Author Archives: Eric Gates

I grew up going to a tiny church on a dirt road in a valley. The church was surrounded by hay fields at the time and had a small cemetery across the road. I have very fond memories of this church. On Sunday, the cars would be parked on the grass off the driveway thatContinue reading “The little church in the valley”

Peebles Island is an island in the Mohawk River near Albany, NY where the Mohawk connects to the Hudson River. There is an old textile factory – or something like that from what I remember. There’s a great trail around the edge of the island and I think a few through the middle – IContinue reading “Peebles Island State Park, Albany NY”

Jayne’s Hill is the highest point on Long Island at a whopping 400 feet above sea level. The trails there are excellent. I usually park at the dead-end road (Reservoir Road) near the top of the hill by the water tower. That’s a great place to start from. You may encounter horses and dogs onContinue reading “Walt Whitman Trail/West Hills Park/Jayne’s Hill”

I have a love/hate relationship with NYC. I live near Rosedale Queens and I commuted into the city via train for 20+ years before starting to work remotely. I hate Queens, I hate Brooklyn, rarely go to the Bronx (only for the zoo), and only pass through Staten Island on expressways. Manhattan though. I hateContinue reading “New York City”

It may not be much but my family has lived here or near here for since the 1950’s. I grew up in this trailer in the woods. It started as a trailer on a hill near a dairy farm not too far from here and I think I was 5 when we moved into itContinue reading “There’s no place like home.”

Recently stayed at the cottage of a family friend in the hills and farmland of northwest Pennsylvania. We’ve stayed at the cabin a few times and it is very nice. The next picture was taken in winter (obviously).