Spring In the Country

By: Hayley Bruner

This is a flower. It typically grows in the summer, but this year it came early.Species: Unknown

Species: Hydrangea

Species: Lavender

Species: Geranium

This is a pool.

This is the Esopus Creek that runs into the Esopus River.

SpringBy: Hayley Bruner

Ulster County, which is located on the west side of the Hudson River about a two hours’ drive from New York City, has a rich history. Kingston, one of the larger towns in Ulster County, was New York’s fist capital until 1797, when Albany became the new capital. The city of Kingston was originally named Esopus, after the Esopus Indian tribe. It was given the name Kingston after the English settlers came and named the city after their king. New Paltz, another city in the region, has one of the oldest streets in America. Huguenot Street was first built in 1666, and is still used today.

When I come to our house in Ulster County with my family for the weekend, though, the thing I love most about this area is the natural beauty. All of the seasons here, but especially spring, are mesmerizing. The creek featured in my photo essay (slide # 8 & 9) is called the Esopus Creek (after that same Indian tribe). It flows through the woods behind our house and then into the Esopus River. I love the flowers that grow in our yard, including Hydrangea, (slide # 3) Lavender, (slide # 4) Morning Glory, Bleeding Hearts, and Geranium (slide # 5). Some years we plant a garden. Some of the crops we have grown include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, asparagus, basil, zucchini and squash. In the fall, we go apple picking and get pumpkins from the patch for Halloween. It’s so different than New York City because we get more freedom to run around openly and swim and ride down mini waterfalls and climb trees.

The creek that is right behind my house is where I love to go with friends and swim and ride down the waterfalls. I get a lot more independence in the country, and I wish I had the same kind of freedom here like I do there.

But not everything in the country is perfect. There are tons of annoying bugs, scary spiders, snakes and very loud frogs and crickets. There are also chipmunks, (which are cute) and salamanders that we occasionally see. I wasn’t able to get any pictures, but you’ll have to take my word for it. You should definitely pay a visit.