Go!

Charles Bradley Brown

Did you know? I am a rescue dog!

I was on the run and Penny Ross from Dally’s Hope 4 Paws rescue and many other nice people tried to catch me. (Penny did catch me!) Boy am I happy I was caught and then I met Mama! What a lucky dog I am! Now I get to be the greeter at Mama’s (Linda Eastman) two stores in Broadalbin, NY ...

Broadalbin Christian Book Store and Linda’s Antiques at 14-16 North Main Street. Come see me, I love it when I get visitors. I even have my own greeting card line at the store. I think I am some sort of Celebrity! I have a following on my Facebook Page

@CharlesBradleyBrown

Psst. - I think people smile when they read about my adventures and let’s face it, we can all afford to smile more, it’s contagious!

Mama also fosters kitties for Kitten Angels, which means I am quite busy at times taking care of them, but I will find time to let you rub my belly. See you soon!

ONE MORE THING Can you take the time to read about my friends below?

Maybe you would consider adopting one or more? If not, Maybe you know someone who could?

This is me, enjoying life as a well loved dog - at home resting, watching for customers, going on a nice ride and hiking at 9 Corner Lake. *All photos copyright Linda E. Eastman - used with permission.

THESE 4 PETS and others are available for adoption at:

Grace Boone

Grace 2 year old 23 pound beagle doxy mix. So friendly with all! She is housebroken, good on leash and she loves to snuggle!

Boone is a 1 year male Husky. He is 57 pounds and so friendly! You just have to meet this guy!

Loretta

Loretta is 1 year old. She is good with people. Gets along with other dogs and cats. She is 30 pounds.

Ollie is 5 to 6 years old. A total cuddle bug. Friendly with other dogs and good with cats. Loves everyone!

Ollie

Dally’s Hope

4 Paws Rescue 501(c)3 not for profit rescue

SCAN HERE If you would like more information please contact Penny at (518) 410-9201

By: Kimm Schick

I decided to put the hiking trails in to share some of our incredible views and the peaceful serenity we have here on the farm.

I have recently started hiking and couldn’t believe how many trails there are so close to me. So then it dawned on me, wait - I could have my own hiking trails on our property. Not only to enjoy for myself but to share with others who love hiking. Then maybe they would visit with us in the winery after their hikes.

So you can enjoy a peaceful hike, bring a picnic lunch or we have cheese and crackers to purchase. You can purchase wine by the glass, wine flights, wine slushies, local beer, and local meade. We also have a gift shop with all locally made products. We have four trails you can hike and all of them are 1 mile and under for each one. We have maps available and ask that you sign in before and after your hike. The trails are open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. If you would like to hike during the week or after hours of operation please call the winery to arrange that. 518-875-6919. We are dog friendly and ask that all dogs must be leashed at all times while on our property, please no retractable leashes.

The trails are free and are just for walking right now. We may possibly be planning on keeping them open through the winter for snowshoeing - stay tuned and follow us on Facebook!

See ad on page 28

Focus on Photography

Look at this photo closely. I used the beautiful Mill Park waterfall, part of Warren County’s Stewart Brook - Lake Luzerne’s outlet stream to the Hudson River, to accent ... a rock! Not any rock. A HEART rock! I often have a double layer of subject in my photos. You get the BIG picture and then a surprise subject. Makes photos much more interesting, don’t you think? Don’t get me wrong. The falls as a lone subject, would have been just fine, but the addition of the newly discovered “heart rock” added so much more to the scene, don’t you think? The brook is easily accessed and includes the Pagenstecher Pulp Mill Museum on the property.

Say Hello to one of the Lake Luzerne Town Ambassadors, George E. if you stop in to the pulp museum. You may run into Sue W. as well as any of the other Lake Luzerne Town Ambassadors that welcome you to the town. There are also many more interesting stops close by, including the Rockwell Harmon Cottage and Visitor Center, Gailey Hill one room school house, Kinnear Museum, ADK Folk School, Rockwell Falls Library, Painted Pony Rodeo, horseback riding stables, and rentals. Until next time... “Focus.”

Sue Clark M.Ed.

JESSICA LEE BRATE

Licensed Mortgage Originator

NMLS 56711

Homestead Funding Corp.

