We will be leaving here tomorrow. Tonight is our 27th night here – the longest we have ever stayed in one place. It has been nice but we are ready to move on.
Yesterday was laundry and grocery day and today, after another great bike ride at the reservoir, we started to put away what we could. The site now looks empty (as well as the campground – only 5 sites rented tonight versus 76 over the weekend). And it was really nice tonight to have quiet at the campfire.
Tomorrow we head to Vermont so until then…
Showing posts with label Catskills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catskills. Show all posts
7/05/2008
July 5, 2008 – Bicycling at the Reservoir
This morning we made a trip back to the Askokan Reservoir with our bikes and had a wonderful ride (~4 miles).
Some pictures:
Back home, we have started to dismantle camp – today was the screen tent. This is the longest we have ever stayed in one spot. While it has been nice to really see the area and get to know some of the locals, we are ready to move on.
The workers had a picnic today and Audrey (one of the staff) brought us some fruit salad – fresh and delicious. Audrey has been really good to us every time she is working and it has been great talking with her. The ranger who works weekends, John, gave us a farewell (hug for me and handshake for Andy). John has always entertained us with stories. Everyone here has been absolutely wonderful.
One of the campers we met a few weeks ago is back in the park and stopped by today to chat (he asked if we were still here from before – yep!). Maybe we need to put out a mailbox. Oh, and last night, Andy lent a shovel to the young couple across from us. When they brought the shovel back, they gave us some grilled shrimp as a thank-you – mmmmmmm!
Although I liked having the park to ourselves, it has been very interesting people watching. But after two days, I am ready for some quiet in the evenings/nights!
And of course another great campfire!
Some pictures:
Back home, we have started to dismantle camp – today was the screen tent. This is the longest we have ever stayed in one spot. While it has been nice to really see the area and get to know some of the locals, we are ready to move on.The workers had a picnic today and Audrey (one of the staff) brought us some fruit salad – fresh and delicious. Audrey has been really good to us every time she is working and it has been great talking with her. The ranger who works weekends, John, gave us a farewell (hug for me and handshake for Andy). John has always entertained us with stories. Everyone here has been absolutely wonderful.
One of the campers we met a few weeks ago is back in the park and stopped by today to chat (he asked if we were still here from before – yep!). Maybe we need to put out a mailbox. Oh, and last night, Andy lent a shovel to the young couple across from us. When they brought the shovel back, they gave us some grilled shrimp as a thank-you – mmmmmmm!
Although I liked having the park to ourselves, it has been very interesting people watching. But after two days, I am ready for some quiet in the evenings/nights!
And of course another great campfire!
7/04/2008
July 4, 2008 – Happy Independence Day to all!
Happy Independence Day to All and a special thank you to those who have fought and our fighting for our freedoms.
The rain started again last night and continued into the morning. But it started to clear right before noon and stayed dry (though cloudy) for the rest of the day.
We did some bicycling around the park – it is not totally full but the people are still coming in!!
This afternoon, we went to the town of Saugerties to see their celebration. We did miss the parade but stopped at the park and walked through the vendor area. From there we decided to go to the lighthouse.
The Saugerties Lighthouse was first operated in 1869 and automated in 1954. It is now owned by the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy who gives tours on the weekends. Right now, the lighthouse serves as a bed and breakfast throughout the summer and a keeper who lives in the house full time.
The lighthouse:
A view from the porch:
On the lighthouse trail – notice the height of those grasses:
Andy on the trail – notice the size of that tree:
And I was blessed again with another great shot – notice the bee:
Back home, it was still dry so we were able to have a great campfire. The campground is almost full and noisy. We have salsa music on our right, classic rock on our left and Indian chanting in front of us – wow!!
Until tomorrow….
The rain started again last night and continued into the morning. But it started to clear right before noon and stayed dry (though cloudy) for the rest of the day.
We did some bicycling around the park – it is not totally full but the people are still coming in!!
This afternoon, we went to the town of Saugerties to see their celebration. We did miss the parade but stopped at the park and walked through the vendor area. From there we decided to go to the lighthouse.
The Saugerties Lighthouse was first operated in 1869 and automated in 1954. It is now owned by the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy who gives tours on the weekends. Right now, the lighthouse serves as a bed and breakfast throughout the summer and a keeper who lives in the house full time.
The lighthouse:
A view from the porch:
On the lighthouse trail – notice the height of those grasses:
Andy on the trail – notice the size of that tree:
And I was blessed again with another great shot – notice the bee:
Back home, it was still dry so we were able to have a great campfire. The campground is almost full and noisy. We have salsa music on our right, classic rock on our left and Indian chanting in front of us – wow!! Until tomorrow….
