Exploring the Area

We are taking advantage of my week off by trying to do some short walks/hikes and to explore the area. Here is Evelyn gearing up for the outing with her game face on.

We decided to do a loop around two bridges which cross the Hudson. This first bridge is the Mid Hudson bridge. It has a sidewalk for pedestrians but just out of the picture to the left are cars and trucks whizzing by. To make matters worse, you can see through the grate on the bottom left of the picture and are acutely aware of just how high up you are. I assure you my smile is completely fake because I was unnerved enough to want to keep moving but humored Joshua by stopping for a picture.

Here is a picture of the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge from the Mid Hudson bridge. Needless to say, Joshua was the photographer.

Here is the view South of the Mid Hudson bridge (in between traffic).

Now we had looped around and this is the view of Poughkeepsie and the Mid Hudson bridge from the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge.

Evelyn needed a snack while we took in the view to the North.

Looking South down the Hudson.

Looking North up the Hudson.

Joshua's parents would be proud - his Dad because he was taking time to read the signs, and his Mom because he is multi-tasking.

The end of the mile-long pedestrian bridge. It just opened in 2009 and is a converted railway bridge.

Evelyn and her snack

Joshua with his hands full back at the parking lot with the pedestrian bridge in the backdrop.

Today we went to check out Shaunepeak Ridge which is a preserve maintained by the Scenic Hudson organization which we've decided is our new favorite non-profit because they own and maintain a bunch of trails and parks along the Hudson (and close to us!)

This was Sadie's first hike!

Sydney and Joshua (with the Hudson in the distance).

Elizabeth and Evelyn

Evelyn and Elizabeth with Louise Pond in the background. If only we were independently wealthy and I didn't have to return to work next week, I think we could probably spend a lot of happy time and energy getting to know the area. So far, two enthusiastic thumbs up from both of us (I guess that means four thumbs up...or eight if you count the kiddos).