We spent two days at Octobers end leef-peeping and exploring the Catskills area of NY. It was a beautiful region, with a concentration higher than normal of artist colonies and monasteries. Seriously, you couldn't turn around without seeing a "spiritual retreat." Also, they seem to call creeks or streams "kills" (maybe from the Dutch?), as in "Fish Kill" or "Saw Kill." We stayed at a superlatively tranquil bed and breakfast, Onteora Mountain House, which was lovely; we had the place to ourselves, because it was mid-week, and thus they made an exception to their no-kids-allowed rule. Orion's newly-potty-trained presence along with the oriental rugs and antique pottery made it not quite a relaxing locale, but sans bebe it would be quite zen.
A theme emerged--we would be told something was open only to find it closed. We tried to look on the bright side. For example, we went to a Buddhist monastery to unreverently gawk at a huge statue of the Buddha; although it was closed, a satisfactorily large front-loader on the grounds proved to be quite as attractive.
We went to a "petting zoo" which also included non-pettable creatures such as emus, bison, and a tiger; Orion enjoyed seeing the animals, especially the rabbits; but the place seemed to my mind completely unsanitary and inhumane, and thus quite uncomfortable to me. (Avoid the Bailiwick Ranch.)
Sadly, the Thomas Cole House was closed for the season, so we wandered about the grounds and admired the view.
We hiked to the highest waterfall in NY, the Kaaterskill Falls. They were sublime.
Also closed for the season was the Old Rheinbeck Aerodome, but the old mechanics working on the old airplanes let us look into the hangars. They give airshows, with the real antique aircraft, just as they did in the 1920s and 30s...we'll have to go back for a real show in June. It was completely fascinating and transporting...they also had old cars and a little red caboose, that apparently is their dressing room. It was unlocked, so we snooped around the vintage clothes in a self-guided behind-the-scenes tour.
Orion and I spent an afternoon at the Golden Age of Trucking Museum in Middlefield, CT. It was pretty terrific for a guy who likes trucks; Orion didn't hold still for a second. Cars and trucks and fire engines and antique cars and even boats-- this place had about an airplane-hangar full of gleaming vehicles, with one that was built for climbing around, and a play area and snack area. I'd recommend it for a rainy afternoon with a toddler.
My favorite was this milk truck and the red fire engines below.
Because we had the place to ourselves, we ignored the under100lb/3yearsandup rules on the wiggle cars. These were really a treat for both of us.
Playing with my old Duplos also a major activity around the house. He's named the Duplo people Sam, Anna, Lucy, and Ruff (the dog). Lots of fun.
