Storm King Mountain

Get Your Kicks on Bay View Avenue

Have you ever just gotten in your car and just drove?  Did you ever have that Saturday morning itch that said, “I don’t care where I end up as long as I see trees, sky and zero skyscrapers.”  Well, I have had those thoughts from time to time.  I'll just drive north out of the city and make my way to Saw Mill Parkway and just go.  I usually hope for the best; in that I will find my way back without ending up in Canada.

Route 9 provides from serious scenic views driving north.  Not too long ago, I decided to cut back using 9W which runs alongside the west side of the Hudson River.  I wasn’t very familiar with Newburgh but I figured if Route 9 took me up, then Route 9 something or other would take me back to the city.

I had seen Storm King Mountain many times as it sits with lioness statue across from Cold Springs, New York.  So majestic and proud; this mountain has strong folklore ties to the indigenous people that once lived in the area.  Some evenings, sitting along the banks of the river, I marveled at the lights that cut through the middle of the mountainside.  I assumed they were headlights from some automobiles making their way around the range.  

Garrison, New York via Storm King Mountain

I played head games with myself thinking to get to the other side and drive along that road I needed a special pass or code word from a local to find its secret entrance.  I just knew one day I would find myself at that secret entrance; that secret road.

Just a while ago, I drove south through Newburgh and in my gut I said to myself, “Turn here.”  I saw the road sign Shore Road. It was only natural to assume, as I was at the base of Storm King, that I should find this secret passage way to the mountainside. After a few minutes of driving, I found myself at the riverbanks turning into the mountain and up I went.  A road called Bay View Avenue prominently displayed itself and I veered left like a scene out of a spy movie.

Then it happened, without noticing how far I had climbed up in altitude; I looked to the left.

Bannerman Castle via Storm King Mountain

There, sitting in the middle of the river at an angle I had never seen it before was this little island of Pollepol.  In a previous blog about Bannerman Castle, where I discussed its mystique, I now had a whole new image of this place of beauty and lore. I was so high-up; I think I might have been at Cessna plane level.  I couldn’t get over the fact that I was still on the ground technically but driving through this mountainside. The trees whose branches covered the road; it looked like nightfall when the road tucked into land.  As we curved back out to the river; the sun was beaming.

I eventually made it to the other side with West Point guards directing me alongside the road.  Apparently, there was an event going on that day. I must say, Storm King Mountain and I will have another date soon, possibly in the fall with lush colorful foliage this time.

The Four Corners Of Kingston

Meet the American Corners Older than the Constitution

What a splendid way to end my July 4th weekend. This is where buildings stand that represent the spirit of the American Revolution. That's what I discovered when I had my visit today in Kingston, New York.

At this intersection stand four buildings at the corner of John and Crown Streets.  Four stone houses that were the only buildings standing after the British stormed Kingston and burned the town to the ground in 1777 in retaliation. Let's just say, they were sore losers after retreating post war.

I was pretty surprised not to find too many people on the street. As I stood in the middle of the road of absolutely no traffic.

The route to Kingston has amazing views. You will pass the most spectacular stone buildings and dated private residences along the way.  Then, a beautiful view from Rhinecliff Bridge that beholds the sights of a distant Catskills. Withim ten minutes you are in the Historic District of Kingston.

The rest of the town isn't exactly to be scoffed at. There is a Dutch Reformed Church that still stands.  Either way, it's a wonderful location to visit anytime of the year.