Sunset in the Garden

Photo by Cardi O'Conner

Catskill Woodland Camp - Square Dance

Square Dance
with Earl Pardini, Mimi Pardini, and Henry Hermann!

Friday, August 1
1pm at the Parish Hall in Phoenicia
(109 Main St.)
FREE!
Followed by a potluck picnic in park.
Come one, come all!

Be there, or be square....

- From WCA member Cara Cruickshank

WV Biker Dude

I was out yesterday and spotted Woodland Valley's own Bob McDonald on his bike. His big smile belied his tough motorcycle man appearance. Wave to him as he passes through the neighborhood back down to his Woodland Park Association home.

History of the Simpson Ski Slope

During our blogging class the other day a couple of the resident historians told me that the Simpson family had a website with a lot of great history posted on it about the Simpson ski slope that used to be at the beginning of WV. It was the first ski area in the state of NY. The area was in operation from 1935 until the late 70's. I went to the site and checked it out and found these photos and a whole lot more interesting information about the other businesses the family started and ran in the area. I contacted Jay Simpson and asked for his permission to use the photos and link his site to the blog. He graciously agreed. So, for the history buffs among us, here is the link. Check it out yourself. It is very cool.
Phoenix Tannery Website







This is the Simpson Ski Area's badge that loyal skiers wore on their jackets.






















Here you see Mickey Simpson, one of the three brothers who founded the ski area, on Sheriden Mountain with Romer Mountain and the slope behind him. I think this is a great perspective of the locale.

Contact Information for NYCDEP and CCE

I am putting the contact information for Dan Davis (New York City Department of Environmental Protection) and Michael Courtney (Cornell Cooperative Extension) on the right (permanent) side of the blog under "Contact Information". I will leave it there so anyone who has any questions can reach them directly. The links to their agencies websites are already in the "Useful Link" section on the right.

WCA Annual Summer Meeting 2008

Our Annual Summer Meeting was a great success! We had a terrific turnout. Dan Davis of the DEP and Michael Courtney of Cornell Cooperative Extension both gave great presentations and we were treated to a wonderful violin recital to close out our meeting. My thanks to all that participated, especially our snack committee Steuart Botchford, Mike O'Neil and Lauren Silver, our photographer Cardi O'Conner, set-up wizard and all around great guy Dakin Morehouse, and all our faithful friends at Roxmor for letting us use their clubhouse. If you have any further comments or questions feel free to email me here at the blog at wvview@gmail.com. Thanks again for participating in our community!!
- Carol Seitz

- All Photos by Cardi O'Conner

Last Minute Reminder - WCA Annual Meeting

This is just a last minute reminder that the WCA Annual Summer Meeting is today in the Roxmor clubhouse at 4:00pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Come and give your input to the Association and meet and mingle with the neighbors. I hope that I will see all of you there!

- Carol Seitz
President WCA

Geology Talk/Walk Postponed

Due to circumstances beyond his control, Dan Davis, DEP geologist who is leading the WCA geology talk/walk, can't make the August 16th date. We are rescheduling the event for September 13th, Raindate: September 14th. Be sure to mark it on your calendar and tell everyone you know who planned on attending about the date change. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes but I hope you can still plan on taking part in the event. I think it will be great fun.

- Carol Seitz - Blogmistress

Ode to a Good Fred

This was sent to us by Paul Misko -

"This spring, up in the head of Woodland Valley, we lost my friend Fred. Or did I just imagine it????? Anyhow, here is a tribute to him."

Ode to a Good Fred

Here lies poor Fred, our outdoor friend.
We missed his birth, but caught his end.
While on our hike, up hills he'd dash,
but now he's just a pile of ash.
His morning was without a care,
but evening met him with a bear
A stick he wielded as a club,
defense against a former cub.
Paul tried to shoot the fuzzy bear,
but then just missed him by a hair.
I know that this excuse is lame,
but its all due to Paul's bad aim.
Exact details remain obscure,
but for Fred's wounds there was no cure.
Cremation seemed the cheapest route.
a few bucks saved, we'll all dine out.

