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| Who knew rock could be so comfy! |
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| Fearless leaders! |
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| Group picture on top of Mt. Kinsman |
Showing posts with label Day 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Day 2. Show all posts
5/24/11
Reel Brook Day 2 Pictures
Clay just sent me some pictures of Lincoln Woods yesterday!
Photos by: Clay Dingman for Barkingcat Productions Communications Design
5/23/11
Pemi-Baker & Reel Brook Checking In
I heard from two other groups today and haven't had time to mention it until now so here goes.
The Pemi-Baker group had a big first day of paddling after canoe training yesterday. Right out of the campground however the river was too low and rocky to paddle so rather than portage they lined their canoes downstream until the water was deep enough to get in the boats. Apparently this took longer than expected and also required some concerted teamwork to move the boats around (and in some cases over) the obstacles in their path. Finally they hit open water however and were able to paddle a solid 10 miles down to their camp. As I was driving by the river on my way to visit the Beaver Brook group I spied their boats pulled up on shore.
Everyone in their group was fit and doing well with no capsizes!
From the Reel Brook route I have only a brief update from Clay a fantastic friend of the school and photographer who has volunteered the last few years to hike into the field and take photos of our students.
He writes:
Thanks for that update, Clay - and send us the pictures when you get them!
The Pemi-Baker group had a big first day of paddling after canoe training yesterday. Right out of the campground however the river was too low and rocky to paddle so rather than portage they lined their canoes downstream until the water was deep enough to get in the boats. Apparently this took longer than expected and also required some concerted teamwork to move the boats around (and in some cases over) the obstacles in their path. Finally they hit open water however and were able to paddle a solid 10 miles down to their camp. As I was driving by the river on my way to visit the Beaver Brook group I spied their boats pulled up on shore.
Everyone in their group was fit and doing well with no capsizes!
From the Reel Brook route I have only a brief update from Clay a fantastic friend of the school and photographer who has volunteered the last few years to hike into the field and take photos of our students.
He writes:
"I'm back from Kinsman Ridge and your group is doing fine. Conditions up top were pretty cloud socked."
Thanks for that update, Clay - and send us the pictures when you get them!
Ups and Downs
Then the descended the Glencliff Trail which was surprisingly icy at the end of May! Their camp site has a big shelter and fire ring where they cooked pepperoni pizzas and s'mores. Rachel was the chief fire maker and was doing a very nice job keeping the fire going with some backup from Steve.
Caroline discovered a slight malfunction with one of her boots! Luckily I had heard about this in advance and I brought in some heavy duty epoxy, glue and duct tape. Hopefully that will help.
Unfortunately the biggest low came when I had to bring two students out of the field from their group. Two boys were struggling with health related issues that were not very serious at the moment but had the potential to become more serious if left unresolved. In that kind of case I tend to be more conservative. They are both recovering with their families.
It was great to see this group and I was very pleased to see how they were doing with all the ups and downs that the trail was sending their way.
Let's save that for the morning...
Just got a good call from Mr. Brummer with the Gordon Pond group. They had a muddy slog yesterday up the Gordon Pond Trail which they report was not well maintained with all the rain we've been getting.
They are making a great call tonight based on weather, tiredness levels & their planned route and won't be advancing to their planned camp site. Many students struggle with 'not staying on schedule,' but experienced instructors know that there is no such thing as a schedule in the woods!
Mr. Brummer and his instructor team assessed the miles the group has come and the relatively short by very steep section of trail ahead of them. Why face a mile and a half of very steep terrain now at three in the afternoon to a high camp site that will make for a chilly night? Wouldn't it be better to camp early, climb into sleeping bags, eat a huge dinner and face the steep climb in the morning fresh and ready for the challenge? No question!
Although I don't have any pictures of the Gordon Pond group at the moment here is a picture from Mr. Brummer's group in 2009 at a shelter very much like the one they will now be heading for tomorrow.
They are making a great call tonight based on weather, tiredness levels & their planned route and won't be advancing to their planned camp site. Many students struggle with 'not staying on schedule,' but experienced instructors know that there is no such thing as a schedule in the woods!
Mr. Brummer and his instructor team assessed the miles the group has come and the relatively short by very steep section of trail ahead of them. Why face a mile and a half of very steep terrain now at three in the afternoon to a high camp site that will make for a chilly night? Wouldn't it be better to camp early, climb into sleeping bags, eat a huge dinner and face the steep climb in the morning fresh and ready for the challenge? No question!
Although I don't have any pictures of the Gordon Pond group at the moment here is a picture from Mr. Brummer's group in 2009 at a shelter very much like the one they will now be heading for tomorrow.
Quote from a parent
I just got an email from a parent who writes:
Here is a quote for the students:
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do." - Ambrose Bierce
This resonates for me because I observe so much nervousness running up to the trip - once students hit the trail they thrive!
Here is a quote for the students:
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do." - Ambrose Bierce
This resonates for me because I observe so much nervousness running up to the trip - once students hit the trail they thrive!
How do I follow along?
