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Pacific Northwest Exposure Log (2008-07-10 --> 2008-07-29)
Leaders: Willy Sebring and Meghan Berner
Students: Paige Butler, Taylor Dawson, Chandler Dunklin, Betsy Fortin, Lydia Makepeace, Mary Kate McAlister, Sarabrent McCoy, Peyton Miller, Davis Priester, Laurinda Schenck
Everyone just finished climbing at Smith Rock and on their way to the Deschuetes River. We should have an update soon.
Trip Update 7-15-08
A big hello from Smith Rock! Willy and I are having a blast with our PNW group! It's amazing to see how much our group has already bonded.
We just completed three days of rock climbing with First Ascent. Our guides; Adam, Logan, and Dustin were fantastic in teaching us and making sure we had a great time! Today we all successfully completed Monkey's Face! What a great way to begin this exciting adventure together! Whether it's cooking, traveling or climbing, everyday thus far has been filled with laughter and fun. In addition to climbing and enjoying the outdoors, the kids have been learning how to cook an assortment of meals in the front country. It's been fun for Willy and me to watch the group get so into it! Just last night Chandler, Lydia, and Payton made the most delectable chicken quesadillas! Everyone in the group has been so helpful, encouraging and full of life!
It's been a joy for Willy and me to lead these kids. For example, Davis and Taylor consistently go out of their way to help out the group. Mary Kate's sweet and encouraging words always find a way to uplift the people around her. Sarabrent is so conscientious and her kind heart is a great asset to the group. Laurinda's positive attitude and enthusiasm for life makes her even more radiant. Betsy and Paige's vivacious personality keeps everyone smiling and entertained.
I could go on and on about how wonderful this group is! There are countless memories and stories I want to share! The exciting thing is that we are only in the beginning of the trip! Willy and I are looking forward to our next adventure white water rafting on the Deschutes! Our journey continues!
Till next time!
Trip Update 7.18.08
Hello from Washington!
We have safely arrived at Rasar State park, right out side the North Cascades. Yesterday our group completed our last day of white water rafting on the Deschutes River and continued our adventure to Washington.
White water rafting was awesome! With the help of our trusty Orion guides, they led us down the upper portion of the Deschutes. The kids we all excited to get some sun and cool off in the river. The weather was sunny but surprisingly not too hot. We covered over twenty seven miles the first day! The group loved the balance of relaxation with occasional exhilarating rapids. Willy and I have quite the paddlers in our group! After we all had some time to soak up the sun we decided to spice it up a little and start some raft wars. It was extremely amusing watching Chandler Davis and Taylor leap from one raft to another. Lydia was right in there with them as she fought to protect our raft!
Later on that evening we camped alongside the river and ate a delicious meal thanks to Taylor, Sarabrent, and Betsy helping the guides prepare! We kept ourselves entertained by playing an array of games. Mary Kate and Payton had us all laughing hysterically as they were determined to beat everyone in the "Lip" game. Basically, this game consists of everyone holding their lips over their teeth then they manage to make other people show their teeth by smiling. It's great to watch!
The next day we continued down the river. The guides allowed us the get out and swim Buckskin Mary, a small rapid that consists of a small waterfall and a river train. As we all proceeded to jump in we were all stunned at the coldness of the water! Laurinda and Paige's faces were priceless as they realized it was cooler than they anticipated. Everyone had a blast!
After getting off the river we then had a long road trip. Willy and I had some fun tunes that kept the kids laughing and car dancing! Regardless of the length of the drive, we all managed to have a great time!
We are now in the next section of out trip--backpacking! Tomorrow we leave for an exciting trip into the North Cascades. We will be in a portion called Stehekin for six days and five nights. Willy and I are so excited to teach all of our wonderful kids about the backcountry!
We are looking forward to sharing our next experiences together! Stay tuned!
Meghan and Willy
Trip Update 7-25-08
Hello Again!
I'm happy to say that all of us have made it safely out of the backcountry!
We began our six-day five-night adventure at Lake Chelan.From there we took a ferry to the town of Stehekin. I wish everyone could see the North Cascades! The excitement arose in all of us as we voyaged further from civilization. To give you some background information, Stehekin is a small quaint town with a population of about 85 people. It's such a beautiful place full of history and breathtaking views.
Once we arrived we then had a shuttle drop us off at the trailhead.
Heavy packs and all we set off on our rigorous seven-mile, up hill hike. The first two days of backpacking were by far the most difficult but the entire group embraced the challenge! Willy and I were so impressed with everyone's attitude and mental stamina to keep pushing!
Though, a long day we all made it to our first camp site at Bridge Creek. After our "Moonup" we all headed to bed for a restful sleep.
