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Thoughts on February

With temperatures in the northeast approaching extreme lows, I wanted to reflect on the month of February. I once knew someone who said he simply could not understand why so many people subscribed to the common assumption that February was the dreariest month of the year.

He always said that in his opinion it was no worse than any other month and at least it was the shortest with a bonus every leap year of one day shorter. I suppose he had a point even though we do not have a leap year in 2023. He also said that in February we also see the end of the worst of winter and the lengthening of days.

At any rate, we are now here and so far, the weather hasn’t been too bad up to this point. As my friend said, after a few more nice days – it will be Valentines Day and we will start seeing the budding of the flowers and the trees.

God bless everyone and keep warm and well during this misunderstood month of February. Before we know it, spring will be here!

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DEC Automates Day Use Sales for Lake George Islands

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the transition to automated, online sales for all day use permits at the Lake George Islands.

“Automating the sales of day use permits for the Lake George Islands is easier and faster for visitors,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Instead of boating to an island headquarters to purchase a permit through a manual, labor intensive process, visitors can now quickly and easily book their day use permit online and spend more time enjoying the beauty of Lake George.”

Online day use sales are anticipated to begin May 12, seven days prior to the opening of the Lake George Islands campgrounds. Reservations can be booked as early as seven days prior to the day of arrival and as late as the same day. Visitors will be able to see real-time availability and even book a dock while on the water. The total fee for a day use permit is $12.

All patrons wishing to acquire a permit for Lake George Islands day use will need to do so either online through ReserveAmerica by downloading the ReserveAmerica app (search for RA Camping), or by calling the Call Center at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267). No in-person day use sales will be performed at our Lake George Islands campgrounds.

Online booking of day use will only apply to the Lake George Islands facilities. This new process will in no way change the booking of campsites at our Lake George Islands facilities, nor will it change day use sales at any other DEC campgrounds or day use areas.

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit the Camping page under Recreation on DEC’s website, or call DEC’s Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any DEC camping facility, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the ReserveAmerica website.

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Greatness: Shiffrin Breaks Vonn’s Record with 83rd World Cup Win

Mikaela Shiffrin won her 83rd World Cup race yesterday, passing fellow American skier Lindsey Vonn for the most World Cup wins by a woman. The two-time Olympic gold medalist won the giant slalom at Kronplatz in Italy.

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70 Years in Business!

We were honored to be recognized recently by Congresswoman Stefanik from the floor of the House of Representatives for reaching 70 years in business. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout all the years!

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Saturday Quote

“Talent hits a target that no one else can hit, genius hits a target that no one else can see.”

Arthur Schopenhauer
German Philospher

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NY State Senator Stec Sworn in for Second Term


Senator Dan Stec being officially sworn in to his second term. (Click image to see larger version.)

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) was officially sworn in at the state Capitol in Albany this week to his second term as state Senator. In addition, Senator Stec announced he’s been appointed to the following Senate committees:

Environmental Conservation (Ranking Minority Member);
Internet and Technology (Ranking Minority Member);
Education;
Health;
Rules;
State Native American Relations; and
Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.

As a Senator who represents one of the largest and most geographically diverse Senate Districts in the state, Stec is pleased with these committee assignments and looks forward to using his role on them to enhance our communities.

“The committees on which I’m serving have a direct impact on our communities,” said Senator Stec. “From protecting our unique natural resources to improving broadband access and other regionally specific issues, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure state government takes action to improve our quality of life. As this year’s legislative session continues, I’ll keep my constituents up-to-date on my efforts to accomplish that.”

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Top News Story of Huletts: 2022

Huletts was a busy place in 2022. Things started to return to normal after Covid-19. While all the major media outlets are recapping the big events of the past year, I like to move into the new year by taking one last look back at what I consider the top “news” story of Huletts Landing from this past year. This year a phenomenon happened which many didn’t notice at first, but when I thought about it, was in my opinion, the biggest story of the year.

So for 2022 the top “news” story of the year for me was that property values and sales of real estate reached record highs on Lake George and in Huletts Landing. I’ll try to explain my rationale for picking this as the top story.

I’ve known for some years by the number of calls many receive from realtors, who are looking for listings, that demand for property on Lake George has been increasing. However, 2022 was a year like none before. I had heard anecdotally during the summer (but have no way to confirm this) that over 4,000 potential buyers were scouring the Lake George basin looking for homes to purchase and there were only approximately 100 for sale.

Those types of numbers, if accurate, would lead to an explosion of real estate prices. That is what seems to have occurred. There were a only a few sales that took place locally but many of those were done without even the properties being listed for sale. The prices for real estate all around Lake George and including Huletts Landing surged in 2022. A number of factors are contributing to this – the beauty of the lake, a scarcity of developable land, strong environmental regulations, many large parcels being preserved from any development whatsoever, and last but not least – people recognizing that there really isn’t any other place like Lake George.

This has other effects: those owning lake front property saw their tax assessments rise, those renting property saw rental rates increase, and with more expensive carrying costs for ownership of land – prices for everything in the basin will most likely go up.

So for 2022 the top “news” story of the year was property values and sales of real estate reached record highs on Lake George and in Huletts Landing.

So if you have children who may want to own a home on or near Lake George someday, make sure they’re doing their homework and getting along with the neighbors. Prices don’t seem like they will be coming down anytime soon.

Happy New Year and on to 2023!