Caldwell House Bed & Breakfast
Innkeeper(s):
Dena and John Finneran s Meagan Finneran - Asst. Innkeeper
Hiking in the Hudon Valley - a neat App! 29 May 2012, 5:07 pm
Lots of guests at the Caldwell House love to hike or bike here in the Hudson Valley. Just saw this really neat looking App that could help folks locate the best trails and paths for them.......
Trail Conference Maps on Your Apple Smartphone or Tablet!!
The Trail Conference is very excited to announce that select, enhanced trail maps are now available for use on Apple smartphones and tablets! (An app for Android is in development.) Using the PDF Maps app from Avenza, you can pinpoint your location on a map, mark waypoints and geotag photos, measure distances, and much more! Click here to go to the App Store now or search for "Avenza PDF Maps" in the Apple App Store on your mobile device, then "nynjtc" to find our maps.
Read on for information about this brand new offering from the Trail Conference!
Use the following links to navigate to the different sections within this informational guide:
- Introduction: What is the PDF Maps app?
- How do I get trail maps on my smartphone or tablet?
- What features are included with the PDF Maps app?
- What are some specific ways I might use these maps?
- Other Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find additional information?
- What trail maps are currently available through the PDF Maps app?
Introduction: What is the PDF Maps app?
PDF Maps is an award-winning, free map app from Avenza Systems Inc., a company recognized worldwide as a leader in map development software. The app is currently available on Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and is a powerful geospatial PDF reader that allows you to easily download and interact with maps in new and exciting ways. A map store within the app gives you access to thousands of maps from around the world, from outdoor recreation maps to city transit maps. This "iTunes for maps" includes free maps as well as maps available for purchase. The Trail Conference has become a vendor in this map store and has made a selection of trail maps available through the PDF Maps app.Note: At present, the Avenza PDF Maps app is only available on Apple mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch); an app for Android devices is expected later this year, with other mobile platforms to follow. Stay tuned.
How do I get trail maps on my smartphone or tablet?
Follow these 5 easy steps to get trail maps on your device:- Download and install the free PDF Maps app from the App Store or iTunes.
- Click here to go to the App Store directly or search for "Avenza PDF Maps" in the Apple App Store on your mobile device.
- PDF Maps requires iOS 4.0 or later running on an iPhone 3GS or better, 3rd generation iPod Touch or better, or any iPad.
- Once installed, navigate to the Map Store and search for "nynjtc" to find our selection of both free maps and maps available for purchase (the Search function is accessed by tapping the Magnifiying Glass button).
- Tap on a map to view a preview and description.
- Free maps can be downloaded directly by tapping 'Free' and then 'Install Now'.
- Maps available for purchase can be downloaded through an in-app purchase using your Apple iTunes account. Tap the price, and then 'Buy Now' (you may be prompted for your iTunes account password).
- Your device must be connected to the internet (wi-fi or cell signal) to download maps.
- The app will switch to the Maps library, and once the map is downloaded and extracted, it will appear in your Map Library.
- Tap on the map to open it and start using the map!
What features are included with the PDF Maps app?
The PDF Maps app includes a number of interactive features that allow you to use our Trail Conference trail maps like never before. Each map is a geospatial PDF, or a PDF that contains geospatial information such as real world location. This geospatial information makes it possible to locate specific points and measure distances right on the map. Here are some of the major features of the app (note that some features require a GPS-enabled device and/or an internet connection):- Use simple multi-touch gestures to pan around maps, zoom in/out, add waypoints and more.
- Use your device's built-in GPS (iPhone and certain iPad models) to see your real-time location on the map.
Add waypoints at your current location and even import or export waypoints.
- Find locations by entering coordinates in a variety of popular coordinate systems.
- Attach photos to a waypoint.
Measure distances and areas easily and accurately.
- Navigate with a built-in compass that orients the map based on direction.
- Access thousands of maps, including USGS topo maps and a growing catalog of Trail Conference maps, directly within the app using the Map Store.
- Use your maps off-line in areas without any mobile coverage, since the maps download to your device's memory.
View the current map area in the Maps app (streets and satellite imagery) on your device.
