This weekend, we hiked Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck. It is a lovely, easy hike to the top of Mt. Rutsen (more like a hill). I challenged my “concern” for heights by venturing part way up the steel tower that caps the mount. The treescape is dotted with old cellar holes and hand-dug wells – the remnants of civilization long since abandoned.
Many of these were cottages that were once part of a colony of retired Methodist clergy. It was used as a farm at the time. Isolation and the fact that there was only one horse for the lot of them hastened the abandonment of the idea and the property was sold. Thus ended a truly “one-horse” town (the horse was relieved).
The cottages, including a chapel have long since been torn down. What remains is the root cellars and wells. I am curious to know if any residual energy is left there… perhaps someone is lingering attached to these places.
I would like to go back with a digital voice recorder and see what I can scare up in the way of EVPs. The land once belonged to the Sepasco Indians until European settlers moved in. It is likely some spirits remain.
Even if there is no activity, the spirits of the trees envelope those who wander there. It is a gentle, peaceful place. I highly recommend it!
Eat Cookies, Travel Light,
Tj
