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 snowflake (2018.01.05a) was collected on Jan. 05, 2018 at 5:45pm. Using Magano and Lee (1966), this snowflake is classified as a Stellar Crystal with Plates at Ends (P2n). The growth of this snowcrystal (and its resultant morphology) was controlled by weather conditions during its decent in the atmosphere.

This snowflake (2018.02.07g) was collected on Feb. 07, 2018 at 3:00pm. Using Magano and Lee (1966), this snowflake is classified as a Crystal with Broad Branches (P1c). The growth of this snowcrystal (and its resultant morphology) was controlled by weather conditions during its decent in the atmosphere.

These snowcrystals were collected on February 7, 2018 at 3 pm. The growth of these snowcrystals and their resultant morphology was controlled by the weather conditions during their decent in the atmosphere. Basically, a snowcrystal records the chaotic series of events from deposition of water vapor on the nucleus (e.g., dust particle) to collection. Though temperature on the ground at the time of collection was -8°C, the crystals formed in different conditions in the atmosphere.

The snow crystal (Snowcrystal 2018.2.07b) was collected on February 7, 2018 at 11 am. Using Magano and Lee (1996) this snowflake is classified as P1a, which is a hexagonal plate. The growth of the snow crystal (and its resultant morphology) was controlled by weather conditions during its decent in the atmosphere.

The snow crystal (Snowcrystal 2018.2.07a) was collected on February 7, 2018 at 11 am. Using Magano and Lee (1996) this snowflake is classified as P1c, which is a snow crystal with broad branches. The growth of the snow crystal (and its resultant morphology) was controlled by weather conditions during its decent in the atmosphere.

St. Lawrence University: February 7th, 2018
Contains: Crystal with broad branches (P1c), elementary sheath (N1c), hollow bullet (C1d) and a bundle of elementary sheaths at one location (N1d).
Temperature formed was at -15 degrees, right at the water saturation line with 89 % average humidity. There were at least two different nuclei present with changes in temperature and increased humidity occurring between the branch growth.

Saw some fresh tracks going to this shelter and the porcupine did not find it necessary to turn around and show me just a tail.