- Search for points of interest on a map, based on search engine results.
Enlarge maps using high-resolution mobile device displays.
- Carry all your maps on one small device.
What are some specific ways I might use these maps?
Out on the trails, there are many ways you can use the PDF Maps app to enhance your experience. Here are just a few examples:- Plan your route with the 'Measure' tool to make sure you know how long your route will be.
- Use the 'Compass' tool to orient the map in the right direction so that you can safely proceed on your intended route.
- View satellite imagery of your location by using the 'Open in Maps' tool (internet connection required). This brings up the Google Maps imagery found in the Maps app, and this additional imagery may help you navigate to a certain feature.
- If you aren't quite sure where a parking area is located, use the map with GPS to guide you to the parking area (Caution: do not use the app while driving! Have a passenger help navigate, or pull off the road to consult the map). When you arrive at the parking, the GPS location symbol should match up with the parking symbol on the map.
- If you know the coordinates of a feature you want to find, you can enter the coordinates as a Placemark and see the location on the map.
- You can view the coordinates of your current position, which can be helpful information to provide to someone that may be looking for you (especially search-and-rescue efforts).
- Use the 'Find Places' tool to locate nearby points of interest right on the map (internet connection required). This acts like a Google search right on the map. Find a nearby campground or hotel accommodations, or find a great nearby restaurant after a long day's hike.
- You can use the 'Add Placemarks' tool to record locations of features along your route. You can record a Placemark at a regular interval to keep track of the exact route you have taken. You can also record a Placemark at features such as a fantastic viewpoint or a waterfall so that, perhaps on a future trip, you can see where those features are located on the map.
- You can also add photos to a Placemark so that you might later recall where a particular photo was taken.
- If you use Google Earth or other mapping program on your computer, you can import KML files and export KML/GPX files that include Placemarks. This allows you to import Placemarks to place on the map, or export Placemarks you recorded on your trip. The Export function makes sharing of Placemarks easy to accomplish (internet connection required).
- If you are out on the trail and notice a Trail Problem that the Trail Conference should be aware of, or even a problem with the map itself that should be corrected, record a Placemark and send it along to us with a report of the problem.
- If you discover other useful ways to use these maps out on the trail, please let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page!
.jpg)
Caldwell House Landscaping Project Update 23 May 2012, 7:00 am
Caldwell House Landscaping Project Update
It has been a while since my last update on our landscaping project but as I have had to learn, one needs patience with Mother Nature as change does happen overnight!
After all the plowing, raking, digging, sifting, and then planting, one must sit back several weeks and let nature take its course. Despite my bouts with impatience, I am more than happy with how things have turned out.
Here are a couple of “finished product” views and then some “before and after” looks…….
The Lawn
After lots of bulldozing, power-raking, grading, aerating, raking, fertilizing, and seeding, on top of the big tree removal project that we undertook in March, the new lawn is finally taking hold.
The Plants and Shrubs
We replaced the bushes in front of the porch with some new Azaleas - pink, purple, and red. They are fairly young plants so it will take a year or two for them to really grow into the size we’d like.
Memorial Day Sales @ The Outlets! 23 May 2012, 6:08 am
Great shopping opportunity this weekend at Woodbury Commons. We still have rooms available on Sunday night!
| | ||||||
| ||||||
|
Storm King Art Center - upcoming member events 16 May 2012, 3:38 pm
Members' Event Private Tour with Director and Curator, David R. Collens, and photographer, Jerry L. Thompson Saturday, May 19, 3:00 pm Enjoy Storm King at the height of the spring season! Join David R. Collens, Director and Curator, and photographer Jerry L. Thompson for a private tour that focuses on the questions and complexities of siting outdoor sculpture in the unique and ever-changing environment at Storm King. R.S.V.P. to membership@stormkingartcenter.org. Donor Members and above. |
Kite-Making and Flying Workshop Sunday, May 20, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Join Queens-based Free Style Arts Association for a creative and active afternoon of kite-making and kite-flying! Materials provided. |
Family Tour with Wally McGuire Sunday, May 27, 1:00 pm Celebrated educator Wally McGuire introduces children (and adults) to Storm King's sculpture collection. McGuire's tours enable visitors of all ages to find personal connections to sculpture and introduces concepts such as representation, abstraction, and stylization. |
Storm King is pleased to announce the World Monuments Fund's Inaugural H. Peter Stern Lecture
Monday, May 21, 6:30 pm
The Graduate Center CUNY, Harold M. Proshansky Auditorium
365 Fifth Avenue (at East 34th), New York City
To inaugurate the H. Peter Stern Lecture, Pico Iyer will deliver a special lecture for World Monuments Fund supporters, sharing insights about the wonder of travel and the responsibilities that accompany it.
