Could it really be true that only a year has passed? It seems like it was all a dream. Let me tell you about it.
I once dreamed that I’d be harnessing the web for Business Intelligence and Brand Marketing. You see, in this fantasy, I was building a Mythological Brand. Much like a Priest, my Mission-in-Life would be to Spread the Word about The Brand. Mobilizing my Army of Disciples, we would march forth with Our Message. Because We Believe that it is only through Our Brand, that Self-Actualization can be achieved.
My semi-serious jokes about ORDA and the Gay Olympics are not appreciated by the local tourism demi-gods. Toobad, cuz I think it would be fun(ny). (Possibly NSFW)
I’ve always believed that Montreal is a feeder-market that has been poorly developed by tourism promoters in the North Country. Last time we talked about “alternative” market niches, an unnamed county legislator almost had a stroke. Maybe when I get an official Adirondack video camera, I can make some fun commercials too.
Speaking as a private citizen of both Clinton County and the City of Plattsburgh, I’ve got some thoughts about the recent decision to implement an Occupancy Tax on all people who utilize our local lodging.
Rationale: Based on “gut feeling”, any losses due to the additional charge will be offset by increased demand generated by “promotional” efforts.
So, the legislators and those that have convinced them, believe that this incremental charge will have no impact on the price elasticity of demand. I have yet to see a real scientific analysis of the impact of Occupancy Tolls on lodging demand that isn’t doctored by questionable interests.
Why should only lodging bear the burden of tax collection? Who will enforce? Who will provide oversight as to how that money is spent? (The same folks that provide oversight for the money being spent now? Ha!)
If you are planning to recreate in the Adirondacks this Victoria Day weekend, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation asks you to please remember the following:
HIGH USAGE LEVELS: Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites will often fill to capacity on Victoria Day weekend. Please plan accordingly and seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
BEAR RESISTANT CANISTERS: Regulation requires the use of bear-resistant canisters by overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30. NYSDEC encourages the use of bear resistant canisters throughout the Adirondacks.
OTHER BEAR AVOIDANCE TIPS
Store all food, toiletries and garbage in bear-resistant canisters.
If you are outside the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness you can use a food hang. Store all food, toiletries and garbage in the bag. Use a dark colored cord that is 25 meters long. Hang the bag 5 meters above the ground and at least 3 meters away from trees.
Keep food in bear-resistant canister or food hangs at all times – take down only what is needed for cooking.
Never leave food unattended unless it is in a bear-resistant canister or in a food hang.
Cook early, no later than 5 p.m., and never cook or eat in your sleeping area
SPRING CONDITIONS: Due to rains and melting snow, wet conditions exist through out the Adirondacks. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate footwear and to stay on the trail – hike through muddy areas and puddles to avoid widening the trails or creating “herd paths” around those areas. Trails above 1000 meters are particularly sensitive to impacts, please avoid them or take extra care to walk in the center of the trail at all times. Water levels in streams and rivers are high – low water crossings may not be accessible.
BLOWDOWN: This past winter the Adirondacks were hit by a significant ice storm that caused a significant amount of blowdown on the trails. Although DEC Forest Rangers and trail crews have been, and continue to be, working hard to clear trails, significant blowdown – down, or bent over, trees and limbs – can be expected on many trails. Some areas may be completely blocked by blowdown.
BITING INSECTS: “Bug Season” has begun in the Adirondacks. Now until the end of summer Black Flies, Mosquitoes, Deer Flies and/or Midges (No-see-ums) will be present. Follow these steps to minimize the nuisance of biting insects:
Wear light colored clothing.
Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.
Tuck shirts into pants.
Button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist.
Tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks.
Pack a headnet to wear when insects are thick.
Use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.
Visit the Adirondack Trail Information web page for current weather forecasts, regulations, safety tips, trail conditions, and more.
Having heard more details about the murder of North Country local Darcy Manor, I am both shocked and sickened. Much has yet to be reported. Right now there is an incredible sense of relief here which is being mirrored in Halifax. Picture after the jump.
"In the late 1970s, Woody Cole was also the executive director of the New York State Sports and Winter Olympics Commission for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, serving under then-Secretary of State Cuomo."
"Prior to taking her current position in July 2008, Martino, was Executive Director of the Adirondack North Country Association, one of the major co-sponsors for the APRAP."
"For the sake of the town, the uniqueness of the location, I would like to see something within zoning there." - Why bother with those pesky zoning rules?
"The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters. "
"If there's one thing I truly hope comes out of this medal, I hope more kids and more people get out and try these sports that we love to do here in the North Country."
"The problem is the United States has the reputation of being among one of the most unfriendly countries when it comes to international visitors, so this almost seems like one more way we are unwelcoming."
"The fee element of the plan is controversial as some business travel organizations argue that imposing a fee would dissuade, rather than promote, inbound travel."
Could it really be true that only a year has passed? It seems like it was all a dream. Let me tell you about it.
