While my wife handled drop-offs for the show at John Boyd Thacher State Park, I walked the cliff edge and caught Mine Lot Falls frozen below—still, sharp, and worth every step.
High Falls (Columbia County) December 21, 2025 Peace of Akatosh High Falls Conservation Area in Philmont, Columbia County is one of those hidden Hudson Valley gems that feels like stepping into a storybook woodland. (I recommend listening to some ambient music while hiking. The song “Peace of Akatosh” fits very well when you get to the falls.) This 47-acre preserve, protected by the Columbia Land Conservancy, winds a peaceful trail through hemlock and hardwood forest alongside the babbling Agawamuck Creek […]
2025, Back Into It April 4, 2025 Photo Story The first real outing of the year came after a long night in the ER with Logan. By Saturday morning, I was still drained, so I was surprised when Chase wanted to get outside. I wasn’t about to turn down the chance, so we packed up the dogs—Chloe and Larry—and headed to Potterskill Preserve. The trails were damp from winter, but the sun was out, making everything feel fresh. The waterfalls […]
Disappointment My visit to Buttermilk Falls and Yatesville Creek was a bit disappointing—the falls were almost completely dry. I’ll need to come back in the spring, possibly just after the snowmelt, and hope for better luck. A Colored Rock While walking along the creek bed, I came across a painted rock. I’m always intrigued by the things people leave behind, wondering whether they were placed intentionally or forgotten by accident. Videos
While driving through Amsterdam, NY, I decided to stop by Kirk Douglas Park to check out the falls. I captured a couple of videos—one from the park itself and another a bit downstream, on the bridge over the stream.
Had some time to shoot Morgan at Thatcher Park. This girl is so much fun to shoot and her photos always come out great, I love it.
Growing up, our trips to Minerva Lake in the Adirondacks became a staple, and one of the landmarks that signaled we were getting close a the dam along the way. As a kid, I’d look forward to seeing the water cascading over it, wondering about its purpose. Last year, during a solo outing back to Minerva Lake with the dogs, I made it a point to revisit that memory, stopping to take in the waterfall I once looked forward to […]
I recently revisited my childhood camp with Chloe and Larry, capturing photos of familiar spots and reflecting on how things have evolved over the years.
French Hollow Falls was a little bit of a disappointment. Maybe its just because of the time of year, but I couldn’t get closer to the falls or bridge itself with any of my gear. Maybe in the spring this place might get another visit from me.
Some photos and videos taken during a hike across Peebles Island this past summer.
thedorianroark
