I have been spending a lot of time outdoors lately, learning some new activities and just enjoying the natural beauty that is upstate New York. I’ve been running outside on the roads and trails near my house, training for my first race ever (at the tender age of 37!). In the coming months, I plan to learn how to kayak and canoe, and also to improve my hiking and camping skills. I’ve also been brushing up on my knowledge of birds, wildflowers and trees lately, so when I do finally make it out onto the water and onto the trails, I’ll have a greater appreciation of what I’m looking at!

Now, for those who have known me for a long time and have a hard time with the image of me with my nose NOT in a book, this is a surprising turn of events. But I’ve recently been renewed with a sense of wonder at the natural world that’s around me, and I want to explore it as much as possible. The Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley have some of the best venues for outdoor fun in the United States, and I fully intend to take part in everything these regions have to offer.

This issue of the Guide is devoted to The Great Outdoors, and to the myriad activities that even the least skilled among us can engage in.

For a relaxing, informative day amid some of New York’s most picturesque farmland, try a visit to Schoharie County (“Spectacular Beauty? Sustainable Fun? A Schoharie County Weekend!”). “Schoharie Buzz,” a longtime area resident, recently took some friends on a tour of his stomping grounds, and offers some tips on where to visit and what to do.

For a real blast from the past, visit the historic hamlet of Roxbury for one of their “Railride into Yesteryear” events, held over three Saturdays (June 21, July 5 and August 30) during the summer. Immerse yourself in 19th century architecture, food, vintage Base Ball, crafts and other pastimes. Partnering with the Delaware & Ulster Railroad, Roxbury’s “Railride into Yesteryear” brings its guests to town in true 19th-century style via the train. For more information about this fun family event, see “Roxbury’s Railride into Yesteryear: Bringing the Best of the Past Home Again."

We tried something new with the photography portfolio this month. A local hiker and photographer, Mark Alesse, took some great photos on a hike to Kaaterskill he took with his friend Rodger. The story of their hike, along with Mark’s wonderful photographs, may inspire you to do some hiking of your own.

And what better day to start hiking than on National Trails Day, June 7? There are events throughout the United States to celebrate this special day; along the Hudson River, the Mountain Top Historical Society, Cedar Grove—the Thomas Cole Historic Site and Olana are all joining in the fun with events of their own (“Celebrate National Trails Day…Bread Crumbs Not Required”). If these celebrations don’t appeal to you, or you find yourself away from the area, check out the National Trails Day Web site at www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx: it has a complete list of special events across the country to pay tribute to the trails of the United States.

And finally, performances at the Catskill Mountain Foundation (map) begin to ramp up in May, so be sure to check out the CMF pages in The Arts section of this issue. Also make sure to mark your calendars: July 12, 2008 is the date of the annual Catskill Mountain Foundation (map) Benefit. This year’s event is special, as it celebrates 10 years of the CMF bringing the arts to the Mountaintop. Check the CMF’s Web site, www.catskillmtn.org, for event updates as they become available.

See you in the mountains, on the trails and on the water!

Yours sincerely,


Sarah Taft
Managing Editor
tafts@catskillmtn.org