Catskills

This morning I got up and out early as I knew the trails would be crowded on a Summer Sunday. I was in the parking lot at 7 AM and I was not even the first car. My destination was Kaaterskill Falls and Inspiration Point . The upper falls is an easy walk to a viewing platform. It turns out, at least in the summer, that this part of the falls is just not that impressive. I then hiked the half mile or so down to the lower falls. This is a steep trail that includes many stairs. Once you arrive at the falls, it is a scramble over wet slippery rocks and - at least after a rain - slippery mud to get to a position for the best shot. I’m sure even the full falls are more impressive in the winter, but it was still a worthwhile shot.

I then hiked the mile plus out to inspiration point. This is one of the few trail descriptors that is actually accurate. Most descriptions way over sell, presumably to dissuade civilians in flip-flops. In this case, moderate correctly described the trail. It was uneven with lots of roots, and in several places a climb or scramble was required. I was pleased to get a decent work-out. My watch suggested the total hike was six miles. I suspect it was more like five as the estimates are based on an average stride. Either way, a great hike on a perfect day.

I walked out about noon, which was good timing as the parking lot was full and the trails crowded. I thought to drive out to Bethel, the location of the 1969 Woodstock concert , mostly to pay my respects. The location itself is just a big field, but I assumed that there would be scenery along the way. However, I ran into a snag when part of 23A, the main artery leading back from the Falls was closed off for a festival. They did have detour signs, but whoever put them up had a questionable sense of both direction and instruction. It took several tries, and two conversations with very kind local officials to finally skirt the mess. By then I was frustrated and tired and not up to driving 4 hours round trip.

After regrouping, I decided to take one of the scenic byways, Route 214, that turned off before the closure. I ended up stopping in the quaint small town of Phoenecia . I was walking down the small, but very cute, Main Street when I struck up a conversation with Ford, Jean, Cynthia and Kathleen. Ford, in particular, was very interested in my journey and was asking very pointed questions about whether a theme had emerged. I allowed that civil and human rights had risen, unbidden, to the top as defining theme for this trip. It turned out that Ford’s questions came from a very knowledgeable place, as he recently retired as an investigative reporter for the New York Times . We, and the others in his party, had a really great discussion about this topic and my impressions during this trip. I very much look forward to any comments or suggestions he has about what I have written so far.

The day ended nicely with a rainbow. I was out on my deck photographing dramatic clouds over the mountains when my neighbors, Matt and Catherine, drew my attention to a rainbow over to the side. That was a nice extra to conclude my short stay in the Catskills.

Tomorrow I drive down the New York City where, thankfully, my friend T is hosting me.