A Mid-Semester Trip to Mount Monadnock

Over Don Rags, with no classes to keep them busy, an intrepid group from TAC-New England decided to hike Mount Monadnock in nearby New Hampshire.

The group set off shortly after lunch. On the way, they sang folk songs to pass the time, led by Jane Conner (’26) on guitar, including school favorites, such as “Whiskey in the Jar” and “The Black Velvet Band.” When they arrived, they partnered up and set off, with Miles Caughron (’24) leading the way. The first leg of the hike was the most difficult — an hour of climbing steep rock stairs — but the students muscled through, scaling the sheer boulders to reach the peak, and stopping occasionally to enjoy the view once they had climbed above the tree line.

At the top, everyone took a break, eating trail mix and resting their legs as the strong winds buffeted against them. The view was slightly obscured by fog, but it was still possible to admire the beautiful fall foliage and large ponds in the area surrounding the mountain.

Finally, it was time to head back down. Though the trail was still steep and slippery, the hikers had a much easier time descending the mountain, hopping between rocks and stomping through puddles. When all had reached the bottom, they departed back for campus, stopping for pizza on the way. “It was a wonderful hike,” said Head Chaplain Rev. Greg Markey. “It was my first time making it to the top, and the camaraderie of the group was wonderful.”