Get Your Skates On

Come this Friday and skating returns to Margaretville (not skateboarding either for all who think the weather might stand in the way of actual ice).

The village has a winter tradition of free ice skating in the village park (behind Freshtown and by the pavilion). The rink is ad hoc, made of hay bales and custom liner filled with water turned into, of course, ice. It’s set up by a team of volunteers headed by Mike and Becky Porter. I can’t say enough good things about the two of them; he rode his bike across the country after two year’s of cancer treatment, was science teacher at MCS and is president of the volunteer fire department. (He also cuts a fine figure in the department’s dress uniform). And, where it comes to dress or dressing, Becky can dress a deer on the way to church on Sunday (she has before) and is a skater and skier. As Mike says, he’s just there doing her bidding. He does not actually skate but wants to encourage everyone to get outside. To make sure you can, the Porters have skates on their back porch (at the corner of Orchard and Academy Street in the village) for anyone to borrow.

The rink is open anytime you feel like coming and having a skate. To keep the ice smooth they use something called a “wand,” a four-foot garden hose attachment that sprays a thin stream of water on top. That’s all it takes to get the Zamboni effect. On Wednesday the ice was at least two inches thick, Mike reports. “Not quite good enough yet.” Because of the weather he suggests skating in the evenings and early mornings when it’s cold. And in the early morning you’re likely to catch Becky there too. That’s her favorite time to hit the ice.

Skating when it’s too warm makes it both hard to skate and is hard on the ice, which, given that the rink is run by volunteers, makes them work harder too. Plus, if you come when it’s dark out, there’s a light on a post by the rink that you can turn on yourself, anytime you want. So if you fancy a romantic midnight skating jaunt…

The rink will be up, “Until,” Mike says, “mother nature says ‘no.’” Which here in the Western Catskills means February.

Quality....

So this might be a tad meditative as WITC posts go and my idea is quality not quantity, which is always the value system at Platty. I skied the last two days and there was powder, chop, bumps which were a blast. My skiing was not quality. I don't know about you, but often I wake up in the middle of the night obsessing about things like my pole plant, that my upper body still flails about. And how much I wish I could ski like Steve Supp .... Last night was one of them. Which is a bummer for my poor husband. Who wants to hear their wife at 3 am talking about their ski hero (another man at that) or the drills she wants to do and the skis she really wants which are easier on chop? (BTW they're the K2 Lotta Luvs 2010-2011 if Santa is still listening)

All of which takes me away from quality. I was amazed at how great the trails were. (Which also explains why I've not been taking many pictures I never want to stop skiing) There might not be many trails open but the conditions were amazing. Powder, my friends, powder, that was fun and a challenge to ski. It wasn't skied off and there were a few slick spots (I believe in full honesty here at WITC) but there was good snow to be had. And this is what I love about Platty. Even if I didn't have 10 trails to choose from (which are more like 5 given that most hills count a trail that gets crisscrossed and joined by another as 2 trails, ski-flation if ever I heard it), the conditions were great.

Much to the credit of Macker and Nolan and the Platty team, but also that Platty is a little secret.

Then check out the pics below,the action shots of the young'uns sprawled out on Lower Face throwing snowballs at ski patrol. Gotta love them. Ski patrol and the kids. Platty is a place that welcomes all, and that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Happy New Year!

Plattekill's Grand Canyon

AT the top of Plattekill is something every skier should like to see. A giant hole 60 feet deep. Now partially filled with water. “Welcome to the Grand Canyon,” Laszlo says and waves his arms behind him. He’s dwarfed by said Canyon and the Komatsu excavator behind him. (This was back in November when Macker and 3 others were busy welding pipes to the Canyon.)

This Canyon is Platty’s new snowmaking pond. They’d wanted a bigger one for years and then came Irene and want became need. The original pond at the top of the hill suffered from erosion as did some of the trails. Repairing one meant repairing the others. The rock hauled out of the pond was used to stabilize trails and build a new, bigger parking lot by the lodge. (No more walking up the road on busy days). And, to get the construction crews to the top, one of the hardest hit trails – Powder Puff – was widened and some of the hairpin turns made a tad less steep. A bonus for beginner skiers.

Perhaps the sweetest benefit? The rock is also going to help with other Irene recovery efforts. It’s being used by local road crews and even on the Gilboa Dam.

