Photowalking 1: Exploring Sullivan County, NY

by A.K Kustanographer

Greetings wanderers, physical and mental! Today, I invite you on a captivating journey through the picturesque landscapes and hidden gems of Sullivan County, NY. I’ve been coming here for over twenty years, and there’s always something new to see and get inspired by.

Tucked away in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains, also known as the Borscht Belt or Jewish Alps, this charming pieces of land and sky offers a treasure trove of sights and sounds, best discovered by aimlessly strolling and capturing moments with your trusted snapper.

The place is a serenade of colors -- vibrant reds and oranges in the fall. Yellows and greens in the summer. Quaint Towns and Historic Charm that boast celebrities, artists, and businesspeople. Callicoon, for example, is a home to the actor Mark Ruffalo and the Russian/American fashion designer Sveta Kazakova, while Cochecton is a pad-away-from-pad for the Moldovan musician and entrepreneur Vadim Moldovan.

Saunter through the streets of Narrowsburg, a haven for artists, and photographers, and inhale the serene beauty of country. In Bethel, don't miss the opportunity to capture the historic Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the site of the legendary 1969 Woodstock Music Festival. The county's history comes alive through your lens.

While exploring Sullivan County, keep an eye out for its vibrant wildlife -- deer, foxes, and various bird and insect species.

A few years ago, while lost in thought, my wife hit a deer. It did a back somersault off our car’s hood and disappeared in the bushes on the other side of the road. It happened so fast, she didn’t get a chance to slam on the brakes, which was a good thing, because there were several cars behind her in a single lane.

Note: if a speeding buck is hell-bent on saying hello to your vehicle, don’t engage the brakes abruptly. Hit the damn thingl! I’m sorry, but that’s the advice of experts. Otherwise, you can get spun around (even on a dry road) and instantly meet your maker, let alone create a pileup. Later on, feel free to build a shrine to the poor animal.

With patience and a bit of luck, you might capture an enchanting encounter between a majestic bald eagle and its prey, a family of deer frolicking in a meadow, or a group of joyful Hassidic women walking along the road after sundown on a Friday.

In the eccentric and diverse community of Sullivan County a delightful cast of characters emerges, each with its own peculiarities and quirks.

The Free-Spirited Hippie: No one embodies the spirit of the '60s quite like the Free-Spirited Hippie with their perpetually relaxed demeanor, and an unwavering commitment to peace and love.

The Vegan Farming Yogi, often seen practicing intricate yoga poses amidst her organic vegetable garden.

The Cold Therapy Enthusiast: In a county renowned for its beautiful lakes, which start freezing in late autumn, it’s no surprise that polar bear wannabes flock to this region of the world.  Armed with beanies and neoprene socks, they meditate and dip into the freezing water in order to be closer to G-d.

The UFO Diehard: In a county renowned for its picturesque night skies, it's no surprise that the UFO Diehards finds their home here. Armed with telescopes and an insatiable curiosity, they spend countless nights scanning the heavens, convinced that extraterrestrial life is just a close encounter away. Their conversations are filled with tales of unidentified objects and theories about interstellar travel.

The Artistic Hermit: Deep in the secluded woods, you'll stumble upon the humble abode of the Artistic Hermit. With paint-splattered clothing and a perpetually disheveled appearance, this reclusive character channels their creative energy into remarkable artworks. Their dwelling is a masterpiece in itself, adorned with sculptures and paintings that evoke a sense of wonder and mystery.

The Renaissance Fair Enthusiast: Once a year, the county becomes a portal to a bygone era, and that's when the Renaissance Fair Enthusiast truly shines. Dressed in elaborate medieval garb, they passionately engage in jousting tournaments, sword fights, and old-fashioned merry-making. Expect to encounter them passionately reciting Shakespearean verses or engaging in spirited debates about the merits of chainmail armor.

The Herbal Remedies Expert: Nestled amidst the county's rolling hills, the Herbal Remedies Expert resides in a cozy cottage overflowing with jars of dried herbs and mysterious potions. Known for their encyclopedic knowledge of natural remedies and alternative healing techniques, they offer sage advice for any ailment. Their eccentric charm and unconventional solutions make them a beloved figure in the community.

Speaking of herbal remedy experts, my wife’s friend’s son, K.D, wanted to be one all his life. While his friends fantasized about becoming hairdressers, evolutionary biologists and FBI agents, K.D. was growing calamus in his backyard. Now, at 18, he’s probably the most trusted authority on the exotic herbs and spices in Callicoon.

A good-faith alchemist, K.D. spends every waking hour working on body-and-soul nourishing elixirs that someday will cure all ills, preserve life, and ultimately eliminate death altogether.

I believe he’s the person to do it. He leads a monk’s life– no alcohol, no drugs, no loose women, no cell phone – and works in a tiny shack with three Brittany’s to keep him company.

Tik-Tok addicted zombies notwithstanding, this is the generation that will save the world from Putin.

K.D’s recipe for making a turmeric / black pepper tincture

To make a turmeric and black pepper tincture, you will need the following ingredients and materials:

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh turmeric root or 1/2 cup dried turmeric powder

1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

2 cups high-proof alcohol (such as vodka or Everclear)

Distilled water (optional, for dilution)

Glass jar with airtight lid

Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer

Amber glass bottles for storage

Here's a step-by-step guide to making the tincture:

Preparation: If using fresh turmeric root, wash it thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. If using dried turmeric powder, skip this step.

Combine Ingredients: Place the turmeric and black peppercorns in a glass jar.

Add Alcohol: Pour the alcohol into the jar, covering the turmeric and black peppercorns completely. Ensure that all the ingredients are submerged.

Seal the Jar: Close the jar tightly with an airtight lid.

Infusion: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least four weeks, shaking it gently every day or two to ensure proper extraction. The longer you let it infuse, the stronger the tincture will be.

Straining: After four weeks (or longer if desired), strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the solids. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Dilution (optional): At this stage, you can dilute the tincture with distilled water if desired. This step is optional and depends on personal preference. Dilution can help reduce the alcohol content if it's too strong for your liking.

Storage: Transfer the tincture into amber glass bottles for storage. Amber glass helps protect the tincture from light degradation. Make sure to label the bottles with the date and contents.

Note: Tinctures are typically taken in small doses, usually a few drops to a teaspoon at a time. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new herbal preparations to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Thanks for reading. Till next time.

Gear used: Nikon D750, Ricoh GR 3, iPHone 13

AK