-
Missed Connections
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 16 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.
16 responses to “Missed Connections”
-
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.
-
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!
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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. -
There are actually a number of particulars like that to take into consideration. That may be a nice point to deliver.
-
There are some attention-grabbing points on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity however I will take hold an opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well.
-
very nice post, i certainly love this website, keep on it
-
A formidable share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit of similar evaluation on this. He in fact bought me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile.
-
I really like that. You touched my heart!
-
My spouse and i have been now glad when Jordan managed to complete his inquiry out of the ideas he received using your blog. It is now and again perplexing just to be giving freely helpful tips other folks have been selling. We keep in mind we have got the writer to give thanks to for this. Most of the illustrations you have made, the easy blog navigation, the friendships you help foster – it’s got all fantastic, and it is facilitating our son and the family reason why that concept is amusing, which is certainly particularly serious. Many thanks for the whole thing!
-
I didn’t start my seeds time just slipped by me and now it is too late. Our growing season is so short. This year I’m going to have to settle for plants. I’m really sad that I’m going to miss out on the challenge when last year I started over 15 varieties of plants from seed (and had a great showing!). Oh well, I’m going to have to do it next year!
-
Hello, your web site is fabulous and I enjoy coming and reading your posts! Keep up the good work!
Leave a reply
-
Profile
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