Finally, it feels like spring.  Had to empty the trash, and decided to go shoe-less, in spite of it being only 40 degrees out.  Sat on the porch in the dark and listened to the coyotes howling.  Welcome back, Spring!

My class was able to drive less than half an hour to an amazing trail with incredible views. Even at the trail head, we could see a massive waterfall. Although we didn't hike very far into the trail due to a time constraint, what we were able to see was beautiful even on an overcast day, especially when we walked out on the rocks next to the rushing river. Of course, images can't always capture the full beauty, so I strongly encourage people to visit the place for themselves!

As we marched along the Raquette River during our Geology Field Trip exploring one of the many hydro-electric systems along this 'powerful' river, I was distracted by the vibrant view of the turbulent waters of the River, Raquette and the bare forests rooted about it awaiting a signal of rebirth from mother nature as the winter snow slowly dissipates.   

Though we have visited John Browns far several time is the past, this time we took the snowshoes and hit the trails. The views were amazing at certain places, with views of the great range that were to die for. An important piece of history, nice trails and the perfect weather made for the best outing this winter for us. We did the ski-jump trail that takes you right under the Olympic ski jumps, and then to the farm & graves site. From there we took the potato field loop. We cover about 3 miles. It's well worth it if you are in the area (or looking for a field trip).

Two ice climbing routes, possibly the best ice ever I've climbed, went up with friends Laura Duncan (first woman to add a route in the remote Panther Gorge) and Brent Elliot. Both are located in a deep fracture on Mt. Marcy in Panther Gorge. Read the full account with route details, photos and video here: https://www.summitpost.org/scylla-and-charybdis-in-panther-gorge/1016838

This icy trip to Lampson Falls turned into a memorable first snowshoeing experience for these two young women in the international student program at St. Lawrence - one from Sweden and the other from Finland. Both did an incredible job staying on their feet. Snowshoes or crampons highly recommended to anyone looking to visit the falls, the recent thaw/freeze cycle has made for slippery conditions!

A lovely afternoon skiing with a friend at Higley Flow State Park. Enough snow finally to ski in the woods! 

All of this melting and freezing lately has transformed the woods on the Kip Trail into an icy playground

Walking in my neighbor's fields and stumbled upon some beautiful seeds and animal signs. Usually I'd be skiing this time of year, and it's strange to see the bare ground.

We had a wonderful afternoon hike at Lampson Falls today with our spring crew of Nature Up North interns and research students. The weather was overcast and misty, but temps were in the high 20's and the falls were beautiful. It looks like quite a few people have made it out since last week's snowfall, but snowshoes and crampons helped with wet and slippery conditions, especially around the falls. For a few students, it was their first experience on snowshoes!