Cole Hill State Forest

The 876-acre Cole Hill State Forest is located in the town of Berne in Albany County. Cole Hill and much of the surrounding areas were made up of the Van Rensselaer manor called Rensselaerwyck. Much of the estate was broken up in the early 19th century after tenants were tired of paying perpetual leases, leading to the Anti-Rent War. Cole Hill State Forest is managed by the multiple-use concept. Foresters plan complementary uses such as habitat diversity, recreation, water, wildlife, wood products and natural beauty so as to promote a healthy and useful forest. Recreational opportunities include hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/66375.html

9⃣ weeks out I’m quite intrigued by the possibility of Trump’s re-election

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9⃣ weeks out I’m quite intrigued by the possibility of Trump’s re-election

I’m not sure it would be a good thing or a bad thing but I do appreciate how many of the norms and old accepted ways of doing things in America are falling out of practice. I do think rules about obscenity were always kind of silly – Trump’s No Bullshit flags are a refreshing change – and the use of the White House as a back drop for a political rally is just a reminder of how the presidency is fundamentally a political position. I’ve always thought many of the long standing norms were kind of silly.

It’s hard to argue that Trump is not incompetent. He is, he really is not up to the job as president. But on the other hand as tweeter in chief he’s proven himself to be largely harmless if not obnoxious. Maybe if I were an immigrant or lived in a big city I’d feel different but he’s kept our country out of war, the economy moving forward and it seems like at least my life is doing well.

If the Senate and the House go Democratic in 2020, it might be good to have a president with a veto pen to say slow down, use caution and protect the voices of the many who wouldn’t be represented in Congress under such an administration. A Republican president is a great fundraising and organizing focus to rally against for democrats. The grassroots withered during the Obama administration, they’re certain to dry up should Biden win.

There are some who compare Trump to the rise of Adolph Hitler. But I think that’s a kind of silly comparison because our two party system is much stronger and I don’t see the Democrats rolling over to Trump any time soon. Trump is pretty crude and bad at pulling the levers of power, especially without Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at his back. I think his rhetoric on the cops and military is about a half inch deep and phony at that.

Life will go on whoever is president in six months. I suspect a Trump second term will deminish the power of the presidency and the federal government and move more back to congress and the states. A Trump second term will further delegitimize the role of government and put more emphasis on the individual, the family and the private sector. But I’m quite okay with that as I think we’ve been too trusting of the government for too long and government is too all encompassing.

Will I vote for Trump in 2020… I doubt it but honestly I don’t know. I am willing to keep an open mind and listen to all the candidates before pulling the lever or filling in the bubble. 🖋

Creek Sparkles in Sunlight

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I always like walking down to this little brook. It doesn't get much credit or is much for the sightseer, but down in the deep clove between these big hills, is simple but purty.

Taken on Sunday March 20, 2011 at Cole Hill State Forest.

Magnificent White Pine Stand

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On top of Cole Hill near the Cole Farm, there is a portion of 1930s reforested White Pines, planted to hold down the soil and also provide a crop for the pulp and paper industry. This is similar to the area recently clear cut, in an effort to get more natural and desirable hardwoods to replace them.

Taken on Sunday March 20, 2011 at Cole Hill State Forest.