Greetings fine families and friends!
Hark! for the osprey has landed. Eva and Kyle reporting on day 3 of the Colorado trail. Having just taken out off the Arkansas River, where we spent two brimming days of rafting extravaganza, the crew is celebrating a most excellent trip with cool, refreshing ice cream in the historic town of Salida, CO. After an unfathomable winter snow fall in the Rockies, the rip-roaring rapids on the Arkansas were at all-time highs. In fact, the flow, measured in cubic feet per second (CFS), is currently riding higher than the high water mark from all of last summer. They have not seen this intensity since 1995! What a lucky stroke for the crew. Just imagine the wildest rollercoaster in the country and then add water...that is what our past two days have been like. Shooting famous rapids such as the Zoom Flume and the Silver Bullet (a fifteen foot drop), or the Staircase (7 consecutive smashing rapids) and the Toilet Bowl, we have been riding on the edges of our rafts, shrieking and cajoling, yahooing and bursting our faces with the widest grins imaginable. The excitement is uncontrollable. White water wonders!
As I mentioned, the team was split into two boats: Haley, Matt, Mackenzie, Sarah, Bill, Tyler and Kyle paddled as a super force that river had to reckon with, while States, Claire, Elizabeth, Kristina, Alex, Stephanie, Cathryn and Eva stroked alongside like veteran river rats, navigating their way down the raging Arkansas. We put in yesterday around lunch and ripped thru four hours of rafting before finding a special camping site downriver. From there the ever-fun, helpful guides from River Runners styled us out with a delicious and satisfying dinner of beef and chicken fajitas, replete with fresh veggies and hot chocolate, preceded, of course, by chips and salsa to whet our appetites. This is such a treat as the team will be preparing every meal for the remainder of the trip. I sure do love rafting! Now back to reality. Ha!
Rafting is by far one of my favorite activities and, in my opinion, the best way to begin such an adventure that is Moondance. The exhilaration of white water splashing around you and conquering the flow with each paddle is beyond that of any other outdoor sport. It just rocket launches the group into what will continue to be action packed days out here in the C-rad state. Plus, and more importantly, it really gives the team a chance to bond together and work as a single, fully firing machine. We learn the importance of working as one and tackling challenges in the form of an unstoppable unit. These are valuable lessons that get tossed our way early on and will assist us along the trail. The mood is set, the adrenaline is high, and we are forging our way toward a most rewarding excursion.
Tonight we will cook a feast to feed our group of growing young adults and get some rest. On the morrow, we load up the van and head off toward the towering, snow-capped San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. We will learn to expertly prepare for the backcountry section and pack our packs for the trail. The weather has been nothing but beautiful....hot days and cool nights with picturesque blue skies. We were fortunate to narrowly avert rain showers last evening....and the forecast looks great for the next section. 5 days of hiking in the mountains and we should emerge with tall tales and even higher soaring spirits. What gorgeous lands we have at our finger tips. I should mention, but it will be hard to fully grasp from afar, but this is definitely one of the most cohesive groups after 3 days that I have ever worked with. Each member contributes, gets along and laughs together like old pals. What fast friends we have. We are so stoked to push on as a tight-knit team. Bravo!
Thanks for reading and keep posted for further mailings. Hope all is well on the home front. Take it will ease, family and friends.
Love,
Kyle and Eva
Trip Update 7-15-08
Hello Family and Friends!!
We made it! After four nights in the backcountry, we write to you from Tall Texan Campground, an awesome spot outside of Crested Butte. We are showered, healthy, and happy. We all made it out of the woods unscathed, and are extremely proud of all that we accomplished over the past five days. We embarked on our journey along the Bear Creek Trail in the middle of an afternoon rain shower, trudging for over five muddy miles to our first night's campsite along the river. The group really set the tone for our backcountry section on this first afternoon, as spirits remained high and an impressive pace was set! These kids can hike!! Lessons in layering, staying dry, and taking care of our feet helped us through a rather damp first night.
