The August 27th walk

Some new, some returning walkers shared the experience. Here are their comments interspersed with photographs by Thom Munterich.

Today's Silent Walk on the Half Moon was bug free with low humidity. --Loud crunching footsteps almost in unison maybe due to dryer conditions. --Soften light with deeper shadows from the tree scape this time.

Last time I thought my daughter was the reason we walked at the back of the group, but today I realized it was me.

it is harder to be silent when i decide to be than when it just happens. enjoyed the sounds. loved the scenery.

The loudest part was my own thoughts. I don't deny myself much in life, so this verbal fasting felt very cathartic.

The walk was great! It made my sense of hearing feel like it was amplified by 100. It helped me let things disappear.

Ok, next time it's this nice out, I'm bringing my tent and staying! What a lovely evening and such a great group of people. The coolness of the air is a sign of the fall--yet no fall color in the trees. I look forward to September's walk.

Contrasts: Silent green shadows and crunching feet. No bird song. Step out from the greenness and into loud reminders of who we are: boats, trains, cars, buildings.

I allowed my senses to do the work. No thinking, just sights and sounds.


This was the most awesome night yet. Could have stayed at the lookout for hours. Amazing how green everything still is.

I didn't know what to expect. I came to support Jackie on her art path. I enjoyed the silence, especially walking with many and not having to "do" conversation. After a bit, the chatter in my mind settled down, and I thought about how much this relates to yoga. Last winter I had a minor operation on my foot, so the act of walking is deeply appreciated here. Take away something we take for granted and its significance becomes profound. The best part was sitting on the bluff, looking at the beautiful valley we live in. I've been here for 18 years from West Texas. We didn't have these privileges. We're really lucky to have such a unique view, friends, and experiences to share. Thanks!

It was hard at first to keep silent. I am an environmental educator, so that part of me wanted to blurt out, "that's a such-and-such tree" or "that's a blah-blah bush," but as we had our rest on the rock overlooking the Hudson, my thoughts finally softened. The artist in me prevailed, and I was able to truly look and listen. My steps weren't as loud--as well as my thoughts. This walk was a blessing! Thanks!

The August walk was clear and vibrantly green. The light seemed just slightly darker than July, but the weather felt closer to fall--no humidity and no bugs. The view stretched all the way to the lower Catskills, with the river etched by the wakes of chugging boats. The pulse of all these different engines (boats, cars, trains) was the bass for the occasional hawk's cry and dog bark. I had to tear my eyes from the view, but loved the walk back. Like last time, one of the walkers cleaned up the littered bottles and glass. (The deer must get pretty wild out here...)
Thanks to everyone who made the time to participate!
You were a wonderful group.
Next walk: September 26!