| Northern Lights log (2005-07-17 -> 2005-08-06)
Leaders: Mark Kein, Peter Logan, Liz Long, Megan Moran
Students: Nicole Bernier, Caroline Brzozowicz, Amanda Cross, Moore Hamilton, Parker Lavigne, Will Newman, Sophie Nitkin, Anna Nowasad, Barron O'Neil, Fay Phillips, Allie Russell, James Sebel, Sarah Kate Senkbeil,
July 25, 2005
Good day from the land of the midnight sun. Everyone is doing great and filled with optimism from our amazing journey into Prince William Sound. We traveled over 50 miles in our kayaks and witnessed amazing wildlife, natural wonders of glaciers and breathtaking scenery. Our first night went great after picking up our group. We got to know each other through playing games and laughing at our “three truths and a lie.” Moon-up was breathtaking down on the beach and gave each of us our first true glimpse of Alaska’s beauty. The following day, our first whole day together, we got the opportunity to hike Portage Glacier, a great hike with views of Passage Canal and Portage Lake. It was a great indication of how amazing our group was going to be in the coming days. Everyone did a great job preparing for sea kayaking that afternoon and eagerly awaited what was to come.
So off we paddled into the distance…Sophie, Will, Barron, Caroline, Parker, Anna, Megan, and Mark (aka Troop 33). We covered nearly 15 miles on our opening paddle, through the rain, fog, mist and headwind. Each person did amazing and it set a great pace for our remaining days. We arrived at Entry Cove Marine Park where the clouds lifted and treated us to natural land bridges, bald eagles and endless mountain views of our day’s travels. Day 2 we voyaged out into Port Wells and continued our paddle over another 12 miles. The weather was fairly clear and the mountains were following us along shoreline with every push of the paddle. Our camp proved to be “bomber” as we arrived to Hobo Bay, because at the same time the rain came as well. Each of us was quick to paddle in, set up camp and pack up. We each stayed dry under our cooking tent and enjoyed listening to the rain fall on our shelter as we enjoyed dinner, had a great Moon-up and watched the otters eat and play in the water.
Our third day on the water proved to be the most breathtaking as we paddled the Barry Arm up into the “cul-de-sac of wonders.” After 10 miles we arrived into Black Sand Beach, a desolation campsite at the base of Coxe, Barry, and Cascade Glacier. The scenery is breathtaking and it allowed each of us to be proud of ourselves and our hard work over the past 3 days and 50 miles. We spent our evening there playing games and watching the glaciers calve (break off) into the water below, creating a thunderous sound in the valley. Everyone slipped into their sleeping bags exhausted from a hard day’s work, yet relaxed thinking of the rest day ahead.
We awoke on Day 4 late in the morning to more calving and beautiful clear blue skies. After enjoying McMoondance (bagels, sausage and cheese), we voyaged out for a day paddle. We got ¼ mile from the glaciers on our kayaks and realized just how massive they really are! We finished the day with pizza, strawberry cheesecake, and smiles for a relaxing day in one of the most amazing places in Alaska. Our final day we literally sailed out of camp as we created a tarp sail and brought each of our boats together to ride the wind. It was a great feeling of accomplishment and happiness as we rode the ferry back to Whittier and civilization.
This is an extraordinary group of kids that never cease to amaze us with their talents and good cheer. This group has meshed together extremely well and show excellent sense of respect for each other and their environment, both of which are key components of expedition behavior. Good “EB” seems to naturally flow in their bloodstreams. Fay and Sarah Kate love singing classic renditions of pop songs. James has really stepped up as a leader, sharing his backcountry experience and enthusiasm with everyone. Allie has been a bundle of fun, always smiling and asking everyone how they’re doing. Nicole has impressed us all with her enthusiasm and endurance. On the last day, she paddled a single kayak all day, when she could’ve switched out at lunchtime. Amanda has really opened up and told us all stories and jokes. When Moore speaks, it’s like an explosion of joy and excitement that keeps us all going. He has taken a liking to swimming in Alaska’s frigid waters as well as working on his cooking.
Fay says, “Moondance has been so much fun! Sea kayaking was beautiful and exciting! I can’t wait for backpacking to begin!”
Sarah Kate says, “Coming out here has been one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve made amazing friendships so far, learned how to live in the moment, and enjoy what’s around me.”
Moore says, “It’s the best trip I’ve ever been on and mainly because of our awesome leaders that make it that way!”
