| Blue Ridge Expedition log (2003-06-19 -> 2003-07-02)
Leaders: Richard Henry, Alex Brown & Drew Ditzel
Students: Andrew Taylor, Max Baird, Hayes Mott, Paden Gill, Jackson Hunter, Kelsey Mrkonic, Shaun Viguerie, Robert Griffith, Maggie Dozier, Kevyn Carothers, Cole Geddy, Juri Jacoby
Backpacking in Pisgah 6/20 - 6/22
Drew called the office to let us know that the Blue Ridge Expedition is doing excellent! The group is so strong they were able to hike all the way to an alternative site for their second night on day 1! Since they covered so much ground on the first day, they were able to summit Cedar Rock and are one of the only Blue Ridge groups to accomplish this! Jackson helped out with pacing the group with his incredible hiking abilities. Cole was Leader of the Day during the summit hike and helped out with his map reading. Max is very knowledgeable already in the outdoors and also helped the group with his skills. Robert and Kelsey are leaders in spirit. They have the incredible ability to keep the group's mind off the troubles on the trail and keep everyone smiling. Paden is a backcountry champion in "EB" which stands for "exhibition behavior". This is the behavior that is so necessary in the backcountry, the concept of putting the group's needs ahead of your own. Drew said the crew could not of covered as much ground as they did if it were not for Andrew's positive attitude and Kevin's outgoing charm that brought the group together so early. Hayes is keeping everyone laughing with her creative nicknames for every member of the group. As for cooking, the crew has had no problem creating delicious backcountry meals with big help from Maggie, the kitchen wizard. Yuri is an amazing contribution to the group due to his hiking ability and he always manages to finish off the meals so the others do not have to carry out the leftovers. It sounds funny, but that too is a huge help and can be a trying task! Drew also mentioned that Sean rarely gets out of the water. At both Sliding rock and while camping near the Davidson River, he has found more than 10 opportunities to have a swim!
The crew woke up on their third morning in the backcountry and climbed up to the top of John Rock for another spectacular view in 3 days. After climbing off, they cruised over to the ICE cold water at Sliding Rock and cooled off. Jackson held the record for ice cold slides plunging into that cold pool of water. The group really is doing perfectly well and having a blast. Tonight they are cooking backcountry pizzas and preparing for a few days of rock climbing at the east coast hot spot: Looking Glass!
Rock Climbing and Backpacking in Nantahala National Forest, 6/23 - 6/28
Alex called in with yet another glowing report from the Blue Ridge Expedition. After the group conquered Looking Glass rock for two consecutive days, they moved on to their second backpacking section, this time in Nantahala National Forest. As for the climbing, it could not have gone better. Everyone climbed and climbed well. Drew said that each student excelled at all the different levels of the climbing section. On top of their strong performance, everyone really seemed to enjoy the climbing too. Alex was surprised at how strong this crew is at hiking. Their second backpacking trip was finished without much struggle. The group managed to get to the top of Standing Indian Mountain where they had lunch and soaked in some nice panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge. They then moved on and crossed over Frog Mountain and finally hiked out of the forest on the lower ridge trail. All of the students have contributed their own special flare to make this group work really well together. Jackson has discovered his love for cooking and has made some great pastas and even quesadillas for the group. Sean has really taken to the Leave No Trace principles and has mastered them and is helping others to do the same. Andrew has become an avid actor using his humor and wit to arrange skits for the group! Paden is still an "exhibition behavior" specialist. He is always offering his help to others. Max teams up with Andrew and is the active skit writer. His creativity keeps the group entertained. Maggie managed to conquer her fear of heights during the rock climbing and ended up climbing multiple times. Yuri is the "Loadmaster". Alex said he can carry anything on his back and never complains. Robert has a great attitude which has rubbed off on the group. Hayes is the nutrition specialist and is constantly reminding the others to drink plenty of water. She also watches over the water purification protocol for the group. Kelsey sets a great example by always volunteering to help no matter the task at hand. Kevyn never complains. He is always positive and at one point commented that he enjoys the uphill hikes better than the downhill. Finally, Cole is always there to keep the group laughing and spirits bright with his outstanding positive personality.
Today the group is staged and ready to whitewater raft down the Ocoee River. After that, they will move on towards Bryson City and the Nantahala Outdoor Center. They seem to be having a great time and everyone is in great shape!!!!
Rafting the Ocoee, 6/29
The Blue Ridge Expedition challenged the water that has taken on the best boaters in the world. The Upper Ocoee, site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Competition. Names of the rapids conjure up images of fun and real adventure-- Grumpy, Double Trouble and Tablesaw. They laughed in the face of these challenges, during their long ride down the river. The weather was great, but we'll soon see how they deal with Tropical Storm Bill as well as the Nantahala River.
Nantahala Outdoor Center, Duckies and High Ropes, 6/30 - 7/2
They woke to rain, but they knew they were going to get plenty wet in the swift currents of the Nantahala River. The group knew that it takes the summer rains to slowly carve this incredible gorge in the North Carolina Mountains. Hillsides covered in mountain laurel, pine, and rhododendron form a dramatic canopy over the "land of the noonday sun." This pristine river, with its cool, clear water and mild, continuous rapids was a perfect trip. They paddled through heavy fog, which made them feel like they were the only group on the river. They finished the day by navigating Nantahala Falls.
The rains kept on, but the group was even stronger. They had to prove themselves on the high ropes at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. An amazing sight, the ropes challenge course is built with 60 foot utility poles, rope and cable. The group worked closely in small teams. As each member negotiated obstacles such as the balance beam 40 feet in the air, their fellow participants belayed them from the ground. After the group's success on the ropes course, they set up camp and had a final banquet. During their final Moonup, each member talked about their experience on this Moondance course. They were all so glad to have made such good friends with each other.
Everyone has gone their separate ways now. The trip was a huge success. New friends were made, goals were accomplished, new things were learned and a blast was had by all! The group came together as a bunch of strangers. When they departed, they were abunch of friends saying good bye!
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