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MHC Celebrates Mountain Day 2007 Posted: September 25, 2007 By Victoria Kerman '08 As bells pealed vigorously today, September 25, from Mary Lyon Hall, students shouted, "It's Mountain Day!" to their hallmates and explained to first-years that this oldest and most cherished tradition means--drumroll, please--no classes! In the pioneering spirit that Mary Lyon sought to cultivate, Mount Holyoke women set out in throngs to the buses that shuttled them to a trailhead in Skinner State Park that leads to the top of Mount Holyoke. Chatting congenially with fellow hikers, they hit the happy trails. Although the mile-and-a-half road to the mountaintop provides a smooth yet serpentine path to the summit, the truly adventuresome opted to take a rocky trail carved through the forest of oak and pine. The climb is steep in sections, where early morning smiles turned to grimaces of determination. The double promise of stunning vistas and delectable ice cream awaited students at the craggy top of the mountain that gave the College its name. "This is better than a snow day!" one student said. "The simple beauty of every day passes you by down there," said a senior, who was sprawled out on the grass after hiking. "On the trail, you notice the little things." Her friends and hallmates from their first year had congregated to celebrate their fourth passage up the mountain. "The ice cream is better this year, too!" one of them remarked, brandishing her spoon. A group of beaming first-years sunning themselves on the rocks were at a loss for words as they gazed over the valley below. "How can you describe something so beautiful even a picture doesn't do it justice?" they asked. "Happy Mountain Day," President Joanne V Creighton wished professors and students alike, as she joined them for a cold treat, the sweet taste of success. Before heading down, the triumphant hikers enjoyed a tour of the historic Summit House, usually open only on weekends. A remnant from the days when Mount Holyoke's sweeping views over Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire attracted crowds of tourists, the 1849 structure provided an interesting glimpse of life in the days when the College was new. "It's amazing to think how many students have come here over the years," reflected an alumna as she perused the pages of an old guest book, carefully preserved. "I feel so lucky to be able to come back on this day." Related Links: Watch the video
View the photo gallery This notice expired on January 28, 2008.
Permanent link to this story: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/news/story/5461108
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