| Moondance Leadership log (2006-06-20 -> 2006-07-10)
Leaders: Kristine Oelberger and Buck Buckwalter
Students: Jackson Floyd, Martin Huff, Chase Dickerson, Hayes Mott, Morgan Massey, David Fogg, Kristin Eugenio, Caroline Germany
June 20, 2006
All have arrived and are making preparations for Backpacking the Olympic Coast tomorrow. Stay tuned!
I am so psyched about our kids was repeated multiple times by the Moondance leaders as the kids filtered into Sea Tac airport one by one. Group dynamics were amazingly high considering the fact that these young boys and girls had just met each other. Once we reached our front country campsite the eager crew pitched in and helped each other get organized for the first backpacking trip.
The group began as a journey on the coast of the Olympic national park at the oil city trailhead. The spirits were height and the group set a solid pace right off the bat. One quick mile in the dense forest opened up to an amazing ocean view. You could just sense the excitement of the group. Martin and Morgan did a fantastic job of making the group laugh while Hayes and Caroline continued to set a fierce pace. Once we reached our first campsite Martin and Morgan prepared "chicken stir fry with attitude" as Martin would say. With bellies full and a long day ahead of us it was time for moon up and a solid nights rest.
The LOD's of the day, Martin and Hayes did a fine job of getting the group up and going in the morning. The group had oatmeal and toasted bagels prepared by David and Kristen. Once the kitchen was cleaned up and the tents were packed the LOD's led a game of birdie on a perch. Chase and Hayes came out victorious.
Half the days hike was spent on the beach while the other half was spent in land. We reached Mosquito creek right at lunch time and feasted on summer sausage, cheese, hummus and tortillas. Once lunch settled it was time for a five v. five game of ultimate frisbee. David, Jackson and Caroline were named the MVP's of the match. There is nothing better than working up a good sweat and jumping in the Pacific Ocean for a Polar Plunge. Once camp was set, Morgan and Chase cooked up a scrumptious meal. When the group was asked the highlight of the day, it was a resounding “the whole day".
The next days hike took us from Mosquito Creek to Toleak Point. Along the way the group saw multiple bald eagles, playful seals, and the occasional tide pool. Caroline and chase did a great job of navigating the trails and reading the tide charts. We also had a chance to catch up with Moondance Leadership I, which gave David a chance to say hello to his friend Kyle and Martin was able to see his cousin John. Our destination offered the perfect spot to watch a spectacular sunset. During the moonup, Jackson was recognized for his willingness to always help others out. His expedition behavior is top notch.
David and Caroline took the lead on day five and did a superb job of communicating with the group and getting us to third beach ahead of schedule so we could enjoy a little R and R on the beach. Once everyone got a little sun and surf, we began to make our way back to the front country site. The coast treated our group very well and we are all sure to miss it.
Our next backpack will start at Deer Park on the 26th and we will be in the backcountry for five days. We look forward to entering the temperate forest of the Olympic Mountains.
July 1, 2006 update
Beginning at Deer Park the leadership group once again strapped on our packs with a load that felt more familiar this time around. There was almost a sense of homecoming as we left the van behind and hit the trail again. Chase and Hayes were the leaders of the day and led up down through steep switchbacks to our campsite at Three Forks. After setting up camp we all relaxed in the afternoon sunlight filtered by the towering trees. The roar of the rivers that surrounded our campsite calmed some to sleep, while others read or painted. Our second day, we slept in for a bit before returning to the trail. We encountered a broken bridge which Caroline braved first, giving the rest of us the courage to cross precariously but safely to the other side. Over lunch, Martin gave us an informative lesson on using the map and compass, sharing his knowledge of an important skill to have in the backcountry. Knowing exactly where we were, and where we were headed, we continued on what seemed like a never ending hike. There was great rejoice when we reached the Falls shelter. Everyone braved the frigid river water to soothe their tired feet, before warming up with a hearty meal of chili and mashed potatoes. Camping at Falls shelter for two nights enabled up to venture on a day hike to Cedar Lake. Our hike brought us out of the heat to fields of snow and a pristine alpine lake. A competitive snowball fight broke out and there's no telling who came out ahead. Chase was in stealth mode, while Jackson mastered the "ice ball" and Morgan claimed to have dominated the game. We all enjoyed glissading our way back to solid ground and a dry pair of socks. We spent the remainder of the afternoon at the campsite where Morgan and Caroline whipped up a mean batch of cornmeal pancakes to tide us over until dinner. An intense game of frisbee sent David bounding into the river and left everyone tuckered out for a good night's rest.
The following morning Kristin and Jackson motivated everyone to pack up camp and leave the site spotless. The group is quickly becoming a well-oiled machine and great practice of Leave No Trace principles. Following some scrumptious cinnamon buns, our leaders of the day set a speedy pace down the trail. Back at Three Forks again we encountered some trail maintenance workers. Having just hiked over and under numerous fallen trees we knew they had their work cut out for them and gained a new appreciation for the hard work that allows us to enjoy these pristine areas.
