New Beginnings

I got a lot of cool things this year for Christmas to kick off the new year with. I got the Cadillac model of Kitchen Aid stand up mixers for cake baking which will save my wrists, fingers, and $7.99 Walmart brand hand mixer. I got a winter coat with fleece shell that can be transformed into four different ways of wearing. I got Gaiters to keep my feet dry and a new camera and tripod for my hiking trips and jewelry pictures.

I'm quite bummed that it is currently raining out, the near record December snowfall is melting and I still haven't had time to get out and snowshoe. I have a real burning to get out and do something wholesome like hike or snowshoe, but it just hasn't happened. I decided instead to make a "best of" film of my favorite hiking/waterfalls pictures from this year. And hopefully my new camera can make up for my lack of photography skills for an even better assortment of nature pictures next year! Anyway, all pictures (except the two that I'm in) were taken by me, and it's to the tune of Sixx Am's "Life is Beautiful".

November Outdoorsy Carnival

Welcome to the November 1, 2008 edition of an outdoorsy carnival. Thanks to everyone who participated, sorry to anyone that tried when it was down last week.

Open Air

Madeleine Begun Kane presents Toying With Kites posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog.

GrrlScientist presents Hurricane Ike Unearths Fossil Tooth in Paleontologist's Yard posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "Hurricanes are very destructive, make no mistake about that. But imagine the surprise when Lamar University professor, Dorothy Sisk, returned to her home on the Bolivar Peninsula of Texas after Hurricane Ike had passed through. Together with her friend and colleague, Lamar University paleontologist Jim Westgate, they found a fossil tooth in her front yard. It almost makes it bearable to realize that Sisk's beachfront home had been completely destroyed."

Sahara Reins presents Backyard Plans for Wild Bird Feeding and Bird Watching posted at Fowl Visions.

Althea presents Tynan is… Better Than Your Boyfriend » Living in a Small RV: Odds and Ends posted at Tynan is... Better Than Your Boyfriend.

P.L. Frederick presents 9 Side Effects To Using The Clothes Line posted at Small and Big, saying, "All true, I say."

AdmirableIndia.com presents Hogenakkal Falls: Part 1 posted at AdmirableIndia.com.

Aquatic Life

GrrlScientist presents The Amazing Hook-Nosed Sea Pig posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "Gray Seal, Halichoerus grypus, at the ferry dock in Uig (Isle of Skye, Scotland). The translation of the scientific name for this species is "hook-nosed sea pig"."

Haydee Sampiano presents Great Time to Buy a Boat posted at SeaDream Boating News, saying, "The over estimated demand by manufacturers for new boats and a substantial sell-off in the private party marketplace have significantly reduced pricing. In addition, marine finance programs are still surprisingly attractive. Interest rates have remained low and there are programs available for many credit profiles."

James Hills presents Fishing in Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Gulf Islands posted at Man Tripping - Guys Getways and Mancations, saying, "This looks like a great area to do some fishing, hadn't really thought about the Gulf Islands before coming across this, but it looks like there are some great opportunities for mancations and guys weekend fishing trips if you live close enough to just do a short trip."

Ernesto Maitim presents Salmon Fishing in Alaska – Few Good Angling Advices posted at FlyFishingGreats.

GrrlScientist presents Palouse Falls posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "A gorgeous photograph of the area where I grew up: the Palouse of Washington state. This image is Palouse Falls, washington."

Green Thumb

Jamie McIntosh presents Save Money with Organic Gardening posted at Jamie's Blog, saying, "Everyone knows that green living techniques can save money by saving energy in the household. Earth-friendly organic gardens can also help you save money."

GrrlScientist presents Seattle Visit: University of Washington's GreenHouse, Part One posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "Part one of my two-part photoessay about my visit to the biology department's greenhouse on Seattle's University of Washington campus. lots of gorgeous images!"

GrrlScientist presents Seattle Visit: The Montlake Fill (UBNA) posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "This photoessay describes my visit to one of the finest small- to medium-sized urban birding areas on the west coast of North America, the Montlake Fill. This is a reclaimed wetland that was formerly a city dump."

GrrlScientist presents Honeycomb posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "A picture of a honeybee honeycomb, photographed at Russ Pittman Park, Texas."

pnreddy presents Common Problems That Take Away The Beauty Of The Garden! posted at The Garden Central.

