9/21/13 Walkway Over the Hudson

     It was another perfect day for walking.  The sky was blue with some clouds forecasting rain later in the day.  It was cool with a bit of a breeze over the open areas.  Great day for a walk and a great group!!!  We numbered 19!!  It was good to have Candy back with us for a walk. We also had the pleasure of Carol's sister, Sara, joining us

     There was an Out of the Darkness walk scheduled for later in the morning.  Registration began at 9:00 with the walk and ceremony due to start at 11:30.  Since we park on the Highland side of the walkway, we were able to find space without a problem.  We arrived back at the Highland side around 10:50; and some of us had an interesting conversation with the woman who would be releasing the doves [release doves are part of the homing pigeon family] in memory of those who've committed suicide.  Although we were tempted to stay around to see that happen, it would have involved a bit of a wait and food was beckoning.   

    I published the blog sans pictures cuz I thought I hadn't had a memory stick in the camera.  [I was sure I had checked the stick and it was blank...but maybe it's old age since there were pix on it when I put it in the camera to take to New Mexico.  They're not that great but I'll include them below.

     We had a record-breaking group of 13 enjoying a good breakfast/lunch and good company at the Gateway Diner.  

 

view south

and the view north

Mariner's Harbor and park

waterfront park

something is obviously happening here - future buildings??

motoring on the river

southbound trains and Poughkeepsie station

view north

city view with bridge

Amtrack headed north

looking south

the new elevator shaft is in progress - bottom is very close to river

new transportation method-forward motion is accomplished by shifting weight on "runners"

trio of "cuties"

9/14/2013 Black Creek

     First some info:  there is no walk on September 28th [my mistaken Labor Day].  I will not be at the October 5th walk.  Carol DeMicco will be in charge; so, if you have any questions, you can call her.  Her number is on the schedule and on the blog.

     Even tho it's still officially summer, this was a perfect autumn day.  It was in the 50s early when some of us left home  but later it was pleasantly cool/crisp with blue sky and sun.  We  had 11 people, a pretty good number considering the Fishkill five had other obligations. Also, it was great to have Joanne join us for the walk.  We don't get to see her very often.

     Surprisingly, the walk to the river begins with a pretty good uphill before heading down to the river.  It's a really nice walk through the woods and with excellent river views and I think everyone enjoyed it.

     After the walk,  two of us had lunch at the College Diner in New Paltz.

the bridge near the beginning of the trail

view of Black Creek from the bridge

looking the other direction

we're headed uphill

looking down at the creek [patch of blue between the trees top center]  from near the top of the hill

some berries

river view

close up view of Norrie Point Marina where we were last week

lighthouse view

sailboat & lighthouse

it was a good day for boating

resting & enjoying the view

pretty river view

group pic

I liked this cozy mushroom space

on our way back

interesting fungi, according to Vince,the  bright color indicates it's poisonous

on an earlier walk we put stones on top of a branch we walked under - someone had a different idea here

its much easier going down this hill

a bit of boardwalk

the creek again

and a close up

the group thought I should be in a pic and we added John too...thanks Vince

9/7/2013 Norrie Point and picnic

     We had a beautiful day!!  It was not too hot or humid; the sky was blue and there was a bit of a breeze.  There were 16 of us.  They've put in a  new boardwalk to the deck and river area by the Environmental Center.  There's still work to be done but it's very nice.

     We got some tables put together with tablecloths sort of "staking our claim" and then took off for our walk.  Our group is made up of both fast and slower walkers plus a "photographer" who pretty much trails the pack most of the time trying to take some interesting pix.

     This time I was sort of in the middle and, after we crossed the bridge leaving the parking area, Carol D and I took a quick detour down a path  hoping to get a marina photo.  [It  didn't work out very well].  While we were there, we could hear the "slower" group saying "Where'd  they go?"

     When we emerged back on the road, we couldn't see them; and when we caught up to the "faster" group, they weren't there either.  So we ended up walking in two groups of 10 and 6.  I was in the group of 10 and we traveled, at least in part, on the green trail.  We had a good walk and some of us really "felt it."

     When we all got back together, we combined our goodies and enjoyed our picnic.  We had hoped to see Florence, Joanne and Dianne but, unfortunately, they were unable to attend...maybe next year.

     The food was excellent, as usual, and the company great.  All in all a great day.

the view on right as we crossed the bridge...tide is out

a little bit of the marina view that Carol and I saw

I liked the reflection in the puddle

and a closer view

love those "brook" scenes

the group heads along the trail

we're still intrigued by this building whose purpose eludes us

J

John climbed up to check out the building's interior

a little out of focus view of John

there's really quite a drop here but it doesn't show well

walking up to check out the building

one more view of the building

a minor barrier

a better view of the marina as we returned to the environmental center

lots of good food

and enjoying the meal

river view on a beautiful day

more river views