Papscanee Island Nature Preserve(Schodack, Rensselaer County, NY)

Headed down to the 156 acre Papscanee Island Nature Preserve along the east banks of the Hudson River on another hot, sultry summer day.  I was quite shocked to be the only car there when I arrived on a holiday weekend afternoon.  Parked at the Preserve's southern access just beyond the Railroad crossing on Staats Island Road.  From the kiosk at the start of the trail it was immediately apparent that recent trail maintenance had taken place.

Took the trail to a split, where the blue trail breaks off to the left and shortly down to the Hudson River.

 Looking north, upstream towards the Port of Albany with a barge making its way down the river.

 Tiger Lilies near the trail.

 Just off the blue trail, I followed an unofficial(but obvious) herd path/ trail.

From a clearing off the unofficial trail I enjoyed an up close and personal view of the enormous barge.  Very impressive.

 Wild berries along the water's edge.

A bit further along the unofficial trail(nd a bit more overgrown), it pops out once again into a clearing atop cement barriers.

 A lone kayaker making their way upstream.

Back in the woods on the unofficial trail I saw something a few yards away hidden by thick weeds.  I decided to give it a closer look and it turned out to be a pair of old, rotting speed boats. 

Judging by the condition of the boats, they must have been here for quite some time.  Especially in the summer with full vegetation, they can be hard to see.

 Back on the main trail network, I completed a loop around the blue trail and part of the white trail before returning to the car.  The official trails are very nice to walk on right now following the recent maintenance. 

Hiked about 2 miles total on a hot summer afternoon and didn't see another person.  Happy 4th!