Morning Rain

Sitting here, sipping my morning coffee, the soft September drizzle that began last night continues to fall. Everything is green. The lacy towering trees surrounding the house reach skyward, blocking both sun and clouds. The assorted vegetation covering the yard is greener than green—it may need mowing soon—flowers grow in profusion in home gardens and planters on village streets. The New Yorkers we have met tell us that they are in a drought. I look out the window; if this is what a drought looked like in the Texas Hill Country, we would be forever grateful.

But still, it is raining. What is my plan for today?  Just sitting here sounds good.

Impromptu Picnic Plans

A little after 10 am, the rain stops. I look at Michael, sitting across the table from me reading his book.

“I thought—maybe—we’d go on a picnic.”

My plan is haphazard, but I know we can pick up sandwiches at the Cub Market, and according to last week’s research, Ashokan Reservoir is a good place to throw down a blanket, have a picnic, and enjoy the view; maybe even see eagles soaring overhead. And it’s close, very close. We just have to figure out where this picnic spot is. I download a map onto my phone.

In Search of Ashokan Reservoir

The map hardly helps as we wander the back roads, trying to find direct access to the water. Nothing is easy, and New York seems to keep access to some of her treasures a secret—only for locals to know and enjoy.

I examine the map on my phone, searching for the road we need. I squint, looking closely, trying to unlock its secret. After a bit of backtracking and then finally turning down a tiny path that looks like it will go nowhere, we enter a park-like setting.  A few other cars are scattered here and there around the circular drive, many with bike racks attached. A sign next to where we have parked says a permit is required.  Our shoulders slump in dismay.

Michael walks over to a sheltered bulletin board and begins to read. He returns to the car, smiling.

I stuff our impromptu picnic bag with a small blanket, drinks, sandwiches, and chips. We trek through the woods toward the water, all hope, and optimism, eventually finding three large tree stumps, two for sitting and one to use as a table. It is as if they have been sitting here forever, waiting for us to find them.