Big Wild

Big Wild Log (2007-06-19 -> 2007-07-06)

Leaders: Nelson Schwab, Anna Brown

Students: Alexander Giordano, James Barber, Dillon Brooks, Alex Langlois, Reid McLean, John Donnell, Jack McIntyre, Ali Herman, Peyton Aldrich, Dex Blumenthal, John Matthews

June 19

All have arrived safely. Perperations are underway for Whitewater Rafting The Salmon River.

June 28

Our first morning together got off to a real early start after sleeping out under the stars. Banana pancakes, granola bars and lots of water courtesy of John M., Jack, and Ali had everyone ready to go, so we hopped on the road early to reach our rafting destination. Peyton and Dex were our first Leaders of the Day (LODs) and they rocked! They did a great job keeping everyone in a good mood and kept a positive attitude in the car. They were much needed and set the tone for future LODs. After the big haul across the state of Idaho we finally made it to the Salmon River where we greeted warmly by our fantastic rafting guides Matt, Dillon and Elise. Following a brief introduction to the world of paddling we hopped into our rafts and got on the water. After hitting a few rapids head on we took a brief stop to look at some Native American rock paintings and had our first encounter with some natural wildlife. A small rattlesnake gave off a warning signal and we all retreated back to the safety of our rafts and the water. Not far down the river Alex G. became the first member of the “Salmon River Swim Club” after bailing out of his duckie half way through Demon’s Drop. Jack was next to join the club after a wave swept him off the raft and into the rapids, but Alex L. and John D. were quick to his rescue as they pulled him, wide eyed, back aboard. Later in the afternoon we settled into our pristine beach campsite, filled up on a wonderful dinner of burgers and potato salad and took turns using a toilet with a river view. John M. was a really big help on the river. He was always pitching and became Dillon’s (river guide) second hand man. He helped load up the gear boat and take off the gear when we camped. He was a huge help!

Day two on the river brought even more adventure, as the group encountered the biggest rapids yet. Snow Hole followed by Upper and Lower Bung Hole brought Jamie, Reid, Alex L. and Nelson into full membership of the Salmon River Swim Club, but all made it out of the rapids safe, and even more excited to see the river ahead. After lunch a few games of boat spinning on flat water kept everyone entertained. One person stands on the front of the raft and attempts to maintain their balance while everyone else spins it around as fast as they can. Alexander G did a really good job with this game and was able to stay on for a long time! When flat sections of the river came into view, the kids were able to jump into the water and float down the river. This was a favorite and Reid officially became the “river rat” jumping in at every chance he had. Alex was also very enthusiastic about getting in the water and had no fear of getting in, even when the water was a little chilly. Worn out and beaten by the sun, we pulled into another beach and set up camp. Peyton, Dex, and Reid prepared a delicious lasagna meal that everyone gobbled up before settling down for another night under the stars.

Days three and four proved to be even more relaxing. A half day on the river gave the group some time to take in the scenery, skip rocks across the river, playing in the sand and jumping off the sand banks and seeing who could make the biggest splash. Jack got really into this and was pretty good at making a splash! These days on the river we also “rode the bull” which meant we could sit on the front of the raft and ride some rapids. Dillon got to “ride the bull” and was awesome. Despite getting drenched he did a great job. About this point everyone really started to come together as a group and really have a good time, sitting around under the shade tent and sharing stories, jokes and thoughts on life. John D and Jamie are great storytellers and everyone really loves to listen to what they have to say because they are always keeping us entertained. One night at Moon Up Ali put it perfectly in a quote “It’s not where you are, but who you are with and the amazing things you are doing that makes it all worthwhile.” She wrapped it up in one sentence for us. She too has been a big help around camp and keeping the gang happy and with a positive attitude. Day four was pretty easygoing as we floated down and met up with the Snake River. A morning rapid run outside the boat woke everyone up and a lucky big horned sheep sighting was a great way to begin the day. It was a little chilly on the water but we eventually made it to our final destination. With a goodbye to Dillon, Elise and Matt we headed back to Ponderosa State Park to camp for the night. We made delicious pasta and red sauce with garlic bread and then went to bed as soon as possible to prepare for the Big Haul!!

After finishing up on the river and excited for our next activity, we made the Big Haul back to Jackson Hole. We had a good time laughing, joking, listening to music and telling stories. Upon reaching Jackson Hole, we got ready for the next day and cooked yummy quesadillas!

