October 15, 2012 - Jon Manuell

When I read this to you all it will be right before our last van ride together because today our destination is Macomb, IL. Today we fill the van for the last time for our last long journey together and even though we will all be busy typing away and working on our critiques and trip plans, I want everyone to think about all the memories and fun we’ve had in this van that’s become a second home. From our first ride in Walmart back in August we’ve formed, stormed, normed, and performed in this van and today we unofficially start adjourning by saying goodbye to our traveling white home. Remember when Jeff first showed us the “organization” of the trailer? We even took pictures to try and remember where everything belonged. Now I could probably find something in that trailer easier than I could in my own room.
Tonight is also our last night of the front country and camping. For the rest of our expedition, camping is no longer “in-tents”. Over this next week and a half I will definitely miss being able to say goodnight to everyone and hearing “Hey…Hey….Hey” from a nearby tent accompanied by the occasional flash of a fuji film. Truthfully, I am excited to wake up warm tomorrow but I will miss every other aspect of sleeping outdoors. Last night I watched the moon travel the sky through our tent . As I watched its dance it was joined by a chorus of coyote howls. In Canada we fell asleep to loons, wolves, and what we thought were bears. Before this trip I would have jumped at rustling sounds nearby me but now I can’t sleep without them and the occasional howl of a wild animal. I will also miss the stars and the many nights I slept with my contacts in even though I shouldn’t just so I could star gaze deep into the night.
It’s been amazing sleeping on the beaches, slinging my hammock in the Sierras, and waking up to frost in Colorado. Looks like I’m going to need to find someone crazy enough to do some winter camping with me soon because I’m not ready to say goodbye.

October 14, 2012 - Kelly Bauer

Day 65 - Sunday - October, 14 2012
Written from the perspective of the cashier at Degman’s Deli…
8:47! This group is getting here earlier and earlier every morning. They’re hard at work already…well, except the one that’s using his laptop as a pillow. He kind of looks homeless. They must have a lot to get done because I’ve never seen people drink so much coffee! They keep calling it hot drink though, I don’t know what that’s all about. This morning seemed like something didn’t go according to their schedule. I overheard the small tan one and I think they were supposed to meet with the great Ranger Shelton but it got pushed back to tomorrow. I hope t isn’t because he was to bust getting interviewed by Oprah again. I really hope they get to meet him, he’s the best interpreter I’ve seen at this park.
11:00…they must be getting restless because they keep getting up to walk through the park for some fresh air.
3:00…I think this group hates the music here just as much as I do. If I have to listen to the Time Warp one more time I am quitting. It seems like these guys are really trying to get a lot of work done so they can make the most of the rest of their time here in Yosemite. I overheard them talking about going on a group hike tomorrow, the weather should be perfect I wish I could join them! They also keep talking about boot dancing?
5:00…They’ve all left back to their campsite, sounds like they’re having chili mac for dinner. Sounds delicious. This Deli’s closed so I’m outta here. Can’t wait to see this crazy bunch again tomorrow.

October 13, 2012 - Sarah Welsh

Sang to the tune of Barenaked Ladies “One Week” It’s been 3 days in Yosemite, Dropped our bags, Kelly and I went to an interp. on trees. 5 hours in the bathroom typing, Paper after paper about this place that we live in. 3 days since Death Valley, Scorpion in the bathroom hope that it don’t sting me. Yesterday saw a bear in a tree, But it’ll still be 2 days that I’m in Yosemite. Hold it now and watch the ground squirrel, He’ll make your fist curl, As he’s sittin’ in our spice kit. Chicken was delish, I prefer the beef, Cause it’s never touched a frying pan. Hot like Saracha when I bust rhymes, Big like Jeffrey Pines, Because I’m all about the value. Jeremy and Will Smith god the mad hits, You try to match wits, you eat French toast and break a belt loop. We cannot fake it, we won’t break it, we will do our best on these critiques. Cooking meals and spinning wheels we’re so tired but we’re hoping for an A or B. We hope the deer will stay clear because Ruby will plow through them. Beginning of the trip we sign a full value contract, we keep our brains intact, but why were typing in the bathroom people have no clue. We cannot help it if they think it’s funny when were there, Printing our papers other campers shoot us blank stares. A ranger brings us on a night walk, We learn of animals traveling on a night stalk. I cannot help it if I wore this outfit yesterday, I got no money and I cannot pay. It’s been 3 days in Yosemite and we still got 2 days in this beautiful country. Still got 2 days in this pretty country. Hope I see a Sequoia it is the one tree, I want to see before we flee. Still be 2 days till we leave Yosemite