Silent Walks on the Half Moon

Silent Walk Reprise in New Paltz-Thursday October 14th

2010-10-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

As part of the Hudson Valley Artists 2010: Contemporary Art and Praxis, we are so pleased to lead a reprised Silent Walk on Thursday, October 14th, 2010.
The walk will begin at the Sojourner Truth parking lot along the Wallkill Rail Trail on Plains Road (P6 on map) at 5:00pm. Carpooling from the Dorsky will be available at 4:45pm.
Please join us and bring a friend!

Walkers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We will walk silently along the trail south to the bridge, enjoy the view for a few minutes, and then return to the parking lot to share some refreshment. It will be dusk. Bring a flashlight if you wish. We will have some extras.

All walkers participate at their own risk.

The Final Walk-Faith in What Remains

2010-05-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

The night of May 20th offered warm sun, brilliantly blue skies and myriad hues of green that varied from near black to chartreuse. We were delighted to welcome so many first time walkers, especially those who came from far away to participate. Definitely better late than never.
For those who have joined in many walks throughout the year, we feel a special fondness. Together we have experienced this mountain, this river and all the variables of weather and people over the past twelve months. Since last June, we crunched through leaves, got lost (briefly), got wet, warmed up, broke rules, slowed down and paid attention in a new way.
The walks were an aesthetic full court press. Talk about engagement. The original questions: Who and what is nature? and Who and what makes art? are answered. Here are the closing questions: What is ephemeral? What remains? I believe an experience that develops tendrils of connection--to a moment, to a place and to a community--offers an answer.

The Silent Walks were a wonderful experience.
I am grateful to every person whose participation made them happen.
Many thanks.
Comments from the final walk follow.

entering the Quiet Zone

Wonderful spring trees.
Breeze stirring in the branches
Tall, blossoming tree.

Birds all around
Tweeting a sweet sound
But when I came back from the view,
there was no song at all.
-O. P. age 8

I like the way last year's leaves are crushes into the stones on the path.

Bleu Blanc Vert

Thank you. This was such an awesome experience on so many levels: smells, sounds, sights, the breeze, the streams. "every moment is made glorious..."- Rumi

Bring the walks to Jersey! Make 'em longer! Rock on. Dig the quiet----need more of that.

A deeper green surrounded us. The river was streaked with pale blue lines--currents, breezes, wakes, the Shawagunk escarpment distinct in the view.

Beautiful. Peace.

Feet make too much noise. I wanted to tell the birds to be silent. My camera made too much noise and flash. Follow the yellow hat. Trees! GREAT to finally make it!!

The View

Well, what can I say, I'm sad to see the Silent Walks go...but so glad to have been a part of it.
Dappled sunshine, gnats, train horns drifting up from the Hudson. Awesome!

Although my first, it was the 12th walk on the 12th night, a celebration of the fulfilled commitment to merge the boundaries of art with the cycles of nature over a year's span of time. Congratulations!

So beautiful yet so...sad. Thanks for an experience that will last for years.

thinking of the song that has the line "gonna feed my soul where the blacktop ends"

Special thanks to Diane and Martin and Odessa. You and Barbara Gioia get the most walks attended award!

We always end the walks with conversation and a bit of refreshment,
but this time, we also celebrated with a closing reception at 2 Alice's coffee house.

I cannot overstate the importance of Thom Munterich to this project. Beyond all the beautiful photographs and documentation he has provided,Thom is the only other person who has walked every walk with me. His support, both creative and logistical, has been integral to The Silent Walks. Sincerest thanks.

This mirrors the first video taken last June.

Thanks again to everyone!

The cycle is nearly complete.

2010-05-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Please join us on May 20th at 6pm for the final Silent Walk.

We meet at the Stone Pillars at the trail head on Mountain Road in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. Parking is limited, so carpool if you can. We invite anyone who has walked this past year to join us for the final walk.
Help us get the word out!

The weather will be typical for May, so dress appropriately. We'll have bug spray if you want it. We have been fortunate all year, but keep in mind that the walks are postponed by one day if there is dangerous weather (lightening).

All walkers participate at their own risk.