Irish Prayers & Toasts for St Patrick's Day 30 Mar 2012, 4:32 pm
Irish Prayers & Toasts for St Patrick's Day
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
May the sun shine, all day long,
everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
and may all the wishes you wish come true!
everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
and may all the wishes you wish come true!
May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
Whenever there is happiness
Hope you'll be there too,
Wherever there are friendly smiles
Hope they'll smile on you,
Whenever there is sunshine,
Hope it shine especially for you to make each day
for you as bright as it can be.
Hope you'll be there too,
Wherever there are friendly smiles
Hope they'll smile on you,
Whenever there is sunshine,
Hope it shine especially for you to make each day
for you as bright as it can be.
The Caldwell House Landscaping Project Part3 26 Mar 2012, 2:07 pm
The Caldwell House Landscaping Project
Part3
We took some time off to enjoy the weekend and the incredible weather we've been having out here. We also had some great guests in this weekend, so it was nice to put the shovels down for a bit and relax.
But, as the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end" and with the sounds of the Monday morning school bus meant it was time to get back at it.
We have made a lot of progress up to this point and, while we still have more work to do, much of the future "work" is in the hands of Mother Nature.
The Front Lawn
Most of the work on redoing the front lawn is complete. It has been tilled, raked, leveled, hydro seeded, fertilized, and constantly watered. Now it is up to mother nature to work her magic. We figure it will take another week or so before we start to see any meaningful growth - unless the weather turns cold again, in which case it might take a bit longer.
My hope is to be able to posts pictures on line during the playing of the Masters and have people guess - "is it Amen corner or the Caldwell House?"
The Magnolia Trees
Speaking of the Masters, just like Augusta we are blessed with a number of Magnolia Trees on the property and it is hard to think of anything more beautiful when they bloom (ok, cherry trees might give them a run for their money).
The pictures above are from just one of several tress on the property - and each tree has a different color. There is a very pretty all white one blooming on the other side of the B and B that is a good match with this pinkish one.
The Back Yard
The back yard, or "back 40" as I like to call it, have only been lightly touched so far. There is so much potential back there and offers so many opportunities. We want the yard to offer the sort of backdrop that any bride and groom would dream to have for their wedding or reception.
The first project undertaken was to clear out an "island" about a third of the way out in the yard. By doing this, we have opened up the yard so that there is a clear view from the house all the way to the back of the yard - which is quite a ways out there (I'm guessing it's a Par 5 for all you golfers).
To buffer the yard from Route 94 in the way back, we have planted 5 Spruce Trees. While only 6 or 7 feet tall now, they grow to 60 feet or so tall and about 20 feet around. Who knows, maybe someday we'll have a Rockefeller Center Tree to offer??!! Next - the walkway is completed. The area between The Caldwell House, the little green house, and Loughran's is remade, and more...
Stewart State Forest 26 Mar 2012, 10:00 am
A real treasure trove of outdoor activities - and often forgotten about - is the gem called The Stewart State Forest. To top it off, it is only about a 5 minute drive from the Caldwell House!
The roughly 7,000-acres of Stewart State Forest are unique in the northeast and increasingly rare in the Hudson Valley. A mix of wetlands, fields and woods, the site includes 18 miles of gravel roads and over 22 miles of major trails which provide unparalleled recreation - hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, dog training and trials, skiing, snowmobiling, bird watching and fishing. Old farm fields take you to an earlier gentler time in our nation's history.
