Historic Landmark on the Hudson River

Category: Keepers Log

  • Blowout Tide

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    [custom_frame_left] [/custom_frame_left] [custom_frame_left] [/custom_frame_left] On Sunday, we experienced a rare “blowout tide,” an exceptionally low tide. “Blowout tide” is a colloquial term for what oceanographers call a “wind setdown” when water is blown away from shore. Along the Hudson River, these occur when sustained, strong north-northwest winds drive the ocean tide offshore from New York…

  • Suggestions of winter, hints of spring

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    [custom_frame_left] [/custom_frame_left] We awoke this morning to a winter scene in the river valley. A layer of snow coated rooftops and tree branches. Not unusual for this time of year. Even so, it came as a surprise during this unseasonable mild winter. This time last year, the river was thick with ice, and the trail…

  • Winter Conditions

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    Now that freezing temperatures are likely, ice or snow is possible on the trail. Proceed with caution. Ice-traction devices for your shoes are recommended. You may experience strong winds. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Portions of the trail are impassible during high tide, so plan your trip accordingly.

  • Historic fog bell installed

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    [custom_frame_left] [/custom_frame_left] On the weekend of November 19th & 20th, a crew of volunteers tackled the herculean task of moving a three-thousand pound bronze bell into position on the island adjacent to the Lighthouse. Retrieved from the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers several years ago, the bell was stored at the Saugerties Coast Guard Station…

  • Putting Irene into perspective

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    [custom_frame_left] [/custom_frame_left] This photo shows the height of the flooding on Sunday afternoon due to tidal surge and storm-water runoff. The water was a foot over the stone base of the lighthouse and covered the front step. Waves lapped against the front door. The basement flooded to within 7 inches of the floor joists. High…

  • New lighthouse tower web cam

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    The view from the Saugerties Lighthouse tower is now available in real-time via the internet. Save yourself the steep climb up the tower staircase and direct your browser to the Tower View page on our website. The web cam provides a southerly view from the lighthouse overlooking the confluence of the Esopus Creek and the…

  • Local weaver donates custom rugs

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    [custom_frame_left] [/custom_frame_left] The Saugerties Lighthouse will be embellished with a new set of handwoven rugs to decorate the bedrooms and kitchen. The rugs were custom woven by Robin Goss, a local weaver interested in showing her appreciation. On Tuesday, June 21st, Goss presented the rugs to the resident keepers Patrick Landewe and Anna Berkheiser, who…

  • Ice Voices at the lighthouse

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    Regional poet and essayist Will Nixon shared his recollections of winter poetry readings at the lighthouse including some icy observations from the resident lighthouse keeper. As the Hudson River rapidly thaws and resumes its liquid state, it is timely to reflect on the departing season of “hard water.” Read more about Voices in the Ice…

  • Duck blinds on the move

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    As overnight temperatures dip into the teens and daytime temperatures barely rise above freezing, ice is forming in the quiet coves and bays along the river. Until recently, many of these coves and bays were home to duck blinds, which are framed with scrap lumber and camouflaged with cedar branches. Even though duck-hunting season has…

  • Rising waters

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    When the lighthouse was originally built, it was an island at the edge of the navigation channel and isolated from the mainland. In 1888, bulkheads were constructed along the creek, which established a low-tide connection between the lighthouse and the shoreline. Subsequently, dredging spoils were deposited behind the bulkheads creating a narrow spit of land…