| Northern Lights log (2004-07-15 -> 2004-08-04)
Leaders: Molly Tyler, Taylor Moody
Students: Kelsay Best, Allie Blackwood, Patten Bruce, Lindsay Burkart, Britt Hughes, Suzie Luft, Lauren Robichaux, Mandy Salzillo, Ariel Tellatin, Jordan Turban, Cameron Weller, Hailey Woollen, Gordon Wyche
The Northern Lights leaders are excited and ready for their second adventure to begin. We all look forward to hearing about their incredible journey in the days to come.
NEW LOG
7-22-04
We just arrived out of the sea kayaking section in the Prince William Sound and it was an amazing experience for the whole group. For the first two days the group was challenged by Mother Nature and we were hit with some rainy weather and rough waters, but of course we made it through. The sunshine on the third day could not have come at a better time and spirits were lifted as we were able to enjoy the beautiful surrounding glaciers.
We spotted tons of wildlife out on the water. Cameron and Allie practically ran into a sea lion and it was so cool to get up close to it. Lauren and Ariel also pointed out a group of 40 plus otters from a distance. They were a little curious as to why we broke up their party, but it was incredible to see so many up close.
On the third day the two brave boys, Gordon and Patten took a polar plunge in the glacier water which gave everyone on dry land the chills. Don't worry; we've got pictures to prove it!
The second night the group was exhausted from the rough waters and weather and once we got to camp Kelsay, Gordon, Mandy, Lauren, and Cameron helped make and serve dinner to everyone in their tents...it was a long, cold day and dinner while snuggled in sleeping bags was a great treat.
Suzie, Mandy, and Hailey enjoyed getting close enough to the glaciers to watch them calve, but of course staying at a safe distance (huge chunks of ice breaking off and falling into the ocean). It really put our perception of size to reality!
Lindsay, Jordan, and Britt kept the group going on the long days on the water. They offered tons of support and encouragement for the group to push harder and it made the views of the amazing glaciers and surrounding rainforest all the more enjoyable to know we had weathered through the storm...great job guys!
Tomorrow we prepare for backpacking then we're off to the backcountry. The group is doing great and we can't believe we have already been here a whole week! We have great leaders and the boys are being great sports and perfect gentlemen to the ladies.
We're off to the woods and we'll check back in after the backcountry and white water rafting! Hope all is well back home and everyone sends their love!
Molly
NEW LOG/LAST LOG
Whew! Feels like it has been a while since we last
checked in but I'm happy to report that we made it
safe out of the backcountry after 11 intense days in the bush. The group did a fantastic job and everyone got
the most out of their adventure. It's sad to think
that the trip has come to a close but here's an update
from our journey...
The first 9 days of the backcountry the group
conquered over 35 miles on an incredible route over
saddles, rough terrain, and beautiful Alaskan trails.
We stuck together as a team and because of the sea
kayaking section; we were prepared to handle the rainy
weather that came our way. The group maintained a
positive attitude and environment and we all
accomplished our goals together. The first day was
very challenging with heavy packs but Lindsay led the
way as the L.O.D. and helped the group along with
positive motivation. We enjoyed some awesome
campsites by beautiful streams and lakes. Everyone
was able to take part in cooking some tasty
backcountry cuisines. Allie enjoyed cooking the
deserts like Oreo, chips Ahoy, and cheesecake pies.
Hailey, Jordan, Lindsay, and Kelsay loved making
backcountry pizzas and Ariel, Lauren, and Britt
surprised the group one rainy morning with chocolate
chip pancakes that were a favorite for everyone.
Cameron was also a great L.O.D. and took an active
role in map reading skills and was able to navigate
the group on the trail. Kelsay spotted a moose on the
mountain side on day 3! On night 2, Ariel and Jordan
competed against Patten and Gordon on a walk off
competition and the judges ruled in favor for the
guys, sorry gals! It was hilarious!
The group loved spending time together playing games
once we got to camp and set up tents. Lauren, Mandy,
and Suzie loved playing charades. Britt was big booty
champion, and Patten was sneaky at Mafia.
