Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A day on the river
Exciting Experience
By: Dylan Smythe
& Emily Doyle
As the rapids started to calm I looked around at my surroundings; a kingfisher fluttering up to a branch, squawking at the intrusive rafts entering its hunting ground. The water was very shallow, no more than two or so feet deep.
As we drifted along I looked at the odd formation of rocks that we passed. With a sudden jerk, the raft dodged a fallen tree that over time had collected a lot of fallen leaves. As we neared the last rapid, also the largest, we, the group decided to pull over and walk to an area from where we could see the rapid. It was a three-tier rapid in which you’d flip if you entered the rapid incorrectly.
As I passed through the rapids smoothly with a few splashes on the way, I saw that the other group was soaked! It seemed to be that they went in a little awkwardly. By the time that my group got to the take out, the first group was already loaded and waiting for us.
While reflecting about my experience while rafting, I realized I actually enjoy the cold water while rafting. I realized I’m not as bothered by the cold as some of my classmates. I hope that the next expedition will be as fun as the first on the Appalachian Trail.
By: Dylan Smythe
& Emily Doyle
As the rapids started to calm I looked around at my surroundings; a kingfisher fluttering up to a branch, squawking at the intrusive rafts entering its hunting ground. The water was very shallow, no more than two or so feet deep.
As we drifted along I looked at the odd formation of rocks that we passed. With a sudden jerk, the raft dodged a fallen tree that over time had collected a lot of fallen leaves. As we neared the last rapid, also the largest, we, the group decided to pull over and walk to an area from where we could see the rapid. It was a three-tier rapid in which you’d flip if you entered the rapid incorrectly.
As I passed through the rapids smoothly with a few splashes on the way, I saw that the other group was soaked! It seemed to be that they went in a little awkwardly. By the time that my group got to the take out, the first group was already loaded and waiting for us.
While reflecting about my experience while rafting, I realized I actually enjoy the cold water while rafting. I realized I’m not as bothered by the cold as some of my classmates. I hope that the next expedition will be as fun as the first on the Appalachian Trail.
David's day on the river
On our last expedition we did many exciting activities. We went caving, canoeing, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. Although the other activities we did were very fun, my favorite activities were caving and white water rafting.
Caving was one of my favorites because we got covered in mud and water. It was especially muddy because it had been raining for about two days. There were some parts in the cave where we had to put our entire face underwater. There was a room in the cave where there was mud that you could put on your face. The mud was better then spa quality.
On the walk back to where we were camping after the cave everyone was freezing cold, because we were all wet and it was raining outside. White water rafting was one of my other favorites because it was a relaxing and enjoyable day on the river. When we went white water rafting I got the opportunity to guide the raft for a couple minutes; it was a blast! It took our group about two hours to raft the river. At times it was intense but fun. We all were soaked by the time we were done. I had a awesome time on my last expedition!
David
++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Lesser Wesser
By Trinity Belcher and James Tatman
“One, two, three, four!” yelled Joe, my raft guide. We were rafting the Nantahala River and were on the last rapid, Lesser Wesser: a level three rapid. The waves threw the raft all over the place. I closed my eyes hoping everything would get better, but opened my eyes to what we had just done. The raft had turned around!
We were headed backwards, straight in to the rapid! Everyone screamed as the raft got tossed between rocks, while water was pouring in! With in a split second, the raft had three kids less and I was one of them. The water was extremely cold and when I hit it, it took my breath away. Then I felt something hit my arm and I grabbed it. It was the safety rope; I held on to it for dear life, and within a couple of seconds I was back on land.
Although I wasn’t scared, I would rather that not happen again. I learned that falling out of a raft can be part of the rafting experience, and getting safely out of the river is easier than I thought.
Caving was one of my favorites because we got covered in mud and water. It was especially muddy because it had been raining for about two days. There were some parts in the cave where we had to put our entire face underwater. There was a room in the cave where there was mud that you could put on your face. The mud was better then spa quality.
On the walk back to where we were camping after the cave everyone was freezing cold, because we were all wet and it was raining outside. White water rafting was one of my other favorites because it was a relaxing and enjoyable day on the river. When we went white water rafting I got the opportunity to guide the raft for a couple minutes; it was a blast! It took our group about two hours to raft the river. At times it was intense but fun. We all were soaked by the time we were done. I had a awesome time on my last expedition!
