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EASTHAM/MID-CAPE HOSTEL | ||
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Editorial: Youth Hostel Musings To the Editor: When I recently read that the Eastham Youth Hostel had been in existence for 40 years, I realized that I must have been one of its earlier visitors-38 years ago during the summer of 1969. At age 15, as a teenager raised in the suburbs of New York, I yearned to spread my wings, travel from home, gain some independence. I loved the outdoors, and anything that involved physical exertion and endurance. I don't know how I heard of hosteling-but for me (and my parents)-the fit was perfect. I signed on that summer for two trips with an established organization that offered group excursions for teens, under the supervision of trained adult leaders: a two-week tour of Cape Cod and both islands, and, after a brief return home, a week's stay at the Newport Folk Festival. There was the thrill of being dropped by the bus at the end of Pamet Road after the long ride from New York. We attached our saddlebags to the bikes, picked up a few supplies, and rode to our first destination-the Truro hostel across from Ballston Beach. There were sunsets unlike sunsets I had ever seen. There was the black night sky unlike night skies to be seen in the light-drenched city and surrounding suburbs. There was no TV or any other electronic distractions. There was a young teen's discovery of the amazing special way that salt wind, and salt sea, and quiet, the rhythmic lapping of waves on an empty beach, and countless newly revealed aspects of the natural world conspire to expand and soothe a soul, and trigger the release of new aspirations and life dreams. We invariably had the opportunity for conversation with people from across the country and around the world. The accommodations were modest-and so was the cost. Of all the very serious problems on our little peninsula today, none of them have been caused by and overabundance of young people being brought into deeper acquaintance with the natural world. I hope that through conversation and better understanding the Eastham community will renew its support for, and pride in, its little gem on Goody Hallett Road. Victoria Goldsmith 
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