7/03/2008
July 3, 2008 – Kayaking, More Rain, the Crowds, and Ken
A beautiful morning in the Catskills!!
We took another kayak ride on the lake and here are some pictures:
And the lilies:
It was so peaceful just being out there with no one but the birds and the frogs!!
This afternoon we did some odds and ends – cleaned and deflated the kayak (and put it away for now), did final fittings on our bike helmets and seats, etc. etc.
And, oh yes, I did finish my bracelet:
How about that!
It started to rain mid-afternoon but we were able to spend some time with a camp fire this evening. The crowds are coming in for the weekend. (We will miss some of the peace and quiet in the evenings - :-)) We also got a chance to talk to some of the camp ground staff and as one told us “the party is over – we will be incredibly busy over the next few days!” God bless them.
One final note:
For those of you who followed us last year in Alaska and the wonderful time we had in Tok at Sourdough Campground with Ken and Ann and the Pancake Toss: It is with heavy heart that I tell you that Ken passed away on March 24th, 2008 in a snowmobile accident. Ken had such a zest for life and for Alaska and made everyone feel at home and that they were a friend. He will be missed.
Please keep Ann and his family in your prayers and also enjoy every day to its fullest because life is short.
Ken entertaining us (in Alaska 2007):
We took another kayak ride on the lake and here are some pictures:
And the lilies:
It was so peaceful just being out there with no one but the birds and the frogs!!This afternoon we did some odds and ends – cleaned and deflated the kayak (and put it away for now), did final fittings on our bike helmets and seats, etc. etc.
And, oh yes, I did finish my bracelet:
How about that!It started to rain mid-afternoon but we were able to spend some time with a camp fire this evening. The crowds are coming in for the weekend. (We will miss some of the peace and quiet in the evenings - :-)) We also got a chance to talk to some of the camp ground staff and as one told us “the party is over – we will be incredibly busy over the next few days!” God bless them.
One final note:
For those of you who followed us last year in Alaska and the wonderful time we had in Tok at Sourdough Campground with Ken and Ann and the Pancake Toss: It is with heavy heart that I tell you that Ken passed away on March 24th, 2008 in a snowmobile accident. Ken had such a zest for life and for Alaska and made everyone feel at home and that they were a friend. He will be missed.
Please keep Ann and his family in your prayers and also enjoy every day to its fullest because life is short.
Ken entertaining us (in Alaska 2007):
7/02/2008
July 2, 2008 – Locks and Falls
The Delaware and Hudson Canal
In 1824 two Philadelphia merchants, Maurice and Wilbur Wurts formed the D&H Coal Company to build a waterway to haul hard coal from Carbondale, PA to Kingston, NY where it could be shipped down the Hudson River to the City. The canal opened in 1828 and was 108 miles long with 108 locks. It was 4 feet deep and 28 feet wide at the water line and could carry boats of 20 ton capacity.
The Delaware and Hudson Canal is one of the greatest tributes to American innovation and enterprise and served as a prelude to several of the nation’s engineering feats. (Yes, I copied that but I still have pictures.)
This is lock 16:
Andy at lock 19:
The DePuy Canal House:
This was a tavern built in 1797 by Simeon DePuy and enlarged in 1820 to serve workers and travelers on the D&H Canal. It is currently a restaurant.
From there we took a short ride to the falls.
The upper:
The lower:
More history:
Water power was not harnessed until after the American Revolution. These two falls have powered cotton and woolen factories; flour, corn, and plaster mills; a saw mill; cement factories; electrical generators; dyeing works; a leather tannery; and a cooperage – how about that! Currently there is a station right by the falls that still produces electricity for about 1600 homes.
And from there, we stopped in Hurley to have lunch and see the stone houses (could find a place to park so no pictures – maybe we will go back later).
Back at home, NO RAIN and a great campfire night!!
A side note:
If you would like update to the blog emailed to you instead of checking the web, see the side panel. You can enter your email address and then follow the steps. Let me know if you have any problems.
In 1824 two Philadelphia merchants, Maurice and Wilbur Wurts formed the D&H Coal Company to build a waterway to haul hard coal from Carbondale, PA to Kingston, NY where it could be shipped down the Hudson River to the City. The canal opened in 1828 and was 108 miles long with 108 locks. It was 4 feet deep and 28 feet wide at the water line and could carry boats of 20 ton capacity.
