| Pacific Northwest Exposure log (2005-06-23 -> 2005-07-13)
Leaders: Calvin Ford and Ashley Pafford
Students: Morgan Bailey, Bart Farinholt, Lelia Hoover, Colby Kotzen, Sydney Leto, Danny McGrew, Chelsea Stevenson
PNW4 June 28, 2005
From Charlotte to Philadelphia, Richmond to Milwaukee, Atlanta to Chicago, Boston to Detroit, this Pacific Northwest myriad of students has already proven to be an amazing group. The last four days we spent kayaking through the breathtaking San Juan Islands – an oasis of untamed wildlife and untouched wilderness. Our base camp was Lopez Island, a haven for kayakers, bald eagles and harbor seals. The beauty of the surrounding area astounded our group as we paddled through Spencer Spit towards destination of Jones Island – a full fourteen mile day! Colby, as a natural leader, steered a three person kayak loaded with equipment! Although a challenging day all three girls, Colby, Sydney, and Lelia made the journey a success. Bart and Danny made a huge effort in helping our sea kayak guides in unloading kitchen gear, tents, dry bags and supplies to set up camp at Jones Island. The strength of both boys was much appreciated. Although initially soft spoken, the two young men of the trip have established themselves as strong leaders and have become an integral part of the expedition! Sydney literally dragged her kayak partner Calvin to the beach. The group put their tent pitching skills to the test that night to establish a “five star campsite” overlooking a beautiful bay with Canada’s Vancouver Island in the distance.
Saturday began with French toast and sausage before we traveled to the western shore of Jones Island to explore the vast marine life living in the tide pools at low tide. Morgan and Sydney discovered that miniature starfish make fashionable bracelets and then returned the starfish to the sea. Bart was fascinated with sea anemones and sea cucumbers while Lelia, Chelsea, and Colby found a large picture worthy sea urchin. Low tide allowed the exploration of this marine-life filled metropolis that is Jones Island. When word got out about the kayak “wet exit” skills we were about to learn, fear and anticipation spread throughout our group. But, when Chelsea and Colby offered to go first and were successful in the skills the group moral soared! Danny was heard to say after completing his wet exit “the feeling of accomplishment was amazing.” That night at moonup everyone spoke a new confidence in their voices. The leaders of the day (LOD’s) Colby and Bart chose two new LOD’s for the paddle back to Spencer Spit. Sydney and Chelsea were chosen for their upbeat spirit and vocal leadership.
We embarked on our 14 mile journey back to Spencer Spit with several new skills to use.
Combined, Sydney’s friendliness and awareness of Leave No Trace principles, Bart’s leadership by example, Danny’s awesome Expedition Behavior, Morgan’s knack for leaving what you find, Colby’s direct vocal leadership. Lelia’s aptitude for learning new things and Chelsea’s understanding of group dynamics and motivation it was an amazing paddle back to Spencer Spit.
We knew we had an amazing trip ahead of us when on the last night we saw an amazing sunset disappear over the Canadian horizon. Chelsea was heard to say “you know what Colby; we can do anything after being successful at those cold wet exits!” Everyone sends their love from Washington back home!! We are off to conquer North Cascades National Park and the hiking trails it has to offer.
Calvin, Ashley and the gang!
July 7, 2005
As I sit under the overpowering megalith that is Smith Rock, I think about how often I forget the majestic nature of the outdoors. I remember why I accepted Hayes’ offer to become a leader without even a minute of self-consultation. At 22 and 21 respectively, Ashley and I remember why we are so incredibly lucky to be sitting in a Crazy Creek in the middle of Oregon rather than a plush leather sofa in the middle of our living rooms. Moondance allows us to forget, even if it be a brief three week period, the real world. For once, we don’t have to be on time. For once, we don’t have to worry about looking or smelling good. We can truly enjoy the gift of life without thinking about our materialistic agenda. What’s better, we believe that our seven unique students have come to realize this as well.
The North Cascades are home to some of the most beautiful peaks, valleys and rivers in the entire world. Our first day in the back country tested the wills of the entire group – a six mile uphill hike to the Bench Creek campground. Although difficult, the group came together as one, and through constant encouragement and failure to concede, the group reached camp shortly before nightfall. The mac and cheese dinner was devoured instantaneously, tents were set up, and everyone crashed. An old Moondance alum once said, “the toughness of the climb makes the view that much better.” Truer words have never been spoken. I have never in my life seen a group so exhausted, but as the same time so happy and proud. Ashley and I were overwhelmed with that same pride as we watched our group of relatively inexperience teenagers mold as one and conquer the first day so powerfully.
