The sharing of the green

image: albanysigns.com

Spending winter skiing at Albany Muni Capital Hills has been one of my favorite outdoor activities for many years.  The quiet beauty of the Normanskill, the cardinals and bluebirds, the sense of isolation in the midst of a residential neighborhood in a small city...it is a special place.

This winter, there wasn't a single day's worth of skiing there, for me.  The right conditions never arrived this year to entice me out to ski those hills and paths, yet,  I probably spent more time on those greens than ever before.  Running.

The coincidental timing of lack of snow and my excess of interest in running was perfect. The consolation was an easy one to swallow during the most mild winter I can recall and, as the almost anticlimactic seasons shift, I am struggling with giving the course exclusively back to the golfers.  With the date of the course opening moved ahead to today, St. Patrick's Day, I'm wondering if there isn't a way runners and golfers could share this wonderful jewel.

From what I understand (total hearsay), runners are not permitted on the course during posted hours.  The rationale I've heard involves the perils of golf balls and the distraction of Lycra clad joggers.  I understand how these may be dangerous to both those with the clubs and those with the Nikes, but are the risks to a runner greater than the dangers of riding in one of those golf carts?  Wouldn't the odds of a rider being hit by an errant golf ball be similar to those of a runner?  Has this been studied?  Damn it, is there empirical evidence?!?

I don't play golf but imagine there is a certain focus required to be an exceptional golfer. Seems to me that professional golfers hit the ball with thousands of people surrounding them.  The only behavior of the crowd that I've seen (on television when absolutely nothing else was on or I couldn't find the remote) corrected was their volume.  I mean, I've seen some shushing.  When I run, I don't really talk, so that wouldn't be a concern at all.  Promise.

With some creativity, mutual respect and a wee bit of luck I am certain golfers and runners could share the green.  No malarkey.

Dreadmill Blues

image: benjamuna.files.wordpress.com

When I first began running after my shoulder surgery, it was winter and I made use of the treadmill at the gym. I really had no complaints about the experience. I could listen to music, watched muted Home and Garden television and people watch - all at the same time without tripping. I was motivated by the display screen and played around with the incline and speed, watching the calories count off. Actually, it was probably one of the few times I considered myself to be a numbers person. I never really understood the blanket dislike of running on a treadmill, I mean, what's so bad about running like a hamster in a cage?  For outdoors time, I had the golf course for cross-country skiing. Remember when it used to snow here in the winter?

In the past couple of months, though, I've found myself  beginning to understand the disdain for this type of exercise. Maybe it started at the Greenbush Area YMCA where they have televisions mounted from the ceiling rather than individual screens on each machine.  It might have been the incessant FOX "news" assaulting my eyes that first turned me off to running as fast as I can without creating any distance between myself and something I find repulsive.  And if it wasn't that, the episode of Paula Deen "cooking" with canned mushroom soup and multiple sticks of butter certainly was enough to make me uncomfortable.  Gross.  But, I believe my major issue with running on a treadmill comes from the basic fact that I simply enjoying being outside.  In recent months, I've actually had a couple of moments when I've been running and I thought to myself, "If it all ended right now, I'd be happy."  I've never replicated that emotion indoors on a treadmill, believe me.

Quinn and I are preparing for our epic train trip later in the month and I'm a bit stressed about getting my weekly miles in.  I'm hoping to cob together some sort of babysitting when we're on the road and I'll bring a swimsuit also, just in case.  Last week when I was in Boston, the hotel had a running concierge - have you ever heard of such a thing?!? Apparently it is a weather dependent service, but I thought it was a really cool amenity to offer guests.  The timing of it didn't work for me, but check this out:

Now, granted, it was Boston and I always get lost in Boston, but it was an awesome little map nonetheless.  As I try to push my weekly mileage closer to the 20 mile mark, my acceptance of a lack of snow, (and thus no cross-country skiing), feels far more natural than running indoors.  Let's hope D.C., Baltimore and NYC offer opportunities similar to Boston or else the only thing more dreadful than the dreadmill will be my mood.