Many parents and students are asking me, "How are they doing up there?" The truth is that no news is good news. In other words I will always hear from a group if something is not going well but if everything is going along as normal then I might not hear from them until we pick them up!
But there are many ways to get information about the trip and this blog is one of them. Keep checking back here for updates, pictures and weather reports.
If you are into Twitter you can also follow me for the most up to date info. For example if I am hiking in the field then I will tweet a message as soon as I reach the trailhead but I won't be able to post to the blog until I'm back on campus. If you don't do Twitter, no worries - I've collected my tweets (and those of other folks talking about the trip) in the right hand sidebar.
Another great way to stay connected is through past posts and comments. Just scroll down to hear more about past years.
One thing might be a little confusing - I always refer to the groups by their group name. We choose the group name based on the trailhead the group starts at or a major feature of their route. For example the Lincoln Woods group starts at the ranger station of the same name whereas the Pemi-Baker group is named for the two major river systems they will be paddling down.
How do you figure out what group your child is in? Go back to this post to see the group list and name, then you'll be able to follow along with your child's group... and with all the others!
As always if you have any questions just click on the 'comments' link at the end of this post.
But there are many ways to get information about the trip and this blog is one of them. Keep checking back here for updates, pictures and weather reports.
If you are into Twitter you can also follow me for the most up to date info. For example if I am hiking in the field then I will tweet a message as soon as I reach the trailhead but I won't be able to post to the blog until I'm back on campus. If you don't do Twitter, no worries - I've collected my tweets (and those of other folks talking about the trip) in the right hand sidebar.
Another great way to stay connected is through past posts and comments. Just scroll down to hear more about past years.
One thing might be a little confusing - I always refer to the groups by their group name. We choose the group name based on the trailhead the group starts at or a major feature of their route. For example the Lincoln Woods group starts at the ranger station of the same name whereas the Pemi-Baker group is named for the two major river systems they will be paddling down.
How do you figure out what group your child is in? Go back to this post to see the group list and name, then you'll be able to follow along with your child's group... and with all the others!
As always if you have any questions just click on the 'comments' link at the end of this post.
Visited Bondcliff This Morning
We met up with Mr. Freeman and Owen about two miles from the trailhead and then I dropped off Maggie and the three of them continued on to camp and breakfast. Weather in the notch was cloudy but not rainy and the AMC weather report calls for summits in and out of the clouds and a chance of rain.
Mr. Freeman reported that all was well with the group - they had enjoyed a spicy Thai noodle dish last night for dinner called Gado Gado and were all in bed early. Apparently they experienced some rain after midnight but by then of course everyone was long since buttoned up in their tents for the night.
Like many groups Bondcliff has a conservative plan for the day. If weather holds they plan on crossing the Bonds - a lovely hike - to a shelter called Guyot Campsite. If all goes well the group will enjoy a rest day tomorrow at Guyot with a light day hike to a lookout. If the group can't make this section today then they can sit tight, eat and try again tomorrow.
On a side note if you see Mr. Freeman's water bottle apparently it's somewhere up the Lincoln Woods Trail... he lost it some time yesterday or today! Lucky I had a spare with me and could lend it to him for the week :)
5/21/07
Day 2 Winds Down
Around 8pm I start to get a little more relaxed than I've been all day. Today I've been really jumpy around phone calls as I expect every ring to be from the field. By around now however I know that the groups are settling into their camps and are safe and sound.
I'm pleased to report that I didn't get any calls from the field today! That's great news. That means all the groups are on track, doing well and having fun. Right around now (8pm-ish) they are all likely settling into camp and finishing up dinner. Last year I wrote that no news is good news - and that's especially true this year with the amazing weather we've been having!
Although I haven't heard from any of the groups, I know just about what they did today. Here's a little run down.
Gilman's Corner: Traveled a long and rolling section of the AT, lots of deep woods hiking and beautifully isolated country. They should be bedding down tonight near a lovely pond.
Gordon Pond: Had probably their toughest day of the trip, they hiked a section of the Kinsman Ridge then dropped down into the notch and hiked up the infamous Beaver Brook trail to a big reward - a lean-to shelter with an amazing view!
Kinsman Notch: What a day for a crossing a summit! This group crossed the summit of Moosilauke, a lovely bare rock peak, likely on some snow. I'll bet it was windy and cold up there, but they had an amazing 360 degree view. Actually if they knew where to look they could have seen Burleigh Mountain from there. The wind was howling on Mt. Washington today, but Moosilake is more than 1000 feet lower so it wasn't quite that windy.
Lincoln Woods: Big day for this group as well as they traversed a section of the Franconia Ridge including the dramatic Mt. Flume. Flume is a very distinctive pointy peak very visible from Burleigh Mountain. Although the trail is quite wide and safe it traverses a thrilling and steep ridge. This group is bedded down at one of the highest camps on the expedition at Liberty Spring.
Mayhew: After getting started this morning the Chipmunk Skewers climbed the Alpine Tower on Burleigh Mountain before heading out by boat to Mayhew Island. Although the rumor was circulating that they would have to construct a raft out of timbers to float to the island they actually traveled by pontoon boat.
