Post Office closings

News stories have appeared that the U.S. Postal Service is considering closing 3,700 local post offices. This story, one of many, includes a list of possible choices. Both Chichester and Lanesville appear on the list.

Volunteer day at CPOA

Not all of us got to play in the water (though we did get to take a dip after the workday was done). In fact, a good number of us worked at prettying up the CPOA grounds: the backstop on the basketball/handball court was painted a gleaming white; the grounds were cleared; debris was removed. We broke for a barbecue lunch at midday, and got back to work for another sustained effort.

The place looks great.

Tanbark Trail hike

On 8 July, a group of us hardy Chichesterites met to hike the Tanbark trail. Access to the trail is from the Phoenicia Park (across the street from the new, temporary location of the Phoenicia Library, and adjacent to the Phoenicia Post Office). It is a 2½ mile hike. Two steep trail sections. Two overlooks: down to Phoenicia, and across to the Shawangunks.

Before starting our hike, Arianna Marrazzo, in her cowboy boots, spotted a bald eagle soaring over our heads.

Phoenicia seen from the overlook.

 Off in the distance, the Gunks.

Numerous websites have information on the Tanbark Trail. The Catskill Running Festival, has a PDF map of the trail (in color).

4 July dinner & dance

Thunderstorms boomed at 5 in the morning, and rains fell most of the day. Yet our spirits were not dampened; we held our annual 4th of July weekend  cocktail hour and dinner inside the CPOA clubhouse. Following dinner, square dancing.

(Note the effects of the rains on Stoney Clove Creek: the video is from July 4th, around 4pm.)