Trail conditions: cluttered
Recent floods washed driftwood and debris across the trail, boardwalks and dock. Plant material and other detritus are strewn about, piled up, and underfoot. Hiking boots recommended.
River rats
Heavy rains. Flooding on Esopus Creek. Dock called me early on Saturday morning. He was up until 4 AM moving stuff in his yard out of reach of flood tide and moving driftwood and detritus out of his y ...
Signs of spring
A snowstorm at the first of the month was followed a few days later by heavy rains. The storm runoff combined with snowmelt swelled the tributaries to the Hudson, including Esopus Creek. The sudden sw ...
Trail conditions: soggy
Due to recent rains and snowmelt, the trail is wet with puddles of standing water in places. An extreme high tide today washed woody debris onto portions of the trail. Boots are recommended.
Red-winged Blackbird
In recent days, I heard red-winged blackbirds calling in the wetlands near the lighthouse. This morning, I noticed one scratching for seed below the bird-feeder. Male red-winged blackbirds arrive ear ...
Cat update
Unfortunately, I have no conclusive news about the cat that visited the lighthouse last month. My neighbor Sylvia said that she was feeding it for awhile, but she hasn't seen it lately. We are hoping ...
Northern Harrier
A raptor swooped down near the jetty beyond the dock as if striking at something. It came up with empty talons. The raptor continued to glide and circle over the reeds and shoreline. Its distinctive w ...
Trail conditions: snowy
Due to recent snowfall, the trail is covered in snow. Winds may create snowdrifts in places. Low areas may be icy or slushy due to tide.
Knock, knock
Early this afternoon, I heard a knock at the front door. This baffled me because the trail was completely flooded and impassible. The lighthouse was surrounded by water, and the dock was submerged. H ...