Another day of evals, OH BOY! Up early again and right back into my sleeping bag, only a few hundred yards away. Here we go again, the tedious process of evaluation on the 18 point curriculum would be repeated four times. Derek, Ryan S., Courtney, and Jake would go and after that bath time! It was nice, 40 degree water was cold, but being clean felt great. After ditching my nasty smell for a new pepperminty one it was time to go back up to camp. Tonights dinner was a calzone, then it was off to bed.

Another day of evals, OH BOY! Up early again and right back into my sleeping bag, only a few hundred yards away. Here we go again, the tedious process of evaluation on the 18 point curriculum would be repeated four times. Derek, Ryan S., Courtney, and Jake would go and after that bath time! It was nice, 40 degree water was cold, but being clean felt great. After ditching my nasty smell for a new pepperminty one it was time to go back up to camp. Tonights dinner was a calzone, then it was off to bed.

Oh dear, first day of evals and I am first! All-in all it really wasn’t that bad. I waited 45 minutes to talk to Jeff and Rose during that time I reflected deeply about my abilities and myself as a leader. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? Man what a list. When Jeff called me over I was ready to face the Tindall Bear. We discussed what I really expected to hear. With the last advice that they told me was the best news to my ears, “Go do some laundry and take a shower.” With one of the coldest showers that my body has ever know I felt like a new person. As I waited for the group to discuss my abilities as a leader I noticed a I had a lot of free time. I did laundry, took a shower, ate lunch, did some of my journals, thought about my interpretation topic, and even took an hour and a half nap.
When the group told me that they were ready I prepared myself for the worst, but surprisingly they told me what Jeff, Rose, and I already talked about. It was funny how well the two correlated with each other; guess it really is that noticeable. After I was done being evaluated it was Ooter’s turn. I know knew why it took so long to do my evaluation. We sat down in a circle and discussed every question on the page and gave examples until the group came to a consensus on what number the person should get. We didn’t spend as nearly as long on Ooter as they did with me ( I was seven hours while Ooter was only five).
When it was time to sit Ooter in front of the group and discuss our evaluation of him we all noticed that he was clean too, he must have gotten the same wonderful advice that I received from Jeff and Rose. After Ooter’s evaluation Derek, who was Leader of the Day, decided not to do another one since it was already 7 pm. He feared that we would be even later than Ooter’s and mine because we would be cooking and not many people would be fully involved in the evaluation. I think Derek made the right decision! It was soon time for a pizza dinner and off to bed, we needed to get plenty of sleep for tomorrow because we still have six more people to evaluate.

-Stephen Gilbert

Oh dear, first day of evals and I am first! All-in all it really wasn’t that bad. I waited 45 minutes to talk to Jeff and Rose during that time I reflected deeply about my abilities and myself as a leader. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? Man what a list. When Jeff called me over I was ready to face the Tindall Bear. We discussed what I really expected to hear. With the last advice that they told me was the best news to my ears, “Go do some laundry and take a shower.” With one of the coldest showers that my body has ever know I felt like a new person. As I waited for the group to discuss my abilities as a leader I noticed a I had a lot of free time. I did laundry, took a shower, ate lunch, did some of my journals, thought about my interpretation topic, and even took an hour and a half nap.
When the group told me that they were ready I prepared myself for the worst, but surprisingly they told me what Jeff, Rose, and I already talked about. It was funny how well the two correlated with each other; guess it really is that noticeable. After I was done being evaluated it was Ooter’s turn. I know knew why it took so long to do my evaluation. We sat down in a circle and discussed every question on the page and gave examples until the group came to a consensus on what number the person should get. We didn’t spend as nearly as long on Ooter as they did with me ( I was seven hours while Ooter was only five).
When it was time to sit Ooter in front of the group and discuss our evaluation of him we all noticed that he was clean too, he must have gotten the same wonderful advice that I received from Jeff and Rose. After Ooter’s evaluation Derek, who was Leader of the Day, decided not to do another one since it was already 7 pm. He feared that we would be even later than Ooter’s and mine because we would be cooking and not many people would be fully involved in the evaluation. I think Derek made the right decision! It was soon time for a pizza dinner and off to bed, we needed to get plenty of sleep for tomorrow because we still have six more people to evaluate.

-Stephen Gilbert

“Re-supply Day!”
Up, down, up, down all the way to Pinto Park 2 ¾ miles through the woods of the Popo Agie Wilderness. At Pinto Park we discussed the mourning hike, played games and caught up on paperwork while waiting for the horse packer to bring us enough food to last us our last 15 days in the backcountry. When the horse packer finally arrived we all acted like kids on Christmas Morning. We were all so excited to see all that food, especially Steve and Josh when they saw the amount of cheese they had coming to them. Mmm, cheese! Re-supply seemed fast and easy. After everyone was stocked up and packed we split into separate hiking groups. Jeff and Rose took off while the rest of us filtered water and shortly took off behind them. Down, down, down the North Fork trail zigging and zagging down the steep slopes eventually arriving at a spectacular area to set up camp. This was one of the most scenic campsites yet. That night we got together with everybody to go over mid-coarse evaluations that will be taking place in the next two or three days. It’s a good thing we can stay in one spot for a couple days since we have 18 to 25 extra pounds of food. We capped the night off with a feast and a strawberry cheesecake for dessert. A full belly equals a good night sleep.
Zzzzzzz
Derek Hofeldt

“Re-supply Day!”
Up, down, up, down all the way to Pinto Park 2 ¾ miles through the woods of the Popo Agie Wilderness. At Pinto Park we discussed the mourning hike, played games and caught up on paperwork while waiting for the horse packer to bring us enough food to last us our last 15 days in the backcountry. When the horse packer finally arrived we all acted like kids on Christmas Morning. We were all so excited to see all that food, especially Steve and Josh when they saw the amount of cheese they had coming to them. Mmm, cheese! Re-supply seemed fast and easy. After everyone was stocked up and packed we split into separate hiking groups. Jeff and Rose took off while the rest of us filtered water and shortly took off behind them. Down, down, down the North Fork trail zigging and zagging down the steep slopes eventually arriving at a spectacular area to set up camp. This was one of the most scenic campsites yet. That night we got together with everybody to go over mid-coarse evaluations that will be taking place in the next two or three days. It’s a good thing we can stay in one spot for a couple days since we have 18 to 25 extra pounds of food. We capped the night off with a feast and a strawberry cheesecake for dessert. A full belly equals a good night sleep.
Zzzzzzz
Derek Hofeldt

