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North America, Travel
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June 22, 2009

The Little Red Lighthouse, Ft. Washington Park, NY

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It was Father’s Day and because of a tight deadline he was on, the only thing my husband wanted to do was get some work done. It was rainy on and off (mostly on) and it seemed like the lazy Sunday would be spent inside. But with the boys getting louder and cabin fever starting to set in, I decided to take them for a nice long walk.

Not too far from where we live, but unbeknownst to many people (even the newly arrived locals) is a hidden entrance to the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway.  It is “hidden” because it is covered by long branches and trees, hidden behind expressways and bridges.  We made our way down 181st St, and the long winding path that lead us right in Fort Washington Park and the newly refurbished, recently opened promenade leading toward The Little Red Lighthouse.

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The Little Red Lighthouse has an awesome history, and is one of the most respected and cherished landmarks of the area. The views are amazing, even on this hazy day, encouraging the boys to sit for a rest, enjoy the wind as it hit their little faces, and watch the sailboats go by. The lighthouse looked proud and majestic, even with the much larger George Washington Bridge as its backdrop.  Cyclists and walkers all stopped to take pictures and admire the scenery. We could’ve stayed there forever…except the kids started kicking the rocks at each other which meant it was time to move on.

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We walked over past the tennis courts, and down the narrow path towards the beach and picnic area.  The only thing to note about this path is that unfortunately the cyclists FLY through both ways, making it very dangerous to walk on, especially for little kids.

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Once we arrived to the grassy area, the 2.5 year old went on his own, taking a moment to sit on the grass and chase butterflies.  His older brothers, on the other hand, went straight to the beach, and started playing with a canine friend they made while there.

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It didn’t take long for my younger ones to get courageous and forget about the fact that they had shoes on and no swimsuits (and that it was the Hudson River! Though on this particular day the water seemed clear and very clean) and they jumped right in with their canine friend before I insisted that they come out.

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It mattered little that they were wet, for not long after the sky once again became dark and rain started to fall. The boys excited about getting wet, began to run and jump and laugh full of joy. I knew exactly how they felt, for I too love getting caught in the rain and the sense of freedom and carefree feeling it brings.

IMG_8026We hurried along to the nearest exit, which isn’t one I had ever taken before, and this in turn lead us onto a hiking path. The boys took on this new part of their adventure with happily, imagining that all sorts of things were going to happen as they walked on the winding path, covered with broken twigs and berries that had fallen from the many trees that grazed their hair as they made their way through.

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At one point my 3.5 year old whispered that a dragon might be hiding in the bushes.

“No, a faiwee!” exclaimed his younger brother.

“No! It’s a dark knight looking for the treasure we are carrying for the king!” added the 11 year old.

They all laughed as I made monkey noises and that of other wild animal of the jungle. No one cared that we had no idea where this path was leading us, or that we had been on it all the while the rain got heavier. Our shoes were muddy and soaked, and we could not have been happier. Eventually we made our way out, and with that so did the sun. The children slowly walked back home full of stories to share with their Dad.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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2 Comments
  • Lisa
    June 22, 2009

    Aww, how sweet. I would love to visit the lighthouse. Maybe that could be one of our playdates 🙂

    Last day of school is tomorrow! Yay!! How about you?

    Reply
  • Michelle
    June 22, 2009

    I have always loved the children's book about the lighthouse. Hope to visit this summer, it's on my to do list!

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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