Waterfalls!!!

Stony Kill Falls, highest in the Shawangunks

Looking through the falls at the peaceful blue skies.

Behind the roaring falls

Side view of Awosting Falls

Awosting Falls




The past three days brought us lots of rain. Sunday brought record totals in NYC. It poured many times in the Hudson Valley. The rains, besides creating a bit of a mess, provide beautiful green grass and trees. Many spots look almost tropical. The rains also give us waterfalls. What once were trickles a few weeks ago are now roaring.

At work today I thought, "it being such a lovely day, maybe I should check out some waterfalls." Originally, I planned to hit Kaaterskill Falls, but since I had been numerous times, I decided to head for the Gunks and check out Stony Kill Falls and Awosting Falls.

Stony Kill Falls is the highest in the Gunks. This most assuredly was a trickle before the rains came. I could hear it long before I spotted it through the trees. Up close it was quite the site. Since the falls flow off and overhang, it was possible to walk behind the falls without getting soaked.

Sitting behind here, sipping the beer I brought in, got me thinking. It was quite remarkable the contrasts of the calm blue skies above and the roaring waterfall right in front of me. The waterfall being so beautiful, descended with such savagery. It met the creek bed with brutal force.

Next up was Awosting Falls. These falls were far higher than I expected. These falls, I knew were powerful and it did not disappoint. The creek above was roaring and just poured down the falls with an enormous amount of force. I have to say, I couldn't have picked a better day to check these two waterfalls out.