April's Green is Gold

2010-04-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

Almost a year has gone by and I can't help comparing walks from either side of the solstice. In this case, April had the same light as August and even looked humid and stormy. Yet it was cool, and we were amid the new pale greens of spring. The walk had a good turn-out with many "first-timers" joining us. I am growing more reflective as this project nears completion, yet am happy that it has some afterlife--not just for me, but for those of us whose perceptions have broadened and whose sense of connection has been enhanced.
The following are comments made by this month's participants.
Thanks so much to all of you who came out!

"Such a beautiful idea and experience. We should do more things silently."

"A year has gone by so quickly. I was getting used to walking in the dark and really enjoying the challenge and drama of it! Will miss this wonderful ritual."

"Winter took a toll. I can see more clearly."

Can you see the post?

"As the seasons change, there is always beauty all around on the Silent Walks, an experience everyone should have. " (O.P. age 8 and participant in four walks so far)

" More than the view or the wonderful breeze, the trees and plants stole the show. Like Robert Frost's "nature's first green is gold" the light green leaves and golden glow are so enchanting. I'm so glad to hear that the Silent Walks may continue on past next month. I'll always be looking forward to more."
Here is the poem Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

"I was very aware of the beat of the footsteps."

"It was really good to be able to enjoy the natural beauty and silence of nature with so much company. Thank you."

"Hard to believe it could get any better than this. Plenty of new people, plenty of regulars, gentle breeze in the air and leaves in the trees. The road doesn't seem as loud as it did the first few times. Becoming more and more about the woods and less and less about the group and me."

"Lovely walk. I liked that company was sizable, but we couldn't talk. Instead, we had to listen to our surroundings and each other. Definitely meditative."

"Simply beautiful! Instead of listening to what our neighbors had to say, we were able to listen to how we felt."

periwinkle

"Noticed the little lone violets here and there poking up at the edge of the trail. Memories of another similar mountain. Regrets that this discovery couldn't be shared with a friend who died recently, the wonderful feel of the wind..."

"uphill. breathing heavy.
self aware.
determined not to slow down.
pride.
beautiful vista. large grand universe.
quiet downhill. slower breathing.
return to another world."

"Noticed the wind sounding like waves of noise building and crashing in the tree tops. The pattern it created on the surface of the river was the same as the ruffled silhouette of the leaves in the trees."

All visual documentation of the walk was made by our talented and dedicated photographer, Thom Munterich.

widow maker,
sock-leaf,
deer biscuit

Please join us for the LAST Silent Walk on the Half Moon on May 20th at 6pm.
Anyone who has participated in a Silent Walk over the course of the past year
is invited to the SWHM cook-out on May 22. Details to follow.

How did our entomologist come up with this sweet, humorous poem so quickly? Inspired by Robert Frost no doubt.
"Silent walk, your sound is golden!
How our senses become emboldened.
We have to see, we have to hear,
but louder still we are than deer!
We hear the wind, we hear the trees.
What a lovely idea, this idea of Jackie's."

The eleventh walk is Wednesday, April 21

2010-04-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Please join us at 6pm on Wednesday, April 21 for the eleventh Silent Walk on the Half Moon. We meet at 6:00pm at the trail head on Mountain Road in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. Carpooling is recommended.
The forecast as of today is clear and cool, so dress for spring. The dark walks of winter are behind us, so leave those flashlights at home.
Come tune in to the woods and the river with us! Bring a friend.

Interested in learning more about the SWHM project? Click here.

Walkers participate at their own risk.

Common Ground--like minds coming together

2010-04-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ramapo College of New Jersey is hosting a symposium on collaborations between Humans, Music, Art and Nature next week on Thursday and Friday afternoon, April 22, 23. The event, called Common Ground, was the idea of student, Emmy Black. Ben Neill, Professor of Music and several others have joined her in creating this event. I will be discussing the Silent Walks on Thursday.
The line up of speakers include artists and musicians and ecology-minded activists from the Hudson Valley and from across the country. This symposium is sure to inspire.

The Wet Walk

2010-03-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Part of what has been so illuminating about the Silent Walks is seeing our path through the woods change with each month. Being part of the landscape when it has been annoyingly buggy and humid, to magically autumnal, to snowy and dark, to damp and cold like it was this past walk, is exactly what this project is about. Yet I understand how walking in mud and drizzle and cold isn't necessarily as appealing as pristine sunshine. Each walk has been surprisingly representative of the time of year, and March held true to that pattern. The Mud Season. Having acknowledged all that, it was remarkably beautiful.

