Life on the Hudson - Catskill

Aug.21st: CATSKILL

The Indians called the Hudson “the river that flows both ways” because it is a tidal estuary of the Atlantic and a river carrying waters from the mountains downstream. In places here, tides can run up to four feet! We spent our first night out on the river mindful of this fact and anxiously wondered how we would “hold” in the ebb and flow of tides and the strong currents they produce during the night while we were sleeping. Happily we awoke the next morning still anchored in the same place. And so we set off for Catskill where we had arranged to have the mast stepped at Riverview Marina. “Kill” is an old Dutch word for “stream”. Catskill was the name given to the town, stream and mountains of this region by early settlers in recognitions of the cougars—“cats”—that were plentiful here at that time.

The town of Catskill is a delightful place at the foot of a range of rugged hills. It is presently going through a period of rejuvenation as carpenters and painters repair and restore the many extremely beautiful old buildings that line the main street to their former glory. Everywhere flowers spill out of window boxes and planters lining cobbled and slate sidewalks. At intervals along the way large fiberglass “cats” sit on perches—each ingeniously painted, decorated and appropriately “named” by various individuals and group sponsors. I counted at least 30 of these artifacts as I passed little cafes, sweet shops and galleries and each brought a smile to my face. Behind the main street and running parallel to it flows placid Catskill Creek. A collection of classy condominiums line its edge and a string boats are tied to slips along the banks.

Despite suburban development beginning inland, it was refreshing to see a town remembering the beauty of its past and attempting to bring life and people back to the old section where it all began. Apparently this is a place that is being discovered by many New Yorkers eager to flee the city after 9/11. They come to homes here on weekends—which is perhaps why I was unable to find “nothing necessary” in the many shops—only antiques, baubles and bric-a-brac. But as more people come to retire or relocate here hopefully the beautiful buildings will become less façade and more real, offering the many things people actually need to make living in this charming little place both comfortable and viable.