Where in the Valley is Reed Sparling? (January 2009)

And the ANSWER IS...

Our congratulations to Garrick Bryant of Highland for being the first to respond to the January "Where in the Valley is Reed Sparling" contest. Garrick recognized Reed as being at Esopus Meadows Preserve (Ulster County).

A hike through Esopus Meadows Preserve, up and over a wooded ridge, past a picturesque stream and on to the banks of the Hudson River, is thrilling. (Go now and you might also hear one of the valley's eeriest sounds: thunderous booms caused by ice floes cracking and crashing into the shoreline.) But the neatest way to reach the preserve is by canoe or kayak. A stop on the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, its riverside amenities -- including a pavilion and composting toilet – were designed for paddlers to catch their breath and enjoy the glorious views without being buffeted by wind, tides or wakes from monstrous container ships.

Our congratulations to to Garrick Bryant of Highland for being the first to respond with the correct answer. He won an autographed copy of Reed Sparling's Hudson Valley Voyage: Through the Seasons, Through the Years. Try your luck with our February challenge!