The following are reflections from the few of us who braved the wet accompanied by photographs and video taken by the SWHM photographer, Thom Munterich.

Yes, this is the trail.

"Delightful. Try as I might, I could only find the smallest signs of spring--all the snow melt running off the mountain, the earth feels, smells moist and fertile. It's like it is a completely different place from last month. Loved it."

"Amazing soaked woods. Rich color of umber, deep yellow and the hint of red buds in the trees. Neon green moss. Branches were starting to dry, so they stood out as gray lines against the dark background. Had to step around the water that covered the path. It was light the whole time, but cloudy. I felt so relaxed, watching the ferry boat inch it's way across the river."

"Smelled damp leaves and new earth. Sound of water everywhere."

Note the stream running down the mountain in the background.

"Big deep mountain breaths in time with the swollen creek bed rumblings. Other observations: wet spring. Leaves like deep pile shag--so different from the noisy playful fall leaves. Loved the "Tree Goiter" at the bridge!!"

"So grateful to Jackie for giving me this all too brief time of quiet contemplation! It even relaxed the pain in my gut from wolfing down dinner."

Unlike the past two snowy walks, there were plenty of signs that people had been here, and I don't mean beer bottles this time.

Druids or hikers? You decide. It's not Micheal Graham though, because it doesn't have his trademark round rock at the top. Some of his beautiful cairns are off Deer Trail Road. If you look closely, you can see a new house being built on the far hillside. Wasn't there last fall.

Our tree spider, now in spring.

A rare dry spot in the path.

Please join us next month on April 21st, the day before Earth Day.
Share the experience with a friend!

Spring forward-March's walking is coming on Tuesday.

2010-03-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

Please join us for the next Silent Walk on the Half Moon this coming Tuesday, March 23. We meet at the trail head on Mountain Road in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. This will be our first walk in daylight since September, and we may see other signs of spring. Forecast now is for the rain to have finished, but dress accordingly.

Come share a walk through the woods as an aesthetic experience. For more information about the silent walks, please click here. Questions can be emailed to Jackie Skrzynski.

February's Walk--soft snow and twilight

2010-02-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

The turn out was surprisingly low for such perfect weather, but a few people did show up to participate. Like the October walk (the other side of the winter solstice) we started out in twilight. Having a bit of light made such a difference. Unlike October when the air seemed filled with the glow of yellow leaves, the pervading color in February was blue--the snow, the shadows and the light, punctuated by glowing electric white and yellow. These two walks--October and February, have had the most magical light. The deepening shadows give rise to our own instinctual relationship to the darkness-fear and safety. The most defenseless animals come out at night because darkness offers protection that balances the risk of predators. In our woods, especially after so many walks at night, I enjoy the dark. We walk as a group-quite similar to a small herd--and the company is calming. Now after so many months, strangers who have shared multiple walks are connected in friendly, informal ways that are blossoming into friendships. For most, the self-conscious nervousness of the first experience gives way to a dilated permeance.

This is community; this is communion.

The following are comments made by the participants along with documentary photographs and recordings. They act as reminders and footnotes of an experience, but nothing beats actually taking the walk.
Please join us next month on March 23rd.

"The whirling call of an owl and the yip of what might have been a coyote made this walk extra special for me. The mist over the river made the boat lights glow. It was so peaceful watching them slowly float up river. The twilight and the snow offered plenty of light, yet I kept noticing the silhouettes of the tree branches. Glad there was no ice!"

"I am at home wherever I am." --Rumi
I did not want it to end. (I'm bringing a snowball home for the dogs.)

"Perfect night for a silent walk. Light going in and snow continued to light the way as dark settled in around us. Good sounds and tasty chocolate covered pretzels at the end!"

A word of appreciation for Barbara Gioia--Many people have faithfully attended several Silent Walks, and we love you all! It's not easy to fit these events into work/home/kids' schedules. We would like to give special recognition to Barbara Gioia (pictured above right) who has attended almost every Silent Walk. We will remember your comment about the chocolate covered pretzels.

Dog and deer tracks are everywhere.

"Not surprisingly, I feel invisible and insignificant. I actually felt terrified but also relieved. The woods were quite calm but little noises that crept towards me were not recognizable and alien."

"Today had to be the perfect day for a silent walk in the woods. Soft snow on the ground. No wind. Warm temperatures. I could have stayed all night."

Walking up to the view in the snow.

The sounds drift up from the river and the village.