In the Woods

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Kane Mountain: Half Way Done posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

Shelley Duncan presents True Blue of Crater Lake posted at SheSue Experience, saying, "Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon is the perfect place for tuning in with nature."

GrrlScientist presents The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird: The Discovery and Death of the Po'ouli posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "A review of the new book by Alvin Powell about the desperate struggle to save the world's rarest bird. This book reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the US Endangered Species Act."

GrrlScientist presents London's Regents Park posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "This photoessay contains descriptive text, my Regent's Park bird list, a nursery rhyme, and lots of gorgeous images."

pnreddy presents Why People Love To Go Camping? posted at Camping Tourist.

Advice Column

Sarah presents Ridding Your Lawn of Gophers, Moles and Other Rodents | Spring Lawn Care - Lawn Care Tips posted at Lawn Care Tips, saying, "How to get rid of pesky lawn creatures."



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An Outdoorsy Carnival - October

Welcome to the October 1, 2008 edition of an outdoorsy carnival. Thanks to all who participated. If you have a post you'd like to share, be sure to submit it for next month's carnival. An Outdoorsy Carnival is hosted on the first of each month here on my blog.

Advice Column

Piedro Molinero presents More About Butterfly Gardening posted at DIY Gardening Tips.

GrrlScientist presents Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "A book review of the new field guide to the birds of North America by Ted Floyd."

Aquatic Life

GrrlScientist presents SailFish Fans Will Love This posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "Adorned for the hunt, with fin raised and changeable colors flashing, a sailfish in the Gulf of Mexico circles a ball of sardines, preparing to strike."

Green Thumb

Kristen McCarthy presents Community Gardens: Transform Urban Spaces posted at this-sustainable-life.com, saying, "Traditionally, community gardens emerge in the most unlikely spaces: from dispossessed parking lots and abandoned railway lines, to hubcap strewn parks and needle plagued back alleys, to the sagging rooftops that overlook laundry lines stretched out across the cityscape in multifarious patterns. In these areas rejected and wasted from human-made decay, urban gardens are birthed."

In the Woods

Stephen presents Take a Moment to Reflect posted at Balanced Existence, saying, "Yesterday I got up early, ate a big breakfast of eggs, bacon and an apple and then drove by myself up into the Blue Mountains. I regularly plan days such as yesterday. This is because I feel it is very important to occasionally take time to reflect on where I am, what I’ve been doing and where I appear to be going."

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Vanderwhacker Mountain posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

Open Air

Stephanie presents Save the Bees posted at Adventures in the 100 Acre Wood.

GrrlScientist presents Today's Mystery Bird for you to Identify posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "I have a daily bird identification quiz. This is one of them where the bird has been identified and there is a beautifully-written and detailed analysis for how to ID that particular species."

Stephanie presents Giant Puffball Mushrooms posted at Stop the Ride!.

AdmirableIndia.com presents Trip to Wayanad: Day 2: Part 1 posted at AdmirableIndia.com, saying, "Wildlife sanctuary"

Madeleine Begun Kane presents Yard Yarns (Limerick and Haiku Prompt) posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog.

Glowing Face Man presents Pictures from Japan - Part 3 posted at Glowing Face Man: Awaken the Badass Within, saying, "A photoblog of my trip up Mt. Fuji"

P.L. Frederick presents Why I Hate Flies posted at Small and Big, saying, "A short, fun read!"

Health Blogger presents My Exercise Experience With Treadmill Running vs. Outdoor Running posted at Health and Fitness Blog.

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Balloons posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

Meg presents Fall Harvest Family Day posted at The Stickley Museum At Craftsman Farms.

Kevin Fleming presents Chevy Volt Aims for 100 MPG Rating posted at The Green Motorist.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
an outdoorsy carnival
using our
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Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

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An Outdoorsy Carnival - September, 2008

Welcome to the September 1, 2008 edition of an outdoorsy carnival. Thanks to everyone that participated.

Advice Column

Mike Bergin presents Like Learning Physics posted at 10,000 Birds, saying, "Here's a post by guest blogger Debra Ross on how much fun it is to learn something new such as identifying birds with a field guide!"

