What a relaxing and fun day first marveling at the beauty and engineering of the Croton Dam – built between 1892 and 1906, 206 feet thick at the base and 18 feet thick at the top holding back a reservoir of 30 trillion gallons of water! When it was built, it was the tallest dam in the world. The reservoir spills over in beautiful waterfalls as you can see above and on the other side of the reservoir/dam is a beautiful park. We were very pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this beautiful spot…. And no more Smokey skies!
Spoke to the park ranger at the entry to the park (Andrew who looks like he had a lot of fun in the 70’s) and got the scoop on where to go for lunch – always asks the locals! Was not disappointed by Whiskey River in Peekskill; then it was on to the tour at West Point.
Thoroughly enjoyed West Point (Collegiate Academy of the US Army), the tour and their motto of “Duty, Honor, Tradition.” Nearly 16,000 acres complete with 7 chapels, barracks, classrooms, athletic facilities and statues honoring past heroes and graduates of West Point. Students are called Cadets. First year are called Plebes, 2nd year Yuks, 3rd year Cows and Senior year Firsties. Lots of ‘Army Beat Navy’ paraphernalia….. what do they know!
Did you know that George Washington saw control of the Hudson River, which borders West Point, as the hinge point of the Revolutionary War? Part of their defense was a huge chain strung across the river (see pic of a remnant of it below) to stop the British from crossing or gaining control. Tomorrow we will pass by West Point on our way up the Hudson.
Great day capped off by dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Tomorrow it is onward to Hyde Park and parts unknown!
Jeannie Wagner
Are you stopping in Hyde Park to visit the CIA, CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA?