Upstate Oddities

Rip Tide!

It is along this scenic route, built by convict labor (thank you, convicts!), where Rip Van Winkle took the world's longest nap. Mmmm…naps.

Most of us know the tale of Rip Van Winkle's famous slumber, but few know that Washington Irving's first draft had Rip waking up to a confusing case of identity disorder! Here he is, ready to strike up the band.

On the other side of town, he was found gearing up for ski season…

and Rip-lining! (otherwise known as zip-lining to those not as ego-centric as Rip)

Rip knows that women cannot resist a man in a kilt…

Or in top hat and tails. Oh, that ritzy Rip!

Well hello there, ripped Rip! Where have you been all my life?

At the height of his identity disorder, Rip believed he was Jerry Garcia. The Jerry Garcia who works for cheese. I would work for cheese, too…

…and for beer.

Then there's the Rip who was so confused by his affliction, that he just tried to blend in unnoticed.

Psst…I can see you, Rip!

Strategically placed lighthouse. Oh my.

Kapow! Are you sensing a disturbing crotch trend here, or is it just me? (Yes, I'm 12 years old)

Okay, at this point, I've gotta come clean - I've just been ~~ripping~~ ribbing you! Rip did not awaken to a schizoid existence. He was fine…albeit a bit confused at first. "You mean there was a Revolutionary War?!"

All of these artistic incarnations of Mr. Van Winkle are part of a yearly fund-raising effort to raise money for non-profit organizations, to assist those who were affected by last year's devastating Hurricane Irene, and to help our local artists. There are more than fifty Rips dotting the landscape along Route 23A…Wowza! And they'll be auctioned off on October 6th, so you, too, can own a piece of this historic mountaintop legend. More info here at Rip Lives!

Cleavage

This is a post about cleavage. Get that image out of your head (yes, I know what you were thinking) and replace it with this one - a smooth river rock, plucked from Warner Creek. No big whoop, right?

But when precise metamorphic pressure and unique molecular structure combine with the ticking hands of time...

Voila! One becomes three!

This is what geologists refer to as "perfect cleavage." I refer to it as nature exercising her awe-inspiring capacity again and again and again. And that's hot.

Condo Bird Approved

Situated on one of the crossbeams underneath our deck is a beautifully constructed nest. I was delighted to find it!

My pleasure was doubled when I glanced a bit to the left and found another.

But wait...there's more! Three neat little nests all in a row.

I was curious to find out if this avian apartment complex is a family friendly operation. Indeed it is!

Not wanting to barge in on our bird friends uninvited, I took this shot in the least intrusive manner possible by placing the lens of my iPhone's camera directly on the space between the floorboards above the nests. It's such a tiny space that reveals nothing but darkness to the naked eye. And because of the glare on the display I didn't see what I had shot until I went indoors and scrolled through the photos. You can imagine my excitement. We're going to have babies! Well, not me eggzactly, but you get my drift. Nature...thou art awesome.

Heads up!

In my obsessive quest to document every oddity in the Catskills, I have been accused of a blithe indifference to personal boundaries and a general disregard for my own safety. And although my heart is in the right place - entertaining and enlightening you, dear readers - it has come to my attention that one's heedlessness could very well result in one's headlessness.

Poor chaps - couldn't they read the sign? And why is the gentleman to the right unduly amused by his situation? I don't trust him.

Ned? Ned Stark! Is that you?

Sorry, I couldn't resist referencing another of my obsessions. Please forgive...but do remember, kids - No trespassing means EN-OH Trespassing!
(Except for me, of course.)

Fun House

One of the best reasons for taking a road less travelled is the possible and sudden explosion of art when one least expects it. Tucked away in the landscape, a bit of whimsy catches the eye at 40 miles an hour....Quick, hit the brakes!!