River Run, Jazz Vespers and "Will You Marry Me?"

It seems like a good idea to venture out to the countryside, so we head to Grand Central Station and buy train tickets to quaint Cold Spring, NY for a scenic trip up the Hudson River valley.

The train slips out of the City quickly and soon we are gliding along in leafy forests along the wide Hudson River.  It's a festive atmosphere of hikers, bikers, and antique seekers.

An hour and a half later we arrived in Cold Spring.  Across the river West Point looms and we hear occasional cannon shots.  The village is full of tall historic homes with wide porches and sprawling trees.  I half expect Sheriff Andy to be leaning on a drug store wall.  

We enjoy window shopping along Main Street - mainly antique and gift shops with an outfitter or two. Chocolate croissants and coffee fuel us for a walk to nearby Stony Ridge State Park. 

We hike up a short trail to a rock outcropping and great view of the river.  It is cloudy and cool, and the river moves steadily beneath us, carrying a variety of boats.

We spy the first fall color on our trip.  Soon these mountains will be ablaze in golds and reds.

We cross the road and take a longer hike up a steep trail to another view point over the villages below.  Only 8/10th of a mile up, but we feel it.  We're thankful climbing hundreds of subway staircases has helped prepare us a little.

Meanwhile, in our explorations we wander into a beautiful stone 1860's Episcopalian church with welcoming bright red doors, flung open.  We admire the dark interior and the detailed stain glass windows.  We notice a collection plate casually sitting on a table brimming with cash and checks.  Trusting souls!

The Episcopalians also have a sense of humor about their parking lot.

When we first arrived in town, we noticed a sign announcing a Jazz Vespers service at the Presbyterian Church.  We decide to linger in town to attend.

5:30 rolls around and we head to the Jazz Vespers.  People of all ages and colors show up, some dressed as 1980's throw backs.  The Elder leading the service starts out with a couple of jokes about jazz.  I think, "old Presbyterians telling jokes."  If you don't get the reference, check the link.

The jazz musicians are really good.  The singer is an old pro, Sheila Jordan, who has made the train trip from NYC to perform at this service.  She improvises and skats in harmony with the band.   Everybody be-bops along. 

We walk out into a wonderful light wind, no need for a jacket.  The train platform has small groups waiting for the return trip, everyone relaxed and happy and some a little tipsy from the beer garden.

As we stride through the grand hall of Grand Central Station, under its turquoise ceiling littered with constellations, we come upon a small crowd surrounding this man on bended knee, in the midst of his marriage proposal.  People are smiling and clapping and snapping pictures.  She says "Yes" and we all applaud their embrace. 

Ah, New York!