Hudson Valley, New York April 15 - 17, 2027
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you.
― David Foster Wallace
If there is one thing you can say about Nick LaVallee, he boldly charged ahead into the unknown. He loved deeply, was quick to cry, and quicker to laugh. He said yes to every adventure, wanting to climb the peaks and sail the seas. Though Nick did not know it would end so soon, he did have a clear idea of what he wanted if he died. As he often said, “the only way out is through.” His journey is almost done, but our trail continues on. Nick’s family and friends invite you to come along for his final stops along the way.
Nick wanted his ashes scattered in some of the places that shaped him deeply as a person. He also wanted a wild, Jimmy Buffet / tiki party to bring everything together for a last toast. Over April 15 - 17, we will spread ashes at these sites and close it out with a bang. Everyone is invited to the proceedings, though we know it will be challenging for many to make it to everything. Some people are closely associated with these places, and we strongly encourage them to attend and participate.
Please read through the descriptions below, and fill out the RSVP form to indicate which events you are planning to attend.
THURSDAY
4/15
Schunemunk Mountain
Schunemunk Mountain was a place Nick and his friends in Cornwall spent much of their time, hiking and camping under the stars. It is the place where they spread one of Nick’s best friends, Ian Bennett’s ashes on the 10th anniversary of his passing. April 15th marks the 20th anniversary of his passing, so we will honor them together. The full hike to the peak is a challenging ~8 miles, and will take an experienced hiker 4-5 hours to complete. There are many beautiful spots along the way about 1-2 miles in, if people prefer.
We will gather at 11am for the full hike, and 2pm for a shorter hike. At 4pm we will meet at the Newburgh Brewery for post-hike snacks and beers.
FRIDAY
4/16
Camp Ranachqua
Nick’s dad, Rod LaVallee was a teacher and worked at camps in the summers with his whole family. Camp Ranachqua was the camp they spent the most time together. When Nick was a boy, the whole family would go, though by the time Nick was in high school and college it was only Rod, Steve and Nick. This is a very special place to the whole family and many friends who also attended or worked at the camp. April 16th will mark the second anniversary of Rod’s passing. To honor them both, we will gather at the camp to enjoy the beautiful space, and hopefully grill some elaborate dishes over a fire.
Details to follow. Note that Camp Ranachqua is a ~1 hour drive from Cornwall.
SATURDAY
4/17
Keep the Party Going, Bear Mountain Inn
Nick only stayed at the Bear Mountain Inn once, while hiking the Appalachian Trail with Meghan in May 2026. It was a miserable cold, wet hike, and the trail goes right next to the inn. They stopped in to spend the night instead of another night camping in the rain. They ate at the restaurant and had some drinks with fellow hikers, and Nick fell in love with the inn and dreamed of getting everyone together there for a big party. We hope you will join for this. Please wear your finest Jimmy Buffet merch, Hawaiian shirts, or island attire and come ready for a party.
6pm - 10pm Perkins Ballroom, Bear Mountain Inn