Upon the awakening at 5 am and a great ascent only an hour away, the dark sky, the bright beautiful stars, the stage was set for a spectacular great day of hiking Wind River Peak. An early mistake on my behalf of the correct direction to hike up, soon Derek led the way and up the Rocky mountain terrain we went. It was a true definite test of moral, group dynamics, and proper decision-making in ascending this 13,000 foot plus peak. Through many twists and turns and stops up along the way all of us soon saw the top of Wind River Peak, yet there was just a few hundred feet to go. All of us took part in lessons along the way from Jeff including the rocky mountain rest step, and how to step up and over moats in the mountain hillside slope. Amidst the sore feet we finally made it to the top of Wind River Peak. The instantaneous bird’s eye view set the stage for a collaboration of jaw dropping beauty and respect for such an amazing wonder of the Wind River Range. After reading what other’s had written upon ascending this 13eener over the years and how we added to this momento set the stage for an outdoor education lesson atop of this windy high peak. A few hours later we were back within the Deep Creek Lakes area and after discussing whether or not to keep on hiking after a day of ascending and coming down the peak we all took a consensus to rest our bodies and recover for the day. The day was a huge success and set the upcoming stage for the next day of even more challenging experiences.

Ryan Schaible

Upon the awakening at 5 am and a great ascent only an hour away, the dark sky, the bright beautiful stars, the stage was set for a spectacular great day of hiking Wind River Peak. An early mistake on my behalf of the correct direction to hike up, soon Derek led the way and up the Rocky mountain terrain we went. It was a true definite test of moral, group dynamics, and proper decision-making in ascending this 13,000 foot plus peak. Through many twists and turns and stops up along the way all of us soon saw the top of Wind River Peak, yet there was just a few hundred feet to go. All of us took part in lessons along the way from Jeff including the rocky mountain rest step, and how to step up and over moats in the mountain hillside slope. Amidst the sore feet we finally made it to the top of Wind River Peak. The instantaneous bird’s eye view set the stage for a collaboration of jaw dropping beauty and respect for such an amazing wonder of the Wind River Range. After reading what other’s had written upon ascending this 13eener over the years and how we added to this momento set the stage for an outdoor education lesson atop of this windy high peak. A few hours later we were back within the Deep Creek Lakes area and after discussing whether or not to keep on hiking after a day of ascending and coming down the peak we all took a consensus to rest our bodies and recover for the day. The day was a huge success and set the upcoming stage for the next day of even more challenging experiences.

Ryan Schaible

Up and at em’ ol’ boys! The broken record unspoken statement of the early morn! Another glorious hike with my tent group, my pals, my comrades. Uphill, downhill all the levels in between. Stops for funny statements placed under carans, down slow too much keep on truckin’! Ambiguity shrieks from the duck tapped fencepost at heaven’s lake. Ridiculously superb backdrops, is this hike so surreal, so surreal I’m still dreaming. “Oh hello again!” We stated to the group coming up the trail behind us. Lets make the stream crossing together friends. Snowball fights and more uphill. Follow the leader now if you will. Don’t look now but we’ve ventured to far, stop for ascent, my pack hit a rock my butt hit the ground and stuck like tar. Their folks gaze yonder up the hillside straight. 9,10,11 elk gallivanting leisurely isn’t that great. Back up the hillside isn’t that great. Back up the trail 90-degree turn up the slippery slope, quads feel the burn. Jeff and Rose await at the top, oh what a surprise, if we wouldn’t second guess ourselves we would have beat them guys. Set up camp and learn some knowledge, snowball fight, my socks are damp. Sweaty and tired I retire away after debrief, brief, and afternoon play. Look forward to tomorrow is what I say, cause Wind River Peak E.C.O.E.E. 08’s on our way.

Up and at em’ ol’ boys! The broken record unspoken statement of the early morn! Another glorious hike with my tent group, my pals, my comrades. Uphill, downhill all the levels in between. Stops for funny statements placed under carans, down slow too much keep on truckin’! Ambiguity shrieks from the duck tapped fencepost at heaven’s lake. Ridiculously superb backdrops, is this hike so surreal, so surreal I’m still dreaming. “Oh hello again!” We stated to the group coming up the trail behind us. Lets make the stream crossing together friends. Snowball fights and more uphill. Follow the leader now if you will. Don’t look now but we’ve ventured to far, stop for ascent, my pack hit a rock my butt hit the ground and stuck like tar. Their folks gaze yonder up the hillside straight. 9,10,11 elk gallivanting leisurely isn’t that great. Back up the hillside isn’t that great. Back up the trail 90-degree turn up the slippery slope, quads feel the burn. Jeff and Rose await at the top, oh what a surprise, if we wouldn’t second guess ourselves we would have beat them guys. Set up camp and learn some knowledge, snowball fight, my socks are damp. Sweaty and tired I retire away after debrief, brief, and afternoon play. Look forward to tomorrow is what I say, cause Wind River Peak E.C.O.E.E. 08’s on our way.

