PT Boats and Stone Homes

Today I took a long ride through Ulster County discovering places like Kingston, Hurley, Stone Ridge and Phoenicia. I was on assignment to shoot historical community video with busy business districts, recreational boating on the Hudson and, if I could find any, some brave souls climbing the gunks.

I came across this rare find when an old crusty Marine, who claimed to work for CBS in his youth, escorted me to his favorite hangouts down by the banks. It's amazing how friendly and hospitable folk get when they see a film-like camera wanting to capture the best a town has in tourism.

This PT boat was getting a little facelift today. It relocated to Kingston from Key West, Florida last September. It dates back to 1945 and is the last Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat afloat in military configuration today. Currently, she has been refitted and restored and Certified by US Coast Guard to carry 49 passengers.

The second shot is of Du Mond House or the Spy House built in 1690. During October and November 1777 the house was used by the Continental army as a guard house for prisoners and a “spy” was held in the basement dungeon.

This weekend Hurley, NY showcases the oldest private homes (1690's-1790's) in America with tours through their 346 year old National Historic Landmark Dutch village. Some homes claim to have been an underground railroad stop while others have had unexplained ghost phenomenon.