Saturday, February 20, 2010

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

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.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

January's Walk: Careful Steps










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.



Sunday, January 17, 2010

Next Walk-January 23rd--A Saturday


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.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Oh, yoolis night

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!



Tuesday, December 22, 2009

All is calm, all is bright

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

Friday, November 27, 2009

November's Walk-moonlight and blue shadows



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.


Saturday, November 21, 2009

Walking in the Dark


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.