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Missed Connections
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 7 comments Add a comment >>
Photo by Jessica Dubé
I was a tomboy as a kid. Seriously. My mom believed that children should play outdoors unless it was raining or unbearably hot, and my dad always preferred to live in secluded areas in the country, so I spent most of my non-school hours entertaining myself (with the help of Chewy, a somewhat wild pit-bull mix). I was a tree-climbing champion who didn‘t mind dirt or bugs.
Now, well, not so much. Unfortunately, with age also came laziness (I’m still working on that wisdom thing). As a college student, I spend hours upon hours looking at a computer screen or reading every week. I do not spend too many hours outdoors enjoying nature, which is a shame. I mean, I chose a school in the Adirondacks. I planned to go hiking, or white-water rafting, or even just walking the trails in beautiful Point-au-Roche State Park. I just… got caught up in things. I forgot to make time and enjoy my surroundings, and it was all too easy to disconnect.
So I propose this: I’m going to do something outside. Not just, you know, walking to class or sitting on the bench in front of my dorm. I want to do something that puts me out of my element. I can’t believe I’ve never hiked Poke-O-Moonshine! A lot of students have done that during their freshman year.
Now, I don’t want to sound all “city-girl-goes-North-Country,” but I’m from Syracuse. I’m a beginner, and my goal is simple– I just want to feel close to nature again. I would love to remember what it felt like to come back home smelling like the outside, and with all the opportunities the Adirondacks are putting on the menu, there’s no better time.
Got any suggestions or challenges? Let me know.
7 responses to “Missed Connections”
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Elizabeth, there are many, many places to start hiking. The new trail to Poke-O is one. This trail is longer than the old trail but not as steep, and the payoff is a great view from a restored fire tower. Let us know what you end up doing.
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I recommend Noonmark Mtn. It’s well worth the short hike and in my opinion one of the best views in the Adirondacks. It really influenced me to do the 46!
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Find a hiking buddy – it’s fun (and safer) to hike with a friend and knowing someone else who wants to be outdoors can help encourage you to get out. Does your college have an outdoors club? You could also look into the local ADK chapter (check adk.org for a list of chapters and links to their web sites and hike schedules). You don’t have to be a member to go on their hikes (though if you start going on a lot, it would be nice to join).
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What school do you go to? Do they have an outdoor program? Might be a great place to start!
Honestly ask around, find a friend who has hiked a bunch and go with them. Get a nice pair of shoes, water, and go for a short hike with a more experienced friend.
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ElizabethPiseczny February 23rd, 2010 at 14:19
These are some great suggestions! I’m really excited to see these places.
Tim, I go to school at Plattsburgh State. We do have an Adirondack Experience program, but I think that’s a academic major. I’ll look into it.
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Beth, here’s a few local favorites: Avalanche Pass, Mt. Jo, Cascade and Porter, The Brothers, Silver Lake Mountain, Rooster Comb, and Giant’s Nubble (with Roaring Brook Falls as an added bonus)are all easy to moderate hikes with great scenery, and they’re within an hours drive of Pburgh. I look forward to reading about your adventures!
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Elizabeth,
Another great hike close to Plattsburgh is Lyon Mountain. It has great views to the north as well as south to the High Peaks. On a good day you can see Montreal. As you’re plannning, don’t forget that snow and ice last much later in the season on the higher elevations.Even though it seems like spring in the valley you could run into slippery conditions.
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Name: Elizabeth Piseczny
Bio: Elizabeth Piseczny is majoring in anthropology and magazine journalism. She enjoys learning about and spending time in nature.
Phil February 23rd, 2010 at 12:00