On the morning of day two, Kristina greeted her second year as a teenager! The sun was shining and we all took off for our second day on the trail feeling much more comfortable with the weight of our packs. We stopped for lunch along the river where a few of us dunked our heads in the rushing water for a quick cooldown! Our second night in the backcountry was a memorable one indeed. The campsite was perfect: a fire ring and furniture carved from wood, what a treat! Speaking of treats, while Kyle distracted Kristina the rest of the group got down to business, creating a delicious birthday surprise. Picture it: States, Alex, and others sprinting through the fields to our water source to wash the dinner dishes; minutes later, Cathryn, Matt, Haley, Sarah and Eva whipping up a buttery oreo-crusted delight, all while Kristina strolls unknowingly through the nearby meadow chatting with Kyle. A few spills and some peanut buttery hands and sleeves later, the group sang and ate together, wrapping up a perfect second day in the Colorado wilderness. We have all shared many laughs playing "big booty". Stephanie's smile glows and we love her Chicago "aaaaccent" which keeps the whole group smiling and cheerful!!
On day three we really kicked it into gear, beginning the ascent towards Centennial Peak for a shorter and more strenuous day of hiking. We got to our site and ate an early dinner of angel hair alfredo and sausage, created by Will, Mackenzie and Elizabeth. Delicious! With plenty of time for games like "Big Booty" and "Ninja Moose", the night was full of laughs. This group continues to impress us with their positive attitudes and humor, and we all went to bed psyched for an early wake-up and SUMMIT DAY!
On day four we really tested our limits, and ended the day a solid, well-oiled machine. Conquering switchback after switchback, we made our way up a steep grassy incline to the jagged ridgeline ending at Centennial Peak. We made it! 13,062 feet above sea level, we chowed down on beef jerky and cheese, took pictures, and celebrated our accomplishment. It was all downhill from there (in the best way!). Colorado promises stormy afternoons, and so we quickly began our descent as the clouds rolled in. About 6 hours later, the group was still going! This was our longest day on the trail, as we hiked til nearly 8:00pm. No worries though, Tyler kept us laughing the whole time, sporting Claire's retro sunglasses and bringing some serious gangsta' attitude to our adventures on the trail.
Day five! Six miles to the trailhead, and we made it by early afternoon, beating the storms! We were out! We did it! Victory! Flip-flops have never felt so good. We hit heaven with Sonic cheeseburgers and milkshakes. And now we're here, in Crested Butte, having a relaxing town-day, exploring this awesome mountain region. Tomorrow it's rock climbing, and you better believe we'll give you another update after two more days of physical challenge. We're having a blast. Stay tuned for more!!
Love,
Eva and Kyle
Trip Update 7-21-08
Dearest family and friends,
Alooooo-ha! from the Rocky Mountain state. The team is grooving and thriving here in the gorgeous backdrops and cool, refreshing rivers of the ever-wondrous state of Colorado. Adventure galore! New challenges presented themselves as the group moved from the backcountry trails to the soaring heights and rock faces of our climbing section. We headed down into Lake City and spent two full days partnering up, learning climbing specific knots, the proper techniques for belaying, and then crimping and matching as we scaled up 5.6-5.8 rated routes. It was such an impressive section, as this tightly-bonded crew exhibited comfort zone leaving motivation to push the extreme envelope. They never hesitated to achieve new thrills and accomplish even more in their personal journeys. Typically you find those that want to climb, nothing but climb, and those who might have some apprehension about leaving the ground, relying solely on tiny holds and pockets to keep from falling. However, to exemplify our awesome teamwork and willingness to trust and encourage each other, each and every member of the gang insisted on belaying each other. Sometimes this can be work that is hard to find workers for...but oh no! Not the Colorado Trail team....instead it was the most unselfish, enthusiastic climbing section imaginable. We could hardly believe how motivated they were to saddle up and safely get everybody up and down the crags. What a joy to work with! Of course we were treated with a dip in the delicious Henson Creek, a visit to an old fashioned ice cream parlor in Lake City and some play time in the town park. Climbing was a total success. Pictures will do justice and stories can be shared by all.
Immediately following the rock segment we jaunted over to the Blue Mesa Reservoir...our home on the water for the next two days. Washing off in the relatively warm lake, we packed up our boats and kayaked 6 miles each way to W. Elk Creek. After all the attempts to find a tolerable swimming hole, we couldn't stay out of the Blue Mesa. But when we did, we were dried instantly by the hot summer breezes. Like lizards we would sprawl out on the warm, sun-drenched rocks, every once in a while, slithering back into the body-hydrating liquid. So nice. We even plunged off a picturesque 15 foot rock for a little more excitement. The team got along with the kayaks famously, as the weight of our gear mattered not. We had plenty of space and we filled it up with delectable foods and snacks. The weather cooperated and stoked us out.
