| Pacific Northwest Exposure log (2004-06-20 -> 2004-07-10)
Leaders: Richard "Janis" Henry, Sarah Brooks Smith
Students: Kat Barnes, Mary Rachel Dorsett, Nick Evans, Coulson Gray, Jason Hogan, Hadley Irvine, Jacob Olson, Jack Partlow, Adam Zeif
These students are in for a treat as the very enthusiastic and entertaining team of Richard Henry and Sarah Brooks Smith prepare for an incredible three weeks.
We have just finished an incredible sea-kayaking adventure in the beautiful San Juan Islands. The group showed incredible teamwork over these last four days, both in their paddling and with their great “EB” (Expedition Behavior). Marine life was plentiful on our expedition, including several curious seals that followed our kayak pod and would poke their heads out of the water as if to encourage us along those long stretches of solid paddling. We were also fortunate enough to see otters, starfish, and several different anemones. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable about the sea life and the environment where we paddled. And when the going got tough keeping up with the pace of our group, the guides were always there to give us a helpful tip on technique and efficiency.
Everyone did an amazing job and shined on different aspects of our trip. Jason loved learning about the marine life but is still hoping to find some sort of reptile! Adam showed who was boss on the water as he paddled just as good as our guides. We all are thankful for Coulson and Nick’s sense of humor; they keep us cracking up in the toughest situations. Jack and Mary Rachel always show their leadership by keeping things calm and in perspective. Their laid back attitudes are perfect in stressful situations. Jacob and Hadley are excited for backpacking. Hadley has announced that she is ready and willing to help in the backcountry and wants to step it up and take a greater responsibility. And nothing would be as fun as it has been without Kat’s spontaneous outbursts and constant upbeat attitude. Off to Backpacking as we continue this awesome Moondance Adventure!
Trip Update 7-3-04
The PNW II Cicles, as they have become known on the trail, just completed a 35 mile hike along beautiful Ross Lake in the North Cascades. The group pulled together early with 2 strenuous days to start the route. Coulson and Jason scouted every inch of Ross Lake as we looked for our hidden night 1 campground. Day 2 was even more of a challenge, but spirits stayed high as the trail meandered around Ross Lake. Adam kept the group going with humor to keep the look hike comical. After some of Jacob’s excellent scouting, we found Lodge pole camp, which turned out to be an oasis. The group was rewarded on day 3 with a day without backpacks. Jason, Jack, Coulson, Jacob and Kat joined Richard for a successful summit of Desolation Peak! It consisted of going over 4000 feet and 14 miles total. Hadley, Nick, Adam and Mary Rachel enjoyed a relaxing day back at camp with Sarah Brooks and took a plunge in Ross Lake. The group packed out and headed to Nightmare Camp on day 4, seeing numerous mule deer along the way. On day 5 we reached the most spectacular spot of all, Hozomeen Lake. The group cooled off in the lake beneath a breathtaking view of Hozomeen Lake. We had the lake all to ourselves, and it was so nice to spend an extra day of rest and relaxation here. After a fairly short hike out to Ross Lake, we caught the ferry just 3 miles south of the Canadian border. Along the way, we were all in awe as we saw how far we had backpacked. After a refreshing shower, we hit the road for Smith Rock were we are all psyched to go climbing. It has been amazing so far. Will check back in after our climbing section.
Trip Update 7-8-04
We just finished a challenging, yet rewarding section of rock climbing in the near-desert region in Oregon. Climbing on sandstone and basalt gave everyone the chance to challenge themselves at all levels. The first day we learned the basics of climbing and then tested our skills on some shorter routes. The day's success was celebrated with a nice delicious round of tacos for dinner cooked up by Coulson, Jason, and Nick. The next day we headed to a different face of the rock with some more challenging routes. Adam, Jason, and Katherine showed their skills on the 90 foot route set up immediately. Nick and Jacob pushed their fear of heights to the limits and mastered the repelling section set up. Hadley and Mary Rachel found some of their own routes with our guide John which they dominated. Jack showed extreme determination to conquer the toughest route of the day, and succeeded. The group all had a great sense of accomplishment, so as the desert sun beat down on us; we figured we might as well splurge for some homemade ice-cream. Needless to say the group was very content. On day 3, we went to do the infamous monkey's face, which consists of a traverse over a 170 foot cliff. The view was excellent and the rush was indescribable. Whoever was not climbing was sure to be cheering on the rest of the group.
Once again we had to splurge for ice cream before we packed up and hit the road for the Deschutes River. The group is doing great and everyone is looking forward to an excellent rafting trip, as we enjoy the pride of the rocks we conquered. The group is totally refreshed and rested after a nice cruise down the Deschutes River. We flowed down the river in some of the most diverse landscape we have seen yet. The river meandered through a high altitude desert canyon. Along the way we saw some great blue herons, river otters, ducks, geese, and osprey. The cruise was very relaxed, with a rapid looming always to keep us waiting and prepared. The rapids were exciting, and everyone got a good chill from the splashes. We dined on bagels with salmon, cream cheese, and peppers for lunch, and then had a cous cous meal with chicken and zucchini red sauce. The excellent meals didn't stop as we dined on french toast and sausage in the morning. The next day consisted of some heat that got us eager to get in the cold water. Naturally quite a few water wars between ships occurred. Coulson and Jack were absolutely dominated by Richard's overpowering muscles and cunning. The ladies also held their own in the battle. We are safely back to Maupin where we will stay for the night and head to Seattle area for a nice banquet dinner before we depart.
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