Wappinger Walkers Club

Sunday, April 19, 2015

APRIL 11, 2015 BEAR MOUNTAIN

          There were ten of us for the Bear Mountain walk including Linne who just returned from Florida. We were also delighted to see Lila whom we haven't seen since she moved to Peekskill early in 2013. In addition, we welcomed Karen as a new member.
          There was sun and blue skies and the temperature was reasonable but there was a terrific cold wind that nearly knocked us over as we walked around the end of Hessian Lake. Once we were protected by the trees, it was ok.
          Although we considered not going through the zoo, the walk was pretty short so we did our usual tour.
          Last year we enjoyed two good brunches at the Hudson Cafe in Cornwall so six of us went back. The food was very good [although CJ's French toast with strawberrie[s] had half of one strawberry cut in half]; but the service was not. We were not in a hurry and it was a good thing because we were there about two hours.

Hessian Lake-you can just see the little wind-whipped waves.


Looking toward the Bear Mt Bridge


The boats will soon be in the water


We met a photographer along the way and he took our pic. [We're missing John who was exploring]

They look like they're sleeping but they're actually eating something.


One of several coyotes

One side of the redoubt

and the other

Vultures

and a close up

and another vulture


the Bear Mountain Bridge


view from the lookout

APRIL 4, 2015 CULINARY INSTITUTE

[It's been a bit hectic the past couple of weeks so I'm writing about three walks today.]

     Although rain was predicted for the morning, it was ok and seven of us arrived at the Quiet Cove parking lot for the walk. It was chilly with wind, access to the river was blocked and it looked like the paths near the parking area might be kind of soggy; so we opted to go directly to our second walk at the Culinary Institute. We covered quite a bit of ground on this very interesting campus. Most students were away on break but we did encounter a few.
     Last week we welcomed new members Jean & Bob. This week we learned that, sadly, John W's wife passed away in March. Our sincere condolences to him.
     Six of us enjoyed brunch at the Palace Diner in Poughkeepsie.


We began our tour here


Admissions Office


View of the main building with Caterina de Medici Restaurant in foreground


Caterina de Medici and the gardens


Roth Hall

We liked the chef on top of this building.


This former diner is no longer used.


this was part of the former monastery


This was planted near our river view

looking up-river

a closer view

We walked along the river to the new Student Commons building


the new Student Commons is still under construction.


the view down-river and the Walkway

We don't know if this part of the campus but it's quite nice.

and a closer view-wouldn't want to wash those windows

Monday, March 30, 2015

March 28, 2015 Dutchess Rail Trail at Hopewell

Thirteen of us braved this "beautiful spring day" [It was 27 degrees and windy when I left home and snowing when we arrived at the Hopewell Depot and I think it only got up to the low 30's for the whole day]. We were in no hurry to brave the elements so we began by visiting the restored depot/museum where we learned about the railroad and the restoration from the "caretakers."

When we finally got started, it soon became clear that the trail was being allowed to clear by nature. It was mostly snow and ice, including black ice; with an occasional bare path. It turned out to be our shortest walk ever due to the unpleasant weather and the poor footing. It was still good to get outdoors and walk even for that little bit.

We last walked there in 2012 and a large community of McMansions has built up on both sides of the trail. We noticed that most of them seemed to shun window treatments.

Eleven of us enjoyed brunch at the Red Line.

There were not very many photo opportunities