Burrito!

I had my first taste of Mexican style cuisine at a sleep over birthday party in 6th grade. I can still remember how taken I was with those tacos - crunchy, meaty, cheesy tacos so delicious that the shredded iceberg lettuce and insipid tomatoes couldn't get in the way of my enjoyment. I swear I ate 4 tacos that night and my culinary world was never the same. Since that time, I've both expanded (Fish tacos! Nachos for dinner!) and honed (chiles in adobo make almost everything better) my palate and continue to be smitten by the flavors of Mexican food, authentic or not. The other day as I cut trail through 14+ inches of snow, I was inspired by thoughts of a quiet solo dinner at home - chicken burritos, specifically. Here's what I did:

I had two baked chicken thighs (bone in) hanging out in the fridge. I took the meat off the bone and basically ripped it into shreds and tossed it into a can of semi-drained black beans. I added some cumin, salt and two chopped chipotle chiles along with about a teaspoon of the adobo sauce the chipotles were packed in. As this heated through, I warmed two tortillas and gathered some vegetables in the form of a half avocado, sliced, and some baby spinach. I built a gorgeous mound of the green veggies, the beans and chicken and then finished with a dollop of salsa and a bit of shredded cheese. My plan was to eat two of these bad boys, but when I paused after wolfing one down, I realized I was quite full already. I was a little bummed that my capacity was so limited, but since I'm not a fan of that over-stuffed feeling, I was pleased that I knew when to stop and that there would be another yummy burrito meal to look forward to.

Mohonk Mountain House

I don't know what you know about this place, but allow me to share some of what I've heard and experienced about this amazing place. I first saw the Mohonk Mountain House (MMH) on a perfect October afternoon. I was taking a little hike walk through the woods one gorgeous Columbus Day weekend with some girlfriends and I think, a Lilly boy on my back. We had parked in a lower lot and followed a lovely path through the woods pausing to observe the rock climbers and to surreptitiously  catch our breath. We were all a bit out of shape as we ignored our own physical selves to devote our attention to the little beings we had produced and whose demands exceeded our own supply of hours in a day. The trail took us past fields and under evergreen trees as we continued to gaze up at the tower made of rocks, the tower which didn't seem to get any closer despite our continued efforts. As we rounded a curve in the path all of a sudden it was there - the Mountain House. And we were no longer in the Hudson Valley but had somehow been transported to Europe, perhaps Austria or maybe the Schwarzwald. Or, maybe it was Camelot. Built on, or perhaps birthed by, the grey rocks was an edifice that defied symmetry yet still appeared perfectly balanced. The building was a conglomeration of materials and colors and architectural styles, yet was perfect in it's disharmony. Unforgettable.

I've been back to the locale over the years and seem to always walk away with a new piece of information or legend about the MMH. Although none of this has been confirmed (maybe I should check wikipedia?), I recall hearing that Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining after a stay here, and that he also wrote some of the Mystery Weekends that have been hosted here over the years. Apparently the actual movie was filmed at an Inn in Estes Park, Colorado Oregon, but the inspiration came from Mohonk. My oldest son, the one I hauled on my back, tells me he has seen an episode of some program about haunted buildings which featured Mohonk. I'd like to think the spirit was benevolent and just couldn't bear to leave such a beautiful spot.

