Looking down on Esopus Creek
Spending time outside in the winter is so important. (I’m saying this to you guys as much as I am to myself, because my ratio of indoor time to outside time has been way out of balance) I’ve taken my four-year-old baby-sitting charge to the Saugerties Lighthouse, one day we went to the beach, and upon a friend’s suggestion, we visited the Rosendale Trestle, an old railroad-bridge-turned-pedestrian-bridge that is now part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
Here’s the trestle from the ground, back when it was still abandoned:
![Rosendale Trestle: Adventures with the Kid - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i0.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/9301993473_b6ecfda449_h.jpg "Rosendale Trestle: Adventures with the Kid - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]")
The bridge stands 150 feet above Rondout Creek in Ulster County
I was so happy when I saw how excited he was!
This new habit of taking Axel* to places I already love is great for getting a new perspective: kids do make things more fun. I got down to his level to see what I wouldn’t have otherwise and we did fun things like saying hello to each of the white birch trees we passed.
Winter perk: we had the whole trestle to ourselves!
Just like the Walkway Over the Hudson down in Poughkeepsie, this pedestrian bridge is completely safe for kids and it’s a fantastic spot to appreciate the natural beauty of our area. At eye level are the trees and birds (surprisingly musical lately!), below you is the water and surrounding village, and above you is that delicious, expansive sky.
Cute snow cupcakes in the trees!
Looking west from the trestle
The east side of the bridge, looking toward downtown Rosendale
Up on the trestle, it was so calm and quiet. We called out to each other what kinds of car and trucks were approaching next and whether they were covered in snow or otherwise dirty. We raced to see who would get to the other end first, and he waited patiently while I photographed tiny icicles before he knocked them down.
Ice in any form: impossible for little kids to ignore.
Playing the ‘What’s Driving Down the Road Next’ game
One of my favorite parts of this day was the sun shining on the icy Rondout Creek below us.
Thanks, Mother Nature!
I was so happy the sun came out for a bit.
On another note, I’m so happy that today I am the Featured Blogger on SITS! I don’t even know if I’d still be blogging if it wasn’t for the SITS Girls: an amazing, supportive community of thousands of bloggers willing to share what they’ve learned. Even though Sweet and Savoring doesn’t really fit into one niche, I still feel like part of a great circle of women, whether they blog about fitness, parenting, travel, baking, or shopping.
Welcome to all the new readers and I hope you’ll have a look around! Thank you so much for coming by 🙂
*
Refuse normalcy. Beauty is everywhere, love is endless, and joy bleeds from our everyday existence. Embrace it. I love all of you, all my friends, family, and community. I am ceaselessly grateful from the bottom of my heart for everyone…Remember that every day contains a universe of potential; exhaust it. –Dominic Owen Mallary
Happy SITS day, Christy! I’ve loved snooping around your blog today!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Do As I Say; Not As I Do
Thanks so much, Rabia! 🙂
Another wonderful adventure, and new experience for the little guy you babysit for, he is lucky to have you to explore new places with him. Now, I want to go to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, too! Your pictures, as always, help to give us readers the sense of actually being there.What an awesome view and perspective up on the bridge, especially for little children. His parents are so fortunate to have such a creative and caring person like you to care for their boy.
It was funny, when we got back home from the trestle, his dad had never even heard of it as a park! I had to explain that it was totally cool and not dangerous at all, haha.
Being a Canadian gal, living in Alberta, I need to love winter or else I would never set foot out the door! Thankfully I do, sincerely, love winter time (although it can seem a bit long). Love your pictures here, especially those icicles and shards of ice in the river. Visiting via SITS. Do hope your day has been extra special.
Thanks for coming by and for your sweet comment, Barb! I would love to visit more of Canada- I’ve only been to Quebec City, Montreal, and Prince Edward Island. And yes, today has felt soooo special!
Wonderful post & pictures, thank you for sharing. Happy SITS Day!
Nicole Kobilka recently posted…The Walt Disney Studios announces Disney Movies Anywhere
I’d glad you liked the post, Nicole. Thank you!
SO very happy to be here today and hope you are enjoying some time in the spotlight 🙂
I love these photos of the Hudson Valley. I’m originally from Rockland and have spent a lot of time touring the Hudson. So pretty there. And yes–I hear you. The ratio of outdoor/indoor time this winter has been god awful. Here’s to a warm spring just ahead!
Hey Charlotte- I just popped over to your blog, and we are both jonesin’ for an Amtrak residency! 🙂 Also, Charlotte is one of my favorite names.
So glad you like the photos. Cannot wait for spring!
I love these photos. Looks like a a lot of fun. Love the memory making. I pinned this post 🙂
Oh you’re so sweet, Darcel! Really appreciate the pin 🙂
You’re amazing, Christy. This put a smile on my face. Thank you!
So many hugs to you, Shelby! xoxo
Ohh! It’s your day!
It’s so important to get outside in the winter, yes, and I have to remind myself of this a lot.
My daughter doesn’t get annoyed by the cold as I do!
These are beautiful photos.
It’s my day! 🙂 I was so surprised this morning when I saw the jump in views and then thought, ‘wait…is it my SITS Day??’
Thank you as always for your comments & support, Tamara!
I love this. Normally, I try to take the kids (all of 6 of them) on walks, albeit brief ones, for as long as I can into the winter. This year, with snowpocalypse upon us since December, we’ve had to curtail our outside activities. These photos though have made me wish I hadn’t. Stopping by from SITS.
I completely understand, Bridget. It’s been pretty tough with single-digit temperatures and ice and snow everywhere. But on occasions like this one, I’ve been so grateful that we did spend the time outside. Glad you liked the post!
If it weren’t for running, I think I’d have stayed inside pretty much all winter. It’s tough to get out when the temps are SO crazy-low. I’ve always thought bridges, walkways, and these kind of structures are so breathtaking. In a way they scare me a little, but I’m still drawn to them. Loved these pictures. Thanks for sharing, Christy.
Shana Norris recently posted…The Weekly Goals that Didn’t Happen and a Little Gratitude Instead.
I’m glad you and so many other bloggers I follow are runners- it’s such good encouragement! My goal for the next week is to buy some running shoes and get out there again.
Love what you said about bridges. I completely understand about being a bit scared!
I love these pictures, and you’re right about needing to get outside in the winter…. brrrr though.
Thank you! It can be difficult; sometimes the cold has been unbearable, hasn’t it?
Beautiful pictures!!! It makes me want to visit the snow. Looks like a fun day exploring!
Stopping by for some #SITS blogging love <3
Thanks so much, Sara 🙂
Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous! What a fun adventure. Nature is beautiful, especially in the winter.-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted…We Had Words With An Actual Celebrity!
Glad you like my photos, Ashley! I figure it’s a good idea to show how beautiful nature can be this time of year, since everyone is usually complaining about the ice and snow.
Congrats on your SITS day.
I love this pictures, so pretty, and that Dutch baby recipe needs to be tried out ASAP
Natalia
Appreciate the visit, Natalia. Let me know if you try the Dutch Baby!
Hi Christy, happy SITS day! You really take some amazing pictures and tell a great story too, I was reading on my phone but had to go to the computer so I could get a better look at these beautiful photos. Thanks so much for sharing and look forward to reading more 🙂