Evidence of the presence of Thom Munterich, the Silent Walk's photographer.
Please join us for our next Silent Walk on March 23rd. Questions can be directed to Jackie Skrzynski.

The Final Four-February 22, Monday, is the next walk.

2010-02-20T05:39:00.000-08:00

Only four more walks left! We meet at 6pm at the Storm King trail head located on Mountain Road in Cornwall-on-Hudson.

The forecast is predicting light snow. If that happens, it will be the first time the walks have had precipitation. Please be prepared for semi-darkness and possibly icy paths. We will have extra flashlights for those who wish to use them.

Walking in the evening woods as a group in silence is a great way to experience "our" mountain. Please come and bring a friend! We will move at a slow pace and stay together.

Walkers participate at their own risk.

January's Walk: Careful Steps

2010-01-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

About a dozen people turned out on a cold winter's night for the half-moon walk. Most of the snow had melted in the recent warm weather, but the old road we follow had plenty of ice. Although the lack of snow meant a darker walk, the half-moon showed brightly through the trees. The shadows were distinct and beautiful. The following are comments provided by some of the walkers. Thanks again for our photographer and walk sweeper, Thom Munterich, for documenting in the dark.

"Just enough light to see the ice beneath my feet. So similar and yet so different from two months ago. The view was alive with lights and sounds. The woods felt welcoming, as if January was a distant thought."

"It was lovely even though I didn't get to where we were supposed to go. It is the journey, not the end."

"I am 8 years old. I can't believe I stayed quiet. It was so fun. I also can't believe I finished first. Hope you come. You will like it."

"The slow walk up the icy road was filled with ash-colored shadows. I saw almost no color until we got to the view. Then the lights were shameless, winking in reds and yellows. The train passed right below us."

"Standing high above our homes. In darkness. With nothing. Traces of snow snake through the woods like a question mark. Just shut up and hike!"

"A much needed quiet after having gone to a rock concert the night before. Would have been better if I didn't lose my friend....very beautiful. Grateful for no bear attacks. "
(Me too!)

" 'Can we find a way to communicate that transcends words?' What great fun!"

Streaming video

"Optimistic"

Brief train recording

"Lying back on cold bare rock, my body is warm. Train whistle wails in the distance."

Join us for the next Silent Walk on February 22. It's a group thing.

Next Walk-January 23rd--A Saturday

2010-01-17T12:26:00.001-08:00

Please join us for the next Silent Walk on the Half Moon. We meet at the stone pillars on Mountain Rd at 6pm. Dress appropriately and bring a flashlight in case you want to use it. This will be our last walk that starts and ends in the dark. It's such an incredible experience, please come and bring a friend!

Walkers participate at their own risk.

For more information about the the Silent Walks, click here.

Oh, yoolis night

2009-12-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

December 23rd was so cold, we waited in our car for others to arrive, not sure if any would. Many people who had planned to walk called in regrets noting holiday preparations that still needed doing. Then people did begin showing up. We had four tried-and-true walkers and one first-timer. Our newbie had hiked the Rockies alone in his youth and knows Storm King Mountain better than any of us. He even ran part of the way!

These beautiful photographs are taken with a flash. They make the woods seem very dark beyond the scope of the light. Trust me, the woods were full of snowlight and moonlight. The mountain resonated for us, and on this night, we gratefully received what it gave.
Now that's the holiday spirit.

"Walking in the snow is slippery! I need new boots!"

"Snow is sublime! Crunchy and bright. A beautiful walk."

"The woods were filled with light, yet my mind whirred a bit loudly this time. Drifted until I would see the moon and remember where I was. Less color, more sound as the trees whined about the wind."

Thom Munterich takes all the photographs and sound recordings for the Silent Walks.
This picture compares to one he took in July.

"Snow--familiar distance and direction. Moonlight great. Overdressed. A little crunch, water, but quieter than usual."
Click above to listen to the water.

Reverse silhouette, lights in the distance.

Click above for snow walking.

A well catches the stream on it's way down.

"Brilliant white lights on the banks. Day of Giving. Happy Solstice."

Breath lingering in the cold air.

At the end, several people said they were surprised how warm they got as they walked. Two said they had a harder time keeping their thoughts from drifting this time, maybe because of the holidays, while another said this walk was her best yet. We shared Christmas cookies and well wishes for the new year.
The next Silent Walk is on January 23. Bundle up and come walk with us!