“Sarcasm for an angry Rose”
Up and at ‘em. Ready to go at 7:30 on a nearly thousand-foot elevation gain up to the gorgeous Three Forks Park. Jake, Steve Ooter and I took off first about a half an hour before the others. The first half of the hike was a rather intense climb up Pinto Park trail. We had plenty of fry bread done up right to fill our jell-o like legs along the way. After three and a half miles we came to our final cairn (a stack of rocks that indicate a particular point in the trail), take a bearing for our direction of travel, and right as we got done writing the other a corny little note they came stomping up the hill behind us. After a quick hello and buh-bye we were off a gain to find a spot to camp. We get camp set up at Three Lakes Park when Courtney informs us that she shamelessly wants to steal a half an hour from Jeff and Rose. Come 1:30we met in a meadow to go over the duties, skills and quality characteristics needed for affective leadership. We went on to discuss leadership and decision making and then straight into debrief where Rose reiterated her joy and excitement about losing 30 minutes of her day. (If you haven’t caught on to the sarcasm yet, just wait, it gets even thicker) That night a couple of us figured, heck, its dry, its windy, there’s dead wood and dry meadows surrounding us, what better time to have a camp fire… Rose came down to visit and once again shared her joy and excitement about our judgment skills. I have a feeling that there will be no more fires in the backcountry after that incident. A hot cup of cocoa and a slice of cherry cheesecake goodness, then off to bed for all.
Derek Hofeldt

“Sarcasm for an angry Rose”
Up and at ‘em. Ready to go at 7:30 on a nearly thousand-foot elevation gain up to the gorgeous Three Forks Park. Jake, Steve Ooter and I took off first about a half an hour before the others. The first half of the hike was a rather intense climb up Pinto Park trail. We had plenty of fry bread done up right to fill our jell-o like legs along the way. After three and a half miles we came to our final cairn (a stack of rocks that indicate a particular point in the trail), take a bearing for our direction of travel, and right as we got done writing the other a corny little note they came stomping up the hill behind us. After a quick hello and buh-bye we were off a gain to find a spot to camp. We get camp set up at Three Lakes Park when Courtney informs us that she shamelessly wants to steal a half an hour from Jeff and Rose. Come 1:30we met in a meadow to go over the duties, skills and quality characteristics needed for affective leadership. We went on to discuss leadership and decision making and then straight into debrief where Rose reiterated her joy and excitement about losing 30 minutes of her day. (If you haven’t caught on to the sarcasm yet, just wait, it gets even thicker) That night a couple of us figured, heck, its dry, its windy, there’s dead wood and dry meadows surrounding us, what better time to have a camp fire… Rose came down to visit and once again shared her joy and excitement about our judgment skills. I have a feeling that there will be no more fires in the backcountry after that incident. A hot cup of cocoa and a slice of cherry cheesecake goodness, then off to bed for all.
Derek Hofeldt

The Other Perspective-

Oh glorious sleep how much I love you and so do many tent mates. We finally arose around 9:00 a.m. feeling super refreshed and thankful, yet guilty for we knew the other half of our group was well on their way on the toilsome trek to the trailer. Ooter came over and we conversed around our breakfast nook; humble yet adequate. We decide in consensus style which peak to conquer. Once to the top we retired to our own obligations whether that is journals, meditation, or a view that speaks of majestic beauty. We lingered as long as possible at the summit until our stomachs brought us down for a lunchtime snack. After this we started on journals again as some of us bathed, oh boy was that water muy frio yet refreshing. The hiking group arrived back early yet we still decided to have a dinner on us for the tired souls. We had a joyous feast and marveled in the fact that full bellies and warm feet seem to put everyone at ease. As we circled around the fire in the darkness of Wyoming we wond down the night with scary tales and a great bonding experience that offers for sweet dreams and solace for the soul, unless your afraid of songs from P.G. movies. Just kidding! I love ya’ll!

The Other Perspective-

Oh glorious sleep how much I love you and so do many tent mates. We finally arose around 9:00 a.m. feeling super refreshed and thankful, yet guilty for we knew the other half of our group was well on their way on the toilsome trek to the trailer. Ooter came over and we conversed around our breakfast nook; humble yet adequate. We decide in consensus style which peak to conquer. Once to the top we retired to our own obligations whether that is journals, meditation, or a view that speaks of majestic beauty. We lingered as long as possible at the summit until our stomachs brought us down for a lunchtime snack. After this we started on journals again as some of us bathed, oh boy was that water muy frio yet refreshing. The hiking group arrived back early yet we still decided to have a dinner on us for the tired souls. We had a joyous feast and marveled in the fact that full bellies and warm feet seem to put everyone at ease. As we circled around the fire in the darkness of Wyoming we wond down the night with scary tales and a great bonding experience that offers for sweet dreams and solace for the soul, unless your afraid of songs from P.G. movies. Just kidding! I love ya’ll!

Woke up and ran out of the tent, man should not have drank so much water before I went to bed. With gray clouds above I checked in with our local weather man, I just want to make sure our hike was still on. Derek said yes, so I continued on with the packing of my gear. About an hour later Derek came back over to our campsite to discuss a some more serious issue. With a pair of hiking boots forgot at Worthern Meadows our group could not hike any further. This became the groups first serious decision as future outdoor leaders. Should the group all go back? Should just a few go back? How many miles is it? How long is the hike going to take? If we did split where would we meet back up at? With these questions being pondered we came to the consensus to hike out of Bills Park, back up north through his brother, Gills Park, and stay a little north of there. With this being done the four people who are going on ‘operation boot recovery’ will have to travel less distant, but it also puts the group closer to our rendezvouz for food resupply.
As we headed back north to Gills Park we got to again see the landscape and for a brief while it even snowed on us, which added to the beauty. The hike was much easier this time since we headed down hill and at no time we set up our new camp. With a break to get warm Jeff then taught us group roles, and where as individuals we stand according to these roles. After the lesson ended the snow stopped and the sun came out and a quick debrief by Derek ended the day and the night was ours. The group had a fire to warm our bones and some ghost stories were told to creep us out, what a way to end the night.

