The gray man concept isn’t a difficult idea but isn’t as easy as just trying to be invisible. I broken down some of the basic secrets I learned about how to hide in plain sight during
You’re reading 5 Gray Man secrets I learned as a surveillance operative, originally posted at Graywolf Survival – Emergency preparedness from a Counterintelligence Agent by Graywolf.
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She vows to eliminate electoral college and be reelected by direct vote in 2024. These people are out of their minds… but the 51% gobble it up.
Original source: Elizabeth Warren Is Dead Serious To Eliminate Electoral College
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The stick-up is a crime nearly as old as time: a robber, sometimes more than one, threatens you with harm or death if you don’t part with your valuables. It is one of the first proper violent crimes many criminals commit, and one of the most common threats in many places, rural or urban, all around the world. The simple fact that a wallet full of cash or credit cards will get your average…
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Long before the Catskill Mountains of New York State became known as the Borscht Belt, glacial snowmelt from the Ice Age was carving streams and canyons through the region. Numerous waterfalls were created as a result of this activity. This edition of Beyond L.A. spotlights Kaaterskill Fallls, the highest waterfall in the state (including Niagara) and two less known but also exciting destinations: Vernooy Kill Falls and Stony Kill Falls. (“Kill” means “creek” in Dutch). Kaaterskill Falls and Vernooy Kill Falls are located in Catskills Park, an area thought of as one entity but in fact overseen by multiple agencies (similar to the Santa Monica Mountains). Stony Kill Falls is located in Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Getting to the Catskills: These hikes are located between 110 and 140 miles north of New York City; a 2.5-3 hour drive depending on traffic. JFK International Airport in Queens (JFK) will have the most options for flights in and out. Newark, NJ (EWR) and New York LaGuardia (LGA) are also options. The hikes are slightly closer to Albany (between 50-80 miles south, or a 1.5-2 hour drive) but the airport (ALB) has fewer options for flights.
Staying in the Catskills: None of these hikes allow overnight camping. For information about accommodations in the Catskills and greater Hudson Valley, click here and here.
Weather: The weather in the Catskills ranges from an average daily low of 19 degrees F/-8 degrees C in January to an average daily high of 82 degrees F/29 degrees C in July. Average annual precipitation is 48 inches, about three times that of Los Angeles. In the winter months, these trails may close due to hazardous conditions from snow and ice.
Cell phone reception: Cell phone reception is weak to fair on the Vernooy Kill Falls and Stony Kill Falls hike. There is no reception at the Kaaterskill Falls trail head or on the hike itself. If you are coming from the east, the last reliable cell phone reception will likely be in the town of Palenville, about five miles away; from the west, it will be Haines Falls, about three miles away.
Dogs are allowed on leash on these hikes. Some dogs might have difficulty with the steep stair climbs and extra caution should be taken both in summer heat and in winter conditions. All three of these trails, especially Kaaterskill Falls, are popular, so expect to see other dogs, especially on summer weekends. Kaaterskill Falls begins and ends with a quarter mile walk along the side of Route 23A (no sidewalk or shoulder).
2.8 miles, approximately 800 feet of elevation gain; allow 2 hours
While it might not be one of the most popular destinations in the United States as it once was, Kaaterskill Falls still sees many visitors. This write-up assumes a start from the lower and most popular trail head on Route 23A, but the falls can also be visited by starting above from Laurel House or Scutt Road. For a map of all of the trail heads and trails in the area of Kaaterskill Wild Forest, click here.
From the parking area, head downhill on route 23A. There is no sidewalk or shoulder, although a metal railing on the north side of the road provides a buffer. Many of the cars are likely to be hikers heading to or from the trailhead, so they will go slowly and give a wide berth.
