Well, that didn't take long. Less than three weeks after returning from my trip to Cincinnati, I found myself burned-out with NYC and needing an escape. I rented a bright red 2010 Mustang (it was only a few dollars more than a Hyundai Accent -- which would you choose?) and headed back up to the Catskills, where I had last been a few months ago.

 

I took the Saw Mill River Parkway and Taconic Parkway up to Poughkeepisie, and then Highway 9 up through Hyde Park (FDR's hometown) to Rhinebeck, and then the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge over to the other side of the Hudson River. From there it was Highway 32 up to Saugerties, and then Highway 212 over to Woodstock, where I walked around for a bit and took some photos.

 

I continued on 212 to Mount Temper, then took Highway 28 for a few miles before grabbing county road 47 on a relaxing, solitary drive through the heart of the Catskills on a nearly-deserted road with hardly any other cars in sight. Like many other roads in the area, Highway 47 parallels mountain creeks for most of its length, and there were a couple nice little roadside waterfalls along the way.

 

Coming back east on Highway 55, I passed alongside the Rondout Reservoir before heading over the Shawanagunk Mountains on a road that reminded me a lot of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway, complete with dramatic overlooks. Minnewaska State Park occupies this area. I didn't have enough time to do it justice, but I made a point to return to this area at some point in the near future.

 

My return trip was via Highway 32 and the George Washington Bridge. Whatever calm and relaxation I was feeling in the mountains quickly evaporated as the scenery changed from country to suburban sprawl, and then to concrete canyons. Back into the pressure cooker until I can manage another escape. Maybe I'll try to rent the Corvette next time.

 

Woodstock, New York:

 

 

 

The whole town is like one giant head shop. The 1969 Woodstock Music Festival actually took place about 40 miles away, though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This little building appears to be a former train depot, but I didn't see any evidence of a former railroad right-of-way.

 

 

A small covered bridge behind the railroad depot.

 

 

Woods and a stream behind the railroad depot.

 

 

This small waterfall is just off Highway 212 in Woodstock, on the grounds of an antique store.

 

 

 

A guest cabin nestled in the woods near the waterfall. This is my idea of a nice weekend.

 

 

Rondout Reservoir. This is where about half of New York City's drinking water comes from.

 

 

Merriman Dam at the east end of Rondout Reservoir.

 

 

According to Wikipedia, three villages were condemned and flooded to create the reservoir. This sign is the only remaining evidence of the village of Lackawack.

 

 

My ride: A bright red 2010 Ford Mustang with out-of-state plates. Talk about a cop magnet. I'm generally not a huge Ford fan, but this is by far the sweetest rental car I've ever driven. I'll have to try the Corvette someday, but that probably means having to reserve it six months in advance.

 

 

Highway 55 as it crosses over the dramatic Shawanagunk Ridge.

 

 

Looking back toward the Catskills from an overlook on the Shawanagunk Ridge.

 

 

 

This time, we're looking east from the Shawanagunk Ridge, toward the Hudson River Valley. This stretch of the road reminded me a lot of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

 

 

Dramatic cliffs on the Shawanagunk Ridge. I need to return to this place again and do some further exploring.

 

Wow .. those are some gorgeous sights up there, man. So beautiful. Isn't it crazy how big the sky seems when you leave the city?!?

 

Nice job.

 

I'm not crazy about the 2010 Mustang. I think the 2005 is probably my favorite more recent Mustang. It captures that retro appeal for me.

Wow .. those are some gorgeous sights up there, man. So beautiful. Isn't it crazy how big the sky seems when you leave the city?!?

 

No kidding... My apartment window faces a brick wall, and I don't even have a window at my office. My daily commute is entirely underground. I think I see the sky for maybe a total of ten minutes a day, and even then it's only in small slivers. I can't wait to move out of this town.

 

I'm not crazy about the 2010 Mustang. I think the 2005 is probably my favorite more recent Mustang. It captures that retro appeal for me.

 

I have a bias against Ford in general (bad experiences with an '87 Taurus, and bad impressions of several Ford rental cars), but I really liked the Mustang.

 

If I were to own a muscle car again, though, it would be a Trans Am GTA. I've always liked the third-generation GM F-bodies.

Looks like a beautiful area, thanks for sharing!

Excellent!

Gorgeous photos.  I love upstate NY.  The PA's northern tier bordering NY is a lot like this.  I love the remoteness of it all.

I'm not the biggest fan of the new Mustangs, but it seems like a fun car. 

I heart you, and that part of New York.

 

If you like the Ford Mustang, I should recommend the 2010 Ford Fusion (hybrid - 700 miles on a tank) or the new sexy and loaded 2010 Ford Taurus. Who knew a car could have both lumbar support, a sexy design, and a back massauger???

Meh... If/when I get a car, I'll be on a grad school budget. It will be a used one, most likely a late 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee or maybe a Volvo sedan, depending on what I can find at the time.

Not to turn this into a car-related thread, but I definitely agree with Sherman.  The new Fusion and Taurus are totally sexy.  I am very impressed with Ford this year.  They made up for the new Mustang. ;-)

Wow .. those are some gorgeous sights up there, man. So beautiful. Isn't it crazy how big the sky seems when you leave the city?!?

 

No kidding... My apartment window faces a brick wall, and I don't even have a window at my office. My daily commute is entirely underground. I think I see the sky for maybe a total of ten minutes a day, and even then it's only in small slivers. I can't wait to move out of this town.

 

 

Yeah, I can't stand stupid urban places either!.. oh wait ;-)

 

You sound like you need to find yourself a beer garden, they tend to solve my problems.

Urban places are fine, but NYC takes density to a whole new level. Nothing against those who choose to live here, but I think a smaller city like Cincinnati is much more my style.

Wow, You basically ran through my old stomping grounds back in the day. There's a candy store in Woodstock that sells the best fudge you've ever had in your life.

 

If you want to hike the Shawangunk, you might think about staying at Mohonk. They have a 2000 acre preserve, and the hotel is positioned in an area with great rock climbing and hiking trails.

 

Well, now I'm all nostalgic for home....