Using AI to Assist in Blogging 🤖
Increasingly I am using AI as a force-multiplier to assist in writing text and developing concepts for blogging content. Not replacing myself or just putting endless, mindless content on the internet but using AI to explain core concepts after my own review, and then adding my own insights to the content before pulling it together as a blog post.
AI is a wonderful source of summarization of news articles and concepts in the news. It also can summarize the internet consensus on an issue, which then you can use as a basis to start out a blog post. Some parts of a blog post are just boiler text, many things I don’t have much to add to beyond what the internet already says or is widely known context. In the past, I would have just linked to a news article, but bringing the news here, by using AI generated summaries, then adding my own context, maps, and photos, makes a more satistifying presentation then linking off the blog.
Moreover, the more content that resides locally on my blog rather then linking off becomes potential ad revenue from the blog, to be picked up by search engines and bringing traffic here. It’s great that I am supporting other people’s websites, but I’d sure rather have the revenue here. Not that I make a lot of money on the blog, but it’s nice to cover the blog bills and get rewarded for making quality content, and keep people from having to click off the blog.
The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are a group of eleven long, narrow, roughly north–south lakes in an area informally called the Finger Lakes region in New York, in the United States.
Mount Utsayantha
Rising 3,214 feet above the village of Stamford, New York—long hailed as the “Queen of the Catskills”—Mount Utsayantha offers one of the most accessible and storied peaks in the region. Whether you are a dedicated hiker or someone looking for a scenic drive, this village park is a local treasure that blends tragic folklore with panoramic modern-day views.
A Legacy in the Clouds
The mountain’s history is rooted in a poignant Native American legend. It is named after Utsayantha, a maiden of the Lenape or Mohican tribe. Folklore says she tragically drowned herself in the nearby lake after her father, Chief Ubiwacha, killed her husband and child. Visitors can still find a granite marker along the summit road, which legend claims marks her final resting place.
In the late 19th century, the mountain became a hub for the “hotel age” of tourism. Colonel Ruliff W. Rullifson recognized its potential in 1882, building the first road and observation tower. Later, Dr. Stephen E. Churchill purchased the land and bequeathed it to the village of Stamford in 1917, ensuring it remained a public park for generations to enjoy.
The Historic Fire Tower
The summit’s crown jewel is the 60-foot steel fire tower. While the original wooden towers built in the late 1800s were frequently damaged by high winds and lightning, the current Aermotor steel structure was erected in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Though it ceased active fire lookout duties in 1989, it has been beautifully restored. Today, it is part of the National Historic Lookout Register and is open to the public, providing a safe, 360-degree vantage point that is unrivaled in the northern Catskills.
Breathtaking Scenic Views
Even without climbing the tower, the summit offers stunning vistas. From the clearing near the Churchill Education Building, you can look down upon the village of Stamford and across the rolling farmlands of Delaware and Schoharie counties.
On a clear day, you might see:
- The High Peaks: Distant views of the southern Catskill Mountains.
- Gilboa Reservoir:Â To the north, you can catch a glimpse of the upper reservoir of the Gilboa power station.
- Hang Gliders:Â The mountain is a popular spot for hang-gliding; visitors often see enthusiasts launching from platforms just below the summit. Check with the Town of Stamford for current hang glider permitting requirements.
Accessibility and Facilities
Mount Utsayantha is unique because it is one of the few high peaks you can reach by vehicle.
- The Seasonal Road: A one-mile gravel road (Tower Road) leads from Route 23 directly to the top. While passable for most cars in dry conditions, high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are often recommended due to its steep and bumpy nature. Note: The road is seasonal and unplowed during winter.
- Picnic and Camping:Â The summit is perfectly set up for a day trip, featuring several picnic tables and benches. While it serves as a village park for day use and short stays, those looking for traditional overnight camping should check with the village of Stamford for current regulations and available spots.
Cazenovia, NY 1898 Topographic Map
Cazenovia, as a village hasn't changed that much since 1898, as seen by this topographic map, but notice the many railroads that crossed through this village and nearby, long now abandoned and forgotten about except where used by hikers as hiking trails.
