Ramblings Sept 26. 

As usual,  morning walk across grounds, about 1 mile total. 

Morning view of Hudson Valley as mist is rising.

Trip through Rose Garden at end of walk.

Trip on Roosevelt Ride (bus) from Hyde Park to Poughkeepsie to pick up folks coming up from NYC.

Up to Top Cottage with Ranger Bob.  We sat on the porch. There is something about that place where I find so much peace in its simplicity.

This is the “road” that FDR drove on from Val-Kill to Top Cottage. It is now a hiking trail..straight up hill to Dutchess Hill..steep climb. 

Ranger Bob decided to do a re-enactment where I played  James (one of FDR”s sons) and Bob played  FDR. I had to pull Bob out of the chair and then support him as he “walked”.  It was not easy, but  gave the folks a sense of what a struggle it was.

Bob on porch

Ranger Bob leading tour.

At 3:00 I lead my first tour of Springwood.  I asked Ranger Paul to shadow me and critique.  It went well but I ran over about 5 minutes.  It is soooo hard to condensed all of these significant facts. I gave myself  B+, Paul said, A-. He said you  got the facts. He said to edit and maybe drop the stop at the Library..just point it out.  Edit down. Very helpful and I so appreciated his review. A really good man.

Second tour tomorrow at 1:00.

I am exhilarated, exhausted and happy. 

Volunteer Ranger Donna  10-4