chapter 463

2/23/2017

Hudson River School

so sublime

Returned to one of the top rated hikes in NY for a quick winter jaunt. So inspiring to be at a site of beauty and the beginning of a significant art movement. The middle falls on the bottom of this picture looks small but my picture of the boy under this waterfalls last summer will give you a better sense of the scale.

Thomas Cole made this 1826 Falls of the Katterskill painting after the young 24 year old artist sold his first three paintings. He had made his way up the Hudson River by steamboat with his second stop at the village of Catskill where he ventured west to take sketch notes and then paint this scene. Thomas Cole is considered to be the founder of the Hudson River School an art movement. He had traveled to visit England's preeminent artist whose use of light he admired, J M Turner. On Turner's death bed he uttered "The sun is God". No one can prove that wrong.

Something sublime has great beauty and spiritual purity but is also unquantifiable and beyond measurement. Like the little rainbow jumping up through the mist of the upper falls. It was a privilege to be there at that moment.

Crowds of tourists can be a distraction and detract from the experience, but not on this day. It was mid week with only a few cars at the parking lot. A young family from India started up the trail with me. The wife and kids hesitated to venture up the slippery path. The husband was excited and motioning me to lead the way. I slowly proceeded up the path with two ski poles and microspikes on purposely planting each foot and having three points of contact at all times to ensure not falling. Apparently that looked weak to the Indian guy with just shoes on. He said don't be afraid to ask for help. I said I was gonna say the same to you. He was clearly enjoying the hike but ready to turn around. When I advised him he could drive to the top of the falls for a viewing platform he was clearly excited.

Nearing the middle falls this large Hemlock had recently fallen blocking the path. Just causing a little delay but reminding one to stay alert to the dangers of falling rocks, ice, and other objects. With the upper part of the trail construction completed I'd wanted to go all the way, but it was too steep and icy for me on this day.

Drove up to the Laurel House viewing platform. Could not capture whole thing with one wideangle shot so I photo merged a pano.

Met a couple with dog that I recognized who had made it up the steep upper section. With sunset nearing I offered them a ride down to the lower parking lot but they politely declined.

Nice 360 view of the upper falls

Kaaterskill Falls wiki

Oberlin College Cole reference