The project is so big it will take two years to complete. Blasting the rock took 100,000 pounds of explosives, and the wires are still hanging out of the rock walls. But while we’re waiting for the final pond, it will still be in service this year. Given the weather so far, that’s the best news of all. As is the fact that Platty has just bought another 45 new snowguns.

{check the before and after shots and also the equipment that did it...}

White Christmas 2011

While everyone else is having fires and chestnuts and dreams of mistletoe and sugarplums dancing all in their heads (which could be the effect of too much wine or whisky or other indulgences that won't get mentioned here in a family-oriented blog) the elves at Plattekill are working hard to ensure a white Christmas and a good opening day. And for all who don't remember last year's post, snowmaking is hardly easy. The pictures here might well give that away.

It's more a job of man vs machine vs nature. It's cold. You have to keep checking water pressure, lugging guns and pipes around, dragging them uphills on snowmobiles which is a bit like herding animals. Only at 11 degrees Farenheit. You have to getting ice off the fans and out of the pipes. Ice that comes flying off hard as bullets from the turbines. So when you ski this week, give it up for the snowmakers who've been out overnight and will be again tonight on Christmas Eve and on Christmas itself, riding another kind of sleigh to deliver the best gift of all. Powder.

Cut Your Own

Okay so we’re looking on the bright side here at WITC. There isn’t much snow on the ground, but that makes it easy to pick (and cut) your own Christmas tree. We went up on our land with a saw—not even a chainsaw and hiked half a mile in and half a mile out with two trees, including one that was more Charlie Brown’s Christmas than perfect. Now you could do that too, or go to places like Robson’s tree farm in Bovina, or out on your own piece of land and pick one, but there are some tips I’d follow:

1. Check out the size of your space. Or read this from last week’s NY Times. The truth is sobering, and the article's name says it all: The Holiday Gaffes That Keep On Giving.

2. Bow saw. Christmas is a time when no one wants to visit ER. Unless you know how to use a chainsaw stick to a bow saw. Slower = safer. No need to act all macho in the woods.

3. If you can’t find a small enough tree (It can be tricky out there, and in the wild, they're bigger than they appear. No ceilings for one. Or walls.), then cut it further up and it might even regrow. Think of it as two-for-one.

4. When you’re picking your tree, remember that pack-it-in, pack-it-out rule. Aka, the tree has to get to the street to your car. Remember that if it’s heavy. And you have young children with you who might be getting cold. Or restless. For that matter bring some cocoa along too. In case you get cold.

5. Get it in water as soon as possible and keep watering it often. This keeps the needles on the boughs.

6. Pride yourself on your savings. Just remember the tree you’ve cut in the woods costs a fraction of that $300 tree in the City. And this being the spirit of the season, maybe donate the savings to a good cause. Like flood victims.

7. Remember to feel good about yourself for another reason: Picking your own Christmas tree is an awesome moment of family togetherness, witness this week’s pictures. Thank you to Nick and Shyama, David and Norm and Miriam.

See happy smiles all around....

On the Ice and Under the Ice

Just saw this online....sounds really cool. If anyone goes please post a comment here on what you thought. Thanks....JB

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
4TH ANNUAL FLY FEST & ICECAPADES
10:00AM - 4:00PM
CATSKILL FLY FISHING CENTER & MUSEUM
LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM), in cooperation with sponsors Catskill Flies and ClassicTrout.com will host the Fourth annual Fly Fest and the second IceCapades.

Fly Fest is a gathering of 50+ fly tyers who get together every year in the CFFCM to tie flies and minimize cabin fever and mid winter blues. Both professional and amateur tyers from all over the Northeast come to share their latest patterns, swap stories and tie flies for the upcoming season. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the warmth of the day inside and pick up some pointers from the group. On this day, Fly Tyers are sure to see their shadow and return to their basements for another 6 weeks of fly tying, just in time to return for the 2011 Trout Season Opener at Junction Pool in Roscoe, NY. Volunteer Coordinators for this event are JB Martin, Jack Ganz, and ‘Catskill John’ Bonasera.

