| Colorado Trail log (2003-07-14 -> 2003-08-03)
Leaders: Todd Hancock & Caroline Slaughter
Students: Betsey diBonaventura, Lainey Dorsey, Callie Gleason, Mary Catherine Lawhon, A.G. Palmer, Juliana Thiels
Rafting Update, 7/16/03
Caroline called today and gave us a quick update on the group. She sounded great and said she was "very fired up about this group." She reported that everyone is having a great time and the river was awsome.
Betsy was in Caroline's boat and was the leader- sitting in the front and keeping the boat steady with her exceptional paddling skills.
Adrienne has taken on the role of the group comedian and has kept the crew laughing the entire time.
Juliana, the daredevil of the group, loved jumping off the rocks into the water, and kept going back for more. She could not get enough of the rapids.
Calie gracefully exited the boat and swam a nice rapid. Great form!
Mary Catherine overcame her hesitation and loudly jumped off the rocks. She is having a blast.
Laney was the precision paddler of the group and may have a future in guiding.
Backpacking Update, 7/22/03
Caroline called this afternoon to report that things are going great for the whole group. She was calling from Crested Butte. They had just come off from a great backpacking trip, they are showering, and are getting a good meal. All the girls have really taken a love to cooking in the backcountry on the whisper lights. The group dynamics are awesome. Everyone's spirits are high and are looking forward to the rest of the trip.
BETSEY DiBONAVENTURA - Besty is a great leader of the day. She got really into reading the map and knowing exactly where the group was going. LAINEY DORSEY - Lainey is the oldest and is showing her maturity on the trip. She has been a good role model for the other girls on the trip. CALLIE GLEASON - Callie is very responsible and confident. She has proved her confidence in the kitchen while cooking, and she has learned a lot of secrets. MARY CATHERINE LAWHON - Mary is letting loose and becoming the group's comedian. She has one hilarious comment after the next. She entertains the group and keeps them laughing. A.G. PALMER - A.G. has led the group on two very tough climbs. Her athleticism has really come out, and she motivates the rest of the group to continue their journey. JULIANA THIELS - Juliana is a very speedy hiker, and never has any complaints. She is always found in the front of the pack leading the group.
Sea Kayaking Update 7/25/03
Caroline called in today and reported that the group had an awesome time during their sea kayaking section. Right now they are in Lake City. It was hard to understand her because she was laughing so hard. It really sounds like the group is having an amazing time!
Juliana had an amazing experience during the sea kayaking section. She really improved her skills and showed awesome efforts and interests. Lainey was the fastest kayaker of the group and really enjoyed herself. Callie is the best dancer of the group! The team is taking advantage of some funny times of the trip! Mary Catherine is a great motivator and displays excellent group expedition behavior. Betsy has also been an entertainer for the group and keeps the members positive. A.G. seems to really be enjoying herself and is constantly enthusiastic about the next adventure to come. It was great to catch up with the group and they seem to be fully taking advantage of their surroundings.
Climbing Update, 7/27/03
Todd called this morning to report on the climbing section. He said things were going great and the climbing section went very well for them. He also reported that the groups of gals are getting along great and they really encouraged each other through the tough times of this section. Here's the report.
A.G.: The first day A.G. was pretty scared of this new adventure and was very challenged as she completed half of the route. Then, on day 2 she flew up the entire route and made it look painless. She received the most improved award from the group.
Lainey: Overcame most of her fears while climbing. She conquered one of the more difficult climbs up a crack and made it to the top. Way to go!
Mary Katherine: Loved the repelling part of the rock climbing section. She did the Freeman's belay and loved it!
Julliana: Great climber and very fast. She took advantage of all the challenges the rock had to offer.
Betsey: One of the more experienced climbers of the bunch. She showed great leadership throughout the two days of this section.
Callie: Had a wonderful birthday with her new friends. The group treated her to mint chocolate chip ice cream in Town Park. Yummy!
The group camped at a gorgeous spot at the base of the trail. They persevered through a mountain summer storm that brought snow to their campsite. However, things sound great and we can't wait to hear from them soon.
Backpacking #2 Update 8/1/03
Todd just called with an update from the second backpacking section of the trip. He sounded wonderful and he's having a great time with all the gals! Right now they are visiting the town of Aspen, Colorado and this afternoon they head to Buena Vista for tomorrows rafting section. Here is the update. Betsey was the most appreciative of the wilderness surroundings this time around in the backcountry. She took advantage of every moment they were out there. Julianna has shown great interest in backcountry cuisine. She is always willing to lend a hand and participate in the making of the meals. Mary Katherine never complains and always has a smile on her face, even when she gets into fights with the trees! She also took advantage of the peaceful settings the wilderness has to offer. While backpacking was not a favorite of A.G.'s the backcountry was. It sounds like she is also taking advantage of being away from hectic daily schedules by replacing them with the natural settings of the backcountry. Callie is very intuitive about the backcountry and enjoys solo time on the trail. Todd said the group has enjoyed silent hikes in order to take everything in. Lainey is very chipper in the morning and helps Todd and Caroline wake everyone up. The group camped near the Maroon Bells just outside of Aspen last night and Lainey helped wake everyone around 5:30 to enjoy the breathtaking mountain sunrise.
The group is very excited about the rafting section but at the same time very sad the trip is coming to a close. With such a small, fun group of girls they have really come to know each other well and have enjoyed their time together in Colorado.
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