- Paul Misko

Intro to Breathing Session Mon Nites

This was sent to us by WCA member MJ Reiss -

Hi Folks,
At last we are having an Art of Living Part 1 Breathing course right here in Phoenicia! At the Copperhood Inn, August 12-17th running in the evenings, 6:30 - 9:30 PM during the weekdays and from 12 PM - 4 PM on the weekends. Please pencil in your calendar with those dates.

Additionally I will be running a free, 1 hour-introductory guided meditation, Monday nights at the Phoenicia Healing Arts from 7-8 PM. If you are interested in attending either events, or need more information; please send me an email.

Thanks,
MJ Reiss
mjreiss4mail@gmail.com
845-688-5601


The Art of Living Course - Aug 12th to 17th (Teacher: MJ Reiss)
The Copperhood Inn and Spa, 7039 State Route 28, Shandaken, NY 12480
Weekdays: 6:30pm to 9:30pm Weekends: 12noon to 4pm
For more information go to Art of Living website

Everyone wants greater happiness, health and success. What keeps us from achieving this is stress. The Art of Living Course is a powerful and effective program that removes stress and allows you to find greater peace, energy, and joy. Enjoyed by people of all backgrounds, cultures and traditions, the workshop integrates practical wisdom, yoga and meditation. The cornerstone of the course is the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that purifies and rejuvenates both body and mind. Over 2 million people worldwide have enjoyed the Art of Living course and the powerful Sudarshan Kriya. Results commonly reported include: greater ease and joy in personal relationships, increased fulfillment in work, a deeper sense of community and an enriched life.

Spring Hike up Slide Mountain

The photos and message in this post was sent to us by Paul Misko.

"I thought I would help cool everyone off with a couple of pics from a hike I took on April 23rd , 2007. We had a bad storm a few days earlier, with a big dump of snow and ice on the mountain tops. This was quickly followed by a warm spell and it actually got into the 70's; in fact the day I hiked it was 72 degrees on the summit. At the base, the trail had become a brook, due to the rapidly melting snow. Further up I was walking on ice, with the water running underneath, and it was here I saw a fellow coming down bare footed. The last stretch to the summit was covered with well over one foot of snow, and the trail was littered with hundreds of broken Balsam trees which had snapped under the weight of the ice. These not only provided many barricades to step over, but the fantastic smell of Balsam as well. This scent almost became overpowering as I first reached the lookout, and then finally, the summit. A chipmunk kept me company as I ate lunch and tried to cool off in the warm breeze. I was now alone on the mountain and was compelled to stay as long as I dared, as it was difficult to leave this unusual setting."

- Paul Misko

WCA Annual Summer Meeting Reminder

This is to remind everyone that the annual WCA summer meeting will take place this coming Saturday July 26th at 4:00 pm at the Roxmor Clubhouse. Snacks will be provided. I hope to see you all there!

A Sense of Place

The following piece was sent by Jean Druffner.

"This piece was written soon after Chet Gaede died. He grew up in Woodland Valley, loved and shared this most beautiful place with so many and most beautifully with me in long and often quite quiet hikes. We had marvelous times exploring the realm of Wittenberg, Cornell and Slide Mountains…. Some of his ashes have since been carried by me on a solo trek to a favorite place. The whole life experience is what friends do for one another, and Chet did do so much for so many.