Woke up and ran out of the tent, man should not have drank so much water before I went to bed. With gray clouds above I checked in with our local weather man, I just want to make sure our hike was still on. Derek said yes, so I continued on with the packing of my gear. About an hour later Derek came back over to our campsite to discuss a some more serious issue. With a pair of hiking boots forgot at Worthern Meadows our group could not hike any further. This became the groups first serious decision as future outdoor leaders. Should the group all go back? Should just a few go back? How many miles is it? How long is the hike going to take? If we did split where would we meet back up at? With these questions being pondered we came to the consensus to hike out of Bills Park, back up north through his brother, Gills Park, and stay a little north of there. With this being done the four people who are going on ‘operation boot recovery’ will have to travel less distant, but it also puts the group closer to our rendezvouz for food resupply.
As we headed back north to Gills Park we got to again see the landscape and for a brief while it even snowed on us, which added to the beauty. The hike was much easier this time since we headed down hill and at no time we set up our new camp. With a break to get warm Jeff then taught us group roles, and where as individuals we stand according to these roles. After the lesson ended the snow stopped and the sun came out and a quick debrief by Derek ended the day and the night was ours. The group had a fire to warm our bones and some ghost stories were told to creep us out, what a way to end the night.

September 21^st, 2008- Ryan Plunkett

 

            Woke up, what a great thing to start the day off.  Gills Park was glorious without the major threat of wind and storms coming in.  The group needed to discuss the problems that have been festering for the past few days that no one else was willing to bring up.  After everyone got what they needed to out in the open problems were discussed and solutions were talked about.  The group was off again to the better brother Bills Park.  On the way we were looking for a non-existent benchmark, we hiked on down the trail and found great campsites after all.  The group had a long lunch that gave us the opportunity to eat something hot and talk about the day before moving into stove repair.  Jeff’s lesson was helpful and interesting to say the least.  It gave us insight on how to repair what is so easily broken with our stoves.  Later I had an amazing three star dump… still no wildlife.  Derek was planning his day while Josh and Ryan cooked an AMAZING meal of Mac, tuna, and cheese OH BOY!  Really not much more to say except I hope that the next day brings more joy than today.

September 21^st, 2008- Ryan Plunkett

 

            Woke up, what a great thing to start the day off.  Gills Park was glorious without the major threat of wind and storms coming in.  The group needed to discuss the problems that have been festering for the past few days that no one else was willing to bring up.  After everyone got what they needed to out in the open problems were discussed and solutions were talked about.  The group was off again to the better brother Bills Park.  On the way we were looking for a non-existent benchmark, we hiked on down the trail and found great campsites after all.  The group had a long lunch that gave us the opportunity to eat something hot and talk about the day before moving into stove repair.  Jeff’s lesson was helpful and interesting to say the least.  It gave us insight on how to repair what is so easily broken with our stoves.  Later I had an amazing three star dump… still no wildlife.  Derek was planning his day while Josh and Ryan cooked an AMAZING meal of Mac, tuna, and cheese OH BOY!  Really not much more to say except I hope that the next day brings more joy than today.

“What a Journey!”
Oh my, what a hike! For some more frustrating than to others. But none the less, all we have to do in a place like this is open our eyes, respect and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Say we get lost. So we get lost together with enough strapped to our bags to last us weeks. And we’ve got more than the ten essentials, we got Jeff who seems to know the wind rivers like the back of his hand.
Frustrating days will continue to come and go. Ken Hutchinson said it best “you gotta learn from it, rise above it and laugh a little.” And guess what, after all the frustration, effort, ups and downs, zig-zag-a-di-doos and wrap arounds we made it to our destination with nobody getting hurt!
After setting up camp and cooking some grub to fill our hard working bellies, I went to take a hundred (walking a hundred feet from the site to dig a hole and poo) and where I was pirched on a surprisingly comfortable log I heard a sound that put an ear to ear grin on my face. I heard three or four people laughing hystarically. In my opinion, laughter is the key to happiness and with it one can turn even the gloomiest of all days into a joyful, life long memory. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the view I had and the laughter I heard while dropping a deuce across that amazing meadow… The End

Derek Hofeldt

“What a Journey!”
Oh my, what a hike! For some more frustrating than to others. But none the less, all we have to do in a place like this is open our eyes, respect and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Say we get lost. So we get lost together with enough strapped to our bags to last us weeks. And we’ve got more than the ten essentials, we got Jeff who seems to know the wind rivers like the back of his hand.
Frustrating days will continue to come and go. Ken Hutchinson said it best “you gotta learn from it, rise above it and laugh a little.” And guess what, after all the frustration, effort, ups and downs, zig-zag-a-di-doos and wrap arounds we made it to our destination with nobody getting hurt!
After setting up camp and cooking some grub to fill our hard working bellies, I went to take a hundred (walking a hundred feet from the site to dig a hole and poo) and where I was pirched on a surprisingly comfortable log I heard a sound that put an ear to ear grin on my face. I heard three or four people laughing hystarically. In my opinion, laughter is the key to happiness and with it one can turn even the gloomiest of all days into a joyful, life long memory. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the view I had and the laughter I heard while dropping a deuce across that amazing meadow… The End

Derek Hofeldt

As I woke up from time to time through out the morning I kept wondering if Ryan (Schible) was sill going to be in the there in the tent. As 7:00 am approached I woke up to start the day, and was shocked and amazed to see Ryan still there. After breakfast we cleaned and packed the campsite an began to read the chapters we were assigned for our meeting and talk at the Washikie Ranger District. Scott Berkinfield talked to the group and informed us of the five uses of the park, land acquirement, the fire problems the park is experiencing, and budget issues as well with all the above. Scott also informed us of how the third instructor (being Mother Nature) can be very helpful in reminding us what to do and what not to do. After our meeting with Scott was done the group then went to pick up our last remaining supplies for our expedition in the Wind Rivers. After our last snack pick up from Safeway grocery store we headed to the trail head at Worthern Meadows. We were delayed a little because of road construction but that didn’t stop us from learning. Courtney made the decision to do a map lesson while we were waiting. As I the group was getting out of the van I was the lucky chosen one to get stung by the bee who was flying around in the van. I know everyone was jealous because they were not the chosen one but not everyone can be a winner. After learning about the wonderful world of maps we had some free time, which was filled by hiking, bouldering, and my favorite napping. When four o’clock came we got back in the van and continued to drive up to Worthern Meadows. With our Campsite next to a lake, tacos for dinner, and a fire at night I couldn’t think of a better way to end the night.