Our backpacking section, to Ashley and me, was a major success. All too often we stare diversity in the face and make the wrong choice. The choice to carry on through danger always seems like the more popular choice, but is never one of safety. I recall listening to former RMI guide Phil Ershler (a man who has climbed the highest mountain on each continent) tell my Moondance Leadership group a fascinating story right before we began to summit Rainier back in 1999. He told us that during one of his summit attempts of K2 (a mountain not quite as tall as Everest, but much more technical), he came within 500 feet of the summit, but decided to turn back. He explained that he knew he could make it to the top, but he just wasn’t sure that he could make it back down. This was certainly an inspirational story to all, especially to those who do not make safety their number one priority.
Even though our section was cut short, each student has been making tremendous progress. The entire group rallied and helped carry the load for one of our group whose knee had become sore during the hike. Chelsea excelled during the backpacking section – never once complained and was a constant source of encouragement. Her leadership has also been seen in the kitchen, as she is always volunteering to cook, clean, or do anything that she can in order to help the group. Danny’s kindness and generosity has only gotten stronger since the beginning of the trip. We believe that he truly came into his own during the latter stages of the backpacking section, shown through his undying positive attitude and will to encourage others to do their very best. We are extremely excited to see his true leadership potential unfold during this rock-climbing section. I was thoroughly impressed by Sydney’s leadership progress in the Cascades. She was always the first one ready, the first to begin hiking, and a constant source of humor and vitality. Even when she was hiking at the head of the group, she would unselfishly move to the back of the group to help motivate those who were struggling – a true leadership characteristic. Her positive attitude and desire and drive to push herself are just a few of the qualities seen in this quickly developing leader. Morgan has been the group’s workhorse during the past week. Although she sprained her knee during the first day of backpacking, she never said quit. She would never tell anyone how much it hurt, and pushed herself constantly beyond the comfortable limit. The amazing act of unselfishness was done because she didn’t want to cause distress and discomfort to the rest of the group. Just today I heard her exclaim how at first she was worried about not showering, but going 10 days without a shower has not been a problem! Bart is our quiet, natural leader. He has consistently been the anchor of the group, enjoying each section just as much as the next. His strength and maturity have been seen in many 18 or 19 year olds, but never a 14 year old. He trekked through the uphill sections of the Cascades without a drip of sweat and never once asking for a break. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bart summiting Everest in the next 15 years or so (if his mom will let him!). Colby’s love for the outdoors has been a breath of fresh air for everyone. She was strong in the San Juans, stronger in the Cascades, and I’m sure we will see her peak here at Smith Rock. Constantly smiling and laughing, Colby’s awesome attitude has kept people motivated and on the right path. She has been an integral part of the success of this trip, and will surely be missed in a week. Finally, we come to Lelia. Lelia never ceases to amaze everyone. Not only is she physically strong, but she is literally a walking encyclopedia. She knows more at the age of 14 than I do after three years at the University of Virginia. She is always willing to help (constantly washing dishes like she actually ENJOYS doing it)! She never gets down on herself or anyone else. She truly defines the Moondance spirit and backcountry attitude. Like everyone else, she will be missed.
We are all excited to hit the rocks tomorrow, and will certainly keep you all updated on how it went after the end of this section!
Our very best, Calvin, Ashley and the gang
Final Update
July 13, 2005
As we sit here, trying our best to describe the past three weeks of our lives to those who were not with us, Ashley and I are having difficulty finding the right words to reiterate the experience. Our last update was filled with details of our backpacking section and how through difficult situations, one is truly able to find him/herself and mature through the process. Our first night at Smith Rock, Ashley and I challenged the group to think of us not as leaders, but rather as peers. We challenged the group to make their own decisions, to trust themselves rather than lean on us in regards to every aspect of each day. I can honestly and excitedly sit here today and say that they far exceeded both our expectations. The past 8 days or so, the group of seven students, who three weeks ago had no idea how to set up a tent or cook a meal, was literally running their own trip. Their level of maturity was far beyond their age, they were loving every minute of it, and the two of us simply sat back and marveled at the constantly growing group dynamic. Mark Twain once said that to get the full value of joy, you must have somebody to divide it with – a tenet with which Ashley and I both agree. Personal joy is not necessarily selfish, but being able to share it with others, especially those to whom you want to teach, is priceless. We have both learned so much from this group the past three weeks – lessons that cannot be taught in a lecture hall or even from parents. Although the trip may be over, we will never forget what we have learned. We will dearly miss Chelsea’s uncanny ability to smile and laugh about anything, Lelia’s love for education and teaching others, Morgan’s never-give-up attitude, Sydney’s powerful and exceptional leadership skills, Bart’s quiet, but ever-present determination and drive for perfection, Danny’s genuine kindness and wholeheartedness, and Colby’s amazing sense of humor and respect for others. It has been a true honor and privilege to lead such a wonderful group of students, and we will sincerely miss the music, moon-ups, and unique personality that each of you brought and shared. We wish you all only the best in future endeavors and we challenge you once more to maintain the friendships that you have made during the past three weeks. Godspeed.
Our Very Best,
Calvin and Ashley
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