Just this weekend I finally got myself inside the Mountain House via an organized x-country ski trip with the Out of Control ski club. Who says I'm not a joiner? The timing of the trip worked out perfectly since I needed to be in New Paltz for an event anyway and I was able to stretch my day of skiing into a 2 night kitchen pass, an ideal beginning to my winter break. I met my ski buddies (bunnies?) a little after 9:00 a.m. at the gate and followed their bus up the winding road.  We quickly got ourselves organized and hit the trail to Skytop. The conditions were less than ideal with lots of ice and even more wind, but I always say a bad day skiing is better than not skiing at all. The views were panoramic and even more breathtaking than the 50 mph wind gusts. The ski up required removing our skis a few times to traverse the worst of the ice patches, not a problem just something of which to remain careful. At the top of the trail we took our skis off and tucked them into a corner of the tower for safekeeping - concerned far more about the wind than theft. The view was magnificent and had the wind not threatened to blow us away, we might have enjoyed relaxing a bit longer, but lunch was calling and I couldn't wait to enjoy the inside of the property.

cheesecake

The buffet began at noon and we were changed and at our table by about 12:30. Although we're not buffet regulars, we didn't make any amateurish mistakes. First we polled our table mates for their favorite items and then we did a reconnaissance lap around the entire display area prior to picking up plates and getting started. I began with a salad of Arugula (surprise, surprise!) with pickled beets, feta, garbanzos, some crunchy seeds and a balsamic vinaigrette. On the side I had a piece of pita with some yummy yogurt-cucumber sauce, pickled red onions and chunks of chicken turned yellow with turmeric. Delicious. My next lap brought sliced duck, Israeli couscous, red curry chicken and grilled vegetables. I wrapped things up with a taste of Oreo mousse pie, a slice of excellent traditional cheesecake and a small pile of fresh pineapple with toasted coconut. All of this, washed down with a half bottle of Alsatian Pinot Blanc. Bliss.  You should go - really.

Deconstructed quiche salad

I don't know about you, but I believe that nothing but good can follow butter and onions. Geez, the aroma is practically a meal in itself!  I was running a bit of a caloric deficit after completing the big loop at Muni and, truth  be told, I probably spent the last .5 mile or so imagining the perfect substantial lunch salad.  Here's what I came up with...

Saute a chopped onion in about 2 t of butter,  over medium  low heat.  I went with a chop instead of the more attractive rings because I wanted the carmelization to happen sooner rather than later - greater area, quicker cook, right?  After a quick stir to make sure the onions were all coated in butter, I turned the heat to low and allowed them to get beautifully soft.  At that point, I added a thick slice or 2 of leftover spiral ham that I had cubed.  As the onions and ham became acquainted, I laid out a couple of piles of greens and dressed them with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.  I tossed some roasted beets on the plate and then shaved Parmesan generously all over -  like snowmageddon generous.  The gorgeous onions and ham were distributed around the plate and then I cooked 2 eggs perfectly over easy in the onion/ham pan.  Ah - the crowning glory of the fried egg!  Lavishly salt and pepper - then dip your fork into the yolk and let the mouth party begin.  De-frikkin'-licious!  It was a meal that was like the best of books - sad to conclude, but remaining alive in your memory for long after the inevitable end. 

eggs, cheese, ham, onions = quiche

impossible to convey the deliciousness with just a photo...

XC Skiing In Mohonk Preserve

Last week I had a second opportunity to ski in the New Paltz area with an old friend.  For this day, we chose the Mohonk golf course for our explorations and it was beautiful!  The trails were nicely groomed and marked and we were nearly alone as we shussed through the woods.  One of the first challenges we encountered was the hill below - yikes!  It was a bit on the icy side and more than a tad scary looking from the top, so we elected to ski down the more subtle incline and climb up the severe hill.  Which we did repeatedly - for fun.  Really.  I'm heading down there again in 2 weeks with another friend as part of an organized trip.  Very excited to actually eat at the Mohonk Mountain house instead of just gaze wistfully at that beautiful Camelot-like building. 

XC Skiing In Mohonk Preserve With Silvia by James

come ski with me!!

thanks, lisa for the camera loan

this is the hill james and i did laps on - what a blast!!

Skiing Saratoga Spa State Park

see?  i'm not the only one who likes x-country!

