Acra Point and Burnt Knob

Headed down to the Catskills for a nice evening hike with my nephew Holden.  Due to a late start we were somewhat limited on choices so decided on these two peaks that can be reached in one hike.

A short distance into the trail, a sturdy footbridge crosses the Batavia Kill.

The Batavia Kill gently running through the woods.

A beautiful evening in the woods.

After 1.0 mile, you arrive at a trail junction with two options.  To the right is Acra Point, only .7 miles further.  The north facing view from Acra Point.  Unfortunately the surrounding vegetation is slowly impeding the view,

Rural countryside far below Acra Point.

At 3100 feet, Acra Point provides very nice views well north.

Near the north facing view is a side trail that provides beautiful southerly views.  

My nephew Holden.

The Blackhead Range rising beautifully just to the south and east.

Evening sun.

Returning back to the trail junction, we decided to continue on for the 1.5 miles to Burnt Knob's views.  A short distance down the trail is a small side trail that provides southerly views.

From left to right-Blackhead Mountain, Black Dome Mountain and Thomas Cole Mountain.

Holden admiring the view.

Blackhead Range.

Vast woodland.

A lone house amongst the green.

A large clearing offers a magnificent place to soak in magical views.  Windham High Peak can be seen rising steeply just to the west.

North views. 

Holden enjoying the view.

Burnt Knob's view point to the south provides a remarkable view of many Catskill peaks.

View of the Black Dome valley.

Distant views into the hear of the Catskills.

Unbelievable views.

While on the return walk, we came upon a porcupine strolling along the trail.

The porcupine became a little nervous as we approached so he disappeared into the woods.

We enjoyed the remaining walk with several views  far below along the way.

Holden realy enjoyed our hike and even wants to do it again.  Hiked a total of 6.4 miles RT.

Siegel-Kline Preserve

Went for a quiet evening walk at the Siegel-Kline Preserve in Ghent on a picture perfect Tuesday.  It is a small 55 acre preserve with about a mile of easy walking.

 The fragrance of blooming flowers fills the air.

 The Kline Kill flowing gently.

 A still area of water.  A very calming reflection.

 Looking downstream.

 Blowing away.

 A look down over part of the preserve from the hilltop.

A nice chance to get out and stretch my legs for a bit on a gorgeous day.

Evening Walk at Ooms

Wasn't sure whether it was going to rain or shine as it took turns doing each on this day, but it was still a very comfortable day with temps in the mid 60's, so I headed down to Chatham to walk the fantastic trails at Ooms Conservation Area.  A look down at Sutherland Pond with dark clouds looming

Lush green fields and the hint of storm clouds rolling in.

The winding path.

A great place for a stroll.

Sun and clouds battling above the pond.

Thicker clouds began to develop directly overhead at this point.  A brief rain fell but never amounted to much so I continued on my way.

The winds really began to pick up as I enjoyed the long distance views of Chatham's rolling countryside.

The strong winds and very light rain actually felt nice as I wandered along.

Looking back at the storm clouds.  I waited on a bench under the gazebo for the thick clouds to pass.

After a few minutes the clouds moved on and the sun took reign of the skies.  Sutherland Pond's blue waters from up the hillside.

Thick grass and clearing skies.

A rainbow began to form below the departing storm clouds.

Stunning reflections on the pond.

More reflections in the swampier area.

Turned out to be an almost perfect evening.  The air was pleasantly cool, but warm enough for shorts with the sun shining bright.

A boardwalk through an area that is routinely wet near the pond's shore.

Evening sun and spring flowers.

Doesn't get a lot better than this.

I passed another man with a camera on a perfect night for taking photos.

An excellent spot to relax.

I lingered on the pond's shores for several minutes, soaking in the beautiful evening.

Very glad I got out for a little while and enjoyed what turned out to be a lovely evening at Ooms.