I have just finished reading your journal entries and looking at your photography exhibit. Your strength, wisdom, attitudes and sense of adventure are inspiring. If you would like to come and share your knowledge of protecting our fresh water sources with our elementary students, please come visit us in Westchester. We are also working hard to live for a sustainable future and we can all benefit from learning together. Thanks for working so hard and for sharing your story with all of us.

Yes .WE dID iT ! AND I THINK IT WAS WORTH IT AND I WOULD'N Mind Doing It Again

Well done to all! I've followed your trek with great interest. I'm hoping to see you all in a great documentary about the worlds largest surface water fed drinking water supply. It sure was an amazing adventure. Continue to let people know what you have learned and experienced!
Cheers,
Dave Arscott (previously as Stroud Center Scientist)

What a fantastic trip - where do I sign up?!

Congratulations to all who participated. What a cool thing to do. I wish i could have come on the journey with you.

DEP Watershed Secretary. Regena

Congratulations on your great trek! I have really enjoyed reading your postings and following your journey. I am sorry that I was unable to be there when you arrived at Central Park on Saturday, however I was rowing around Manhattan in a whitehall gig. A first for me, but I think not for some of you Harbor School kids. I have to say that I was wishing I was back in high school and had the summer off to do what you had the opportunity to do!

I only learned about your trip the day after you got back, and I work for DEP! I enjoyed reading your journal entries and looking at your pictures. I only wish I could have been there to welcome you all back from your amazing adventure!

Great job! What an adventure for anyone let alone some kids. I'm glad for all involved!

It was a thrill! I came down today to pick up my son Todd and came away wit a great feeling! What an experience. Todd and Murray and Wes a great job! Adrienne, nic and the Places' had a great trip. Very proud of you all!

Papa

-Sarah Place
We've had fun following your trek and waiting for the next journal entry to get posted! It looks like you've all had an amazing time. Wish we could've tagged along! Can't wait to hear more.

Aunt Ruth

Hi Marissa,
What an incredible adventure! You should be really proud of yourself. I sure your mom is glad you'll be back soon. Stay safe and welcome home! Gina

Marissa, I have been out of town for much of the month of July. Got the website from your mom while I was in sunny California and have just now spent the last hour perusing your incredible journey. I am so proud of you, I am sitting here with big sappy tears running down my face!! I will see you in August and you can tell me all about it, I can't wait! And, I am hoping you and your mom and dad will make it to Virginia soon; Kenny will whip up his famous mac & cheese! Best wishes, have fun tomorrow!!! Congratulations!

I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this historic event, especially the students from the New York Harbor School. This trek is truly one of the greatest events and accomplishments in our school's history and will mark a milestone in our school's development. All of your strength, determination, and perserverance will long be remembered. But equally important you have brought with you an important message about where our water comes from and how important it is for us as New York City residents to be ecologically and politically respectful of the source of this most important resource. I know that this Trek was not easy, and that there have been some difficult times. But that makes your accomplishments all the more impressive. It has been great reading of your adventures along the way. We are proud of you, and know that we greatly value all that you have done for our school, our city, and our state. Congratulations.

Nate Dudley, Principal
NY Harbor School

Hey Bryan, is it weird that your going camping for a week after this trek?? Haha oh well you will be used to it I suppose. If you lose your sense of humor out in the woods somewheres i'm making you go back and get it.

Wes, Todd, and Sara,
Amid the great excitement over what the 12 trekkers have accomplished, I want to take a moment to thank you -- and the other adults who have been on the trek along the way (Ed McGee, Tizoc Gomez, Christina Medved, Murray Fisher and Jen Ostrow) -- for all you have done to make this an unforgettable experience. You have truly been role models for us all. Thank you. Jamie

Hi, Asha and Rob, Marissa and Leydi, Gabe and Sarah and Sarah, Jerriel, Brian, Natalie, Becca and Sean,
I'm already here the Big Apple because I want to make sure I have a front row seat to celebrate your entry into Central Park tomorrow afternoon. You all must be exhausted and excited, ready for your own beds and yet jazzed by all you have accomplished in the last three weeks. You have had an incredible adventure . . . and you have allowed those of us who have followed you in person and on the Internet to share in your thoughts and your lives. Over three weeks you have grown from great kids ready for adventure to remarkable people ready for leadership in life. Thank you for showing some many of the rest of us the way and thank you for representing the dreams and diversity of nine million people who use the water you have followed and publicized. Hooray for you each and every one of you. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. All the best, Jamie