-Stephen Gilbert

As I woke up from time to time through out the morning I kept wondering if Ryan (Schible) was sill going to be in the there in the tent. As 7:00 am approached I woke up to start the day, and was shocked and amazed to see Ryan still there. After breakfast we cleaned and packed the campsite an began to read the chapters we were assigned for our meeting and talk at the Washikie Ranger District. Scott Berkinfield talked to the group and informed us of the five uses of the park, land acquirement, the fire problems the park is experiencing, and budget issues as well with all the above. Scott also informed us of how the third instructor (being Mother Nature) can be very helpful in reminding us what to do and what not to do. After our meeting with Scott was done the group then went to pick up our last remaining supplies for our expedition in the Wind Rivers. After our last snack pick up from Safeway grocery store we headed to the trail head at Worthern Meadows. We were delayed a little because of road construction but that didn’t stop us from learning. Courtney made the decision to do a map lesson while we were waiting. As I the group was getting out of the van I was the lucky chosen one to get stung by the bee who was flying around in the van. I know everyone was jealous because they were not the chosen one but not everyone can be a winner. After learning about the wonderful world of maps we had some free time, which was filled by hiking, bouldering, and my favorite napping. When four o’clock came we got back in the van and continued to drive up to Worthern Meadows. With our Campsite next to a lake, tacos for dinner, and a fire at night I couldn’t think of a better way to end the night.

-Stephen Gilbert

Emilie Litow // 9-18-08

 

Back at Worthern Meadows in a warm sleeping bag and water lapping the shore, my eyes slowly open, and I get a whiff of stinky feet and fresh air. My stomach grumbles, and I do not know why because we had a huge feast the night before leaving me feeling as if I would not eat for months. I hear others rustling about outside; my tent mates and I wish we could stay in our bags. After peaches for breakfast, we all are excited because it is Re-supply Day! Our bags will be full of goodies to eat and all of our baking needs will be met. We all are watching the sky hoping the good weather prevails because soggy flour and hummus will do us no good. Soon re-supply is done and our bags are weighed. Jeff leaves us with Rose for a lesson on environmental ethics while he takes our food bags to the Allen Brothers. Ms. Rose read us The Lorax as we sat under the tarp; Ooter and I curled up as if we were five listening to story time. We all realized how greedy we could be and what would happen if we do not take care of our resources. After our serious lesson, we played the “ha” game. Some of us laughed until we cried; the other half wanted to kick the half that could not stop laughing. After our game, we sorted group gear and then debriefed our busy day. Ooter, Jake, and I cooked dinner while Steve, Courtney, and Ryan S. scouted the next days’ route. Jeff came back and had a surprise for us…Little Debbie Snack Cakes for all of us! We lit a bonfire and had dinner with entertainment from Josh and his guitar. It made for a great meal and night. Soon we realized it was later than we had thought; off to bed we all went to get our beauty rest and dream of the next 24 days in the beautiful backcountry.

Emilie Litow // 9-18-08

 

Back at Worthern Meadows in a warm sleeping bag and water lapping the shore, my eyes slowly open, and I get a whiff of stinky feet and fresh air. My stomach grumbles, and I do not know why because we had a huge feast the night before leaving me feeling as if I would not eat for months. I hear others rustling about outside; my tent mates and I wish we could stay in our bags. After peaches for breakfast, we all are excited because it is Re-supply Day! Our bags will be full of goodies to eat and all of our baking needs will be met. We all are watching the sky hoping the good weather prevails because soggy flour and hummus will do us no good. Soon re-supply is done and our bags are weighed. Jeff leaves us with Rose for a lesson on environmental ethics while he takes our food bags to the Allen Brothers. Ms. Rose read us The Lorax as we sat under the tarp; Ooter and I curled up as if we were five listening to story time. We all realized how greedy we could be and what would happen if we do not take care of our resources. After our serious lesson, we played the “ha” game. Some of us laughed until we cried; the other half wanted to kick the half that could not stop laughing. After our game, we sorted group gear and then debriefed our busy day. Ooter, Jake, and I cooked dinner while Steve, Courtney, and Ryan S. scouted the next days’ route. Jeff came back and had a surprise for us…Little Debbie Snack Cakes for all of us! We lit a bonfire and had dinner with entertainment from Josh and his guitar. It made for a great meal and night. Soon we realized it was later than we had thought; off to bed we all went to get our beauty rest and dream of the next 24 days in the beautiful backcountry.

(Untitled, as the lake at which I wrote)

The sun has gone for the day
the stars beginning to shine
Jupiter's running his course
the universe working in time

unnamed lakes and rivers
rushing mountain streams
who knew life could be so simple
so much more than it seems

and maybe I'll climb a mountain
softly touch the sky
take the road less traveled
to see where the eagles fly

here far away from all the troubles
of a crowded city life
all that i have to do is sit down
and watch as the stars shine bright

now think of something perfect
now think of something right
if you saw a shooting star
what would your wish be tonight?

would it be for some great wisdom?
or would it be for some great truth?
mine would be for contentment
the night sky as my roof

as quietly i sit here
reflecting in my head
there's a simple understanding
that is better left unsaid

out here the western wilderness
no place I'd rather be
among these mountains and valleys
this is where i find me

(Untitled, as the lake at which I wrote)

The sun has gone for the day
the stars beginning to shine
Jupiter's running his course
the universe working in time

unnamed lakes and rivers
rushing mountain streams
who knew life could be so simple
so much more than it seems

and maybe I'll climb a mountain
softly touch the sky
take the road less traveled
to see where the eagles fly

here far away from all the troubles
of a crowded city life
all that i have to do is sit down
and watch as the stars shine bright

now think of something perfect
now think of something right
if you saw a shooting star
what would your wish be tonight?