For those who enjoy the cold and the excitement of ice fishing, the CFFCM will host the second IceCapades. IceCapades is an open day to all to fish on the CFFCM Pond. Last year a number of large yellow perch and brown trout were caught. Participants will be encouraged to donate $5 to fund the spring pond stocking for children’s fishing educational programs, on pond demonstrations and for those physically challenged. A member will be on hand to drill holes and those wishing to make their own can take advantage of a hand ice auger that will be available. Hot dogs and warm drinks will be available and fun will be had by all. IceCapades is coordinated by Mike Canazon, Jan Weido and CFFCM friends from the Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited.

For more information call: The CFFCM at (845) 439-4810

Live and Raw Winter B&B Stay - Too Cool

When we say Live and Raw - we're not talking about the weather now..... Check out the Turquoise Barn in the Western Catskills. Owner Michelle Premura is a certified Raw and Living Foods chef and instructor. She's also a mixed media artist and jewelry designer - which probably has something to do with why her food looks as gorgeous as it tastes delicious!!! Now through the end of February you are invited to stay on their organic farm and B&B in Bloomville, NY and partake in a little bit of the healthy life. Two of you will receive two nights lodging in their renovated 1800's Carriage Barn B&B (includes choice of organic vegetarian, vegan or raw food breakfast options such as fresh juices, green smoothies, sprouted breads, scrambled tofu or fresh organic eggs from their chickens), as well as a two hour raw food workshop.

Raw foods are getting a lot of talk around my circle of friends. While owner Michelle eats about 80% live and raw - we set out on our weekend with them wanting to have the skills to get to about 30% live and raw. It's not that hard once you're more comfortable in the kitchen whipping meals up and Michelle is a pro at teaching you how to do this. You can add to your mind, body, spirit connection by asking Michelle if she can help set up a yoga class, or massage for you. If you are interested, they can also arrange for infrared sauna sessions - but advanced notice is absolutely required.

While you're there you can hike on their farmland, or borrow a set of snowshoes and hop on the Catskill Scenic Trail. This is an amazing 19 mile rail trail that is completely flat so anyone can walk it. All this healthy living is why so many City folks have weekend houses there, or moved to the Catskills full time. We met friends of friends almost immediately - which we were informed is a normal two degrees of separation happening around here.

Ask Michelle or her husband, artist Michael Milton, to let you in their barn gallery to see some of their artwork. We love Michael's wood working skills in the house (which he renovated himself and feels more like a series of lofts inside) and just had to see his tables and sculpture. Now I'm trying to figure out how to make room for some of their creations in my tiny apartment. We did stock up on some local foods, raw foods (like yummy raw honey), and beeswax candles also for sale in the barn. And a pair of beautiful earrings made by Michelle.

The western Catskills is definitely climbing in it's hipness factor. Unique B and B experiences like this truly add to the vibe. And who couldn't use some additional healthy living skills as part of their new years resolution???

Website: www.turquoisebarn.com
Phone: 607-538-1235
Cost: $520 ($600 value - valid December 2010 through February 2011).

Cooperstown 50 min., Woodstock 1 hr. Approx. 2 Hours from George Washington Bridge - 3 Hrs. from NYC, 1.5 hrs. from Albany

How To Build The Perfect Fire

I love my fireplace. It's a Tulikivi and just kicks the heat out into the room. Great draft. Simple mantle. I can make a fire in my fireplace in my house in one minute, light it, and it's roaring.

This Christmas holiday we rented a house in Roxbury to be close to skiing at Plattekill. It's called The Captains House and had the absolutely required fireplace for our holiday rental in the western Catskills. 4 bedrooms, big dining table to eat our holiday meal at, great field and logging road to hike around in all that fresh snow, easy access to the main (read, plowed) road, and a beautiful, wide fireplace with a gorgeous hearth with brass guard rail and plenty of firewood. Perfect.

I got out my usual items (I even remembered to bring some LLBean fatwood from my house - love that stuff to help start the fire), then started to realize just how different each fireplace can be. The grate in this one was higher, and there was no kindling or smaller logs to help get things going like I have at my house. So outside we send the 13 year old to gather sticks - which being a 13 year old from Brooklyn he only did moderately well. But I had this.

Well, you can guess…..it was an anemic fire at best for about 3 hours we tried to pretend it was better than it was. Next evening rolls around and more of our holiday party have joined us, including one firemaker extraordinaire. He went out and gathered lots of kindling, especially those bare, dead low pine branches and placed an entire armful on the grate and then piled logs, criss-crossed for airspace, a few pieces of newspaper underneath and we were off. Five hours of the most beautiful roaring fire, tended to by said 13 year old and newly minted first fire mate with the bellows. It entertained him better than South Park reruns. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of that fire.

