Some discussion ensued about where we were and where we were going. Consensus was achieved on present state. Concurrence was achieved on approach. Develop a clear, concise mental picture of the path forward.
Original Photo: Gaining Concurrence - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The team is ready for the distance with cheerful abandon.
Original Photo: Determining Distance - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Hiking aids are assimilated by the needy. Mimics are in the crowd.
Original Photo: Hiking Aids - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A canopy of shade is welcome even on a partly sunny and partly cloudy day.
Original Photo: Canopy of Shade - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The trail streamside starts out at a shallow gradient.
Original Photo: Shallow Slope - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A man-made artifact presents a reverie for travelers.
Original Photo: Manmade Artifact- Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The trail and the stream present an increasing slope within a quarter-mile from the trail-head.
Original Photo: Increasing Slope- Copyright James E. Martin 2012
There is a tremondous 70 - 90 degree slope from the trail (left) to the trail (right) down to the stream's valley. What a watershed!
Original Photo: View from Trail of Valley Stream - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The rocks are pitted with watershed erosion. The soft earth is rutted away.
Original Photo: Watershed - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Ferns hold tenaciously to the steep slope.
Original Photo: Ferns on 80 degree slope - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Although a few benches are available early on the hike, some weary travelers may have to choose their own rest stop.
Original Photo: Rest Stop for Weary - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The trail crosses the Massachusetts and New York state borders. One foot in each state!
Original Photo: One Foot in Each State - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Some guard rails are provided at the pinnacle of view.
Original Photo: Destination Bash Bish - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The first look at Bash Bish Falls is soothing.
Original Photo: The First Look - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
One quickly develops a sense that shoes must be removed as soon as possible.
Original Photo: Shoes Off 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Collections of shoes expand and contract throughout the day.
Original Photo: Shoes Off 02 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Dipping the toes in unexpectedly cool water is a delight followed by exclamation.
Original Photo: Toes Dipped - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Butterflies sip and frolic amidst the rocks at poolside.
Original Photo: A Cool Drink - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The wonder of nature's grandeur elicits the photo chase. What great photos she must have!
Original Photo: Photo Opportunity - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Some pause to rest and seek a sense of solace amidst the sound of rushing water and echoed voices in the glen.
Original Photo: Rest and Solace - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Eyes scan in all directions to take it all in. Each person sees from a different perspective.
Original Photo: Different Perspectives - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The location and view invoke meditation. This gal seems relaxed while preparing photos and communicating for on-line sharing. Connectivity was difficult in the remote location.
Original Photo: Meditate and Share - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Pictures with family and friends with the falls in the background must be popular.
Original Photo: Pics with Friends - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Clambering among the rocks is a favorite pastime.
Original Photo: Clamber - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Climbing over obstacles is an imperative.
Original Photo: Climb - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
I couldn't resist asking for permission to capture these beautiful feet in the process of air drying after a foot dip. Thank you dearie.
Original Photo: Air Dry - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A tenuous path requires extra care in footing for all ages.
Original Photo: For All Ages - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A proud explorer and discover lurks somewhere within this man's psyche and geneology. What a magnificent conqueror's pose!
Original Photo: Explorer and Discoverer - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The smell of the clear water and the coolness in the air invites a stolen dip despite posted signs for "No Swimming". How can one not enjoy a refreshing?
Original Photo: A Refreshing - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Of course, some are more daring than others. One feels a strong pull to jump into the fray.
Original Photo: Jump Into the Fray - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A dive is preferred by some.
Original Photo: Dive Into the Fray - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
And then a higher challenge is to be sought by climbing the next cliff and trying again.
Original Photo: Climb the Cliff - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Friends are watchful over their compatriots.
Original Photo: Watchful Friends - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
And at last the frolicking is finished up.
Original Photo: Finishing Up - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The chilled among us towel off.
Original Photo: Toweling Off - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daring young neophytes receive sisterly advice from a trusted mentor who has done this before.
Original Photo: A Mentor's Sisterly Instruction- Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Then counsel is sought and feedback is provided on the next steps to take. Encouragement may be necessary for first timers.
Original Photo: Sisters Conference - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Photo opportunities abound.
Original Photo: Photo Opportunities - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Discussions and dialog provide feedback on variant approaches. This way or that?
Original Photo: Feedback on Approach - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Some seek the best view.
Original Photo: The Best View - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Families seek the best portrait perspective.
Original Photo: Family Portrait - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Others who have gone before leave trace of their path.
Original Photo: Someone's Been Here Before - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A cairn shows the way of balance and grace.
Original Photo: The Cairn - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Some may choose to hike down the stream rather than the trail. Better view but for experienced and resilient travelers.
Original Photo: The Downstream Outlook - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The waypoints may be marked by the hands of the aesthetes.
Original Photo: A Waypoint - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Time to gather up the footwear for the downhill journey.
Original Photo: Ready to Go Downhill Home - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A few get a helping hand.
Original Photo: A Helping Hand - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
There may be friendly dialog to solve or forget the world's problems.
Original Photo: Resting Up - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A last look is taken before turning homeward.
Original Photo: A Last Look - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
We wait and look for the rest of the team to ensure all members are present and accounted.
Original Photo: Where's the Rest of the Crew - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
A brief rest before starting the downhill trek may be called for.
Original Photo: Resting for the Downhill - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
But in a very short while, restlessness invokes a call to action.
Original Photo: Getting Restless - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The anticipation to get moving in a homebound direction surfaces once again.
Original Photo: Anticipation - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The journey back is always shorter and easier on the downhill that is known. Next time we may clamber and climb downhill but at the unknown and formidable streamside.
Original Photo: The Journey Back - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
The Bash Bish Falls in the Taconic Parkway is a highly recommended daytrip.
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