Sunshine and Mountains

October is speeding by, understandably. Due to countless events, including Quarter Break and Activity Week, we had a total of 11 teaching days this month. It was difficult to stay focused with such a fragmented month! A few highlights...

The Annual Mussoorie Writers' Festival was again hosted by Woodstock. The theme this year was Mountain Literature. I was able to attend a few events. First, a wonderful art exhibit by Swiss photographer Coni Horler (his website) that showcased gorgeous photos of the Himalaya, many places where I have been! Also, poetry under the Lyre Tree and music up at the top of the hill during sunset. It was wonderful to be surrounded by creative people who find inspiration in the location of Woodstock.

Art Opening.

Coni Horler

Poetry under the Lyre Tree

Music at Mount Hermon

Sunset view from Mount Hermon

We also had the annual Woodstock Inter-House Sports Day. Instead of having classes, we all tromped down the hill to the sports field, a unique triangular "field" planted squarely (triangularly?) in the middle of the forest. First-timers always seem to mention the eery connection to Harry Potter quidditch games. 

The intermediate band pepping up the crowd.

My house (the green Condors) getting ready for the day.

Apparently even the Eagles mascot needed some time to catch up on his English homework!

Staff showing off, er, warming up for the staff relay race!

A definite highlight of October so far was a spontaneous campout on Flag Hill. The central focus of the event was to do sunset yoga on the top of the hill with mountain vistas all around. We trekked up with our gear in the late afternoon, set up camp, and then did an hour or so of yoga on a particularly rocky patch of the hilltop. Afterwards, we had a campfire with smores. 

The campsite adorned in Tibetan Prayer Flags.

 

Our fearless yogi (and my art colleague), Paul.

 

In action. (Note the rocks)

Sunset over Landour and Mussoorie

The next morning we woke up at 5:30 to witness sunrise over the Great Himalaya. It was magical!

Clouds covering the Doon Valley to the Southeast.

A panoramic (northeast to southeast).

Our local foothills with a snow-capped Himalayan peak to the east.

An indomitable line-up of 20,000ft+ peaks to the northeast.

Prayer Flags and Bandarpunch.

My beloved tent, The Taj 3, happy as a clam to be among mountains and prayer flags.

 

The best part: October isn't over! Tomorrow I leave for my 3rd Woodstock Activity Week. This year - Changsheel Trek with Grade 10. More sunshine and mountains ahead!