Ashville: Someday We Will Meet

Kate's Date with Ashville

While scrolling around the internet recently I came across a quirky traveling blog by a young lady named Kate.  The blog called Adventurous Kate chronicles the travels of Kate, mostly traveling solo around the world.

First of all, I do appreciate her introduction of herself and giving great information about safety for women traveling by themselves.  That is a reality when traveling abroad that should always be on the forefront of one's mind.

I was especially intrigued by the article 14 Reasons Why I am Smitten with Ashville, North Carolina.
I like when someone gets into the nooks and crannies of a town; more of the off the beaten path.
Overall, I do anticipate a trip to Ashville mainly because of Biltmore; the largest estate of the Vanderbilt's.  I am fan of great estates from the Gilded Era.  This one is like Disneyland for me.

There are some listings for great places to eat and shop that I will definitely make a note of when I make my visit down south.

Note: I have attempted for 3 days to leave a message on this page and even created an IT ticket but to no avail there is no way to leave a post.  I have emailed Kate.  She might not be aware of it. I feel it is necessary to support and encourage fellow bloggers around you.

Update: A page was put up this morning stating one cannot make a guest post.  That is really funny and kinda weird seeing how there are posts from other people.  The only way I can figure is she is apart of a class or a group that only post amongst themselves.

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.