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Big Wild Log (2008-06-20 -> 2008-07-06)
Leaders: Elyse Guarino, Bill Johnston and Will Borchert
Students: Will Bagwell, Meredith Bear, Sam Booke, Clayton Clark, Joan Freihofer, Lollie Garrett, Charlie Geddes, Sarah Herbert, Will Klingbeil, Emma Massey, Shelby Mullins, Hayes Saer
June 24 Update
The airport arrival was a huge success; everyone made it to Jackson on time and in good spirits. It was amazing how well the group hit it off; we all knew each other’s names before we left the airport. Some nice ice breakers included several games most notably Ninja Moose. Ninja Moose cannot be understood until you play it but it is most definitely a blast. From the airport we took a 30 mile drive to our campsite Slide Lake, where we have stayed the last two nights and will stay yet one more night. The group has already acquired some solid skills and everyone has grasped the philosophies very well, some include: tent pitching and camp set up, leave no trace (Will K has been an excellent example of self sumping and not wasting anything), proper expedition behavior which Clayton displayed excellently when she told us about some concerns the other girls might be having), hygiene, lightning protocol, bear bagging, and cooking. Along with absorbing the Moondance philosophies, Big Wild 1 has also learned some incredible hard skills. The last two days we have gone rock climbing and repelling in Teton National Park with Exum climbing guides. It has been encouraging and comforting to watch the group come together in our opening climbing section. Everyone’s focus has been superb and their ability to understand lessons and apply them to difficult climbs made the climbing section a great success. Our three Exum guides, Brenton, George, and Kara, continuously complimented our group on their intelligence, athletic ability, and team work. We have had the pleasure of watching all the kids shine at different moments during the climbing section. Sarah Herbert inspired the group with her encouraging words and enthusiasm with a phrase her Dad taught her “never give up,” a term that has been helpful in difficult situations, she has been a great example with her beautiful laugh and desire to try new things. Clayton has displayed her fearless character in never hesitating to try a difficult climb, Clayton even lead a group of 5 others down a steep slab while we were all tied together as a rope team. Meredith and Lollie have provided numerous helpful demonstrations for the group with their nearly flawless belay technique. Charlie and Will Bagwell have impressed us all with their athletic ability by making difficult climbs look easy. Hayes’s cool and calm demeanor added an awesome approach to climbing and the group as a whole. Shelby and Sam have provided comic relief, entertainment, and toughness as they both persevered through the climbing section despite suffering small cuts on their feet. Will K has used his prior knowledge to help teach the group and help the staff. Emma and Joan have both used their athletic abilities and determination to make climbing fun and enjoyable. As a group everyone is getting along amazingly, it seems they have all been friends for years. The character they displayed in the climbing section has carried throughout the day and offers great excitement and high expectations for the upcoming backpacking section in the Winds.
Sincerely,
Bill, Will, and Elyse
Trip Update 6-29-08
Starting the backpacking section everyone was excited but a little bit anxious especially after testing the weight of their packs. The idea of carrying heavy packs and digging holes in the woods worried some of the girls. But it didn’t take long for everyone to get comfortable and enjoy themselves. We met our guide Karin the day before we set out and camped at Warren’s Bridge Campground. The campsite was small but had plenty of room and a restroom, which never ceases to please everyone. In the evening the surrounded fields filled with antelope and the sky was lit with stars. The next morning we got an early start to meet our guide Karin, then Hayes, Shelby, Lollie, Charlie, and Meredith bought fishing licenses.