All is calm, all is bright

2009-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Join us for a silent night. Trail head on Mountain Rd. 6:00pm. December 23. Dress for cold and slippery conditions.

November's Walk-moonlight and blue shadows

2009-11-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Before Tuesday afternoon, my biggest concern was being clearly identifiable as a group of walkers, not a herd of deer. No hunting is allowed at Storm King, but you can't be too careful. Most walkers opted for flashlights or headlamps, but it was surprisingly bright. No clouds and no leaves allowed the half moon to light the way. Even so, the light was too dim to show the moon shadows in these photographs. Our photographer, Thom Munterich, took some shots with a flash and also made a few short videos to provide an idea of the sound. Everyone noticed how each walk has its own characteristic. Very true.
The following are the comments made by the participants. Thanks for walking!

The Start: Passing out flashlights, glow bracelets and discussing safety.

A strange silent walk. Different from others. A true half-moon.

(Dancing Half Moon.)

Walking in the starlight, I had many thoughts, starting with my day-a difficult but rewarding one, especially after yesterday. Then my day faded away. The woods were beautiful--looking from the outcrop over the river-seeing the beauty of the valley. Thanks.

Darkness all around. The sound of water rushing. Stars overhead. The sweet smell of leaves. Bright lights in the distance.

Serene, peaceful, well-needed.

A gorgeous night! It was fun getting lost, too! I appreciated the chance to quiet my mind.

(We are silent, but the walking is quite crunchy.)

I loved walking at night.

(Walkers approaching the bluff.)

Half moon like a black cat's eye. Her brightness will guide you but she'll pounce if you turn your back. And that distant, mournful train won't help.

(The view. Listen for the train.)

Walking the trail in darkness, I was completely focused. Placed each foot with some care. The boulders seemed larger, the trail more meandering (ha!), and the city lights more distant. Yet I felt no anxiety. The darkness protects as much as hides, and the moon beams cast pale blue stripes across the path.

Don't be afraid of the dark. Amazing! So much brighter than expected. And water-so much water! The view was alive with lights. The city/town sparkled with color. Half moon bright in the sky. Hey! Didn't get arrested.

After the walk, we shared clementines and our thoughts. Most of us had to rush off to continue preparations for Thanksgiving. This was a perfect way to start.
The next walk is December 23. Please join us and bring your favorite elf.

Walking in the Dark

2009-11-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

We will be walking under the half moon this coming Tuesday, November 24th. Please join us at the Storm King trail head on Mountain Road in Cornwall-on-Hudson. We start at 6pm.
Bring a friend. Walking in the dark is an experience best shared with friends.

October 25th, Walking in the glow.

2009-10-29T02:54:00.000-07:00

When I conceived of the idea of the Silent Walks, I was imagining a night like October 25th. Darkness makes the woods primordial. Our own lost contours were visual signs of the feeling of belonging: Whitman's dilation. Maybe the glowing colors of the trees in the fading twilight, and the luminosity of the river once we emerged on the bluff, and the return walk under the half moon, will be conveyed in these photographs, but the experience cannot. Consider these as documents of a memory we share but can never capture.

Note the glow-bracelet. That was important on the walk back.

The air seemed slightly colored, as if it took on all the gold and amber of the leaves overhead and underfoot. The aroma of fallen leaves and distant wood smoke filled the air. When we came out of the trees onto the bluff, I heard someone gasp and understood why--the unexpected brilliance of the evening sky reflected in the river. Lights sparkled from just below us all the way to the bridge. It was breath-taking.

Gilded domes in the forest canopy. The flat and luminous glow of October's twilight. I can forgive Maxfield Parrish.

My first Silent Walk exceeded all of my expectations...breezy, calm, meditative and incredibly inspiring and energizing!

We have to name this one, "The Glow Walk." From the glowing leaves to the glowing moon, to the flickering lights of our sleepy village, Newburgh and Beacon, to even our glow stick bracelets! The walk was the best one yet!

Red sun setting. Hearing animals and footsteps. Half moon in the sky. Darkness all around. Familiar trail. No fear.

Great sound.
(Sound recording to be posted shortly...)

At the end of the walk, we shared our thoughts and some apples. There was an awareness of the dark, but comfort in the group. The next walk is November 24, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Bring a flashlight and a friend.

