A Columbus Weekend Retreat

Missed me? Wondered where your humble Fool has been? Figured I've been under deep cover, locating that mysterious paper trail on judiciarian-to-be SCOTUS nominee Miers? Well, sorry to disappoint you. I've merely taken an Autumn jaunt to catch the changing colors.

The Blushing Bride and I traveled upstate to Hunter, NY. For those Northeastern US readers that also relish the slopes in Winter, I assume Hunter needs no introduction. For those not so inclined to slide down a mountain on fiberglass plywoods, perhaps a word or two is in order. Hunter, NY is home to Hunter Mountain, the pre-eminent ski resort of New York State. It's also home to a variety of hiking trails and Fall festivities. In fact, this particular area of the Catskill Mountain Region is a feast for lovers of the great outdoors.

Among the luscious sights we enjoyed on the trail:

(hat tip to Jon Binder for the photo)

1. Kaaterskill Falls: with over 100 ft. in height above Niagra Falls, this 260' wonder stands as NYS's highest waterfall. It's a half-mile in from the trailhead, just off NYS-23A. The the easy-to-moderate terrain slopes up a mild incline. The Falls cascade in two stages off high cliffs. It's spectacular!

(hat tip to Charles Peifer for the photo)

2. Diamond Notch Falls: while much humbler at a mere fifteen feet, this beauty rests in a picturesque glade deep within the the Diamond Notch trail in Kaaterskill Forest State Park. A mile's hike brought us to this hidden gem.

(hat tip to Timothy J. Mallery for the photo)

3. Site of the Late and Lamented Catskill House: European nobility on holiday and America's Nuovo rich would enjoy beautiful vistas and an unobstructed view of five states from this once famouse Catskill Mountain hotel. Presidents' Taft and Teddy Roosevelt were among many of its famous guests. The hotel is long gone, but the plateu overlooking the surrounding region remains.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Er, the baselodge, the local Oktoberfest kicked it up a notch. We scorched the floor to German folk songs performed by a high-octane German folk-rock band. Funny, they sounded a lot like the Portugese folk songs my in-laws adore. The world gets smaller every day.

Did I mention the dark German beer on tap? Whoa!

We enjoyed a refreshing getaway. The Blushing Bride and I don't make enough time these days to soak up the Book of Nature. This weekend was our opportunity to change that, and we made the most of it!