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Pacific Northwest Exposure Log (2008-07-10 --> 2008-07-29)
Leaders: Kyle Slatery and Annie Durkin
Students: Jacob Chereskin, Jessica DiOrio, Tim Errera, Lauren Holt, Virginia Irby, Sam Lytle, Carolyn Parrish, Clarie Perrone, Patrick Weatherly, Gates Weaver
We have recently completed our sea kayaking section and getting ready to head into our backcountry portion. Internet access is scarce, so we will check back as soon as we can. We are having a great time!
Trip Update 7-15-08
Greetings to everyone from North Cascades National Park!
Our group has spent the last three days kayaking through the beautiful San Juan Islands, and we couldn't have asked for a better start to our trip. The first day we spent learning the proper techniques to paddling efficiently with ocean currents. The kids learned the true meaning of a "wet exit" when they practiced tipping over and how to safely clear themselves from their kayak. Fortunately, we never had to put those skills to use. The second day, the group set out for James Island where we camped for the night. On our voyage we encountered a number of different wildlife including a bald eagle and a group of sea lions. The kids were very impressed. On day 3, our group got up to a pancake breakfast and spent the morning exploring some of the smaller sea creatures on the beaches. The kids got to see star fishes, sea cucumbers, chitins, and a variety of crabs. That afternoon we paddled back to Lopez Island where we started and celebrated our trip with a BBQ.
The kids are meshing very well together and really loved their time spent on the water. Our sea kayaking section was fortunate enough to have no rain and nothing but clear, sunny skies. The kids have slept outside every night so far, and Annie and I think that they are already having a great time in the outdoors. Patty has already shown us that he has enough energy to match the entire group, and he eagerly leads the kids in all sorts of games and activities. Sam and Carolyn were the first to volunteer for cook crew, and they contributed successfully to a great dinner consisting of salad, quesadillas, and one very awesome tortilla soup. Equally up to task, Virginia and Jessica knocked out the dishes on behalf of everyone. Claire has been the most vigilant in keeping up with our group journal, so the kids will have a reading aid to all the fond memories that they will have after the trip is over. Lauren and Gates were recognized by the group to be the strongest paddlers, and they had a great time mowing down the ocean with their committed strokes. Tim took on the challenge of paddling the often-difficult single-seated kayak, and he was the first to finish on the third day back to Lopez Island. Jacob got off the plane with his hiking boots on, and he is looking forward to our backpacking section that we start today.
So, today we are heading up to Ross Lake in the North Cascades where we will be for the next 5 days backpacking and observing the beauty that it has to offer. Annie and I are super excited to see the kids really come together in the backcountry where so many kids really first recognize their love for the outdoors. We look forward to posting our update upon our successful return. May you all have a great week, and know that your kids are loving life, safe, and sound!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Kyle Slatery and Annie Durkin
Trip Update 7-22-08
Greetings from the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. Our rambunctious group has just completer our six day backpacking section through the beautiful North Cascades National park. Our section began by taking a boat ride to the trail head. Patrick and Lauren helped keep the group motivated and hydrated as our first leaders of the day during our backpacking section. Our first night was spent at the aptly named Nightmare Creek where were enjoyed a delicious dinner of quesadillas made with the help of Jessica and gates. Before bed Claire entertained the group with her amazing singing voice. The next day the group made our way to Lightening Creek where we spent the afternoon swimming after a warm day of backpacking. The best part of the afternoon, no doubt was watching Jacob launch himself off the dock leaving the entire group rolling with laughter. The next day our group set out on our day hike to summit Desolation Peak. The entire group persevered and every member made it the top where Tim's keen eye spotted a marmot. The group also spied some wild snickers plants that had been planted there by our mischievous leaders. That night our group enjoyed pasta marinara while Patrick and Sam showed a surprising amount of energy with their lively dinner conversation. The next day we made our way to Devil's creek where Carolyn shredded a massive amount of cheese to make some awesomely cheesy mac and cheese. The next morning we celebrated Sam's birthday with an m &m pancake breakfast in bed and several rounds of happy birthday. The next morning, upon leaving Lauren discovered some long johns that had been carried away by a sneaky deer during the night. That morning our very dirt but jovial group met our water taxi and hiked out of the North Cascades to some much awaited showers and birthday cake!
