There are many significant numbers within the Blue Line – 46, 50, 6 – but here’s one you may not be aware of, at least not yet: 102. That’s the number of municipalities (towns and villages) within the Adirondack Park, some of which you’ve probably heard of (Lake George, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake) and some of which you probably haven’t (Colton, Grieg, Remsen). Martin Podskoch, a retired teacher, is proud to be the first member of the Adirondack 102 Club, and he wants you to join the roster by visiting all 102 towns and villages!
To help you with this mission, Podskoch has written a book, “Adirondack 102 Club: Your Passport & Guide to the North Country,” that features a brief history and description of each of your 102 destinations. The guidebook doubles as a diary, with space for you to write down your experiences and memories at each stop, and a passport, with a section that can be stamped or signed by a local official to confirm your visit. Fill your book with memories, collect 102 stamps or signatures, and you can join Podskoch as a proud member of the 102 Club!
As Adirondack Explorer points out, perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this challenge is its potential ability to distribute Adirondack visitors throughout the Park and away from the few highly concentrated areas. There truly are beautiful sights to see and interesting people to meet all over the region, not just in the main hubs. Whether you’re taking a brief or lengthy vacation, it is well worth it to stop someplace new!
If you’re interested in taking Podskoch’s challenge, you can currently purchase the book on Amazon. The Club’s website also has a list of places in each town and village where you can get your Adirondack passport stamped. Some towns are using their official seals to mark the books, while others are using postage stamps. Once the book is full, it becomes a great keepsake for you and for future generations who want to learn about your travels.
Want to hear more from the Club’s founder himself? Podskoch will be speaking tomorrow evening (Thursday, April 30 at 6:30pm) at the Hadley-Luzerne Public Library – 19 Main Street in Lake Luzerne. He also has a complete schedule of speaking engagements posted, so you can pick the date and location that work best for you. Happy travelling!
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