Ocean Grove

Take Me Back to Ocean Grove, We'll Get There Easy and We'll Take It Slow....

Ocean Grove Beach, New Jersey

Ocean Grove is slowly becoming one of my favorite beach getaways that do not need a plane ticket and it's not necessarily just for the summer.  I am falling love with the town in it self.  Maybe its the largest neighborhood of Queen Anne Victorian houses in the country.  Maybe its the neighboring towns of Asbury Park that is making a comeback or Allenhurst that of home that put the show Downton Abby to shame but there is certainly something about this little New Jersey beach town that is extra charming.

Allenhurst, New Jersey

I first rediscovered this town from my childhood when I started making pilgrimages back to Ocean Town Ship where I had spent my formative years in a sleepy cove named Elberon.  I main train stop where in the 19 century you were greeted by horse driven carriages to take you to your summer chalet.

Quaker Inn, Ocean Grove

It was only when a friend had bought a home in Asbury Park at the time, very cheaply I might add that I began to venture out by bicycle that I came across the beach town lost in time.

Somewhere between Asbury Park and Bradley Beach is a a little town that was founded by American Methodist Church.  In fact, it is the oldest Methodist settlement in America.  While you may certainly buy a home here; the land itself is owned by the church.  There is a 99 year lease signed when purchasing the home in where you must resign a new lease once you have lived over the 99 years.

Ocean Grove Main Street

You would think that might sound Orwellian but it works out nicely.  The town has been nicely preserved.  If  a house becomes unlivable or a fire takes it away you must follow strict guidelines when building again.  Main Avenue, while small has very cute shops as you would find in a town like this.  Nagles is a staple in the community, it used to provide pharmacy service and double as an ice cream shop.  It had changed hands only a few times and still functions selling ice cream and works as a diner.

Ocean Grove Summer Tent Beach Cabins

Young adults riding down the streets on skate boards chewing bubble gum with little ones in pig tails following on tricycles gives you a sense of another time.  This definitely resonates with the senior crowd on a random Friday night pull out the old key board and sit on a random stoop and sing the classics.

While the beach might make Miami Beach look like an abandoned desert, patiently you will find a spot with some careful planning, especially on the weekend.  Don't miss out next summer on the delights of the easy summer breeze of Jersey and maybe some Beach Boys ABBA, Air Supply - they play at the Methodist Hall from time to time.

UMC Hall circa 1894

Hiking the Peaks Surrounding Putnam County, New York

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

For years I have taken the Metro North for day trips up the Hudson River and marveled at the mountains that cover the landscape of New York State.  I would watch people get on at Grand Central in hiking shorts and back packs and think to myself these people are freaks. I mean, you work hard all week to then work harder on the weekends with exercise? I would even see mountain bikes and protective gear.  People are going out for day trips two hours out of the city for this? I can't believe this also is a weekend getaway thing but alas there are people who travel with just a backpack, water, wallet and a change of underwear for these types of trips. No thank you sir, that's a little hardcore for me but a day trip, yes ma'am!

Storm King Mountain was named after by a proposal for the name by 19th century writer Nathaniel Parker Willis.  Willis was quoted saying -

"The tallest mountain is...looked upon as the most sure fore teller of a storm.  When the white cloud-beard descends upon his breast in the morning...there is sure to be a rain-storm before night. Standing aloft before other mountains in the chain, this sign is peculiar to him.  He seems the monarch, and this seems his stately ordering of a change in the weather.  Should not STORM-KING, then, be his proper name?"

That's right on target with those clouds, seeing how I was once trapped on another mountain as its beard swallowed up the the mountains' tah-tahs.  Ah, poison ivy on the eye. There is nothing like it.

• Note: When you are caught in a storm and take cover under a rock, there is a great possibility the run-off from the mountain will drizzle off the rock into your eye! Viola! Maybe check the weather on your phone app before trying to be a hero.  It might save a trip to the doctors office.

Having said that, Storm King is a great place to start if you are not an avid climber. There are basic trails but you do need to pay attention when having to climb on a slight incline now and again. This loop around the mountaintop is very rewarding by means of not being a long hike at all.  The bonus is in the view, of course.  This is an easy day trip by train or car.  I recently drove south along Storm King Mountain and wrote an article about it. I must say at 200 meters above sea level, the views are amazing.

• Note: When taking a train to the City of Beacon you will have to take a cab across Beacon-Newburgh Bridge to Storm King Mountain.  A car might be the better bet after all.  Being on the opposite side of the river where Metro North tracks are prove driving oneself to this adventure is easier and cheaper in the long run. What Uber driver wants to pick you up 410 meters above sea level?