The official trail begins one quarter mile from the parking lot. You are greeted by Bastion Falls, itself an impressive cascade that would probably considered a worthy hiking destination were it located more remotely. The trail climbs steeply, picking up almost 200 feet in the first 0.2 mile, before leveling out. The next 0.2 mile climb more gradually, ascending about 100 feet. Downed trees may block the route in some spots; look for the yellow trail blazes for the route, which closely follows the banks of the creek.
Soon the lower tier comes into view. Hikers with small kids might be content to work their way across the rocks to the base of the falls, where both tiers are visible but for those with the energy for a steep climb, the ascent to the viewing deck at the top of the falls is well worth it. Begin the next leg of the hike by following the stairs up the side of the canyon, gaining almost 200 feet in only 0.1 mile. On the way up, a spur leads to the base of the upper tier.
After making the steep ascent, the trail becomes level, heading southwest and away from the falls before doubling back. After reaching an intersection with the trail from Scutt Road, turn left and cross the creek on a footbridge. On the opposite side, the trail from Laurel House comes in on the right. Continue straight ahead and follow the signs to the viewing platform. If you are looking to overcome a fear of heights, you have come to the right place.
From the small wooden deck, you can see the length of Kaaterskill’s 167-foot upper tier plus an excellent view of the distant mountains. After enjoying the vistas, retrace your steps, exercising caution on the steep descent.
For more trip reports of Kaaterskill Falls, click here, here, here, here and here. For cautionary tales about Instagram posts at Kaaterskill Falls that didn’t go as planned, click here.
Plaque in the parking lot on Route 23A
Bastion Falls
Following the creek
View from the bottom of the lower tier
(How badly do you want that selfie?)
View from the base of the upper tier
View of the stairs from the platform at the top of the falls
Mountain view from the platform
1.6 miles, approximately 250 feet of elevation gain; allow 1 hour
Located in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 87-foot Stony Kill falls is another essential Catskills hike. The base of the waterfall can be reached via an easy half-mile stroll. Hikers who want more of a challenge – and an outstanding view – can climb to a viewing area at the top of the falls.
The hike starts rather anonymously with 0.3 miles of walking along Shaft Road to the official start of the trail. The trail dips into the woods, following the creek for a quarter mile to arrive at the base of Stony Kill Falls. A footbridge provides the best vantage point for legally viewing the falls from below.
The red-blazed trail climbs steeply from the base of the falls. At one point, metal rungs are embedded in the rocks to provide hand and footholds. At the top of the stairs, your efforts are rewarded with an outstanding view of the valley below and of the upper end of the falls. There is no guard rail.
This spot, about 0.7 mile from the trail head, is a good turnaround point, but for those who like to see things to their completion, the trail continues another tenth of a mile along Stony Kill. Since most people stop at the view point, this last stretch will give you some solitude. At the end, you can wander down to the creek bank and enjoy the peacefulness before retracing your steps.
For more trip reports of Stony Kill Falls, click here, here and here.
Start of the hike to Stony Kill Falls
Stony Kill Falls as seen from the footbridge
Side view of Stony Kill Falls
Climbing the stairs to the view point
Rungs on the Stony Kill trail
View of the top of Stony Kill Falls
View from the top of Stony Kill Falls
Stony Kill above the falls (turnaround point)
3.2 miles, approximately 650 feet of elevation gain; allow 2 hours
Though it doesn’t have the height of Stony Kills or Kaaterskill, Vernooy Kill Falls is an enjoyable hiking destination. The trail is more lightly visited than the other two and travels through some attractive woodlands en route to the stair steps-shaped waterfall, which drops about 20 feet over multiple tiers. Vernooy Kill Falls is located in the Sundown Wild Forest area of Catskills Park.
From the parking area, cross the street and begin hiking on the blue-blazed trail (signed as the Long Path on some maps). You cross a creek on a footbridge at about a quarter mile and begin a steady but moderate ascent through mixed forest. Half a mile from the start, your route merges with another trail; continue straight and follow the blue blazes. At 1.2 miles, you reach the high point of the hike and begin a slow descent. Just before you reach the falls, look for the remains of a campsite on your left.
