“I moved to Ithaca in the middle of the pandemic, which means most of the features of the area I was looking forward to enjoying were not a feature of my experience. Festivals, shops, restaurants and yoga were all either shut down completely or fundamentally changed and less engaging. The only consistent feature I was able to enjoy during my first two years here were the many trails and parks. They became not only an enjoyable physical activity with awe inspiring vistas and connection to the natural world, but a sense of normalcy in a world turned upside down. The hikes I took during my first few months here in Ithaca were instrumental in my settling into the area. They provided a safe space to meet with new friends and colleagues, a nice jolt of dopamine from physical exercise, and a calming space to disconnect from the outside world. The long and winding trails were a welcoming oasis for me.”