Licensed Mortgage Banker

NYS Department of Financial Services

NMLS 3232

See Ad on Page 18

Jessica and her family go on many family outings, so when we were coming with up with ideas on things to do this summer, we asked her if she would be willing to write an article about things her family does together. Check out the many places they have visited...

Upstate NY offers an amazing landscape that is ideal for many types of outdoor recreation. Whether you are new to the area or are a local looking for new places to spend time in nature, check out this list of my families favorite spots. All of the locations are under 30 miles from Amsterdam, suitable for all ages and experience levels and are dog friendly too!. These little excursions are ideal for anyone looking to get some exercise and fresh air while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature without hiking a mountain.

The Willie Marsh Wildlife Trail is ideal for bird spotting, picnicking or taking a leisurely walk in the woods. It is located on Willie Road, about 5 miles outside the City of Gloversville just off of Rt. 29A heading west. A small portion of the trail is handicap accessible and there are picnic tables available in a shady clearing where you might relax and eat your lunch. The trails are very well marked and include a series of boardwalks that take you in a loop over the marsh. Part of each trail goes through the woods which means there can be mud (parts are especially muddy in early spring), but for the most part the path is clear, flat and easy to navigate. The main loop is only about 1.5 miles long, so most people won't get too tired, but there are some built in benches along the way if you do want to take a rest or sit to listen and watch the wildlife.

Anchor Diamond Park is only 20 miles from Amsterdam, heading east on Rt. 67 toward Ballston Spa and it is one of my favorite spots. Nearly anyone can walk it (the main trail from parking area is accessible), the elevation gain is very minimal, the trails are well marked and there are lots of wildflowers, greens and streams throughout the grounds. The reason it's my favorite is because there is a little surprise history lesson short walk down the main path. The wooded land that makes up the park was the former site of a mansion built by Henry Walton in the late 1700's. He chose this remote location instead of Saratoga to build his family mansion and now over 200 years later, remnants of the grand home still stand in the middle of the woods. The mansion was sold multiple times during the 1800-1900's and eventually burned to the ground in the 1940's. As you walk down the main trail you will find the front porch steps, chimney, cistern and some other interesting remains. All are well marked with signs and photos making them easy to find.

Nine Corner Lake is a crystal clear Adirondack lake located on top of a small mountain in the Town of Caroga. It's a great place to go to escape the city heat or take a swim in the summer months. In just one mile of fairly steady incline (not too steep) the trail will bring you through dense woods to a wide open area with the lake accessible from several cleared areas. There is some uneven terrain, large rocks and lots of mud to navigate so this walk is a bit more strenuous than the others I've mentioned. Located about 30 miles northwest of Amsterdam, it is about 15 miles west of Gloversville on Rt 29A. The drive up meanders through the southernmost part of Adirondack park and will provide glimpses of several pristine lakes. First you will come to Peck Lake, then East and West Caroga Lakes. Green Lake, which is a small but beautiful lake comes next and sits at the foot of Cane Mountain. Canada Lake and it's waterside store and gas station are just across the road from Green Lake. Last you will pass Pine Lake, which has a public campground as well as one of the cleanest and family friendly beaches in the area. Cont’d

The Christman Wildlife Sanctuary can be found less than 20 miles south of downtown Amsterdam in the Town of Duanesburg. The beautiful sanctuary has multiple trails that run along the Bozenkill Creek, which features an impressive 30 foot waterfall at the end of the yellow trail and many smaller falls throughout. Depending on the season and water levels, kids and dogs often swim in the area where the large fall pools. If you are considering taking a dip, bring water shoes as there are slipper and sharp rocks and other possible hazards. There are several trails, a few areas with elevation gains but the trail is considered easy, well marked and has mostly solid terrain. On the yellow trail to the the waterfall there are a few places that can be narrow and/or slippery so you should use caution in that area.

Woods Hollow Nature Preserve is a great spot to walk, run, ride mountain bikes or go fishing. It’s located on the Milton/Ballston Spa border just 22 miles west of Amsterdam. It’s a pretty quick and easy drive, so a great spot to hit if you don’t have a lot of time. The trail is almost 2 miles and the loop will take you around the edge of a small reservoir and up a small incline to a flatter, tree lined path. There are a couple of sandy and hilly areas that can be a little harder to climb, but in general it is considered easy. Bring a picnic and when you are done eating linger for a bit to enjoy the sun shining down through the trees.

