ADK Expo at Mendon Ponds Park

I spent the morning at Mendon Ponds Park at the Adirondack Mountain Club's annual Expo. Wow! I haven't been to Expo in quite a few years and it is bigger and better than I ever remembered it. There were booths and workshops/demonstrations on everything from bicycle maintenance to children's crafts using items found in the woods, to backcountry cooking. . . if it is outdoors related, there was an event for it! On the water, Rochester area canoe and kayak dealers had different models of the boats they carry and people could try them out or get a quick lesson on how to paddle. No selling was allowed so there was no pressure on the individual.

I did a demonstration on camp dutch ovens and was pleased with the turnout. I was trying to count how many came but lost count at 25. It was a very receptive audience, they asked questions and were definitely interested in what I was talking about.

Barb Brenner, an old friend of mine from "way back", has been the chair of the Expo Committee for the last few years and she's done an excellent job. They even provided lunch for Expo volunteers.

I was startled to run into a man who had been in a continuing ed class I taught way back in the 1980's on day hiking that still remembered me! He says I introduced him to the joys of hiking and he has become an avid hiker both locally and in the Adirondacks. I don't think he had ever heard of the Adirondack Mountain Club until that class. He is now an active member.