Poetry in Motion: November 2014

Monday, November 24, 2014

Towpath of the Old Erie Canal

Since I first discovered the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve I have wanted to share my find.
I wanted to show off my bridge.
... to learn some New York and United States History.
... to explore a new trail.
... to watch and listen to the birds chattering.

My Bridge.

Nathan finally had time to go exploring with me.
I have yet to go down the same trail twice.
This is something that pleases me!
We went west.
Traveling along the Towpath of the Old Erie Canal.

The winter air was surprisingly warm.
We didn't really have a destination.
My favorite kind of day.
No expectations.

As we walked, Nathan and I discussed the making of the Erie Canal.
The engineering involved.
The conditions of a work site.
How awful a task to dig.
... with a shovel.
... in the mud.
... and mosquitoes.

After we returned home I became curious about why the Old Erie Canal was even made?
Today, at this particular spot on the map, the Erie Canal is the Mohawk River.
Why wouldn't they just use the river all along?

I learned it was built to lower the cost of transporting products.
... like grain and lumber.

The canal was used to transport people as well.
... the first route used for the westward movement.

I learned the barges that traveled the canal
... were all built similar.
... and pulled by horses or mules.

I learned that the canal gave humans a sense of control.

Originally the canal was dug 40 feet wide and 4 feet deep.
Then it was enlarged to 80 feet wide and 7 feet deep.
... if I remember correctly.

Building the Erie Canal
Erie Canal

After sharing what I learned from the two sites above with Nathan he asked,
"How did the horses pull the barge?"

I found the best way to explain it was through pictures I found online.

Erie Canal Boats (This is the most complete site for all questions regarding the Erie Canal).

Tunnel illusion on the Towpath.

Reflection.
Old Erie Canal.

This view led to a discussion about war tactics.

My Nathan.

This "war tactic" area had such a surreal look about it.

My Bridge from the Towpath.

Town of Clifton Park - November 23rd 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Mohawk River

I actually took a little time to discover which Nature Preserves are near where I live.
If one doesn't mind a 30 minute drive, there doesn't seem to be a shortage of places to hike.
With a chance of snow I decided to stay relatively close to home.

I wanted to expand my knowledge of my surroundings so I ventured farther west.

I started at a place called Mohawk Landing.
Mohawk Landing is basically a boat launch and picnic area.
I was able to explore the park in about a half hour.

I had a bunch of anxious energy so I continued exploring along the Mohawk River.

I went back to the Whipple Truss Bridge at Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve.
I am fanatical about this bridge.

I knew there were many trails to explore.
I chose one that leads to Clutes Dry Dock.

It was a strange hike for me.
I walked on a causeway along the Old Erie Canal.
Birds were surprisingly active for frozen waters.

The cold was unsympathetic.
The sun glared.
I embraced it.

My footsteps crunched noisily on the frozen ground.
Snow hid in the cold shadows.
Icy water trapped the roots of barren trees.

I love how alive I feel after a brisk walk in winter weather.

Clutes Dry Dock wasn't what I expected.
In fact, I don't know what I was expecting.
First thing I did when I got there?
I ran out onto the dock in the frozen waters.
I could hear the water rumble and scream, trying to escape its ice captor.

I ended up driving to Clutes Dry Dock in the end.
I think I may have hiked the whole way if I had company.

Mohawk Landing

Mohawk River at the boat launch and picnic area.
It was so bright I didn't see DREAM until I looked at my photos at home.

Mohawk River from the bottom of the boat launch.
Canada Geese are flying low in the distance.

Trail along the cliffs of the Mohawk River.

Another picture taken from the trail of the Mohawk River.

Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve

Beginning my hike to Clutes Dry Dock.

I loved the different patterns ice made around the plant life in the marsh.

The Causeway.

I just love this picture.
In the distance you might be able to make out a bridge from a trail on the other side of the Old Erie Canal.

Clutes Dry Dock

Historical Marker.

Frozen waters at Clutes Dry Dock.

Old Erie Canal coming out of Clutes Dry Dock.

Lonely Flower hanging over the frozen Old Erie Canal.

