Class Photo

Dylan's photos from the first expedition II

Dylan's photos from the first expedition

First Impressions

There are many things we may see on our expeditions through the Appalachian Trail. We might be able to see a bear, a bat, and many more amazing beings of Nature. We will be on an expedition for two whole weeks so we should see a wide variety of things. We will be traveling through one of the most famous trail mazes in the world. We will be going through valleys that sparkle at the sun’s peak, climbing mountain museums of majestic paintings describing the world around us and we will gaze at stars winking at us in bed. All of these things form beauty beyond your mind’s reach and that is just the beginning. We have already seen waterfalls flowing into majestic pools of color, we have seen views a mountain would crumble to be a part of, and we have seen qualities in each other, the very qualities that bind us together. These are the things that I am becoming a part of for the next three months.

Travis


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On this next expedition, the group will have an interesting and educational experience. We will be hiking part of the Appalachian Trail for fourteen days! By hiking about five miles a day, there will be many sites visited and a variety of spectacular views spotted. For instance, part of the trail that we will be on passes by wild horses! In addition, we will also see birds, fish, small critters, or maybe even bears! By placing ourselves in this environment, it gives us an opportunity to learn more about the world that we live in. For example, we will learn about the different plants and animals that live in the woods surrounding us. During the fourteen days that we will be on the trail, the group will see many spectacular views and beautiful places: waterfalls, overlooks, cliffs and pools of water. The group will also learn a lot of new life skills. Some may be tying a fisherman’s knot, setting up a tent, cooking food with limited supplies, filtering water to drink, or even staying healthy and clean. Another skill we will use will be time management for mealtime and for homework assignments. Without a doubt, the group will have a fun and productive learning time on this next expedition.


Trinity

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I’m exited for my expedition on the Appalachian because of what I might see. On the trail, I hope to see amazing scenic sights and hear wonderful sounds. Ill bet it will be cold up there, but my snow glove is waterproof and is a 0 degree resistant one so I’ll be fine. We are leaving for the trail in 3 days; I’m excited to see it for myself. I hope it will be as fun as it sounds.

Dylan

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On our next expedition we will be going to the Appalachian Trail. I am looking forward to seeing many great things. Some of those things might include wild ponies and other wild animals I am very excited to be granted the opportunity to hike the Appalachian Trail. We will be hiking approximately 4 to7 miles a day while we are on the trail. We will be on this expedition for 14 days. I also am looking forward to be moving every night, so we will not be sleeping in the same location through out this expedition. I believe that it is a lifetime experience that most people may not have a chance to do. I think my favorite part of the trip will be the spectacular sight seeing. We will be able to see many awesome things. Some of which include seeing waterfalls, and maybe even looking down from the peak of the mountain. I am hoping I will learn how to survive in the wilderness. Some of the things I also hope I will learn are how to build fires, and maybe even learn how to filter water with out using the normal filters. I am really looking forward to having a fun and safe time on the trail!

David

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The last expedition we went on was to Panther Town. The hiking trails were easy on our way in, but as we finished they got harder. We did many day hikes. We went to many waterfalls. Some of the waterfalls had slides you could go down. We were able to walk behind one waterfall. The waterfalls were really cold. I had a good time in Panther Town.

James

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I enjoyed hiking in Panther Town during our last expedition. The hills were beautiful but they were a challenge to hike.

You can see more about Panther Town here:

http://www.travelbygps.com/premium/cashiers/panthertown.php


The beauty of the waterfalls was unforgettable. They were perfect for rest stops and also for fun. I can see why some people refer to Panther Town as the “Yosemite of the East.”

Emily

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Our first of various expeditions was spent at Panther Town. We walked almost 16 miles in four days. We hiked up mountains and saw amazing views and slid down two natural waterslides made of rocks. I jumped off a rock even though I was scared. Once I jumped off the first time I wanted to do it over and over again. It was much more fun after I jumped off the rock each time.

On our next expedition we’ll hike the Appalachian Trail. I think I’ll have a good time even though at times it will be difficult for me. I think together as a group, we’ll do a really good job. I think that working together as a team will make us stronger as a whole. I think we are going to Damascus, Virginia, as well as other areas in North Carolina. On our last expedition we had an amazing time so I have no doubt we’ll have a great time on this expedition.

Cecelia

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Panthertown Mini-expedition:

I really liked going behind the waterfall at Schoolhouse Falls. The waterfall is so big and fast that you can’t see people when they’re behind it. The hike was awesome, except for going back up the hill to get back to our van. We tried to convince Mark to drive the van down, but he wouldn’t budge.

I am really excited about going on big hikes in Virginia during our first AT expedition. I wonder what the shelters will be like along the trail. I hope we meet some neat people on the trail.

Andrew