“In every walk in Nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir, naturalist
Enjoy a fall day in the peaceful beauty of the Hudson Valley with a guided, meditative hike to connect with nature and ourselves. This hike takes the scenic route along the Long Path—into the Rockland Lake State Park and up Hook Mountain. Enjoy expansive vistas only 1.5 hours outside of the city, and an extraordinary space designated by the New York Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area.
Much of the hike will be observed in silence but we will integrate meditation practices throughout the day — allowing our senses to come alive and our sense of separateness fall away. Turning our attention inward allows us to become receptive to both of our outer and inner experiences. The dynamic outdoor conditions will be a perfect container for mindfulness practices.
The hike will be approximately from 10am – 3pm.
When: 9:45am-3pm, Sunday, November 28, 2021
Who: Lin Wang Gordon
Where: Rockland Lake State Park, South Entrance on Route 9W and Lake Road, Valley Cottage, NY, 10989. (Use “753 Route 9W” for Rockland Roots GPS. The park entrance should be one block ahead). It’s parking field #4. There is a picnic table under a big tree near the toll booth of the parking lot.
Length and Elevation: Approximately 5.8 miles, 698 ft elevation – Relatively moderate hike, but there are sections of ups and downs, pls bring hiking poles and wear proper hiking shoes.
Meeting Time: We’ll meet a picnic table right next to the park lot at 9:45am. Restrooms will be available.
Drivers: Expect an $8 parking fee. Arrive by 9:45 a.m. and drive into the Rockland Lake State Park, South Entrance on Route 9W and Lake Road, Valley Cottage, NY. (299 Lake Rd. Valley Cottage, NY, 10989). There is another parking lot about a mile further north on Route 9W (parking lot #2). Please make sure you’re at parking lot #4. South Entrance parking lot is an open space with a lots of picnic tables and a large building complex.
Carpool: We will send out a carpooling sign up sheet 7 days before the hike. Please register by 11/21 to be on the carpool list.
We aim to start the hike at 10am and will walk to the trailhead together from the parking lot.
COVID-19 Protocols: We will remain 6 feet apart when hiking. When we gather for discussion, we will wear a mask. Please cancel and request a refund if you have any symptoms listed by the CDC as Covid symptoms. You will be requested to sign a health declaration form and a waiver.
Maximum enrollment: 18 people
Registration Fee: Sliding scale from $30 – $80. Registration opens soon through New York Insight.
No prior meditation experience needed.
Bring
- Mask
- Hiking poles (pls bring them if you have them)
- Your lunch
- Ample snacks
- At least 3 liters of water
- A backpack
- Organic tick repellent (optional)
- Organic bug repellent (optional)
- Sitting props if needed (thermal rest z-seat pad, light yoga block, etc.)
Wear
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Comfortable athletic clothing in layers so you can adjust accordingly – (cottons are discouraged)
- Wool socks (if possible)
- Hat
- Jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Lin Wang Gordon 