Capital NY (i.e., Albany) Fall Foliage GTG

09/29/2006 02:27:17 PM · #101

Neil, my recollection of the pull-off for the scenic overlook on Rte 23 is that is is pretty large -- well able to accomodate all of us. My only concern is that there may be more than one at different elevations along the road. I believe one is actually marked as the 5 State view or something like that, though, so I think it should be pretty obvious which one it is. If it's not, you have my apologies up front :)

I didn't have anything specific in mind for the Devil's Tombstone. I've driven past it before and it is a cool looking area -- steep mountain sides on each side with a thin strip of lake down the middle, but again, it's been a long time and my recollection is hazy. There is another route South from Hunter to Woodstock that is even more of a back way, called Plaat's Clove. I found some references to a waterfall along that road, but I don't know much about it. I can try to do some more research if I have time.

I think the big thing is to agree on a meeting place and time. It sounds like the 5 State overlook is a good meeting place. How about a time?

09/29/2006 02:27:17 PM · #102

so the first meeting place is "Point Lookout" on route 23 west?

8am?

is this what we're going with?

gotta love confusion :)

Originally posted by eqsite:

Alternatively, if we just want to explore, here's an option taken from this site. I've modified it to account for the closed road and to take us to Devil's tombstone and into Woodstock.

A scenic drive through the Northern Catskills

Here is an easy day tour in Greene County that will take you through deep forests brimming with waterfalls, atop mountains for views across five states and down into the valleys along the Schoharie Creek where fishing or just dipping your toes in the cool mountain water are favorite activities.

Start in the town of Catskill, off the Thruway at Exit 21. Make a left at the exit, proceed for approx. 300 yards and take ramp on the right for Route 23 West. Stay on 23 West to East Windham, stop at Point Lookout, still on 23 West, for a sweeping view of the Hudson River and the Berkshires in Massachusetts in the distance. On a clear day, you can see five states from this spot! This might be a good meeting spot, and if the weather is good, it could give us some great sunrise photos.

Continue on to the picturesque village of Windham, with its many shops, antique stores and restaurants. From Windham, Route 23 takes you to Prattsville where you can stop for a view of Pratt Rocks and the relief sculptures carved into a cliffside done about 150 years ago, and then the Zadock Pratt Museum, a 19th century home filled with local history and memorabilia.

Back on 23 West your will reach the intersection with Route 23A; head east towards Lexington where the valley opens up into a wide area for scenic views and picnicking along the Schoharie Creek. A few miles after Lexington, look to your left for the Ukranian Church, an imposing wood-carved basilica built entirely without nails, with hand-carved and gold-covered interiors - visitors are welcome. Continue through the valley to Hunter Mountain (4025 feet),where you can stop at Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl for a ride on the chairlift or to catch one of the many fun events that takes place at the mountain or in the village throughout the summer and fall.

Resume driving on 23A, past Tannersville to Haines Falls. Look for the sign on the leftt for North Lake Road which takes you to North/South Lake (entrance fee). You can swim, sunbathe on the beach or experience one of the best hiking areas in the Catskills. Take an easy hike to the former site of the Catskill Mountain House, one of the grand 19th- century hotels that once was host to the rich and famous who came by coach and rail to take in the good air and view the magnificent Catskill scenery. Hike along the escarpment to Artistís Rock, where Hudson River School painters have forever immortalized the views down the valley toward the old hotel. The paths along the escarpment offer sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, or you can hike downhill through the woods to Kaaterskill Falls. This might be a way to get to Kaaterskill -- not sure though.

Head back towards Hunter and turn left onto Route 214. This will take us to Devil's Tombstone State Campground. Continuing south on Route 214 takes us to the small town of Phoenicia, nestled in a small mountain valley carved by the upper Esopus Creek.

In Phoenicia, we can take Route 28 to Mount Tremper where we get Route 212 East into Woodstock (per my earlier post).

09/29/2006 02:31:42 PM · #103

start yelling or something if you see this car go zingin' by :)

Olympus 12-45mm /f4.0 Pro

09/29/2006 02:37:18 PM · #104

I think that's the meeting place. 8 am sharp.

I'll probably be in a dark blue Honda Accord.

Hopper/Prozac, let me know if you are interested in car pooling (somehow). It's not a big drive in any case, but gas and the environment being what they are, it might be prudent if it works out. I'd be happy to drive. If we are car pooling I can bring the Toyoto Sienna instead (miniVan) and we can actually add a few more people once we get there.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

09/29/2006 02:44:51 PM · #105

When a final plan is generated, can someone post it here with all the times and places listed? If I'm not able to sit down and map it all out, I'll never find the gtg - you're talking to the guy who gets lost in his own hometown.

nshapiro - sent a PM with my cell

09/29/2006 02:51:08 PM · #106

we have something else going on later in the afternoon, not sure if we're going to stay the entire time and I wouldn't want you to feel pressure to have to leave sooner than you'd like.

it's close, we'll be cool ... thank you very much for the offer, though

:)

Originally posted by nshapiro:

09/29/2006 02:59:55 PM · #107

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

Brent, I just sent you a PM.

