July 12, 2014 Madam Brett Park

      Although the temperature was in the 70s, it was quite humid but still not too bad for walking.  Sixteen people showed up, including potential member, Mary Jo.
      We first walked to the left to view the waterfall then back past the old factory buildings to the new Dave Miller trail that links Madam Brett to the Dennings Point and Long Dock trails.  [Dutchess County has done an excellent job of mapping the parks in the county.  Their map showed that the link is complete while the Madam Brett maps do not yet.]  We walked to the Beacon Institute and then most of us turned back while five of our more ambitious walkers continued on the Dennings Point Trail.
      We've missed fellow walker, David, who once tax season is over, rarely misses a walk.  I heard from him that he's been experiencing some medical problems that have prevented his walking.  We wish him a speedy recovery and a quick return to walking!
      Seven of us enjoyed an excellent lunch at Beacon Falls Cafe, rating it a nine.

first view of the falls [I think it's Tioranda Falls]

the Fishkill Creek heads for the Hudson

two more views of the falls

We're very near the river

We just missed seeing a train on these tracks.

there's a nice garden area at the Beacon Institute

the Beacon Institute

coneflowers

and a closeup

I included a pic of these last week not knowing what they were.  They're wild raspberries.

Factory ruins.  Factories in this area made hats and buttons.

and more ruins

I love old doors.

July 5, 2014 Esopus Meadows Preserve

      We lucked out again with another beautiful day!  The temperature was in the 70s with sun, blue sky and a slight breeze....perfect for walking.  This was an unfamiliar walk to me and I think to the rest of the group. 
      Thanks to the efforts of Scenic Hudson, the trails were well marked [although there was a portion of the white trail that veered off to the right as we walked back uphill to yellow that was marked but not on the trail map...we think it led to the blue trail along the river].  After last week's confusion with the poor trail marking at Roosevelt, this was a pleasure.
     At one time farmers brought their cattle to feast on plants growing in the shallow offshore tidal flat.  It's now a breeding/nursery area for fish.
      We wandered up and down and up hills for a total of almost two miles. The blue trail loops around and, faced with a big uphill to reach the riverside portion, half of our group chose the interior portion and half us trekked up a hill to enjoy a nice walk along the river.  It wasn't an easy walk but I and I think most of us enjoyed it.  However, it is not destined to become a club favorite.
       Five of us enjoyed brunch at the Marlboro Diner and rated the meal an 8.

Day lilies at the trail entrance.

I think this is the Klyne Esopus Kill on its way to the nearby river.

We're on our way.

We've already worked our way uphill. It was only the beginning!

It was pretty in the woods.

An ugly fungus.

Stone walls abounded.

Another hill to climb.

A bit of a swampy area here.

Keep on climbing.

More fungi.

This wall required a helping hand.

There were quite a few of these bridges.

A mossy area.

We took the white trail down to the river and rested while enjoying the view before the trek back uphill.

Fungi again.

The grounds of the Mills Mansion across the river.

Some fun on the river.

Looking down river.

We've made our way back uphill...the river is beyond trees.

Unknown building across river with blue heron in foreground

A closer view of the heron

There's not a lot of open water in this area.

We watched this machine apparently trying to clear the water from the exceedingly invasive water chestnuts.

Lighthouse closeup.

Upriver view.