CT: Litchfield County- Washington- Steep Rock Preserve

The wind blew the leaves from the towering trees to line the paths to the steep rock tunnel.

A Facebook reader shared the following in relation to the above photo – “This looks like a frame in a fairytale where bunnies -birds- little mice all run around and play together 💜” loved that sentiment 🙂

The same insightful reader in viewing the above Bridge added “Love this – it looks like the bridge goes on forever 💚”.

While much of the southwestern part of the state has remained unchanged, I felt welcomed into the season as I continued deeper into the woods.

The touches of Fall surrounded the bridge reflecting in the river beneath.

I chased the leaves as they fell and tried to catch them. I tried and tried and could never catch them as they slipped and turned abruptly.

I took to the ground and looked up to the shadowed trees above me when the sun suddenly reappeared to glow the tops.

Perfect view for day dreaming 💚

This year was a bit of a hunt for the reds and golds but once found I immersed into the quintessential Fall only New England can provide.

Finally, in Facebook she added “ Perspective is everything—looking at this — imagining this is the ground and not the sky it looks like a patch of trees with leaves on fresh fallen snow. “

One of my favorite places in Connecticut in the Fall and finding unique perspectives is my goal by pausing and imagining myself immersed in my surroundings. I thank that Facebook reader in joining virtually with me.

NY-Hudson Valley-Irvington- The Octagon House

There are only so many (about 100) Octagon houses in the United States so I figured it was worth a visit.

The house was built in 1860 and the top rebuilt by the new owners. The home is painstakingly maintained to its original design and decor.

It was part of a haunted movie and the theme is evident throughout.

It is located at 45 West Clinton Avenue in Irvington, in Westchester County, New York and requires reservations to go onto the grounds and in the house.

https://www.armourstiner.com/

Combine this with a walk through nearby Tarrytown and a stop at any one of several restaurants.

NY: Hudson Valley- Tarrytown- Mario Cuomo Bridge

Formerly the Tappan Zee Bridge, the new Mario Cuomo bridge is the longest bridge in New York State spanning three miles.

It is not only for vehicular traffic but is also a pedestrian bridge with a bike lane.

Notwithstanding the name is currently politically charged, it offers reminders to reflect on impactful or celebratory moments through its nightly lighting.

No wonder the community offers various venues at which these can be viewed.

Tonight we chose the Washington Irving boat club which is a lovely and relaxing area to grab a drink and a snack and take it all in.

238 Greene Street, Tarrytown, NY

As it so happens, I biked across and blogged of that adventure exactly one year prior from this visit!

https://btographytravels.com/2020/10/15/nyhudson-valley-mario-cuomo-bridge/?relatedposts_hit=1&relatedposts_origin=5178&relatedposts_position=0

CT: Fairfield County- Sasco Hill Beach (Sunset)

An exceptional weather day for mid October in Connecticut at 79 degrees!

The sunset was stunning through a lengthy and beautiful afterglow finish.

My favorite venues are those with objects to use together with the sun’s set.

Tonight I had a paddler and families.

I had trees and the lifeguard stand.

Sasco beach in Fairfield is generally a resident only beach. But in the Fall anyone can go and you can drive right up!

1401 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield, CT

Today started with a sunrise in Stamford and ended with this sunset in Fairfield where even the moon made an appearance. I don’t usually do both on the same day. A unique and wonderful day indeed.

https://btographytravels.com/2021/10/14/ct-fairfield-county-cove-island-park-sunrise/

CT: Fairfield County-Cove Island Park (Sunrise)

A great thing about the Fall is sunrise occurs at a more manageable hour for me. But . . .

I live about 1/2 hour from the shore.

I have my first meeting at 8am

I’m not quite sure if the sun will appear through the morning clouds.

But . . .

The clouds may lift.

The morning is warm.

I can take and share pictures!

Just do it! Im so glad I did.

NY: Catskills Region- Tannersville- Deer Mountain Inn

Beautiful environment, some history, clearly loved by the owners and staff and farm to table food.

I very much enjoyed walking around the property before the meal.

Once inside I took a peek in each room that was so elegantly decorated.

The freshly made sourdough bread with accompaniments was delicious. The wines were carefully selected and delicious. The food carefully and thoughtfully prepared.

Deer Mountain Inn and Restaurant link below. 790 County Route 25, Tannersville

Front Page

NY: Greene County- Pratt Rock

When you review what to do in the Northern Catskills, Pratt’s Rock is one of the sites you might find.

Located in Prattsville, the rock has stone carvings commissioned by Pratt himself to represent his life.

It’s a short steepish hike about 1/4 mile to the rock.

It is easy to get too since the trailhead is right on Route 23a at the base of the mountains and along the scenic byway.

I can’t say that I would return or necessarily recommend the stop although the carvings are well done and preserved.

NY: Greene County- Windham

About 1/2 hour away from Hunter mountain is the town of Windham. The drive up itself offered beautiful photo ops on this October Fall day.

I was often asked where the picture of the first house was taken and learned from a Facebook reader it’s at Route 23 & VanAken Rd., Grand Gorge.

I wound up seeing the town at their annual Autumn Fest which was filled with vendors, music and community. I ate at Windham Local right in the remains of the original vault of the former Bank.

5 minutes away from the town is Windham path. A 1.5 mile walking and biking trail for the community that meanders along a Brook. While the lovely red leaves intrigued me, I later learned that it’s poison ivy!

It had loads of hay bales around so I enjoyed my first hay bale balance walk. 😉

It’s a beautiful walk amidst the Northern Catskill mountains with several wooden bridges and a beautiful covered bridge.

A great little walk after lunch and shopping in town.

NY: Delaware County- Stamford- Mt Utsayantha

Per their website, Located just outside of the Catskill Forest Preserve is the 3214 foot Mount Utsayantha and it’s popular fire tower. It is located just southeast of the village of Stamford in Delaware County

After a couple of days of hiking about 12 miles an overlook to a fire tower with a driveable road to the top seemed perfect.

The drive to the top was about a mile on a narrow gravel road that barely allows for two cars. I noticed several parked at the base of the road and hiked up.

If you’re near enough I would suggest this easy jaunt. I had a cloudy day but I still enjoyed the view.

NY: Catskills- Greene County-Hunter Mountain

Per the Catskills website, “Capping out at 4,040 feet, the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is one of the Catskills’ most challenging treks and the most difficult of the five fire tower hikes.”

Fortunately there’s also the option of closing your eyes for an 11 minute Skylift ride ($15 for a round trip as of Oct 2021) and a 5 mile total out and back to the tower. All pictures from the skylift were taken with my eyes closed since I am not a fan of heights.

Once at the top there are sweeping vista views that with a picnic lunch on a fall day may be close to perfection.

Of course the goal I was seeking to achieve was the hike to Hunter Fire tower about 2.4 miles away. So off I went. A deer fell into my path and we stared into each other’s eyes, or in his case my camera’s lens.

The hike up was a bit steep but was always on a path. Quite muddy at times and took some navigation around some rocks and a bit of endurance. What a sense of accomplishment to reach the top and look over the treetops.