Weekend in the Catskills
For the time being, our small cabin here is our only home, and the community here is our only community. Columbus Day weekend here has traditionally been a medium-sized event, but many of the summer families would choose to stay down in New York for kids’ sports or other real-world obligations. For the last two years there has been a road race (with a big dinner the night before) and a barn dance on Columbus Day weekend. These activities seem to have galvanized a much larger group of people to come and stay and be together.
The weather has been spectacular, and the fall foliage beautiful. The races yesterday could not have been more perfect: sunny but cool. About 80 people (including several kids) ran in the 5-k race, and 17 people ran the brutally steep half marathon. India won the half marathon for women (see Zola helping her across the finish line above), which was nice for her. I also ran the half marathon, not wearing glasses or contact lenses, so it was all literally a bit of a blur. The impressionist painting that I saw of the foliage and deep blue sky running down out of the mountains was impossibly beautiful.
It was great to see so many of our friends, and to reconnect with this important part of our lives. The interest in, and enthusiastic support for, our trip was very reassuring. Most important, Zola and Tallulah, who have been starved for the companionship of anyone under the age of 40 (and anyone who speaks English), spent the weekend gorging on social interaction. We had two sets off friends and kids stay with us from New Jersey (full house). Our kids also had camp (the photo below says it all for camp), play dates, and a sleepover. They are both very happy and relieved.
This morning, Indian Summer is gone, and winter is suddenly in the air. I can hear someone shooting down the valley, sighting in their deer rifle for the opening of the season.
Now we need to work quickly to winterize the house, put away the canoe and all of the outdoor furniture, pack our bags, and get down to New York for an evening flight. We will be in Nashville for a day, and then off to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears. Already it feels as though our time in the U.S. is slipping away, and we will be really travelling again soon.
Scott said,
October 13, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Welcome back to the Catskills!
Congratulations on another win India
How is the transformation back to full time Dad / husband going?
Bon voyage starting leg two
Scott