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Getting Away to the Hilltowns rss

A nice long drive can clear the mind, and inspire.

May 27, 2003

A Drive in the Country: A short essay on what I saw and how I felt on my exploration of the countryside.

Bradt Hill Road Cemetery: A cememtery that represents a free rural society that once existed in Patridge Run.

East Berne Overlook: A short hike in the hilltowns can inspire.

Growing Appreciation for Partridge Run: I've been here a thousand times, but now I love it more then ever.

Heldeberg Mountains: Some thoughts on the mountains where I live.

Magical Sunset: The amazing time when the sky turns to color.

Mount Pisgah Experience: Visting a hill overlooking Renselearville can be a mind expanding experience.

November in Partridge Run: Experiencing the cold fall weather and writing about it.

The Grey Trail: A short essay written for Composition Writing about Literature.

Getting Away to the Hilltowns

Our society is a bit scary. We seem to spend all of our lives driving from point A to point B, everything is so planned out. We can never seem to truly get away.

When is the last time, you just grabbed your camera, filled up your tank, and drove, with few parameters? The only limitations where I wasn't going to go farther then 60 miles or so round trip, and had a rough idea of going through Renselearville SF and Partridge Run.

Well, I tried that on Tuesday. It was kind of a way to escape. I got some really nice pictures, and saw some interesting things along the trip.

First off, was the triangle I came upon. I actually went to triangle intersections—they are interesting to photograph, and get a look at them close up. A triangle is a beautiful shape, I must say.

Then it was west. Big open roads, cruising away. Stop for a shot at Johnie Cake Road in Renselearville, with a picture of a barn and the Catskills in the background.

I turned down the road, and drove down it, the hills and all. Stopped at the end, and got another picture of the Catskills, facing down 357 (or one of those 350-399 Renselearville Alb County Roads ;). A farm field, with a trailer, bailing equipment, and a bunch of junk in the center. An interesting view, to say the least.

Then it was to the other triangle. No, I don't remember what the name of these corners are—does it really matter? I drive past a farm, with a freshly painted sign advertising their holstien cows. Far better, then the rusty, ugly farm signs that tend to dot the roads.

I have to mention the beauty of the bright blue sky, on the green grass. There is something so nice about spring. And being out where it's open. And not having a plan.

Winding down Cheese Hill Road, was interesting. Some interesting views of the valley, and the rolling hills. I stopped to get a picture of the turkey that was on the road, set my parking brake, and reached out with my camera. By then, the turkey was gone.

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