| Moondance Leadership log (2003-07-14 -> 2003-08-03)
Leaders: Megan Moran & Will Speiden
Students: Will Keesler, Charlotte Kohlmann, Thomas Gaiennie, Cole Holladay, Blythe Argenbright, Coley Young, Jack Eakin, Christophe Lagrange, Jessica Kinnard, Taylor Manning
Update, 7/14
Will called to quickly check in before heading out to the Olympic Coast for the first backpacking section. He said that all was well, the weather was looking good for them and the group was excited to head in to the backcountry. We look forward to hearing from them when the get out.
Backpacking Update, 7/19/03
Megan called in today to say that the group had a great time on the backpacking section. The weather was great, allowing for games on the beach, swimming in the ocean great days on the trails. The group ate their dinners during several incredible sunsets. Megan said this group is "rock solid." Cole, being a veteran of the group, has taught several classes and has been very helpful as a natural leader. Will was an excellent hiker that paced the group well. Jack's outgoing personality helped this group come together quickly. Thomas is the spark plug of the group, making the most of this trip by always keeping busy. Cristophe is using his vast outdoor experience and natural leadership skills to help the group. He is doing a great job. "Char Char" has great energy and a positive attitude that everyone loves. Taylor is a very strong and experienced group member. She has really helped bring this group close together. The group is really enjoying Coley's unique and creative outlook on life as she shares her stories. Blythe, a great group leader, is always there with her positive attitude and smile. Jessica has jumped right in to this trip and is learning a lot. She an excellent addition to this crew.
Backpacking Update, 7/26
Will called to give an update of the groups experience in the Olympic National Park. He reports that the weather was unbelievable and not a cloud in sight. That is very rare for the rain forest! The group managed to attempt skyline trail and got above treeline and to the top of Kimta peak. From there they could see beautiful views of the ocean, Mt. Olympus and the entire range. The kids had a ball and played on the giant snowfields.
Cole is a Moondance alum who is very skilled in the outdoors. He is super helpful as well. Charlotte is a firecracker. She is so energetic and charismatic and keeps everyone happy. Will is a great hiker. He stepped up to help carry some of the group's weight when needed. Christophe is very worldly and intellectual. His maturity and experience was a major asset in the backcountry. Thomas is the group comedian. He is an outstanding athlete and extremely funny. Jack has learned a ton! He adds great insight to the group and is very thoughtful. Coley is awesome! She is another Moondance alum who is also a great leader and pacesetter on the trail. She is friendly and helped the group bond in the backcountry. Blythe is always smiling. She never complains, keeps the group positive and in great spirits. Jessica is a beginner in the backcountry but you would never know it! She is a great hiker, she is always willing to help, keeps the group laughing and a pleasure to have. Taylor is also an alum whose experience really helps the group. She knows what to do and is very helpful. Overall, they had an awesome time in the backcountry. They hiked like champions and are ready to tackle Mt. Rainer.
Rock Climbing Update, 7/29/03
Megan called in today and she sounded wonderful. She said the group is really getting along great and they had an awesome time rock climbing. Here's what she had to say.
Cole is an extremely good climber. He really took advantage of this 2 day section and perfected his skills. Charlotte is always up for a good time. Although Charlotte has a minor ankle injury, she remains very cheerful and upbeat. Thomas really pushed himself during this section. Rock climbing is a challenge and Thomas put in his best effort in order to reach his goals. Christophe was very determined during this section and did not give up when the rock gave him a hard time. Taylor has shown great expedition behavior towards her team and also is the cook of the group. Megan said she has never seen backcountry cheesecakes that were so perfect and delicious! Coley has continued to show a positive attitude towards her group and the activities. She has a great sense of humor and keeps the group entertained with a great music selection for the van. Will dominated this section as he charged the rock and never gave up. Jake is an awesome climber. Megan described a 5.10 route that was the most difficult of the 2 days and Jack was the first to conquer it. He also perfected his skill during the 2 day section. Blythe is also an exellent and talented climber and as an experienced Moondancer, she is leading the way for her team. Jessica is taking full advantage of her time on this trip. She jumps right in to each challenge with full energy and enthusiasm.
The group is en route to snow school at Rainier. They are meeting up with Hayes tonight and I know he can't wait to see this awesome team!
Mt. Rainier Update, 8/2/03
Will and Megan called this afternoon en route to their final campground. They reported that the group had a very succesful and exciting time on Rainier and that everyone made it down safely. The group is now preparing for departure and the final night banquet.
Back to 2003 Logs
Back to Trip Logs |
|
