| Northern Lights log (2003-06-19 -> 2003-07-09)
Leaders: Griff Dempsey & Kirsten Johnson
Students: Beth Yetter, Adam Mitchell, Emma Hunter, Haden Oswalt, Aaron Hubbard, Chrissy Baccich, Lewis Robinson, Valerie McLaurin, Philip Thompson, Chase Gorman
Sea Kayaking Prep, Harriman Fjord, 6/21
Griff called the office to report that weather is beautiful and the group is outstanding. They are staging their gear and divvying up food in Whittier, Alaska. After a brief paddle lesson and boat packing, the group will ferry out to a certain point across the Prince William Sound. They will spend the next 5 days paddling through the beautiful Harriman Fjords where bright white glaciers rise drastically out of the shiny blue sea. Birds, whales and wildlife should be abundant. Remember, no news is GOOD news. Tune in on the 26th to find out all about the sea kayaking adventure.
Sea Kayaking, Harriman Fjord, 6/21 - 6/26
Griff called the office to report that despite some typical foul Alaskan weather, the sea kayaking section went incredibly well. For five days the group paddled amongst the massive glaciers rising out of the sound. Griff spoke about a moment where the entire crew sat in their kayaks and watched in awe as giant hunks of the glaciers would crack off and crash into the ocean sending out immense waves on impact. Although the group was a safe distance away, the size and power was overwhelming. They managed to navigate successfully through the Harriman Fiord. Aside from some really long days of paddling and some soar arms, there were no problems. The scenery was spectacular of course!
As for the group and their dynamics, things seem to be coming along nicely. Philip provided entertainment on the trip, and was one of the strongest paddlers. Emma has supplied interesting conversation. Chase maintained an upbeat attitude throughout this section. Chrissy entertained everyone with her musical talents. Aaron added hilarious jokes to brighten the days. Lewis has been an outstanding helper, always willing to lend a hand. Adam showed powerful paddling skills while leading the pack. Valerie proved to be a great example of a laid back, smooth kayaker. Haden had a blast singing and talking with her fellow paddlers. Beth is an outgoing girl that has become friends with the whole group. Everyone saw families of bald eagles and porpoises. They are traveling through one of the world's last frontiers!
Again, the group is doing really well and having a blast! They are starting in for their backpacking section and will be out of reach for quite some time. Remember: No news is GOOD news in this case. Please check back around July 7th or 8th to find out more about the backpacking and rafting.
Backpacking in the Talkeetnas and Rafting the Chickaloon, 6/26 - 7/8
Griff called and gave the office a SUPER-CHARGED update on the Northern Lights 1! He said he could not express how good his group is and how proud he is of them. He said the group attacked and conquered the Talkeetna Mountains and pushed forward all the way to the landing strip on the banks of the beautiful Chickaloon River. The wildlife and the scenery were incredible! Griff said the trip was extremely challenging and his crew stood up to the challenge and had a great time with it. They traveled into the backcountry on trail and eventually got off trail. They used map and compass to forge their way aright to the spot where they were to meet their guides' plane for their rafting section. They hiked in and floated out of the mountains! The experience was priceless according to Griff. Beth was a great leader and she was a huge asset both on the hike and as a team paddler on the river. Chrissy was the best learner. She seized every opportunity to improve her skills and her backcountry abilities. Emma was a charismatic member of the team and she kept the groups spirits high with her constant encouragement. Chase always maintained a smile and was known for her outstanding attitude no matter what happened! Haden really got involved during the whitewater section and was a group leader for this portion. Valerie was an exhibition behavior role model. Her attitude and behavior was stellar throughout the entire backcountry experience. Aaron and Phillip were extremely strong paddlers and always willing to help out on the backpacking section. Lewis was an exceptional leader of the day during the backpacking section and really raised the bar for this assignment. Adam was the humorist on the trail and always helped keep the group's spirits' high.
The Northern Lights 1 trip was a huge success. Everyone should be extremely proud of themselves and the group for managing to accomplish all that they did. They hike through some intense terrain to a set location in a steep drainage valley. The weather was somewhat easy on the group and they hiked like champs! Griff cannot believe the trip is already coming to a close. They are together in Anchorage and getting ready to head out for their final banquet dinner. Everyone seems to be happy with what they accomplished and with there new friends; but there is a sadness in the air. The group will split up tomorrow and all will go there separate ways. Although this means they are heading home, it also means the adventure is over.
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