NY: Catskills Region-Plattekill Falls

At the top of Platte Clove across the street from the main trailhead lot is a short hike to a beautiful drop waterfall.

While perhaps not as majestic as the close by Kaaterskill, these falls are with the short but steep climb to the bottom with a lovely overlook peek on the way.

After taking the obligatory shot straight on, as I searched through my photos I could not help notice that it appears in the rocks that “Charlie Chaplin” is watching over the falls.

You can park about 5-7 cars on the side of the road. The entrance is said to be by the little red house (pictured below).

Keep in mind Platt Clove road is a seasonal road given how steep and curvy it is. Drive slowly and stay safe and be aware as you walk on the road.

As noted in the Catskill website: WATERFALL TRAIL: The Waterfall Trail is an approximately 1/3 mile, one-way trail to the base of Plattekill Falls. The trail begins at the trail junction in front of the informational kiosk just above the Red Cabin. From here the trail goes eastward and slopes downward to the edge of the clove and then turns and descends to the base of Plattekill Falls. CAUTION – this trail is narrow and descends through a steep gorge. Proper footwear (hiking boots or shoes) is required to safely navigate this trail. The trail ends at the base of Plattekill Falls. Hikers should be aware that swimming is prohibited in the waterfall. Return to the kiosk the same way you came.

Inspiration- Leaves of Change

My perspective may be different from most as professionally I seek to improve processes in jeopardy and thus embrace change.

Fall is likely one of my favorite times of year. It’s natures reminder that while the past can impact the present it is behind us with the opportunity to learn from it.

Why is the right side of the forest at peak and the left side so green?

Why were the colors so different at this time last year?

What a wonderful opportunity Fall is to reflect and find what I may have learned in the past year to improve upon. To change with the color of the leaves. Both can be so beautiful and fulfilling.

NY: Catskills Region- Huckleberry Point

A moderate hike with a surprise series of waterfalls!

The distance was manageable at 5 total miles out and back to the point with clear markers along the way. Start on blue for about a mile and then switch to the yellow at a hard right until you could go no further.

As you start on the blue trail you can hear the rush of water and if you’re anything like me you just have to go off trail to investigate!

Well that experience brought me to not one, not two, but three distinct and different waterfalls with the third an enticing swimming hole.

I have also had the opportunity to learn a bit about the variety of mushrooms. I was most taken by one with a waterfall view which must be a respite for some little people somewhere.

Above and beyond the enchanted forest I admit there was the challenge of traversing the trails of mud and rocks. Ensure you have hiking boots for this adventure but it was otherwise quite manageable.

There was also a stream to navigate which had strategically placed rocks to assist you.

While I did feel the length and wondered what I might find at the end given how immersed into the forest I felt, I finally reached the point which did not disappoint.

Parking at the trailhead on Platt Cove road can get busy so go early or on weekdays.

I highly recommend Hotel Mountain Brook in nearby Tannersville if looking for a place to stay if you are into fire pits and s’mores overlooking the mountains!

Hotel Mountain Brook

CT: Hartford County- Simsbury- Heublein Tower

There were so many reasons not to go.

  • The weather was cloudy with a chance of rain.
  • It would take an hour and a half to get there.
  • I was tired and lethargic and had work the next day to prep.
  • I cut my dominant right thumb and it would not stop bleeding.

So many reasons to stay home. This pushed me to grab the camera, water and a bandaid 🙂 and just go!!

Several asked me where the rock wall in the above picture was. It’s on the main path walking up towards the tower on the left.

It’s only about a mile or so to the tower (after the hour and a half drive). I had been once before but too late to go inside. This time however I got there in time!! I showed that enthusiasm to the volunteers inside who welcomed my appreciation.

At the top of the tower you were offered a 360 view with descriptions of what can be seen which included Hartford, a reservoir and Sleeping Giant. Had it been a clear day you could also see the Catskill Mountains.

A close walk beside the tower was a picnic pavilion with a lovely view. I would definitely suggest bringing a bite and taking advantage of that spot.

This is how I felt about my decision to get up and go! Note I just decided to keep my sore thumb hidden 😉

I went on from here to see the Flower Bridge.