would it be for some great wisdom?
or would it be for some great truth?
mine would be for contentment
the night sky as my roof

as quietly i sit here
reflecting in my head
there's a simple understanding
that is better left unsaid

out here the western wilderness
no place I'd rather be
among these mountains and valleys
this is where i find me

When I woke up this morning and I could see my breath I knew it was going to be cold. It was! Possibly the coldest morning yet, it would warm up though. After a very long a drawn out joke from Jeff involving fur trappers from the area and the Native American’s canoes, it was time to hike.
My day to be scout, cross country, take the bearing and lets go! After we started hiking my now numb toes started to warm up. To make things even better my scouting job put us dead on to where we wanted to be! On the east side of the roaring fork lakes we set our camp.
After lunch and getting a new tent and cook group it was time for some lessons. Today was nutrition, after the lesson we played a fun game of Jeopardy, with Jeff playing a Vanna White (holding the sign) who had possibly let herself go just a little bit. The night concluded with a dinner of cous cous, swimming in very cold water, and hanging out on the rocks looking at the stars and a very full moon.
Josh Standard

When I woke up this morning and I could see my breath I knew it was going to be cold. It was! Possibly the coldest morning yet, it would warm up though. After a very long a drawn out joke from Jeff involving fur trappers from the area and the Native American’s canoes, it was time to hike.
My day to be scout, cross country, take the bearing and lets go! After we started hiking my now numb toes started to warm up. To make things even better my scouting job put us dead on to where we wanted to be! On the east side of the roaring fork lakes we set our camp.
After lunch and getting a new tent and cook group it was time for some lessons. Today was nutrition, after the lesson we played a fun game of Jeopardy, with Jeff playing a Vanna White (holding the sign) who had possibly let herself go just a little bit. The night concluded with a dinner of cous cous, swimming in very cold water, and hanging out on the rocks looking at the stars and a very full moon.
Josh Standard

Meer feet from this moment seems to ly nirvana/meandering amongst the tight ripples of mountain lake water caressed with sunset/ In the conifers treetops boosting regalness though shadowed by his majestic backdoor neighbor conversing with the cotton candy clouds/fish oblivious to the tricks of man protruding at random from their crystal clear underwater sanctuary while birds beckon their joyous notes for all spectators to enjoy/ Tell me friends is this the way that we have shunned until this modern day/ of course it is nature at it’s best has been overshadowed by the civilized giant that has tricked us in forgetting the rest/ Hardships, burdens sure theres a few to get to these places with aw inspiring views/ but toils a many our ancestors had so we could grow up supposedly easier, better, and always more glad/ If you ask me folks we’ve lost our nomadic spirits the traveller’s soul/ not all of us yet on our present day poulation, you can surely see the toll/ toll for whom the bell tower so soothing and melodic/ not nature, oh no the lost soul’s so nuerodic/ Come back to nature everyone, come all/ This realization came suddenly like an unexpected fall/ Wilderness oh wilderness so vast and grand rain down upon all your tranquility, subtly in ever changing scenes/ but don’t force yourself like the industral age for single moment is all it takes to turn the right page/ Ponder on this one message, listen up if you could/ Don’t hardships everyday make worth the greater good?

Meer feet from this moment seems to ly nirvana/meandering amongst the tight ripples of mountain lake water caressed with sunset/ In the conifers treetops boosting regalness though shadowed by his majestic backdoor neighbor conversing with the cotton candy clouds/fish oblivious to the tricks of man protruding at random from their crystal clear underwater sanctuary while birds beckon their joyous notes for all spectators to enjoy/ Tell me friends is this the way that we have shunned until this modern day/ of course it is nature at it’s best has been overshadowed by the civilized giant that has tricked us in forgetting the rest/ Hardships, burdens sure theres a few to get to these places with aw inspiring views/ but toils a many our ancestors had so we could grow up supposedly easier, better, and always more glad/ If you ask me folks we’ve lost our nomadic spirits the traveller’s soul/ not all of us yet on our present day poulation, you can surely see the toll/ toll for whom the bell tower so soothing and melodic/ not nature, oh no the lost soul’s so nuerodic/ Come back to nature everyone, come all/ This realization came suddenly like an unexpected fall/ Wilderness oh wilderness so vast and grand rain down upon all your tranquility, subtly in ever changing scenes/ but don’t force yourself like the industral age for single moment is all it takes to turn the right page/ Ponder on this one message, listen up if you could/ Don’t hardships everyday make worth the greater good?

9-11-2008

Up at six am.

In the fog.

Soup for breakfast.  MMM,MMM.

After a long morning of packing packs, and cleaning the van, trailer and the camp site the LOD had quite the decision to make.  To hike in the rain or not to hike in the rain.

Luckily she made the right decision and we took off.  Packs packed full and excitement on everyone’s face as we walk into the wild.

About 45 minutes into our hike and we find our destination.  Jeff and Rose performed a great skit on how to find a good campsite.  And then we all went off to find our own.  Schaible, Ooter and I found a great spot across a creek and up a hill.

After finding that steller spot and setting up camp we headed back to Jeff and Rose’s “house” to have them demonstrate how to poo properly in the wild and how to use the camp stoves.  Then shortly after, we cooked our first backcountry meals.  Every group’s dinner seemed to hit the spot!

DeBoer’s leave no trace lesson after dinner was excellent and gave us all ideas on how to find a great campsite and not make one.

All the groups went our separate ways after the LNT lesson.

And in the moonlight, after a busy day, Ooter made up some amazing oreo jelly whatchmacallits, a long relaxing sit out in the moonlight and then off to bed for all…

Derek Hofeldt

9-11-2008

Up at six am.

In the fog.

Soup for breakfast.  MMM,MMM.

After a long morning of packing packs, and cleaning the van, trailer and the camp site the LOD had quite the decision to make.  To hike in the rain or not to hike in the rain.

Luckily she made the right decision and we took off.  Packs packed full and excitement on everyone’s face as we walk into the wild.

About 45 minutes into our hike and we find our destination.  Jeff and Rose performed a great skit on how to find a good campsite.  And then we all went off to find our own.  Schaible, Ooter and I found a great spot across a creek and up a hill.