Hi Dad, I really miss you Daddy. I saw you picture on the web site. Love Adrienne

Hi Dad I miss you. I can't wait to see you Dad. We are going to have fun at the party.I saw the web site. I am watching Sleepy Hollow and Papa said you were there. What have you been eating? I love you and I'll see you on Saturday. Aunt Lisa and Uncle Jason are having a baby girl. I love you, Nic

Hello Mr. Paternoster,
We enjoyed the photos and the information.
Keep up the great work.
Cheers,
The Bagley crew

Hi JJ, Greetings to u from the island of spice, Grenada. Good Morning to u and all the trekers, hope u guys are enjoying urselves and staying safe. Take care am off to work to take care of my patients. Love u

Hi, Sarah Place!
It was nice to talk with you tonight. I'm sorry it wasn't for long because I was getting ready for work. Here I am now...it is 0345 and all of the babies that I am taking care of tonight are content and sleeping, so I thought I would take some time to look at the website and write you a note! I enjoyed reading your latest journal entry and looking at the newest pictures and of course, look back at everything else for the 100th time! Enjoy the remainder of the trek. It's hard to believe that you are all near the end of it! See you soon! Say "Hi" to everyone for me!
Love,
Mom

Hi to all the hikers, especially to my little cousin Jeriel, I am so proud of u. I just got back from Barbados and ur mom called and gave me the address so i can see what u guys are doing. I always know that u have ambition and u will continue to do great things by the grace of our lord Jesus Christ. Keep the faith.
Well, I will be seeing u next month, tell me what u want me to bring for u. I can bring up some sand and seawater for u (lol). Just keep that smile on ur face Mr. Handsome and I will see u soon. Love u and see u soon. Enjoy the rest of ur trip.

Hey Leydi,
IT'S your lil sis mell just wishing alot of good luck, with your program. I think it's cool what your doing.Your the coolest big sister ever. Stay safe and keep in touch, i miss you and love you.
P.S
Watch out for dad and
keep him safe!!!!
With Love, Your lil sis mell

Hey Bea--I will see you in Central Park on Saturday!! I am getting excited to see you and your fellow trekkers get back from the bush. Stay dry (including your sense of humor)...lol.

Dad

Hey Trekkers!

It's "Johnny Depp" here - I just wanted to check in one last time and reiterate what I told you on Monday as we ate our soggy lunch in the pouring rain: you guys (and gals) are a real inspiration, and I am INCREDIBLY impressed by your ongoing dedication to this project. Bee stings? No problem. Poison ivy? No problem. Torrential downpours? No problem. Exhaustion? No problem. Unfriendly pavilion people? No problem (those folks should be ashamed of their selfishness - they could learn something from you!). The list of obstacles is endless, but so is your fortitude.

One of the things about your trek that really stands out to me is the obvious team spirit you have all cultivated after spending 2+ weeks braving the elements. On Monday, I watched in admiration as you methodically checked your supplies and then once again shouldered those enormous, soaking wet, and clearly VERY HEAVY backpacks - all the while laughing and trying to avoid toppling over from the weight on your backs. Good grief - some of those backpacks were bigger than the person carrying them!

I am looking forward to seeing you again on Friday, and I especially cannot wait to see you greeted by your friends and family in Central Park on Saturday. Until then, have a safe (and hopefully dry) journey into the City.

PS - It still cracks me up that I drove back to Kingston on Monday with ~20 unopened bottles of Aquafina water from your box lunches because you preferred to drink tap water from your refillable Nalgene bottles. This proves to me that (a) you learned something about the quality and value of NYC tap water, (b) you no longer believe the hype surrounding the bottled water craze, and (c) you have become good environmental stewards who are interested in a sustainable future. Keep up the good work and continue to spread the message!

Trekkers!

I dip my hat to you all. I just finished reading your journals and I wish I was there with you.

-I want Pizza too! lol!

Seriously, I write to push you on. Just a few days left and I will see you all again. I might meet up with you in the Bronx as you make your way to Central Park. Look for the URBAN ninja at a corner near you!

Sarah Pate -

Got word of the site from your folks. Very impressive. Looks like you have had quite an adventure and opportunity to learn a lot. Look forward to hearing about it when you get back. Sorry I can't see you on the 28th since I'll be in Indiana. Good Luck!

hey becca,
hope your having fun, I miss you so much and cant wait to see you on the 28th i hope your having a good time ill see you soon


love
Greg

Sarah, We attend church with your mom! We are very excited about your trek. I have read the web page and it is an amazing thing you are all doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!! I have learned much by reading the information and the journal. Keep on keeping on, all of you!