History
The Stewart Bufferlands and the Supersonic Airport
More than 400 acres of land is still being farmed at Stewart State Forest
In 1971, today's Stewart State Forest was first set aside as the "Stewart Bufferlands," when NYS condemned 8,076 acres to the west of then Stewart Air Force Base. The land was to become the east coast's premier Super Sonic Transport (SST) airport, and the large buffer was needed for expansion and noise abatement. The State bought 802 parcels of land, removing 337 farms and houses, and almost 1,200 people.
The airport expansion and SST plans were abandoned by 1982 and commercial flights began at Stewart in 1990. The airport's long runway remains one of several emergency landing sites for the Space Shuttle. Between 1974 and 1999, the DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife managed Stewart as a Cooperative Hunting Area. The "Stewart Bufferlands" were turned over to the DEC in 1999 and 2006, after decisions were made concerning several development proposals for parts of the property.
Recreational Activities at Stewart State Forest
Fishing | Since 1974, the 7,000 acres west of Drury Lane have been a New York State DEC Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, with almost 10,000 hunters visiting the area annually. The area represents a diverse population of game including deer, turkey, pheasant, grouse, rabbit, squirrel and an occasional black bear. Hunters are allowed access by permit and may park at the entry location lots or in any of the numerous areas provided alongside and inside the lands. Small game season starts in early October; large game/deer season begins around Thanksgiving, when hunters have exclusive use of the Forest into December. Turkey season begins May 1. |
Dog Trials | Numerous ponds and small lakes dot Stewart State Forest. Many fishermen visit these waters annually. These waters provide excellent fishing for Bass, Yellow & White Perch, Crappies and Catfish. |
Many dog trial and hunting clubs hold regular training sessions and competitions at Stewart State Forest. | |
Horseback Riding | |
Stewart State Forest provides an excellent place for horseback riding. With 7,000 acres of open space, fire-roads and trails, it has become a favorite place for many riders. Ample parking for horse trailers is available at the entrances on Ridge Road and Barron Road. | |
Bicycling | |
Stewart State Forest provides a variety of terrain to accommodate cyclists of all abilities. Over 16 miles of maintained fire roads offer easy to moderate conditions. More advanced cyclists will enjoy the over 50 miles of single-track trails. Several mountain bike events are held annually on the lands, including SPARC's annual Stewart State Forest Bike Tour. An 11x17 map of the lands with trails marked is available from SPARC for a $5 donation. www.stewartparkandreservecoalition.org/ | |
Hiking | |
Numerous hikers and bird watchers visit the lands regularly. The large amount of land and trails combined with the peace, quiet and solitude of this environment make it an excellent choice for a relaxed hike. Many visitors come to watch the wildlife, especially birds. Stewart State Forest boasts a wide range of birds, and a variety of hawks and other birds of prey. |
Access to Stewart State Forest for the Fall Hunting Seasons
Stewart State Forest is open to the public during the small game and special big game (archery and muzzleloader) hunting seasons. However, access during the Regular Big Game Season is restricted to licensed hunters and trappers for the purpose of hunting and trapping. Licensed hunters and trappers can gain vehicular access to the interior road network and internal parking areas through the Weed Road gate from October 1 through December 31 between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset (road and weather conditions permitting). Vehicle access to the interior of the area is also permitted for participants in the statewide youth pheasant hunting weekend (the weekend immediately proceeding October 1). All other users are prohibited from accessing the property by motor vehicle unless permitted by the Department and must park in an exterior parking area.
The Department and Orange County Federation of Sportsmen host an annual Youth Hunting Day on the 2nd Saturday in October. Hunting parties must include a junior hunter (ages 12-15) to access the area.
Reservations for the Regular Big Game Hunting Season
Reservations are required for the first two days (Saturday and Sunday) of the Regular Big Game season. To make a reservation, call Tuesday, 11 days before opening day, beginning at 8:30 AM. Only one reservation will be accepted per phone call. The telephone number to make a reservation is 845-256-3095.
