Looking at the facade of the old Fish mansion this now abandoned basketball court stands just off the right side. Looks like it hasn’t been used for some time
Glenclyffe 13 – Abandoned basketball court
Glenclyffe 12 – Spikes on a stump
I spotted these rusting metal objects as I was walking around in the area overlooking the Hudson directly in front of the Garrison Institute.
As far as I can tell they’re rail spikes, which would make perfect sense where I found them was right above the Metro North Railway line.
I liked the rough textures – one colorful and the other more monochromatic – of the spikes and the wooden stump. I didn’t arrange the spikes, but I like it. And, as I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, I’m a sucker for rusting metal objects.
Glenclyffe 11 – Gazebo
I was at a bit of a loss as to what to say about this gazebo, other than that it is a pleasant spot to break your walk, sit, and look out over the river.
Luckily I came across this description on the Hudson Valley Pleasures website:
We came across this magical place quite by surprise
While on a walk to Arden Point we were excited to find the path that branches off to Glenclyffe was now clear of snow. It must be even more surprising to discover this gem once it is hidden by the lush green trees we will soon enjoy.
Two stone paths, one on each side, lead up to structure. As we approached images of monks stepping carefully forward, hands in prayer or frolicking partiers balancing glasses of champagne, played in my mind. As we stepped inside, the spanning view of the river captivated our attention.
The Gazebo was beautifully restored in 2002 through a grant in memory of Marcia Favrot, an environmentalist, artist, teacher and great philanthropist of our community.
“This is one gorgeous earth,” she wrote in September 2000, one month after she was diagnosed with cancer. “The sun is bright, the sky is blue, the air is a blessing to breathe. Friends are the flowers of living next to one another, and family is the trunk from which we grow.” Putnam County News
This work was accomplished along with the trail leading to the Gazebo called Marcia’s Mile by the Open Space Institute. It is easy imagine engaging in deep prayer or meditation in this spot. Or delightful dancing and song. There are many ways to honor and celebrate life…The views are uplifting…all around.
The path from Arden Point to Glenclyffe is called Marcia’s Mile, a trail blazed to honor the life of Marcia Favrot. “An ardent conservationist, she was a supporter of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Open Space Institute, Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, and Manitoga. She was involved in her community with the Garrison Arts Center, the Alice Curtis Desmond and Hamilton Fish Library, the Philipstown Depot Theater, Garrison Union Free School, and the Poughkeepsie Day School.” Putnam County News
We are so thankful for her generosity.
I can only echo this last sentiment.
As mentioned above the views are impressive. However, it’s clear that the author of the post made his visit when the leaves were off the trees. I was there when the trees still bore leaves and it was much harder to get a clear view of the Hudson.
Glenclyffe 10 – Metal panel
As you follow the ‘Benedict Arnold Escape Trail‘ from Route 9d you soon come across a small building with a number of metal panels on it. Over time these panels have weathered and formed the colorful shapes, which initially attracted me. I also liked the textures. I’m a sucker for rusting metal. Soon, however, I noticed that the colors of the panel seemed to reflect the colors of the autumn leaves that had fallen around the base of the panel. All in all the picture has something of an abstract quality.
Glenclyffe 9 – Buddha statue
This statue stands in a corner by a doorway in the Garrison Institute (formerly the Monastery of Mary Immaculate). As this was once a Roman Catholic monastery you’d think that this statue might look a little out of place. However, ‘once’ is the operative word here. The building has not been a Roman Catholic monastery for quite some time. Now it’s the Garrison Institute, whose purpose as described on their website is:
The Garrison Institute was founded on the belief that action in the world is more compassionate and more effective when infused with the wisdom and skill cultivated in contemplative practices. Overlooking the Hudson River in a beautifully renovated former Capuchin monastery, the Institute convenes and supports those who are exploring the wisdom, values and insight gained through contemplative practices to catalyze personal and social transformation.
The mission of the Garrison Institute is to demonstrate and disseminate the importance of contemplative practices and spiritually grounded values in building sustainable movements for a healthier, safer, and more compassionate world. Working collaboratively with practitioners in diverse fields, the Institute develops and hosts retreats and symposia, produces research and publications, and provides a hub for ongoing learning networks.
In this context this buddha statue doesn’t seem out of place at all.