ku # 1182-84 ~ an unexpected reward

Kaaterskill Falls ~ Thomas Cole, 1826 - in the Catskill Park • click to embiggen
Kaaterskill Falls (lower) ~ From the road - in the Catskill Park • click to embiggen
Kaaterskill Falls (lower) ~ From the bridge - in the Catskill Park • click to embiggen
Kaaterskill Falls (upper) ~ From the base - in the Catskill Park • click to embiggenOne of the other things, in addition to all the rips (see next entry), the wife and I saw during our weekend in the Catskills was lower and upper Katterskill Falls.

On Friday, once in the Catskills during our drive up to our destination, we came around a sharp 120˚ bend and were suddenly, and somewhat dramatically, confronted by a waterfall which was immediately adjacent to the road. It was, to say the least, impressive. As we were hustling to get to the wife's conference, I made a note to self (and the wife) to revisit the falls on our way out of the park.

So, on Sunday we did just that. We found a place to park the car and proceeded to walk down the road to the falls. As we were viewing the falls from the bridge on the road, I noticed a trail sign on which was written, Kaaterskill Falls .5 miles. Since neither of us are entirely dim-witted, we deduced that there was something more to see, waterfall wise.

We immediately went down to the base of the falls (lower) and found an information board which had a reproduction of a Thomas Cole painting of the upper falls. FYI, Thomas Cole is regarded as the founder of the Hudson River School of painting.

The wife wished to head up the trail - a very steep trail which is very rocky and boulder strewn - but, as much as I wanted to as well, I was rather hesitant inasmuch as my feet were sporting my rich-guy leisure loafers - not footwear suitable to the situation. So, while I was "dicking around" by the lower falls, off she went up the trail, no notice given.

When I realized the wife had departed for higher ground, I sucked it up and headed off after her. Although, with every step I took, I couldn't help imagining what my fractured shin bone would look like as it protruded from my pant leg and the rescue operation it would take to get me back down the trail. In any event and with a bit of luck, I made to the top without incident.

The climb was a true risk/reward venture. Upon avoiding the risk, I was rewarded with a view of the falls which is a rather impressive 2-stage 291 foot drop. In the picture of the upper falls notice for scale the 2 figures on the ledge at the top of the lower portion of the falls.

When all was said and done, I was happy it all worked out.

Comments

[John Linn]

That last image is really wonderful... And dare I say the light is just right? It is really better than the painting to my eyes.

Once you make out the two little people on the mid level it dose really impress.

John