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!!

Let's stop and investigate! What's this? A flaming beach ball sent to earth...

and a rocket in a pocket of dirt.

An iron garden...

reaches for the sun.

And further afield...

a capital "F" for FUN!

Shall we go upstairs?

There's a cozy sitting area to take in the view.

Well, hello there...who are you?

This reminds me of a film set in another state...isolated area, big guy with a chainsaw... perhaps we should explore the lower floor. C'mon! Right down the stairs...

It's a different world down there!  A crystal chandelier...

a charcoal nude...

and an assortment of gourds to set the mood.

But alas, not a soul in sight to shed any light. Just another lonesome oddity to puzzle and delight.

Keep Calm

      and
  Carry On...as I gather more oddities.

And remember, if you see something, say something! I gladly welcome your photos, info, suggestions and/or donuts (preferably chocolate glazed).  I should have new oddities magically appearing on your computerized intertube screen contraptions later this Spring.

Happy Trails

Ah, the welcoming sight of a trail registry box - how I love these portals to adventure! They hold the promise of wilderness and wildness and escape!

Let's open the latch and sign in, shall we?

I like to read all the names of my fellow hikers and see where they're from (usually Brooklyn) before signing my own name. What can I say? I'm nosy curious. That aside, the key purpose for using a trail registry is to record when you start and when you return from a hike. It would be most unpleasant to be pinned beneath a tree and have to contemplate sawing off your own foot.  Or how about having to subsist on nothing but protein-rich slugs for days at a time? Quelle horreur! And all because it was too much of a bother to log in. The rangers need to know, yo!

When I'm all hepped up for a day of hiking, I'll sign my name with a flourish. Others are so excited that mere paper won't do - the box itself becomes a register of sorts.

Well, well...Winston Smith was here!

Somebody can't make up his mind...or is this a thinly veiled statement on the perils of global warming? Hmmm.

I don't doubt it.

Strong to the finish, this one.

It's easy being green here, my friend.


By now, you're probably ready for a hike. Have fun and don't forget the three rules of the forest:

1) Don't leave anything but your footprints.

2) Don't take anything except pictures.

3) ALWAYS sign in and out at the registry box.

....unless you're the dark lord, of course.

I think I'll find another trail.

Sign of the Times

I love historical landmarks. Whether they mark the spot of a delightfully obscure battle or claim to be a founding father's rest stop, I find these factoids fascinating. What tasty morsels of history they contain!

 Oh look! There's one now! Quick, pull over!

Well isn't that interesti...HUH?!

Had to do a double take, didn't you? This sign comes from the brilliantly subversive and socially conscious mind of artist Norm Magnusson as part of his I-75 Project. This inspired installation places historical markers with social and political content throughout the country. Magnusson's goal is "not to incite, but inspire thought."

I remember seeing his signs when they made the media rounds a few years ago. You can imagine my glee at stumbling upon one for real - it was like finding the holy grail! Pull over and take a look at the rest of his historical landmarks...here!