Hi.  my name is Silvia and I'm a cross-country skiing addict.  Whew - that feels better.  Maybe not as good as being outside on a beautiful day with skis on my feet and the sun on back, but, good nonetheless.  The past few years have been  rough for those of us who are dependent upon mother nature for a good time, but she is really making up for the recent "dry" years with a season as good as any I can remember. 

My  love for Capital Hills has been well documented and I don't imagine there is a better free place within 5 minutes of my house, but variety is the spice of life and I'm all about mixing things up when I can.  That statement probably doesn't jibe with your librarian fantasy stereotype, but, believe it or not, not everything in my life is orderly.  Hello!  Have you been reading?  Anyway...

little geyser

Friday afternoon, after making a vat of soup, I drove up the Northway to Saratoga.  After checking into the Hilton Garden Inn, I got into my ski clothes and headed over to Saratoga Spa State Park to check out their trails and get some calorie credits prior to the evening's indulgence(s).

I've skied here a couple of times before in years past and love the southwest area of the park for its quiet hills and beautiful scenery, so that's where I headed.  The trails were a mixture of groomed and untouched, with the roads retaining enough snow cover to provide a decent enough trail for those less inclined to explore the wooded paths.  I had a great little run through, going past Peerless Pool and a number of the pavilions, before heading back to the hotel for a soak in the hot tub prior to dinner.

Friday's quick spin through the park was a mere precursor to the more extended run I took Saturday with a couple of friends.  I know that I've said this at least three times so far this winter, but I've sincerely meant it each time I've uttered the following words: The conditions were the best I've ever seen.  Really.  The skies were a brilliant blue, the sun shone brightly enough to convince me that I got a touch of tan on my face and there wasn't a hint of wind.  Absolutely ideal.  Period.  

a wooded path near the gideon

The loop we took was an extension of the path I had taken the previous day.  We started off downhill on the road and worked our way through a good portion of the southwest corner of the park, staying south of the Avenue of the Pines and west of Route 9.  The terrain had some mildly challenging spots but was better groomed than it had been a day earlier and we had a blast.  

It was the kind of day that, if we had unlimited time, we could have easily spent 5 or 6 hours tooling around the park with an occasional pit stop at either the warming hut or the Gideon Putnam's bar.  Or both.  But, alas, we all had places to go and responsibilities to resume, so after an hour and a half we packed it in and headed back to life, with a quick stop back at the hotel for a last dip in the hot tub.  Sublime.  Saratoga is not just for summer.

the epitome of saratoga in the winter

Cross country skiing at Capital Hills

I'm hesitating a little about writing this piece...you see, I am concerned about my little piece of heaven being overrun by enthusiastic but challenged skiers, thus making my own forays less idyllic. I'm basically a sharer, though, so here is a little secret for you: the best free, winter outdoor activity in the city of Albany is cross country skiing at Capital Hills. Heck - don't tell Mayor Jennings but, if I were asked, I would even pay for access to the gorgeousness that is that golf course on a snowy day. It is that beautiful.

Into the wild white yonder

Now you know that I like to think of myself as a bit of an athlete - and I have the scars to prove it. When I initially tried cross-country skiing, under a bit of duress if I remember correctly, I totally thought I would hate it. Being out in the snow gliding along didn't really appeal to me. I had bad memories of a "learn to ski" day at a downhill place near where I grew up (think too much partying and not enough waterproof clothing), and was decidedly not enthusiastic about swooshing along through the woods. The reality though was, that with the appropriate attire and a supportive ski partner/teacher, I finished my introductory country ski experience feeling as if I had truly found my sport. It was genuine love and I've never lost my enthusiasm - and really, how many things can you say that about?

Snow is merely frozen water to Cassidy Lilly

That year, probably about 15 years ago, I got my first pair of cross country skis and I've never looked back. Other than to see where my dog was, that is. I honed my skills at the golf course over the years and have come to take for granted the stunning hilly-ness that is the new course. This is not terrain for those afraid of hills for either up or down hill adventures. It is a challenging course, made more interesting by the nearly complete lack of grooming. You're on your own here and it is frequently necessary to break your own path on the virgin "trail." But, hey, you trailblazer, you can do it!

