Write-up: Mary Pat Connors, Lu Blanchard
Leader 7241: Mary Pat Connors Co-Leader: Lu Blanchard
Leader 7243 Lu Blanchard Co-Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Those who ventured down to the Hudson Valley for a bike and hike were rewarded by glorious weather.
Some spent the night in the Catskill Mountain Lodge (pleasant, but received mixed reviews).
The bikers (and one walker) met in Highland NY at the trailhead for the “Walkway over the Hudson.” The bridge was not crowded, and the views were great.
We were met by some “interesting” bikers who said we were “all tricked out.” Good to know, helmets and gloves apparently make the biker.
The Dutchess Rail Trail is a 13-mile rail trail that stretches from the Walkway over the Hudson, south to the former Hopewell Junction train depot. The trail is paved, fairly flat, shaded and most enjoyable.
A definite plus is having a nice restaurant (Daddy O’s) at the half-way point for lunch and refreshments.
We, of course, stopped for a cold draft after the ride, where the sun continued to shine on us.
Back at the Lodge we had snacks and drinks and were able to sit outside.
The Lodge provided a campfire which sort of missed the mark, too deep to view the fire or receive heat, the only thing we did seem to get was the smoke. But of course it didn’t really matter because we still had fun.
OPUS 40 – LU
Opus 40 is located near the top of a mountain and was created by Harry Fite on property containing an abandoned slate quarry. Fite, an artist and professor, took 6.5 acres of the property and over 37 years created a sculpture park “entirely from bluestone harvested on site, fusing the legacy of local quarrying and ancient Mayan and Aztec stonework learned through his international travels. He framed his stonework sculpture with the surrounding woods, grasslands and mountains, ensuring the natural wonders of the local ecosystem would always be central to the impact of this Natural Historic Registered site.” as described by the website.
For this hike we were joined by Walt and Laura P., Deb and Joe C., Gail H., Lois C. and Karen O. who made it a day trip.
Try to imagine slate towers 30 feet high and 20 feet in diameter made entirely of hand-cut slate and dry laid with horizontal “keystones” providing the only “mortar” holding them together. These towers are connected by ramps and stairs also constructed from layers upon layers of cut stone. Situated in nooks and crannies are pools of water, some with koi, and small groves of trees to complement and soften the severity of the stone.
It was truly awe inspiring. Called “An architectural wonder in the tradition of the Sphinx” in the September 14, 1968 edition of the Daily Freeman, Opus 40 is well worth the drive and if you go the back way through Middleburgh you add beautiful scenery and multiple opportunities for antiquing and shopping along the way.
There were a few mishaps on the weekend. While riding, Lu had a “conversation” with a fence, where her arm and chin took a beating. A phone and credit card were lost at Opus 40, but thankfully found. And Mary Pat almost lost her e-bike due to a fluke mishandling of the ratchet hook on the bike rack.
We stopped for a lunch break at the Middlefield Historical Association which is an 1850s era schoolhouse. 
A member of the Association just happened to be there and let us inside to see the facility. 