Historic Landmark on the Hudson River

Category: More Logbook

  • Red and green

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    At night, the Coast Guard station is lit up with flashing red and green lights as if decorated for the holidays. Actually, the flashing lights are atop buoys that the Coast Guard crew removed from the river. The Aids to Navigation Team is in the process of swapping the buoys with ones streamlined for winter…

  • Knock knock who's there?

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    I heard a knock at the window frame. Thump thump. I got up from the kitchen table and looked out the window. No one was there. Just a chickadee picking seeds from the bird-feeder. Then I heard it again. Thump thump. I noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye. A downy woodpecker…

  • Trail conditions: possible ice

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    Sub-freezing temperatures during the night. Ice may form in low-lying tidal areas along the trail. Proceed with caution.

  • Fog bow

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    Water temperature: 42 degrees. Relatively warm, moist air in contact with the cold river creates fog in the valley. Thick fog on the river this a.m. The morning sun shone through the fog and created a fog bow. A fog bow is like a rainbow but without the color, a ghostly white cloud-like arc in…

  • Haunted Hudson River

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    I heard a faint whistling outside. I look out the window through the blinds but didn’t see anything. Just the wind, I thought. The faint whistle continued intermittently. Then, I heard it loud and clear. A distinct whistle. Definitely not the wind. I put on my jacket and went outside. As I rounded the corner…

  • Snow on mountaintops

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    It may be autumn here in the valley, but it’s looking like winter on the peaks. From the kitchen window, I can see Kaaterskill High Peak and Overlook Mountain covered in snow.

  • Trail conditions: detritus

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    North winds combined with high tides washed floating plant debris and driftwood onto portions of the trail. Watch your step!

  • Autumn at its prime

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    The maple tree at the lighthouse dock, my indicator of the progress of autumn leaf color, is bright red. The air is crisp. Overnight temperatures are dipping into the 30s.

  • Trail conditions: wet

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    We are currently experiencing some of the highest tides of the year, occurring in the afternoon for the next few days. Please consult tide tables when planning your trip to the lighthouse. After tidewater recedes, portions of the trail may have puddles of water or detritus. Footwear for damp to muddy conditions recommended.

  • Kite-surfing spider

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    While kayaking on the lower Esopus Creek, I noticed a tiny creature skating across the surface of the water. At first, I thought it was a water bug. As it passed in front of my kayak, I saw that it was in fact a “kite surfing” spider. A length of the spider’s gossamer thread acted…