Note from a Facebook user for next time:

If you visit heublin, penwood, and/or the flower bridge stop at The Coffee Spot in Fiddlers Green in Simsbury. There’s parking off of Iron Horse and Wilcox or it’s a super short walk from the bridge. They have great drinks, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and lunches!

CT: New Haven County- New Haven- Lighthouse Point

The sky was clear and blue with the temperatures comfortable. Definitely sunset weather. Overlook or beach . . .

I decided to try lighthouse park since there are so many structures to play with light and colors.

Trees, plants, pavilion and an iron tower each provided that opportunity.

I placed the lens ball on the rocks reflecting the water, sun and rocks. I took a fun little video clip which made it appear like the rocks were moving!

Lighthouse park has plenty of parking and picnic areas. It is open sunrise to sunset. Enjoy!

October 2021

NY- Dutchess County- Millbrook- Innisfree Garden (Fall)

I went away for a weekend in the Fall with a friend expecting to stay in Millerton when I discovered I was staying in Millbrook!

Fortunately Millbrook has Innisfree Garden where you can make a wish and see rainbows!

We walked around the lake which offered distinct foliage and views from each angle. Note that there were some areas which were flooded and muddy.

Reached the sculpture which emits a mist to find a double rainbow! As you gaze into the colors you can make a wish for the wishing tree.

While it did not have the same allure as in the Spring (see below link for Spring visit), the grounds were still quite grand and impressive with its hills and valleys.

https://btographytravels.com/2021/05/22/ny-dutchess-county-millbrook-innesfree-garden/

362 Tyrell Road, Millbrook, NY

I had wonderful scallops, codfish and homemade apple crumble at the Millbrook Cafe for dinner.

Should you decide to stay in the area through Airbnb, I recommend the following property which is where I stayed

https://abnb.me/SyEmJJbK5jb

NY: Dutchess County- Hyde Park- FDR home

An easy walk around the property of FDRs library and home has a lot to offer.

A beautiful garden surrounds the resting place.

Statues made from the Berlin Wall offered an area for contemplation and motivation with busts of FDR and Churchill.

The horse barn had nameplates including one called the New Deal.

His country home set with his bedroom facing the Hudson valley overlook.

https://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm

NY: Hudson Valley-Poughkeepsie- Walkway Loop

The Walkway loop trail is approximately a 4 mile loop around the Walkway over the Hudson and the Mid-Hudson bridge.

Each turn offers you a majestic view of the landscape. From the Walkway you see the Mid-Hudson bridge with the church in the foreground.

On the other side is the view of the mountains with the railroad and train reflecting in the Hudson.

We then made it to a park beside the Mid-Hudson. There was an option to take a detour to the Franny Reese state park. We stayed on course this time but looks worthy.

On the other side we grabbed a wrap and enjoyed a bite on the Poughkeepsie waterfront – seated in between both bridges.

Muhheakantuck (“river that flows both ways”) is a tidal estuary that we know today as the Hudson River, per the Bard College library website

I befriended a seagull who appeared to make a tour of the area between the two bridges on command. It was amusing we had a few on lookers remark. Reminded me of the vintage story of Jonathan Livingston seagull.

We returned through the park and Little Italy pausing at what was clearly a popular Italian bakery and returned to the walkway parking lot. It was lovely.

It took us 3 hours including rest stops and a picnic. Map to the trail below. Note there is plenty of free parking spots or a paying lot at 61 Parker Avenue should you wish to park right off the walkway. We paid $7.

October 1, 2021

CT- Litchfield County- Barkhamsted Reservoir

No wizard answered but magic seems to surround the Barkhamsted reservoir.

Each time I visit the Saville Dam I’m drawn to its fantasy setting.

The surrounding forest and sky appear to intentionally provide a complementary backdrop to the small castle at the center.

On this day the sky and water appeared to create an illusion of jumping into another dimension.

The compass across the street lending to the mystery.

Next visit I plan to try some of the hiking in the area in Peoples Forest. I hear it’s like stepping into a fairytale.

According to the Westbrook Library website “In addition, just a few minutes down the road, there is also a great hiking trail to explore. The trail runs down through the woods alongside some streams and down to several waterfalls. The trail is relatively easy to traverse and leads you to see some wonderful views.”

Here’s my blog of other fun activities to do in the area like kayaking!

https://btographytravels.com/2021/06/28/ct-litchfield-county-barkhamsted-summer-kayaking/