Yellow tunnels

2009-10-24T04:07:00.000-07:00

The next walk is this Sunday, October 25th at 6pm. It will be dusk, and the leaves will be both underfoot and overhead. Please come and bring a friend. This is meant to be shared.
We meet at the Storm King trail head on Mountain Rd.

September's Walk--green and gloaming

2009-09-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

I needed this walk, almost had a thirst for the comfort of it.
Family, friends and new walkers arrived to participate, about 20 in all. The weather was perfectly appropriate--cool and a bit cloudy. Some leaves had changed, but it was still quite green. Here are the comments of those who chose to write and photographs from Thom Munterich.

We begin, youngest 9, oldest 77.

For me the Silent Walk combines the peace and tranquility of hiking alone with the comfort and safety of a group.

The silence prevented polite social chatter from overriding the energy of nature. It was just the thud of footsteps, pounding of hearts and the wonderment of the surroundings. An enlightening experience!

Thanks for the chance to step out of the 'real' world-with its endless nonsense and distractions--and into a better one.

Fourth time. New hiking shoes worked great. So many people, all trying to get the most out of it, all trying to absorb the surroundings as best they can.

A beautiful night--finally feeling like evening. Louder crickets-cooler breezes. Snakeskin on rock. Playing quietly with Max. A great way to spend a Saturday.

First Timer--It was easier to be quiet than I was afraid it would be! I was surprised. I only saw one live creature-a bird-when we were sitting. Very relaxing. I didn't want it to end!

Thanks for the opportunity to think for a while--I am so glad I came!

So cool. So beautiful.

Vines wrapped around a tree holding a gigantic broken branch precariously over the path.

Fourth time and I looked forward to the soft release, the unwinding of the day. Felt the peace well up inside and seep out. Then it all came in again--the voices in the neighborhood below, the boats, the snake skin, the clouds, the mountains and the river. Colors of dusk.

At times I felt alone, and for a moment, I felt that we were all one.

I saw a tree wrapped around another tree and I thought, "Cool, they're hugging." A couple minutes later I realized, "No, they're fighting."

Thanks to everyone who came out. The group makes the experience what it is.
Next walk is October 25, a Sunday! Please come and bring a friend.

One, two three, four...can I have a little more?

2009-09-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

The next Silent Walk is this coming Saturday, September 26th. Finally a weekend for all those who can't make the week nights. The leaves are just starting to change. Hope to see you there and please bring a friend!
New to the walks? Find the "What When Where" post on July 2nd for all the details.

The August 27th walk

2009-08-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Third Silent Walk on the Half Moon is this coming Thursday, August 27th at 6pm. Join us!
Parking is limited, so please carpool.
****
I am so pleased that the Silent Walks on the Half Moon were part of the re:Place exhibition at Georgia College and State University. Thanks to Michelle Hudson, Exhibition Curator and Shannon Morris, Museum Curator.

Henry David Thoreau on Walking

2009-08-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a excerpt from Thoreau's well-known speech on walking. For the complete speech, click here.
I have met with but one or two persons in the course of my life who
understood the art of Walking, that is, of taking walks -- who had a
genius, so to speak, for sauntering, which word is beautifully
derived "from idle people who roved about the country, in the
Middle Ages, and asked charity, under pretense of going a la Sainte
Terre," to the Holy Land, till the children exclaimed, "There goes a
Sainte-Terrer," a Saunterer, a Holy-Lander. They who never go to
the Holy Land in their walks, as they pretend, are indeed mere
idlers and vagabonds; but they who do go there are saunterers in
the good sense, such as I mean. Some, however, would derive the
word from sans terre without land or a home, which, therefore, in
the good sense, will mean, having no particular home, but equally
at home everywhere. For this is the secret of successful sauntering.
He who sits still in a house all the time may be the greatest vagrant
of all; but the saunterer, in the good sense, is no more vagrant than
the meandering river, which is all the while sedulously seeking the
shortest course to the sea.

2009-07-31T04:37:00.000-07:00

July 28th's walk was on the only night of the week without thunderstorms. The air was thick, yet several walkers came. Some had never been to Storm King before. Some were from neighboring towns and states, but most of us were locals enjoying "our" mountain.

Here are all our comments and some photographs taken by the Silent Walks' sweeper, Thom Munterich.

