Sneha

Hike in Catskills

Last Fall I went hiking with a friend to Catskill, NY. It was peak of autumn and the best of fall colors. It was a two hour drive from Hoboken. But the drive was pleasant and welcoming. The clear blue sky ahead with the fall trees bordering our way, it was almost picture perfect. Here take a look.

I personally love the outdoors. But it had been awhile since I went hiking anywhere. I was a little afraid as that I might get a little too tired to enjoy the hike. But the hike turned out pretty easy. It had its tough spots but overall moderate. With my hiker pro friend racing along the trail, I had no choice but to keep up. The trail leading to the Giant Ledges was spectacular at the time of our hike - peak of autumn leading to a multi-colored carpet of leaves along the way to the very top of the mountain peak.

The reward of the hike was one of the most amazing views one could ever get of the Catskill valleys and the peaks from the ledges. The kaleidoscope of colors displayed by nature at Catskill is a sight to behold for all. I'll let the picture talk for itself.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the hike at Catskill. Cant wait for it to get a little warmer so I can visit again.

If you want to go on hike to Catskill come Spring, click here for more info. 

Trail: Giant Ledge

Location: Olivera, NY (near Phoenicia, NY) in the Catskill Mountain Range

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance Hiked: 1.6 miles each way

My First Ski Trip!!

Do you remember when you were 5 years old. Your folks just bought you a shiny new bike for your birthday and you are all set to learn how to cycle. You imagine yourself racing down the street just like your older brother. With all the confidence you start to peddle and it happens, your first fall. I had that feeling all over again and oh many falls might I add.

I went on my first Ski Trip to Poconos,PA, the weekend trip organized by Graduate Student Activities here at Stevens. I missed skiing completely last winter and I was not letting this one go. And it was so worth it. Just preparing for the trip got me so excited. The endless hunt for Ski gear (all stores were out of stock!!) to reading up on skiing techniques.

The resort we went to was called Sno Mountain. Well, we thought it was more of an Ice Mountain thanks to all the rain. This did not bother me at all, until I felt how it was to have a hard fall. Ouch!! It hurts to just think about it. Alright, I do not want to scare you newbies. It isn't so bad after all. You just get used to falling down..Haha. On a serious note, this sport can be very dangerous if proper measures aren't taken. With the 90 minutes skiing lesson I was all set for my first leap. 

I'm ready to go down the slope, "I know I have my snow ploughs perfected and I'm a natural. I can do it!!"...CRASH BAM BAM BOOM... 

I wish I had a picture or a video I could share. For my first fall it was pretty awful. Well this happened a couple of more times and falling was now a part of skiing down. Which part you ask. The part that helps you STOP :)

The best part about first day of skiing was the Lift. Getting on and off the Lift was the only thing I got right. 

Enough said about the falls. The second day was so much more fun. I was more comfortable with the skii equipment. The fear of falling did not exist anymore and hey I just got better. Here are some pictures from day two. 

A trip from school with friends was just what I needed. A ski trip made it more interesting. I made new friends and got closer to others on the trip. It was well organized by Erin Selby, Graduate Activities. The stay and travel gets an 'A' from me. I hope to join Stevens graduate students on many more trips and events to come. 

ps: DC trip May 1st-3rd, dont miss it!!

Come Aboard to Stevens!!

"You know you're grown up when summer is just a season."-Michael Greger

I've seen the four seasons. And I can't wait for it to be summer again. I'm a graduate student here at Stevens for a little over a year. I have to say, the past year has been one hell of a journey. Looking back I have dealt with what every international student has and will go through. From finding a place to live, shopping for groceries on my own to working hard to get good grades. It sure feels like I'm growing up.

New place, new faces and a whole different world seemed not so scary after a while, thanks to the wonderful people at Stevens including faculty and staff. A few weeks through the semester familiar faces filled the crowd. Being a part of the student organizations, in my case the IGSA, was very helpful in making new friends and learning more about living in this Country.

Student organizations are active and carry out events and celebrations of various significant festivals and days of their countries. Participating in these events helps us not to miss home. 

The traditional monthly Pizza Beer days are hard to miss. An evening to enjoy music with friends and other grad students and the best part, yummy Pizzas along with Beer on the house!! Now that's something nobody wants to miss.

One of the best things about Stevens is that it’s so close to the ‘Big Apple’. New York City’s incredible skyline is visible from Babbio classrooms. It’s quite a view. 

Hoboken is no less than the City. The night life and high spirits of the place is apparent when one walks down Washington Street. St. Patrick’s day Parade was something!! The Halloween Parade with all the kids dressed up is just adorable to watch. I must say, summer is the best time in Hoboken. One will find Sinatra Drive and the waterfront along the Hudson River vibrant and full of life during the summer. Some trying to get a power jog, some just a peaceful walk. The local fairs held here attract many tourists and locals.

Coming back to Stevens, there is much to do inside the campus. A well equipped gym, swimming pool, racket ball court are few things one can use to workout. Bowling Alley located in the basement of the Howe Center is a popular hangout for many. Jacobus Hall has the Pool Table and the Ping Pong table. One can always find people playing. The sandy Volley Ball court is perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

These are just few of the things I can say about Stevens and the Life here. I’m certain that there is so much more yet to be learned and done. 

Next Blog - My first Ski Trip!!