Due to Azure mountain's close proximity to Canton, I'm able to hike this short, but rewarding mountain often. I have hiked to the fire tower in the winter months with micro spikes, in the spring before the leaves have grown, in the summer among the greenery, and this past Thursday afternoon during peak foliage in the Adirondacks. Each time the drastic changes in temperature, and flora make the experience feel like a new adventure.

On a mission to collect drone footage of Lampson and fall colors from above, but we took a few from the ground as well.

My first visit to this area with friends/local climbers Adam Crofoot and Allison Rooney. The cliff is roughly 4 miles from the trailhead with a 1/4 mile bushwhack that I consider moderate. The geometry of the overhangs and slab of this 1/4 mile long cliff is astounding. Our climb was the first ascent of Adam's route, Dishin' it Out (rate 5.10b). It follows a huge overhanging corner for 100' to a slot at the top. Views include the lake to the south and the small pond below.

Out on a rainy morning to check small mammal traps with students. We were successful in live-trapping (and then releasing unharmed) red squirrels, deer mice, red-backed voles, and got a glimpse of one of my favorite amphibians, the wood frog. It is nice to have a reason to get up and go out even in the rain - you never know what you might see.

A leisurely midday walk in the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest led by the St Lawrence University Outing Club. The temperature was cooler than expected, but perfect for hiking. The trail was generally flat for the first 2/3 of the ascent, meandering past railroad tracks, a crumbling concrete foundation, and over a couple of wooden bridges. Upon reaching the ridgeline a view opened up, but the false summit and the true summit were densely tree-covered.

On a Sunday afternoon fishing trip to Allens Falls, I assisted a middle-aged Snapping Turtle crossing the road. While I handled the territorial reptile, I made sure to hold it by its hind quarters, and as I did so the angry creature made several attempts to snap at me. It reached backwards and to the sides of its shell before I released it gently far back into the understory on the side of the road closest to the water. Turtles make these migrations for a number of reasons, but seeing them out and about in the fall is unlikely.

As per St. Lawrence University Outing Club tradition, this weekend was Peak Weekend! The goal is to get a small group of SLU students on all 46 high peaks and outside in one weekend! I hiked the Seward range near Tupper Lake this weekend, a hike over 20 miles that covers four high peaks! Trying to hike all 46 high peaks (4000ft+ in elevation) is a great way to get outside and see the adirondacks, this trip put me just over half way at 24/46!!!

Gorgeous fall day for a big outing in the Great Range. From the Garden Trailhead went took Bennie's Brook Slide to Lower Wolfjaw, then Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong, Gothics, Saddleback, and Basin before doubling back towards John's Brook Lodge. Temps in the low 60s down low, but frost and ice around the summits. Fall colors a week or two away from peak.

This year's Green Team members have been working hard at harvesting lots of great fruits and veggies from the school garden. This summer had the perfect conditions for us to have lots of success with our tomato plants (especially our cherry tomatoes), carrots, garlic, herbs, and peppers. Here are some Green Team members tasting their nasturtiums, which have a peppery taste. We look forward to posting more encounters with plants and wildlife, and sharing our members' experiences!

Red pine plantation forest behind NNCS. Cool, sunny with a slight breeze. Good day to take some students out onto the trails and make some observations and inferences. Jake also brought an increment borer so that we could find out how old some of the tall red pines are. It was a great experience. Thanks, Jake!