GUNTHER/photo
April 1, 2019
By Arthur H. Gunther III
(also on Facebook)
There is a literal “hook” to the Hudson River shore just 25 miles north of New York City. It is Hook Mountain, its high cliffs dwarfing the mighty waterway. Subject of countless photographs, drawings and paintings, it was saved from disfiguring as a quarry about 1900 by the Rockefeller family and is now part of the state park system.
Hendrick Hudson saw the Hook on his river journey; Native Americans fished the river and set caves in the sandstone long before that.
The trail below is a magical tour for the spirit and soul, every step taking you away from all that bustles, keeping you safe in the arms of such a high place that you feel utterly protected.
That the Hook was rescued is a tribute to the rich who would go beyond profit to make a mark. That the cliffs and the river path below dispense their salve daily is a blessing.
The writer is a retired newspaperman. angunther@yahoo.com
Repeat” A Pleasure. Grew up with the Hook. Lots of pictures ,walk the path to Haverstraw. Wade,skim flat stones treat for Sunday outings.
Nice memories, Dorothy!