Moondance Leadership

Moondance Leadership Log (2007-07-14 -> 2007-08-03)

Leaders: Kelly McFarling, Kyle Jackson

Students: Lisa Carson, Hayley Crown, Mark Drew, Kevin Flannery, Madeline Keb, Brendan Kiefer, Bess Matlock, Daniel Rosenberg, Doug Stuart, Steve Urban

July 14

Are you ready to Moondance?!

Wasssappening from the Olympic Peninsula! While I would typically state that this here message is from the two leaders, in actuality we have many. In fact, with the group of all-stars that have been bestowed upon us, Kelly and I could go frolic in the park whilst these first ladies and distinguished gentlemen took over the responsibilities here. Alas, I tarry...

Truth be told, in this my fifth Moondance trip, Kelly and I have confirmed that this is the most outstanding collection of Moondancers we have ever seen. From the moment that they arrived at Sea-Tac, we have been quite smittenly delighted with this fine crew. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those responsible for such stellar offspring.

The retrieval day went smoothly as we were headed west towards Sequim Bay state park by the early afternoon. Upon landing at the camp site, we merely supervised as the veterans, Douglas, Maddie, Daniel, Steve and Kevin facilitated the establishment of our inaugural tent set-up. This made things easy for night one. The first of twenty Moonup sessions took place in a most picturesque setting; on the dock of the bay. The tone was set during our first gathering as a team. We even constructed and signed a constitution for the group. Only a mature and confident troop of poised leaders could achieve this awesomeness on the first night. WOW! We then bedded down early to ensure for a solid prep and day one of hiking.

The team was up early and all our packs were loaded with the bare essentials of coastal backpacking. Lessons were taught and quickly absorbed. Did I mention how adept these guys and gals are? A hop, skip and a jump took us to our coastal section trailhead. Thus began the journey.

With high spirits and anticipation, we marched down to the first backcountry campsite at Third Beach. About as far north and west as one can get in the contiguous 48, we were greeted with ocean vistas, craggy rocks and lush vegetation that only the Pacific Northwest can provide. We were stoked...and fueled by a delicious burrito dinner, prepared by Madeline, Mark and Kevin. So delectable that most of us snuck into the kitchen for more. Again, with almost no assistance from Kelly or myself, the abilities of this cook crew 1 blew us away. Moonup on the beach was great. We are getting closer by the second. Truly a joy.

We slept soundly to the crashing waves and gentle sea breeze. Kelly and I chose Madeline and Brendan as the leaders of the day (LOD) for the ensuing 24 hours.

We awoke at Third Beach to a delicious breakfast of French toast, syrup and sausage...an unheard of delicacy in the backcountry, thanks to Bess, Daniel and Brendan. This fully charged us for our first full day on the trail, and we got everything together in record time for a first backcountry morning. The hiking on this coastal paradise blew us all away as Madeline and Brendan led us through ancient moss covered forests, and craggy coastlines complete with tide pools for exploring, multi-colored sea stones and breathtaking views of the finger-like rocks that climb randomly out of the water. Unbelievable! Did I mention the crazy rope ladders we had to climb to get in and out of the forest?! These things were treacherous, but no problem for this crew, and great prep for our Smith Rock climbing extravaganza.

We made it to Toleak point, our scheduled campsite with plenty of sunlight for a well-deserved break on the beach, and gathered fresh water for the evening. Bess, Daniel and Brendan again amazed us with a Garlic pesto and peppers angel hair feast that we couldn't believe. There is nothing that I love more then sitting around with a group of friends in a beautiful backcountry scene eating a warm meal. What made it all better was the amazing company we have found in each other. We stayed up late into the night after telling scar stories. Ask Hayley about the scar on her finger by the way, anyone up for a game of "steal the bone"?

The next morning we awoke to our new favorite meal, chocolate oatmeal with cinnamon and granola prepared by Hayley, Steve, Lisa and Douglas. We hit the trail under the guidance of Daniel and Kevin for another day of tide pool exploration and forest beach hopping. We are in love with this place! Upon arriving at Mosquito Creek, we quickly got organized and realized that a group ocean dip was in order. It was a bit chilly, but a refreshing way to end the day. We found ourselves deserving of a beach feast. While Lisa, Hayley, Steve and Douglas again prepared a sublime meal, Brendan, Mark, and Maddie enjoyed one of the most brilliant sunsets I've ever seen descended upon us. For a post dinner desert, we had an amazing sunset photo shoot which turned into an explosion of jumping, dancing and cartwheeling in the purple, orange and pink rays. We even got a team impromptu pyramid complete (almost). Mark was the only one brave enough to get back into the ocean after the sun set, but I guess something has to cool down the fire within that kid, he seems to never want to stop exploring!