DEC staff will be at the hunter check station on Weed Road one hour before sunrise to check in hunters on mornings when reservations are required. Hunters must claim their reservations by 7:00 AM. Unclaimed reservations may be reassigned after that time. Vacating a parking area after 8:00 AM will result in forfeiture of a party's reservation for the remainder of the day.
Go to the following for more info http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/57959.html
This domain is the “holy land” to the local mountain biking community because of its excellent and competitive singletrack trail system over a variety of challenging terrains. The cooperative area is composed of a combination of active and abandoned farmland, apple and pear orchards, and second-growth forestland. Ponds and marshes dot the landscape, along with several small streams. Twelve miles of wide, gravelly, hard-packed dirt roads crisscross the hilly interior, providing long, sweeping descents from hills. These roads are perfect for the novice or experienced rider hungry for some genuine fat-tire fun. For the more serious riders and technicians, there are wads of intermediate and advanced high-tech singletracks. These trails traverse what seems to be an unlimited supply of hills and tight turns punctuated by myriad jumps. They can be attacked aggressively or handled slowly. The lunar, 10-mile, jackhammer, singletrack loop described below is for dedicated hammerheads with a purpose. Good bike handlers will get an excellent workout. Sections of the ride are actually banked and pitched at an angle, keeping you off the brakes and moving fast. As you navigate through the many twists and turns of the trail, the riding begins to take on a Zenlike quality. You’re not overbraking or oversteering, and the tires seem to carve like skis. You come out of corners with just enough momentum, as if the trail is controlling the bike and you’re just along for the ride. The Stewart Airport Cooperative area, aka “the holy land,” is a great place to come with a group of people with different riding skills. There is plenty of track for those who would like some easy peddling through scenic countryside. For the dirt disciples who are not happy unless they have shredded some rock and come back bruised and battered and have conquered every hill, this is heaven. Located in northeastern Orange County between the city of Newburgh and the village of Maybrook. The area is bounded on the north by Interstate 84, on the east by the New York State Thruway (Interstate 87), and on the south by NY 207. The topography is generally flat and gently rolling. The layout of the single-track loop takes full advantage of the hilly terrain and varied woodland, including as many short-haul ascents and descents as can fit into the trail's 10 miles. There are no major long hauls up any mountain, just lots of tiny hills. The double-track rolls gently along the interior dirt roads with no appreciable gain or loss in elevation.
Date Nite at The Caldwell House - Update 20 Mar 2012, 5:06 pm
The Caldwell House Landscaping Project Day 2 19 Mar 2012, 1:08 pm
The Caldwell House Landscaping Project
Day 2The Project is underway in earnest - or should I say "Projects" - as there seems to be many things going on at the same time. Being that a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll do a lot more posting of pictures than actual describing.
Along the way, you'll see that we'll have unanswered questions, for example, today's questions is - what perennials should we be planting in our front entryway gardens. Any and all suggestions are quite welcome!!!
So, here we go...
Project # 1 involved John and his Bobcat. He cleared out a large are between the little green Caldwell house, the B and B , and Loughran's. Let's just say that that piece of land had been neglected for many years and was in need of a very good spring clean up!
When everything has been completely cleared and the ground has been leveled, we will over-seed it good and within a few weeks it will look like a beautiful rolling hill.
Here's a view of the rolling hill after clearing but before the hydro-seeding and other landscaping work we'll be doing to it.
Hey, I'm begining to grow fond of the little opening in the fence!
Chris DeSantis and his crew moved in with the heavy duty equipment and tore up the existing lawn at the B and B. They used a "power rake" which was attached to a bulldozer. The combination helped aerate, till, and level the land, preparing it for the next stages which included liming, fertilizing and hydro-seeding.
In addition to the lawn, we've changed out all the shrubbery in the front. A row of weather worn hedges just in front of the front porch has been replaced with pink, purple and red Azaleas.
A somewhat new addition will be a redefined walkway entrance from the street. We'll be adding a Flagstone walkway from the street to the front door and alongside the walkway will be gardens on either side which will have mulched in flower beds with yet to be determined perennials.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's update as progress is occurring at a brisk pace!
.jpg){kind=link}
