| Grand Ascents log (2006-06-19 -> 2006-07-09)
Leaders: Aaron Copeland and Julie Buehler
Students: Lee Anne Parr, Robert Armstrong, Chap Chapman, Grier Bomar, Wright Hilsman, Trent Houghton, Ellen Rogers, Lucy Lynch, Annie Coleman, Elly Offutt, Harrison Langley, Beckett Lilien
June 19, 2006
All have arrived and are making preparations for rafting the Snake River tomorrow. Will update soon. Stay tuned!
June 20, 3006
As we began meeting everyone at the airport, we knew this group was going to be awesome. Six Moondancers arrived on the same flight and it was evident strong bonds were already formed. We piled into the van and headed up to Slide Lake Campground east of the Tetons. We began our activities by going over tent set-up and Leave No Trace principles. Once we pitched our tents, Ellen, Trent, and Wright made a 5 star chicken stir-fry dish for dinner. Mmmmm
After dinner we had our first Moonup. We discussed our individual and group goals for this expedition. Annie and Lee Ann talked about how exciting it is to meet new friends and how they look forward to pushing themselves on the backpacking section. The group chose Beckett and Elly to be Leaders of the Day for tomorrow. After Moonup we hung out and welcomed the last two members of our group as they arrived from the Airport, Lucy and Grier.
Tuesday morning we got an early start, excited with anticipation for our big rafting trip down the Snake River. Trent and Becket immediately took control of one raft by sitting up front and calling the shots while Robert commanded the other raft, Arrrr. Paddling “Lunch Table” rapid a raft, from another group, flipped in front of us and we helped pull swimmers out of the freezing waters! With the "rescue” complete, Annie and Lucy took over as raft captains while Trent and Beckett dried out. After rafting we had a spectacular picnic lunch and enjoyed some Frisbee headed up by Chap and Harrison.
Everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery and class II-III rapids. Smiles all around… couldn’t imagine a better way to spend the day, especially with such a wonderful group of kids!
Tomorrow we begin our 11-day backpacking section in the Wind River Range. The rest of today consist of preparation and back country lessons. We have an amazing group and can't wait to head into the backcountry with them!!
Till next time!
Julie and Aaron
July 1, 2006 update
Wow, What an awesome backpacking trip!! We just completed our 11 day backpacking trip through the Wind River Range. The trip began with a trek up "struggle mountain" to our first campsite. After we set up camp for the first time we separated into groups and learned how to cook in the backcountry, pump our water, and pretty much how to live in the wilderness!
For the next couple of days we continued deeper into the backcountry until we reached Rainbow Lake (about 15 miles into the Winds!) We all then decided that we could use a rest day. Robert and our awesome guide Erik treated us with some fresh brook trout for dinner that night. It was amazing!!! We woke up nice and early and decided to climb Dragon's head peak which is the highest peak in the area. On the way up Harrison, Chap, and Beckett led the way and helped Erik navigate our way to the top. We learned how to walk on snow and even make snow steps!! This was the first time that Ellen had ever seen snow!!! Finally after a few hours of climbing we made it to the top and were rewarded with an awesome view of the entire area. We enjoyed our summit snacks and all relaxed on top for an hour or so. On the way down we all got to glissade (slide down) the peak through the snow fields.
After Rainbow Lake we all continued up until Middle Fork Lake where we hung out for 3 days. We learned how to cook awesome food and did an amazing day hike up by some frozen ponds and attempted a grand traverse! After resting for three days we were ready to start heading back out of the beautiful scenery and make our way to the trail head. We decided to take a different route back and were able to see an area that had recently been burned by a forest fire which was really cool. On the last night we had one final moonup and all talked about our 'high lo highs' of trip.
I can't believe how fast 11 days went in the wilderness. We have such a great group of kids!! Everyone is so helpful and excited to be out here! I can't wait to start climbing school and then climb up the Grand Teton!! We asked each of the kids to write what they have learned out in the backcountry..... Enjoy!!
Annie- It has been extremely difficult ride but I have learned that perseverance and a smile can get you through anything!! It’s been
unbelievable and can't wait to finish out the trip. I miss you!!
Elly- I have learned that everything is bigger out west.... including the mosquitoes... miss you!
Harrison- Bugs...Snow....11 day backpack.... WOW!
Lee Anne- Wyoming is really pretty. I miss you and I love you!!
Chap- A day in the backcountry is simpler than any day back home. So far I am having a blast and I love all you guys!
Wright- Things have been really fun and we are having an awesome time out here. We start climbing soon!! I miss you all!
Lucy- I am having lots of fun and I am learning stuff.
Grier- It has been so rewarding and I have gained so much knowledge of my backcountry skills. I can't wait to start climbing, I love you all and I will see you soon.
Becket- I am having tons of fun and can't wait to tell you all about it.
Ellen- I have been having a really good time so far. The backpacking was tough but an amazing experience. The best part was the snow! Tell everyone I say hello, I miss you!
Robert- I caught a brook trout on Rainbow Lake!! I have been having tons of fun and I can't wait to climb. I can't wait to see you!
Trent- Backpacking was amazing, there is nothing like sliding down a snow field in June!!
