Have you ever read any of Marty's books? Martin Podskoch is a retired teacher and an author of numerous Adirondack books focusing mainly on the Adirondack and Catskill Fire Towers. So, when I found out that Marty was compiling a travel book on the Adirondacks, I was curious. The concept is simple and it was first championed by Dr. Arthur W. Peach who pioneered the idea of visiting all 251 townships and villages in Vermont back in the 1950's. Marty took this concept and has applied it to the 102 Adirondack towns and villages in the Adirondack Park, encouraging folks to take the time to truly take in all of the Adirondacks.
Marty asked contributors from all over the region to write a short history of their communities. He wanted to include points of interest or special places that visitors might not spot at first glance. Armed with this information, visitors might be able to begin to understand the significance of each of these special towns and villages on the region. It seemed like just another visitor's guide until I had the pleasure of holding the book in my hands and speaking with Marty.
Yeas ago, after I co-authored an entry for my Adirondack township for Marty's venture and corresponded with Marty through email at the start of the Adirondack 102 Club, our local Historical Society requested that I ask Marty if he could present a short program where he could showcase his new venture and discuss his past works. He graciously came to our meeting to speak to a full and eager crowd. Marty was kind and enthusiastic. He spoke about the zeal and momentum of the Adirondack 102 Club subscribers and how folks were visiting all 102 town and villages already! Permanent and seasonal residents were hungry for the information in this book. I was a tough sell, but after I witnessed folks purchasing this book and signing a few, I realized I should probably own one myself! Since then, Marty has come to speak all over the region to many groups and organizations.
Holding the book in my hands, I realized that this was not the usual visitors guide that glosses over all the riches of Adirondack communities in favor of the fun and entertainment, but that the book is thoughtfully designed, respects the communities of the Adirondacks, and guides everyone to experience the Adirondacks in a fresh new way. Maybe this book was needed!
But I live here! As an Adirondack resident, do I really need a travel guide? Turns out, I do. I have not visited all the communities in the Adirondack Park and even if I had, I probably would not have seen half the suggested points of interest that folks who know more than I have suggested. I felt an obligation to use this book to it's fullest extent and I encouraged my family to come with me on this adventure. A bit skeptical at first, everyone really seems to be enjoying this family journey.
Now, I invite you to come along with us as well as we explore all 102 towns and villages in the Adirondack Park! Every few weeks we will post one of our 102 Club Adventures. Come and join us!
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