Reel Brook: This crew is bedding down at one of my all time favorite campsites in the White Mountains. Kinsman Pond is a lovely campsite nestled at a beautiful little mountain lake and across from the formidable Kinsman Mountain which they climbed over today.
I'm pleased to report that I didn't get any calls from the field today! That's great news. That means all the groups are on track, doing well and having fun. Right around now (8pm-ish) they are all likely settling into camp and finishing up dinner. Last year I wrote that no news is good news - and that's especially true this year with the amazing weather we've been having!
Although I haven't heard from any of the groups, I know just about what they did today. Here's a little run down.
Gilman's Corner: Traveled a long and rolling section of the AT, lots of deep woods hiking and beautifully isolated country. They should be bedding down tonight near a lovely pond.
Gordon Pond: Had probably their toughest day of the trip, they hiked a section of the Kinsman Ridge then dropped down into the notch and hiked up the infamous Beaver Brook trail to a big reward - a lean-to shelter with an amazing view!
Kinsman Notch: What a day for a crossing a summit! This group crossed the summit of Moosilauke, a lovely bare rock peak, likely on some snow. I'll bet it was windy and cold up there, but they had an amazing 360 degree view. Actually if they knew where to look they could have seen Burleigh Mountain from there. The wind was howling on Mt. Washington today, but Moosilake is more than 1000 feet lower so it wasn't quite that windy.
Lincoln Woods: Big day for this group as well as they traversed a section of the Franconia Ridge including the dramatic Mt. Flume. Flume is a very distinctive pointy peak very visible from Burleigh Mountain. Although the trail is quite wide and safe it traverses a thrilling and steep ridge. This group is bedded down at one of the highest camps on the expedition at Liberty Spring.
Mayhew: After getting started this morning the Chipmunk Skewers climbed the Alpine Tower on Burleigh Mountain before heading out by boat to Mayhew Island. Although the rumor was circulating that they would have to construct a raft out of timbers to float to the island they actually traveled by pontoon boat.
Reel Brook: This crew is bedding down at one of my all time favorite campsites in the White Mountains. Kinsman Pond is a lovely campsite nestled at a beautiful little mountain lake and across from the formidable Kinsman Mountain which they climbed over today.
Trail Magic
Wikipedia describes Trail Magic as,
" . . . . assistance from strangers through kind actions, gifts, and other forms of encouragement. Trail magic is sometimes done anonymously. For example, a person may leave water, food, or other provisions for hikers to find later."
Although Trail Magic has been going on for years on the Appalachian Tral it's been a relatively new development on the SophX in the last few years.
This year I suspect we'll have a few cases of it again - and I thoroughly support it as long as it doesn't take away from the remote, rugged and self reliant feel of the expedition.
Actually I heard this story from one parent who almost caused a stir in the trip for her daughter just yesterday.
"My son and I went up to the trailhead on Sunday around 1:30 as he was interested in seeing the route my daughter would be taking. I had thought they were already on the trail, however, I was wrong. As we looked eagerly up the mountain to catch a glimpse of rain gear, the bus pulled in with the children. We left, but it was a close call as I am sure she would have wanted to come home with the amount of rain that was coming down at that point."
Phew - glad we avoided that one! The great news is the rain stopped shortly afterwards and currently we have amazing weather both on campus and in the mountains.
" . . . . assistance from strangers through kind actions, gifts, and other forms of encouragement. Trail magic is sometimes done anonymously. For example, a person may leave water, food, or other provisions for hikers to find later."
Although Trail Magic has been going on for years on the Appalachian Tral it's been a relatively new development on the SophX in the last few years.
This year I suspect we'll have a few cases of it again - and I thoroughly support it as long as it doesn't take away from the remote, rugged and self reliant feel of the expedition.
Actually I heard this story from one parent who almost caused a stir in the trip for her daughter just yesterday.
"My son and I went up to the trailhead on Sunday around 1:30 as he was interested in seeing the route my daughter would be taking. I had thought they were already on the trail, however, I was wrong. As we looked eagerly up the mountain to catch a glimpse of rain gear, the bus pulled in with the children. We left, but it was a close call as I am sure she would have wanted to come home with the amount of rain that was coming down at that point."
Phew - glad we avoided that one! The great news is the rain stopped shortly afterwards and currently we have amazing weather both on campus and in the mountains.
Chipmunk Skewers Hit the Trail
Each year we have a group of students who are unable to hike and backpack for various reasons but are very able and willing to take on the challenges of the Sophomore Expedition in a way that is safe for them. This group stays at Camp Mayhew and completes many of the same curriculum elements as the hikers with the addition of some canoe trips, a ropes course and other activities.
I asked this group of students if they had a team name. To my surprise they shouted out in unison, "Chipmunk Skewers!" Well, all right then.
They even had a group flag.
Under the watchful eye and guidance of Dave and Colleen they will take part in a challenging week of activities. Best of luck - and beware chipmunks in your path!
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