0206: An Unhive Engagement
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- Category: Excursions
- Published on Thursday, 05 July 2012 20:20
- Written by Super User
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Besides the amazing hot air balloon ride this weekend, we had the honor to witness and capture one of the most beautiful and memorable marriage proposals aboard one of the fine crafts. We want to congratulate our members Kseniya and Ben on their engagement and wish them the most beautiful life together.
0203: Bannerman Castle: NY
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- Category: Excursions
- Published on Tuesday, 15 November 2011 22:23
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 300
"Pollepel Island is an island in the Hudson River. Also known as Pollopel Island, Pollopel's Island, and Bannerman Island, it is the site of Bannerman's Castle. Pollepel Island is about 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City and about 1,000 feet (300 m) from the Hudson River's eastern shore. It contains about 6.5 acres (26,000 m2) — most of it rock.
The principal feature on the island is Bannerman's Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse. It was built in the style of a castle by gilded age businessman Francis Bannerman VI (1851–1918). Pollepel Island is sometimes referred to as Bannerman's Island. One side of the castle carries the words "Bannerman's Island Arsenal". The island was purchased by Francis Bannerman VI in 1901. The name pollepel is a Dutch word meaning "(wooden) ladle". The Bannerman Castle Trust organization, however, ascribes the name to a folklore tale about a young girl named Polly Pell becoming stranded on the island."
0205: Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport, CT
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- Category: Excursions
- Published on Thursday, 05 July 2012 20:04
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 261
From 1892 until 1958, it was home to a popular amusement park of the same name. From 1904 to 1919, it was called "Steeplechase Island". The amusement park was accessible primarily by ferry service and a wooden swing bridge built in 1927 to carry automobiles and pedestrians. Remaining structures from the amusement park are the carousel, dodge-'em car enclosure, and beer garden (the latter was substantially altered for use as a summer theater in the 1960s). After a portion of the bridge burned in 1996, Pleasure Beach was cut off and became accessible only by a lengthy trek along the shoreline, or by small private boats from the mainland. This has severely limited access and allowed nature to be undisturbed. As late as December 2008, Bridgeport considered a ferry service to relink the beach with the city, but this was rejected due to parking considerations and the need for a Coast Guard registered captain. The Town of Stratford owned 45 cottages on the Long Beach portion of the peninsula. For a decade, the town considered ending the leases of the seasonal homes, in part because of difficulties in protecting them. The town ended renewal of leases, and in May 2007, the remaining occupants agreed to give up their claims and moved their possessions away by barge. The cottages have since been demolished.
0202: International Celtic Festival: Hunter Mountain, NY
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- Category: Excursions
- Published on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 14:41
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 397
Featuring fantastic entertainment from the Emerald Isles, plus world-class Irish-American bands and dancers. Dozens of authentic Irish vendors, traditional foods, and plenty of beverages. Also features a Bagpipe Competition, followed by the spectacular Mass March as hundreds of pipers and drummers march down the mountain in unison. After the Mass March, the entire procession will play as one at the base of the mountain - it's a spine-tingling sight that is not to be missed. Please note that pets are not permitted on the festival grounds.