August 2, 2014 Wallkill Rail Trail at Gardiner

          We had sun and it was a bit warm and slightly humid but reasonably comfortable and we continued our good luck with the weather.  There were seven of us for this walk and we walked toward the village of Gardiner from the Steve's Lane parking area.
           After the walk, five us brunched at the Village Market and Bakery where we made the final walk selections for the season.

some "wildlife"

there's a local skydiving place nearby

a nice place to rest in town

I feel like I'm more "in the woods" on this type of trail

gate to nowhere

and, as usual, a bunch of flower pix

July 26, 2014 Awosting Falls at Minnewaska State Park

      Five us got together at the diner in New Paltz and traveled to Minnewaska.  We drove around the parking area which was already almost full and didn't spot any of our walkers.  We decided to do something different and walk to  Awosting Falls instead of our usual walk around the lake.  We moved back down to the second parking area and walked to and past the falls to the trails end at 44/55. 
      The day was pleasant although slightly humid and we were thankful for another good walking Saturday.
      The five of us lunched at the College Diner and rated it an 8.

 

 

 

I always have to include some flowers

 

We walked along the Peter's Kill

the last of the Rhododendrum

near the top of Awosting Falls

a small waterfall and the top of Awosting

and the falls .. the water is pretty low

there's new life on the stump

two bent trees meet over the kill

there were many interesting rock formations

we're on our way back

the waterfall is in the distance

we view the falls again

just the top of the falls

trees along the trail have a tough time of it

July 19, 1014 Wallkill Rail Trail/Nyquist Harcourt Sanctuary, New Paltz

      The temperature was in the 70s but it was a bit humid.  There were only eight of us to enjoy the walk.  The parking area was almost full due to a biking group tour but we were able to find space to park.
      We began at the garden where a very nice Chinese woman enthusiastically showed us her very large garden.  She was very interesting and offered to share her produce with us.  We politely declined since we were going to be walking for a while.
      After enjoying the garden tour, we arrived at the sanctuary.  It was a pleasant walk to the bridge that crosses to the Huguenot Street entrance.  After relaxing a bit on the bridge, we continued through the forest then back along the river to the parking area.
      We all decided to walk to the chalk fest on Water Street.  Six of us enjoyed brunch sitting outside at the Mudd Puddle Cafe.  It was very good [freshly ground coffee and local fresh eggs] but we forgot to rate it.  After lunch, we checked out the art work.  There were many well executed pieces at various stages of completion.  The work would continue on Sunday.  I hope the Saturday night rain didn't have too much of a negative effect.

We walked along the Wallkill

Korean zucchini/squash

There were many flowers among the vegetables

These were at beginning of walk

I think this is the Huguenot Dam

Wood Ducks

Oxbow view

Skytop at Mohonk.  Looks like they're doing some repairs.

There were many different wildflowers.

The bridge to Huguenot Street.

View of a lot of algae from bridge.

Robin with lunch

Some chalk fest art.

and some face painting

Chalking a car.

There was an area for young people to create

Cone flowers along the street to the parking area.