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Big Wild Log (2008-07-10 -> 2008-07-26)
Leaders: Bill Johnston and Elyse Guarino
Students: Bowen Clymer, Ben Colley, Adam Hobbs, Patrick Lanier, Pearce Mulkin, CJ Skelly, Harry Woosley
Trip Update 7/16/08
After our drive today we are all excited to start climbing tomorrow at Jenny Lake. Although the trip to Idaho was long, it was well worth it. It was also cool to go thru 4 states in two days as at one point we rafted through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington in a three minute span. Our 80 mile wilderness expedition down the scenic Lower Salmon River was full of intense rapids, hard paddling, good food, and immense laughter. With such a small group, 7 boys and 2 leaders, we all felt we had known each other for years before we even started rafting. Needless to say, no one was shy on the river.
We set out at Hammer Creek with our two Exodus guides, Jeff and Elise, and from there began our journey. CJ, Bowen, and Ben road in duckies while the rest of us road in the raft with Elise, and Jeff drove the gear boat. CJ was a natural in the duckie and looked like a pro paddling down the river, while Bowen and Ben were far from intimidated by any rapid or wave, some reached 15 feet. With three in duckies and four in the raft everyone had plenty of opportunities to experience the Lower Salmon, which is the second deepest canyon in the US, in both duckies and the raft. Everyone did lots of swimming, as it was over 100 degrees every day, and we much time to relax on the beaches. Each night we camped on the sandy river beaches and woke up to incredible sunrises outlined by extraordinary canyon lines. After working hard it was nice to sit down to some really good meals. Patrick is a wiz in the kitchen and has been so helpful to have around camp. Harry and Adams enthusiasm and fun attitudes has been so pleasant to be around and has been inspiring to everyone. Pierce has provided comic relief at all the right moments. All in all we have a really solid crew and we cannot wait to start climbing tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Bill and Elyse
Trip Update 7-19-08
Climbing was a nice change of pace for our group. Both days we were out climbing the historic Teton Mountains by 8:00 a.m. and stayed out until 5:00 pm. Luckily we were blessed with two perfectly sunny and slightly breezy 80 degree days. Not only was the weather ideal but so was everyone’s attitudes and work ethic. Just two hours into the first day we were belaying each other off the hip and climbing mountains in six man belay teams. Because everyone learned to tie knots correctly right off the bat and everyone was focused we were able to move at a much faster pace than most groups that do basic and intermediate mountaineering in the Tetons. Our group attempted and excelled at many difficult pitches, and our Exum guides were thoroughly impressed. Climbing was a great exercise for individuals in our group and noticeably brought the group together. Pierce impressed us all with his athletic ability and poise to make it up all our climbs almost effortlessly. CJ’s determination to overcome his fear of heights and repel off a 120 foot rock face was so inspiring to everyone, and really helped others realize that they can do anything they put their mind to. Patrick surprised us all with is natural climbing ability, his technique is nearly flawless as he is able to grasp difficult concepts very well. Ben’s strong presence in everything we do is remarkable. He led all of the belay teams and displays much confidence and character in everything we do. Harry provides a pleasant atmosphere for everyone and is heavily engaged in everything we do. His attention to detail helped others focus on some of the difficult techniques of climbing. Our renaissance man, Adam, never ceases to amaze anyone, whether it be his athletic abilities or sophisticated conversations, he always has something interesting to contribute to the group. Bowen’s presence is felt in everything we do. His athleticism is so impressive and his determination in climbing is evident as he offers a fearlessness that others are intrigued by.
The trip is flying by and now that we head into our final section, backpacking in the Wind River Range, we have an awesome group dynamic that is definitely ready to take on and enjoy our most difficult section of the trip. I have very high expectations for this group and I am certain that they will have a very rewarding backpacking experience. Everyone understands and is embracing our most critical philosophies of leave no trace and expedition behavior very well and will have a great opportunity to use them in the Winds. We will be in touch after backpacking.
Sincerely,
Bill and Elyse
Trip Update 7-25-08
It is hard to believe that Big Wild 4 is almost over. We finished our backpacking section yesterday and it was unbelievable. Everyone pushed themselves to the limit as we finished up with an eighteen mile hike out of The Wind River Range. Our first day consumed a ten mile hike that brought us to camp in beautiful meadow. The meadow was full of passing creeks and wild flowers, but on the way we had to cross several rivers which enabled great teamwork. That night we had a great stir fry dinner in which Harry and Adam helped Elyse and me cook in the heavy rain. They have both shown great dedication to helping around camp. After a good night’s sleep we woke up early and took off for another ten mile hike but this time it was all uphill. This was our toughest day and really brought the group together as they rallied one another to make it to the top. We made it to camp late in the afternoon but the long day was well worth it. We set up camp at Lake Lozer, which we all agreed was the most incredible place we had ever seen. Camping at 11,000 feet, we overlooked a crystal clear lake and we were surrounded by snow covered mountains and small mountain streams. Even more remarkable was all the snow that we were around. It was fun to sleep next to snow and be able to sled and have snowball fights in our shorts and short sleeves. Fortunately we stayed at Lake Lozer for two nights. Our third day in the backcountry was a well deserved rest day that encompassed lots of fishing and several day hikes which we summated several peaks. Ben and Bowen caught over 50 trout and cooked a delicious lunch for us. CJ and Pierce went on several day hikes and kept us all entertained with great conversations and constant humor. The Winds were very rewarding and relaxing for everyone, largely because of Patrick’s selflessness. He always helps with meals and provides a very pleasant atmosphere. Everyone’s hard work throughout the trip particularly the backpacking section really completed the trip.
Now we are back in Jackson and I know everyone is excited about seeing family and friends. Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Sincerely,
Bill and Elyse
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