The Hudson River Valley of New York State

For those of us who have lived the greater part of our lives in the west with its open spaces and great National Parks, a trip to the Hudson River Valley is an interesting contrast: not much open space and a lot of people. My husband Scott and I were lucky enough to snag an invitation from his cousin to visit her new home on the Hudson River. Next to the Saint Lawrence, the Hudson is the only river that provides such a deep and cordial invitation into the North American continent. Geologically the Hudson River is a fjord: a long, narrow coast inlet, its steep slopes formed by glacial action. Without a doubt, this area is wonderful and had this continent been settled west-to-east, the Hudson Valley would be a national park today. The National Park Service designated the Hudson Valley a National Heritage Area in 1998.

We spent a day hiking in the Catskills. Our first hike, Giant Ledge, was a short and rewarding hike to the scenic cliffs of a glacial cirque in the epicenter of an ancient meteorite impact zone. This area is forested with maple, beech, cherry, and birch, but at its north end there is a virgin spruce grove, extending to the ledge's base. A few remaining drought-killed red spruce can still be seen below the eastern cliffs. More recently, forest tent caterpillars and gypsy moths have defoliated much of the mid-elevation forest here, the long-term results of which remain to be seen. From here, we headed to Kaaterskill Falls, the most popular short hike in the Catskills, to the state's highest waterfall. This area is two hours north of New York City and across the Hudson from the Catskills, we visited Hyde Park with Franklin D. Roosevelt's home and library, right next door the Vanderbilt Estate, both managed by the NPS. Two miles to the east was Val Kill where Eleanor Roosevelt started a furniture factory in the Depression and lived after FDR's death. On yet another day, we headed north to visit Olana State Historic Site, named for a fortress treasure-house in ancient Persia. Olana was the home of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), one of America's most important artists and a major figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting.

Join us Sept 26 to Oct 2 on a trip to the Hudson River Valley for PV/SB and OCSS, when the foliage should be at its peak. This area is rich in culture and natural beauty and a great place to visit. For itinerary contact me, Sandy Graham, via Email or by phone at 714-282-5661.