***

My first indoctrination into becoming one of these weirdo hikers was Mt. Taurus. The stop is Cold Springs Train Station where you arrive in a beautiful quaint town from another era.  A recent article of mine covered my love affair with this town. One can stop and have a light lunch at any of the cafe's that line Main Street next to antique shops but don't let that distract you for long. There is a mission and that mission is to climb a mild but long trek up Mt. Taurus.  This has been a staple for myself for years. I spend more time midway on a rock that appears to look more like a couch then ever climbing to the top.  I sit on my couch rock and take in the view like a couch potato would be glued to a TV screen.  You cannot get better than this.  Just make sure that you are with trusting, faithful friends. Your feet literally dangle off the ridge that goes several hundred feet down to an abandoned quarry.  

Go on, stretch your legs and take in all that nature goodness!

Flatironbetty at Mt Taurus 2012

***

My last consideration and one that I have not taken yet is actually a quite popular hike for the Tri-state area.  It's even open on the evening of July 4th.  Many hikers may enjoy the fireworks above the river from neighboring towns.  You can see almost 5 towns away all the star spangled display.

Break Neck Ridge is a great place but as you can see from the video below, is a little more on an incline and a very narrow path.  I have friends in the 70's who make their way up in about two hours and then climb down to the neighboring town of Cold Springs for lunch. So this is doable by anyone not minding a little concentration with footsteps and pacing.  The views are amazing any season from photos I have seen.  I must confess that fall is my jam but again don't let the winter barren trees persuade you to stay away. It's a fantastic morning hike from what I have been told.  This is another great view of seeing the winding Hudson River as it makes its way up to the Canada and down to New York City.  

• Fun Fact: The Hudson is considered an estuary because the currents run both north and south.

Get out and hike today in New York State.  Who knows? We might meet one day while I'm twirling and singing The Sound Of Music somewhere on a mountaintop near the Hudson River.

Camping with Critters

It's a bird.  It's a place.  It's a Bat! 

Last summer I took to the Metro North railways for an overnight excursion in a tent.  I am accustomed to being adventurous when it comes to the outdoors.  You pack your tent, bring some freeze dried food and protein bars.  Don't forget plenty of water.  Then you are on your way.  I am not the sort for fires and roasting. 

I love the outdoors as far as the fauna and flora are concerned.  However, some of the fauna creeps me out a little.  Occasionally, in the middle of the night you can hear chirping.  That’s not a big deal but it’s the high-pitched sounds reminiscent of Transylvania that will get to me sometimes.  So I began to wonder to myself: Are bats dangerous?  What if you accidently camp under their hangout? Like some animals, will they attack?

I found myself recently discussing this with a friend and was put in contact with a researcher at Kennesaw State University named Linda Purvis.  She agreed to help sort this out for me.

Recently, there has been a decline in the bat population of North America.  Conservationists are trying to figure out what is happening.  As for me, I just don’t want to be bitten and turned into a creature of the night.

I asked her, why did you choose to go into this field?

I wanted to do my graduate studies in non-game wildlife biology and was a good candidate for the lab I currently work in.

 I continued, What is your title?

My title is Graduate Research Assistant at Kennesaw State University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology.

With increasing trepidation I asked, am I a candidate for being feasted upon by the local bat population while camping?

There is a long list of myths associated with bats, but none of them are true. July is peak season for bat activity.  Bats typically forage at dusk and near dawn.  They are insectivorous so they will forage where any potential food source is located (standing water and light sources).
 If campers see bats, they should enjoy the opportunity to see them in the wild.  They don’t need to worry about all the negative stigma associated with them. However, summer is also maternity roosting season, and certain species will roost in the most interesting places such as in between the barks of pines or within leaf litter.  If they come across a pup, don’t try to handle as they are very delicate.
 Contact the camp host, local conservationists or state department of natural resources for help.

Thank you Linda for explaining this to me.

Insectivorous?  I am now relieved.  Even though they still creep me out, I will be more appreciative of their presence.  No one need no worry that I may pick up a pup. I’ll leave that to their mothers.

Bannerman Castle: Wikipedia Update

Wiki Fancy Pants

A few weeks ago, I had a lovely visit to Bannerman Castle during Memorial Day Weekend.  When I came home I decided to do some researching on the history of the island of Pollepel.  The island is located on the Hudson River across from Beacon, New York. No better place then to start with Wikipedia, I thought.  The page had a lot of good information but I was surprised after reading popular culture section that there was no mention of the retired couple who donate their time and efforts maintaining the grounds and running the tours on the island.  Both Wesley and his wife Barbara H. Gottlick are the authors of several books about the island. One of my favorites is a children's book called "My name is Eleanor."


Wikipedia page : Pollepel Island (redirected from Bannerman Castle)


I am very excited and feel pretty impressed with myself.  The updated edition is still reflected in the popular culture section of the Wiki-page.


The book is loosely based on the journals of an Ulster County resident named Eleanor Seeland who is now in her late 80s. As a young girl she lived on the island with her family.  The book is based fictionally in the present with the child self of Eleanor meeting up with kids of today.  It's a fun read with imagination. 


I'm glad I got to participate in the recognition of someone doing something swell in the world.