After finding that steller spot and setting up camp we headed back to Jeff and Rose’s “house” to have them demonstrate how to poo properly in the wild and how to use the camp stoves.  Then shortly after, we cooked our first backcountry meals.  Every group’s dinner seemed to hit the spot!

DeBoer’s leave no trace lesson after dinner was excellent and gave us all ideas on how to find a great campsite and not make one.

All the groups went our separate ways after the LNT lesson.

And in the moonlight, after a busy day, Ooter made up some amazing oreo jelly whatchmacallits, a long relaxing sit out in the moonlight and then off to bed for all…

Derek Hofeldt

September 10^th, 2008

Rain rain go away come again in about 34 days.  We started off our morning with a bright and early breakfast of MEGA CAKES…. So big you can only eat one!  After our mega cakes the group jumped into packing our food bags.  16lbs was the goal waiting for them to get lighter and lighter.  Around the fourth station the rain we had been avoiding came.  We scurried around pulling the rest of our rations for the next eight days.  It was very fast passed and all of us learned a lesson for the next time labeling is your friend!!!  After lunch and another amazing view of Worthen Meadow Lake we huddled around under the tarps to pack our packs with all of our gear.  Under the tarps we huddled and rummaged yet again trying not to get soaked. After repacking and reweighing we moved on to the next task bomb proofing the trailer.  The rain came and went for the rest of the day.  When I saw Jeff counting on his fingers 1…2... and he didn’t even make it until three we all headed to the van, and tents for cover.   If you wanted sleep though the van, which we thought was a good place, was not one for sleeping.  Later that night trying to use every food item that would spoil Courtney and Ryan made an amazing stew, Jake rocked out with dessert and made cinnamon and sugar tortillas for all to enjoy while waiting on our feast.  Finally after our dinner and debrief we all headed to the tents for our last night before entering the backcountry.

Ryan Plunkett

September 10^th, 2008

Rain rain go away come again in about 34 days.  We started off our morning with a bright and early breakfast of MEGA CAKES…. So big you can only eat one!  After our mega cakes the group jumped into packing our food bags.  16lbs was the goal waiting for them to get lighter and lighter.  Around the fourth station the rain we had been avoiding came.  We scurried around pulling the rest of our rations for the next eight days.  It was very fast passed and all of us learned a lesson for the next time labeling is your friend!!!  After lunch and another amazing view of Worthen Meadow Lake we huddled around under the tarps to pack our packs with all of our gear.  Under the tarps we huddled and rummaged yet again trying not to get soaked. After repacking and reweighing we moved on to the next task bomb proofing the trailer.  The rain came and went for the rest of the day.  When I saw Jeff counting on his fingers 1…2... and he didn’t even make it until three we all headed to the van, and tents for cover.   If you wanted sleep though the van, which we thought was a good place, was not one for sleeping.  Later that night trying to use every food item that would spoil Courtney and Ryan made an amazing stew, Jake rocked out with dessert and made cinnamon and sugar tortillas for all to enjoy while waiting on our feast.  Finally after our dinner and debrief we all headed to the tents for our last night before entering the backcountry.

Ryan Plunkett

Emilie Litow / /  9-08-08

Beep… Beep… Beep! My watch alarm wakes me up. My sleeping bag so soft and warm but my face in Courtney’s feet motivates me to get up. I slip my running shoes on while others sleep in their tents dreaming until the sun comes up. Derek and I head out for a run and see to many mule deer to count. Back at camp others are stirring and setting up the kitchen because there are pineapple pancakes cooking when we get back. Jake calls out Marco and Polo follows but not fast enough as pancakes our passed out to those who responded first. We eat our pancakes and then it is round two, eggs and tortillas. After breakfast, we scurry about doing our chores so we can get out. Laundry bags packed and computers ready, we head to the Laundromat because we all want clean clothes for the backcountry. Jeff and Rose are long gone, much busier than we are; they have lots to buy for the backcountry. As the day goes on, we keep running into each other; why we have buddies is really a wonder. We all meet up for lunch and talk about our purchases. I must say Ooter had the best deal of the day! After lunch we all split up to finish shopping so are hands and toes do not freeze and fall off. We meet at the Laundromat and then back to camp for dinner, Chicken Alfredo. We hurry through dinner so we can go swimming, but the were already renting the pool out. “ Tag Your It” became the evening activity at the Lander Park. Courtney called us together to brief for the next day as the sun was disappearing. Some went to bed, others to do homework, but nothing stopped us from thinking we had had the perfect day.

Emilie Litow / /  9-08-08

Beep… Beep… Beep! My watch alarm wakes me up. My sleeping bag so soft and warm but my face in Courtney’s feet motivates me to get up. I slip my running shoes on while others sleep in their tents dreaming until the sun comes up. Derek and I head out for a run and see to many mule deer to count. Back at camp others are stirring and setting up the kitchen because there are pineapple pancakes cooking when we get back. Jake calls out Marco and Polo follows but not fast enough as pancakes our passed out to those who responded first. We eat our pancakes and then it is round two, eggs and tortillas. After breakfast, we scurry about doing our chores so we can get out. Laundry bags packed and computers ready, we head to the Laundromat because we all want clean clothes for the backcountry. Jeff and Rose are long gone, much busier than we are; they have lots to buy for the backcountry. As the day goes on, we keep running into each other; why we have buddies is really a wonder. We all meet up for lunch and talk about our purchases. I must say Ooter had the best deal of the day! After lunch we all split up to finish shopping so are hands and toes do not freeze and fall off. We meet at the Laundromat and then back to camp for dinner, Chicken Alfredo. We hurry through dinner so we can go swimming, but the were already renting the pool out. “ Tag Your It” became the evening activity at the Lander Park. Courtney called us together to brief for the next day as the sun was disappearing. Some went to bed, others to do homework, but nothing stopped us from thinking we had had the perfect day.

Derek Hofeldt

6:00 am wake-up call. 

