birds like grosbeaks or pine sis- kins in the branches overhead. In the distance, the faint hum of snowmobiles can be heard as they glide through the woodland trails. This is the scene in the Central Adirondacks thanks to recent snowfalls.

If you are looking for traditional outdoor snow sports, remember there is snow for winter sports in the Central Adirondacks. They were also receiving fresh snowfalls during this week. If you want to get in a weekend of outdoor fun of snowmobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, etc. head up to Old Forge and Inlet this weekend where there is adequate snow for winter sports.

Currently the snowmobile trails are listed as good to great condition. If you doubt it, check the web cams at www.oldforgeny.comor http://inletsnow.com. Also check activities at www.inletny.com, and oldforgeny.com or call 1-877 -OLD FORGE or 1-866-GO INLET for more information on conditions, activities, and accommodations.

Lack of much significant snow along with recent bitter cold weather and windchill has

kept people from enjoying the winter sports they normally participate in. Now there is adequate snow and more normal seasonal temperatures.

If you are looking for a getaway vacation during school break, or even an escape weekend a short distance away in the Central Adirondacks there is plenty of snow for all kinds of winter sports. The areas around Inlet and Old Forge offer snowmobiling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoe hiking, ice fishing, skating, and more.

Lots of families head to this area to enjoy the countless miles of snowmobile trails. The Town of Webb (Old Forge) and the Town of Inlet do a great job of maintaining a network of trails for riding pleasure and keeping themgroomed and in good condition. Permits are available at Old Forge Information Center, and the Inlet Chamber of Commerce. Witha little luck and normal weather people will be riding snowmobiles for several weeks.

McCauley Mountain Ski Center at Old Forge offers family fun. The trails and lifts offer a variety of runs for different ski levels. There are also a growing number of snowboarders discovering the fun there. Rentals of equipment and full services are available. If not all of the family is involved in downhill skiing, there are the challenging cross country ski trails that they can use.

The Town of Inlet offers a network of free, groomed cross country trails that were designed by Walter Schmid, the man most responsible for bringing cross country skiing to the Central Adirondacks. There are 22 K of trails of various ability levels at Fern Park. There is even 3K of lighted trails for night skiing. Other pleasant ski areas groomed by the Town of Inlet are the Inlet Golf Course (3.5 K) or the campground area at Limekiln Lake.

Many people also enjoy cross country skiing at the Thendara Golf Course or trails around Moss Lake or Cascade Lake, and the state campgrounds at Nicks and Eighth Lakes. You can also use these and other state hiking trails for taking a walk on snowshoes. This will give you a chance to see animal tracks, perhaps wildlife, take some interesting photos, and get great exercise.

Cross country skis or snowshoes can be rented at Pedals & Petals in Inlet or the AdirondackOutdoorCenter in Old Forge. For further information on snow conditions and services contact the visitor’s centers listed above.

Ice fishing on Fourth, Seventh, or Limekiln lakes can be productive. Rainbow, lake trout, northern pike, or even splake (at Limekiln) can help to heat up a cool winter’s day. Photography takes on a new dimension with fresh snow creating countless scenic opportunities. There is ice skating at Inlet’s FernPark enclosed rink and in Old Forge at North St. Following a day of outdoor fun you can relax over dinner or in the lounge of the many nice restaurants in the area.

So don’t let the rest of winter slip by while you sprawl in your over-stuffed chair. Whether it is a day trip, a get-away weekend, or a winter’s vacation there is plenty of different opportunities for fun and relaxation. Head up to the Cen- tral Adirondacks where winter is a time to be celebrated and enjoyed.

SHORT CASTS

Great Backyard Bird Count: This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Cornell University Lab of Ornithology will be February 15 – 18. It is easy to participate. Visit thewebsite www.birdcount.org to learn more about this event.

Great Lot Sportsman’s Club Guided Snowshoe Trips: The Great Lot Sportsman’s Club is hosting a guided snowshoeing trip at their club just off Osceola Road near West Leyden this Saturday, January 19. Those interested are asked to meet at 9:45 at the entrance to the club. You can follow the guides or take a map and explore the many snow-covered trails on your own.

Afterwards all will be treated to a hot lunch and refreshments at the clubhouse. The snowshoe trips and lunch are free and open to all age groups. For more information or to sign up, please contact Guy at 315378-7592.

Spider’s Book Signing: Ray (“Spider”) Rybaak will be signing his fishing books on Saturday, January 19 from 9 – noon at Bucks & Bolts Hardware & Outfitters at 2442 State Rte 48. This is located at the top of the “Y” Hill, a few hundred yards east of the intersection of Rte. 49 & 13. Spider will be signing his books including “Fishing Oneida Lake, …the Salmon River, … the Adirondacks, …Eastern NY, and…the Great Lakes.”

Joe DiNitto – Lessons Learned: Last weekend was Joe DiNitto’s annual deer hunters party with many of the area’s top deer hunters attending. There were naturally photos and tales of big bucks taken this past season but there were also many of the region’s best deer hunters that did not get a buck this year. This points out that many of even the skilled hunters do not necessarily get a buck every year. Joe DiNitto readily pointed out that he missed five big bucks (running shots) this year, yet he considered it one of his most enjoyable years. This points out what we have said many times before – that many of the hunters really look forward to the challenge and the experience and you can have a great time even if you do not successfully bag a deer.

DEC Conser vat ion Camps: Application for DEC Conservation camps will open at 10 a.m. on January 23. Registration is strictly online. See the 2019 schedule and other information at the DEC website under the Education section. Scholarships are available from the NYS Outdoor Writers association or various sportsman’s clubs.

Sportsman of the year Nominations: The Central NY Sportsmans Show is again seeking nominations for the CNY Sportsman of the Year. The person selected will be announced at the conclusion of the CNY Sportsman Show in Oneida on February 2. The person nominated should be a well-rounded person who has given much back to the environment, the sporting community, or the enhancement of the various sports by volunteer efforts that benefitted many others.

Nominations may be sent to Teri Maciag at Holy Cross Academy. For questions or more information call Holy Cross Academy at 363-1669. Save the date for the bigger and better CNY Sportsman’s ShowonSaturday, February 2 at the Kallet Civic Center.