Fall Retreat '23 - Catskills Mountain, New York

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Fall foliage in New York, Oct 2023

Guess what? We made it happen! Our Rochacha family went on a quick trip to the Catskills Mountains to see the colorful leaves of autumn. It was a spontaneous decision that filled us with excitement. We packed our stuff and hit the road. The Catskills Mountains are famous for their beautiful fall colors, and we couldn’t wait to see them.

Our Catskills adventure kicked off with an exciting rental—an Airbnb in Windham, perfectly accommodating our lively crew of 16. The house was a dream, boasting five bedrooms, a playroom for endless entertainment, a spacious kitchen, and, the cherry on top, a hot tub for relaxation.

We jumped right into the fun by starting with cooking. We all decided to make Nasi Kandar, a tasty Malaysian dish, potluck-style. Laughter filled the big kitchen as we each added our own touches to the meal. The delicious smells cooking up got us excited for dinner. Cooking together made us feel closer and eager to enjoy the meal we created.

Our cooking adventure hit a few snags—the stove decided to test our patience, making the chicken take forever to fry. But finally, at 11 PM, dinner was served! The late hour didn't dull our spirits, though. We turned the night into a laugh-filled session of chats and jokes that lasted till the wee hours. The next morning, some of us turned chefs and whipped up a fantastic breakfast—Roti Canai and Nasi Goreng. Energized and ready, we embarked on an epic hike to Kaaterskill Falls, chasing the vibrant fall foliage and chasing waterfalls! As we ventured along the trails, the autumn foliage painted a breathtaking panorama around us. The vivid colors of the changing leaves seemed straight out of a painting, creating a magical atmosphere. The hike to the falls, around 2 hours or so, was an exhilarating challenge. It involved navigating through rocky paths and steep stairways, each step unveiling glimpses of the stunning scenery. The cascading sound of water grew louder as we neared, building anticipation for the magnificent sight ahead. Upon arrival, the awe-inspiring Kaaterskill Falls unfolded before our eyes—a cascade of water plunging gracefully over rocky cliffs, casting a mist that danced in the air. The sheer beauty of the falls against the backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage left us spellbound. Despite the challenging hike, the sight was an absolute reward, etching itself into our memories. The serenity of nature’s masterpiece at Kaaterskill Falls became a highlight of our Catskills getaway, a moment that captured the essence of fall's splendor and the allure of the great outdoors.

Katterskill Falls, Catskill NY 2023
At 3 PM, we boarded the Fall Foliage Train Ride, an hour of serenity amidst breathtaking scenery. The best part? Picking our very own pumpkins for some carving fun! Hunger struck hard after that adventure, leading us back home. Dinner turned into a culinary extravaganza—rack of lamb, lamb BBQ, mashed potatoes, and salad—everyone lending a hand in the kitchen. Post-dinner, the fun continued with karaoke, board games, and Nintendo Switch battles that kept us wide awake until 3 AM! The next morning, a swift coffee fueled our goodbyes as we headed home. It was an absolute blast, and I'm already missing these moments as I think about heading back to Malaysia.

Us, before a hike


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