Hale Creek Field Station

182 Steele Ave. Ext., Gloversville, NY 12078

(518) 773-7318 • Find out more on www.dec.ny.gov

The site has 2 miles of hiking trails through deep woods. Open Daily from dawn to dusk, there is staff on site Mon.-Fri. during normal business hours. This is a carry in - carry out facility.

FJ & G Rail Trail

This paved landscape trail is open for bicycling, jogging, rollerblading, cross country skiing and walking The Rail Trail is accessible in many locations with parking and restrooms available.

This is a popular trail for road biking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. To find out more about the trail and where to access it, call Fulton County Chamber of Commerce (518) 725-0641 • www.44lakes.com

Strawberry Fields Nature Preserve

118 Acres of protected property open to the public

2.5 mile trail goes through farm fields provide many places for hikers to stop and admire. Amazing valley views!

240 Cranes Hollow Rd., Amsterdam

Mohawk Gateway Overlook

1 Bridge St., Amsterdam, NY

Dedicated on August 31st, 2016 by New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Hochul, accompanied by Congressman Paul Tonko (the main proponent of the project), the bridge was the culmination of over a decade of planning, funding, design, and construction.

The MVGO bridge is open from Spring until the first snowfall in the Winter.

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, NY 12069 General info (518) 829-7516

Visitor Center exhibit traces the history of the Erie Canal

Shuttleworth Park

65 Crescent Ave., Amsterdam, NY

Besides a one mile long walking path along the Chuctanunda Creek, this park offers pavilions, a playground, a volleyball court, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, charcoal pits, public restrooms, along with 2 softball fields. It is also the home of the Amsterdam Mohawks Collegiate Baseball Team.

Mule Fitness Trail Located in Veteran’s Park

Locust Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010

In January 2020, Sticker Mule approached the city with a vision to upgrade Veteran’s Park. $100,000 was donated to help install the new fitness trail, playground equipment, new volleyball courts and more. Park is open until dusk.

Wintergreen Park

Canajoharie, NY

Wintergreen Park has a dramatic gorge, beautiful waterfalls, nature trails, and picnic areas.

Auriesville Pilgrimage Lunch Area

136 Shrine Road, Fultonville, NY 12072

Nice quiet area between the old Erie Canal locks and the Mohawk River. Picnic area with grass and paved trails nearby. (518) 853-3939

Vroman’s Nose Hiking Trail

264 Mill Valley Rd., Middleburgh, NY 12122 considered a MODERATE trail

A prominent landmark located on private property in Schoharie County. It is one of NY State’s most popular hiking destinations with spectacular views on the top of steep cliffs. A little under two miles, this hike can be enjoyed by all members of your family.

Peck Hill State Forest

Includes Willie Marsh Nature Trail 220 Willie Road, Gloversville, NY 12078 considered an EASY trail

16.23 Miles of unmarked, multi-purpose and snowmobile trails

The 1.47 Willie Marsh Nature Trail explores a beautiful wetland habitat and is accessible for people of all abilities. You can get a trail guide and maps at the head of the trail. (518) 863-4545 • www.dec.ny.gov

Erie Canalway Trail

Canajoharie To Amsterdam • 22 Miles

Paved, Dog Friendly, for bicyclists and walkers of all abilities. Passes by woodlands, farmlands, wetlands with river views. Starting at a trailhead parking area on the west side of Canajoharie. The segment ends at a trail head parking area in south Amsterdam at the intersection of Bridge St and Erie St. Visitor services can be found in Canajoharie, Amsterdam and Fultonville. Public parking is available at the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. www.empiretrail.ny.gov

Nine Corner Lake considered an EASY trail

St. Rt. 29A, West of St. Rt. 10, Town of Caroga, NY 12032

Good Luck Lake and Cliffs

NY-10, Stratford, NY 13470 • Ferris Lake Wild Forest

A challenging hike, the trail head is north on NY 10 from the NY 29A Junction and Pine Lake at a marked pull off. A hike through beautiful forests to a remote lake with cliffs that overlook vast swaths of the Ferris Lake Wild Forest (3 mi.)

This is not a complete area list - there are many more choices for hiking and walking trails in the area. You may HAVE to use your phone or computer to find them, but then make sure you GO!

Happy

Fall Open House Aug.

SAVE THE DATE!!