The next morning we were awakened by a refreshing sprinkle and got our stuff together in record time. Little did we know that this would be the most intense and amazing day of our coastal adventure. Hayley and Mark led us the three and a half miles through the massive forest with lots of mud and moss collecting on our boots. When we reached the beach and the end of an amazing rope ladder, we were surprised to find that our trail was watered down with the high tides. We could have chosen to wait for the tide to go out, but this group was fired up and ready to go, so we opted for the "other way." Bushwhack city. We found ourselves scaling muddy walls, bounding over gullies, wandering through blackberry brambles and finding solace in soft ferns. I have never in my life seen a group go after a challenge like this with so much gusto. They were singing and laughing the whole time while the rain pummeled us from above, and the bushes tried to block our progress from below. We made it to the beach, muddier and dirtier then ever before, with enormous smiles of accomplishment on our faces. There is nothing that can stop this group from getting it done, and having a blast in the process.

We are now rested and clean (sort of) and ready to go into the mighty Hoh rainforest. Mt. Olympus awaits this assembly of demi-gods and goddesses. We are ready! Bring on the rain, the mud, the views, the mountains! We want it all, and we can't wait!

Until we return to the civilized world....

Much love from the Northwest wanderlust!

Kellyle.

Update #2: July 25

Greetings all!

We have emerged freshly cleansed and sparkling from the Hoh rainforest - land of multi colored mosses, swelling glacial rapids and thick prehistoric ferns. Did I mention the spruce trees averaging 220 ft? This place is majestic and timeless - a forest lush with plants, laden with moisture and crawling with magical creatures.

And they don't call it a rainforest for nothing folks! As has been noted, Hoh is spelled with two H's and one o - the chemical make-up of the past five days. That's right we have truly experienced the H2O rainforest.

We arrived with fair warning from the locals..."It’s gonna be wet!" Wet has taken on a new meaning from that day, and by meaning I mean constant state of consciousness. I can honestly say that I have never been exposed to such constant torrential downpour in the backcountry in my whole life. There were moments when we awoke in the morning surprised that tents were still staked down to the ground and children were still in them and not floating down the pooling rivers that dominated our campsites. But alas, I am getting ahead of myself.

We began our journey in the thick fog of the rainforest. Protected by the towering trees we stepped wide-eyed into this ancient wonderland. These trees could all have personalities and social hierarchies when we go to sleep - but those are secrets the forest will keep to itself...and we will never know of such tea parties. Draped with crazy moss and clinging ferns, these trees look like they might just come up and talk to you, or star in some kind of muppet musical.

We arrived at our first campsite and were greeted with rain. The group quickly got things going and thanks to Kyle and Brendan we had a tarp protecting Maddie, Kevin and Mark as they made some unbelievable backcountry pizzas. Kevin's remarkable incubation/ maternal skills must be noted here as well. Yeast? Risen!

We spent our first of many a soggy night. Never once letting the showering rain dampen our spirits. Did you know that Steve’s power animal is a lion? Grrrr! That night we all decided to accept the challenge of the rain and own it - which set the tone for an incredible time in the backcountry.

Day 2 - Rations: good. Spirits: high. Weather: do I even need to say it?

Bess, Daniel and Brendan a.k.a the feisty moongooses (not mongeese) got us moving with the new breakfast favorite - chocolate oatmeal with cinnamon, granola and brown sugar from scratch. We hiked through thick forest and dark mud for about four miles and then forded the mighty Hoh river- traversing slick logs and raging rapids with ease. Rough riders what!!

For some reason throughout our hike, everyone we saw was hightailing it out. There were whispers - vague rumors even, of some sort of ensuing flood. Whatever you say volunteer Lance, we're going it! You can't stop the rough riders!

