| Rocky Mountain Way Log (2007-07-06 --> 2007-07-19)
Leaders: Berry Stein, Bryant Allen, George Gregory
Students: Madeline AuBuchon, Larkin Bruce, Hagood Coxe, Rags, Coxe, Russell Gaynor, Vincent Remy, Loren Shealy, Alex Suarez, Hart Wilson
July 9
Wow! What an awesome white water rafting trip we had and a great way to start off the trip!! We hit the Arkansas River on Saturday morning and split up in two rafts with Larkin, Russell, Maddie, Rags, Berry and Bryant in one, and Haygood, Loren, Hart, Alex, Vincent and our new leader George in the other. The rapids were big, the water was cold, the weather was perfect and we all had a blast! In the first boat, Rags soaked up all the freezing water for the rest of us, as he sat in the front row the whole trip! Russell paddled his heart out as Larkin encouraged him the whole way! Maddie and Berry were solid in the back providing moral support and loud cheers for all! In the other boat, Alex and Hart, with all their gusto plunged into every rapid as our lead paddlers. Vincent supplied the insane splash wars and always had a grin on his face no matter how rough the rapid. As leader of the day, Loren never lost her strong positive attitude and paddled until the very end! Perfect weather, delicious food, beautiful scenery and amazing company sum up our first few days on RMW! Now we are headed to Telluride to prepare for our 5 day backpacking section and we can't wait to share more adventures! Until next time! ?!
July 14, 2007
We're back! Our amazing group has returned from its backpacking adventure in the Bear Creek Basin. The team was able to conquer over thirty miles of trail in the five day backcountry section of the trip. As the group hiked through the luscious meadows and maneuvered the many switchbacks, it learned proper trail etiquette, mastered several backcountry cooking recipes, and coped with the iodine flavor of the purified water.
While in the basin, the weather moved in on us, changing the overall plans of the backcountry section. Even so, the group was able to make a valiant summit attempt on Centennial Peak and explore the many sections of the beautiful area.
Everyone on the trip showed great strength throughout this section. The girls, Hagood, Loren, and Maddie, showed the boys just how to stay clean in the backcountry, diving into the cold waters of Bear Creek on a warm afternoon. Ragland exhibited great strength through his willingness to carry extra gear and food for the group. Larkin spotted an elusive Black Bear across the valley, a species not often spotted by hikers in the region. Alex, Hart, and Russell kept the group rolling on the trail and in camp with their great humor, ensuring a high morale for the entire hike. Also, Vincent educated the whole group by sharing the celebration of Bastille Day (July 14) on the trail.
All in all, our venture into the wilds of the San Juan Mountains was a huge success. Though the weather tried to inhibit the section, the group powered through, making the backcountry lively, exciting, and interesting.
The RMW Bunch
July 16, 2007
Greetings from Lake City, Colorado! The beautiful cliffs and rock faces surrounding this small mountain town have been our home for the past two days, as we have just completed the rock climbing section of the trip. Our group hiked around, climbed up, and repelled down the many great roots of the area outside of Lake City called God's Crag.
The group took to this section like fish to water. Every member of the team showed great skill in the climbing of the faces of the Crag. The first day at God's Crag was full of great climbs and well-executed belaying. Every student went through "Belay School" to learn the ins and outs of the safety side of top-rope rock climbing. The group then took to climbing, spending the entire day surrounded by the most amazing scenery while hanging from a rope.
Day two of climbing brought even more excitement, as the group added repelling to the mix. Every member of our team ascended a climbing route, only to then lower themselves down by repelling. Also, the group was able to hike around to an old mountain mining area that was near the routes they were climbing. The group was able to look into the depths of the mountain while learning the history and geology of the area. Just all around good clean fun!
Now we are off to the Royal Gorge to experience some of the U.S.'s premier rapids. Be looking for more great news from our end! See you soon.
The RMW Bunch
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