Hi Becca - Your journey is almost over. I love the journal entries and the pictures. Your smile is wonderful, it looks like all of you are having a great time, and working hard. The boats are beautiful, and I love reading about your rowing skills. You are all amazing. Keep having fun, and stay safe. We all miss you,especially Greg.

See you soon :)

Just came across the weblink to your project when I checked the NYC/DEP website. I always wondered what was involved in getting us the clear, delicious water we enjoy in NYC. I guess you folks know alot about that!
Your trip doesn't look easy, but the project looks wonderful!
Keep up the good work!

Best regards, Eddie

Dear Sarah,

We hope you haven't gotten seasick on the way to Central Park and that you're having a great time. Maybe you'll be a sailor!

Love,
Grandpa Fontanez

Sidney Kids: You rock my world!

Dear trekers,
I hope all is going well, and that you're staying dry! ha ha! you must be excited and sad to be on your return. Please share your many learning experiences with us when you return. Congratulations to all of you and to Mr. Paternoster! Love, Mrs. Pappy

Sarah and Rebecca!(and other campers who I know!)
I hope everythings going well. One interesting thing is that I will be in NYC on the 28th for my Rage Against the Machine and Wu-tang clan concert. I wonder how far away Randalls Island is from where you guys will be. How funny would it be if I spotted you all somewhere while I was running around NYC? Well Im glad you're doing well and Sarah thanks for the reminder on this. I had to ask tammie for the site and everything. I totally forgot. Miss you and good luck!
Have fun and I'll see you all soon!
Dan

Hola Sarah and Trekkers!!
I've been reading all about your trek and looking at all your photos. It's really awesome! Keep up the good work. Sarah, we all missed you at the wedding, but when you get back you will have to show me your photos and you can see the wedding pics.

See You Soon,
Alex

Greetings trekkers from Ontario, Canada, where I am spending some time with my family. I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you on this final leg, and how much I enjoyed seeing you when I dropped off the boats for the rowing portion of the journey. Keeping repping the waves, and I can't wait to see you back in the city. Pa'lante, siempre pa'lante. --Jen

Hi guys! Hope your travels have been great. We enjoyed meeting you and interviewing you in Newburgh, and love your blog! We'll be looking for you on Good Morning America and the South Street Seaport. Good luck on the rest of your journey and in your upcoming year in school.

Rebecca Burdett and Michelle D'Amour

Hi Jeriel Greetings from 16000 miles away.writing to know how you are doing and to let you know that we all miss you and cant wait to see you home again we know that u are enjoying yourself. Everyone misses u and is wondering when are you gonna come home. Have fun and remember the Lord is by your side. We will be there to welcome you back home. Lots of Love Bye.

Trekkers:
Wow, I miss you guys!!! I was so lucky to join you from Tuesday night until Friday morning. I wish I could have said goodbye better, but you all rowed off so quickly!!

What an amazing time I had with you all...It was wet and complicated and challenging and I was EXHAUSTED afterwards... But it was so fun because you are 12 of the coolest kids I know, and the Hudson River valley is one of the most beautiful places on this earth.

Sara #1 - You are the strongest little person I've ever met! And you've got the best rowing form I've seen in a long time! Way to set the pace down the Hudson!

Sara #2 - You are hilarious and smart and you've got to use that intellect to help lead the group more!

B.P. - You have the driest and best sense of humor. Keep the group laughing, it's their best medecine out there!

Rob - I had such a good time with you on the Consititution Marsh hike/row. You are perceptive and intuitive and it will serve you well as an engineer.

Marissa - You suprised me so much how you endured difficult situations - especially the close quarters on the Green Lantern! Congratulations for maintaining a positive attitude.

Becca - You were a powerful rower and quiet leader! You should seriously look into rowing in college - lots of good schools have teams.

Jeriel - Your positive attitude is one of the most important parts of this trip. Keep smiling, keep encouraging your fellow trekkers, keep asking questions, and keep the group in perspective!

Asha - You are the most adventurous, fearless person on this trip! Watching you drive the Green Lantern into Garrison in the torrential downpour was one of my proudest moments at Harbor School.

Natalie - You are the one on the trip who makes sure things get done. Who would have thought one of the youngest trekkers would be the one who took the most initiative and volunteered to do everything! You made sure the group functioned well with your helpful attitude.

