Mount Holyoke News and Events
September 24, 2008
For many, this beautiful crisp autumn day in the Pioneer Valley may seem like any other day, but for the students at Mount Holyoke, the peal of the bells at 7 am Wednesday morning, September 24, could only signify that the greatly anticipated tradition of Mountain Day had finally arrived.
Students had been playing guessing games all week about when the momentous occasion would come. Classes are canceled, and students are granted a day to enjoy the outdoors--and even partake in some ice cream.
"It's kind of like Christmas," Larisa Sunderland '11 said. "Except you don't even know when Mountain Day is coming, so it's even better."
Students piled into shuttles and buses that would take them to Skinner Mountain and Mount Holyoke, the College's namesake. In a Robert Frost-like way, students have the choice of two routes to the mountain's summit. Either road will do--one steep and rocky, and one more meandering, with intermittent views of the scenery. Cameras, water bottles, sunglasses, and smiles in tow, students made the pilgrimage to the top and took in views of the Connecticut River and nearby towns of Amherst and Hadley.
A group of first-years lounging on a grassy hillside were delighted to finally reach the top and further their initiation into the MHC community through this traditional rite of passage.
"I love the camaraderie," Nia Hinkson '12 said.
"Everyone is so encouraging. They were saying to us, 'You're almost there, it's just another 20 minutes,' " Ava Schmidt '12 said.
"We're glad to finally be here," chimed in her friends.
Having been through her share of Mountain Days, senior Martha Elson '09 was still excited for the day.
"This is one of the few traditions I participate in. It's cool that its still honored; [the tradition] is very old," she said. "It's cool to see people off campus and still participate in something Mount Holyoke."
"I love any excuse to be outside," Anne Doton '09 said.
There was even a parent who decided to take part in the tradition of Mountain Day. Gila Appleby, mother of Abby Chernick '11, took in the view from the Summit House.
"This is my first time, and I feel very fortunate to be here. It's just gorgeous," she said. "There are a lot of wonderful things about Mount Holyoke, and this is definitely one of them."
As the ice cream serving slowed and they started their descent back to the College, with still much more of the day to enjoy, students sighed and took a last look at the beauty around them before heading back to the buses to catch up on some homework or take a nap.
"It's all down hill from here," Julianna Folino '11 said. "This is the best day of the year."
