October 11, 2012 - Jessica Sauer

I woke up this morning before my alarm even went off thanks to the many obnoxious ravens that were cawing and flying around. This type of bird was like nothing I had ever seen. With their dark black feathers and extreme size, I couldn’t help but think of 15lb overweight cat Shadow, who waddles just as much as they do with each step. Waking up to the ravens wasn’t that best alarm clock, but the sooner I got up the sooner I would be able to see more of Yosemite. Just driving through the park yesterday, I had seen enough to know this was going to be my favorite stop so far. The rest of the morning started off great when I woke up to French toast, my favorite breakfast made by chef’s Sarah and Kelly. After a quick clean up the group was ready to hop on a bus and head towards the Visitors Center. Once we were there almost all of us watched a movie about the spirits of Yosemite which gave us a brief history of all the beautiful places the park had to offer. After seeing the portion of the video about the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, I knew I would be satisfied staying in this place forever. Before I could get to the sequoias, I knew that I had a lot of work to get done so the other girls and I headed to Yosemite Lodge hoping to find a nice place to do some work. On our way, we ran into Cody and Jon and they continued with us to the lodge. It was strange seeing animals so comfortable with humans in their homes, Ruby almost ran directly into a deer and it didn’t even seem to notice. After walking through crowds of people we finally decided the best spot to plug in would be a small little lounge that had a few baseball fans watching a game. It started off as a nice quiet place but by the time the afternoon was over it was packed with die heart fans. No longer thinking it was a good place to study, I headed back to camp with Ruby, Jeremy, and Dalton to get in a quick nap. After a quick meal and clean up, the long day of homework ended in the best way possible, with a long hot shower.

October 10, 2012 - Cody J Presny

Didn’t wake up last this morning, maybe I’m getting better at this early to bed early to rise nonsense. I did wake up in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Death Valley, though the name might seem a bit menacing, Death Valley is a wonderfully salty place. I rose to find a one legged grasshopper in my boot, I picked him up and he promptly sprung toward my face, striking me square in the forehead. Of course, I took this as an omen, a spiritual sign if you will. I have been reflecting on the matter on and off all day, but still don’t know what role this phenomenon plays. What I do know is that the obviously weak and injured creature saw my boot as a temple; a place where he would be safe from the imposing threat of death. In finding him, I damned him; I cast him out into the world, a world not fit for a dismembered grasshopper. I most certainly sealed his fate, and for this I feel remorse. If I could have done more I would, but dwelling on things like this is fruitless. I can only take solace in knowing that my boot was a leather sanctuary for this little piece of life, even if it was only for a brief while. I can not dwell on the bad fortune of this sorry soul. I must smile, hope for the best, and carry on his legacy to another day.

October 9, 2012 - Jeremy Naberhaus

(To the beat of the Fresh Prince of Bellaire theme sone) -West Illinois born and raised In Macomb is where I spent most of my days -Reading and studying throwing the Frisbee outside of school. -When an outdoor guy who was up to no good said you want to leave your neighborhood? -I paid the money and my mom got scared She said; “why you only bringing three pair of underwear?” -I whistled for the van and when it came near I finally realized a whole semester with no women or beer. -If anything I thought this van is where? But I thought forget it, yo Jeff give me fresh air. -we pulled up to Death Valley about 60 days later What I am doing now is nothing greater. -The outdoors is my kingdom and I’m finally there I’m out y’all the name is J-bear Jeremy J. Naberhaus