Nov. 22, 2014—Nyack, NY
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There are few things louder than a bus full of twenty teenagers. Except, that is, when someone sets off the bus' emergency alarm.
The Ellis High School hikers discovered this on November 22nd, when, halfway through the drive to Hook Mountain, the bus hit a bump that set off the alarm. For the next fifteen minutes, volunteers and students alike cringed under the high pitched squeal, until one volunteer finally solved the issue. Needless to say, everyone was happy to unload at the trailhead and start moving.
The trail started near 9W north of Nyack, and skirted the cliffs along the Hudson for most of the day. The day began with a slight uphill ascent through fallen leaves, allowing students the chance to warm up despite the cold. After thirty minutes of hiking, we reached our first viewpoint and rest space, where the students broke out the quintessential hiking snacks- Cheetos and Extra Spicy Hot Tattis. Volunteers ate their granola bars with envy.
After some more hiking we reached the second peak for the day and our lunch spot. The group enjoyed a beautiful overlook that offered spectacular views of the Hudson, opportunities for bird watching, and a chance for the bravest among them to take a look over the cliff's edge.
From there, the trail took the group away from the cliffside and down into the forest, where students tip toed over frozen portions of the trail. When asked how they liked the scenery of New York, one Bangladeshi student remarked that the ice reminded him of other beautiful places he'd seen in India and Nepal.
"No! New York is too cold," retorted a student from Puerto Rico.
Around 2pm we reached our turn around point, at which point the organizer of the trip, Raymond Greenwell, announced the culminating activity: a solo hike. And while some students balked at the idea ("We'll be lost!" said one girl), everyone eventually got on board. Students were staggered one minute apart from each other, and volunteers waited at key points to make sure no one took a wrong turn. This allowed the students to experience a few moments of alone time in nature, and to enjoy the silence of the afternoon.
After the group came back together, we held a de-brief circle at an overlook. Students talked about their favorite portions of the trip.
"I loved the views," said one.
"I loved being with my friends," said another.
By the time the group got back to the bus, the sky had started to darken and the day was cooling off. Volunteers and students alike napped on the ride home, enjoying a much quieter and alarm-free return.