Well so far (knock wood) day four is looking to be pretty quiet. Here at home base we're starting to prepare for students to return tomorrow. That means getting bus keys, printing directions to trail heads and moving gear around to make room in the equipment room.
I've heard from two groups today. Remember how Lincoln Woods was working with the student who had a bruised foot? The student is doing fine, decreased pain and swelling rules out a break but he is still sore. So the group has opted to stay another night at Kinsman Pond and do some day hiking today. Tomorrow, rather than crossing Kinsman Ridge, they will descend to the valley by their ascent route.
Gilman's Corner also checked in. They found a good solution to a tricky problem. Part of their group was motivated to keep hiking, while another part of the group was feeling pretty sore and tired. Since this group has a three person instructor team they could very easily divide the group and take two day hikes today. The more challenging south peak of Moosilauke and the less difficult but quite lovely Blueberry Mountain.
All around good safe choices that balance learning, challenge, group ability and trail conditions.
One last night in the mountains and then we are home tomorrow!
2 comments:
Tried to follow the travels/travails of Reel Brook...but, didn't seem to have much information/pictures of the group. Any way to get a route/agenda to see where they were? How were the groups chosen? And how were they chosen for a particular itinerary?
Thanks--
Hi Mark - great questions!
Here we go:
Reel Brook
This group didn't report in because everything was going so well, but the group started on the western side of the Franconia range and joined the Appalachian Trail via the Reel Brook Trail on day 1. Then they hiked north on the AT past Kinsman Pond, Lonesome Lake and (crossing US93) up to the Franconia Ridge. They ended their hike turning away from the AT and heading south into the Pemigewasset Wilderness for the last day and pick up.
Groups
Students could select three students they wanted to be in a group with, and also if they preferred a more challenging route. Then I made the groups taking this into account. Everyone go at least one person in their group from their list. Also I tried to balance personalities as I knew them to hope for a successful crew. If most or all of a group selected a harder route then I gave one to them.
If they didn't select a harder route then the instructors had some input as well (as they know many of the students) and we tried to match general ability to be a good challenge.
For folks who couldn't do the backpacking trip due to injury we have a canoe trip.
I hope that answers your questions! Leave a comment if I can fill in more of the blanks.
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