09/29/2006 03:04:56 PM · #108

Regarding Plaat's Clove (also apparently called Platt's or Platte's Clove), I think this may be the Devil's Kitchen area the Neil mentioned. More info here.

Excerpt
I parked the car at the bottom of Platte Clove Rd along the 6 foot fence. The early part of the trail is very easy and one can reach 4 or 5 waterfalls within an easy 30 minute walk. The waterfalls range in size from 3 feet to nearly 20 feet. After this flat section, the mountainous ravine closes in and it becomes very difficult at parts. The boulders are tremendous and there are many. The last photo in the series above is a waterfall about 40 to 50 feet in height. It took me nearly 1.5 hours to get to this point- which is only 1.5 miles. I did take some breaks to take photos.

09/29/2006 04:00:58 PM · #109

Latest group attendee list (if you aren't on this list, you didn't send me a cell phone # yet). I will send the cell phones by PM of course.

Neil Shapiro (nshapiro)
Shannon Calvert (scalvert)
Gary Schwartz (eqsite)
Kris Milo (Hopper)
Jessamyn Milo (Prozac)
Brent Pennington (OdysseyF22)
Raymond Ethier (RayEthier)
Beth Skinner (Skinnere) (not coming until afternoon)

09/29/2006 05:13:58 PM · #110

OK, I'm off to my parents. I'll try to check my email and this thread from there. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow morning!

Olympus 12-45mm /f4.0 Pro

09/29/2006 05:26:51 PM · #111

I've been trying to find Lookout Point on the web--it would be nice to have the lattitude/longitude. When I use Google maps, it's not clear where it would be. (And there's a high peak road that goes off 23 right around east Windham and then rejoins it.)

Google Map

Important note: It may be called

"Five State Lookout"
East Windham
Rte. 23 "The Mohican Trail"
Scenic viewing of Hudson River Valley and five states.

Bonus points to anyone who can find lattitude, longitude ;)

If you didn't get the phone list, PM me.

Message edited by author 2006-09-29 17:43:35.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

09/29/2006 06:06:18 PM · #112

Eqsite PMed me these directions, which you may find helpful:
On Route 23 East. You will go through the town of Windham (ski resort). Just past there, you will start to go down a hill with a wide open view of the Hudson Valley. The overlook will be on your left, I believe just before a big Inn. If you get to the bottom of the hill, you've obviously gone too far!

He wrote these for me, coming from I88, but it gives a good idea at least of where hte pulloff is.

09/29/2006 11:16:51 PM · #113

Early AM (8 AM): Meet at Lookout Point on Rt 23, near East Windham (Note 23 is NOT 23A, which is closed), per Eqsite). This might also be designated as "Five State Lookout"

1:00 Lunch and Woodstock town photos. Tentatively meet at Bread Alone, as eqsite suggested.

We are still planning to have lunch in Woodstock (I think) at the designated meeting place. But since it's only Skinnere who is meeting at lunch, we may opt to change that, since all our original plans have changed, and I'm not sure how much time we need for the drive and the rest of whatever the heck we end up doing! Hopefully we can reach her by cell. She's supposed to call Hopper anyway. And she has all our cell numbers.

Anyone else who was planning to join us, better PM me by morning so I can get their cell phone and give them ours!

EVERYONE SHOULD WEAR GOOD SHOES (preferably hiking), and BRING WATER as well as an ENERGY BAR or other snack for hiking!

Message edited by author 2006-09-29 23:18:26.

09/30/2006 05:59:39 AM · #114

just in case anyone checks this in the morning - prozac and I will NOT be driving this car. we decided to go with our "crappy" car as to keep her precious baby clean.

Dark Green Honda Accord - bike rack on the trunk.

(it's freakin cold out there right now, btw)

:)

Originally posted by hopper:

start yelling or something if you see this car go zingin' by :)

Olympus 12-45mm /f4.0 Pro

09/30/2006 06:02:56 AM · #115

I'll be in my Toyoya Sienna (goldish-brown minivan)

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

09/30/2006 09:10:43 PM · #116

Just wanted to say that while I didn't have the chance to say goodbye to most of you today, it was a great pleasure to meet you all! I had a great time, and can't wait until we do it again.

Here's a few shots of y'all:

Enjoy!

Oh, and could someone who has a group shot send me a copy?

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/30/2006 10:45:47 PM · #117

great stuff, Brent ... we had a great time today. our pics will be coming soon.

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

10/01/2006 12:25:38 AM · #118

I haven't gone through all of mine yet, but here's a couple...

10/01/2006 01:17:59 AM · #119

Great shots everyone. I had a great time, despite the dangers...

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 for Canon

10/01/2006 05:47:20 PM · #120

nshapiro,

scalvert,

eqsite,

OdysseyF22,

RayEthier,

prozac, and myself. Unfortunately, our cell phones were out of range so

Skinnere was unable to catch up with us.

edit to add link to one of my non-human shots :)

Message edited by author 2006-10-01 19:06:06.

BethieB

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

10/01/2006 09:32:30 PM · #121

hey guys - sorry I wasn't able to catch up with you all - dang cell phones! next time, I guess :-)

Am enjoying your photos!

ps - i did check out Bread Alone - good recommendation :-)