Frozen waters at Clutes Dry Dock.
I took this photo while I was standing on the dock in the middle of the dry dock.

Town of Clifton Park, NY - November 19th 2014

Friday, November 14, 2014

Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve

I woke up this morning to see the first dusting of snow on the ground for the season.

This reminded me of my outing a couple days ago.

The brief moment in time after the leaves fall, before the first snow fall...

...this is the barren time of year everyone forgets about.

I was feeling so very lonely, and instead of keeping myself shut away in my apartment, I decided to go explore.

I went to an area in Clifton Park called Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve.

The preserve is 600 acres of historic land bordered by the Mohawk River.

Although I didn't go explore all the paths, I liked that there were numerous trails to choose from.

I started at the Cast Iron Whipple Truss Bridge, originally constructed in 1869.

The bridge crossed over a section of the Erie Canal that began being excavated in 1822.

I walked straight and kept on the path all the way until I reached the Mohawk River.

I saw and heard many different birds and they grew more boisterous the closer I got to the river.

The preserve would be an awesome place to bird watch, probably any time of the year.

The air was crisp, I was alone, but I felt secure surrounded by autumn's beauty.

Since 2009 I have spent most Wednesdays hiking and exploring with my dear friend Michelle.

Something I didn't realize when I started my exploration... it was Wednesday.

All information I shared about Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve I learned from plaques posted in the preserve.

Cast Iron Whipple Truss Bridge.

The Old Erie Canal.

A view from the Whipple Truss Bridge.

Wetlands in the Preserve.

At this post there were several paths one could go down.
The first one I chose led right down to the Mohawk River.

Town of Clifton Park, NY - November 12th 2014

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Andrews Glacier

Colorado - Rocky Mountain National Park

Alberta Falls, Loch Vale, Andrews Glacier - August 20th 2013
Elevation Gain - 2,300 feet
Distance Round Trip - 9.3 miles
Characters - Alicen, Nathan

Continuing my Rocky Mountain Travels...

Our third day hiking in RMNP I agreed to climb to Andrews Glacier with Nathan.

At the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead we began our hike headed towards Alberta Falls.
The trail ran alongside Glacier Creek giving us some fantastic and ever changing views.
From where we began, until we reached The Loch, the trail was well traveled.
The Loch was a great spot to eat, re-hydrate, and rest...
...making this gorgeous location a final destination for many hikers.

After Nathan and I ate and rested we continued on.
Definitely more alone.
In fact, I don't recall seeing anyone else after we left the woods.
The closer we got to Andrews Glacier the more the scenery changed.
We left the forest landscapes for red scree and rugged mountain peaks all around us.
We were not accustomed to this type of hiking.
It made Nathan a little nervous jumping around on scree and talus.
I loved this part of the hike to be honest.

Adrenaline pumping.
Just existing is wonderful...
...breathing it in
...being in the moment.
So majestic... this greatness.

I feel like there was a little thunder storm that day while we were nearing the top.

If the weather hadn't been so moody, who knows...
...we might have made it to Andrews Glacier.

I almost forgot to mention. This was a fairly strenuous hike. You are always going up.

An amazing hike with phenomenal views. Breathtaking!

~20 miles hiked so far!

A view from Glacier Gorge Trail going towards Alberta Falls.

Blue Grouse blend in so perfectly.

Glacier Creek.

Looking down!

Glacier Creek.

Alicen in front of Alberta Falls.

Nathan in front of Alberta Falls.

Alberta Falls.

A view from the trail as we make our way towards The Loch.

Can you see the Elk grazing?

There she is!

Loch Vale.
Little did I know at this point of the hike, I would be near the top of some of the peaks in the distance.

The Loch.

A view from The Loch.
Possibly Taylors Glacier.
I've been trying to figure it out for so long.

The Loch.

Nathan enjoying the view.

I learned that Andrews Tarn is located at the bottom of the U in this picture.
Andrews Glacier is apparently on the other side.

Hiking this terrain wasn't easy.
We decided we weren't experienced enough with this type of landscape so we turned around before reaching our destination.