A Sense of Place: My Center of the World
By Jean Druffner - February 13, 2008

Deep down in my heart of hearts is the place high on a Catskill Mountain where there is a sense of centeredness from which my heart beats in tune with all else. There is no trail to it; there is always a sense of surprise and gratefulness when I find it easily. So often I aim too high and miss it. The way to it goes through low, open woodland where even the stream rushing at one point disappears underground, and only if one puts one’s ear to the ground can one sense its continued flow under the glacial scree left by the last Ice Age.
From this lovely open woodland, one must gently climb until reaching a glacial depression, a vernal pond. It is not a deep pond and is sometimes dry, but it does catch the rain and snowmelt of periods of surplus moisture. It holds this precious water to which deer, bear, bobcats, coyotes among so many others come to drink. It holds the water and perhaps lessens the crashing force of flooding in the open forest below. It is a reassuring landmark that I am still traveling in the right direction.
From here there are traces of past travelers: loggers of over a century ago, hunters, and roamers like myself. Wild animal paths entice one to follow their direction in hopes of having an easier ascent up the very steep climb to a ridge. When one does follow these traces, one can then slip into a sense of ease. This is the point where I can lose my true way for there are no distinct markings, especially when the leaves are on the trees and the vantage point is a close circle of beech, birch, moosewood maple, wild cherry….
It is good to sit a while in mid-slope; look around at the nuts, ferns, spring beauties, shepherd’s purse, Dutchman’s britches, wild violets, trillium, false white hellebore, snakeroot, nettle, jewelweed, etc. depending upon the season. To close one’s eyes, to breathe deeply to inhale the rich smells of the earth helps the imagination to then place the next direction to turn. An acute angle towards the southwest will take one to a place of ledges. Now, it is a simple matter of pulling oneself up and over a few. I like best to keep looking ahead and not sneak a preview of what is behind and below me. One must maintain a delight of not rushing the reward! One must get well onto the flat. One must again close one’s eyes, take a deep breath, smell the openness of this space, listen to what the wind, trees, rocks, soil are whispering--- for I am the new arrival to their habitat. It is then that I turn around and open my eyes. And behold! I see what takes my breath away; I breathe what colors my mind; I hear what jingles my soul.
In this, my center of my universe, I know my being. My being in its totality smiles and cries with the beauty of the life I have found in my Catskill Mountains.
It is here that my dear friend who died just 13 days ago at the age of 86 brought me 32 years ago. It is here where my dog and I often came to camp overnight until the last time when, on our trek down the steep sloops, she could no longer walk. I tied her loosely to a tree and went to get help. My dear friend and another borrowed the brand new litter from our ambulance squad and we carried my collie home. She recovered but never climbed to our flat again.
It is here that we had picnic feasts, told stories, sung songs. It is to this sanctuary that I could dash on a Christmas morning the first year after my mother had died and so I did not go home. It is here that my heart finds its haven of memories and dreams.
This spring, I will carry my friend’s ashes to spread on the flats so that the wind and rain and sun and all the living beings might engage with what had carried a most beautiful soul. Now, my soul carries this fuller reverence with a conscious love for the on-going regeneration of life nurtured by the beauty deep in my heart of hearts, in my place of places, the Catskills.

Weekend Fun Reminder - July 18 thru 20

Just a reminder that the Shandaken Arts Festival starts today and runs through Sunday. There are many great things to see and do. You can check out the full schedule on the web at shandakenart.com. Don't miss the fun!

Craig's Mills

Here are some excellent photos and a message from Rolf Reiss.

"These photos are of Craig’s mill and are obviously your classic before and after the flood photos. Unfortunately, I have not as yet been able to find out in what year the flood occurred. I have seen the remnants of an old foundation near Red Rocks but it wasn’t until I located these photos that I realized what had been built there. I do know that by the late 1800’s there were at least three saw mills operating in Woodland Valley. The one shown in this photo, the one at Lords, and one near Botchfords. The snowy hillside on the left of the photo is now Fawn Hill. As with any of these photos I would certainly appreciate any additional information anyone else has on them. Linda McDonald’s photo previously posted in the Woodland Valley View of Sound Horn Curve (just above the location of this mill) was really spectacular. Thanks Linda for sharing it with everyone!"

- Rolf Reiss

Blogmistress Note: Thanks to you too Rolf for sharing your FABULOUS postcard collection and extensive knowledge of Woodland Valley history!!!!!

Dawn at Giant Ledge

This amazing photo was sent by WCA member Paul Misko

"This shot is of the sunrise from Giant Ledge. Years ago, Tryon Miller recommended hiking up to Giant Ledge for the sunrise, as he did when he was young. When in my mid-teens, I began doing these hikes, which required my departure at about 3:00 a.m. This tramp lets you hike in the coolness of the night, and you are rewarded by a view like this. Years later I would do this hike, and be able to be at work in New Jersey by 10:30 a.m. A great way to start the work day!"

