Hiking with Mo

One of the most formative experiences for me had been my time at Pocantico Hills Day Camp. Only someone who was a camper or staff can truly understand the magic that occurs there. Mo exemplifies everything that camp is! She has been a camper or staff member for over 30 years, and this was her swan song.

I worked the Wilderness program at Pocantico for 14 years and took Mo and her kids on many backpacking and tubing adventures. I caught up with her group at the Mt. Washington State Forest trailhead in MA. It was like I never left camp as I helped kids pack and I lead them down the trail.

After a two mile walk in to our campsite we set up camp and prepared for our hike to Brace Mt. I found Brace accidentally when on a backpacking trip with my buddy John when we were 21. It's the highest mountain in Dutchess County at 2304 feet. It's not tall, but has outstanding views of the Harlem Valley and the Catskill Mountains beyond.

Mo near the top of Brace.

View from Brace of the Harlem Valley.

One of the highlights of the trip for the kids was the two para-gliders who showed up just after we reached the top. They kindly answered our questions about their 40 pound loads. In 15 minutes they were off and gliding in wide arcs across the valley. Amazing!

Preparing to take off.

So Cool!

We changed our route on the way back down to avoid the many small streams and mud created by last weeks heavy thunderstorms. This is the wettest I've ever seen the Taconics in the summer. We reached a final trail junction where I said my goodbyes to Mo and camp. As I walked the last mile and a half in the dark, I reminisced about the many great adventures I had with Pocantico.

I decided to challenge myself on this hike and carried my overnight backpack with all my gear. It was a long time since I carried a full pack 10 miles. I can honestly say I was bushed, but happy....

Thanks for the memories Mo!