Our day began early near the Bear Mountain Bridge, also known as the Purple Heart Veterans Memorial Bridge. Kayaking, hiking, and Zodiac rides were on offer. The morning light hit the water and reflected the bridges, the colorful fall leaves, and the paddlers in kayaks. Adventurous hikers made their way up to and across the Bear Mountain Bridge to look down upon the Hudson River that has been at the core of our journey.

After brunch, we boarded Zodiacs as transit to the shore and went to a poetry reading at the Hudson Valley Writers Center. Three poets read selections from their work, and then many of us took a walking tour to the Old Dutch Church. The Headless Horseman Bridge and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery provided the perfect atmosphere and setting for a spirited one-man performance of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Washington Irving spent time among the hills that became the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and his final resting place. We returned to National Geographic Sea Lion, enjoyed a wonderful dinner, and viewed the world premiere of the guest slideshow, which will help everyone recall this amazing trip for years to come.