Early the next morning we rose to meet our rock climbing guides, Angela and Christian. After getting the gear we needed including rock climbing shoes, helmets, harnesses and ropes we were set to go up the gondola. Being the first day, we all had to learn the basics like knot tying, rock climbing safety, how to use the harnesses, how to belay, how to coil the rope and how to communicate to your group when climbing. Everyone soon learned that with rock climbing you have to trust the team because we were all dependent on each other for our safety. We split into two groups and climbed what Angela and Christian like to call the Toilet Bowl. It was a great first climb for the group just going over the basics and making sure everyone was on the same page. With Angela’s group, there was one pitch you could approach two different ways, one being really challenging and the other a little easier route to take. Everyone tried the challenging route, which we were really impressed with, but only Dexter was able to conquer the route. He did a great job and maybe has a future in rock climbing!! Like usual the girls rocked! It was Peyton’s first time rock climbing and she was awesome and really tried her hardest. She had a great attitude and caught on quickly how to belay. Reid was a great on belay and did a great job in Angela’s group. He got up the pitches well and was able to communicate with the group. In Christian’s group of climbers Jack was on clean up, meaning he was the last one to climb in his group. Since he was last he was responsible for getting all the carabineers, cams and slings that everyone in front of him had used on the pitch. It is a big responsibility and he did a great job. After climbing up the Toilet Bowl, we got to practice rappelling. Alexander G (aka “Z” on the trip) was a little nervous before rappelling but he conquered his fear and did a great job rappelling down the Toilet Bowl. We were all really proud of him. Everyone got to rappel a couple times just to get some experience for the next day, which would include tougher climbs and rappels. When the day was over, we headed back down the gondola and back to camp to make a delicious hash brown pie with cheese and summer sausage. The cook crew really whipped up a great dish for everyone and then surprised the group with a wonderful Oreo pudding pie!

We woke up early again the next day to meet Angela and Christian and another guide named Scott. We entered Teton National Park and got to go across South Jenny Lake, which was a really nice way to start the morning. We broke into three groups and started by practicing some boulder routes. Everyone did a really good job and had to learn to trust their feet and use their legs when rock climbing. Dillon, who was in Scott’s group for the day was so excited at the end of the day because Scott was really impressed with his rock climbing skills and told him he had natural talent. He too was on clean up and did a great job getting all the gear on the pitches when climbing up. In Angela’s group Ali too was a natural and just sped up the mountain! Using her soccer skills and coordination she was able to really move and groove up the pitches. James was amazing! With his long limbs he could grab onto holds that no one else could reach so he too could fly up the mountain. Angela was really impressed. Alex was like Spiderman on the rocks and used his experience from the Blue Ridge Expedition course last summer to help us all. As we were climbing he saw other people rappelling and got really excited. Once we finally got to the rappelling section he did a great job and had a good time. Christian’s group also did a fantastic job and learned a lot. John Donnell (aka JD) even though he was a little nervous about being up so high did a really good job and conquered his fears! JD has been an awesome leader always stepping in to help out, including being on the lunch-making crew that we had to have in order to have lunch during our rock climbing section. We really appreciate his extra help. John Matthews is also a really big help. With his strength he helps us with moving the bags and making the sump holes to dispose of our cooking and cleaning water. This being his first time rock climbing, he really tried his hardest and was able to climb really well. By the end of the day, everyone in Christian’s group learned from him that you don’t conquer the mountain but you conquer yourself. I think there was some doubt with everyone about his or her capabilities of climbing but everyone really did an awesome job. Overall, the rock climbing section was challenging but everyone really put 100% into it. We had a great time and learned a lot. Our last night at Slide Lake, we came back and cooked pasta with two different sauces- butter garlic and spicy pepper sauce, along with corn on the cob and fresh fruit! We got a good nights rest and today we are off to Pinedale to start prepping for our backpacking expedition in the Southern Wind River Range.

