New York is so Much More then the City

Sitting in our beautiful spot on top of a hill outside Florida, NY, I was thinking how impressed we have been with the state of NY. Beautiful hills and trees, the Hudson which has to be as big as the Colombia, and the cute little villages in the woods. It is knock out gorgeous. This has to be the best week of the year for the color.

First off, our spot on top of a big hill is heavily wooded and home to a dozen wild turkeys which are fun too watch out the window. There are also a dozen big white tails roaming the grounds along with some really small yearlings. The fall winds keep leaves in the air and fresh air in the nostrils. The park is so quiet as it is only 20% occupied and the folks seem to be in the city (60 miles away) a lot. Mostly big motor homes here for some reason. A few big 5th wheelers and one small, scamp like wedgie wedged in between us.

After going up the Hudson to Hyde Park the other day we went down the Hudson to West Point. What beautiful grounds. All buildings made out of the local rock, granite, and everything in order (surprise). The old protestant chapel on the hill was spectacular, with its stained glass windows and gothic architecture. Actually all WP buildings are of the garrison Gothic example. Except for the new library which is the same old rock but a more modern design. Small statute of Gen. Patton outside library. Patton took 5 years to graduate from the 4 year school and explained he had trouble finding the library. So now his statue stands holding binoculars near the library.

While standing overlooking the Hudson at Trophy Point on the cadet campus we were taken by the Battle Monument dominating the spot. The monument holds the names of the West Point grads killed in the civil war. 55 of the 60 major battles of the civil war were led by an officer from the academy on opposing sides. Around the monument are cannons buried barrel down symbolizing never again against each other. Amazingly, the first name I noticed looking at the monument is Col. John Reynolds. He was the first high ranking officer killed in the battle of Gettysburg. He was also a cousin of us La Favers. Brother Esly tells me he was a general but the monument lists him as a colonel. We will research this when we visit the LaFaver cemetery and the “Book of LaFaver” outside Lancaster next week. Anyway, it was exhilarating to have his name staring back at me this hallowed ground.

Our travels into the city have been interesting and a bit hectic. Yes, I broke the cardinal rule, “Do not drive into the city.” Friday we visited the upper Westside and Central Park. Today we did Greenwich Village and SOHO and all their activities of a Saturday morning. Lots of vendors and markets and dogs being walked. Traffic isn’t too bad, as I find the NYers better to drive with then their cousins from Boston. However, as advertised, there is little parking, but we managed to find free parking both days. A miracle!