David
++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Lesser Wesser
By Trinity Belcher and James Tatman
“One, two, three, four!” yelled Joe, my raft guide. We were rafting the Nantahala River and were on the last rapid, Lesser Wesser: a level three rapid. The waves threw the raft all over the place. I closed my eyes hoping everything would get better, but opened my eyes to what we had just done. The raft had turned around!
We were headed backwards, straight in to the rapid! Everyone screamed as the raft got tossed between rocks, while water was pouring in! With in a split second, the raft had three kids less and I was one of them. The water was extremely cold and when I hit it, it took my breath away. Then I felt something hit my arm and I grabbed it. It was the safety rope; I held on to it for dear life, and within a couple of seconds I was back on land.
Although I wasn’t scared, I would rather that not happen again. I learned that falling out of a raft can be part of the rafting experience, and getting safely out of the river is easier than I thought.
Andrew's first snow of the year
ANDREW: Waking up in Winter Wonderland
I woke up to a white morning. I felt amazed because it was SNOWING! I woke up at six a.m. and I was completely awake. When I went outside this morning, I immediately said, “burr! Its cold.”
I felt like it was Christmas even though it was only the end of October. There’s a good chance of more snow falling at another time this semester. At six o’ clock in the morning, there was a lot of cold wind blowing on my feet and everywhere else on my body. Since it was so cold outside this morning we cranked the heat up to full blast in the van. It felt like a sauna. According to the weather report, it was 24 degrees in Asheville the day it snowed. I felt like I was in a dusty blizzard. This describes the first snow of the year at SOAR!
By: Cecelia and Andrew
I woke up to a white morning. I felt amazed because it was SNOWING! I woke up at six a.m. and I was completely awake. When I went outside this morning, I immediately said, “burr! Its cold.”
I felt like it was Christmas even though it was only the end of October. There’s a good chance of more snow falling at another time this semester. At six o’ clock in the morning, there was a lot of cold wind blowing on my feet and everywhere else on my body. Since it was so cold outside this morning we cranked the heat up to full blast in the van. It felt like a sauna. According to the weather report, it was 24 degrees in Asheville the day it snowed. I felt like I was in a dusty blizzard. This describes the first snow of the year at SOAR!
By: Cecelia and Andrew
Travis' Poetry
The Bermuda Triangle
A poem by Travis Knopf
Inspired by The sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
An area in the sea
Rougher than skin
A spot on the earth
Meaner than a sin
A triangular shape
With spikes carved from rock
With animals down under
Thrashing in the dark
These monsters are strange creatures
Of every size and shape
Some cannot get through them
They can’t escape their fate
These monsters grab you
And take you to another world
This place can be known
It can be unfurled
The sea of Monsters
For that is what it is called
Is a terrifying place
It Will get you caught
Fear this place
For it may cause your death
But it can be conquered
Your fate is not set
A poem by Travis Knopf
Inspired by The sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
An area in the sea
Rougher than skin
A spot on the earth
Meaner than a sin
A triangular shape
With spikes carved from rock
With animals down under
Thrashing in the dark
These monsters are strange creatures
Of every size and shape
Some cannot get through them
They can’t escape their fate
These monsters grab you
And take you to another world
This place can be known
It can be unfurled
The sea of Monsters
For that is what it is called
Is a terrifying place
It Will get you caught
Fear this place
For it may cause your death
But it can be conquered
Your fate is not set
Cecelia's poetry
The Sunshine after the Storm
Alone in the World
I was accepted by a friend
We were NEVER apart
Our friendship would never bend
Separated by force
We both became distant
We came back tighter
We became consistent
A terrible loss
Brought us to tears
It strengthened our hearts
But cut us with shears
We cried night and day
But after all was done,
Our bond was tighter
The fun had just begun!
WRITTEN BY: Cecelia Portz
EDITED BY: Travis Knopf
+++++++++++++++++++++
Here are the titles to my photos. I hope you enjoy them :)
1. Trinity sitting with Izzy snuggling in her lap.
2. A storm brews over.
3. The overlook after a long day of rock climbing.
4. The cave welcomes us.
5. Secluded from everything except for the beauty of the Earth.
6. The Sun saying “Good morning” from around the corner.
7. Another one of God’s beauties.
8. Canoeing at noon.
9. Sunset of Watauga Lake on the first night of this expedition.
10. Sitting by a nice warm fire keeps us warm from the dropping temperatures surrounding us.
A moment is a treasure
that a picture can capture.
It’s a handful of joy
That is as exciting as a toy.
