We have launch! To celebrate the launch of the brand new website and blog, I thought it only fitting to write about one of my favorite subjects: lost & forgotten New York. For those who know me, they know I'm a bit of a history geek, and have lately become fairly obsessed with this topic. There is so much hidden history around us; we walk or drive by it every day without giving it a second thought. In keeping with the theme of this site, keep your eyes and minds open, and you never know what you'll find.
It also happened to be a beautiful fall day on Sunday (albeit a bit windy), so I packed up my gear and my dog and took off for Palisades Park in search of Cllffdale Manor. Cliffdale is one of a number of impressive mansions on the cliffs overlooking the Western shore of the Hudson north of the George Washington Bridge that were destroyed in the early 1900s to make way for construction of the new Palisades Parkway.
About 5 miles north of the bridge, there is a parking area by a scenic overlook of the river. Don't get too caught up in the view here, as impressive as the cliffside may be. Hike north about half a mile through the woods, and keep a keen eye out, and you will run into what's left of Cliffdale.
The stone foundation is largely obscured by overgrowth, but careful exploration reveals a basement, storage areas, winding stone staircases, remnants of the huge pool and terraced gardens snaking their way down the cliffside. Standing in what would have been a lavish sun room or outdoor terrace was like seeing the area in a whole different light. Imagining the magnificence and splendor of the estate at the time channeled the ghosts that surely still reside there.
And then, the coup de grace: Walk past the lowest part of the pool area, and you will find a retaining wall, punctuated by a large rock outcropping. Step out toward the ledge (extremely carefully) and you will be treated to a breathtaking view up and down the river as you jut out over a sheer drop of several hundred feet to the shore below.
It was all I could do to contain my excitement and snap a few photos. After an exhaustive investigation of the grounds, I headed back south, and couldn't resist a quick stop at Ft Lee Park right by the bridge to get a few shots of the magnificent GWB and the Manhattan skyline. As the last few rays of day kissed the top of the trees over my right shoulder, an eery pink hue was cast across the city - a supernatural feeling sunset to cap off a day of seeking history.
Enjoy a few snaps of the day. There are plenty more adventures to come.
\m/
