Terry's Journey in Retirement
Chapter 591
9/2/2021
Putnam Valley
practice droning
Have been pushing self to do more droning. Helped paint deck for daughter's house in Putnam Valley. They loved seeing the drone fly. It was hard to find a time when it could be accomplished with Ricky's night schedule. I chose a time when they were away at the Jersey Shore.
With Governor Cuomo under fire for sexual harassment I thought I'd push the envelope and see if I could legally fly near his Albany (taxpayer's) Mansion. Just parked on the street and launched from my truck bed. Didn't go over his property line much not wanting the State Troopers out or any trouble. Turns out the NY Post flew over the same day and caught him at poolside with an assistant. That seems intrusive, but perhaps legal? Did not want to push the envelope that much.
Had a nice morning so I went couple miles over to Bowman's Orchard. My truck is across the street at neighbor Hicks Farm. I asked their permission to just park there for a few minutes. Kevin Bowman, farm manager came over in his four wheeler asking if I was droning. He was plesant and said no problem, just checking me out. I knew I was legal but hesitate to ask permission because most people will just say no automatically. Did not attempt to bother or interfere and was surprised they could here it from up high.
After talking to Kevin, his sprayer operator was having some fun with me as I got lower. I caught some nice pictures with the sun shining thru his sprayer. Later emailed the photos to Kevin.
I helped neighbor across the street get a little path to the reservoir as he was impoving his back yard. He wanted me to photograph the Mute Swans with their babies, but they have been hiding them pretty well. The Bald Eagles have attacked and killed the swans before for food.
Chris came up for a few days and wanted to do the Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher Park. We succeeded. This one is just my iPhoto panorama shot with a still photo of the fam inserted.
Walked over to Lock 7 at Vischer Ferry Dam one 90 degree day after the rains. I'm down under the tree by the boat launch ramp.