| Moondance Leadership log (2003-06-19 -> 2003-07-09)
Leaders: Austin Tyler & Lizzie Lokey
Students: Kelly Voyles, Greg Underwood, Lauren Waters, Charlie Nordstrom, Caitlin Hague, Rebecca Allman, Winston Voigt, Smith Ferguson, Beanie Arnold, Sarah Coulter
Beach Backpacking, Olympic National Park, 6/20 - 6/24
This group met in Seattle, and packed up their gear for the first leg of the trip. This Olympic Beach backpacking section is one of only two long and wild stretches of beach left on the west coast of the continental U.S. and B.C It is not strenuous or lengthy, making it a great way to begin the Leadership trip. The hike gives the students time to get used to this means of travel and their group dynamics.
This group has already learned the basics of wilderness travel with four days of coastal backpacking. They have shared their time with bald eagles, seals and each other. Caitlin was a fantastic leader of the day, and has cooked many great pancakes. Lauren has volunteered to become the official tomato sauce creator for the team. Kelly is totally enthusiastic about the outdoors, and she continues to entertain everyone with her hilarious comments. After Beanie taught the group how to pack their packs, Sarah led the group through the Leave No Trace principles. Smith taught advanced backcountry stove repair, so that everyone will be able to keep cooking their tasty meals. Charlie and Winston have emerged as true hikers. You can be sure to find them pouring over the group maps and pounding out some miles on the trail. Greg and Becca have been such positive influences on the group that they were elected the first leaders of the day. This group will need all these blossoming leaders as they begin their extended mountain backpacking section.
With about 9 years of total Moondance leadership between them, Austin and Lizzie are taking their group into their second backpacking phase. The crew will regroup, rest, and re-pack for the mountain section of their backpacking section. Remember, No news is GOOD news. Check back in on July 2 to see how it went! Wish them luck, they will need it as they explore the beautiful Olympic National Park under the shadow of Mt. Olympus.
Backpacking, Olympic National Park, 6/24 - 7/2
Austin called to give an incredible report on his Leadership crew. He said the trip gets better everyday! As for their second backpacking section, the scenery was breathtaking. The group traversed the entire internal portion of the park starting on the north end and trekking all the way through to a southern trailhead. After many stream crossings, wildlife sightings, and a 14 mile day, the entire team is out safe and ready for their next section. Traversing Olympic is not an easy achievement. Austin said that the entire group really pulled together and helped each other through it. The group managed to utilize their lay over day to hike up high on some passes and soak in the surrounding views of Mt. Olympus and even the Pacific Ocean! The hiking trip ran smoothly and everyone had a blast according to Austin. Austin ran down some individual information for the group as well. Kelly's leadership skills and artistic skills really shine in the backcountry! Sarah has been the leader on the trail everyday. She has a great hiking pace, which keeps everyone moving! Caitlin is incredibly tough mentally and physically. Smith has a never-ending supply of energy and entertainment for the group. Rebecca has a positive attitude and a sense of humor, which makes everyone laugh. Lauren has great backcountry cooking skills and made an awesome deep dish pizza in the backcountry oven. Greg is the group comedian and keeps everyone in good spirits. Charlie is a strong hiker and always making witty comments, which keeps the group laughing. Beanie is another top backcountry chef and has a positive attitude. Winston, the cross country runner, kept the group going on the 14 mile hike with an awesome pace and attitude.
Needless to say, Leadership 1 is doing awesome! The crew is off to Leavenworth for a couple of days of rock climbing in the Cascades. Everyone is getting excited about the coming Rainier climb.
Rock Climbing, North Cascades, 7/1 -7/4
Austin called the office to say the group had a great time rock climbing in the Northern Cascades National Park. Everyone has been focusing on their summit bid of Mt. Ranier, so this climbing section was a perfect preparatory step. Everyone in the group completed multiple climbs and had plenty of time on different walls. The entire crew managed to hone their teamwork skills and practice their group rope work abilities. They have had some great weather, and even been able to go swimming. Hayes and Bo are meeting this group for snow school and the Ranier hike. These next days will be unforgettable!
Rainier Climb, 7/5 - 7/7
Snow School
The entire group met up in Ashford, WA and met RMI for Snow School on July 5. Everyone hiked up to snow and learned how to operate all of their new gear like crampons and plastic boots. The group learned all of the techniques for snow travel like rope teams and self arresting. Everyone is eager to get up on the trail up to Camp Muir and attempt to hit the Summit.
Rainier Climb, 7/6 - 7/7
Hayes called and said the entire group is off and heading up to camp Muir. I called the RMI office today and they said the group did summit! I have not heard from the trip leaders as of yet. It is a long hike down and they are 3 hours behind the east coast. I will post the update as soon as I hear from the groups.
Rainier Climb, 7/8
Lizzie called to report 100% success rate on their Rainier climb! Every group member made it to the summit and all are off the mountain, safe, happy and sleeping soundly! Lizzie said the crew made it up to Camp Muir in beautiful weather and got to bed early. They woke everyone up at midnight and got some breakfast. Then the three rope teams began their ascent of the mountain. The rope teams were: Team # 1 with Winston, Rebecca, Smith and Sarah led by the RMI guide Mason Henderson from Atlanta, Team # 2 with Beanie, Greg, Lauren, Lizzie led by RMI guide Jason, and Team # 3 with lead guide Alex followed by Austin, Charlie, Caitlin, and Kelly. The 3 teams made their final pus to the summit around 7:30 am. They made the summit at 8:30 am the morning of 7/7. The group enjoyed the beautiful sights and celebrated their accomplishment from the summit.
They left the summit and dropped 5000' to Camp Muir and then continued down 8000' more feet to Paradise. Everyone was exhausted and ready for bed. After a nice hot meal with their guides, everyone hit the hay and slept in this morning! Hayes said the groups looked strong and performed well together. He said he really enjoyed the opportunity to climb with this group.
Right now, Leadership 1 is preparing to depart in the morning. Tonight they will eat their Final Banquet together and then say their goodbyes. Tomorrow they will fly home having bagged the tallest glaciated peak in the lower 48!
Final Word from Lizzie and Austin in Seattle, 7/11/03
Well, the trip is finally over and we would like to thank the group one last time for the best Moondance experience. From the Olympics, to rock climbing and to all of us sitting on top of Mt. Rainier, this trip has been an awesome experience. Best of luck to everyone!
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