Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - Pedaling into the Past by Ernie Reale

Ernie wrote this some years ago, and sadly, I only came across two pages. I enjoyed it and wanted to share his story and his love for the outdoors with you. 

Ernie Reale (one of our Town of Hunter councilmen) shares his love for nature and the Mountain Top's history. 

"I look forward to each and every time I am able to transport my imagination into the historic heyday of the hamlet of Haines Falls. Even more rewarding is that I'm (he's) able to do this by partaking in my favorite pastime—riding my mountain bike. As I finish my day's tasks, I begin to feel the rush of energy and the thrill of the excitement the ride will bring. I leave my property (once an old boarding house known as Maple Terrace) heading directly toward South Mountain, visible in the distance. A short but welcome jaunt on the road passes many old landmarks, the Twilight Grocery Store, and the Haines Falls Methodist and Catholic Churches. This five-minute section of the ride further enhances the anticipation of making my way into the woods. Second, before I reach the entry point, I peer over my left shoulder and wish the old Antler's Inn still remained. I'm told this hotel had its own railroad stop due to its popularity."

Ernie continues, "I enter the woods and immediately am rewarded by being engulfed in nature and a one-to-two-mile warm-up toward the Kaaterskill Falls parking lot. This section of the track was once the source of great excitement. As the lands were cleared, one could see the Laurel House and Kaaterskill Falls, and, as the traveler approached, the view became more rewarding. With local mountain biking group rides, this is the first section to prove who is strongest by demonstrating conditioning and a desire to be ahead. 

He said, I reach the parking lot and often imagine the tracks continuing over the remaining abutments that are now hidden and rarely seen by the casual hiker. The stone abutments are the first sign of the manpower and iron will of that era of workers. A quick turn to the right to the fire road and descent to the top of the falls begins."

Ernie has the same love of the outdoors that my son has. They fit in today with their love of nature and it would have been the same a hundred years ago. Biking and hiking clubs were as popular back then as they are today. 

That is what Hunter Township has been for years. Seeing the number of people that visit the hiking trails, the Mountain Top remains an outdoor society.

Ernie, thanks so much for writing. 

Stay safe everyone.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunter Historian