Backpacking in the Wind River Range

After picking up Rick and Karen, our two guides for the backpacking section, in Pinedale, Wyoming we drove to the Big Sandy Trailhead where we would spend the evening. The next morning was full of learning how to properly pack everything you might need on a backpacking trip and dividing all of the group gear and group food for the next 6 days evenly to everyone. Finally by mid-day the group was ready to go with sleeping bags, boots, rain gear, thermarests, and just a bunch of excitement to get on the trail. Jack did a great job and is a natural hiker. He blazed through the trails and seemed at ease with the hike. We hiked about 4 miles into the trail and our LOD's, Jamie and Alex G, got the group started on a good foot! They helped pick the campsite with Rick and Karen and picked well. Later on Alex L, JD and Dex treated us by making some awesome pizzas and calzones! Our campsite was tucked about a quarter mile off of the trail but we had a great view of the surrounding mountains. The next morning we broke down camp and hiked another amazing 4 miles. This area of the Southern Wind River Range is so beautiful. We hiked past Big Sandy Lake and then made a difficult 800 foot vertical climb in about 40 minutes, which is a pretty big feat. Everyone was feeling the burn but once we made it to the top we found our awesome campsite at Rapid Lake. You couldn't have anything more amazing than where we camped. Rapid Lake, which is made from snow melt was the perfect spot for everyone to go fishing and test their skills. Luckily for us, the rules of the Park allowed us to catch and eat whatever we caught! Reid got into the fishing and was always willing to gut the fish so we could eat it for dinner! Dillon was one of our leaders of the day for this hike and he set the pace being in front of the pace and kept everyone going! John Matthews, our other LOD for the hike also did a really great job. He too really seemed like he found his niche in backpacking and was a natural at taking on the climb. The next day we slept in a little to catch up on some rest and then took a great day hike around the area. We got to bask in the sun rays and go swimming when we came upon a small waterfall. It was very refreshing and everyone enjoyed it! We continued our hike and came upon some snow and the group was so excited to see snow in July. Inevitably a snow ball fight was soon started and we had a blast. The hike was leisurely but with amazing views of the surrounding area. When we got back to camp Peyton decided to fish and she caught the first fish of the trip and we had it for dinner along with some delicious pesto pasta!!! We camped another night at Rapid Lake and woke up the next morning and did another day hike up to the saddle between two mountains. It was a tough and challenging hike but the group really came together and made it to the top. JD really impresses us by stepping up at times when he is needed. Around camp he was a huge help. Ali, like usual, kept the spirits high on the tough hike and with her always positive energy she was a crucial part of the team making it to the top. Despite there being a lot of mosquitoes, everyone still had a good time. We brought along a big mosquito tent that everyone could hang out in after dinner so we could all be together and not suffer from bug bites. Dex and Peyton did a great job setting up the tent for us all to enjoy. Finally, our last night at Rapid Lake we enjoyed some good ole' mac and cheese due to the cooking abilities of Alex L, Alex G and Jamie. It was a hit with everyone after the long hard hike. The next morning we had to rise early because we decided as a group to hike all the way back out to the trailhead which meant we would hike 8 miles in one day with our heavy packs. Alex L and Dex were our leaders of the day and they were on top of making sure everyone was doing well on the trail and that we stayed in our time frame. We ate some cinnamon pancakes and then hit the trail. Everyone really kept up a great pace and we made it out in plenty of time. Jamie again graced us with his hilarious stories and got us through the long hard hike. I don’t know what we would do without him! We got to cross a couple rivers on our hike down and once we got back to the trailhead we headed back for Jackson to celebrate the fourth of July! The backpacking section was definitely difficult and challenging but everyone handled it really well. I hope you all have a great 4th! Here are some quotes from the group...

Dex- I couldn't believe the views on the backpacking trip. Having lots of fun. Can't wait to see you. Can we have Chinese when I get home?

Dillon- Hi everyone! Having lots of fun. Can't wait to see you. Now I like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, jelly, pesto and onions!

Alex L- Hey, Moondance is awesome and fun but I can't wait to play polo again.

Z (Alex G) - Hi, backpacking was beautiful and fun but can't wait to see you all soon. Get some lobster for dinner.

JD- Hey I'm having a lot of fun. I feel pure and one with nature.

Jack- Hey, I'm doing great and having fun. Can't wait to see you all soon and go up to the lake.

Jamie- Hey I know you guys are in Jackson Hole by now. We are on our way back to Jackson from backpacking and it was a ton of fun. I'll tell you more later.

Ali- Hey guys. Still not hurt. But definitely very dirty. Backpacking was sick and so beautiful. Can't wait to see you. Mom- vday in 18!

John M. - Backpacking was great and the view was amazing.

Peyton- Backpacking was amazing! Miss you so much. Can't wait to see you. Love yall.

Reid- Backpacking was hard but the views were amazing!

Final Update - July 8, 2007

After completing the exhausting but fun backpacking portion of our trip we headed back to Jackson Hole. That evening we had Moon Up on top of a hill with a complete sunset view of the Tetons. That was amazing but what blew us away were the stars that evening! They were the best we had seen the whole trip and so we all watched for shooting stars until falling into a much needed sleep.

The next morning on the 4th of July we did a little bit of “cleaning” by going to the Laundromat and also taking showers at the local Rec center in town. Even though the dirt showed our hard work backpacking, we were glad to finally be clean. Later in the evening we got to celebrate the 4th downtown with a big BBQ of burgers, hotdogs, corn and salad topped of with a great fireworks show!

The next day we were again hard at work cleaning the vans and all the equipment used during the trip. After a day of suds and water we all went out for our final dinner at a restaurant called Dornan’s Pizza and Pasta. It was delicious and I think everyone could say it was a treat after all of the backcountry food we had while backpacking. Our final Moon Up was really special as we got to share our memories and reflect on all of the good times had during the trip.

Early the next morning, around sunrise, we packed up and headed to the airport where we had to say goodbye. It was really tough going from having the kids around 24-7 to them all leaving us. Nelson and I both want to express our gratitude to each student on the trip and want to say it was a pleasure to have everyone with us. We had such a great time and miss you all already! We are really proud as to how the group really got along from day one but also grew as a group, learned as a group, laughed as a group and most importantly worked as a group in all of the activities. Until next summer!

Big Wild 3 Loving,

Anna and Nelson