Prepared for a long hike back up the switchbacks, Jackson woke up early on our last morning to make pancakes for the group. We, the leaders, hung behind the group as David and Caroline led everyone up the trail. Caroline was the motivator, with encouraging words and a positive attitude, while David set a good pace and got the whole group back to the van in a mere four hours. On the way back to Sequim we enjoyed a well deserved and cleansing dip in Cedar Lake. We are amazed as our group continues to improve and take strides in the leadership direction. Only good things lie ahead, with rock climbing at Smith Rock and our ultimate challenge, Mt. Rainier. Thinking of you all we will check in again after our climbing adventures.
(Kristine and Buck)
July 7, 2006 – 10:43am Eastern
Summit Update
Under and above clear skies and beautiful conditions: Moondance Leadership made the summit of Mt. Rainier. Their descent back to mother earth is currently underway. Stay tuned for updates!
GO MOONDANCE LEADERSHIP!
July 8
Hello from Ashford! This small town has provided great adventures for those of us on Moondance Leadership. We arrived here a bit tired and stiff from our drive, but as glimpses of Mt. Rainier were spotted through the trees and poking out of the clouds, our spirits were awakened. First thing first, we were issued our mountaineering boots, ice axes, and crampons, making us feel truly hardcore. The following day we met our teachers for snow school, Phursumba Sherpa and Tino, who taught us how to travel on a rope team, pressure breathing, pressure steps, and self arresting. "Uncle Sherpa" had some wise advice to offer, sharing with us that "tough climbs make tougher people, but no summit is worth risking your health and safety." We worked hard and played hard up on the snow fields during school and went to bed tired, excited, and a bit nervous for the big climb ahead.
Day 2 we met our guides early in the morning and began our hike up to Camp Muir, the weather was a bit overcast, but provided a nice cool temperature for a comfortable climb. Upon reaching Camp Muir we shed our packs, received our "summit talk" from our head guide, ate some dinner, and hit our sleeping bags by 6:00 p.m. We got a few sporadic hours of sleep before we were awakened at 12:00 a.m. by reports of clear skies and no wind- perfect climbing weather! Getting into our rope teams and leaving camp Muir we looked out over the sea of clouds, starry skies, and trails of head-lamps slowly weaving their way up the mountain ahead of us. The climb was certainly challenging, we ascended over 4,000 vertical ft. in just 2.5 miles. Typical of our group though, everyone kept a positive attitude and pushed on as the sun rose up over the horizon, many of us reaching the crater on top around 8:00 a.m. Back down in Ashford we are now well rested and preparing to go our separate ways. Although some reported "I have sore muscles that I didn't even know I had!" we also heard others share that "This is the most amazing thing I have accomplished in my entire life!" Sad to leave each other, but looking forward to seeing friends and family we thank you all for making it possible for us to be here.
July 11 - Final Update
Driving away from Sea-Tac airport in the "white stallion" Buck and I wondered if it was the 5:00 a.m. wake up call that had us feeling a little empty, but then we realized that it was actually the lack of chatter from the back of the van and the fact that when looking in the rear view mirror we no longer saw Mo's smiling face, or David and Chase dancing to "I'm Bossy."
Reflecting on the trip we came to the conclusion that it was not the summit of Rainier that was the highlight of our trip, it was every moment that we spent together and the lessons that we took away from each individual. In the final moments on the mountain we were alone with our thoughts separated from each other by 10+ feet of rope. In those moments we knew that the other 9 people that we had spent the past three weeks with were going through the same thing, step after step, one foot in front of the other. We shared blindfolded encounters with raccoons, grueling climbs with David and Hayes pushing everyone on, close encounters on "poo rock," evening sing-alongs with Jackson on guitar, stories from Martin and Martina, and Caroline's laughter throughout it all. . . "for reals??" These are the memories that we will all hold onto and as we go about our everyday lives, separated by miles rather than links of rope. But in the words of Peter Breeze, "Nobody is ever alone unless they force that upon themselves. There are too many hands always reaching out."
So I will sign off with a few things that I learned from each one of you, and hope that this email will get the ball rolling for more group emails to follow. I know Buck and I will be in touch as soon as we return from our next adventures. Thank you all for sharing so much of yourselves and giving 110% to everything that we did.
I learned to be inquisitive, to always ask questions, and not take anything for granted. I learned that you do not need to speak often if you choose your words carefully when you do. I learned to smile more and laugh at myself. I learned to not get too attached to material items, and to not have any regrets. I learned to stay true to myself, and that it is okay to be strict about the things that you truly believe in. I learned that a little bit of manners will get you a long way. I learned to cherish family and close friends and every moment that we have together. I learned that no summit in the world is worth risking your life or good health for. I learned that it is scary sometimes to be yourself, but by putting yourself out there you are open to getting a lot in return.
And finally, from Uncle Sherpa, "Tough climbs don't last, tough people do." (I think I messed that one up last time)
'til next time
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