We arrived at Olympic Guard Station to check in with the backcountry ranger (who lives in a pristine dry, warm and cozy paradise cabin), who told us that there was in fact a flood warning of biblical proportion that would make Noah shudder.

Well, we assessed the situation, weighed the pros and cons and said okay ranger Steve, we're in it to win it. Gathering from lessons learned the previous night we made it our mission to set up the most bomber campsite known to man to hunker down and await the storm.

Step 1: Tarps! Kevin, Mark and Brendan all over it. After much research and deliberation they set up a palace of shelter from the growing droplets.

Step 2: Warm delicious food. The Feisty moongooses. Being that the river was rising to meet us, we thought it appropriate to dine on its bounty. Salmon surprise! My personal favorite - angel hair pasta with pesto alfredo and salmon. Yes, please and thank you.

L.O.D's Steve and Lisa brought us all together under the tarp with a moon-up that got us all dreaming of cuisine delicacies of the civilized world. Striped to the bare necessities of survival we realize how lucky we are to have such extravagant conveniences in the outside world. Comfort is a luxury too cumbersome to carry! We learned to establish comfort in the most adverse conditions, surprising the skeptics, and ourselves.

As might have been expected, the flood warning became a reality my friends. Although we learned not to trust the forecast, this was one prediction that followed through. The rains came, and they didn't stop.

The next morning was a soggy reality. Splashing out of our tents we found that the river had grown so high that it had invaded the trail, which now had a current of its own. After dropping various objects in the trail/river and watching them travel away quickly in the small rapids, Kyle and I realized we might have to have a day of serious dry-out.

We were all happy to have a day of games and riddles while our socks roasted near the continuous campfire - fueled largely by Lisa and Hayley's wood gathering skills, and Douglas the whittle, and riddle master. Dougie kept our brains at work while our bodies rested with perplexing mind benders. Meanwhile Maddie, Brendan and Steve fired up a brownie bonanza. When the damp chill crawled close, we fought it off with an intense game of Evolution, led by Daniel, who has become heavily evolved with so many years of playing this beloved game. Everybody played a part in the team morale, when conditions let us down. It was one of the most fun days I have ever had in the backcountry.

The next morning we were charged and ready and the troops motivated us to take on the damp forest once more. Six miles to Elk lake - no problem for this group. When we arrived at the lake, Bess, Hayley, Kevin and Mark had already braved the chilly water. Their shrieks of delight could be heard for miles by souls more soggy and bitter than this lively crew. We had lunch by the misty lake side, and then powered back down the trail, ablaze with amazing ferns gullies and raging waterfalls.

Once back at camp, we readied ourselves for departure the next morning. Ironically enough, we awoke to glorious sunlight streaming through the mossy trees. Blue bird day on our last hike! Thank god we stuck it out. This forest is even more impressive in the sun.

And this group continues to become more and more impressive with every challenge laid upon them.

Bring on Smith Rock! We want the desert dryness to parch us clean of the mighty Hoh. By the way....we can sometimes see the mystical monster in the distance...beckoning us.....Rainer rising....

Don't Look at it!! Don't you dare!!

Until next time,

Much much love,

Kelly and Kyle

Aloha from the central Oregonian desert!

In the wake of the Hoh rainforest flood, our team of backcountry experts is experiencing the dehydrating affects of the arid chaperral. The gear is drying out, along with our throats, but we were fortunate to find refreshing rivers and streas for the anticipated afternoon plunge. Washing off a bit of that dusty dirt. The uniodinized drinking water is a nice change of pace, as well. With good cheer we laugh at the ocillation between extremes. The best part being the bright blue skies and smiling eyes. A friendly reminder and group motto during the tempest was "it's sunny somewhere." Needless to say, we found somewhere.

Over the last few days the pack of roughriders has picked up a few tricks of the climbing trade. Smith Rock, Oregon is a bustling mecca of the route scaling culture. Chalk streaks the rock proving this. "On belay?" "Belay on!" can be heard over the quiet movement of the water running over creek rocks below us. Our guides Casey and Marco skillfully lead us to some amazing spots. In groups of three, we learned and honed the skills of necessary knots and methods to the sport. Mark and Daniel blazed up the routes as speed climbers might. Meanwhile, Bess and Lisa tackled each and every segment, too, as the lessons of patience and determination were learned. The careful, zen-like approach to climbing is what gives the sport such widespread appeal. Whether it was Kevin or Steve, Maddie or Hayley, it is you versus the rock, or as some might contest, you and the rock working together. Either way, the challenges are both physical and mental. In fact, never did a climber quit a climb. Brendan and Doug used body length and athleticism, while Hayley and Daniel employed past experience. There is neither pre-set standard nor a movement incorrect, but only the satisfaction of the view from atop.

