Lake Frederick, New York

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is not end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” 

                                                                     Jawaharial Nehru

This is Heaven, I just know it. Lake Frederick is not just beautiful, serene, peaceful, lovely, and our special place; it is also a place for family and friends to gather and renew their souls. Joe and I have been blessed coming here since 2007 with our most special friends continuing a tradition we started in 1988 back at Camp Buckner. What a special tradition we have been able to carry on all these years. So many memories that we have shared. 

 We drove into Lake Frederick at 9:30 on Tuesday, July 3rd all loaded up with canoe, three wheeled car and other toys to play with, and all our camping supplies. When we were pulling in the rabbits were racing our car and running through the freshly mowed fields. Driving up the side of the lake to the beach, we paused and breathed deep. We were home. The lake looked pristine and more beautiful than every. I believe we think the same thing every time we arrive. We unloaded the canoe and beach toys and then drove up to the mess hall where we were greeted by Danny.

Janet was working at Round Pound so we didn't get to see her till later. They both take care of this place by putting their heart and soul into it and is noticed by all. We unloaded the car and trailer and Joe ran to the store. In pulled our daughter Jeannine and family. Then one load after another of our friends showed up giving us one wave of joy after another.

 And the fun begins. If you are not familiar with Lake Frederick, NY it is near Woodbury and is a military recreation run by MWR for military personnel active or retired. It is only eight miles from West Point and fifty miles from NYC. When we first started coming here, we stayed in A frames that were ancient. We were thrilled to have a roof over our head then but now, wow have things changed. Now there are eight log cabins with bunk beds to sleep 14 people and plenty of room for tent camping. There is also a new bath house that is still in the works but beautiful and is near finished. Danny Eichner and Janet Papenhausen have worked very hard to make this place new again. We are spoiled now with the cabins as they are air conditioned and heated. There is also a mess hall that can be rented with stove, refrigeration, sinks, and tables and chairs.                   

                                          https://westpointarmymwr.com.

 On the other side of the lake, across from the beach are the ruins of the Frederick Freeman Proctor (F. F. Proctor) mansion who was born March 17, 1851 and passed on September 4, 1929. He was a vaudeville pioneer and opened the Twenty-third Street Theatre in NYC. There is also a house near the beach we were told was where the meals were cooked for the Proctor family and is reported to be haunted by a servant who as mistreated. Many have seen the ghost of a female who moves items and turns on lights.

 There is a path that goes around the entire lake and up to the ruins. It is a wonderful trail where you can see the beauty of the Enchanted Forrest, picnic area, and wonderful overlooks. We always enjoy our hikes around the lake. Near the dam for the lake is a waterfall depending on how much it has rained.

                        

 We had a lovely weekend with campfires every night and two trips out to Wineries this year. We went to Palaia Winery which is a lovely little hippie joint with loads of tie dye shirts and quirky signs. This winery is very close to Lake Frederick. They have a nice selection of wines and we had a great time with our group. There isn't much as far as the view but what they had for a setting for events was nice. They have bands that play on many weekends and were preparing for a Beatles group to play the following weekend. wwwpalaiavineyards.com.   

We also drove about an hour away to Robibero Winery which is in New Paltz. This was a beautiful piece of land. The Robibero family purchased the land in 2003 and their were all ready grape vines that were all ready established.  They have a lovely outside seating area also. We went in for the tasting and they had a large variety of wines. I really enjoyed their Chardonnay 2016. It had that lovely and very nutty buttery aftertaste. We got a tour of the winery which was interesting.  robiberofamilyvineyards.com.

 If you are military and happen to be in the West Point area, this is a great place to visit. You will feel refreshed and at peace and be able to renew your soul.  As the sun sets, we say goodbye till next year.