October 19 2013 Peach Hill Park

     I picked up CJ at 5:15am and we were off for a sunrise photo shoot [with my camera club] at Innisfree.  It was cold and dark.  The sunrise was less than spectacular but the rising sun helped provide some nice shots later.  Then we were off to Peach Hill.

     This was originally a peach orchard purchased in 1948 by Charles Beck who grew peach, pears & apples.  However, in 1967 William Paladino purchased the orchard and grew apples exclusively.  Active farming ended in 1998.

      Although it remained chilly, it was a pretty day and the 12 of us enjoyed the walk.  We had great views of the Catskills from the summit.  Beth had recommended the Village Restaurant in Pleasant Valley and six of us enjoyed brunch there.  They have a very wide selection of French toast, pancakes and waffles.

the walk is uphill!!

and we're off

tiny bridge

pretty colored tree

we crossed a stone wall as we followed the trail thru the woods

the trek thru the woods was new to us and nice

which way do we go now??

we had a great view of the Catskills

an overview of the mountains

closeup view of the house

a little closer view-Hudson River is not visible in front of ridge

closeup view of Shaupeneak Ridge where we'll walk this coming Saturday

there were several paths down the hill

looking toward state hospital

the view of other side of summit

and another view downhill

two of the three towers we saw

milkweed

we headed down the hill

some of the apple trees

and a close up

we debated this wooly bear's message-long or short winter??

almost to the parking lot

 

10/12/13 Slabsides

     There were 13 of us on this beautiful day.  The sun was shining, the temperature cool to start but then warmed a perfect autumn day!!

     Our original plan was to park at the lower level, where we had begun our walk earlier this year,  carpool to the upper level by the cabin and walk down to the lake.   When we all  met, it was concluded that the uphill walk wouldn't be that long or difficult.  So, we left our cars parked,  took the uphill path at the near end of the lake [first pic] and walked uphill.  We ended up on Burroughs Drive, took an erroneous path that led us to the private property behind some homes.  We went back to the entrance, found the correct path and visited the cabin.

     We then took the path downhill to the lake.  The map promised a waterfall but apparently the dryness affected it because we only saw a meager downhill "brook" and a "swampy" area at the bottom. 

     When we arrived at the far end of the lake, nine of us opted to go straight out to our cars and four decided to take the longer path thru the woods.  Carol D and I took a side trip onto the peninsula to take some pix.  The colors seem a bit dull this year.

     Seven of us enjoyed brunch at the Gateway Diner.

NOTE:  Asked about the walk for Oct 19, I thought it was the rail trail with entrance behind Gold's Gym.  I hope everyone read their schedules cuz it's at PEACH HILL!!!

view toward peninsula and far end of lake as we start trail

the peninsula and island

we begin the trek uphill

it was a pretty walk thru the woods

we're finally on the trail to the cabin

John Burroughs' cabin

waiting at the bottom of hill for rest of group

there were stairs to help us get to bottom

they curved around a boulder

negotiating the steps

the swamp at the bottom

we're headed for the lake

more trail scenes

view from the far end of the lake

the lakeside path

foliage on the peninsula

pretty tree

end of lake from the peninsula

the island

back on lake side trail with peninsula on the right

lake end closest to parking

pretty trees

and another view