A mystery. I ignored the clues until my sorority sister, Annie, pointed out that the stone walls at the edge of my Northern New York State property were most likely used centuries ago to prevent sheep from entering my woods. How did sheep get to The North Country, a wilderness overrun by wolves, lynx, and …
I live in a place in northern New York State that many Americans have never heard of and don't care to know about. Our population is dwindling as our manufacturing has moved to other places. Many who live downstate don't even realize that there is life above the NYS Thruway. Tourism saves us from total …
I knew the man didn't like me as soon as I looked into his eyes. I hadn't noticed him as I walked into the darkness of the museum toward the ticket booth. He was about 80 years old and wearing a Duke University baseball cap, and he was directly in my path. He tapped his …
Continue reading The Lessons of Gossip, Slander, and Name Calling
Dear Beth, We have a tradition that started when you moved away. Every spring, I post pictures of the trilliums that bloom in my woods for you. I have the white ones and one very large red that you really like. They appear every year at the far corner of my property by the beaver …
Spring is coming late to The North Country. I'm still waiting to take pictures of the shad bushes that, for about one week every year, break out in white blossoms. They seem to love to grow in rocky outcroppings and got their name for their coincidental appearance when the shad fish run. But this year …
Author's note: Since I wrote this piece a few years ago, I have to confess, The North Country and I now have an open relationship. I go to Florida during the winter months. But this is home, my base camp and I always return. I'm here now. Unfortunately, the weatherman is predicting ice and sleet for …
The Autonomous Traveler 