Lake George reflections

Here are some shots taken from the Nature Walk along the shore line between the Sagamore Resort's cabins and the lake. The Sagamore sits on an island within the large lake, which is flanked by fairly tall (by Eastern standards) mountains, making for beautiful views. Angela and I stayed in a room in the main hotel facing east, giving us gorgeous sunrises both mornings.

Angela and a group of distaff attendees who didn't have to attend the presentations took off on a kayaking adventure - Angela's first ever kayaking trip. The surface was choppy and the outbound leg was into the wind, yet Angela impressed all with her unyielding determination. One of the other women in the group managed to snap an oar, necessitating a call back to the Sagamore for help. When help arrived, it wasn't in the form of a motor boat with a tow line; it was a kayaker who brought her a replacement paddle. Not what she was hoping for! But they managed to get back in after about 5 hours on the water.

Angela's arms and shoulders were tired for the semi-formal dinner Saturday night, but she was proud of her effort, and felt good that the more experienced kayakers were truly impressed with her. It appears that a new kayak is on the Christmas list. She is talking about a two-seater, so that she can take Luca or Gabe out with her.

I heard a tale of woe about the state of New York and how it is basically harassing one of its better employees in the region, but the details are confidential. Suffice it to say, it is yet another piece of evidence to be filed under "Why not to let government mess with business", and the parent company of this business - as well as any businessman familiar with this story - will think long and hard before investing another dime in this state.

My simple plan for reforming New York? Warn all residents of the capitol district to evacuate, destroy all the buildings, and start over someplace else (I could govern from right here in Cortland - the geographic center of the state!). This sclerotic, bureaucratic state has too many of its citizens in its steely grip to change in any substantive way, barring a catastrophe. Given the natural beauty and human resources in this state, it should be kicking butt. Instead, it is the farm team for the other states, sending our educated young off to careers elsewhere. It's just sad.