| Colorado Trail log (2003-06-18 -> 2003-07-08)
Leaders: Todd Hancock & Caroline Slaughter
Students: Hillyer Alias, George Cohen, Lauren Izard, Paul Prudden, Jeb Billings, Taylor Cain, Alison Wing, Marjie Billings
Rafting the Arkansas River, June 19 -20
Starting off on the river is a great way for everyone to get to know each other as they must work as a team to find success. Well, this group has quickly learned to work well and they are having a blast. The spring snows have allowed the Arkansas to once again be one of our finest rafting rivers with Moondance and Todd said they all had a great fun. Jeb took the lead as they went on a day hike with the group during a break, while Taylor and George are keeping everyone laughing with their jokes and stories. Margie seems to have great taste in music and was playing DJ on their drive to and from the Arkansas. Paul obviously has previous outdoor experience though this is his first Moondance trip. His sister, Whitney, is now on her fourth trip with us and must have passed on her knowledge as all good big sisters should! Hillyer and Allison are quite adventurous and loved playing in the river. Lauren was learning to guide her boat and was very strong guiding reading the water and helping her group.
Everyone is going through a lesson on how to correctly pack their backpack and what to take (and what they don't need!!). Hard to think about being in the same tee-shirt for several days at a time, but they soon learn a lighter backpack is the way to go. They will be heading out Saturday for a 5 day backpacking trip.
Backpacking in Gunnison National Forest, 6/21 - 6/26
Caroline placed an enthusiastic report in with the office regarding the Colorado Trail's backpacking section. She said there were some long days but everyone pulled through just fine. The group has spent the last 5 days hiking in the beautiful mountains of the Gunnison National Forest. The last 5 days have been tough yet very rewarding. After hauling their lives on their backs for 5 days, the group has a newfound respect for the mountains. Caroline said that the entire group really pulled together during the backpacking and bonded. Everyone is having a blast and learning as well!
Caroline put together an update for each of her students
Since the start of the trip, Paul has used his many character impressions for group comic relief. Alison has become the iron chef by helping everyone with the meal time activities. One day, with maps in hand, Taylor and Hillyer led the group safely and successfully though the backcountry. While on trail, George has been leading everyone in song and helped keep spirits high when the hiking was dragging on. Lauren is very optimistic as she provides sunshine to everyone's day. Marjie is very generous and helps everyone when they need it. She has the will to continue even after the others have stopped. Jeb is focused and is extremely interested in understanding everything that is covered by the leaders.
As you can see, everyone is doing his or her part to complete the group dynamic. Caroline said the crew is doing so well together and having a ton of fun. They have 2 days of sea kayaking coming up and 2 more days of rock climbing before they hit the trail again for round 2!
Sea Kayaking, Blue Mesa Lake, 6/26 - 6/ 29
We spoke to Todd Hancock today and the group is having a great time climbing in excellent weather after a successful sea kayaking section. They had an eventful couple of days paddling and the group is working very well together, having a blast. Allison and Lauren captained the group's only tandem kayak and did an excellent job handling the big boat. Marjie continues to display her impressive leadership skills and Expedition Behavior within the group. Hillyer experienced some minor difficulties in Crested Butte getting her hair stuck in the tent zipper, but somehow did so with such grace and style that the group was very entertained and impressed by it. She is having a great time. Taylor successfully rolled his sea kayak on his first attempt, a difficult move that he should be quite proud of. George was the 1st in the group to float down West Elk creek in his therma rest- quite the expedition leader. Jeb keeps the group laughing, especially while playing games on the boats. He has settled into his role of being the group comedian- a very important job on any expedition. Paul continues with his positive energy and attitude, keeping the group motivated and focused. Colorado Trail enjoyed the highest water levels in years while boating. They also had the opportunity of camping in an early 20th century mining camp while on the lake. The group is doing great and fired up for a few days on the rock before heading back into the backcountry.
Rock Climbing, Lake City, 6/29-7/1
Todd called in to give a very enthusiastic report on the rock climbing portion of the trip. The group was climbing outside of Lake City< CO at a beautiful rock outcrop call God's Crag. Todd is from Colorado and he could not believe how pretty the scenery was outside Lake City. He reported that everyone got into rock climbing and did really well at it too. Hillyer learned so much about rock climbing and quickly became one of the best in the group. Lauren and Alison both overcame their fear of heights and ended up doing ALL of the climbs possible. George and Taylor are both great climbers and are extremely good in their courage. They were not afraid to push themselves on the rock. Paul was a crack specialist. He really excelled in crack climbing and took it to a new level. He enjoyed learning the techniques and spent most of his time perfecting them. Marjie actually took the opportunity to climb blindfolded and did an outstanding job. Finally, Jeb was the fastest climber of the entire group. Basically, Todd said that the group is having an absolute blast. They are heading into their second backpacking section today so wish them luck!
Backpacking, Fossil Ridge Colorado, 7/1 - 7/5
Todd and Caroline called with a trip update from their backpacking section in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness. Here is a small but almost perfect mountain kingdom, with raw granite towering above several beautiful shallow lakes and long valleys carved by ancient glaciers and replete with pine, spruce, fir, and aspen. The limestone ridge rises above 13,000 feet, climbing well beyond the tree line, and contains the fossilized remains of numerous prehistoric sea creatures. Searching for gold, miners dug at several sites still scarred by their efforts but, these pieces of history somehow may enhance the area's overall attractiveness. The group was allowed a virtually unparalleled view of almost half of Colorado's fourteeners. Elk and deer abounded, but they were truly fortunate to catch glimpses of a small group of mountain goats and a larger herd of bighorn sheep. Hillyer has been spending quality time observing her surroundings during this wilderness travel. She is amazed at the beauty of nature. Alison has risen above her expectations by leading the group during this backpacking section. Lauren has provided more of her "sunshine". She was the driving force behind the group's 9 mile marathon hike. Taylor, Paul and George have been fixing some pretty tasty meals. The group considers them the cooking kings of the trip. Marjie and Jeb have really enjoyed their time together. It's not everyday that brother and sister can see eye to eye, but these two have become an exemplary model for sibling relations. Everyone is heading to raft the whitewater of Brown's Canyon. Even though the group is getting ready to head back home, they'll take plenty of memories of the Colorado high country.
Rafting and Close, 7/6 - 7/9
Todd called to say that the Colorado Trail is finally coming to a close and the group he had was absolutely incredible. He could not believe how hard they worked and how well behaved they were. All of the crew are gone and on their way home from Denver. The last section of their trip on the Brown's Canyon was super exciting! He said the group loved the rafting and they especially had a blast on Brown's. Taylor and George actually swam the last rapid "Last Chance" with one of the river guides. After the rafting, the crew headed up Wilkerson Pass in the van and stopped to have a scenic lunch up on top. Todd said that everyone was sad that the group was going their separate ways and their adventure was finally coming to a sudden end. The kids were all excited about heading home yet sad to say goodbye. He said that some strong bonds were made and good friendships arose from those bonds. It was really evident on the last morning. The group made it to Denver and had their final banquet together. After that they camped and prepared for an early departure. Again everyone is on their way home and Todd said he cannot believe it is over!
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