I spent the weekend at Camp Epworth, the place where we lived from '91-'95 when I was is elementary school. 15 years later, I wasn't expecting things to look exactly like when we'd left, especially since the program offerings have changed significantly -- but I was suprised at how many things had not changed! In fact, the pot-holed road and most of the buildings were in the same or worse condition than I remember -- a sign that the thing that has changed the least is the financial situation of the camp. The grounds and the river are still as beautiful and picturesque as ever - but I did mourn the loss of the swing, on which I used to spend hours and hours looking over the river and across to Mohonk and watching the light sift through the leaves and branches of the sugar maple from which it hung (and playing "milkshake" and "tie-dye"), which is no longer hanging at the top of the hill by the gazeebo.
I got to explore the town of High Falls, wander through my old elementary school, visit with my third grade teacher (the best teacher ever!), and eat pizza in Stone Ridge. It was pretty amazing to walk into church on Sunday (Rondout Valley and Shady) and see so many faces that I hadn't remembered but instantly recognized! And it was also incredible to drive to Kingston and see the [Hudson River Sloop] Clearwater, just after I had decided to apply to volunteer on it... [that's where I'll be next week! -9/23]The only thing that would have made it more perfect is if my sister could have been there to reminisce with me...
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