Things got a little muddy on the trail with all the
rain from Mother Nature and Mandy and Suzie provided
us with tons of laughs as they took some spills on the
trail. Lindsay never hesitated at diving in to save
them! Suzie was also very energetic and enthusiastic
about the environment and interested in the wildlife
and different plants. Allie provided a constant
glowing smile and was always an uplifting spirit for
the group when times got hard. Patten was bursting
with positive energy and he was always first to
appreciate and point out the beautiful views to the
group. Lindsay learned that she loves to cook and has
many new recipes to share with her family and friends.
Gordon was a strong L.O.D. and a great leader on the
trail by setting a good pace for the group up front.
Jordan was very caring on the trail to her friends and
was always there to encourage us along the way.
The group had some awesome moonups at night where we
would debrief the long days. Ariel was always very
open to the group and loved sharing laughs.
We met the white water rafting guides on day 10...they
flew in by helicopter and met us at our campsite on
the river. It was amazing! We had an awesome time on
the Chickaloon River and although the water was a
little chilly...Allie, Hailey, Britt, and Lindsay
still managed to take a swim. It was breathtaking
around the mountains with huge rock formations.
It's hard to put into words the amazing experience we
have all shared. We are heading to the airport this
afternoon after our banquet and final moonup. It's a
sad day here in Alaska but all good things must come
to an end...You've heard enough from me, I'll turn it
over to the group. Thanks for an awesome adventure
guys; it's one I'll never forget! Northern Lights 2,
yahooooo!
Molly and Taylor
Hailey-Alaska is the perfect place to be in the middle
of nowhere. We've had tons of memories and had an
awesome trip!
Kelsay-This trip has been better than I could've ever
imagined! The scenery is gorgeous and the people I'm
with are amazing!
Suzie-This trip has given me the opportunity to
refresh my mind and to remember what is most important
to me. Everyday I live to enjoy the moment in a
stunning place surrounded by people with whom I love
spending time.
Mandy-This trip was amazing. Alaska is the perfect
place to just get away from everything and enjoy the
outdoors. Everywhere you look you see something
breathtaking. This trip was so much fun!
Patten-And...Service. Woo, everything is on such a
larger scale here. I felt like a fly on a cow,
chewing a cud, in a field you drive past going 80 on a
highway…small. It's so peaceful here. It's great.
Hey Mom, Dad, Larkin, and Liz.
Cameron-"Um, Molly, where ya been? Bathroom break?
Sure..." There's a big moose up there! I saw its
antlers! They were huge! Lindsay, that moose didn't
have antlers...Oh...ha ha. We saw a place most people
only visit in their dreams with a group of awesome
people doing things we love. The trip of a lifetime!
Hey Mom, Dad, Chels, Charles, and Chris!
Gordon-"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!"
Alaska is the ideal place to get away and admire
breathtaking scenery with a group of wonderful people
who become second family. The memories and times are
unforgettable: truly a once in a lifetime opportunity
and experience.
Allie-Hey Mom and Dad, thank you for giving me the
chance for such an amazing experience. Everything
here is absolutely gorgeous, the people are great, and
this all despite rain almost every day. I can't wait
to tell you all about it.
Britt-"For when I am weak, then I am truly strong" (2
Corinthians 12-10). I found new strength in my
weakness on this trip, the strength of depending on
God and on others when I wanted to cry. Molly made me
laugh when I wanted to be proud, Ariel reminded me of
humility. When I wanted to run, Lauren embraced me
with compassion. When I wanted to let the rain get to
me, Lindsay reminded me to have fun: when the drops
seemed too big, Patten's hugs and kind words kept me
going. Thank you all for an amazing trip and new
found strength.
Ariel: I have had so much fun on this trip. I love
our group and leaders. I think I am going to take so
much home with me! Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me
the opportunity to have an amazing experience such as
this.
Lindsay-Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me such an
amazing opportunity. I really found myself and met
some awesome people.
Lauren-Hey Mom and Dad, I miss you but I'm having an
awesome time. We have a great group of people,
awesome leaders and I’ve gotten to see really
beautiful things. I'm really lucky to be able to do
something like this. I miss ya'll a lot and can't
wait to see you soon.
Jordan- Hey Mom and Dad, it's so amazing here! We
have seen the most beautiful things...mountains,
glaciers, and the waterfalls we've seen are so
amazing! Besides the fact that I didn't have raingear
and it rained every day...I've had the best time of my
life! Thanks for the opportunity to be here. I miss
you and can't wait to see you when I get home!
Group Quote..."It doesn't rain in Alaska!"
Way to go group, it's been real, keep in touch!
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