October 17, 2009 -- On Oct 17 Certified Leaders Ray Greenwell, Craig Meisner and Emily Fitzgerald along with CatRock Youth Leaders Shaqai and Kyron and ICO Volunteers Karen, Charles and Kasey, led 20 students from CampInteractive and Kingsbridge High School on a hike in Harriman State Park.

The two groups met as usual at Kingsbridge High School for an early and chilly start to the day, but everyone was in high spirits as we loaded the bus and Ray distributed packs, ponchos and extra warm weather gear to students. The threatening weather, however, caused a slight change of plans and in lieu of a hike to Schunemunk Mountain, which could pose a hazard in the rain, Ray and Craig thought it best to hike around Island Pond in Harriman State Park.

Upon arrival to Elk Pen, both groups circled up and played the “Viking” game introduced by Craig to get to know one another and then we were off on our trek. The goal; the Lemon Squeezer. It was several miles along the Appalachian Trail to the rock formation and along the way students found walking sticks, were quizzed on trail blazes and collected the beautifully colored leaves. (Craig offered a trip to Bermuda and a brand new Porche 911 for the students with the best leaves.) We took a brief respite at the Lower Pond, had a quick snack and tried to entice Craig’s dog Jazz into the chilly water. Then it was back on the trail for a further half mile to the Lemon Squeezer. Everyone enjoyed being “squeezed” through the tight crevice, 18 inches at its narrowest point, and there was lots of teamwork involved in scrambling up and down the rocks. We took another quick break at the top, but the sprinkling of rain made Craig and Ray make the decision to return the way we came as opposed to taking the longer route along the Arden-Surebridge Trail. We returned at a rapid pace to beat the rain, but still managed to soak up the last bit of the crisp autumn air and foliage.

At the closing circle, Craig suggested we all go around and list our high point and low point of the day, many students mentioning the colors of the leaves and spending time with the group as the high point and leaving as the low point. Then we loaded the bus and before we knew it we were back where we started. The two groups returned a little cold and tired, but invigorated and with multi-colored leaves to remember the trip.

Submitted by ICO Volunteer Kasey McNatt