October...

Sunrise over the Hudson Valley

October is my favorite time of the year.  The changing colors, picking apples and pumpkins and the beautiful weather make this time of year hard to beat. After watching a spectacular sunrise I chose to go for a small hike along one of my favorite streams on the Mohonk Preserve...the Coxing Kill.

Split Rock

The Coxing Kill is not the biggest, fastest or most spectacular stream that one can hike along. It's simply a small mountain stream making it's way to the Hudson River and eventually out to sea.  But there is something about it that I find very compelling.  I look for any opportunity to spend time along it's banks and take in it's various scenery, wildlife and moods. It is never stagnate...it is always changing. No two days are ever alike. Today was another chance to see what's new.

  

Unusual tree near split Rock

Just a few reminders of what comes after Halloween

A hike in the Shawangunks was not the only bright spot on this gorgeous autumn day.  A trip home around this time of year always includes a trip to the pumpkin patch and the orchard with my family to pickup some apples, cider donuts and cider.

Alina and Bella in the pumpkin patch

One of the girls favorite part of the autumn trip home to nanna and papa's house is the cider donuts at the orchard and we always have to take the "back of the car" photo.  Seems like the size of the back of the car is shrinking. Family, apples, hiking, fall colors....who could ask for a better October day?

Just for comparison...pic from 2010