NY: Ulster County- Saugerties- Esopus Creek (Kayaking)

Had a nice paddle on the Esopus Creek in Saugerties. I launched at Saugerties Village Beach at 47 S Partition Street, NY.

The creek is along side Esopus Bend Nature preserve. A very easy flat water paddle.

There was also the ability to stop along the nature preserve along the way which provided a pathway along the creek.

The most fun I had was finding a stream to walk up from the creek. It’s now a new activity I call in stream walking :).

Always on the lookout for wildlife. There were several areas with stunning painted turtles to enjoy.

When I first took the above shot the light appeared to look like a welcoming heart. In the photo in may not be as clearly defined but I think it provides you with the idea and perhaps a touch of the feeling I felt as it welcomed me to cross the stream.

I returned to Saugerties Beach where I had launched and stopped for a snack and a drink before I went on to my next adventure. They were also renting kayaks from here as well.

From there I went to see Saugerties lighthouse and Falling Waters preserve. Lovely way to spend a day

https://btographytravels.com/2021/08/14/ny-hudson-valley-sauguerties-falling-water-preserve/

MA: Berkshires- Stockbridge- Naumkeag Public Garden

The first time I drove past these gardens they were closed. I was happy to be able to pre-register and walk the grounds on this August evening in 2021.

The estate and grounds were donated to allow the public to have an opportunity to enjoy what this wealthy family experienced many year’s ago. Below is a link to the background.

Naumkeag

As I chose a sunset option I spent most of my time relaxing under a huge tree watching the sun go down.

There were many levels and destinations to the property, however, so will return on another trip.

Meanwhile, grab a picnic and enjoy.

CT: Litchfield County- Salisbury- Lion’s Head (Hiking)

Lions King Revisited looking over the valley and apparently a portal to the beyond and the hike to get there.

There’s a small dirt parking lot near the end of Bunker Hill road to start your walk. It starts out flat through a meadow with wildflowers about. I was surprised to find grapes as well.

The path then starts to go straight up with a bit of a rock scramble to the top. I learned, however, that you can take a piece of the Appalachian trail which I did on the way down which was much easier.

Once you get to the top with the tree which clearly identifies that you have reached the top at 1738 feet you pass through a small clearing of the trees to see the valley below.

It was a short trip from the lot. Perhaps 3/4 of a mile to incredible views. Given the mountain ranges in the background, I would recommend a clear day.

MA- Stockbridge- Chesterwood

Daniel Chester French was the sculptor of the famous Lincoln Memorial statue in Washington DC. How pleasantly surprised I was to find that they made a museum and art gallery of his former home in which there was another Lincoln statue of his displayed.

The Lincoln Memorial is internationally famous and people come from far and wide. Movies incorporate it into their stories. Yes, here I was getting to admire his work in a quiet setting amongst beautiful gardens. I shared this point with a young stranger who said “yep. That’s how it is“ as he walked away not nearly as impressed.

The venue also was displaying sculptures from other artists about with a defy balancing theme. while I don’t often ponder art for long, many of them related to a philosophy book I read as a child, the Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus teaching us to never back down as we seek to reach our full potential.

Seemed appropriate for me as I continue to search for that sweet spot. A perfect balance of work, play, obligations and passions.

I then saw a sign referring to Ledge trail on the property with a steep climb. With all these gardens about and all the hiking I do I could not imagine they meant that literally.

Yea suddenly there I was climbing a ledge using a rope to pull myself up and around the property- mmm quite analogous to the myth of Sisyphus! Natures creatures suddenly appeared and I was immersed into the forest.

Looping to the other side returned you to the open grounds overlooking the mountains.

From the Lincoln Memorial website I was most interested to learn “French depicted the president as a worn but strong individual who had endured many hardships. He positioned Lincoln’s hands in a manner that displayed his two leading qualities. One of the president’s hands is clenched, representing his strength and determination to see the war through to a successful conclusion. The other hand is a more open, slightly more relaxed hand representing his compassionate, warm nature.”

I would say this was worth a stop. Especially if you been amongst the crowds to see the Lincoln Memorial.

https://www.chesterwood.org/

MA: Mt Washington- Bash Bish Falls

After a rainstorm, I chase waterfalls. I most enjoy waterfalls that continues down a meandering river I can follow along a long trail. I started from the NY side of the park.

After a rainfall the trails are more lush and green. I am invited to pause at every intentionally placed bench to appreciate its view.

After about 3/4 mile from the lot was a state marker to highlight the NY /Massachusetts border. I proudly climbed across state lines.

I was then introduced to Bash Bish Falls. Massachusetts highest waterfall in the state.

Note. Since May 2021 there is a barricade preventing you from getting close to the falls.

From the NY side park at Taconic State Park, off NY Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY.

CT- Fairfield County- Stamford Nature Center

There is a fee or membership required but if you live near by young or old it’s a great place for a walk. They have their farm, a pollinator garden, a museum with varying exhibits, nature’s playground for the kids and an accessible trail through the woods.

3 ducks a laying
2 otters laughing
1 horse a lickin’
A goat and his friend chatting
A busy butterfly

Each visit offers me a different experience to be a kid again. Great to have it near by.

151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903
(1/4 mile past main entrance, on right)

NY- Westchester- Katonah- Caramoor

Caramoor Center of Music & Art is delightful and a bit like a fairytale as you walk through the various destinations with sound soothing elements.

There are various paths which have different offerings for each of your senses.

The forests chime and the paths lightly rustle.

The sunken garden offers a grass stage on which to dance to the singing butterflies. .

The Tuscan mansion (a former estate) encourages you to believe you’re in Europe.

On select days you can walk the grounds for free enjoying a picnic or for a fee you can enjoy an enchanted evening at one of their musical events.

For one afternoon, leave the world outside and skip into the land called Caramoor.

149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536

NY-Catskills-Haines Falls-Artists Rock

North-South Campground, Catskills has a lot to offer! A hike to Ashley Falls, Artist Rock and Newman’s ledge is about 4 miles round trip. There’s also a little jaunt to Sunset Rock I have yet to experience.

Artists Rock

Artists Rock was aptly named for painters.

From artists rock stop go on to Newman’s ledge! See related blog below.

Ashley Falls was a cooling sprinkle.

Ashley Falls

It was a steep rock scramble to get to it too!

The lake was a great place to recover!

https://btographytravels.com/2021/08/18/ny-catskills-region-north-south-campground-newmans-ledge/