Leydi - You never cease to amaze me with you ability to comfort others who are having a bad time. You make everything seem like it will all be okay and take care of everyone. Keep up the good work!

Gabriel - If something needed to get done, and everyone else was too tired to do it, Gabriel would be the one who would find the extra energy to get it done. You made me so proud, whether volunteering to do something or looking out for your fellow trekkers, you are an amazing representative of Brooklyn and the Harbor School!

Sean - You suprised me the most on this trip. You acted much more like a man than a boy - you learned to deal with your feelings, and you took on any new experience or challenge with immense energy and no fear. Nothing is more important than courage, and you showed tons of it!

I am so proud of each one of you. Your sense of humor and adventure keeps you going in difficult times. I cannot wait to be with you on Wednesday to hear you share your stories with others, and I'll be there on Saturday to welcome you with open arms to Central Park!!!

Hi Sean,

I am so proud of you and I can't wait to see you on Saturday. I check the website everyday for new updates and the pictures.
We all miss you.
Love Mom

Hi guys,it's great that you can have so much fun,and still have an educational experience! this trek will help you to really appreciate the natural world, that those of us that live in big cities take for granted. (Hi Sean,I"m very proud of you,everybody at ace asks for you everyday, be good. Dad)

Hey you guys. We are very proud of what you are doing and hope that this experience is helping you become better informed of the crucial needs we have for protecting our water. I look forward to hearing more about your adventures and in the future of working with some of you to ensure we have clean water to swim, fish and drink. Waterkeeper Alliance, Senior Field Coordinator

Sarah Place, Your mom gave us this website today...WOW!! What an awesome opportunity! The pictures and journaling has told us "your story". We are impressed. We are so glad to be able to "share" this with you.
Love & Prayers (for your strength and health - and that you will always be upwind on the days between showers :)

Greetings Trekkers!

It was definitely a sad sight for me as we rowed away from the beach Saturday. You all worked really hard to come down the river by boat and I want to commend the group as a whole. You all learned that when you pull together, you can go places.

By the end of the first day, I saw some clean rowing and some pretty mean coxing skills; both skills that usually take longer to master. Despite the bad weather that one day, it was truly a pleasure for me to have rowed with you all. I hope you all can look back on this part of the trip and really let it sink in what you guys did for 4 days on the river.

I loved watching you all get comfortable in your own seperate positions on board, as well as watch you guys switch out when one of you tired. It is teamwork like that that has gotten you this far, and it is teamwork that will carry you all safely home.

Be good to each other. Right now, "we," those people around you, is all you have. The last leg of the trip has just begun and pretty soon all this will come to an end. Cherish every bend in the trail ahead, lend each other hands for support, and help pull the load together. As the grat coxswain in the sky once said: "set ready to row... and ROW TOGETHER!

I will see you all very soon.

Mad props to Bryan who rowed the entire trip down as 1st Engine. Bryan, you can be 1st Engine on any one of my commands, anytime.

Sarah P. Your mom shared this website with me so I could follow your adventures. What all 12 of you are doing is fantastic as you educate yourself and the NY public on their water source. I would enjoy the challenge of a trek like this and would have loved the music of Molly and Jay! Hang in their as you deal with "roughing it" each day. I'm sure this will be the first of many awesome experiences for you. Have a safe rest of the trip!

Love and prayers,

Aunt Barbara

Hi Sarah, It was nice to talk to you on the phone tonight. I am sorry to hear that you have gross blisters on your hands from rowing. I forgot to tell you that I picked up the latest Harry Potter book for you today. You probably want to know if Harry lives or dies? Well Harry, just kidding!! We look forward to seeing you in NYC on the 28th. Enjoy the rest of your trek, and try some gloves next time you row.
Love Dad, Mom, Corey

HI Dad. I hope you have a good trip walking to New York City. I love you and I will see you in Central Park. I hope you have a good time with us at the party. I love you Dad and I miss you. Love, Adrienne

Dear Sidney students and Mr. Paternoster,

What an amazing adventure. I love reading your journals and seeing the photos. We can't wait to hear more stories when you return. You are so lucky to have a teacher like Mr. P to make this trip possible. You will all be so much smarter than you already are! The breakfasts sound pretty good! Enjoy the rest of the trip and bring us back some stories. I've already stopped using water bottles! Love you all, Mrs. P

I just looked at the pictures of t