| Northern Lights log (2005-06-23 -> 2005-07-13)
Leaders: Mark Keim, Elizabeth Long, Peter Logan
Students: Wes Batts, Hilary Briggs, Anna Chelius, Carl Grote, Carolyne Jones, Chris Kucich, Elizabeth McLean, Jonathan Millar, Kari Millar, Sam Robinson, Jonathan Squire, Jamie Wilson
Thursday, June 30
Just back in from our 5 days in Prince William Sound. It was an amazing time for the group filled with once in a lifetime experiences. We must have all brought good karma, because we survived 5 days in the northern most temperate rainforest without a drop of rain. Five gorgeous days with blue skies around the clock. We were lucky enough to see many sea otters, seals, salmon, bald eagles (Mark's personal favorites), and an extra special treat, an orca spotted by Carl. We headed out Saturday morning from Whittier and paddled a long, hard 15 miles to our first night's camp spot, Entry Cove, where we all got to finally relax in the backcountry after a full day of prep on Friday. Sunday we awoke to a couple of the guys screaming "Happy Birthday" to Jon Millar, enjoyed some choc chip pancakes for the occasion, and paddled another 12 long miles to Hobo Bay for the night. We had a little celebration for the beginning of Jon's 18th year, cake (choc peanut butter) and all! Our third day out Carolyne and Jamie were our leaders as we headed into Harriman Fjord which took our breath away: five huge tide water glaciers, 3 of which came right down to the cove of our camp site on Black Sand Beach (by far the favorite of the trip). We laid over there and most of us took a day paddle to the base of the largest (Barry glacier) to watch the calving, which sounds like incessant thunder! Amazing!!! All in all we paddled over 50 miles in 5 days, a huge feat for first timers as well as those who had tried their hands at kayaking before. Each and every kid played and irreplaceable role in our group.
Sam is a natural leader, and his experience showed from the very beginning. Jamie led the group for the first time on one of the more technical days and did an amazing job keeping spirits up and building confidence in the group. Elizabeth is always making us laugh, rather it be her "inner voice" or her quick wit. She has stepped into the role of leader with ease, and is respected by all 15, leaders included. Thanks to Carl, most of the group got the see their first whale swimming in the same waters as we were paddling! He is always willing to bring to light viewpoints that others have a hard time seeing. Carolyne is always smiling; I've never heard a negative word come out of her mouth! She loved paddling and all of her boat partners had a blast with her. Kari's previous experience clearly shows. She is always out in front, and is willing to help out on all fronts; in this short time she has developed into a master in the kitchen! Wes is also always willing to help out, even behind the scenes. He's quiet, but when he speaks up, everyone listens, showing his respect within the group. Kucich is constantly positive, always has a laugh left when everyone down, even the leaders appreciate his ability to lift others' spirits!! He puts the group's well being before his own. Squire is an amazing communicator at his age, always willing to question the world around him in a positive way. Jon Millar is constantly going above and beyond. From day one he jumped out at me as one of the leaders of the group and has followed throughout with those expectations and more. His b’day celebration was fun for all, and he appreciated it greatly. I'm sure he'll never forget the view from his party on his 17th b’day...awesome!!! Anna is leader of the day today for the second time. The group deeply respects her and loves her company. She was a strong paddler, and has been great company for all! Hillary is the creative voice of the group. She, too, was a really strong paddler. She has made friendships with everyone of the kids in the group and is a delight to all.
We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing and strong group!! They all respect and enjoy each others company, which makes the places we visit and the activities we partake in that much more of a delight!! Off into the Talkeetnas tomorrow. We have 9 days of backpacking planned and then 2 days of rafting...it's going to be amazing!!! Can't wait!!
July 12, 2005
Well, it's been a wild ride for the past three weeks on the Northern Lights expedition, and what better way to cap it off than with the wildest ride down a raging river? Approximately two weeks ago, this group of wilderness troopers said good-bye, sadly, to their sea kayaks and Phillip (our amazing guide), and the fish and chips of Whittier, Alaska. We headed inland into the Talkeetna range and camped for the first night of this leg of the trip along the mighty Matanuska River, where the crew learned to fit
and pack their packs as well as re-package enough food to last for ten days in the backcountry. In the last Moonup before the rafts and guides appeared,Carl remarked at how proud he was to have carried everything he needed, as well
as group food and gear, right on his back. We all took a minute to revel in this wonderful fact, realizing just how impressive an accomplishment that really is.
