News stories tagged with "mcdonnell"

(01/25/12) It's shaping up to be another tough week weather-wise for the North Country. Rain and temperatures in the forties forced volunteer crews in Saranac Lake to suspend work on the Winter Carnival ice palace.

The Mt. Van Hoevenberg cross country ski center in Lake Placid closed because of the drizzly weather.

The forecast at Whiteface Mountain this morning includes a chance for rain. And the Ski Bowl in North Creek is closed, with just 60% of Gore Mountain's trails open.

One bright spot this winter has been the VIC at Paul Smiths. The facility was threatened with closure in 2010 when the Adirondack Park Agency decided that it was too expensive to operate.

But Paul Smiths College and a group of local residents have worked to keep the VIC open. Brian Mann checked out the trails last week and has our story.

(06/12/07) Catching a spirited trout is an early-summer tradition in the North Country. A few weeks ago, Lake Clear guide Brian McDonnell went even farther north for his sport, paddling a wild river in northern Ontario. His postcard, produced by Brian Mann, is today's Heard Up North. Their trip on the Wakweyokastic River was part of the James Bay Expedition, sponsored by the St. Lawrence University Outdoor Program.

(07/06/05) Last week, Brian McDonnell from Lake Clear paddled 460 miles down the Yukon River. The guide and outfitter, who manages the 90-Miler Canoe Classic between Old Forge and Saranac Lake, competed in the Yukon River Quest, a three-day endurance race the attracts boaters from all over the U.S. and Canada. He checked in with Brian Mann after reaching shore.

(06/24/05) One of northern New York's top canoe racers is traveling west today. Brian McDonnell will compete in the Yukon River Quest, a 400-mile paddle race in northern Canada. McDonnell is 47 years old and runs a guide service in Lake Clear. He also organizes the annual 90-mile canoe race between Old Forge and Saranac Lake. He told Brian Mann that the Yukon race passes through some of the wildest country in North America. The Yukon River Quest begins next Wednesday.