| Pacific Northwest Exposure log (2003-06-19 -> 2003-07-09)
Leaders: Amy Johnston & Eric Draper
Students: William Moore, Jack McKinney, Emily Alexander, Nanny Wilson, Philip Ison, Rebecca Dickson, Lauren Russell, Madison Honeycutt
Backpacking in the North Cascades, 6/21
Amy called the office to say that PNW 2 was doing really well! The group as bonding perfectly and they had spent the last day having lessons and preparing for their backpacking trip in the North Cascades. She said all the food is packed and divvyed up. The group gear is dispersed and everyone is anxious to get hiking. They had just left the ranger station and had a fresh itinerary in hand. They were about to get a water taxi to their trailhead and begin a 6-day trek through the beautiful North Cascade National Park. Remember that no news is good news and tune in on the 27th to see how the backpacking trip went!
Backpacking the East Bank Trail, North Cascades National Park, June 21 - June 26
Amy called the office with a glowing report for the PNW Group 2. She could not stop talking about how well the group is doing. They just left the North Cascades after a rigorous 45 mile hike from the top of Ross Lake, all the way down to the bottom. They took a water taxi into the backcountry via Ross Lake up to the northern end of the long lake. From their drop point, the group began hiking south. They skirted around Desolation Peak. Before continuing south, the crew took some time to hike up Desolation Peak. They covered a 13 mile roundtrip hike, conquering 4000 feet of vertical gain. From the top, the clouds lifted at the last minute to give them the magical view they all deserved. After their summit day, the group carried on south and eventually made it back to their van, waiting for them at the trailhead. The weather was good as well!
After the hiking trip the group decided on their own to hand out awards to everyone. They designated each group member with an award. Read on to see who won what!
Rebecca: Most Perseverant
William: Most positive
Nanny: Never gives up
Jack: Laid back (calm under pressure)
Madison: Kindest
Phillip: Most Polite
Emily: Toughest
Laura: Most on Task
There you have it! The students awarded themselves. Amy could not say enough good things about the group, their progress and the hiking trip. Everything is going so well! PNW 2 is on their way to Smith Rock, a rock climbing mecca, in order to spend the next 3 days climbing in Oregon. They are traveling from a rainy climate to a dry desert climate.
Rock Climbing, Smith Rock, 6/28 - 6/30
Amy called in to report that the group has had 3 great days of climbing. They finished off today with the Monkeys Face, the Tyrolean traverse and a 180 foot rappel.
Awards go as follows.
Spiderman with experience---Jack
Spiderman's buttress with experience---Lauren
Spiderman without experience---Philip
Spiderman's buttress without experience---Nanny
Toughest climber award---Rebecca
Most supportive---Madison
Person who most enjoyed every climb---Will
Most positive climber---Emily
They are headed to Mecca flats to start rafting tomorrow!
Rafting the Deschutes River, Oregon, 7/1 - 7/4
We just heard from Amy after their rafting trip in Oregon. They loved the scenery. The Deschutes River originates high in the Cascade Mountains from Little Lava Lake. The river carves its path through 250 miles of eastern Oregon before flowing into the Columbia. The lower river offers a beautiful desert canyon filled with sage brush, osprey, incredible basalt rock formations and plenty of exciting rapids. Consider all of the elements that are involved in their trip: a setting that is very scenic, exciting, and away from the normal! Small teams of rafts whose successful journey is based on the basic principles of teamwork, cooperation and dependence on each person under the leadership of a professional guide! The Deschutes Whitewater rafting experience combined many essential elements together that were required for team building! In fact, the group gave each other awards at the end of this section. Lauren was given the title of best cook for all her tasty dishes. Emily was definitely the most enthusiastic after she yelled for joy down each day on the river. Jack was seen as the most helpful. He has taught the whole group organizational skills. Madison has been the most contentious of others feelings. It's very important to have someone looking out for the group like that. Philip has the best attitude. Even if he was own out of his boat, he hopped back for more. Rebecca was the biggest trooper because she pushed everyone during the waning hours of each day. William was the most spontaneous. His insights have opened the group to new ways of thinking about themselves and the world around them.
Sea Kayaking, San Juan Islands, 7/5 - 7/9
This group won the award for the most wildlife seen during the sea kayaking section through the San Juan Islands. They came upon seals with newborn pups, bald eagles, sea urchins, huge starfish and all sorts of tidal pool life. Everyone finished strong, and the group performed like seasoned veterans on the water. As they caught the ferry back to the mainland and prepared for their final banquet and departure, each student had a smile on their face. They had accomplished more than they ever thought possible.
July 11, 2003
Final Trip Update from Amy and Eric in Seattle:
Here are the final awards for our Moondance
Trip...these are for the overall experience (not just one section)
Emily - funniest
Lauren - most caring
Madison - sweetest
Phil - most observant
William - the one who got the most out of the trip
Rebecca - most appreciative
Nanny - most laid back
Jack - most helpful
Thanks to everyone for an awesome trip! Keep in touch and we hope to see you next year.
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