At 1.6 miles, you reach a junction. The routes to the right and straight ahead lead deeper into Sundown Wild Forest, options if you want to extend the hike. The left fork leads to a footbridge overlooking Vernooy Kill Falls. It is possible to scramble down to the bank of the creek for a closer look, although caution is essential on the slippery rocks. The trail continues another 2 miles to county road 46 near the town of Greenville.
For more descriptions of Vernooy Kill Falls, click here, here and here.
Start of the hike to Vernooy Kill Falls
Footbridge over Vernooy Kill
Vernooy Kill as seen from the footbridge
Fall colors, Vernooy Kill
Vernloy Kill Falls as seen from the footbridge
Looking downstream from Vernooy Kill Falls
Lower tier of Vernooy Kill Falls dropping under the footbridge
Side view of Vernooy Kill Falls
Text and photography copyright 2019 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Beyond L.A.: Three waterfalls in the Catskills (Upstate New York) Read More »
Prepping for emergencies requires more than just buying supplies and making plans. You need to actually run through your plans. Here’s why and how.
You’re reading Why and how to wargame your emergency/disaster plans, originally posted at Graywolf Survival – Emergency preparedness from a Counterintelligence Agent by Graywolf.
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OFFGRID Whiskey Gift Guide: A Gift Guide for Men Who Love Whiskey
From Texas to Scotland, we are going to take you around the world and share some of our favorite Whiskey, Scotch, and Whiskey related gifts… […]
This Article OFFGRID Whiskey Gift Guide: A Gift Guide for Men Who Love Whiskey is an original article from OFFGRID Survival If it is appearing on any other site but OFFGRID Survival, that site does not have our permission to use our copyrighted content!
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Do you know whether or not you’ll be able to retire comfortably, or at all? According to the Federal Reserve Bank, 25 percent of U.S. workers have neither pension nor retirement savings.
Now that’s scary. And just in time for Halloween!
Instead of the defined benefit retirement plans that many of our parents received, most U.S. residents rely on things like 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), which can be fee-heavy and which require you to invest your own money. Some employers offer a match, but mostly it’s on you.
Social Security is available for most of us, but it likely won’t be enough to live on. (And in fact it may not be fully funded by the time you retire; see Liz Weston’s recent article on this topic.)
Oh, and there’s always personal savings. Right? Or wrong. Some people don’t have a dime in liquid savings. Worse, some of them don’t have any kind of retirement plan other than Social Security.
Stacy Johnson, founder of Money Talks News, is concerned about two big issues surrounding retirement in this country: skyrocketing expenses and a shrinking safety net. That’s why he created a “retirement boot camp” for people aged 40 and older: a 14-week video course designed to teach you how to judge what you’ve already got and accomplish what you’ll need to have a secure, comfortable retirement.
Stacy is a certified public accountant and has also earned licenses in mutual funds, life insurance, stocks, commodities, options principal, securities supervisor and real estate. He has generously donated a copy of “The Only Retirement Guide You’ll Ever Need” for me to give away on my site. Who’s in it to win it?
A few course highlights:
In addition to the course, the giveaway winner (and anyone who purchases “The Only Retirement Guide You’ll Ever Need”) will also get a pair of e-books: “208 Ways to Save Money Every Day” and “108 Easy Ways to Earn Extra Cash.”
Stacy is giving away one copy of the course through my site – but he’s also giving one chapter of the course for free to anyone who asks. The “Social Security Secrets” chapter is a good one to get you started, I think, since the Social Security system is so complicated that even people who work there don’t always understand it. (Which is also scary.)
So please do enter the giveaway of the entire course (see below). But in the meantime I suggest you download the free chapter. My guess is that you’ll learn something you didn’t know, including what Stacy calls “a technique that increase your benefits by thousands of dollars every year.”
