On Wednesday, January 14th, we visited the Mohonk Mountain house and went cross country skiing. The historic hotel has been in the Smiley family since its construction in 1879 by Albert and Alfred Smiley. The 2,200 acres is conjoined with the 6,400 acres of the Mohonk Preserve. The hotel is located along the Shawangunk Ridge; The Skytop Tower, which sits at the highest point, is visible from main street in New Paltz. There are many trails throughout the preserve, and we took some that led up to the tower, which was constructed in memory of Albert Smiley in 1921. There is also a popular rock scramble called the Lemon Squeeze, that leads up to the tower. Mostly anyone living in New Paltz for over a year has climbed the Lemon Squeeze. You get really beautiful views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley from the tower. The day we went was very beautiful. It is a very relaxing and easy trail up to the top, although it did get very cold and windy. We got some really nice pictures. While taking a rest inside on of the parlors, we were hoping to get some snacks from tea time, but that didn't happen. We'll have to try again. Photos
Signs marking different trails
View from across the lake
Follow the rules!
Views of the Catskills
Roger waxing our skis
Mountain House
Mountain House
View of New Paltz
New Paltz
Inside Sky Top Tower
Yesterday, Roger and his friend James hiked Vly and Bearpen Mountains in the Catskills. He is going to write about it at some point. Were both busy with our first week of school right now. In other news, Go Obama! I just watched the inauguration on campus at the Student Union Building. I got a little teary eyed. P.S. How come no one else is causing a ruckus over how pricey text books are? It's ridiculous! But there is not choice but to buy them, or you will more than likely fail your class. Major BS!