This is truly an amazing group of kids and every one of their friends and family should be proud to know them. It was certainly my honor and privilege to guide them and watch them become more and more comfortable and skilled at living in the wild world we call the backcountry. Each of them brought their own spice and magic to the group, making this adventure a truly educational and enriching experience for all. Elizabeth and Carolyne established themselves as the “queens of positivity” and good cheer, grinning and laughing
their way through rainy meals and muddy trails. Carl became known to us all as a positive and charismatic leader, at the same time gung-ho and responsive to the needs of others. Jon Squire was attentive to how everyone was feeling at any given time and made sure that, whenever necessary, the group took the time to "just chill." Wes, a well-traveled and worldly young man, soaked up Alaska for all its worth, adding another happy notch on his belt. Chris took the
opportunity to open himself up and share his wisdom with the rest of the group. Sam, on his third Moondance trip, has made it clear that wilderness travel is something he wants to continue in his life, and there is no doubt that he will be a great leader himself very soon. Jon Millar was in his element in the wilderness, having tons of fun and at the same time showing a great appreciation for the land. Hillary became well-learned in the ways of the backcountry kitchen, spicing every dish to perfection. Kari showed her great capacity for perseverance in battling blisters and sore ankles, all the while making great conversation. Jamie was quiet at first, but I've never seen anyone so eager to learn and determined to get things right. Anna took every chance she had to be goofy and find pleasure in all the little things that make these adventures so wonderful. The long trek began with a couple of days traveling on a remote and rarely traveled ATV track that meandered up through saddles and down into the valleys. Despite the mud, due to recent rains, the gang all held their heads up to take in the majestic sights that surrounded us and became our home away from home in the Talkeetnas. An amazing crossing over Chitna Creek marked the end of the mud and infrequent ATV traffic. Depending on where you live in the country, you might hesitate to call it a creek. I would certainly call it a river, but then again, everything is a bit bigger and crazier here in Alaska. From there we stuck close alongside the bigger and faster Caribou Creek, which took us into higher country, affording us even more spectacular vistas
filled with mountains and ridges. On this same day, in addition to countless moose and even some big ol' bear tracks, Carolyne spotted across the valley an adult and baby moose (which some still swear were caribou), winning her the prize for first sighting of an animal larger than a human. In other wildlife news, that evening Sam rescued a fish that was trapped in a puddle and running out of water. Each night, we were able to camp near creeks and rivers and fall
asleep to the sweet sound of rushing water. With twenty-four hours of daylight, we were able to schedule our hikes however we wanted, with no danger of doing anything in the dark, and many of us used the extended daylight to read, write, and converse long after dinner and Moonup.
After finally arriving at the Chickaloon River, we took a well-deserved day of rest and relaxation before we received the ultimate wake-up call: a helicopter flew low over our tents to drop off our rafts and guides! The guys from Nova treated us all to an amazing boat trip through the rapids and canyons of the Chickaloon and Matanuska rivers, complete with enchiladas and strawberry lemonade. Everyone whooped and hollered through every stretch of whitewater, expertly maneuvering through waves and boulders. It was fun in
the sun to say the least. In the words of the illustrious Mark Keim, "Attaway, sunshine!" Before we get ready to pack up and enjoy our final hours together, the gang has a few words to share with the folks back home.
"I've had such an amazing time in Alaska. Every bit of it was amazing, especially the backpacking. I can't wait to see everybody. Thanks so much."-Sam
"I've got so many stories to tell. The entire trip was incredible. See you soon, and thank you."-Jon M.
"This is by far one of the greatest experiences of my life. Can't wait to tell you all about it. Thanks 4 everything."-Jon S.
"Hey guys!! Had one of the most amazing experiences of my life up here. Seen so much. Absolutely can't wait to see everybody. Backpacking was amazing, but sea kayaking would've been the highlight. Love you all! (See you soon!!)"-Wes
"I've had a truly incredible time appreciating the simplicities of life in such a beautiful place. I have to admit, though, I'm definitely psyched to get home to see you guys and get back to the routine of life at home. I miss you
and love you so much."-Hillary
"The trip has been amazing. All the leaders and kids have been awesome and our backpacking trip and whitewater rafting went really well. Tell David, Peter,and Caroline I miss them and am looking forward to seeing you all soon."-Jamie
"Alaska is so amazing. I had so much fun whitewater rafting
today. I love our group and will miss them very much!" -Carolyne
"Alaska is gorgeous and so much fun! Being in the backcountry for twelve days with only ourselves and no media was fun! Rafting was also amazing. I am having an awesome time and love the people and the leaders. Hope everything
is going well. I miss you and can't wait to see you."-Elizabeth
"Hey guys. Alaska is b-e-a-utiful. You'd love it out here. The weather's been great and the people are fun. I miss ya tons. See ya soon."-Kari
"Hey! This has been the most amazing experience. It's so beautiful out here. It was an awesome trip and I loved everyone and everything. I miss you guys and I'll see you soon."- Anna
"Hi. Alaska is...Alaska. See you tomorrow."-Chris
"Hey. Alaska was so fun. Every section was amazing. I had a great time with the people and the leaders. Thanks for everything!"-Carl
"I had a wonderful time with each of your children. They proved themselves as young adults and showed us their true potential, mentally and physically. Thank you for granting them this amazing opportunity. Happy trails. Love you
all in the homelands."-Mark
"Had an awesome time with all 12 of these guys. They never ceased to amaze the three of us. I'm so proud of them for not only completing a gnarly backpacking section, but thriving all the way through it. I'll be sad to see
them go! Love and miss you guys in Jackson and B-ham!!"-Liz
"I want everyone to know that this is an amazing bunch of individuals, as appreciated as they are appreciative. If you ask them what they did, they may struggle to adequately describe everything. They used this opportunity wisely and deserve even more. Much love to the folks back home in all my homes."-Pete
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