Ena Clewes presents Dealing With Garden Pests the Organic Way - Gardening Articles - Organic Gardening posted at Organic Gardening, saying, "For many gardeners, a good offense is better than a good defense when it comes to pests in the garden."

Aquatic Life

lorie presents Rice and Beans and Other Fine Things: Log Jumping 101 posted at Rice and Beans and Other Fine Things, saying, "Canoeing in Mississippi. This happens all the time."

Green Thumb

Mark J. Donovan presents Winterizing a Garden posted at HomeAdditionPlus, saying, "Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com discusses the steps in preparing your garden for winter."

P.L. Frederick presents The Thing About A Sting posted at Small and Big, saying, "You can learn a lot from a talking honeybee."

Barbara Schreiber presents The Garden Gnome Addiction (It's Global!) | Britannica Blog posted at Britannica Blog, saying, "Entertaining blog about the origin of garden gnomes."

AdmirableIndia.com presents Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore: Part 1: Ancient Watch Tower and Organic Cultivation posted at AdmirableIndia.com.

Piedro Molinero presents Rose Gardening posted at DIY Gardening Tips.

In the Woods

Madeleine Begun Kane presents Surmounting Marriage posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog.

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Tour of Balsam Lake Mountain posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

Brian Jay Stanley presents The Wilderness No Longer Feels Wild posted at Aphorisms and Paradoxes.

Open Air

GrrlScientist presents American Avocet 5 posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "[wildlife photography] American Avocet, Recurvirostra americana, in flight over Bolivar Flats, Texas."

Vidyut presents A filly injured by a bear was saved by love and care | Footprints on the Mountainside posted at Footprints on the Mountainside, saying, "A true story from the time when I was a nomadic horsewoman in the Himalaya and the satisfaction of having made a difference."

NAOMI presents BRITISH CHILREN DON'T LIKE THE COUNTRYSIDE posted at Diary From England.

AdmirableIndia.com presents Pearl Valley or Muthyala Maduvu, Karnataka posted at AdmirableIndia.com.

James Hills presents Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, SC posted at Man Tripping - Guys Getways and Mancations, saying, "I had a chance to visit Wild Dunes last year and it really stood out as a very nice golf resort that felt close to nature and wide open. Plus they have some great mancation packages for guys who love to mix golf with great beach activities."

Jeff Sullivan presents Silver Dollar City In Branson, Missouri posted at Branson Travel Attractions.

Jason Rusch presents What About White Boxer Dogs? posted at boxerdogessentials.com.

Outdoor Olympians

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Charles Lathrop Pack Demonstration Forest posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

Jacob presents I just rotated my bicycle tires to make them last longer posted at Early Retirement Extreme.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
an outdoorsy carnival
using our
carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

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An Outdoorsy Carnival, August 1, 2008

The Second Editon

Welcome to the August 1, 2008 edition of an outdoorsy carnival. Thanks to all the following participants!

Advice Column

Tip Diva presents Top Ten Tips - Treating And Preventing Mosquito Bites posted at Tip Diva, saying, "Ahh, summer. The sun is warm, the water is cool, the flowers are blooming, and unfortunately, the bugs are biting. The worst offender of them all is the mosquito, carrier of pain, itching and possible diseases like West Nile. Here’s how to treat and further prevent bites"

Aquatic Life

Madeleine Begun Kane presents Motor Boating Just Isn?t Our Speed (Humor Column) posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog.

AdmirableIndia.com presents Bangalore to Mysore on Bike: Day 1: Part 2: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brindavan gardens and Krishnarajasagara or KRS dam posted at AdmirableIndia.com.

Cory presents Bass Fishing Techniques | Bass fishing Tips, Tricks and advice posted at Bass Fishing Techniques, saying, "Information about the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society."

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Churning Buttermilk Falls posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

Green Thumb

valereee presents Garlic Mustard Dill Pickle Relish posted at Cincinnati Locavore, saying, "All those small early cukes are perfect for pickle relish!"

Laura Williams presents Around the Homestead Today... posted at Laura Williams' Musings, saying, "Gardening and Canning"

Fiona Lohrenz presents Going Organic…Why We Should! posted at Child Care Only.

Yancey Grantham presents “I think in a little while from now…” by Helmuth - Top Green Gallery posted at Top Green Blog.

In the Woods

Nick presents All Wrong? posted at Nemesis.

