The 210 mile, 3 hours, 28 minutes drive of your discarded candy wrapper
The trip for Albany's solid waste in 2023 thought is much shorter then New York City or actually most of state.
Papscanee Island Nature Preserve
Papscanee Island Nature Preserve is a 156-acre preserve located along the eastern shore of the Hudson River, spanning the towns of East Greenbush and Schodack. It offers over six miles of flat, scenic trails through lush riverside forests, marshes, and active agricultural fields.
![Untitled [Expires June 6 2026]](https://andyarthur.org//data/photo_022667_large.jpg)
Flora and Fauna
The preserve’s riparian ecosystem supports a diverse range of plant and animal life:
- Wildflowers and Trees: Visitors can find Eastern Cottonwood trees, which dominate the canopy, alongside Common Buckthorn and Oriental Bittersweet vines. More rare species like the Northern Bog Violet and Green Rock-Cress have also been identified in the area.
- Birdlife: An eBird hotspot, the preserve is home to Bald Eagles, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Red-winged Blackbirds. Other sightings include the Glossy Ibis, American Woodcock, and various warblers and sparrows.
Activities
Papscanee Island is a year-round destination::
- Hiking and Running: The trails are flat and well-marked, making them ideal for all skill levels, including families with children.
- Water Access: Small, non-motorized boats can be carried approximately 500 feet from the southern parking lot to a launch area on the Hudson River. Fishing and picnicking are also popular shoreline activities.
- Winter Sports: In the colder months, the north entrance provides access for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Education: Kiosks and interpretive signs throughout the preserve share the history of the Mohican Nation and the ecological importance of the wetlands.
How to Get There
The preserve is roughly 10 minutes from downtown Albany and offers two main access points:
- South Entrance (Summer): From Route 9J, turn onto Staats Island Road (look for the preserve sign). Follow the road for about 0.25 miles, cross the railroad tracks, and turn right into the main parking lot.
- North Entrance (Winter): Take the first right after entering Route 9J from the City of Rensselaer. Follow the road (American Oil Road) roughly 2 miles to the gate.
Why I Call Him “Old Smokey”
In the world of modern trucking, where sleek lines and touchscreens often overshadow utility, my new Super Duty stands out by leaning in. While my previous truck, “Big Red,” wore its identity on its sleeve, this rig carries a more nuanced title: “Old Smokey.” It’s a name rooted in a triple-layered pun—a nod to the forest rangers, a tribute to “old-fashioned” engineering, and a promise of campfire smoke in the wilderness.
The first layer of the name is a play on the truck’s aesthetic. Clad in a utilitarian gray, the rig mirrors the fleet vehicles currently favored by forest rangers. By opting for this color over a custom forest green, I’ve inadvertently adopted the “Smokey Bear” persona. This wasn’t just a stylistic choice; I spec’d this truck to handle the same grueling truck trails those rangers patrol. It is built for the dirt, designed with the capacity and ruggedness required for serious backcountry camping, and intentionally devoid of the chrome and clutter that usually defines a 2026 showroom floor.
Beyond the color, the “Old” in “Old Smokey” refers to a mechanical philosophy that many manufacturers have left behind. In an era of push-button starts and complex software, my truck relies on a physical key—a tactile insurance policy against the frustration of a lost fob in a deep pocket. Under the hood lies the heart of the machine: a reliable, old-fashioned pushrod engine. By eschewing modern complexities like start-stop systems, turbocharging, and cylinder deactivation, I’ve chosen a powertrain that prioritizes longevity and simplicity over digital bells and whistles. It is “old” in spirit, favoring proven grit over bleeding-edge tech.
Finally, the name captures the essence of why I bought a truck in the first place. The smoky gray paint is a prelude to the real smoke I intend to chase. To me, this truck isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a mobile basecamp. “Old Smokey” is where I’ll spend my evenings, perched on the tailgate with a campfire crackling nearby, breathing in the mountain air and the scent of woodsmoke.
While “The Super Duty” has a certain professional ring to it, “Old Smokey” captures the true character of the vehicle. It is a reliable partner for the wilderness—a gray ghost on the trails that values the mechanical honesty of the past while carrying me toward the quiet solitude of the futu