The Delaware and Hudson Canal is one of the greatest tributes to American innovation and enterprise and served as a prelude to several of the nation’s engineering feats. (Yes, I copied that but I still have pictures.)
This is lock 16:
Andy at lock 19:
The DePuy Canal House:
This was a tavern built in 1797 by Simeon DePuy and enlarged in 1820 to serve workers and travelers on the D&H Canal. It is currently a restaurant.From there we took a short ride to the falls.
The upper:
The lower:
More history:
Water power was not harnessed until after the American Revolution. These two falls have powered cotton and woolen factories; flour, corn, and plaster mills; a saw mill; cement factories; electrical generators; dyeing works; a leather tannery; and a cooperage – how about that! Currently there is a station right by the falls that still produces electricity for about 1600 homes.
And from there, we stopped in Hurley to have lunch and see the stone houses (could find a place to park so no pictures – maybe we will go back later).
Back at home, NO RAIN and a great campfire night!!
A side note:
If you would like update to the blog emailed to you instead of checking the web, see the side panel. You can enter your email address and then follow the steps. Let me know if you have any problems.
July 1, 2008 – Cruising the Hudson
Today was a beautiful day for a cruise on the Hudson on the Rip Van Winkle.
We toured past some of the old tug boats:
The Rondout Lighthouse (that is now automatic):
The Esopus Meadow Lighthouse (now being restored):
And the mansions:
This is the area where many of the known “royalties” of the time had their summer homes (Vanderbilt’s, Roosevelt’s, etc.). We did get a narrative all along the way but it was hard for me to hear many of the comments.
As we pulled into port, it started to rain and continued the rest of the day – off and on. We were able to get a walk in after supper - :-) (and then it rained some more!)
I will leave you with a picture I took this morning (noticed the bee – how about that?):
We toured past some of the old tug boats:
The Rondout Lighthouse (that is now automatic):
The Esopus Meadow Lighthouse (now being restored):
And the mansions:
This is the area where many of the known “royalties” of the time had their summer homes (Vanderbilt’s, Roosevelt’s, etc.). We did get a narrative all along the way but it was hard for me to hear many of the comments.As we pulled into port, it started to rain and continued the rest of the day – off and on. We were able to get a walk in after supper - :-) (and then it rained some more!)
I will leave you with a picture I took this morning (noticed the bee – how about that?):
June 30, 2008 – Kayaking and Beading
This morning we had a wonderful kayak ride on the lake and this time I brought a camera along. We explored more of the lake than previously. Last time we turned around when we thought the water was shallow but this time we pressed on and the passage opened up to another larger area.
So here are some pictures (notice the clouds):
And the lilies are starting to bloom:
It rained off and on during the afternoon along with some thunderstorms (seems like we have them almost daily!!).
This evening I went to a beading class in Woodstock. The teacher was Carol Cypher who has written several books on beading and teaches throughout the US – very interesting person. So 9 of us (all locals except 2 of us) picked our own project and Carol came around and showed us what to do. My project was a beaded lace tube bracelet and it came out pretty nice. (When I am finished, I will put up a picture.) And it was great talking with many of the locals. Great time!
So here are some pictures (notice the clouds):
And the lilies are starting to bloom:
It rained off and on during the afternoon along with some thunderstorms (seems like we have them almost daily!!).This evening I went to a beading class in Woodstock. The teacher was Carol Cypher who has written several books on beading and teaches throughout the US – very interesting person. So 9 of us (all locals except 2 of us) picked our own project and Carol came around and showed us what to do. My project was a beaded lace tube bracelet and it came out pretty nice. (When I am finished, I will put up a picture.) And it was great talking with many of the locals. Great time!
6/29/2008
June 27-29, 2008 – Weekend with Friends
Our good friends, Tina and Bob, drove up to spend the weekend with us and what a wonderful time we had getting caught up with each other. We are so blessed to have such good people in our lives!
On Friday, we roasted a turkey over the fire – mmmmmm! On Saturday, we visited the original Woodstock Festival Site and museum, Bethel Woods. It was the second visit for Andy and I and we saw even more things that we had missed the first time. Plus we saw more of the grounds area. It was great seeing the history with friends who grew up in the same era and talking about our experiences and memories!!
And today after they left was just a kick back day for us. It did rain off and on and they are calling for severe thunderstorms later tonight.
Until tomorrow.
