Hudson River Pilings

Hudson River Pilings, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Last one standing? It just might be time to fix last winter's damage before the arrival of fall....

Cadets

Cadets, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Freshman Physical Education class....West Point, NY.

Newburgh Marina

Newburgh Marina, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Summer on the Hudson...The city of Newburgh boasts a updated and lively waterfront park and marina. The area offers lots of boating opportunities....

Chapel West Point

Chapel West Point, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Cadets at West Point pledge not to marry until after graduation. This chapel becomes the marriage venue of choice very shortly after graduation and is very much in demand. Freshman Cadets (Plebs) often reserve wedding dates four years in advance. Countless military brides have taken this walk!

Spinnaker Time

Spinnaker Time, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Sailing downwind is a bit like running downhill! Catchin' the evening breeze on the GSB....

Sail Shadows

Sail Shadows, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
It does not get much better. Warm temperatures, blue sky and a nice breeze. August on the Great South Bay...

Flying Scot Sunset

Flying Scot Sunset, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
August evening on the Great South Bay...Life is Good!

West Point

West Point, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The view from across the parade grounds is a post card of West Point. The academic campus encompasses some 3,500 acres. The entire property that is West Point covers over 25 square miles!

West point Chapel

West Point Chapel, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Iconic West Point Chapel....a visit to the Hudson Valley would not be complete without a stop at West Point. The Cadet Chapel is a must see on the tour as it is filled with history, tradition and pride.

Castle View

Castle View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Bannerman Island's historic structures continue to crumble amid efforts to raise funds for restoration. The views of the Hudson River must have been stunning from the upper floors of the old Armory.

MeetUp Pirates

MeetUp Pirates, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A boatload of photographers... One of those pictures that is often times lovingly referred to  as "shot while shooting". This group is capturing that great light at Bannerman Island!

Bannerman Hilltop

Bannerman Hilltop, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The real treat about our tour of Bannerman Island was the changing early evening light. Great day to have a camera and good company! Life s Good.

Steps to Castle

Steps to Castle, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Steps: It's been a long time since these steps have seen any foot traffic. Bannerman Island set in the Hudson River between West Point and Newburgh is a paradox of beauty amongst the ruins...

Island Ruins

Island Ruins, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Ruins in the river. Like a misplaced rook from a huge chessboard this structure looks a bit medieval in the Hudson River. It's history is tied to Bannerman Island, it was part of a large unloading pier for the island's armory.

Bannerman Waterside

Bannerman Waterside, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Bannerman Castle....The ruins continue to crumble as they guard over Bannerman Island. The island,  situated in the Hudson River once housed a huge armory and supply depot. In the late 1800's the Bannerman family business became a major supplier of military gear for the U.S Army. The private island also served as a summer home for the Bannerman's. 

Future High Line

Future High Line, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Coming Soon: a gorgeous city park with thousands of visitors! The Highline park extension...

Self Seeding Landscape

Self Seeding, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
While touring the last "unfinished" section of the Highline Park in Manhattan, we experienced the ultimate in "politically correct" terminology. Our guide and our brochures informed us that the vegetation along this stretch of the abandoned west side railway was "self seeding". At my house we still just call them "weeds". Go figure.....

CitiBike

CitiBike, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
New York's "Citibike" program has been a huge hit...!