A few weeks ago, I got out my cross-country skis. They’re waxed and ready to go.

I reluctantly decided to retire my old classic Tubbs snowshoes. Even though the ash frames are still solid and the stretched raw hide is in near-perfect condition, I wanted to try a pair of the new aluminum framed shoes this year. It’s time for a change, and lighter is better.

I’ve got everything ready. The only thing lacking is snow. I feel like the old saying, "All dressed up and no place to go."

Let’s face it _ last year was nearly a complete wash. I bought new cross-country, skating-style skis and used them once. Two years ago, I snowshoed up my hill and out through the woods a couple of times. I also managed to ski a few times on some local trails, but even that was spotty.

So this year, if the snow doesn’t come to me, I’m going to the snow. I’ll head north just like you snowmobilers do. Enough is enough.

Since my summer hiking adventure across the Adirondacks, a number of people have approached me for a scouting report on places to go. There seems to be a considerable interest in hiking and camping. I’m more than willing to share my thoughts and ideas with anyone, but you also can join the local chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and meet people with similar interests.

The AMC is a non-profit organization that protects the wild lands and waters through a balanced approach to conservation and advocacy, environmental education and responsible recreation. Its mission is to represent all those who love wild places and to ensure those places are protected and accessible for generations to come.

The organization maintains trails and lean-tos in the Adirondacks and Catskills, hosts seminars and schools on topics such as wilderness first aid, winter mountaineering, whitewater kayaking and rock climbing, and schedules exciting trips to all parts of the globe _ as well as local outdoor activities for folks like us.

The AMC also maintains two wilderness lodges in the Adirondack High Peaks to serve hikers, campers and backpackers. Adirondack Loj is located on Heart Lake and serves as the starting point for many high-peak journeys. The John Brooks Loj is only accessible on foot because it is located several miles into the wilderness. Accommodations and campsites are available at both locations.

The Susquehanna Chapter is a group of locals who meet for a wide variety of outdoor activities. They have weekly outings which include hiking, peddling, paddling, rock climbing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and camping.[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Once a month, they hold their regular meeting at the Elm Park Church with a pot-luck supper starting at 6 p.m. After dinner, a short business meeting is followed by an interesting program. They hold "how-to" sessions for adults and youths, and maintain miles of recreational trails in several of the local state forests and the Blue Ridge Wilderness in the Adirondacks.

This month’s meeting is Jan. 17 and features an election of officers. The Feb. 21 meeting includes a slide presentation on "Tibet and Everest Base Camp" with Charley and Su Hartley.

There lots to do this winter. All you have to do is get off the couch and get some friends together for a day of fun and fresh air.

Maybe I’ll see you on the trail.

Rick Brockway writes a weekly outdoors column for The Daily Star. E-mail him at robrockway@hotmail.com.