To enter the giveaway:
Be sure to leave separate comments for each action you take, e.g., “Follow you on Facebook” or “subscribed via e-mail.”
The deadline to enter is 7 p.m. PDT Thursday, Nov. 14. If I don’t hear back from the winner by 8 p.m. PDT Friday, Nov. 15, I’ll have the random number generator pull another name.
Note: This is not an affiliate situation. If you buy this course I won’t end up any richer. But you probably will.
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(As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This revenue helps keep the blog lights on.)
Recently I interviewed Melissa J. Ellis, a certified financial planner from Kansas City, for an article about medical debt. One potential tactic I’d asked her about involved holiday and birthday gift-giving. Suppose when relatives and friends ask for gift ideas we were to say, “Help paying my bills”?
Ellis thought this might work for some people. But some people are embarrassed to ask for money outright. It seems gauche or greedy. The CFP suggested framing it this way:
I really appreciate that you want to give me a gift, and here is something that I could really use. It will help relieve my stress and help me feel better than a new sweater ever would.
Is that gauche? Greedy? Personally, I’m torn.
Part of me thinks it’s not polite to dictate a gift and that it’s particularly squicky to ask for money. But the rest of me thinks some people wouldn’t mind being misdirected. If your parents want to spend $100 on a sweater and some frou-frou bath bombs on your b-day, they might find it more meaningful to send that money toward your co-pay.
After all, they’d be helping their beloved child pay less interest total on the obligation. If other relatives/friends did the same, you could see some real progress on the debt. Besides, how many sweaters does one person need?
Then again, some people fret over not having “something under the tree” for you vs. an invisible budget booster. It might cause them to spend more than they’d planned because they want you to have something to unwrap.
Which, in turn, could cause them to feel even more guilt that they spent $125 on Abby and only $100 on Alison – and run out to buy $25 worth of something-or-other for Alison to be “fair.” If you give a mouse a cookie…
#ad
Here’s another sticky issue: Not everyone wants to disclose how much they spend on gifts.
Some people do most/all of their shopping after Christmas and other holidays, or at yard sales and thrift stores. Maybe it’s because they’re frugal. Maybe it’s because they’re nearly broke but aren’t ready to give up on giving. #beenthere
Suppose you spent only $2.99 on that hat-and-gloves set, or picked up a hardback best-seller for a buck at the library book sale – only to hear a relative or close friend announce, “What I really need this Christmas is cash so I can pay down my bills.” Suddenly you’re in the position of:
Talk about a lose-lose situation.
These days it’s increasingly common to ask for cash rather than gifts for weddings, graduations, bar or bat mitzvahs, the birth of a child. You can crowdsource your fertility treatment or a feral cat spay-neuter program.
Old notions like “You can’t dictate a gift” or “It’s the thought that counts” seem to be morphing as fast as Internet startups. (Which you can also crowdsource.) However, we shouldn’t forget the underlying notion of etiquette: Courteous behavior, aka “manners,” exists to keep people from being put on the spot, or having their feelings hurt.
Here’s what I think: You can ask for whatever you want. What you can’t do is act cranky if you don’t get it, because you have no idea what’s going on in other people’s lives.
If Grandma is giving everyone hand-written recipe cards, it might not be because she’s out of touch with what people really want. There might be a darned good reason your parents are suggesting a Secret Santa at this year’s family gathering.
So if anyone asks what you want, feel free to float the idea of “cash against my debt.” But make it clear that this is just one option.
And if your divorced mom gives you two or three small ceramic cats for your collection, one of which still has the thrift-store-sticker on it? The decent response is, “This will look great on the shelf with the other kittehs! You know me so well.”
Readers: Have you ever asked for cash for Christmas, or any other occasion?
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One of the most useful knife patterns is the tradional Scandinavian fixed blade. The reason is simple – it flat-out works. This latest puukko interpretation by Bark River combines modern materials with a proven design.
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