Now we are off to enjoy some whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River!
Everyone in our group would like to give a shout out to their family and friends
Hi Mom and Dad, I'm still alive - Gates
Hello Mom and Dad, Miss ya! - Patrick
Say hay to Gus - Claire
Hey Mom and Dad, tell Quinn and Neal I love them, give Doris a hug for me, and I miss you all but I am having a great time! Love Y'all!!- Virginia
Hey mommy, daddy and ally. I love ya’ll. I'm having a wonderful time. I’m safe. I miss yall so much! Love you - Jessica
Hey Mom and Dad! I'm Having Fun! - love Sam
Hi Mom and Dad (Zander too) I’m having so much fun but don't worry I'll be home soon (and hopefully not too cut-up) - Love Jacob
Wasssaaaaaa! - Tim
Hey Mom and Dad and Linus and Buddy! I'm having a good time but can't wait to see all of you Hope all is well - give my love to everyone- Love Lauren
Hey mom and Dad and Family, I’m having a fabulous time and I hope you are doing well- Carolyn
Trip Update 7-26-08
Hello to one and all from Smith Rock, Oregon! I am proud to say that our group has successfully rafted the Deschutes River with no injury and nothing but good times to report! The kids truly enjoyed the last two days of rafting. After a challenging backpacking section in the North Cascades there was little to complain about when we spent two days lounging on the river and hitting some nice Class II and III rapids.
On the river the group split up into two rafts. The two days were spent having water wars quite frequently with everyone getting splashed and laughing long and hard. Our guides, Colin, Ari, and Sonya, were fantastic. The guides took us through some pretty challenging rapids like the professionals they are. They cooked us excellent meals which the kids eagerly filled their bellies with. The kids also had the opportunity to swim down the river at a few choice spots that were enjoyed by all.
Overall, the rafting was a great chance for the kids to relax and really bond together as a team and family. This group has a great dynamic, and everyone truly appreciates one another as an integral component to our entire experience here on Moondance. Today, the kids got their first chance to go rock climbing at Smith Rock where we will be for the next two days as well. Simth Rock is the culmination of our trip, and the kids have already expressed their enjoyment and interest in rock climbing. The climax of the rock climbing comes with the traverse across the Monkey's Face on the last day. I look forward to writing more about our rock climbing success in the next two days.
Sincerely,
Kyle and Annie
Trip Update 7-28-08
Greetings once again from the majestic pacific Northwest!
The is update comes to you from the towering peaks of Smith Rock in Oregon where our group has experienced the joy of rock climbing for the last three days. On the first day our group learned the basics of rock climbing. Carolyn showed us her expertise as she conquered the "spicy" or most difficult route of the day while Jacob impressed the group with his first rock climb ever. That's night our group dined on a delicious meal of quesadillas with the help of Tim and Lauren. The next day we ventured to an area of Smith Rock called "Spiderman's buttress where the group completed some longer climbs and learned to repel in preparation for the Monkey's Face. Virginia became the first member of group to successfully master the repel while Gates kept the entire group chuckling below. Jessica proved to be the group motivator, constantly encouraging others to complete the more challenging routes. That afternoon the group ventured to the local spot to cool down after a long day of climbing, Steelhead Falls. There our group enjoyed some fabulous (and very safe) cliff jumping lead by the ever enthusiastic Patrick. The group was also treated to more of Jacob's antics as he demonstrated the flying eagle and cannon ball jumps. That night our group enjoyed a very tasty meal of two different kinds of pasta, marinara and southwest mac and cheese made with the help of Carolyn and Jacob. The next day our group started the day by hiking the aptly-named Misery Ridge to the much anticipated traverse across the Monkey's face. Sam eagerly led the group as the first one to successfully traverse the face and repel hundreds of feet to the ground. Claire also took advantage of the acoustics by entertaining the group with her singing voice as she repelled down the face.
As always much love from the leaders
Annie and Kyle!
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