Mill Norrie State Park Hike

It's time to get into hiking shape so I took one of my favorite "easy" hikes. Mills Norrie State Park has a small trail network that takes you along the Hudson River. It's a special property because the railroad runs inland leaving a natural shoreline. I chose to take the blue (inland) trail first and return on the white (river) trail.

The Route

The highlight of the property is the Victorian era Mills mansion with it's lawn stretching out to the river.

Mill's Mansion

The park has many outbuildings that are in a state of decay. On this partly cloudy day, they seemed very eerie indeed. To add to the gloomy quality of the run down buildings was this monument to the memory of Gordon Lewis Norrie. Norrie was a Princeton Polo and Hockey champion when he met his death in a late night auto accident near Asbury Park New Jersey.

What happened in that merry all night party that brought almost instant death to Norrie, the Princeton Polo Star, and nearly killed Multi-millionaire Ryan's Young Granddaughter.

Gordon Lewis Norrie Memorial

A lot of work has been done in the park since my last hike here. I was especially impressed to see that the Environmental Center at the south end of the park had been painted and the boardwalk around the building restored.

View from Environmental Center

The white trail had also received a facelift. Erosion control, stone steps and benches had been installed in many locations. The trail had been relocated to go around the old pump house, but I took a peak inside to see the remaining machinery.

Pump House

Overall this is a great hike with a combination of history, ruins and great Hudson Views. My GPS recorded 5.5 miles for the round trip, but I didn't start it until I reached the boat house below the Mill Mansion. I would add a couple tenths of a mile to the total. The elevation gain and decent is minimal. Mills Norrie State Park is a Dutchess County gem!

Northern View

Retirements, Biking and Birthdays

It's been a busy couple of days. Sharon's Retirement Party on the Hudson River was a blast. The weather was awesome. It was fun chatting and taking in the river views. We were treated to an amazing sunset as we came back into Poughkeepsie.

Afterwards we met the Anderson's for beer and nachos at the P.C.'s Paddock in LaGrange. We're making plans to take a family hike with them.

Hyde Park Train Station in background.

Amazing Sunset

The next morning I dragged my self out of bed to take Troop 41 on a 16 mile bike ride on the Dutchess Rail Trail. We arrived back at the Hopewell Junction Station just as the rain started to fall. I was too busy to take photos. We had a  mix of ability levels, but fun was had by all.

LWood Rox!

Sunday we helped celebrate Larry Wood's 60th birthday. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. We still had a great time. It's hard to believe that Lars is 60! I'm making it my goal to help him get back in better physical shape. I really miss hiking with him.

The Start of Summer 2015

I'm Back!! I'm on my second cup of coffee and preparing to walk the dog. Let's see what adventures this summer will bring!

On line for today:

1. Make the bed
2. Food Shopping
3. Cutting the grass.
4. Pick some weeds
5. Bleach fabric for a knapsack project.
6. Dinner Cruise on Hudson River to help celebrate a colleague's retirement. 

I'm so happy it's Summer!!!