PalleikoDesigns presents Back from our travels! posted at H. Palleiko Designs.

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Blue Skies at Blue Mountain posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

:: Suzanne :: presents 100 Acre Wood posted at :: adventures in daily living ::.

Wicksell Metellus presents One Way to Beat High Gas Prices (Guaranteed!) posted at The Official Blog of the Open Road.

Louise Manning presents Woodland birds under threat posted at The Human Imprint.

Outdoor Olympians

jonathan senior presents The 3 Peaks of Yorkshire - Salomon XT Wings Challenge posted at roadrunning.net, saying, "3 peaks of yorkshire"

Open Air

Sean presents THE GIANTS CAUSEWAY - HISTORY AND HERITAGE - NORTHERN IRELAND posted at MY SECRET IRELAND, saying, "Ireland's only World Heritage site. This Blog Posts includes an embedded video for your viewing."

Tony Clifton presents Are You Brave Enough To Fly A Paraglider? posted at Aviation For All.

GP presents Horses Montana's Glamour Animal posted at Innstyle Montana- Come on Inn, saying, "Horses may be considered montana's "glamour animal".. but nothing beats 'em for heart, soul and being in the great outdoors"

AdmirableIndia.com presents Trip to Ooty: Day 2: Part 1: Ooty Lake - Boat House and Thread garden, Ooty posted at AdmirableIndia.com.

GrrlScientist presents Black-Bellied Plover posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "Black-Bellied Plover, Pluvialis squatarola, at Bolivar Flats, Texas. This bird is in breeding plumage, more correctly known as "alternate plumage.""

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Sharing the Road posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

GP presents Innside Equestrian posted at Innstyle Montana- Come on Inn, saying, "Horses are more than a hobby.. they're a lifestyle!"

Barbara Schreiber presents Mesa Verde: A Storied Island in the Sky | Britannica Blog posted at Britannica Blog, saying, "Great blog post on the ancestral pueblo ancient ruins of Mesa Verde."

Nick D presents Hayabusa Powerplant posted at Skaba Dune Buggies.

James Hills presents Taos Ski Valley Summer Mancation posted at Man Tripping - Guys Getways and Mancations.


That concludes this edition! Sad that you missed out? Join us next time, the first of the month, every month!

an outdoorsy carnival
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Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

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Churning Buttermilk Falls

On July 12, Sister and I swung by Buttermilk Falls on our way home from Blue Mountain. One of the perks of being in the Adirondack Mountain Club is the discount on the books for sale at the club's headquarters in Lake George. I was intrigued by Russell Dunn's book, titled Adirondack Waterfalls Guide, the club discount was a plus. It seems like 1.5 hours or more is a far drive to go to just do one hike, so we've been trying to cram a little more into our trips up north.

Near Deerland, NY (Hamilton County), Buttermilk Falls is quite easily accessible. Its simple to find, even for the two of us who would probably get lost inside a cardboard box. The trail, if you'd even call it that, to the falls is less than 0.05 miles long. Parking is plentiful.

Buttermilk falls is formed on the Raquette River, which rises from Raquette Lake and eventually spills into the Hudson River. Second to the Hudson river, Raquette River is number two on the list of longest rivers in New York. Falling over a series of terraces, the falls are about 40 feet in height.

Seneca Ray Stoddard, a 19th century writer and photographer, suggested that the name came from the churning that the river gets at the bottom of the falls. It is a rather generic name for waterfalls, as there are several other waterfalls in New York that share this name. Despite its generic name, the waterfall itself is anything but! It's truly an amazing sight. We spent probably close to an hour there, taking pictures, enjoying the view, feeling the mist from the water slamming against the rocks below us.


Raquette Lake gets its name from the French word for snowshoe, and according to legend, the name was the result of the Tories, led by Sir John Johnson in 1776, ditching their snowshoes in the spring thaw at the lake during the Revolutionary War.

Native Americans named the river Ta-na-wa-deh, which means "swift water." Two guys, possibly in their late teens, challenged the swiftness of the water by jumping from some rocks about half way up. Better them than me.



I can't wait to check out some of the other falls presented the book.

To see all the pictures from Buttermilk Falls on my Flickr page, click here.

Information from:
Adirondack Waterfalls Guide, by Russell Dunn
and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raquette_Lake