Mar 28, 2013

Hurricane Sandy

This is a RATHER late post about my coverage of Hurricane Sandy in my neighborhood.  After all the floods of 2011 our block and the surrounding houses were ready for the worst.  Luckily we were spared any flooding, as most of the water damage came from tidal surges rather than heavy rains.  However there was wind and tree damage like I've never seen.

The Lakota Wolf Preserve

This past Sunday I went with Bergen County Camera to the Lakota Wolf Preserve.  The trip was a bit pricy, but absolutely worth the money.  Out in Columbia, New Jersey, the people at the site work year-round to feed and care for not just wolves, but foxes and bobcats as well.

On the bumpy ride up to the shooting area our guide told us that during Hurricane Sandy around a hundred trees were blown down, some damaging the fences keeping the wolves in.  Amazingly the trainers spent the night on top of the hill amidst the hurricane conditions making sure the wolves were safe and contained.

This was an amazing opportunity, getting to photograph these beautiful creatures in a near-natural habitat.  The morning light created several challenges, but allowed for some beautiful views of the animals.

The Central Park Zoo

Nothing particularly unique about these pictures, just a day trip to the Central Park Zoo.  I've always loved shooting animals, whether they're in the zoo or in the wild.



The Old '76 House

The Old '76 House is one of the countries oldest taverns, and holds a particularly interesting place in American history.  This is where American troops brought the redcoat Major John Andre for interrogation and imprisonment after he was caught aiding the infamous Benedict Arnold in his attempt to deliver West Point to the British.  Andre was tried, convicted and hanged atop a nearby hill, which is marked by a similar blue-and-yellow sign.  These signs are common sights throughout the Historic Hudson Valley.

Inside the tavern is decorated much as it might have been in colonial times.  The portraits of Andre and Arnold (or "The Spy" and "The Traitor", respectively) sit atop one of the mantles, the latter turned upside down as is customary with traitors.

The menu contains as much history and folklore as it does food items.  It lists its notable patrons throughout history, from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton up to Bill Murray and Rosie O'Donnell.  The waiters take pleasure in telling patrons ghost stories involving Major Andre's imprisonment as they make salads at the table.

Though this area is full of official historical sites and buildings, The Old '76 house is definitely a unique experience.