On Friday, we roasted a turkey over the fire – mmmmmm! On Saturday, we visited the original Woodstock Festival Site and museum, Bethel Woods. It was the second visit for Andy and I and we saw even more things that we had missed the first time. Plus we saw more of the grounds area. It was great seeing the history with friends who grew up in the same era and talking about our experiences and memories!!And today after they left was just a kick back day for us. It did rain off and on and they are calling for severe thunderstorms later tonight.
Until tomorrow.
6/26/2008
June 26, 2008 – Just a Regular Day
Today was laundry, grocery and cleaning day (and hoping our leaks are fixed!). It rained off and on so no campfire tonight. Hopefully it will be drier tomorrow.
June 25, 2008 – Kaaterskill Falls
We woke to a beautiful, crisp morning and decided to go to Kaaterskill Falls.
This is the start of the trail (I am not sure of the name of these falls):
This is the trail (Yikes!):
Actually it was not a bad trail, just very rocky. A picture along the way:
The lower falls:
The upper falls:
I could not get a good picture of them together because of the angle of the sun. The falls are the highest in New York State, although not spectacular like Niagara or some of the other falls we have seen, it was still beautiful.
The rest of the day was spent trying to dry out the motorhome and in doing so, we found two leaks: one at the shower drain and the other at the shower skylight. So, yours truly, went around with a caulking gun (yes, folks, it was me not Andy). Last year, we had leaks in both places and thought we fixed them but obviously not!!
I also made reservations for our next leg of the journey. We will be leaving here on July 8 and going to the Ball Mountain Area in Vermont for a week (for now :-))
And this evening was another great campfire night!!
This is the start of the trail (I am not sure of the name of these falls):
This is the trail (Yikes!):
Actually it was not a bad trail, just very rocky. A picture along the way:
The lower falls:
The upper falls:
I could not get a good picture of them together because of the angle of the sun. The falls are the highest in New York State, although not spectacular like Niagara or some of the other falls we have seen, it was still beautiful.The rest of the day was spent trying to dry out the motorhome and in doing so, we found two leaks: one at the shower drain and the other at the shower skylight. So, yours truly, went around with a caulking gun (yes, folks, it was me not Andy). Last year, we had leaks in both places and thought we fixed them but obviously not!!
I also made reservations for our next leg of the journey. We will be leaving here on July 8 and going to the Ball Mountain Area in Vermont for a week (for now :-))
And this evening was another great campfire night!!
6/24/2008
June 24, 2008 – Clean Up Day
Today was clean up day: we dumped and cleaned the tanks, filled the water tank, went for propane and gas, and tried/trying to get the moisture out of the motorhome since it FINALLY stopped raining.
We also tried setting up our satellite dish in the open field and it worked. This is the first time we were able to set up successfully on the road. But alas where our site is, there is no clear view. Ah well, we don’t have electric anyway.
We found out that we are the only campers in A&B loop tonight – nothing like having the place to ourselves…
And another great campfire evening!!
We also tried setting up our satellite dish in the open field and it worked. This is the first time we were able to set up successfully on the road. But alas where our site is, there is no clear view. Ah well, we don’t have electric anyway.
We found out that we are the only campers in A&B loop tonight – nothing like having the place to ourselves…
And another great campfire evening!!
June 23, 2008 – Woodstock – the Festival
Today we took the journey to the actual site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. The site is now owned by a foundation that wanted to preserve the legacy as well as promote art and music and is now know as the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. (http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/)
Two years ago, concerts were started and on June 2, 2008, a museum opened.
The museum had sections on the 1960’s from history, politics, music, etc.; background on the Woodstock Festival; music and films of the Festival; interviews (current) of attendees, townspeople, musicians and the effect of Woodstock and the 1960’s on them.
For me, it was an incredible experience – the memories of that time from TV to music to all the things that were happening. I just kept smiling and saying, “I remember that”. I still believe that was the best music!!!
I am not going to go into the history because there is so much on the internet but I will leave you with some pictures.
The plaque:
The field:
The Bethel Museum:
Woodstock
by Joni Mitchell
I came upon a child of God
He was walking along the road
And I asked him where are you going
And this he told me
I'm going on down to Yasgur's farm
I'm going to join in a rock 'n' roll band
I'm going to camp out on the land
I'm going to try an' get my soul free
We are stardust
We are golden
And we've got to get ourselves
Back to the garden
Then can I walk beside you
I have come here to lose the smog
And I feel to be a cog in something turning
Well maybe it is just the time of year
Or maybe it's the time of man
I don't know who I am
But you know life is for learning
We are stardust
Two years ago, concerts were started and on June 2, 2008, a museum opened.
