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"Kindred Spirits"

Anything related to history in the Catskill Mountains
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nicbro
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:03 pm

"Kindred Spirits"

Unread post by nicbro »

The painting "Kindred Spirits" by Asher Brown Durand:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... pirits.jpg

shows Thomas Cole and William Cullen Bryant standing on an overhang with Kaaterskill Falls in the background. Is this an actual view that can be experienced today or was a certain amount of 'artistic licence' taken when it was painted?
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mike
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Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: "Kindred Spirits"

Unread post by mike »

The painting, "Kindred Spirits" alters the landscape considerably. The ledge (Church's Ledge) they are standing on is there, along with Fawn's Leap. The Kaaterskill Valley is there. But, the rest of it doesn't exist. Kaaterskill Falls is up another clove. Artist back then would dramatically alter the painting to enhance the appeal of the painting.

The painting is now owned by Alice Walton. You can see Fawn's Leap at this link: http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/WF-KC-FL.html
nicbro
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:03 pm

Re: "Kindred Spirits"

Unread post by nicbro »

Many thanks, Mike, I was afraid that might be the answer! Am going to be in the Catskills next February and am hoping to get to see Kaaterskill Falls this time (we couldn't even get beyond Bastion Falls last time because of the ice that was there - March 2011). If we approach from Laurel House Road, are we likely to make any better progress if the Bastion Falls route is impassable?

Thanks again.

Nic.
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: "Kindred Spirits"

Unread post by mike »

Laurel House Road will get you to the top, but not the bottom. Very STEEP path to the bottom. I would not hike down it in the Winter. I usually avoid the top of KF in the winter too. Everything is sloping downhill. Danger place if you falls. Most people can get up from Bastion Falls in the winter. You just need microspikes or snowshoes in the Winter.

The best time to visit KF is after a good 5+ inch rain. Then you want to be on the bottom.

If you look around on the waterfall page above, you will see the many pictures of KF.
nicbro
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:03 pm

Re: "Kindred Spirits"

Unread post by nicbro »

Thank you, Mike - very sensible and, don't worry, we'll take the utmost care. I wasn't thinking of trying to get to the bottom of the falls from Laurel House Road as I'd heard that the path down is treacherous. We were hoping to see some of the remains of the old hotels up there and also wondered if we hiked a little further whether we could get a view of the falls similar to the one in the painting. I've read about Sphinx Rock and Prospect Rock but am not sure whether they offer a view of the falls?

We don't own microspikes but we'll be staying in Woodstock so, hopefully, we can buy or hire some locally.

Thanks again

Nic.
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mike
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Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: "Kindred Spirits"

Unread post by mike »

The trail from Laurel House Road moves away from the falls, so you will not see the falls.

Here is a link to Kaaterskill Falls with pictures: http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/WF-LC-KF.html

Prospect Point is completely overgrown.
You can see Kaaterskill Falls from the Sphinx. But, finding the Sphinx is difficult, and requires some bushwhacking.

The best view in the Winter is from the base. Hiking in from Bastion Falls is the best route, and only safe route.
nicbro
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:03 pm

Re: "Kindred Spirits"

Unread post by nicbro »

OK, Mike, many thanks for your advice. Well endeavour to get to the base of KF from Bastion Falls.

Nic.
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