Travel and Video by Sonja Stark

I’m in no shape to climb Mount Everest. Few people are. But, Helen Kinuthia of Kenya is and should she make it to the top of the tallest mountain in the world she will become the first black African female in the entire continent to do so.

What does it take to achieve a goal of this height? A lifetime of practice, perseverance and passion, a little insanity, of course and a whole lot of luck.

I was introduced to Helen through a friend via a SKYPE conversation. It didn’t take long to determine that she was serious, that her whole team was serious and that I, too, wanted to be serious about documenting this opportunity.

For the next 6 months (since last October) I set aside sleeping to shoot and edit what is called in the industry “a sizzle reel.” I collaborated with Helen for footage from Kenya and reached out to those in the industry that I know are the best at what they do.

Leading the team up Everest is Mike Libecki, a high-alpine adventurist and gifted shooter who has been seen on Discovery Channel, Nat Geo Channel and History Channel. Doug Bachman, another amazing shooter, lives in D.C. while Chris Conti, a local editor and musician are excited to play a role in the doc’s development.

Now…if all my longstanding cohorts and muses could visit my Kickstarter Campaign (just launched seconds ago) I think, I really do think, that Albany, NY might be home to a World Premiere late next year. Anything you can do to spread the word about this documentary, would launch my happiness through the clouds!

NOW — CLICK HERE PLEASE AND THANK YOU: www.kickstarter.com/projects/expeditioneverest/expedition-everest-climbing-the-mother-goddess-of

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Celebrities in Schoharie County? You bet there are. The Fabulous Beekman Boys, two NYC guys who bought a farm and share their experiment in a reality show on the Cooking Channel, are it. Visitors are welcome to pet the goats, pigs, chickens and one llama and, if you like, help with chores. Pitch in with as many tasks needed to keep the 1802 farm house in bucolic splendor.

More Schoharie destinations can be found on the new and improved Upstate Vacations website. ABC Owner and Creative Director Travis Bort. “Since most travelers do not pay attention to what county they’re in, we focused more on the ‘areas’ within Schoharie that may be more familiar to travelers. We concentrated on the quaint towns and villages in each area of the county.”

The website update coincides with the ABC-created “Something Unexpected” tourism campaign. Users can use an interactive map discover all the unique places within the county and use a complete listing to find accommodations, activities and dining. Naturally, the site is optimized for mobile devices for all those travelers on the go.

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The rain held off just long enough for this couple to be married, a little girl to fly a kite and Mutti to play hide-and-seek during the Azalea Walk.

The New York Botanical Garden couldn’t have been nicer on Saturday during Mothers Day Weekend. The overcast skies kept the crowds light so there was no hardship finding parking, waiting for a trolley ride, lunch from one of the food trucks or walking through the new Native Plant Garden exhibit.

Founded in 1891, the New York Botanical Garden is like ‘going to Emerald City’ declared my little sister who joined us. The world’s greatest collections of plants, trees, shrubs and native flora species will swallow up the entire day. We arrived shortly after they opened (10a) and spent every waking moment until closing consuming the intense beauty.

Paper maps of the 250-acres help orient you where to start your journey. At this time of year, practically, everything is in bloom. The daffodil and cherry blossoms are gone but other favorites include the deep purple scents of the Lilac Collection, the voluptuous blossoms of the Tree Peonies and the azaleas and rhododendrons walk beneath ancient native oaks, tulip trees, and sweet gums.

Small growth is peeking through the dirt at The Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden where Mario Batali grows his kitchen favorites. Beds of vegetables and herbs are tended to by small hands while cooking demonstrations encourage healthy eating habits.

All day the ominous skies postponed the rain until I surrendered the umbrellas to the car. Then, of course, the clouds drained empty leaving Mutti, sis and I running for cover to the closest bathroom.

Opened in 1902, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a New York City Landmark and we wisely saved it for last. Inside, the tropical rain forest is home to plant varieties from all over the world. An easy-to-climb staircase leads into a canopy of aquatic and carnivorous “jewels of the earth.”

To see more photos, click on this photo:

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Governor Cuomo is spending big money to boost tourism in upstate New York. Between the Path Through History campaign, spearheading Wine, Beer and Spirits tourism and the Adirondack Challenge, visitors are flooding to enjoy the state’s scenic beauty and attractions.

Yesterday, at the New York State Tourism Summit, the first of it’s kind, the Governor announced the launch of New York’s largest tourism campaign in decades. $60 million will be invested to grow the industry, create jobs and attract even more visitors to the Empire State. That will make make New York State third in the country in tourism funding.

“New York State has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you’re looking for you can find it here,” Governor Cuomo said. “I want the world to know about these assets, too, and am committed to making the State a ‘must see’ global destination and creating new jobs and investments in New York.”

Be prepared to see posters announcing more I LOVE NY advertising on subways, buses, commuter rail systems and airports. Furthermore, more sporting and special events to upstate venues, new welcome centers at border and interstate crossings, the selling of more sampling of homegrown foods at thruway exits and the I LOVE NY LGBT tourism initiative.

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For some reason my video is not appearing in this window? Max! Go to my YOUTUBE channel to see the TAP VIDEO: http://youtu.be/6VuwJE3rTyQ

Finally, a few interviews and images from the TAP festival a few weekends ago.

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