By Christopher Scott
Engaging in passions is something which we try to instill in our students. Fortunately, we have a staff which has numerous passions and for myself one of them is the outdoors. As a staff member who lives on campus, finding time to get away from campus and be in the outdoors is reinvigorating, challenging, therapeutic and often times breathtaking. Some of my favorite moments working at Thames Academy have come while enjoying the outdoors with students and I look forward to outings with them in 2015! Below are ten of my favorite adventures from 2014.
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| Grand Canyon National Park |
Grand Canyon National Park:
I was fortunate to obtain a permit and hike the Rim to Rim to Rim trail at the Grand Canyon. This hike was done over the course of five days and four nights and took me from the North Rim to the South Rim and back to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The hike is a strenuous one as you descend deep into the canyon, however, it is equally as spectacular as it is tough. The hike was about 45 miles of walking through a moving picture. I was able to see the spectacular Ribbon Falls, Colorado River, amazing vistas and a pink rattle snake which is unique to the Grand Canyon.
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| Dolls Sod Wilderness |
Dolls Sod Wilderness:
A remote gem in West Virginia. As we hiked through Dolly Sods we could count on our hands the number of people we saw over the course of three days and two nights. The trails were remarkably beautiful, full or colors, waterfalls, mud and great views. A great place for those who want to be detached from society for a few days.
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| Grayson Highlands |
Grayson Highlands:
Grayson Highlands is home to my favorite portion of the Appalachian Trail I have been on. It is one of the highest areas in Virginia and has remarkable colors, never ending views and wild ponies.
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| Franconia Ridge |
Franconia Ridge:
The most famous point of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire is Franconia Ridge due to its long exposed ridge which looks like it belongs out west more than in New England. Luckily, we were able to hike it on a relatively calm weather day.
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| Mcrae Peak |
Mcrae Peak:
The shortest hike on the list and most nerve wrecking one. The hike is full of ladders and wires to assist with the ascension of the mountain and maintain balance while on its cliffs. Mcrae Peak is located at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers spectacular views, but is not for the faint of heart.
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| Zion National Park |
Zion National Park:
Angels Landing is one of the most famous and busy hikes in the country. Although Angels Landing is known as an "extreme hike", I never found it to feel unsafe and it offered wonderful views all around.
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| Ricketts Glen State Park |
Ricketts Glen State Park:
A gem tucked away in Pennsylvania. Over twenty beautiful waterfalls in a relatively short couple mile loop. The beauty of the trail and the waterfalls were amazing. If you live anywhere close it is well worth going out of the way to see.
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| McAfee Knob |
McAfee Knob:
The most photographed point on the Appalachian Trail and for good reasons. Wonderful day hike with a great payoff in its view.
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| Mecca Hills Painted Ladder Trail |
Mecca Hills Painted Ladder Trail:
Really fun hike out in the desert of California. A loop takes you through the canyons and ladders help you navigate the way.
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| Mt. Baldy |
Mt Baldy:
The highest elevation I have hiked, a touch over 10,000 feet out in California. Unfortunately, we do not have quite this elevation here in Connecticut.
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| Mount Mitchell |
And for extra credit... Mount Mitchell!
A guide to my favorite local hikes will be coming soon to the blog, so be on the lookout!
