| Blue Ridge Expedition Log (2007-06-19 -> 2007-07-02)
Leaders: Walker Cobb, Katie Tennille, Lucy Paige Chesnutt
Students: Zack Roberts, Harrison Lance, Austin DeButts, Tim Errera, Britt Henderson, Matthew Slutzker, Thomas Obermeyer, Basil Wangemann, Henry Emack, Ashby Crumpler, Meghan Ryan
June 19
All have arrived safely. Preperations are underway for Rock Climbing on Looking Glass
June 21
Today, the BRE Crew finished the first section of our trip; the rock climbing section. The group set up camp at the base of Looking Glass rock and began a two day climbing expedition.
On the first day of climbing the group was lead by the first two leaders of the day Tim and Ashby. They lead the group to our first climbing sight on the nose of Looking Glass rock. The wind was ripping around the rock, making it difficult to climb. However, Zack (who has acquired the nickname "Spiderman") had no problems finding strong hand holds and scrambling up the rock face.
After a long day of climbing the group ventured to the popular swimming hole in Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock. The water was cold, but sprits were high. Basil and Thomas could not get enough of attempting different tricks while sliding down the rock before plunging in to the freezing pool at the bottom. I do believe that Harrison went down a rather ruff section of the rock and his bum paid the price. The time flew and we had to go to get a good meal and a good nights sleep to get us ready for the next day of climbing.
For the second day of climbing we climbed on the south face of Looking Glass rock; which is covered in more technical rotes. Matt and Austin really excelled on the second day of climbing. There was not a route that Austin would not try; and I was astonished to see Matt make his way up Blood Stained Crack. Henry became quite a scrambler and was fearless at every section of the rock. Later in the day our climbing guides set up a repelling line that everyone was excited to try. I was glade to see that Meghan and Britt were both pushed out of their comfort zones and were still able to complete the task beautifully.
We are getting ready to hit the trail for our first part of the backpacking section. Keep checking the Moondance web page for future updates.
The BRE Crew
June 27
It’s been an exciting week here on the Blue Ride Expedition, filled with waterfalls and summits. We started our backpacking section at the Brevard fish hatchery and hiked around John Rock. Britt and Austin were on top of the maps and did not lead us astray once. On one of the water breaks Thomas convinced everyone to dunk their heads in the cold mountain stream, which was very refreshing. Tim had a little bit of a problem his pack on the fist day; however, by the end of the backpacking section he was a master packer. On the second night we were hit by two storms which drove us into our tents for most of the night. Matt was determined to sleep outside after the first storm; however, Basil wisely convinced him to sleep in the tent. I know he was happy about that when the second storm hit in the middle of the night.
After the rain filled night the group left the tents up to dry and headed to the top of John Rock. We were able to see over to Looking Glass rock, were we had completed the rock climbing section of the trip.
The third night we were back at the van, so we decided to celebrate with a cookout. Ashby got a little crazy after her second smore and lead the group in a late evening swim at the base of Looking Glass Falls. Meghan held back at the waterfall but really let loose at the dance party that followed. Henry also decided that jumping in the freezing water was not a great idea but ripped up the dance floor to celebrate the group’s victory over the first section.
The next morning we headed to Mt. Mitchell to attempt to summit the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The first day we backpacked in, the great mountain was hit by an unexpected lightning storm. Due to the elevation and the length of the storm we decided to head back to the van and try again the next day. On our second attempt Harrison entertained everyone with his trail games and kept everyone positive when the rain hit again. Zack had a great splashing through the pools of water that gathered in the trail. The group made it safely to the top despite the changes the mountain through at them.
June 29
After a long period in the backcountry and a long day of cleaning the group headed to the Ocoee for a day of white water fun! We split up into three groups and headed down the river for some gnarly class three and four rapids.
Shout outs:
"hey everybody! I'm a little bit sad right now since I don't get to see Adam. but it's still fun hangin' around here. I'm really missing showers right now, plus itunes I guess. I will see you all soon. love matt"
"Hi. I'm having a good time at camp." Harrison
"Hey mom, dad, and Jake. Just want to say I'm having a great time and I love you." Zack
"Sup mom, dad, katie, and Ben. I'm bald." Tim
"Hello mother and father and sisters...and the dog. I love you very much."
Britt "p.s. the days are long."
"hey mom, dad, hunter, lindsey, barley, jackson, and wiskers too. Hope all is well. Be expecting post cards." duButts
"Hi. see ya soon." Ashby
"Mommy and Daddy I love you. I hate bugs." Meghan
"Mama und Gerhard, es macht mia wiel spass is aber auch stnig. Zch senmiss euch Such schone grussean die ema." Basil
"Hi, ham die Schuessel vergessen, ansonsten ist alles da. Die zeit hier ist cool. Hoffe stefen hat spass bein schach." Thomas
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