Hudson River Treasures

"The Storm King"

Storm King Mountain in the Hudson Highlands of New York was known by some other names in the past. It was reportedly dubbed “Klinkesberg” by Henrie Hudson and his crew on his original voyage due to its wrinkled rocky ridges. The Dutch colonists later referred to it as “Boterberg”or, “Butter Hill” apparently because the curved mound resembled a lump of butter.  It remained so until the mid 19th Century when well known writer Nathaniel Parker Willis who had become a resident of Cornwall on Hudson proposed a new name in a Home Journal Editorial:

“The tallest mountain is … looked upon as the most sure foreteller of a storm. When the white cloud-beard descends upon his breast in the morning … there is sure to be a rain-storm before night. Standing aloft before other mountains in the chain, this sign is peculiar to him. He seems the monarch, and this seems his stately ordering of a change in the weather. Should not STORM-KING, then, be his proper title?”

This became the final and certainly more fitting name for the mountain overlooking the Majestic Hudson River.

Storm King Looking North Bannerman's Island

Pay a visit to the Storm King for the  Hike & Bike now through November 20th; Route 218 from Cornwall on Hudson to Highland Falls {West Point} will close to traffic every Sunday from 11am to 3pm with attended parking at both ends. This is truly a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the rocks; as well as viewing the Hudson River at one of the most stunning vistas in the Valley! Bring your camera and a notebook to record memories of your walk!

Storm King Highway Breakneck Across River

Storm King Plant Moss Waterfall

Actually it’s probably Granite.  As I understand it, the Hudson Highlands Mountains on the west bank are made up mainly of Granite while those on the East Side have larger amounts of Gneiss.

Storm King Mountain Rock Fern

Whether you are an amateur Geologist {Bring along a  field guide from the library in your backpack} or actually know what you are looking at; the rocks are beautiful and “facetnating” .

Storm King Hike & Bike now through November 20th Route 218 from Cornwall on Hudson to Highland Falls {West Point} closed to traffic every Sunday from 11am to 3pm with attended parking at both ends. This is truly a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with  the rocks; as well as viewing one of the best vistas in the Hudson Valley! Bring your camera’s and a notebook to remember your trip! Best part it’s free!

If my memory serves me, I’ve known three Irene’s in my life; the first my Sister in law when I was growing up with her bright eyes and smile; mother of my nieces, now mother in law, and no doubt doting grandma. She is smart, confident with  a cunning sense of humor and wonderful giggle.

Next, was my friend Joe Hill’s mom and Marlene’s mother in law Irene; now this was some feisty lady. She was mom to all complete with loving smile, great cooking, etc. She basically exuded a welcoming happiness. Since she had no grand-kids of her own save cats, she instantly adopted any and all children that came within reach.  She also delighted in announcing to people that she was a “Hooker” waiting to see their reaction; yes, she made her own rugs. So it goes without saying that she also had a great sense of humor.

Now, this third one whom I met several weeks ago; I don’t find so funny. Although I lost power for a few hours, my Internet for a few days and she virtually put a nail in the coffin of my aging Subaru; I am one of the lucky ones….

I wanted to document some of her evil power by photographing my beloved river landing.

CoH River Ramp

 It should be noted that these photo’s were taken after an organized community clean-up.

river bank looking south

beach with storm debris

 Notice the large piece of cement with piling  in it.

dock at CoH landing

gull on piling

This gull seemed sort of  unfazed by the whole thing.

gliding gull

Hey guys: a little help here?

Well, my day down at the landing started out in pretty much the usual way ~
just a Paparazzi stalking the Birds, Ducks, Geese…

Really? Ok, just get your shot

Primadonna’s ; they love it…
if you had some bread in your pocket they’d be lickin’ your lens….

Lone Goose on Grass white brown #1

 C’mon I’ve taken you from “Damn green pooping Goose” to “Fine Art Model”…

Beach Glass Booty

 Then, I observed a responsible citizen picking up some trash with a plastic bag; I thought I’d see if I had a bag in my car and join him in his efforts. He happened to mention that stuff was still being washed up on the shore post “Hurricane Irene” including a bunch of Sea Glass; the old thick kind.
I said “Sea Glass”; really? Immediately abandoning my philanthropic intentions,
I went into “treasure hunt” mode, searching the beach for over an hour, picking up piece after piece of great old river glass.

View From Top of Storm King Mountain

You can get a chance to Hike, Walk or Bike up the winding NY Route 218 aka Storm King Highway from Cornwall on Hudson to the West Point entrance on Sunday 8/21 & 8/28  from 11am to 3pm. “Old Storm King” as we used to call it; will be closed to traffic during those hours. This is the road that causes many a front seat passenger to grab the armrest white knuckled with only a small stone wall between them & the steep cliffs to the River below.

Hudson Glistening in Morning Sun

It has been featured in many a commercial & even the movies if it looks familiar.

A bunch of my fellow new graduates & I met there the morning after our Senior Prom to watch the Sunrise a lifetime ago. Now, I live at the base of the mountain. After your walk or bike ride, you can grab a bite to eat at one of our great restaurants or cafe’s in the Village, then head up to Main Street in the Town of Cornwall for some retail therapy!

 ~Anne

There will be attended parking at both ends of the 3 + mile course on NY Route 218