Outblog No. 99

East Barriens of the Pine Bush.

For all the advocacy of doing for the Pine Bush I have to admit I have spent relatively little time there lately, as my schedule rarely permits such time. I guess I've become increasingly detached from nature.

I stood on the High Dune in the East Barriens and looked around for a couple of minutes. It was somewhat cloudy, but I had to stop to take it all in. I was dripping in sweat, but it was beautiful. The Heldeberg Mountains were nice, as were the tall Pitch Pines, and all the other plants and trees that make the Pine Bush so special.

Then of course there was Albany's Garbage Mountain in the Pine Bush. The one they want to expand into the part of the Pine Bush owned by the city, but an essential part of the East Barriens and long dedicated to the preserve. Somehow it's just such a surreal background to this pacivity.

Took several pictures as I rode my bike on the trail, and continued to be amazed. Just wish the light was somewhat better for the pictures, and wasn't so doggone hot.

Thatcher Park.

Went up there first after work to get some pictures. I haven't been up to the preserve in a long time, and despite being very hot, it was increadibly clear and not hazy out there.

I didn't spend much time at Thatcher Park as I was excited to get going to Renselearville SF. I did walk along the Overlook and then went to overlook along Horseshoe Clove.

Renselearville SF Bike ride.

After a long week at work, it was nice to be in my truck and deep in the woods. Got some wood together and popped my first can of Pabst.

Got my camera and hopped on my bike. Went on the following ride:

1. Camped here. This is one of my favorite places to stay up here, as it's a ways from the road and has a nice fireplace.
2. This hill seems bigger on the bike then on foot. Bike tires have lots of red dirt on them. Still this road is a beautiful place to walk or bike at, particularly after dark.
3. Found an old rusted burn barrel filled with ash that somebody dumped on this dirt road. Poked around it for valuables, found little but broken glass, unburnt diapers, ash, and a barrel that wasn't in that bad of shape.
4. Great views from of the Northern Catskills and the hills to the west looking out towards Gilboa. Stopped and snapped a bunch of photos along this road, particularly taking in the clear views of the mountains to the west. Windham High Peak was purty hazy.
5. Cheese Hill Rd. Less of a hill then I expected going back up. So many of these run down houses and trailers are fascinating to look at and see how rural people live out here.
6. More views of the setting sun. This area so inspires me, makes me feel so small, and in many cases so alone in such a great place. Took more pictures.
7. Turned around here after passing more small houses and hunting camps. One last view of Windham peak as it's getting dark.
8. Returned on back with darkness growing and the shadows cast by the overhead trees growing faster and faster.

It seems that my speedometer ain't working tonight as it got wet last night. The lights on my bike were fine and the moon came up. It's amazing how much shorter the days now are that we are in August.

Renselearville SF Camping.

By the time I got back from biking it was purty dark on out. Built a little fire and cooked up some dinner. There was a hell of a big moon out there, casting moonlight everywheres but not a full moon.

Cracked open another beer, and listened to a little bit of WGNA. It seems that WAMC does not have their regular Friday evening programs on such as the Weekly Rundown. I'm kind of in a country music mood anyways tonight.

The bugs were slightly annonying tonight, but tolerable. The moon certainly was great, and I read for a while then stopped to clean out my truck. Some people make a mess out of their pickup when camping, I tend to try to instead spend some time organizing things.

The next morning was nothing short of beautiful. I did not rush out, and spent some more time reading. Didn't cook breakfast, but did go out for a walk then a drive and grab a bunch more photos.