The next day was just as challenging but once again the groups amazed us! Mary Kate was constantly encouraging everyone to keep up the good work and Peyton and Sarabrent kept the group entertained by singing various songs. Although, the first couple days were long the Paige, Davis, Laurinda and Mary Kate amazed us with their pizza making skills. Every night was a feast with hot coco to conclude the night.
Being in the backcountry is a wonderful place to get away from all the distractions of society and think about life. Many of the kids commented how great it was to just be quite and process the various thoughts that go through their minds. On the other hand, the backcountry is a perfect place to be yourself. Many of the nights, especially the third night, we all broke out into choreographed dances thanks to Willy and Betsy. Taylor was cracking us up when we was competing with Willy to make funny faces in the cameras. It makes me giggle just thinking about it! Don't worry parents hopefully you can share in our fun when you see the videos on the kid's cameras!
I believe in every update I have mentioned how wonderful this group is. They are always surprising me with their enthusiastic nature and servant hearts. For example, every night in the backcountry Lydia consistently offered to help the Leaders out. Every single one of them are amazing! Willy and I are enjoying your children so much!
As our backcountry journey continued so did our fun. The days became easier as our packs lightened and the terrain leveled off a bit. The group loved the scenic views and refreshing rivers we were able to swim in. Once we reached our final day we were all ready for our next section of sea Kayaking. I must admit, it was quite amusing to return back to Stehekin and see everyone's reaction to our well-worn attire and dirty faces. In retrospect, the backcountry section was a success!
The added memories to the Moondance experience were irreplaceable! I love to see a group of kids embrace this specific section of the trip!
Chandler stated how much he loved living so simply away from their comfort zone. I could not agree with him more!
Now, we are now off to sea kayaking! We are all ready for the beautiful San Juans Islands! Stay tuned!
Meghan and Willy
Trip Update 7-28-08
Hey Ya'll!
We are back in Anacortes. Yesterday, we just finished sea kayaking in the San Juans. It was a blast! Although it was hard to swallow this was the last aspect of our three-week adventure together! Outdoor Adventures was our amazing outfitters for this section. I can't say enough about this group of people. They stand out among all the outfitters we use. Their passion for the outdoors and people is so inspiring. The group could not get enough of them!
Our three-day journey started at Lopez Island early in the morning.
Kathy and Blair, from outdoor adventure, came to our campsite and taught the kids how to pack the various dry bags. We then met them down by the boats where they instructed us how to properly row and maneuver the three man kayaks. Not too long after we squeezed ourselves in the boats and were ready for some paddling! Taylor volunteered to go in the one man kayak despite it being a little more difficult to control. But to our amazement he led the group all the way there. I think we have a natural on our hands! We were on the water for five hours before we reached James Island. This island is especially beautiful due to its great views of Mount Baker. The kids were ready for bed after their yummy dinner and long day of paddling.
The next day we were happily awaken by the smell of mouthwatering pancakes! After we let ourselves digest, we then got ready for our lesson of wet exits. This is a somewhat intimidating aspect of the trip because you have to flip your boat over and safely get out of the kayak and get rescued. To add to the intimidation, the water is not exactly warm. Despite it all, our group rocked it out as everyone successfully passed! The look on Chandler, Davis and Taylor's face was priceless as the popped out of the chilly water. In retrospect, everyone was happy they did it. Later on we had a hike around the island and a lesson on navigation. We all enjoyed the relaxing day and being together.
The last day of Kayaking, we left mid morning on our five mile paddle back to Lopez. Before getting back into out boats we had a dance off with out paddles. We all went around a circle and added different dance moves that the next person had to imitate. Laurinda cracked us up with her fancy back step move! Once we arrived we had a scrumptious cookout, thanks to Outdoor Adventures. Peyton, my amazing eater, was quite satisfied with the plethora of options and satisfying taste! We said our goodbyes and headed for our campsite to set up tents. To complete our day we had an Iron Chef cook off! This is where we take the rest of the food and slit up into teams and make delicious entrées. Mary Kate's competitive side came out as she raced to get the most desirable ingredients! In addition to the meals, they also receive point for entertainment. Betsy was quite the entertainer as she told jokes, danced and drew us beautiful pictures. Lydia astonished us with her awesome backhand spring! Paige, Sarahbrent and Davis slaved away making very creative delights. After our tummies were full, and we realized how tired we were, we all headed to out sleeping bags. We had a wonderful "Moon-up" under the stars and fell sound asleep.
So here we are today, our final Moondance day. It's hard to envision all these Moondancer's leaving! Willy and I absolutely cherish these ten kids! Thank you for sharing your children with us. Willy and I are already starting to feel ourselves missing them. Every single one of them has a special place in our hearts. I'm excited for all of you to hear about their exciting twenty day adventure! Well, until next time.
PNW is signing off.
Meghan and Willy
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