The rock, on the other hand, could offer no section insurmountable, nary a route was spared. Total domination by the leadership crew. I attribute most of that to the fact that this was the leadership legion. Encouragement and advise was shouted from all those not mid-climb, pushing the scurrying students to the top without fail. The environment was uplifting, pun intended. We are now all standing up on high, another pun, with the feelings of a goal achieved. What a way to stoke our enthusiasm for the trip ending effort to the peak of Mt. Rainier. Our sites on the summit are renewed.

Tomorrow we set sail for the base camp of Rainier. Snow school is our next section. Two days from today we begin our bid for the lofty, snow-capped summit. Yee-Haw!!

Until next time....hugs and hearts from Leadership '07.

Smelly and Smyle

August 1

Eureka! Family and friends!

It is hard to believe what has happened to each and every one of us in the past 24 hours. Yesterday, at this time we had just finished sliding down the last snow field of Mt. Rainier on our butts, delirious with joy, fatigue and awe at what we have been through. It is hard to put into words, the experience of climbing a mountain as massive and physically challenging as Rainier. I myself am still grappling with the reality that it even happened, and that I am here sitting in this air conditioned library when only yesterday morning I was exposed to the elements of the mountain, and to myself as a person in ways that I have never experienced. Yesterday was the most physically and mentally challenging day of my life, hands down, and there is no way I would have made it through without the strength, courage and guidance of each and every one of the amazing people in this group.

I could go into vivid detail about the mountain, about the moon, about the snowfields and the incredible sunrise through the endless march up this mighty mountain. But what I realized from this climb is that the summit is simply a point to turn around. The climb itself, every little detail of staying warm, fed, hydrated, positive and aware is what matters. As in everything we have done here on this trip, the mountain symbolizes our experience. It’s not the destination, it’s the ride. And we have had one of the most amazing journeys of our lives together.

What I remember about the climb was the encouraging words spoken to me by Brendan when I was at my absolute limit to keep me going to the top. His physical strength and endurance was impressive, but his ability to motivate others made the climb possible for many of us. I will remember the unparalleled efficiency and strength of Daniel, Mark and Steve, who stuck together as a rope team that never stopped. Every time I was near them, all I could hear was their positive attitudes, and unstoppable drive. I will remember the confidence that Hayley showed with her inspirational composure and ability to keep going, even when she was afraid of what lay ahead. From Bess I will remember the self-awareness and courage to listen to her own wisdom. From Lisa I will remember the unparalleled honesty and willingness to take herself to the absolute brink. I will also never forget what it felt like to arrive back at basecamp to Lisa's excitement, and encouraging words. From Dougie, I will remember his unbelievable ability to soak up information and prepare himself mentally for this climb. Doug never stops asking questions and learning all he can about a situation, and because of this, we all learn and get more out of every experience. From Maddie I will never forget the admiration and love I felt for her as she displayed a courage that made it possible for many to make it to the summit. Without her, many of us would not have made it, and she embodies true integrity. I will remember Kevin's quiet ambition and ability to lighten the mood of a tough situation. His humor was always there to remind us of the fun in even the most extreme moments.

It is hard for me to put into the words the amount of respect I have for these ten people that have come into my life. From them I have learned that the whole is truly greater then the sum of its parts. Each and every one of them are so important to me, and to each other, and I am terrified of thinking about the reality that we will soon be separated. It is rare in life to find a group of people who love and respect each other this much, and to put us all together on a mountain was where this group got its chance to shine like I've never seen them. I am incredibly proud of all of us, and I am so thankful that we had this opportunity to prove to each other and ourselves just how strong we have become.

And now we must go, time to spend the last precious moments we have together celebrating how far we have come, and how close this family is. Thank you all for giving us this opportunity to be together.

Much love from Olympia,

Kelly and Kyle.