Early December

Ostrander Bridge back.

mid-October

This boulder used to be adjacent to the CPOA deck, found at confluence of Stoney Clove and Warner Creeks, in Silver Hollow

Awaiting relief funds

This news story from News 10, an ALbany station, highlights Phoenicia's continuing plight.

Prattsville announces rebuilding “Action Plan”

The Town of Prattsville has announced an action plan; to rebuild and redesign the city to make it a better place to live in the future. The town made the transition from emergency mode to rebuilding mode as of Tuesday night. Community leaders say they're hoping to turn this disaster into a way to make Prattsville "better" than it was before.More than a month has passed since the flood caused by Hurricane Irene wiped out most of the town. Condemned homes line the streets; while some businesses are getting back on their feet. During the town's weekly meeting Supervisor Kory O'Hara mentioned an "Action Plan' for a long term rebuilding process.

September 8

Pondering wisdom of rebuilding anew

Route 42.

This New York Times article created something of a brouhaha, especially the quote attributed to Kevin Cahill.

Irene caused $1B in damage; FEMA declares disaster

Across Main Street from the Morses in Prattsville, N.Y., an area destroyed by flooding related to Tropical Storm Irene. (Jimmy Vielkind/Times Union)

Fertile flood plain a two-edged sword

The Batavia Kill overflowed its banks, swamping the Lawrence family's farm in Ashland, N.Y. More Photos »

Post-diluvian

A week after the August rains and flood, Stoney Clove Creek is returning to normal. Compare to the video posted below on August 15, and note the significant difference.

By Monday the 22nd the water level was further down, though above what is 'normal' for August.

Chichester floods

After some light rains on Saturday and Sunday, very heavy rains fell overnight into Monday the 15th. These pictures and videos give you a good look at how sleepy Stoney Creek

went from its placid, lazy flow on Saturday afternoon at 1.33pm to a rampaging big muddy

on Monday morning at 9:30. Phoenicia is reported to have received 5 inches of rain, Tannersville 3.7 inches of rain. Whatever the total that fell at the source of our Stoney Creek up in the Devil's Tombstone, there is no doubt of its ferocity and power. Look (and listen) to our little brook gone muddy:

August 13

Pictures of Chichester and West Kill.

Chichester wedding

end of July 2011

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.)