Highfalls NY

 Trying to get some exercise these days we've taken to walking. Deb found the canal trail for the D & H canal online so off we went. The museum is located just off Rte 213 in Highfalls NY but it is only open on weekends from what we have read. http://www.canalmuseum.org/

 Before I get into the path this area is somewhat familiar to me because we used to travel up from NYC on weekends and fish here. There was also a certain amount of swimming that went on as well. The canal actually traveled over the Rondout Creek via an Aqeduct and there are still ruins of that structure. That's where we used to get a running jump into the water below.

 It wasn't a jump to take too lightly because one has to clear the lower ledge. All totaled I'm thinking it was about a 20 or 25 foot jump and about 6 feet or so out to clear the lower ledge. So back up a bit while counting your steps and take a running leap off the edge. Make sure you clear the point in the lower ledge as you go, and while you are thinking about that during the run, don't trip over the rocks at the edge.

  

  Any way, jump we did and many times at that. I think the last time I lept off this was back in 1981 or '82. But no more! After taking in the familiar areas at the aqueduct and dam (yes we jumped that also) where the hydro plant is, we walked along the canal on the other side of Rte 213. 

 Looking at the canal and how narrow it is, I wondered how such a narrow canal could fuel the Industrial Revolution down in NYC. Going over one of the bridges supplied by the society I paced it off at about 13 feet at the widest point. Since Freedom needs about 14 feet I'm thinking we couldn't help fuel the Irevolution. 

 Maybe we can find someone like Bill Gates to chuck a ton of money at this and get it all operational again (ya right).

 All along the path we were greated by the large Pileated Woodpeckers with their chattering and bright colors. There were plenty of mosquitos as well so if you decide to take this pleasant trail make sure you have some bug spray and apply it liberally.