Introduction

"Time for decompression....crunch of gravel under feet. Trying to walk silently. Feeling like a character in a play--waiting for the director's guidance! Felt painfully interconnected to the group."

" Broken glass glints in the sun like the eyes of rabid dogs.
Peace to Lily and her parents."

"It seems very cultivated and civilized NOT to speak with strangers on such a beautiful trail.
Respectful of nature and each other."

"I'm definitely coming again. We need more silence in life. Of course there was noise from our feet on the stone road, but it was similar to Dorothy stepping out of her house in Oz when all of us stepped off the road onto the dirt path. It became quieter and greener and more beautiful. By the way, I'm embarrassed to say that I've never been to that lookout before. Very nice!"

"It was such a treat to be non-verbal for a while. I almost don't want to write anything.
Beautiful walk."

"When I first started the walk, I thought that I would be more attuned with nature. Instead, I found myself more aware of myself on the walk, such as my breathing and my footsteps on the rocks. It was a very positive experience."

"Different group dynamic--more about the walk, the sounds, the sights, the bugs and not so much about the people. Amazing how different this month's walk was compared to June."

"It's as if you are walking in nature's confines with the tree cover, brooks gurgling, birds signing and bugs buzzing. Then when you reach the overlook, it's as if the door is thrown open and you see this amazing river in all its glory--the reward for the warm climb!"

"spiritual, peaceful, buggy"

"My second time felt completely normal not to be talking. More people came this time, including a young girl who seemed to enjoy the challenge. Weather was hot, muggy, but we didn't get rained on."

"Very Nice. To my surprise, not talking was only hard for the first two minutes. Looking forward to the next."

"I noticed the daddy longlegs speeding along beside us, little orange dots just above the path.
The light slanted through the trees, yellow and hazy.
As our footsteps fell into a rhythm, it was easy to be quiet."

"The sun was high and filtered through the trees. I could really hear the wind. A beautiful evening."

"Sound of wind in trees, train, plane. Bugs buzz. Feel of wind on skin. Uphill, hot, muggy. Turn, downhill, woods; feeling of well-being."
"I had a wonderful adventure! My mom and I saw a mushroom. There was an awesome view! I loved my experience of the silent walk."
After the walk, we enjoyed fresh blueberries and shared our experiences, where we came from, what we noticed. What a pleasant group of people!
Thanks to everyone who took time out of their schedules to create this shared experience.
Join us on August 27.

2009-07-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

The next walk is July 28th! Support your local artist and the Silent Walks on the Half Moon by buying a bandana or t-shirt. Help spread the buzz.

What, When, Where information for the Silent Walks

2009-07-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Description:
The project will consist of 12 once-a-month performances called “Silent Walks on the Half-Moon.” Each performance will lead participants on a group silent walk through the woods at the base of Storm King Mountain. This mountain is part of the Hudson Highlands, a chain of mountains that border the lower Hudson River.
Where: Participants will meet at a designated parking area at the Mountain Road trailhead in Cornwall-on-Hudson. There, they will be briefly introduced to the performance, including the requirement of silence. Participants will be directed to follow each other along a wide path for about 20 minutes to a trail spur that goes to a look out. From the look out, they will be able to view an impressive expanse of the Hudson River that stretches for about four miles.
When: The performances will take place once a month at 6pm on the evening of the waxing half-moon. Tip: Waxing moons are being born, so when you add a line to the crescent, it forms the letter “b.” Waning moons are dying, so the added line forms the letter “d.” This day of the month was chosen to commemorate Henry Hudson’s vessel, the Halfmoon. (This year marks the 400th anniversary of his sailing the Hudson River, so many villages are organizing celebrations.)
The time of day was chosen for its convenience to the workday and for its clear demonstration of light changing over the course of the year. Imagine the difference between the first sunny 6pm walk in June and the darkness at 6pm in December. Participants are encouraged to attend as many walks as they can throughout the year. After each person has had a chance to enjoy the view, the procession will follow a loop back down to the trailhead. People are encouraged to share their experiences of the walk before leaving.

Only dangerously severe weather such as lightening will postpone a performance by one day.
While general precautions will be taken, participants will agree in writing to walk at their own risk. Flashlights, bug repellant and a first aid kit will be available at each walk.
Timeline.
June 29, 2009--First Silent Walk-reception following
July 28, 2009
August 27, 2009
September 26, 20009
October 25, 2009
November 24, 2009
December 23, 2009
January 23, 2010
February 22, 2010
March 23, 2010
April 21, 2010
May 20, 2010--Final Silent Walk and closing reception

June 29th, 2009 the First Silent Walk

2009-07-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

We were a small group of old and new friends.

