Ninham Fire Tower

In this post, I will "play test" an Abstraction Activity created by Monique.

Here is her activity description:

Imagine you go for a nice long hike once a week. You go to your favorite Preserve and almost always follow the same trail along the water’s edge and up a few large adjacent hills that have easy trails to follow up and around the lake. You go out with friends one night and tell them about your hikes and one of your friends would love to visit this place on their own, but they have no idea where they should go in order to see all the great things you have experienced. Since you have been there so many times you know the area like the back of your hand. Your friend would like you to write out directions for her so that she can follow the same paths you have come to love. Write out the directions for her and provide a map if you feel that will help. Remember to use your Abstraction skills here so that you do not provide unnecessary information that will likely confuse your friend. Keep the directions simple and concise. 

Here is my play test:

Ninham Fire Tower is my favorite local hike because it is close and quick and easy but the views at the peak are breath-taking.

Directions to Ninham Fire Tower in Carmel, NY

Start route by car from the Putnam County Courthouse. Turn onto Rt 311 and drive straight for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Gipsy Trail Rd and drive for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Mt. Ninham Ct and drive up the hill for 1 mile until you come to a gravel trailhead. Walk around the yellow gate that blocks cars from entering. Follow the gravel trail approximately 1 mile until you reach a fork in the trail. You should see a tall metal tower on your right. This is the Ninham Fire Tower. Climb the tower to the top to experience the best views. Any time of day is spectacular, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful. I have attached images that show the view from the tower at different times of day.