| Blue Ridge Expedition log (2003-07-08 -> 2003-07-21)
Leaders: Richard Henry, Drew Ditzel & Alex Brown
Students: Bo Rhyne, Emily Kruger, Hugh Palmer, James Patteson, Hannah Cheever, Coulson Gray, Jason Hogan, Lucy Lynch, Miranda Pfeiffer, Charlie Markus, Claire Kifer, Caroline Quazzo
Backpacking update, 7/12/03
Alex called this evening to say that things are going very well for the group. The backpacking section was a little wet, but everyone is having a "blast." Instructor Drew Ditzel had his 21st birthday out there yesterday and it was a day of celebration for everyone. Overall it was a very successful trip in the backcountry and everyone is doing great after making it to the top of both John's Rock and Cedar Mountain for incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bo is making the stunning instructor team photos even more credible with his constant posing.
Caroline prepared an excellent birthday dinner for Drew of shells and cheese.
Lucy may have a small stature but impresses everyone with her mean sump holes (backcountry waste water holes that have to be dug).
Hannah is staying very well hydrated by self sumping noodle water.
James is trying to join the polar bear club by jumping in the coldest water whenever he can find it.
Coulson, the group wrestler, is still working on taking down Drew.
Miranda talked about her art skills, but has rocked the group with her abilities as Leader of the Day.
Claire is a natural cooking talent, producing delicious grilled cheeses for the entire group.
Hugh is keeping the group laughing constantly with his wonderful sense of humor and clever wit.
Although Jason has only lived in Wisconsin for three years, he has picked up an intense hunger for cheese, and anything else for that matter.
Emily dominated the water and took charge of the waters at Sliding Rock.
Charlie earned the right to partake in the birthday game of "Sorry" and gave the instructors a run for their money.
The group is off for a couple of days of rock climbing and we look forward to hearing from them soon.
Update, 7/17/03
Drew checked in this afternoon and said this group is doing great. Everyone is getting along very well and this easy going crew has had an awesome week. They had just finished running down the Nantahala River and the group was beating the heat by taking a dip while Drew called. The day on the river was fun for all, complete with water fights and lots of spectators as they went down Nantahala Falls. For their climbing section the group was stationed at Looking Glass Rock and at Cedar Rock. The weather was great and the group got plenty of climbing in as they had both sites to themselves. Coulson proved to the group that his climbing skills were far better than his walking skills. Jason is shaping up to be a future climber, as he tackled the toughest routes. Miranda showed her excellent ability to belay a nervous climber and be a true friend. Hannah proved to herself that there are "no limits" as she completed climbs she did not think were possible. Claire left her comfort zone and saw the top of a couple of very tough routes. Bo proved he could still make the group laugh while concentrating on a very tough route. Hugh showed his determination by completing a tough and challenging climb by sticking with it. Caroline was very supportive of the whole group and kept spirits up between climbs. Lucy has the special talent of being able to climb and encourage others at the same time. Emily was not intimidated by the toughest climbs that the boys challenged her to try. Charlie "rocked" in climbing, belaying and keeping the group fired up. James has been extremely enthusiastic in this section and has a contagious energy that motivates everyone.
Following the climbing section, the group was backpacking in the Nantahala National Forest. The group did a very challenging loop and it was a successful backcountry experience for everyone. A night camping on top of Standing Indian proved to be a highlight of the trip, as the group ate dinner as they watched an "amazing sunset." They spent a few miles on the Appalachian Trail before hiking out to the "real world." Jason and Claire excelled as Leaders of the Day on the long hike. They really impressed the leaders. Coulson proved his skills as a tree climber to the group. James is learning a lot through his curiosity and desire for knowledge. He really enjoyed his time backpacking. Miranda and Hannah improved a lot as hikers on this section and began to love the trail days. Lucy, although obsessed with the opening of the new Super Wal- Mart in her home town, continues to display excellent expedition behavior. Caroline has been sucked into the Wal-Mart craze. She is not afraid of a heavy pack load and "gets it done" on the trail. Charlie impresses the instructor team with his Magic Tricks and jokes. Hugh amazes everyone with his positive outlook on everything. Bo keeps pack comfort a huge priority on the trail and his attitude keeps the group motivated.
It sounds like this group is doing great, it's hard to believe it is almost over. We look forward to hearing from them soon.
Final Update, 7/22/03
HANNAH CHEEVER - Even though we have only been apart from each other for a little of 24 hours, Hannah has already started to keep in touch with everyone. The future has been predicted with numerous emails just to keep everyone on their toes.
EMILY KRUGER - Emily's eye had a major run in with a fierce mosquito. Needless to say the mosquito won.
BO RHYNE - For being on the Nantahala River 4 times, Bo can really maneuver his ducky sideways through the rapids.
HUGH PALMER - Even though Hugh couldn't hack it in the hot dog eating contest, he can sure give a good pull to make Quasi fall out of the raft.
CLAIRE KIFER - Claire had an awesome time rafting the Ocoee river, and it showed in the action shot.
JASON HOGAN - Jason enlightened us with his excellent Djaying ability. His music taste was just unbelievable.
CHARLIE MARKUS - Charlie can make a fantastic dish of meat behind the grill. His BBQ skills are off the charts.
JAMES PATTESON - James finished the trip very strong and was an excellent addition to the group.
LUCY LYNCH - Now that the trip has been completed, it was apparent to all of us that Lucy will enjoy the rest of her summer at the Super Walmart.
CAROLINE QUAZZO - Even though Caroline dominated the Nantahala River in many spots, she could not beat the roaring Nantahala Falls.
COULSON GRAY - Coulson always showed intense competition out on the Ultimate Frisbee pitch.
MIRANDA PFIEFER - It was apparent in the last days that Miranda had formed deep relationships and memories that she will hold onto forever. It is great how she will be able to share this wonderful experience with them.
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