As for Wikipedia, I am now filled with knowledge of this power I have. I now ponder what else I may edit or update on Wikipedia in the future. Bwahahaha

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.

New York State Apples: From Tree to Hand

Apples Schmapples

This fall when fighting traffic to get out of the city for some serious apple picking, I hope you get a chance to visit Fishkill Farms, Mead Orchards or Montgomery Place Orchards.

Usually anywhere from 5 to 10 dollars for a sizeable bag will get you about 20 apples. Where people often fall short is the unfortunate picking of the tasteless apple.  Yes, they do exist.  Primarily used for cider’s and baked goods, there are a lot that stand on their own for a simple snack.

So it is important to know when picking through rows and rows of apple trees which variety you should concentrate on.

New York State has about 50 varieties amongst the hundreds that exist in our country today, believe it or not.

The tastiest I have come across for pulling right off the tree and hiding from the rest of the tourists, hunkered down under a tree like a thief in the night, are as follows:

• ·      Braeburn
• ·      Camero
• ·      Cortlandt
• ·      Empire
• ·      Fuji
• ·      Gala
• ·      Golden Delicious
• ·      Granny Smith

These are just a few of what you can find upstate. Eating out of hand or paired with some cheese, you maybe bold to set up a picnic in the middle of the orchard, be my guest and please send photos.

Note: In fact, all the apples listed above were engineered over the past hundred years by farmer’s.

For example, on February 12^th 2016 Cosmic Crisp entered the apple family. Farmer’s have recently been partnering with universities to get these new varieties.

So when enjoying that apple pie this Fourth of July, remember the apple picking season is just a few months away.

Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York

A Place of Lore in the Hudson

Somewhere north of the city, about an hour away, lies the ruins of the Bannerman legacy on the island of Pollepel. Known as Bannerman Island, there stands a castle-like structure leaning over the river's edge.  Covered by vines and other beautiful flora, this island across from Beacon, New York, is a great hiking spot for newcomers to the area.

Take note: You can get a glimpse of this wondrous sight if you are traveling by train between Cold Springs and Beacon.

The island itself has inspired literature, films and television backdrops of the location.

I was curious to see what Wikipedia had to say about this historical landmark.  Here's what I found:

Pollepel Island is a murder scene in Linda Fairstein's murder mystery ''Killer Heat''Fairstein, Linda. ''Killer Heat''. Doubleday, 2008 and the site of a series of abductions in Kirsten Miller's book ''Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City''.  

In Philip Kerr's ''The Day of the Djinn Warriors'' (2004), Bannerman's Island appears in the itinerary of the Djinn Twins. The castle is visited and described in depth in William Least Heat-Moon's travel log titled ''River Horse: A Voyage Across America''.  

Bannerman's Castle (called the Hammer Armory here) was the site of clandestine human experimentation by the villainous Talia al Ghul and Dr. Creighton Kendall in issues #145 (published August 2008) and #146 (September 2008) of the (defunct) ''Nightwing'' ongoing series from DC Comics (in a story arc titled "Freefall," written by Peter J. Tomasi.   

I was surprised there was no mention of Eleanor Seeland of local Bannerman Castle fame who spent the first 12 years of her life on the island.  Her manuscripts and journals have influence local authors such as Wesley and Barbara Gottlock who have spent the better part of their retirement as school teachers writing about local early American history.

I always make it my business to visit the island on the Hudson because of its beauty and charm.  For myself it seemed important enough to mention the Gottluck's in one of their many contributions to the isle of Pollepel's history.

Here's what I added:

Wesley Gottlock and Barbara H. Gottlock authored a children's book called, "My Name is Eleanor." It is based on photographs, interviews and journals of Eleanor Seeland. Seeland, an Ulster County resident, lived with her family who were residents of Pollepel Island in the early part of 20th century. Seeland's father was contracted by the Bannerman's for about 12 years. 

The fictionalized version of Seeland's life chronicles an encounter with children from modern day taking a class trip to the island. The children's book itself is a variation of fantasy and true personal stories of Seeland, which vary from taking a row boat each morning to the river’s edge to attend school to spending winter's on an isle in the middle of the Hudson River.Gottlock, Barbara H., and Wesley Gottlock. My Name is Eleanor, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.
(Wikipedia-Pollepel lsland)

I hope it is still on the Wikipedia in a few month's as it is relevant to Bannerman Castle in general.  When I recently made a trip to the island and was able to purchase the children's book by Wesley and Barbara H. Gottlock.  I was surprised not to see their names listed in Wikipedia so I made it my business to make the edition.  The couple have written numerous books, which such themes as the history of the Bannerman's the relationship of the island between Newburgh (home of Washington's headquarters) and the American Revolution.

The Gottlock's are volunteers on the island and member's of the association Bannerman Island Trust. The trust preserves the island for guests and future cultural events by conducting walking tours and concerts. The island has been under state protection since it was presented for preservation in the 1960s.