As we headed out our first backpacking experience was a little trying. The 3.7 miles to camp was accomplished in 1 hour and 15 minutes, which was a pace no one thought possible. Thanks to Joan for keeping everyone’s spirits high with great humor and conversation. After setting up camp, Charlie, Lollie, and Hayes made some delicious stir fry for all of us, and Charlie showed great EB by making sure everyone had enough to eat before he had seconds. The next day we went for a 10 mile hike that entailed some bouldering. This gave everyone lots of confidence and allowed them to use some of the skills they acquired in the climbing section. That night we celebrated Meredith’s birthday with some delicious calzones and vanilla cake with chocolate icing. We were joined by Karin’s parents and their llamas. The next day we attempted to summit Dome Peak led by Emma and Sarah. We followed a rushing mountain stream up to the top of the mountain for about ½ a mile before realizing we were unable to cross. This meant we would have to summit a smaller peak but spirits were still enthused. Around 2 pm we headed down to avoid any afternoon showers. That night we had ramen bombs for dinner, which includes: ramen, potatoes, and cheese. There were quite a few mashed potatoes left and Special K (Will K), Charlie, Hayes, and Sarah all did an awesome job of ridding their food (leave no trace). We finished the day with an impressive bear bag hanging by Charlie, Will B, Hayes, and Special K. Our final full day in the backcountry was very relaxed after everyone’s hard work, so we slept in and enjoyed home fries with cheese for breakfast. Clayton and Special K led us down to the lake for a day full of swimming and fishing. Sam, Will B, Elyse, and Counselor Will tried to cross the lake by walking across the sandbar but were shut down about ¾ of the way across due to frigid water. Back on the beach, Sam, Hayes, and Will B buried Special K in the sand. Hayes and the others fished but had no luck. We were led back to camp by Joan, who set a perfect pace. Emma and Lollie solidified their stove skills by preparing quesadillas for everyone. We were all serenaded by Special K’s singing abilities while we enjoyed brownies. The singing continued by Shelby and Sarah as we all fell asleep under the stars.
On the 28th we headed out of the Winds and we said our goodbyes to Karin and her parents and the llamas and headed to Massacre Rock State Park. As a grand finale to a great hiking section we stopped in Jackson to eat at the famous Billy burger. Everyone gobbled their burgers down and Shelby showed everyone up by finishing her massive burger before any of the boys. We topped it off with ice cream and everyone was ecstatic. We waved farewell to Jackson as Clayton and Sam played dj all the way to MRSP. We cannot wait to cool off in the Salmon River.
Sincerely,
Bill, Elyse, and Will
Update 7-4-08
We made it off the lower Salmon River yesterday, July 3rd, at lunch time. The group did an awesome job getting everything organized and ready to go so we could make it out on time. As we hit the road we had to make it up the infamous Eagle Creek Road which is an infamous 11 mile stretch that entails frequent bends and rocks as well as treacherous pot holes that come out of nowhere. Amazingly the entire group slept the whole way. The Exodus rafting guides were stunned and very complimentary as they repeatedly said that we were the most fun and well behaved Moondance group they have ever had, 10 years and counting. These types of compliments have been extended to us everywhere we have gone. Thank you for sending your little angels with us.
As we started the 65 mile journey down the extraordinary Salmon River we launched our boats in Riggins, Idaho with the Exodus river guides Matt, Jeff, and Natalie. To no surprise our entertainer Special K took first dibs on the duckie. He rode single while Sam and Southern Will rode tandem. The rest of us cruised in rafts and it seemed every time we looked over Special K, Southern Will, and Sam were climbing back into their duckies. Luckily the water was 60 degrees and it was 100 degrees outside. Needless to say we all went swimming, some of us against our will. Aside from paddling hard and dominating monsterous breath taking rapids the group became extremely close as we engaged in great conversation, shared many laughs, and absorbed the remarkable canyons and clear blue skies that surround the lower Salmon River.
Now, as we travel back to Jackson for the 4th of July we hate to see this great trip come to an end. The dynamics of this entire group are remarkable and very humbling. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of such an awesome group. We have worked hard and played hard, and everyone has done much more than pull their own weight. It has been very encouraging to watch the group grow and individuals grow. Characters were painted in full color on the river. Charlie’s work ethic and interest in all aspects of life made him a beast on the river and around camp. Clayton’s toughness and determination was exemplified by her handling of a tough ejection from the raft. Joan’s great sense of humor and ability to make others smile cannot be appreciated enough. Emma and Lollie’s self discipline to overcome circumstances that make them uneasy is so inspiring. Sam, Hayes, Southern Will’s friendship and ability to work together has helped the group function as one. Sarah’s laugh and happiness is contagious and she never fails to create a pleasant atmosphere. Shelby has set a great example for others throughout the trip as she always pushes herself to the limit and never hesitates to try new things. Meredith’s confidence and humor has made her a strong leader and motivator. And Special K never fails to keep us interested with his singing, random facts, and overall knowledge.
Together Big Wild 1 has accomplished so much and become so close, and I am sure we will all stay good friends long after the trip is over. As individuals they have grasped the Moondance philosophies and acquired knowledge about the outdoors and themselves that will last a lifetime. I hate to see the trip come to an end, but I know everyone will love to see their family and friends. Have a great rest of the summer.
Sincerely,
Bill, Elyse, and Will
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