This morning we woke up to a fine feast of warm bagels, cream cheese, jelly, a cornucopia of fruits and hot chocolate...and all for good reason. Happy 14th birthday Tyler!!! Eva and Kyle surprised him by stealth fully sneaking around, handing out poppers and noise makers to all the others and merrily waking the king for the day up in grand fashion. He was met with a hanging sign from his tent and everybody standing around singing at the top of their lungs. Only in the backcountry. Plus, nobody let him do any chores and we all agreed let him have the first selections at every meal time. He is in heaven.
Later tonight we will celebrate Tyler further with an awesome American cook out. Burgers and dogs!
Now on to a fun tradition: I have a list of shout outs from the crew. In no particular order:
Cathryn: Hey mom, dad, and even Caroline! Moondance is even more fun the second time! Yesterday we went kayaking and then we jumped off a 15 foot cliff! Very Fun! C-ya Cathryn.
Claire and Elizabeth: Hey mom we are both having an amazing time. We just finished kayaking and rock climbing. We got to rappel down a rock. It was so much fun. We love you so much and miss you and Calistoga ranch was in a magazine this week! Look for it. Ok Love you mwa Love Claire and Elizabeth.
Steph: Hey mom and dad and Michael and David and Jonny!! I'm having a great time. Today we finished up kayaking. I was in a double with Liz and we literally spent the whole time in the back with a lot of laughs. We are now headed for the whitewater rafting and I'm excited. When I come home I will miss everyone here very much. Anyways, I love you guys (y'all) and can't wait to see you! Love Stephanie Ann Koenig.
Sarah: Hey dad Anne and mom! I am having an amazing time. It's so great. Not to be rude or anything but I didn't get home sick once! I've had so much fun; I'm so doing it next year! I met tons of people who live in Charlotte Well, gotta go. Love you so much. Sarah.
Haley: Hey mom, dad, Bo, Ben and Anna! I'm having an awesome time out here! I miss all of you and will see you soon! We are going rafting tomorrow and I will be home soon! I love y’all. Peace and love Haley.
States: Hey mom, dad, Madison and Martin. I miss y'all a lot. I am having a great time backpacking, rafting, rock climbing and sea kayaking. I have made some new friends and am learning a lot. I'll be home soon! And tell Martin that I hope he has a great time at camp if I don't see him. Love you all. States.
Will: Hey everybody! Camp is amazing and a challenging experience! it's awesome. I miss you all, and can't wait to tell you all about it. There are some awesome people in my group. Love you and miss you all. Love Will.
Alex: Dear dad, Karen and Wren! I am doing great. Moondance is the best thing ever! I'm the only one from California. There are 15 of us. 5 from Charlotte, 5 from Chicago and 1 from Minnesota. One of my leaders (Kyle) is originally from Piedmont! Everything is great. See you in a couple of days! With love, Alex Erwin (Allison)
Kristina: Hi mom and Dad! The trip is all I expected and more so. I'm having a blast. The group is great and the scenery incredible. I love every bit of the trip but I miss you guys. Love you, Kristina.
Matt: Dear mom, Chris and Jon. I miss you all so much; it's ridiculous (?) I'm having a great time and I can't wait to see you. Tell Grandma and Grandpa not to worry b/c I'm fine. Love y'all so much and I will to see you soon. Love Matt.
Mackenzie: Hey mom, dad, matt, wally and fishy. Miss you so much and can't wait to see you again! I'm having an amazing time here and have made great friends! 5 of my friends are from Chicago!! Can’t wait to tell you all my stories! XOXO Kenzo.
Tyler: Dear mom, dad, Brent and Lindsey. I just got back from sea kayaking and rock climbing and had a great time. I've had an awesome birthday so far. I really want to see you guys and the Nalster and Kinster. Ask Brent if he will come to the airport please and thank you. The kids in my group are really funny and I am having a great time. And the leaders are radical. I hope you guys don't miss me that much. Love Tyler ( T-man for dad).
And that will just about do it. We will send more words soon enough. I hope you all enjoyed the update. As you can tell, we all miss our loved ones, but simultaneously, are having a total blast out here. The time of our lives is now and will never be forgotten. For it is the journey, the experiences along the way, and the people we meet that make it all worth living. Thank you and good night.
Love Eva and Kyle