I got out there recently with a friend who had never experienced the golf course on skis. His enthusiasm and repeated exclamation of "glorious!!" reminded me anew of the amazing gift we outdoor enthusiasts have in the nearby public golf course. There is ample parking, a restaurant for those inclined to have a bite to eat or a drink (the smell of their wood burning fireplace smells enticing without the added aroma of chicken wings), and there are uncountable trails to explore. I've been skiing there with as much frequency as the weather and my life allow for years and I still explore new trails to make my way from my starting point back around to the clubhouse. My latest discovery was the Heineken Trail, marked by Heineken cans stakes at both ends as well as cans nailed onto trees.  As proof that Albany (and its cross-country skiing community) are comfortingly small, I ran into (not literally, I reserve that for my snowboarding escapades) a man skiing, Collin Campbell.  He claims to have marked that very trail, along with a Budweiser trail which I have not yet located, and has plans for a Coors trail also.  Just what I like - something to look forward to!  

In the middle of the city, yet in the middle of no where



A couple of suggestions for the novice: ski with a friend. This place is big and not well marked; it is best to travel with a companion in case you experience any difficulties. Along the same vein, carry a cell phone with you for both the ability to communicate as well as to orient yourself, assuming you have one of those cool mapping apps. If you don't have a virtual compass, listen for the sounds of the Thruway and remember that it runs East/West. You'll figure it out. And, lastly, go and go often. Cross country skiing truly makes the winter something not just to tolerate, but instead a season to gleefully anticipate.

Additional places to cross country ski:
Pine Ridge 
Lapland Lake
Garnet Hill
Cross country skiing near Albany

Bittersweet Exposed

image from picassawebalbums

While skiing through Capital Hills golf course, I was impressed by the aesthetic of the shrubs, bare trees and (everywhere) bittersweet.  As I glided along completely smitten by the exposed, winter panorama, I started thinking about how so often there is more present than what initially meets and greets the eye. How beauty can be subtly layered, frequently becoming more striking as the artifice is stripped away. Yes, of course, verdant greens and brightly hued flowers are obviously stunning, but is what remains after the blowsiness of youth has been exhausted of equal beauty?  And, can the same rationale transfer to relationships?  When the vibrancy and excitement of new love have weathered into a landscape of subtle shades of brown with bursts of unexpected vibrancy, is what remains more than bittersweet?

Snow day soup

this photo does not do it justice

Yesterday was our first snow day of the season and I am pretty darn satisfied with how I used my found time.  This storm was well forecasted for a change, and I was so confident that I was going to be home for the day, that I prepped bread dough the night before and got to enjoy the aroma of fresh bread baking in my oven.  Love that! 

I am newly obsessed with kale, following my meal at Cafe Capriccio, and decided to make a kale and bean soup.  I don't know about you, but I am convinced that white beans and kale are the flavor combination of winter 2011 - it seems like I'm seeing it everywhere (@Eataly on bruschetta, @Cafe Capriccio on crostini, in Bon Appetit, etc).  I gathered together 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 2" pieces), a package of garlic and chicken sausage (sliced into 1" rounds), a huge bunch of kale (coarsely chopped), an entire head of garlic (again, coarsely chopped), 2/3 of a bag of "baby" carrots, approximately 2.5 quarts of assorted stock (more on this later) and a big can of canellini beans. 