We walked in silence to the view and back. Before leaving, each walker wrote about the experience. They could write just a few words if they wanted. These comments follow.

Just looking, listening and feeling the wind. Trying not to let my mind wander.

Group dynamic, rhythm of footsteps, light, wind, bugs.

Tuning into a earth without gadgets.

Humid, buggy, dark blue sky, one bird, 100 shades of green.

Thoughts and no thoughts, low sunlight, dog, same twig.

Interesting experience. Not what I expected exactly. I expected to be more aware of my surroundings, which I was, but I also became acutely aware of the movements and body language of the individuals in the group - the rhythms and sounds of their walking. We relied on our visual cues to stay together. I sometimes felt like I was passing through the space unseen. At moments I felt like a tracker. There were a lot of gnats that normally I would have complained about. It was nice not to complain or listen to others complain. It was a beautifully lit evening with dramatic clouds. Looking forward to the next hike.

When we returned, we shared how it felt. One person had tried to see the Hudson River without any buildings to get an idea of how it might have looked when Henry Hudson first sailed it. What would the ship have looked like to a native standing here? Another person said it was hard not to think about work. She had to make an effort to "be here now." Another walker found great comfort in being released from the burden of small talk. Personally, not talking felt very unnatural to me at first. It was hard! By the end, though, I was remembering times when I had wished for silence when in loud company. I was thankful I hadn't ruined anyone's walk with silly, obvious observations. We regrouped at 2Alice's for the reception and further discussion.

Preparing for the first walk and a bit of background

2009-07-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

These signs lead participants from Rt 218 to the Storm King trail head on Mountain Road.

Background
Contextualizing the Silent Walks as an artistic experience allows participants to “turn on their art light.” They will consider their sensory experience in a consciously aesthetic way. That is also the reason to walk in silence. Sharing without words will allow participants to pay attention to the ambient sounds, smells, colors and weather rather than their conversations. Not talking does not mean not sharing, as each participant will be part of a large group walking silently along a trail. Perhaps they will even feel like a herd, and while that may seem humorous, the identification with what is animal about us, and our collective experience, is the core concept of the Silent Walks.
Skrzynski considers the walks as combining inspirational elements from several artists' works. She has always admired Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Long, two artists who essentially point to nature and say, “Notice this!” while making works that are both exquisitely formal and collaborate with natural elements. The Silent Walks also pay homage to the venerable tradition of the Hudson River School of landscape painters. Importantly, these events intend to build community. Skrzynski attributes the collaborative performances by the artist Rirkrit Tarivanija, who cooked meals for people in his gallery performances, as perhaps the most important influence. Mountain, river, community, sharing, access, creating memory rather than evoking it--fostering a connection to a place--this is art.

Skrzynski believes participants in the Silent Walks will retain a potent memory of this specific place at this particular time. Especially for those who walk each month, memories of seasonal ambience, discomfort and pleasure will form a profound awareness of the Storm King Mountain over time. She intends for these experiences to permeate into a daily awareness of our connections to our surroundings. Skrzynski also believes in the power of the ephemeral. Each performance survives only in memory, yet these memories can change behavior. Her community is proud of its relationship to the Hudson River and has fought to keep it unspoiled. These performances participate in that tradition, creating a chance to form lasting connections within the simple act of taking a walk.

With the Silent Walks, Skrzynski creates a context, naming a walk through the woods as ‘Art’ to alter concepts of what and who is nature, and what and who makes art.

For locals, these walks will foster a “pride of place” as they share the unique qualities of where they live and pay homage to it. As part of the “Celebrate New York 400” events, the walks will have a historical context as well. For example, 30 years ago the Hudson Valley community fought to save Storm King Mountain from being the site of a huge power plant. (This gave birth to the Scenic Hudson organization and most consider it the birth of the environmental movement.) The post-walk reception, the blog and the facebook page will provide another layer of community interaction. Because the artwork is fundamentally participatory, each walk will engender a shared experience that will connect people not only to their environment, but also to each other.

In a larger sense, Skrzynski hopes this project will be the first of many community-based Silent Walks started by other artists anywhere in the world.