Last year, friends introduced me to a wonderful New Years tradition. Take a piece of paper and on one side write your regrets for the year ending and on the other side write your wishes for the year you are starting. Then place it in the fire to burn and the smoke will exit your house and place those thoughts out in the universe.

Everyone walks through life a little differently and I'm sure there are many tried and true fire starting methods out there. A little humility and learning is always a good way to end the year. Here's to a 2011 filled with many memorable days and evenings in front of your fireplace, woodstove, or campfire.

Mystery on the Mountain—The Ashby Affair

This week had new terrain, blue skies, a fine dusting of powder, poached trails (not by me, I swear) and all around excellent conditions at Plattekill. But there was one small thing out of place – a mystery of sorts. A shredded novel at the top of Upper Face, apparently The Ashby Affair—a Harlequin romance.

So how does a book get shredded on the hill? I know a tuned ski can be sharp but really. Did someone take to reading on the chairlift or was Macker reading a romance novel as he drove the groomer? No. Blame a Norwegian. Or Norwegians, or a music video producer named Alon Simcha. A group of Brooklynites found themselves freezing on the mountain on Thursday all in the name of art. Or, a music video (however you want to call it) with shots that had them trailing a Flexible Flier up the slopes to the top of Blockbuster – all while making absolutely sure nothing on that stacked sled (including The Ashby Affair) fell off or slid around, and then setting fire to it for the last scene. Now I don’t know who the Norwegian band is or the song but when I do I’ll post it and Platty’s moment in the sun. But as to burning books and sleds, that just seems cruel. Not to mention what it could do to the base—which I can report in this mystery remains unscathed.

So You Want To Ditch Your Day Job To Own A Ski Resort?

"How do you lose a million? Start with two – oh and buy a ski hill,” Laszlo Vajtay jokes. He’s also been known to say: “We’re still out there writing the book on how to ‘How to Buy a Ski Area and Succeed’” Only he’s not quite sure how the story will end.

He and his wife Danielle Vajtay (pron: vay – tay in case you were wondering) own Plattekilll. She was a weekend warrior, all about taking the train up and back (he’d pick her up in Rhinecliff nearly 2 hours away) while they were dating. “Had I known what I was in for….” she shakes her head. Laszlo had been running the mountain on his own for two years when she moved up. He talked her into it. “He needed a hand,” she says drily. Understatedly. Like the straight man in their comedy duo.

But they insist it’s been worth it. And, if you come to ski here, you might well agree. Plattekill feels like a fairytale. Like skiing in Utah on the East Coast. It’s got steep vertical and this magic pocket of snow that happens just over it. Picture that image on TV of it raining just over someone’s head. Oh, and it feels like your own secret because there’s never a crowd, never a lift line. Imagine this a place where the longest run is 2 miles, the snow is always good (they average more than 190” a season), the terrain has insane vertical and people are nice. Wouldn’t you want to go there? Or buy it?

So he did. At a foreclosure auction when he was 30. No vulture or outside speculator, he grew up skiing there. They both started skiing there when they were 7 and 10. They both taught in the ski school and as soon as he graduated college, he ran it. Then he dumped his corporate gig …

Theirs is one of those mountain love stories. See, fairytale? And very, very sweet. Lest you think this is all sweetness and light (and I can attest that the powder is very light this week, thank you weather gods for making it 6 degrees out…) it’s not all easy or romantic. There are stories like his first year when they got 285 inches of snow. The next was a fraction of that. The New York Times even came out to take pictures of the empty lifts. All the resorts on the East Coast were having a drought year and Laszlo was the only person game (read: crazy) enough to let them come out and shoot.

Soon he started buying snowmaking equipment. Now 18 years in, the mountain is covered with guns. He and Danielle and their very small, very dedicated staff, pull long days with hard work. And, he even knows how to find a snow gun on Ebay…

But the perks are excellent. “I can ride up with the groomers and ski down. Or, hop the lift any afternoon (Platty is strictly a Friday to Sunday operation except over the holidays or when there’s a foot or more of fresh snow….). All I have to do is push start…” It’s almost enough to make you quit your day job. Or, you could just drive up this weekend.