| Rocky Mountain Way log (2003-07-08 -> 2003-07-21)
Leaders: Molly Tyler, Taylor Moody & Michael Hitchens
Students: Sean Lutke, Mary Gill, Eben Wragge-Keller, Jake Miller, Will Boucek, Winston Phillips, Izzy Burbank, Rob Eakin, Dan Cermack, Mike Tully, Cameron Weller
Update, 7/13
We briefly heard from the group after the rafting section. Michael reports that the group is having an awesome time and that the rafting section was a blast. Everyone got their share of excitement as the water was running high and the weather was excellent. After a few basic classes and some cooking lessons the group was looking forward to hitting the trail and heading into the backcountry. All is well and we look forward to hearing from the group when they complete this section.
Backpacking section, 7/16/03
Molly called in this afternoon to give us a report on the backpacking section and it sounds like the group is doing great. Here is the report: We left trailhead 11ish and hiked in about 5 miles. Camped in a beautiful large meadow and had backcountry dinner of Chinese delight by Dan, Sean, and Izzy. A long day of hiking for the group, we all slept well. The next day we hiked a few miles to another beautiful large meadow. We swam in river, enjoyed some down time, played some games and had some classes. The group did a great Leave No Trace skit. We ate dinner on a ridge and enjoyed a beautiful harvest moon. On the following day the group did and amazing day hike. We hiked 10 miles to an elevation of 12,000 feet with magnificent 360 degree views. It was definitely a group effort and well worth the hard work. On the 4th day in we slept late, had hash browns for breakfast and we decided as a group to start hiking back in. We hiked around to a nearby campsite-very near first nights spot. We started a huge charades tournament that everyone got real in to. It was an n eventful evening of games, good times had by all. We rose with the sun to hike to a campsite close to the trailhead. Our group was anxious to get out of backcountry but moral was still rising. Everyone began to enjoy each other's company and take advantage of the outdoors. We had an afternoon thunderstorm add to the excitement of our final day in the backcountry. The next morning started with a quick breakfast and a hike to trailhead! Now we are in Telluride and just had great burger lunch at Smugglers. The group is very happy after big lunch and warm showers!
Group Update
Winston is very eager to help in the kitchen. She is very inquisitive about backcountry knowledge and has a quiet leadership style.
Dan and Sean were extremely enthusiastic about hiking, the first 2 of the group to reach the summit with the same step at the same time; it has been a special time for the cousins. They both share the same passion for the backcountry and the outdoors.
Izzy volunteers to take the others weight during long backcountry days. She has an extremely positive attitude and always has a smile on her face. Izzy is always helpful and the first of the group to master several different knots.
Will is a strong leader, has come to love our backcountry cuisine. He claims that every meal has been his favorite including the deserts. He is generous and respectful and his previous Moondance experience makes him and asset to the group.
Eben - Our Montana boy had a triumphant summit day with the help of the group. He even pushed himself a bit further to the 2nd summit where we all had and incredible view. Eben also has a love for animals and enjoys enlightening the group with his knowledge.
Mary is by far, one of the most enthusiastic of the group. She puts in 110 percent during all activities and games and is extremely curious about the wilderness and the outdoors. She has developed an interest in life in the outdoors. So far the summit has been our greatest achievement and Mary felt the toughness of the hike make the surroundings indescribable.
Mike - Our Chicago city boy is full of energy and life. He is a strong leader and is respected by each member of this diverse group. A first time hiker, he has gained an appreciation for the beauty of the San Juans. Mike is the comedian of the group who always makes everyone laugh.
Rob is a quiet leader who is highly respected by his peers. He is sensitive to the group's feelings and always eager to lend a hand. Rob has really broken out of his shell and seems to be truly enjoying himself.
Jake overcame the difficulties of summiting the peak and enjoyed the view from the top. He pushed himself to the very end. Jake is very fond of hot chocolate after dinner and our backcountry deserts.
Cameron - a true backcountry superstar! She is positive, energetic, upbeat, and eager to learn and very hands on. She overcame first day blisters and says she has a hard time taking a nap when others are having fun because she doesn't want to miss anything. She defines taking advantage of every single Moondance moment!
Update 7/17/03
The group made it to Faraway Ranch safely after an awesome lunch and a chance to shower in Telluride. At night they laughed together and remembered all the fun times and adventures of the backcountry. Taylor made his famous pasta casserole and the group relaxed to a game of ultimate Frisbee.
They woke early the next morning to participate in the high ropes course at Faraway Ranch. In the morning session the group played games and participated in group challenges. Mike and Cameron were active leaders as they proposed new ideas for the group to consider in order to finish the challenges. In the afternoon the group participated in the tower and the swing. Mary really enjoyed the big swing, and watch out Mom, now she wants to sky dive!! Jake really enjoyed the tower especially when he reached the top and saw incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
That night for dinner Will, Eben, and Winston cooked pineapple stir-fry that was a favorite among the group. Will and Winston also made the chocolate chip cookie desert that made the tummies extra full. The group called it a night early in order to be rested for the rock climbing section scheduled for the next day.
The rock climbing was very challenging for the group but several people stepped up to the plate and took advantage of everything this trip has to offer. Sean and Dan completed all 3 difficult climbs some of which right beside each other! Mary did not give up and gave it her best on the second climb. Cameron loved being faced with the challenged and it definitely sparked an interest as something she would like to pursue back home. Rob was leader of the day and once he completed his climbs he cheered on the remaining members of his team. Izzy seemed to be challenged as well and she seemed extra enthusiastic that most of the group were able to reach their goals for this section.
The group really seems to be bonding and friendships are becoming very strong within all the members. Everyone is excited about the rafting section but at the same time very sad that the trip is slowly coming to an end.
Back to 2003 Logs
Back to Trip Logs
|
|
