The Blizzard That Keeps On Giving

A little over a year ago, I published my book about the Blizzard of '66. I had a thought that the book would be of interest to Central New Yorkers (and beyond), but I never thought it would draw the attention that it has. Since releasing the book, I've been invited to over thirty clubs and organizations to speak about the Blizzard and share stories I collected from those who lived through it. The response has been overwhelming, and after meeting so many who survived the storm, I have learned another fifty or sixty stories that are as amazing as those that I chose to put in the book. Perhaps a sequel is required!

Recently, I received news that my blizzard book, Voices in the Storm: Stories From The Blizzard of '66, has become a finalist in the CNY Book Awards in the non-fiction category. The Awards are sponsored by The Syracuse YMCA's Downtown Writers Center, an organization that has helped many people (including me) become stronger and more confident writers. I am grateful for the acknowledgement of my work. It helps me stay focused on my goal of bringing attention to the story-worthy events happening right here in Central New York!

A picture perfect memory from The Blizzard of '66. Photo taken in Oswego, New York by Paul Cardinali.

In the Colorado Mountains to Write My Book on Oswego County Search & Rescue

I just returned from Ouray, Colorado, a tiny town nestled in the San Juan Mountains. It's called "The Little Switzerland of America," and there's good reason why. The town is surrounded by "Sound of Music" mountains. I walked three or four blocks and I was in steep mountains. It was a perfect setting to wrap my writing on the Oswego County Pioneers Search and Rescue Team. How inspiring to look out at or walk in those beautiful mountains and think of the challenging and inspiring work that our men and women searchers have done here on the East Coast.

I'm back home now and the book is in the final editing stages. It should be ready to purchase (all profits from the book will go to the Rescue Team) by early December.

Here's a few photos of the beautiful scenery I was immersed in for the last three weeks and also a picture of a friend who stopped by to visit me every day. I am one lucky guy!

A trip to the Adirondacks on a very special anniversary

I spent yesterday in the Adirondacks outside the village of Newcomb. An estate near there, known as the Santanoni Preserve, is home to one of the Adirondack Great Camps. On July 10, 1971, a little boy named Douglas Legg was vacationing at the estate with his family. At some point that day, Douglas went missing and was never found. There is still a lot of mystery about his disappearance. Shortly after the search for Douglas (over 1,000 people, most of them unfamiliar with land search techniques, traveled to Newcomb to help try to find him), the Oswego County Land Search and Rescue Team formed. They have become a highly respected search team throughout New York State. I am currently researching the history of the team for an upcoming book.

Since the Oswego County team started as a result of the Douglas Legg search, I decided to visit the location on the 45th anniversary of his disappearance. I walked the trail where Douglas was last seen. I talked with some locals who remember the search. They were pleased to know that a professional rescue team was formed in response to the unsuccessful search for Douglas. This photo was among the paperwork on display. It's a sketch of an aerial view of the Santanoni estate, which was designed to resemble the shape of a phoenix. The phoenix, according to its mythology, never dies.