| Pacific Northwest Exposure log (2003-07-14 -> 2003-08-03)
Leaders: Kevin Sprouse & Margot Rubin
Students: Lauren Robichaux, John Rose, Colin Parker, Ariel Tellatin, Evan Stiegel, Alex Woolsey, Martha Long, Stevie Jarvis, Brooks Johnson
Update, 7/17
We talked to Kevin briefly this afternoon and he said the group is doing awesome. He said climbing was going very well and everyone was getting psyched up for the Monkey's Face tomorrow. The weather has been perfect and Hayes will be hooking up with the group later today. Kevin said he was having a great time with this group and he will be checking in with a more detailed report before the rafting section.
Climbing Update, 7/20/03
Kevin called the office to give us a great report on the group's experience climbing at Smith Rock. The group spent the 1st 2 days learning climbing techniques and safety systems while getting on routes such as "Handy Man," "Grinder," "Spiderman," and "In Harms Way." On the 3rd day, they did the Tyrolean traverse and huge rappel on "The Monkey's Face." He said the group is doing great and they all had an awesome time climbing. Martha had never climbed before and she tried every route the guides put up. She was the first to take on "The Monkey's Face." Ariel is an awesome climber. She tried and succeeded on every route. Alex really enjoyed this section and her constant laughter kept everyone in good spirits on the rock. Although Lauren was a little timid at the sight of the Tyrolean traverse, she overcame her fear of heights and completed it. Brooks did an amazing job. She was very brave on the rappel and truly goes the extra mile to help out the group. Evan was a very enthusiastic climber who "flew up the rock." He has great energy as he is on go all the time and doesn't stop until he hits the sleeping bag at night. Colin was a very relaxed and strong climber. He was very impressive out there climbing for the first time. John approached all the climbs with determination. He toughed it out on a couple of routes that were especially tough and got it done. Stevie climbed the 1st day and did very well for herself. Unfortunately, she was not feeling well and rested the following days. She is feeling much better and is ready to go rafting. The group is now headed to the Deschutes for a few days on the water.
Rafting Update, 7/23/03
Here's an update for our trip for the rafting section. Right now we're in Leavensworth, Wa. getting ready for our backpacking section. It's going really well--the kids are great and Kevin and I are having fun. The lower Deschutes was fun water, the kids got a chance to guide a lot and we had tons of water fights.
Alex was a key player in lots of water fights and really enjoyed rafting the Deschutes. She laughed the whole way through the section and provided lots of entertainment in the boats with her singing as she composed many creative and silly songs about our journey down the river.
Ariel loved the river and swam as much as she could. She was a winner at the rodeo game on the river as she held on for dear life as she stood on the front of the boat and we spun her around and around. She was also a great help in the kitchen with the guides and helped prepare lots of good food.
Brooks did very well guiding the boats and was calm during bigger water from the guide seat. She was also extremely helpful in the river kitchen with cooking and cleaning and enjoyed preparing meals.
Lauren had a great and upbeat attitude during the rafting and was always up for games and water fights on the river.
Stevie paddled hard and was in the water more than she was out of it. She had never been rafting before and really enjoyed this section of the trip.
Evan did an awesome job as a guide and was always willing to take the guide position. He was an essential player in water fights and did his fair of plotting to get me and Kevin in the water as much as possible. He was lots of fun to have on the boats.
Martha guided a few times and really enjoyed the water as she was always swimming, even in the morning in seemingly freezing cold water.
Colin kept everyone laughing in the boats and did a great job guiding. He did his fair share of dumping people in the water as much as possible.
John was very helpful in the kitchen and with chores on this section. He guided a few times and did very well and kept us all laughing.
Backpacking Update, 7/29/03
Margot just called in to give us an update for the backpacking section of the trip. She sounded great and it sounds like they had an awesome time in the backcountry. Here is what she had to say.
Lauren was constantly cheering people on during this section. She was always pushing people to do their best and go the extra step. Arial led the group on their first day. According to Margot, it was a tough first day and Arial led the group and kept things moving. Brooks is constantly up for a challenge and adventure. Whenever something needs to be done Brooks is the first one to throw down her pack and help out the group. Alex is the group motivator. She keeps the group moral up and she puts a smile on everyone's face. Stevie really pushed herself in the backcountry and took advantage of every moment. Martha held a great, positive attitude during this section. She was a standard means of encouragement and leadership. Colin was a quiet leader that took advantage of every moment to jump in the water! He also set the pace for the group during the hiking days. John, according to Margot, is a huge help! Anytime anyone needs an extra hand John is right there to help out. Evan was a fast, motivated hiker in the backcountry. He also opted to join Margot on an 11 mile day hike! Wow!
Margot had to make the conversation quick because they were about to jump on the ferry for Lopez Island in the San Juans to start the Sea Kayaking section. Can't wait to catch up with the group again!
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