Allie says, “Wow, this is such a fun trip! We have a good group and good leaders. Backpacking tomorrow! (I’m 16!)”
James says, “A great trip so far. We just finished kayaking and it rocked. I am really looking forward to the backpacking. Great leaders and great group! Can’t wait!”
Nicole says, “Coming out and doing this trip has been absolutely amazing. The sights are great and the people are awesome. Can’t wait for the next part of the trip!”
Amanda says, “I’ve never done anything like this and it rocks! Sea kayaking was great and I can’t wait for kayaking!”
Barron says, “Anna is definitely a super cool team player, not to mention an excellent cook, kayaker and friend. She can work hard with no complaints and it is a pleasure to have her in the group.” He also says, “Hey Mom and Dad and everyone. Man, it’s so awesome up here! I really appreciate all you have done to make this happen!”
Parker says, “Sophie is a very intelligent and well-spoken person who is a machine at solving riddles! Even though the kayaking was tough, she never complained. It is great having her around; she is a great asset to the team.” Also, “Hey everybody. I am having a great time here. Thanks for letting me come on this trip. It is AWESOME!”
Will says, “Caroline is intense in everything she does. She puts everything she has into every small detail. She cooks really well and steps up as a leader in various situations. She’s tough and gets the job done with no complaints and takes everything upon herself.” He also says, “Sweet. Megan and Mark rule.”
Caroline says, “Will is probably one of the hardest workers and biggest eaters our there and I know because he has to deal with me as a cooking partner! Whether we were in the kayak or boiling water for pasta, he kept me going with his humor. He always knew when Barry Glacier was calving and would graciously point it out for the rest of us. He is the best partner anyone could have both on and off the water.” She also says, “Mom and Dad, thanks so much for sending me on this trip! I am having the time of my life! Mark and Megan are the best counselors ever! Can’t wait to see y’all in August!”
Anna says, “I think Barron is the best cook this backcountry will ever see. He and I have whipped up amazing meals such as personal pizzas, mashed potato and sausage quesadillas, and breakfast McMoondances, all of which wouldn’t have been as good if it weren’t for his cooking skills. Trust me, I have very little! Barron also has a great love for adventure. He’s always up for a challenge and is a great motivator for the group. I think we’re all glad he’s here with us.” Also, “Hey Mom and Dad! I miss you guys a lot. I’m having an awesome time! Shout out to Jimmy and all my friends—I love you all and I’ll see you soon!”
Sophie says, “Parker is the life of the party. No matter the situation, he always has stories or comments to make us laugh. While paddling, he was a master at steering the kayak through tricky situations. He also manages to provide meaningful insights at Moon-up. Overall, he is a great guy to have around!” She also says, “Mom and Dad, I am having a wonderful time! Alaska is such a special place! I miss you Andrew and Nugget. Thanks for this opportunity. I love you!”
Everyone is doing a brilliant job and all are safe, happy, and dry. As you read this, we will be backpacking through the Alaskan backcountry!
August 5, 2005
Well the days of hiking and rafting may have concluded, but the memories are only beginning of our memorable backcountry Alaskan experience. Hiking was absolutely amazing and each individual in our group proved to be very independent and mature in the backcountry setting.
Day 1 we departed into the unknown lands of Pinochle Creek Trailhead. We hiked an awesome uphill section covering 1,000 vertical feet and put ourselves in position to be desolate and happy for the many days to come. From this day on, we knew as leaders that our group would be dominant on the trail. Day 2 we pushed from Hicks Creek up toward Hicks Lake and beyond. Hicks Lake was beautiful with endless mountains and rivers extending in all directions. The kids hiked through rain, sun, wind and clear skies as we ended up camping at the beginning of our long track of Caribou Creek. Day 3 we pushed along Caribou Creek, turning a fairly short day into relaxation, laughter, smiles and plenty of pictures. We camped at the cross section of Chitna and Caribou Creek where we laid out in the sun, played cards and were amazed at the beautiful weather. Day 4 we awoke to a little rainfall, yet one of our most memorable experiences of crossing Chitna River. Each kid was excited and you could truly see the feelings of accomplishment flourish within each one. The remaining day we hiked up Caribou Valley towards our relaxing layover day ahead. Day 5 proved to be just that, as great food highlighted a clear day of resting our legs and our minds. We played cards, shared riddles and learned more and more about one another’s interesting lives.
