The trip last October to Dr. Davies Farm and Hook Mountain was a great success! The kids had a great time and so did the adults! During apple picking, even though the low hanging fruit was mostly gone, the upper branches of most trees were still pretty full. The custodian gave us long sticks with baskets to pick them. Luckily, he also gave our brimming bags of apples a lift in the wagon of his golf cart! Lunch was a success as well. The kids loved the Panera sandwiches and cookies, but many brought their own lunches. Nevertheless, there was very little waste because we found many grateful recipients when we got back to school. Thankfully, no lunches were thrown into the trash, and we made sure the kids cleaned up everything around their picnic tables so that we adults didn't have to pick up after them. The hike was also a great success. The kids loved the woods and all the fall foliage, and they were very impressed by the view. At one point, Adam, a hiker passed by, and we stopped him to ask questions about hiking. He was very accommodating and told us that he started his hike in Washington Heights and proceeded across the George Washington Bridge up the trail that goes past Hook Mountain, Bear Mountain all the way up to Canada! We were amazed to learn that we were on the longest trail in New York State. The kids asked him all kinds of questions like where does he sleep, what does he eat, and does he encounter any animals especially at night. Adam was very accommodating and patiently explained all that is involved in back packing and sleeping in the great outdoors. The kids were quite impressed. When we got back to school we divided the apples among all the students and chaperones. We had so many that we gave away apples to school staff and other students who happened to be around. All in all, the trip was a resounding success!