The Hudson River: Priceless

When Privatization Bogart's Nature

I am a big fan of the Hudson River. I recently took a trip to a nationally registered park that had stunning views of the Hudson. Though there are a quite a few parks along the river, this particular area had parking alongside a hill overlooking the valley below. The Hudson and the mountain range were west of my position. As I photographed the shot, the image just hit me regarding the legacy of the grounds.

Vanderbilt Estate, Hyde Park, New York

The grand residences of the once Gilded Age of America and many of the estates of American Revolution Legacy  gave back by donating their massive properties to the Federal Parks Department.  This mainly occurred because it was simply unaffordable after taxation changed in the early part of the last century for families to keep their ancestral property. The grounds of many of these estates are not to be missed when traveling through the Hudson Valley.

Wildenstein, Rhinebeck, New York

Some estates come with benches to take a load off or possibly if you are adventurous enough to just plop down on well-manicured lawns; minus the weeds, poison ivy and dog poop. The Park's Department does not disappoint when keeping the grounds beautiful.  With privately run estates like the Wildenstein house, its the volunteers are who keep the grounds in check.

Boscobel, Cold Springs, New York

Depending on where you end up, there will be foliage and mountains as far as the eye can see.  I think bringing the Sunday paper or one's head down in texting mode seems rather blasphemous when in the presence of these views of green.  
Fall is just around the corner.  Can you image this shot with reds, oranges, and yellow staring back at you?
Remember to take in God’s country with just a good healthy, tranquil sitting.
Enjoy!
(For about fifteen minutes at a time in some places)