-Paul Misko

Blogmistress Note: In this photo, if you look where all the clouds have collected, you are looking at Woodland Valley. Thanks Paul for sending us the wonderful image!

Fun at the Ducky Race

Today was the Rotary Club's annual Ducky Race. I just have to say that I LOVE the Ducky Race!! They pour in several trash barrels full of numbered yellow rubber ducks into the water (this year they used the Chichester stream instead of the Esopus). They all float down to the Main Street bridge where the first five ducks to be fished out by the volunteers win prizes. I don't have a full list of winners but there was a least one person from Woodland Valley. Whether you win or lose it is all very fun. If you missed it this year definitely try and catch it next year!!

- Photos by Carol Seitz

Brand New Bloggers

We had a great blogging class today at the Phoenicia Library. I really enjoyed working with all the folks that showed up. Hopefully, everyone got some useful information and can go on to start their own blogs. Thanks to all who attended!

Town Tinker Offers Discount to WCA Members

Harry Jameson, owner of the Town Tinker Tube Rental and WCA member is offering all other WCA members a 10% discount on tubing equipment rentals. Just go to the Town Tinker counter and tell them that "Harry says that all WCA members get a discount" and you will get 10% off your equipment rental. Please note that with current gas prices transportation is not discounted. Have a good time on the river!

Fun Reminder - Saturday July 12th

I just wanted to remind anyone who is interested that I will be holding an internet and blogging class this Saturday July 12th at 11:00 am at the Phoenicia Library. I will answer any internet questions you have and show you how I keep this blog. If the group is up for it, I will even demonstrate how to make your own blog. Anyone can set one up in about an hour and best of all, it's free! So if you have thoughts and photos you want to share with the world now is the time to learn how. See you at the library!

- Your Blogmistress, Carol Seitz

Music of the Catskills

Traditional Music of the Catskills
and Hudson River Valley
with Bob Lusk, folk musician and music historian

This course will cover traditional regional and historic music of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. No musical experience is required, but experienced musicians and singers will have a chance to increase their repertoire with "Home Grown" music from our area.

We will study the major local collections of music including area colonial songs from the Allison family, songs of Henry Backus "The Saugerties Bard" from the 1850's and songs and dances from Camp Woodland in the 1950's. Examples will include songs of the railroaders, quarrymen, lumberjack's, steamboat captains, and apple growers. We will also include 20th Century songs by folksong writers such as Grant Rogers, Les Rice, William Geckle, Ken Gonyea, Mark Fried, Rick Nestler and Pete Seeger.

The course will conclude with an optional 5th session performance at the Catskill Woodland Camp.

~ ~ ~

Wed. Evenings: 7pm-8:30pm
July 9th thru 30th
At the Phoenicia Railway Station
Cost: $40 for 4 classes
(10% of the cost goes to the Empire State Railway Museum!)
To register, call: (845) 338-8587

- This post was sent to us by WCA members Cara Cruickshank and Dakin Morehouse.

Something is Fishy in WV (Again)

Once again, led by the "Chief Piscator" and Troutmeister Mike O'Neil (pictured left), the Woodland Trout Fund volunteers stocked the stream with lots of beautiful brown trout. Of course, I said I would help and then got there later than I expected with just enough time to put in one bucket of trout and then attend the after party. Actually, now that I think about it, I got there right on time! Here is a photo of the whole group relaxing after all their hard work. Thanks to Mike and all the volunteers for keeping the WV stream well stocked!

Edible Flowers - Daylillies

There are a lot of edible flowers in our area. One that is blooming right now and is easily identified is the daylilly. It is tasty and beautiful. And makes a great decoration on top of your salad.

I got these 8 simple rules for edible flowers from
The Dirt Doctor Website
and I think that they are good ones.

8 RULES FOR EDIBLE FLOWERS

1. Not all flowers are edible. Some are poisonous. Learn the difference.

2. Eat flowers only when you are positive they are edible and non-toxic.

3. Eat only flowers that have been grown organically.

4. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers unless you know they’ve been maintained organically.

