I was pretty excited when Rich suggested taking a day trip to Kaaterskill Falls. He’s talked about the falls before, and I could hardly wait to see them for myself. I was also aware of a letterbox hidden somewhere nearby, and immediately I put that on the list of possible activities for the day along with a few survey marks and a geocache.
We began our day with a search for benchmark NA0423, right in the heart of Palenville. A search for two other marks along Route 23A (NA0426 and NA0427) was not so successful. We then continued up the highway, managed to find a parking spot and hiked through the cool woods toward the falls. Dodging tourists and teenagers hanging out at the base of the falls, we made our way to the boulder and found “S. Root” without any trouble. We followed the clues and within a minute Rich was pulling the letterbox out from its hiding spot. No one seemed to be paying much attention as we stamped in, even though there was a family posing for photographs a little too close for my comfort. The rest of our day was spent exploring the falls en route to the Kaaterskill Falls geocache; Rich’s log and my log detail the entire adventure thoroughly.
“C 281″, NA0423
 |
…The mark is set flush in the boulder. |
Another fiercely guarded mark! Well, we found the mark without being seen, but I’d advise against wandering on the grounds of the old library unless you want to be screamed at by a nasty teenage “princess”.
Here’s the first bit of information we need to find the letterbox. I’m standing near the carving referenced in the letterbox clue.
Found it. Good job, Rich! Now come the tricky logistics of stamping in without drawing undue attention.
When I come across a spot like this just a few minutes into a hike, I know it’s going to be a great day!
Can you find this carving? Hint: follow the high road under the falls, then take the trail down toward the water. It was the oldest dated carving I saw to this point.
Rich looks tiny standing before these great falls.
I found this ledge behind the falling water to be a very relaxing place. It might have been a nice spot for a picnic!
Rich prepares to take a flying leap over the falls!
I really don’t want to leave this place.