The museum had sections on the 1960’s from history, politics, music, etc.; background on the Woodstock Festival; music and films of the Festival; interviews (current) of attendees, townspeople, musicians and the effect of Woodstock and the 1960’s on them.
For me, it was an incredible experience – the memories of that time from TV to music to all the things that were happening. I just kept smiling and saying, “I remember that”. I still believe that was the best music!!!
I am not going to go into the history because there is so much on the internet but I will leave you with some pictures.
The plaque:
The field:
The Bethel Museum:
Memories!!
Woodstock
by Joni Mitchell
I came upon a child of God
He was walking along the road
And I asked him where are you going
And this he told me
I'm going on down to Yasgur's farm
I'm going to join in a rock 'n' roll band
I'm going to camp out on the land
I'm going to try an' get my soul free
We are stardust
We are golden
And we've got to get ourselves
Back to the garden
Then can I walk beside you
I have come here to lose the smog
And I feel to be a cog in something turning
Well maybe it is just the time of year
Or maybe it's the time of man
I don't know who I am
But you know life is for learning
We are stardust
We are golden
And we've got to get ourselves
Back to the garden
By the time we got to Woodstock
We were half a million strong
And everywhere there was song and celebration
And I dreamed I saw the bombers
Riding shotgun in the sky
And they were turning into butterflies
Above our nation
We are stardust
Billion year old carbon
We are golden
Caught in the devil's bargain
And we've got to get ourselves back to the garden
By the time we got to Woodstock
We were half a million strong
And everywhere there was song and celebration
And I dreamed I saw the bombers
Riding shotgun in the sky
And they were turning into butterflies
Above our nation
We are stardust
Billion year old carbon
We are golden
Caught in the devil's bargain
And we've got to get ourselves back to the garden
Copyright © Siquomb Publishing Company
June 22, 2008 – A Lazy Sunday
Just a lazy Sunday! Rain and storms so we stayed in – read, computer, etc. The only thing I have to report is that we tried the blue potatoes – baked. They taste just like any other potato except for the color and it was a little strange eating blue food - :-)
6/22/2008
June 21, 2008 – Cat’n Round the Catskills and the Bavarian Festival
A beautiful day for a drive and to visit the local communities!
We first went to the village of Catskill. Every year they have a cat statue show/exhibit in the town where artists paint the cats and then they are auctioned at the end of summer to benefit local organizations. There were 62 cats done this year and place on two of the main streets.
Look at this:
Movie Cat:
Sun Cat
Red Cat
Chef Cat:
Farmer Cat:
Co-Cat:
Top Cat:
Ameri-Cat:
Kat and Kittens:
Santa Cat:
Red, White, and Blue Cat:
We were able to talk with a very nice woman from the Chamber of Commerce of Catskill about the cats, the show and the auction. She told us that some of these cats go for $750 to $7000 depending on the artist. Plus it is a great way to get exposure for new artists. How wonderful.
Our next visit was to Round Top for their Bavarian Festival. Great food, Great Music, and Great People! We stayed for quite a while watching the dancers, listening to the music, talking with our table mates, and eating and drinking (just Andy, I was driving).
A picture of the band (notice the outfit of the couple to the left):
And I just loved this guy and his outfit:
Some of the people there go to Germany every year for the big Bavarian Fest and they were all dressed up in ethnic clothes. What fun!
Back at camp, another great campfire evening….
We first went to the village of Catskill. Every year they have a cat statue show/exhibit in the town where artists paint the cats and then they are auctioned at the end of summer to benefit local organizations. There were 62 cats done this year and place on two of the main streets.
Look at this:
Movie Cat:
Sun Cat
Red Cat
Chef Cat:
Farmer Cat:
Co-Cat:
Top Cat:
Ameri-Cat:
Kat and Kittens:
Santa Cat:
Red, White, and Blue Cat:
We were able to talk with a very nice woman from the Chamber of Commerce of Catskill about the cats, the show and the auction. She told us that some of these cats go for $750 to $7000 depending on the artist. Plus it is a great way to get exposure for new artists. How wonderful.Our next visit was to Round Top for their Bavarian Festival. Great food, Great Music, and Great People! We stayed for quite a while watching the dancers, listening to the music, talking with our table mates, and eating and drinking (just Andy, I was driving).
A picture of the band (notice the outfit of the couple to the left):
And I just loved this guy and his outfit:
Some of the people there go to Germany every year for the big Bavarian Fest and they were all dressed up in ethnic clothes. What fun!Back at camp, another great campfire evening….
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