'Know thyself.'
OK. Sounds like a good idea.
Who am I to argue with a Greek philosopher? Socrates no less. Unfortunately I can't help you much with that task. It's kind of a 'between you and you' thing.
'Know thy place.'
Now that is more up my alley. Exploring the world around us and pondering how we fit into it.
With that in mind I want to pass along a list of upcoming tours offered thru SUNY Adirondack's continuing ed program. They look like fun ways to 'Know thy place.' These are all Washington County oriented but there are others in Warren and Saratoga. Check the website for a complete list.
* Mapleland Farms Tour
March 23 - Wednesday - From 2 to 4pm
Visit the Campbell family's operation during the height of 'sugar season'. See how the trees are tapped and the sap turned into syrup. Bonus: the breathtaking view of the Taconics looking east from Bunker Hill Road.
* Northern Cross Vineyard Tour
April 8 - Friday - From 2 to 4pm
Featuring another of my favorite liquids! See how grapes are grown and wine is made.
* Ideal Dairy & Argyle Cheese Farmer Tour
April 13 - Wednesday - 1 to 3pm
I milked one cow this morning. At Ideal Dairy they milk 3000 cows. So I guess we're in the same business. Sort of. See how dairying has evolved and then visit Argyle Cheese's processing plant and store. Both are in Hudson Falls and if you're wondering why it's called Argyle Cheese you'll just have to ask Marge. She used to do my taxes and I still miss the view from the office/home/farm up on Coach Road. And I miss seeing Marge too. An amazing lady.
* Pleasant Valley Farm Tour
April 25 - Monday - 1 to 3pm
Here's a chance to visit another farm and this one was still in Argyle last time I checked. Paul and Sandy Arnold have been growing veggies, fruits and herbs since 1988.
* Old Fort House Museum Tour
April 27 - Wednesday - 1 to 3pm
Local historian R. Paul McCarty will show you the buildings and grounds of this Fort Edward landmark.
* Strand Theatre Tour
April 29 - Friday - 1 to 3pm
Another local landmark. Hudson Fall's Strand Theatre has been around (off and on) since 1923. It's currently enjoying an exciting rebirth.
* Rogers Island Tour
May 4 - Wednesday - 1 to 3pm
Rogers Island is more than a Hudson River stepping stone on the way to Fort Edward. Archeologists have uncovered a rich history here dating back to early Native Americans and the frontier wars before the Revolution. R. Paul McCarty will share his knowledge on this walking tour of the island and visitors center.
* Tour and lunch at Skene Manor
May 6 - Friday - 11:30am to 1:30pm
Views, lunch and a look at the opulent splendor of days gone by in Whitehall.
* Salem Art Works
May 18 - 1 to 3pm
The Cary Hill Sculpture Park never fails to amaze and the views into Vermont aren't too shabby either. The pond and Beaver Brook add to the ambience.
