| Pacific Northwest Exposure log (2003-07-14 -> 2003-08-03)
Leaders: Austin Tyler and Amy Johnston
Students: William Keyes, Liz Stewart, Laura Boorman, Katie Shaub, Anna Pless, Sarah Nicholls, Lydia Dorsey, John Shelton, Alex Cutler, Evan Palmer
Update, 7/15
Austin called to check in before getting on the Deschutes and said the trip was going very well. After a few basic classes and some games, the group was having a great time together and they were ready to hit the river. We should hear from them shortly, as they will be climbing at Smith Rocks next. We will post the report as soon as we get it.
Update, 7/17/03
Austin called again to report they had a great rafting section and the group was headed to Smith rocks for a few days of rock climbing. He sounded great and by the sound of it, this group is having an awesome trip. After a few days on the Deschutes, the group was bonding and learning a lot about backcountry travel.
Alex was the main group leader and enjoyed guiding a boat down several rapids. Looks like they may have a future "river rat" on their hands. Lydia was a very effective leader of the day and has a special knack for skipping rocks. Katie has the best southern accent of the group and enjoys writing in the group journal. Laura is becoming an excellent backcountry chef and may also be a guide down the road. Anna, wins the award for being most fashionable in the backcountry and keeps the group up with her bright smile. Sarah is always there to help the group. She keeps the group supplied with sunscreen and won the raft rodeo. Will continues to impress this group with his positive attitude and has introduced the phrase "nice." Evan keeps everyone laughing with his sense of humor and interesting stories. John Shelton did very well guiding the rafts and is a tough trooper. Liz is up for anything and did a great job as one of the group's first Leaders of the Day. The group describes the leaders as Austin "the Mountain Man" Tyler and Amy- "Queen of the Backcountry."
Climbing Update, 7/21/03
"Smith Rock was Awesome" says the group. They had a great climbing section and everyone is doing fine. The weather was hot and allowed for three full days on the rock. Everyone ran the Tyrolean traverse and big rappel off the Monkey's Face as well as the Big Swing; a great couple of accomplishments for the entire group. Now off to the Cascades for their backpacking section, the group has the following report:
John was the first in the group to take on "Monkey's Face" and did so with style. Lydia used this as an opportunity to conquer her fear of rappelling and is very proud of herself. Laura, who always has a smile and a helping hand for the group, pushed herself "to the Max." Anna was a very brave climber, a safe belayer and did a lot to encourage the rest of the group. Sarah is an excellent group leader and completed the toughest route put up by the guides. Will continues to provide the group with entertainment and laughs, he is up for anything. Alex completed all the routes and was an exceptionally strong climber. Katie tried every single route and succeeded. She really stepped it up on this section. Evan overcame the fear of heights and completed some very tough climbs. Liz was a great Moondance representative and really impressed the rock guides with her skill and courage. The group is headed out to the Cascades and fired up for the backpacking section- we look forward to hearing from them down the road.
Backpacking Update, 7/29/03
Austin called in to chat with us about the backpacking section. He sounded great and it looks like PNW 4 is getting it done out there. Here's the update from Austin.
"All that we have done over the past week helped make our group a lot closer. We have had a lot of fun learning how to survive in the backcountry and have enjoyed encounters with bears, mice, deer, snakes and lots of mosquitoes. On Friday the group conquered Stiletto Peak and on Sunday we enjoyed an incredible view from the top of Good Peak. PNW 4 has dominated the backpacking with a total of 47 miles. Everyone is excited for our sea kayaking in the San Juans Islands.
Lydia has shown great interest in hiking this week and has done so with a smile on her face at all times. Alex has impressed us with his bear bagging skill and has played an important role in preserving our food. Liz has encouraged the group to go the extra mile throughout this section. Her map reading skills have helped us a lot too. Anna has showed us the true meaning of life without showers and has earned the name Pigpen for the dirt she is constantly accumulating. She has been a real trooper despite her blisters. Will has been a great asset to the group as he protected us from all the critters at night and encouraged us to sleep out under the stars. John is keeping us healthy with his constant reminders to stay hydrated. He has taken good care of all of us and is a great leader on the trail. Laura always has a positive attitude and does not think twice when asked to do something. A true leader, Laura represents Moondance at its finest. Sarah has been the trail conversationalist and has kept us entertained with her games and chattiness on the trail. Her company has definitely made the time pass quickly for those around her. Katie has found her love for sleeping out under the stars. She is always lending a hand and has been a huge help in the kitchen. Evan is a great story teller and is always excited about our next adventures."
The group is off for the sea kayaking section and we can't wait to hear how things went!
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