Frozen toes runny nose.  Hurry up and eat, clean, pile in the van.  No time to enjoy the cool breeze or admire the sunrise.  If you’re tired, too bad, no sleeping on the drive, no gazing out the window.  Read, write study, stay awake… or else!!!  Off to the class room we go… 

            We passed a lone bison in the road and I couldn’t help but wish we could switch spots.  Let the bison sit in the van, let me wander around aimlessly.  Lucky animals.  Right after seeing the lone bison I witnessed some kind of hawk soaring above the trees.  God, how I envy him.  Living up on top of any peak he chooses, king of all he sees and all he flies above.  No leash, no schedule.  He knows only solitude, the king of the most beautiful place that I have never seen.  Whooh, bummer, back to reality.  In the van, heading to class.

            Believe it or not, class was a nice change of pace.  I guess I can tolerate the classroom if it only happens once or twice a semester.  Libby with her Yellowstone Wolf Project, and Mike the author of “Yellowstone and Snowmobiles” were both very interesting and informative.  After Ranger Nick talked to us about the challenges of visitor and animal management we got to walk around Mammoth Hot Springs, which was much needed and very, very relaxing.

            From the hot springs we went straight to the Fishing Bridge Restaurant to fill our bellies with some hometown food.  We then went back to camp and finished debriefing the day before dark, which is pretty rare for us, and then got to have our first camp fire were Josh entertained us with his excellent guitar playing and sing-a-longs.  Every ones favorite song seemed to be “Don’t Feed The Bears” which is a Josh Standard original!

            A hectic morning followed by a great day and an even better night!

Derek Hofeldt

6:00 am wake-up call. 

Frozen toes runny nose.  Hurry up and eat, clean, pile in the van.  No time to enjoy the cool breeze or admire the sunrise.  If you’re tired, too bad, no sleeping on the drive, no gazing out the window.  Read, write study, stay awake… or else!!!  Off to the class room we go… 

            We passed a lone bison in the road and I couldn’t help but wish we could switch spots.  Let the bison sit in the van, let me wander around aimlessly.  Lucky animals.  Right after seeing the lone bison I witnessed some kind of hawk soaring above the trees.  God, how I envy him.  Living up on top of any peak he chooses, king of all he sees and all he flies above.  No leash, no schedule.  He knows only solitude, the king of the most beautiful place that I have never seen.  Whooh, bummer, back to reality.  In the van, heading to class.

            Believe it or not, class was a nice change of pace.  I guess I can tolerate the classroom if it only happens once or twice a semester.  Libby with her Yellowstone Wolf Project, and Mike the author of “Yellowstone and Snowmobiles” were both very interesting and informative.  After Ranger Nick talked to us about the challenges of visitor and animal management we got to walk around Mammoth Hot Springs, which was much needed and very, very relaxing.

            From the hot springs we went straight to the Fishing Bridge Restaurant to fill our bellies with some hometown food.  We then went back to camp and finished debriefing the day before dark, which is pretty rare for us, and then got to have our first camp fire were Josh entertained us with his excellent guitar playing and sing-a-longs.  Every ones favorite song seemed to be “Don’t Feed The Bears” which is a Josh Standard original!

            A hectic morning followed by a great day and an even better night!

Ryan Plunkett

Up before the crack of dawn 4:15 to be precise.  Saw my breath before anything else.  Once I flung the tent door open all I saw was the familiar ground covered in snow.  We swept the ground one final time, and were off in the van again.  After yet another brief nap we awoke outside Yellowstone not to see a wolf.   The trip turned around with the thought of breakfast.  Once we ate and packed the trailer again we headed out to the overlook for the most amazing debrief we have had yet.  As I approached the edge to take yet another picture my camera fell from my pocket down a ledge about 15 feet.  Rose was more than willing to go retrieve the last member of our crew.  We were off yet again to take showers and do laundry.  No time limit you say on the shower great!!!  Off yet again to the visitor traps. We scrambled to set up camp and finished about 10 minutes before the grapple started to fall.  We rejoiced with a snowball fight in September.  We took a break from the fun and started to work on our critique.  After we had some mandatory fun time, where we played some ultimate football this was some well-needed recreation for us all.  Dinner was vegetarian meatballs, kinda ironic don’t you think?  A little to ironic.. enough with the songs.  We made a decision as a group to go and see the last interpretation.  We learned about the fishing and wildlife and the regulations that were added and enforced.  The jokes were dull and the narration dry, but I knew I had to stay awake and listen to this guy.  The fluctuation of the green letters was done to the best, I guess ill just leave the rest.  Back at camp we had some tender talk and then off to bed.

Ryan Plunkett

Up before the crack of dawn 4:15 to be precise.  Saw my breath before anything else.  Once I flung the tent door open all I saw was the familiar ground covered in snow.  We swept the ground one final time, and were off in the van again.  After yet another brief nap we awoke outside Yellowstone not to see a wolf.   The trip turned around with the thought of breakfast.  Once we ate and packed the trailer again we headed out to the overlook for the most amazing debrief we have had yet.  As I approached the edge to take yet another picture my camera fell from my pocket down a ledge about 15 feet.  Rose was more than willing to go retrieve the last member of our crew.  We were off yet again to take showers and do laundry.  No time limit you say on the shower great!!!  Off yet again to the visitor traps. We scrambled to set up camp and finished about 10 minutes before the grapple started to fall.  We rejoiced with a snowball fight in September.  We took a break from the fun and started to work on our critique.  After we had some mandatory fun time, where we played some ultimate football this was some well-needed recreation for us all.  Dinner was vegetarian meatballs, kinda ironic don’t you think?  A little to ironic.. enough with the songs.  We made a decision as a group to go and see the last interpretation.  We learned about the fishing and wildlife and the regulations that were added and enforced.  The jokes were dull and the narration dry, but I knew I had to stay awake and listen to this guy.  The fluctuation of the green letters was done to the best, I guess ill just leave the rest.  Back at camp we had some tender talk and then off to bed.