The Whitefish in this picture was not the species of fish I intended to catch on this particular day of fishing, but as temperatures grow cold some species seem to be more desperate than others. It struck this dry fly on the waters surface in a pool below the upper Allens Falls an area which is known to hold smallmouth bass, and various species of trout. Pertaining to the Salmonid family, this species migrates up stream to higher order streams in order to spawn.

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.

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.

While on a class trip to Heart's Falls/ Flat Rocks for a Recreation Research class, we came across multiple praying manti on the short walk from the road to the river.

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.

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!

Thursday afternoon I got my feet wet, literally knee-deep, in the St. Regis River, just below the falls. This was my first adventure fly-fishing, and while I didn't catch any fish, I am hooked. For over 4 hours, I learned from one of my friends as well as a talented fly-fisherman, the basics. After 2 hours under his tutelage, I was let loose on the river. It was exhilarating, the prospect of emulating nature and taking the time to stop. Not only that, but the fish were brilliant!

My solo hike up Giant began at 10am up the 3.6 mile trail to the summit. The trail was easy to follow and although steep at times was not too difficult. The trail did have one ladder, and a few areas where I was walking up rock slabs, but this just made the trail interesting. Giant is the westernmost high peak and the summit at 4,626 feet provides great views looking east of all the other high peaks. It was a windy day at the summit, but I embraced it after my hot sweaty climb up the mountain.

Your alarm blares at 4:55 am and you zombie walk through the motions, counting down the hours until you will be reunited with your bed again. On the bus to the river, you try to sleep but open your eyes periodically to see the changing light that silhouettes the passing trees. Once you reach the boathouse you must be awake, and you shuffle around with your teammates to get ready for a productive practice. By 6:15 you're in the boat and you start to feel alive again as you propel the water back with your oar and the shell cuts through the glassy water like a knife.