5. Do not eat flowers if you have hay fever, asthma or allergies.

6. Do not eat flowers growing on the side of the road.

7. Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. Eat only the petals of the larger flowers.

8. Introduce flowers into your diet the way you would new foods to a baby - one at a time in small quantities.

Note: Pregnant women should avoid all strong herbs and no plant should be ingested in excess by anyone at anytime. None of these plants should be eaten unless they have been grown organically. Edible flowers can be used to enhance food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. They can also be used in teas. Here are some of the best edible flower choices.

4th of July in Woodland Valley

Happy 4th of July to you all!! Rolf Reiss sent me this photo a couple of days ago and suggested I post it on the 4th of July. I think it is an absolutely perfect photo for the holiday!! Linda McDonald (who knows A LOT about WV history) provided us with some background on the house. It is located in the Woodland Park Association at the end of WV road and still exists today. Thanks to both Rolf and Linda for giving us such a great bit of history.

"The house is down 7 Mile Road at the end of Woodland Valley. It belonged to and was built by, George Edward Friend of Hackensack NJ, who became a member (of the Woodland Park Association) in 1908. It was built before 1910, as that is the date on the right corner of your photo. "Ineeda, Friend" (that is what the sign says on the house). Cute, huh!! George had several sisters, so that may be some of the ladies. He lived with his parents until he married after 1911 but before 1913. He and wife Florence had several children. Probably why he sold out before 1916, when the house was taken over by H. Raymond Snyder and his wife Emily. They moved the house closer to the edge of the hill (cliff), so they had a nicer view of the Woodland stream and screened in the porch and added a fireplace sometime after 1917. They then renamed the house "Bedasaca Camp". Later, they added a kitchen and another chimney for a cook stove. By 1950 it had passed to Dr Harry & Mrs Miriam Whittaker. Shingles were then put on the house and it was painted green (no more slab sides). A sleeping side porch and a bath were added. We did not get electric in the valley beyond the Botchford home until 1947. The house changed hands once more in the 1970's and is still owned and enjoyed by the 3 adult children of Linden & Martha Norgren." - Linda McDonald

Catskill Woodland Camp

Here is something sent by WCA member Cara Cruickshank -

What do arts, culture, environmental education, folk music, wilderness adventure, water-play, and Catskill heritage have in common?



Summer Adventure for All Ages

JULY 7 - AUGUST 15
9am-4pm, Mon.-Fri.
6 weeks of fun, where you can sign-up by the week

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES
Babes in Woodland: Ages 2-4
Woodland Wildcats: Ages 5-11
Junior Counselors: Ages 12-14
Teen Leadership: Ages 15-18

Centrally located at the Parish Hall on Main Street in Phoenicia, our campus offers a wide variety of mentorship, workshops, hands-on educational activities, and outdoor adventure with experts and professionals throughout our region.

The days are filled with educational activities such as handcrafts, fine arts, science, history, and nature walks, yet there is still plenty of time for the children to explore, create, and dream.

Our summer program provides young people with a fun-filled, intellectually stimulating, physically challenging experience. CWC maintains a low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure safety and maximum learning potential.

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFO. CONTACT:

Cara Cruickshank
Catskill Woodland Camp
Email: storydanz@yahoo.com
Phone: (845) 688-2068
Web Page: HumingbirdHorizons.com

Volunteer Needed - Snack Coordinator

We need a WCA member to volunteer to be snack coordinator for the July 26th meeting. You do not have to pay for the snacks. We will reimburse you from WCA funds. You just need to go and buy them, maybe cut up a few things (cheese, fruit or veggies). I actually have a lot of soda and seltzer from the Menla potluck so you wouldn't even need to get much heavy stuff and Marcy has the paper products (cups, plates etc.). We just need someone to get the pretzels, chips, cheese and crackers and maybe make a crudite or fresh fruit salad and get a cake. Anyone up for the task? Email me here at wvview@gmail.com or my personal email address (if you have it). Thanks.

- Your Blogmistress, Carol Seitz