Chapter 623

8/2/2022

Storm King Mountain

a bridge too far

Another bucket list item successfully completed. Have driven this Storm King Highway state route 218 along the lower Hudson River before but always wanted to do more. Was recently inspired by Jakes motorcycle video adventure here. His channel does a great job.

It was a long 170 mile journey down that day (9 hours door to door) but I had a great weather window and opportunity to overnight at daughter's house. Took the beautiful rural route 32 mostly. 

There's only a few pull off opportunites on the Storm King Highway so I launched the drone from this one. It's a beautiful but too short up and down windy road along the cliff. Beware of fallen rock zone. Speaking of which, upon my exit noticed a 5 or 10 pound rock in the middle of the road with a fragment beside it. Obviously had fallen not too long ago. That could kill you ( albeit low probability), but risk is a part of life. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

There is a nice hiking opportunity to the top of Storm King which I'd like to do someday.

Just before arriving at Storm King is  Camp Olmsted . It's a methodist youth camp concept for the disadvanted youth of the Five Points district in New York City (Gangs of New York). The Olmsteds donated land in 1901 at Cornwall on the Hudson for this purpose.

Of course, I did trespass but did not see anyone of authority to speak with readily.

Next it was a short jog south to Bear Mountain. It's a free ride road to the top and the Perkins Memorial observation tower. Hiking opportunities as well. The Appalachian Trail goes right over the top. In fact I sat on the AT as I droned.

At the bottom I droned from the Bear Mountain Inn and Convention Center. As I sat in the parking lot a guy from Florida asked me directions to one of the conference buildings. I surprised both of us by successfully identifying a building for him just in the trees below. This is Hessian Lake in the foreground where hundreds of dead soldiers bodies were dumped in 1777 during the Battle of Fort Montgomery and Clinton.

Bear Mountain State Park parking is on the right at end of lake. There are some fees for parking etc. A lot going on there.

The very photogenic Bear Mountain Bridge (looking up river) has a toll eastbound.

After crossing the river there is a nice overlook from which I launched another drone attack. This tug and barge is heading down river past Peekskill in the distance. Shoulda checked my Marine App to identify.

Overnight with the granddaughters Violet and Hazel. Then did a more direct 120 mile route home up the mostly relaxing Taconic Parkway.

It's famous for deer so I don't speed. Only saw one pair of deer on the shoulder but have strained eyes from intense focusing. Only one other pair of deer on the journey down. Two very healthy young deer on a slow winding road around Storm King. Avoided most dense car traffic situations.

Considering risks: I had nothing to speak of although two family members received broken bones this week simply trying to enjoy life engaged in sporting activities. My trip was so worthwhile, however the distance and length of time to complete is not ideal. Would rather keep it shorter. Luckily I had done a bunch of "research" information seeking on the internet so I could efficiently accomplish the objectives. Wanted to drone the West Point Academy. They say they have permission to shoot down drones so I avoided that, but someday would like to get permission.