Reis Park - Exploring and Hiking in Putnam County, NY 2012

There is a short hiking trail that goes behind the soccer fields of Reis Park in upper Westchester County.  There are a few activity areas, monkey bars, parallel bars, balance beam, etc.

I'm always fascinated by the trees.  There are so many, all around the county.  I'm originally from KC, MO, and there are trees, woods and trails there, but the height and abundance of the trees here in New York...  inspiring and beautiful.

Little spots of beauty all around.

Luckily my kids allow me to explore on my own time.  I do stop frequently to capture a beautiful sight.

Enjoy the Dance

Continued from Lost to Convenience

Temperatures this Spring have been mild, with a few Hot and Sunny days. Leaves are out in full force and the mowers are humming in the neighborhoods. I'm drawn to the Southern view looking down the Hudson River towards New York City. The Tappan Zee Bridge connecting the Eastern and Western banks and a 'retirement complex' where I would not mind landing in my older years.

Away from the River and down the stone trail several 'black-leaf' trees stand in contrast to the monotony of the 'green-leaf' neighbors. The gentle hand of the wind is seen in the low lying field as it persuades the long grass to dance. The song will soon be over as the humming motors approach, enjoy the dance.





©scott garrette 2009

Lost to Convenience

I sometimes forget how much time I spend inside thinking about all the things I want to do.

My 6 year old daughter asked to go to the park with the "twisty" trees. Friday afternoon, no other obligations... Let's go. After the half-hour drive South and a bit West, we're there. My favorite outdoor spot to date in Westchester Co., New York. The kids wake up from the road trance and put on their curiosity and excitement. I... get my camera and tune out the days' worries. The vegetation is tall from all the rain this Spring. Soon, it will be slashed and thrown to the ground and the simple beauty will be lost to convenience.


to be continued...

Stomping Ground

Mid morning walk about.
Exploring the area.

I've not seen these waters when it's warm.
As I drive the perimeter I wonder...
If all of these houses on the lake have
a dock, and all of the docks have a boat,
how do they all fit?

There are some amazing properties here.
The hills are awesome here, can't wait
for all the leaves to come out.

Traffic hums by aggressively at times on the windy lakeside road.

Out the back door

Just beyond the back door of the house in Raymore, MO where I once lived, sits a lonely field. Development swallowed it's neighbors to the East and North and on it's Western border is 71 HWY. It won't be long before this peaceful pasture of the past becomes a street, a lawn and a building site.

Within one square foot of this peaceful land I found hundreds of beautifully inspiring natural arrangements.

One day these images will be the only reminder of what once was... a visual eulogy.

I sat and watched through the lens of my camera as the wind blew this plant into and out of focus while snapping shots in different locations... frozen movement.





to the west

A place I will not soon forget.



©scott garrette 2009

A Man Named Douglas

Oh there's a few rocks in the road
and one knocked my tire loose
all i can do is drive in fear
just a few more minutes here

I need a mechanic
but where can i find
someone who knows the time

The words are not here
the pain is so clear
all I can do is drive

With this banging and clicking right under my feet
my souls grow weary
over the mountains
through the streams
while the rain pours from the sky

Just a few meters ahead I'm told
I will find a man named douglas
one look and he knew
I needed new shoes

©scott garrette 2009

Tree with a Thousand Stories

There's a park on the Eastern shore of the Hudson River at the end of the road where the river is at it's widest. Just to the South spreading out across the water with all of its legs and pavement stands the Tappan Zee Bridge.













The view to the Western shore welcomes me each visit to the park and prepares me for the wonderful experience ahead.

The Tree with a Thousand Stories is just around the bend right off the stone path.






From here the adventures begin. With the cold of Winter nearing its end this strange and magnificent tree stands tall stretching out each of its limbs and branches twisting, curling and even digging down into the earth and out again several feet away. A single limb coming out from the trunk reaches straight out, bends down and spreads some more. This limb is strong as though it was there a hundred years before.
The markings are a testament of its old age. As far as hands can reach and legs can climb the markings can be seen of past lovers and friends or the lonesome stranger.

On Top of A Hill

Through the lens of my camera I now live on a one lane paved country road with tall evergreens in the front yard. Through my eyes there are Blue Mountains in the distance with leafless tree covered mountains just before. The air is cold and the windy gusts send me deeper within my new winter jacket and the gray scarf made by Victoria.

The clouds cleared only for an hour or two today, only the first or second time since relocating. To say that it is "gloomy" or "dreary" would not be incorrect, yet without the negative feeling attached. Off the back patio I look down and see leaf free grass. There are so many trees lining the perimeter of each property I can only imagine the effort that went into clearing the yards of all the leaves. Feeling the wind makes me think there were natural forces to help with this effort... on the top of the hill.

in the woods again

In the woods again

In the woods again I follow
a trail that seems to have been made for me
or for three...
so peaceful here, so colorful
I don't speak to show my gratitude
it is known and not misunderstood

© scott garrette 2009