Since farming is (marginally) more lucrative than blogging I've been spending most of my time working in the fields lately. But now, with several much needed showery days, I've found a few minutes to profile a couple of neat local places you might enjoy.
'Local' is a somewhat amorphous concept but I think of it as places I can visit in an hour or two's easy drive. The classic day trip. From the upper Hudson Valley that includes a tempting smorgasbord of four distinct mountain ranges: the Adirondacks, the Taconics, the Greens and the Catskills. You could even make a case for the Berkshires being a fifth option. So many hills, so little time.
ROCK...
Inman Pond is like an old friend to me. We may go a few years without seeing each other but then there's a happy reunion. The pond is in the Adirondack foothills on the east side of Lake George. From Rt. 149 in the Town of Fort Ann head north on Buttermilk Falls and Sly Pond Roads to a parking area just past the trailhead. The short hike follows a gradual ascent along Bishop Brook. In short order the trail splits near the swampy outlet of the pond. Taking the left fork will lead you to several shoreline campsites and fishing spots. Keep going until a seemingly impregnable rock face looms up. Follow herd paths around and up onto this outcrop for an airy vantage point high above the pond.
This is a great place to picnic, read, nap, even indulge in activities that might make me blush. If you've got a geologist handy bring him along. At the base of the cliff, in an overhanging alcove, are a variety of rock types and features you can explore. Across the pond on the other side of a ridge lies Crossett Pond (recently sold to a wealthy developer). You may be able to skirt the upper end of Inman to go down the other side but it's boggy and I'm not sure where the line between public and private land lies.
The only place I know to swim is on the shore opposite the high rock perch where a small ledge drops into deep water. I used to come up on short, brisk trail runs and it was always a delight to slip into the water after working up a sweat. I also remember hauling a rope and climbing gear to clamber up and rappel off the rock. Oh, to be young and foolish again! Now days I'm content to lay back and absorb the tranquility of this lovely spot.
On our way back out we met a family from Granville - mom, dad, and three, maybe four kids. They were returning from an ambitious climb up Pilot Knob. It's worth noting that there are multiple destinations from the trailhead, including Pilot Knob and Buck Mountain as well as a popular climbing ledge in the col between them. Like I said, so many hills, ponds, streams and rocks...
RAMBLE...
Want to stroll thru a Japanese Garden without enduring a very long (and expensive) flight? Let me suggest the Taconic Ramble State Park in Hubbardton, Vermont. Get ready for a unique and memorable experience.
When Gwenne, Zia and I stopped by on a sparkling spring day it was a 'deja vu all over again' revelation. I had hiked here long ago but this trip felt like a fresh discovery. That first visit was prompted by rumors of an eccentric couple sculpting their own magical fairyland in the Vermont hills, while also inviting others to come and enjoy it. Carson 'Kit' Davidson and his wife Mickie were New York City creatives who wanted a country place to escape the urban hustle.They eventually purchased over 400 acres of meadow and ridge terrain and set to work enhancing it with trails, benches and the iconic Japanese Garden. While they were alive they welcomed anyone seeking peace and beauty. After their passing they left the land to the people of Vermont with an endowment for its upkeep. In a world plastered with POSTED signs, how inspiring is that!
Today the land is a free state park with minimal facilities. It's a place to ramble, taking in the views and wandering thru lush fields and forests. The trails are divided into east and west areas and you could spend several days hiking all of them. We explored the Garden and then went up to Mount Zion Minor and Moot Point on short but rugged paths. The waterfalls trails to the east will have to wait for a return trip. And return we will. The Davidson's enlightened attitude of sharing their paradise makes this a 'feel good' place not soon forgotten.
* Here's a link to the park's website for more information.
Thanks for the tour of some gorgeous spots. We sure do live in a wonderful part of our planet!
ReplyDelete