Winter Has Left the Hudson Valley

While on my way to Rhinebeck, I noticed the morning light shining on the mountains.  While waiting for the library to open, I figured I would take some photos from different spots.

First I checked out Ferncliff Forest with an expanded parking lot.  The last time I was here, 3 months ago, they had a fire going.  That area is now cleared with a large dug out area.  It's simple amazing.  I'm not sure what that's about.  As I approached the pond, it was blocked off and did not have any water.  They are trying to remove some invasive weeds.  Hopefully, all this work is successful.

As always the views from the tower were excellent.  The snow is gone and the terrain is very brown.  A month from now (if the weather continues to warm) everything will be green.  Maybe it's the harshness of this winter, but it seemed there were more views than normal.  I could make out buildings that I haven't been able to before.  Maybe I'm just a bit more observant.

As I did a month ago, I missed a real money shot.  While taking in the views to the south, I turned to look north up the Hudson before heading down the fire tower.  A hawk flies straight at me.  It happened so fast, I couldn't take a picture in time.  A real shame.  He/She appeared to have some red in its face.  A beautiful creature.  I watched it for a few minutes flying about, hoping he/she would make another pass.

I then took in some views from some of my favorite spots along River Road.  It's no wonder AAA rates the drive along this road as one of America's best.  The views of the mountains are great and the drive past some pretty farms doesn't suck.

Rhinecliff would be my last destination to take some photos.  This is a great little spot to just chill out.  Almost always, there are other cars in the little parking area.  So I'm not the only one who feels this way about the spot.

Ferncliff Fire Tower from the southern end of River Road