Till next time!!
Aaron and Julie
July 4, 2006
We have just finished an amazing experience learning how to climb with Exum Mountaineering preparing ourselves for the climb up the Grand Teton. The first day began with a tram ride up the mountain in Teton Village. Our amazing guides Wes, Brenton, and Molly taught us 4 basic knots and how to hip belay. Most of us had already climbed so much of this was review. We divided up into 2 different groups and began to climb. Harrison and Chap led both of the groups up some basic multi-pitch climbs. After lunch we had a lesson in rappelling and practiced. The guides then sent us home to feast and rest up for the upcoming days.
On day two we had intermediate climbing school. The day started out with a boat ride across Jenny Lake and we hiked up Cascade falls. We divided into 3 different groups and practiced our new skills. We even got to do a 100' rappel with an amazing view of the Jackson Hole area. After lunch we were all surprised when Hayes showed up for a first hand account of all the fun that was being had. After a long day of climbing we headed back to Slide Lake and met another Moondance group for a fun evening of music headed up by Trent and his guitar skills.
The third day of climbing was defiantly the best. We woke up to an early start and took the boat across Jenny Lake. On the approach to Cube point we encountered a huge bull moose on the trail about 30 ft. from us!! It was awesome!! After pictures were taken we continued our hike up the trail led by the Exum guides with Becket and Robert close behind. With 3500 vertical ft. behind us, we finally reached the base of our climb. We were doing 8 pitches to the top of a peak with impeccable views. The climb took about 3 hours and everybody did an amazing job. Rock stars Elly, Wright, and Annie were spectacular climbing and remembering all the technical details. After the climb a bunch of people jumped into a lake with icebergs floating in it!!!
After a long day of climbing we all heading back to Slide Lake to find that Hayes had surprised us with a cook out with the other Moondance groups. After eating our delicious grilled burgers and ears of corn and we headed into town to watch the fireworks at the base of Snow King. Grier, Lucy, Ellen and Lee Anne all helped with some festive group photos and some fun bonding time waiting for the show to begin.
Today we are all resting by spending the day in Jackson to help us
prepare for the Grand Teton which we will begin tomorrow morning. We are all ready and super psyched to start climbing the Grand, which we have prepared for this entire trip!! I know this is going to be an amazing experience.
Till next time,
Julie and Aaron
July 7, 2006 - 1:14pm Eastern
Summit Update
Under challenging weather conditions: Moondance Grand Ascents made the Summit of the Grand Teton. The group is currently making the decent back to mother earth. Stay tuned for updates!
GO GRAND ASCENTS!
July 8, 2006
WE MADE IT!!! After a long two days of climbing, I am proud to say that we have made it to the summit and are all back safe and sound!!
The climb to the top of the Grand Teton was definitely the perfect climax to such an amazing trip. The day began with us meeting our guides; Brenton, George, Mike, Calvin, and Susan at Exum head quarters. Shortly afterwards we headed to Lupine meadows to begin the 7 mile (5000 vertical ft. gain) hike to the lower saddle. The hike was beautiful and we all took a consistent pace through beautiful meadows, boulder fields, and snow patches. We stopped for lunch at the top of the canyon and all relaxed on Petzels Perch and drank fresh spring water.
After lunch we continued upwards towards the saddle. Unfortunately, we encountered the first of many storms that we would endure while on our climb. However this did not dampen our spirits and we were ready to climb! Upon reaching the saddle we all huddled over warm drinks and looked at the spectacular view that over looked the Tetons and Idaho. Breton gave us a pep talk and showed us our routes to the top and then we all snuggled into the shelter for a short nights rest. At 3:00 in the morning the guides came in and we began to get ready. At 4 we began the 2000 ft. hike to the summit. Because the weather was threatening (thunderheads where on the horizon) we all went up the classic and original route on the mountain. Most of the morning was spent climbing
In a cloud and trying to keep warm, fortunately about an hour from the top the clouds began to break and the sky was 'blue bird' blue. We finally made to the summit at 9:00 am.
The whole climb was absolutely amazing. The students worked so well together and we all realized how our hard work had all paid off and made this summit possible. One of the best parts of the climb was reaching the bottom and looking up at the summit and realizing that we were standing up there only a few hours before. What an amazing sense of accomplishment!!!
Aaron and I are so proud of each and every one of the students. I can't believe that the trip is over. It has been such a fun experience getting to know each and every student. Each individual has brought so much to the group!! We look forward to keeping in touch with each of them and hopefully seeing them next summer!
Our best,
Aaron and Julie
July 10, 2006
Aaron and I just wanted to check in with everyone and thank you for such an awesome trip. We are missing everyone all ready!! Looking back on everything that we did together and the relationships that were formed, we realize what a special 21 days we had together. It is so amazing to think back from the first day at the airport when we were all meeting each other and making small talk and compare it to the last day when everyone was hugging and didn't want to leave. It’s amazing how a group of people from different backgrounds can connect and make great relationships. Thanks again for your great attitudes, hard work, and great personalities. You truly made this trip special!!! I hope each of you enjoys the rest of your summer and I hope to see you all next summer at Moondance!!
Aaron and Julie
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