10/26/2013 Shaupeneak Ridge

     It was a pretty autumn day and 12 of us enjoyed the walk.  We began at the upper parking lot and walked the blue and red trails.  It's an excellent walk with a lot of ups and downs; and the leaves made the footing "interesting" on occasion.  Seven of us did the same walk the summer of 2012 but this time we were actually able to see the "Catskill view."

     The members who were at the walk and who check this blog told me they enjoy the pix and don't mind if there are a lot of them.... so look out folks there are a  lot more included this week.

     Seven of us brunched at the Gateway Diner in Highland.

1st view of Louise Pond

more pond views

a little closer

we encounter stone walls everywhere

and closer

the trail wound through an area of ferns

two different types of fern .. I believe the one on left is a New York fern and on the right a Christmas tree fern

some fungi

the Catskill view

close up of the trees

and a little closer Catskill view

pretty leaves

back through the woods

1st view of the Hudson

hill in center across river is Peach Hill where we were last week

on the right the two "inlets" are the Norrie Point marina and the environmental center

and a close up of the environmental center where we enjoyed our picnic

last view of the pond..as we arrive at parking areas

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