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Personal Note from Photographer (Charles):
This past summer I purchased 2 books from Amazon.com
(Catskill Region Waterfall Guide ,
Catskill Mountain Guide)
regarding the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve. My
family has been driving through this area for 30 years
to get to our cabin located just outside of the
Catskills. With the 2 new books and a map I explored
several new areas. On one of my lone trips I found
Plattekill Falls located in Platte Clove Preserve in the
town of West Saugerties. It is a waterfall that measures
about 80 feet high. The hike was very simple and brings
one down to the base of the falls. After taking several
photos of Plattekill Falls I walked further up stream.
It takes a bit of climbing over very big boulders and
walls of stone but the end is another waterfall that
probably measures well over 120 feet in height. This
time I was not at the base but the top of the falls. I
was a bit skittish to stand at the top of the falls as
it took some climbing down to get to actual top (of the
falls). Plus I was alone.
I
shot several photos of the area and went on my way back.
I
told my father about this place and he seemed a bit
skeptical of the area as to its existence and the way I
described it. A week later we explored the area
together. Upon reaching the first waterfall we met a
young couple. As they were there first and to give them
privacy we traveled further upstream to the other
waterfall. I do not yet know the name of this waterfall
and have searched several different resources. Also this
was the rugged area I wanted to show my Father.
This time I made it to the end of the falls and looked
over the ravine known as Platte Clove. The ravine is
very steep and the fall from the falls would mean
certain death due to the height and the rocks below.
After exploring the area and taking several photos we
made it back to the base of the original falls,
Plattekill Falls. We found out the couple just got
engaged under the falls.
I
was fortunate enough to photograph a few photos of the
two in the area after hearing the good news. Two photos
are posted
above
.
Kevin Kraft is a musician and visitors to his website
are able to download samples of his songs
www.kevinkraft.com. |
