Pretty Pelham, New York

Who wouldn't love a town symbolized by a large oak tree surrounded by a circular iron fence? In Pelham, NY you'll find plenty of large oaks along with hauntings at the Priory, historical carriage houses and high-society mansion museums. I made a day trip yesterday when the weather was a creepy 72 degrees. Weather this warm reminds me of the 2004 tsunami. It's curious, exciting and tempting to want it to last forever. But when the tide comes rushing back we're all going to be caught off guard by the consequences. Anyhow, Pelham was a good diversion from the weather because I basically worked inside all day. I did however get the chance to explore the area after getting lost coming home. The city was established a little over 350 years ago by a English Brit by the name of Thomas Pell. It's located 30 miles north of New York City in the seriously overpriced neighborhood of Westchester. What's wonderful is that thousands of acres of woodland have been preserved for hiking, fishing, picnicking and camping. Yes, lots of oak trees still mature here and schools like Pelham Memorial High School crank out students at the top of the heap. A school like this would inspire me too.