| Rocky Mountain Way log (2003-07-08 -> 2003-07-21)
Leaders: Abby Bullock & Neil Pirus
Students: Amy O'Neal, Ansley Aldridge, Laura Eberly, Maggie Reynolds, Brian Kron, Ellie Brissette, Kacy Holcomb, Sarah Riser, Molly Ellis, John Merrick
Update, 7/13
Abby called to report that they are having an amazing trip so far and that things are going very well. The students are having a great time learning how to live in the wilderness with their favorite classes thus far being pack packing, environmental ethics and backcountry cooking. The meals have been great and have included the culinary delights of grilled quesadillas, macaroni and cheese and chocolate chip pancakes. Rafting was an excellent way for the trip to start. Kacy truly enjoyed cooling off in the water. Molly had a hand in all the water fights and Brian loved the "big rapids." The climbing section got started with a day of group building activities including a 60 ft. swing. Catherine conquered her fear of heights by climbing all the way to the top of the Alpine Tower. Laura liked how the Alpine Tower "had the option of pushing yourself as much as you wanted." Ansley was the first to go off the swing and loved the 35 ft freefall. Next the group used their climbing skills to conquer the crag. Ellie thought the climbing was "challenging but very rewarding." Amy tried her skills on a few different routes and "had a blast." Sarah really enjoyed the climbing and really felt she was able to trust her belayers. Maggie also loved the climbing and says she can see herself continuing to pursue the sport after the trip is over. The group reported from Telluride where the boys were wetting a fly line and everyone was getting fired up for a cookout and game of ultimate frisbee in the park. Next they head into the backcountry for their backpacking section. John and Brian say they are looking forward to teaching the group how to fly fish. Everyone has set personal goals for the trip and the nightly Moonups have been great. We look forward to hearing from them soon.
Update, 7/15
We received a phone call today from the group today which is a little strange, since they are in the backcountry. The group had reached the top of Centennial Peak, and they called to let us know that they are having a blast. They sounded great, with some sort of muffled cheer in the background, and 2 very excited leaders. It was a great phone call, this group sounds awesome and they are out there getting it done for sure. We look forward to hearing from them soon.
Backpacking Update, 7/18/03
The group called to check in and it sounds like they are having an awesome trip. They have finished their backpacking section and the group is doing well. On day 1 they hiked 8 miles along Bear Creek and got a good nights sleep after a long bear bagging session. On day 2 they hiked above tree line, encountered some afternoon showers and set themselves up for the next day's summit hike. They woke up for an Alpine start at 3 am and hit the trail. The whole group made the summit of Centennial Peak- 13,360 feet above sea level. The next 2 days they hiked out and relaxed a bit after the 14 hour summit day climb. John and Brian enjoyed teaching the group fly fishing and had a great time wetting a line for themselves. Maggie loved the fishing and hopes to get into it when she gets home. Catherine, Kacy, Sarah and Amy have become the group's bear baggers and have been really getting into it. Ellie and Ansley loved the summit day and conquered their fear of heights on this new terrain. Laura is becoming a true backcountry chef and is getting into map reading. Molly inspires the group with the quotes she reads and her smile and positive attitude are keeping the group up. Abby and Neil said they are very proud of this group and they are sad to see the trip end.
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