Day 6 we were back on the trail toward the saddles and beyond. We pushed our way upward toward the sky through mountaintop saddles, open meadows, caribou, lakes and windy weather. It finally all came together as we pushed along following the game trail that the caribou were blazing ahead of us. As night 6 fell upon us, so did the weather. The clouds moved in, the temperatures dropped and as morning came, we awoke to the peaks highlighted with snow-capped regions. It was beautiful, yet cold, but our group was determined to hike to our next site. As we got all packed up and started hiking, a beautiful sight occurred. Huge snowflakes started falling and began to cover the ground as we were making it to the top of another saddle. Amazing to be hiking through the clouds, with snow and cold all about. Yet, as we began our ascent, the clouds parted, the snow stopped and a bluebird sky appeared in the distance exactly where we were heading. As we summited the saddle, the clouds were far in the distance, the sky was clear and the smiles were evident. We decided to hike all the way to the mountain top and when we reached the top, excitement rolled out of everyone; it was truly a great moment of our trip. On the way down, we hiked short lengths, but over hard terrain from the drainage of the mountain passes. Everyone did really well and I know they were all excited to see the Chickaloon River, our rafting departure back to civilization.
Rafting was a blast as we flew down the river getting splashed and soaking up the fun. The rapids were constant and helped us cover over 40 miles in a short amount of time. Our campsite for our final night in the backcountry was filled with great food, great company, and even better scenery.
The days have been absolutely brilliant and so have each one of the individuals on this trip. Each student was independent, honest, open and accepting to the beautiful Alaskan backcountry. We learned so much about one another, yet even more about ourselves. So here we come on back home to each of you, smiling, clean, safe and happy. Thank you “Group 33” and everyone involved for this grand opportunity and unforgettable memories.
Caroline says, “Barron is one heck of a hiker. He is so versatile because he is able to hike in the front of the group and the back of the group. He is always able to blaze a trail through the backcountry that everyone can follow. As Leader of the Day, he kept everyone pushing on our highest saddle and summit and on to a further campsite than originally planned. All in all, it looked like Barron had a great time backpacking.”
Anna says, “Parker did an awesome job hiking and rafting. He was always in the front of the group, leading the way. He kept spirits up throughout the group. He also made some astounding meals in the backcountry. Parker was an essential part of our group and it wouldn’t have been the same without him.”
Sophie says, “Will was a trooper throughout the backpacking and rafting section of our trip. Although he was clearly one of the strongest hikers, Will consistently varied his position to spend time with everyone and provide support for those in need. He also prepared many impressive meals including grits and pasta dinners. We all enjoyed having Will with us and the trip wouldn’t have been the same without him.”
Nicole says, “The backpacking trip was awesome. It was very tough sometimes, but the views were amazing. It was also very long, but looking back now it just flew by. I enjoyed every step of the way. The rafting section was short (2 days). The food was amazing and the rapids were great. The trip is almost over now and it is kinda sad. This part has been really fun and I wish it weren’t over. We have become one big family!!”
Amanda says, “The second part of this trip was amazing. Backpacking was tough, but all the views totally made it worth it!! I was nervous for rafting, but it was so much fun and our guides were awesome! It’s gonna be sad to leave everyone I’ve met…it’s like I’ve known them all my life! I love Alaska!”
Allie says, “The backpacking trip was so neat! It started out really hard on a muddy ATV trail, but it was the neatest thing when we got off trail because it seemed like we were the first people there ever! The views were absolutely fantastic and different than anything I’ve ever seen, and plus, the people are great! Be home soon!”
James says, “Backpacking was great! See you guys soon!”
Moore says, “It was an awesome trip. The backpacking was long, but worth it. It was my favorite part of the trip.”
Sarah Kate says, “Backpacking was a lot of fun. It was challenging, but all worth it in the end. This section definitely made the trip!”
Fay says, “The backpacking section was very challenging, but made you feel accomplished in the end. Whitewater rafting was awesome!”
Will says, “Sophie was neat and very easy to be around. I enjoyed getting to know her. She was always very helpful around the group and fun to talk to. Sophie is an amazing girl and a great friend. I was fortunate to get to meet her.”
Parker says, “Anna was a lot of fun to be around. She really came out of her box in backpacking. It was fun to talk to her and hear her stories.”
Barron says, “Caroline always has a great attitude and I am very pleased she was in our group. Mom and Dad, backpacking and rafting was sweet, see you soon.”
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