The process:  Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy, deep pot, over medium high heat.  Add the garlic and lightly brown.  Turn down the heat and toss in the chunks of chicken thighs.  Brown on all sides, turning as necessary.  Add the chicken sausage and stock - I used 3 different types of stock from my freezer; turkey and two different batches of chicken stock.  I seasoned each of those birds differently and think the variety added a really nice depth to my end result. Turn the heat down to medium low and toss in the carrots and kale, stirring to distribute evenly, and cover.  My bunch of kale was ginormous and I had to add it slowly as it cooked down, which took a few minutes.  After about 30 minutes, I reached for my can of white beans and...paused.   "Hmmm.  If everyone is doing kale and white beans maybe I need to switch it up a bit," I thought to myself.  I considered how beautiful the orange carrots looked and decided to put my own spin on things (as I like to do) and reached for a bag of dried yellow lentils (2.5 - 3 cups, I'd say ) instead.  Oh, yeah.  Perfect!  I covered the pot again, turned the heat to as low as it would go and went skiing for a couple of hours.  Upon my return, inspired by the lentils, I seasoned the soup with between 1/4 and a 1/3 cup of garam masala and let the spices cook for about 30 minutes prior to ladling that loveliness into bowls.  I served the soup with home baked bread, soft, herbed cheese and roasted cauliflower.  Delicious.  

a delicious winter salad




Today's lunch was a salad of baby spinach and arugula dressed with olive oil and fresh lemon juice then topped with leftover roasted cauliflower, croutons and golden raisins. Yum, yum - that's good eating.

Albany Muni aka Capital Hills*

We've (that would be myself, Yas, Cassidy and Iris) made the transition from the Normanskill to the public golf course for dog walking purposes.  I love the golf course, but I enjoy it most when it is blanketed by a foot of snow and I've got my cross-country skis on.  That's right - not a golfer.  It is a lovely place, however,  to take a walk, snow or no snow.  Here's a few snapshots to prove it:

Cool trees on the first hill

The remains of summer

Riot of color

Berry sky

Milkweed

Nest available for sublet

Oak leaf beauty

* I prefer Albany Muni to Capital Hills and will probably always call it that.  Kind of like the Knickerbocker Arena.

Exercise - Who is it for?

I've got some issues when it comes to exercise and was wondering how other people feel and/or think about exercise. I can't possibly be the only person who mentally tallies the number of times in a week that they exercise, right? Don't you all keep track of how many workouts you manage to get in each week? On the small chance that you don't, let me give you a peek into my head and share my sickness, I mean, method.

An exercise week begins, like a work week, on a Monday. The goal of every fresh, new week is 5 days with exercise. I attempt to achieve a balance between cardio work, weights and yoga, mixing it up with indoor and outdoor exercise. I enjoy a mix of group and solitary exercise although I think I gravitate toward a more moderate pace when I work out alone. I pretty much have the group exercise schedules at 2 YMCA locations committed to memory and bounce between locations depending upon my other responsibilities. Last week was pretty ideal with a day of jogging, 2 1/2 hours of x-country skiing, a spinning class and 2 yoga classes. Despite that amount of time devoted to working out, I still felt as if I could have used another day for weights, but, I console myself with the fact that I do the best I can.

Out of all the activities I participate in, the one I most love is x-country skiing, with cycling a close second. I've been x-country skiing as much as possible these past few weeks -it has been a disappointing year for x-country skiing with a definite lack of snow. Usually Cassidy (our black lab) and I jump in the car and are on the golf course in 10 minutes, however, this winter we've only skied locally once. Other than that, I have driven to Pine Ridge in Poestenkill to get my fix. Last week while I was there, skiing solo through an amazing wonderland of blue skies, swaying evergreen trees and crisp snow, I considered what I was really exercising - was it my body or my mind?

When you exercise is it with thoughtful or thoughtless exertion? During a yoga class, which is harder - focusing on a physical pose or letting go of your thoughts? I know that when I ski, as my arms and legs glide, my mind and thoughts flit and roam unrestrained. My imagination is released and allowed to wander at its own pace and I feel my creative spirit is flexing.

If you speak to anyone who exercises regularly, I guarantee you, they will say that physical activity is as important for emotional and mental health as it is for physical well being. Do you exercise regularly? If so, is it about fitting into your favorite jeans or releasing endorphins? Exercise - who or what is it for?