-Trinity
Alone in the World
I was accepted by a friend
We were NEVER apart
Our friendship would never bend
Separated by force
We both became distant
We came back tighter
We became consistent
A terrible loss
Brought us to tears
It strengthened our hearts
But cut us with shears
We cried night and day
But after all was done,
Our bond was tighter
The fun had just begun!
WRITTEN BY: Cecelia Portz
EDITED BY: Travis Knopf
+++++++++++++++++++++
Here are the titles to my photos. I hope you enjoy them :)
1. Trinity sitting with Izzy snuggling in her lap.
2. A storm brews over.
3. The overlook after a long day of rock climbing.
4. The cave welcomes us.
5. Secluded from everything except for the beauty of the Earth.
6. The Sun saying “Good morning” from around the corner.
7. Another one of God’s beauties.
8. Canoeing at noon.
9. Sunset of Watauga Lake on the first night of this expedition.
10. Sitting by a nice warm fire keeps us warm from the dropping temperatures surrounding us.
A moment is a treasure
that a picture can capture.
It’s a handful of joy
That is as exciting as a toy.
-Trinity
Monday, October 13, 2008
Second Expedtion Newsletter
****************************************************
This last expedition was fun and we even got to spend two days at the Watuga Lake Shelter. On the seventh day, after my friend Cecelia got sick and had to leave the group, we hiked seven miles everyday. After I finished hiking to a different shelter everyday, I felt really tired but I also felt proud of myself because I accomplished something.
Everyday, after I finished hiking, my shoulders and waist felt much more relieved because when I was hiking my backpack was 60-65 pounds, or at least it felt that heavy. This was my first time hiking on the Appalachian Trail. When our group hiked to the top of the mountain, it made me feel good but also it made me feel homesick.
The mountains were HUGE! When we were on the trail, I didn’t see any bugs but I really didn’t want to. When I was on the trail, I really wanted to see wild ponies, a black bear and some deer. I had a lot of fun and I really want to go back by myself someday when I’m older. I had a really amazing time. I felt like this last expedition changed my life forever.
Andrew
************************************************
Hiking on our last expedition was very hard at some points but it was worthwhile. I will remember and cherish the many adventures at SOAR for the rest of my life.
On the Appalachian Trail, we each had roles. We worked very hard everyday to complete our roles to the best of our ability. Each person’s specific role has a responsibility. We worked very hard to fulfill our responsibilities.
We saw lots of bugs, took amazing photos, hiked between ½ and 8 ½ miles everyday. We carried really heavy backpacks with all of our stuff in it along with our group’s gear and four bags of food per person.
We saw beautiful mountain views. Those views made me feel like I was on the top of the world. I could see the sunrise and sunset and clouds. I felt so high like I was an eagle trying to touch the sky.
We learned to take responsibility of ourselves and to be mature enough to be responsible for our actions. During this expedition and even after, we have learned to work better as a team. Even now we argue with each other a lot less than we used to.
Cecelia
****************************************
The last expedition started in Damascus, Virginia, and lasted two weeks until we got to Tennessee. It was the most gorgeous place you can ever imagine. I have always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail and I am so grateful to have had the privilege to do so. The Appalachian Trail has the most beautiful waterfall, trees and leaves you could ever imagine.
The main purpose of this expedition was the hiking. I am not a big fan of hiking but when it comes to beautiful trails like this I don’t mind it as much. I think that it’s a tough sport because if you don’t look where you are going you can get hurt or you can fall. That’s what exactly happened to me. It was a cold morning and I couldn’t think straight so I unexpectedly fell down a hill… not all the way down but half way. It was the most embarrassing moment ever!
The second purpose of this expedition was the waterfall. I think that the main waterfall on the Appalachian Trail is called Dennis Cove. It gave me a lot of solace to be there. Being in nature relieves stress.
The third purpose of this expedition was the backpacking. Wearing those big, heavy backpacks is the most tedious thing to carry on your body. Carrying your food, clothes and cooking equipment is hard work. Not only is backpacking tedious it mostly makes you feel like a barbarian. At least that’s how I felt.
The fourth purpose of this expedition was learning responsibility. Each of us was responsible for having a role. Some of us cooked, some of us cleaned and some of us filtered the water.
The last purpose of this expedition was to learn to appreciate nature. There were multitudes of trees on the hill including poison ivy. Poison ivy is a pretty plant but it isn’t something you would want to grow in the yard of your house. That wouldn’t be a smart thing to do if you don’t want to get rashes all over your body. I discovered that using a walking pole while hiking helps you walk more easily while going uphill.
If I were you and you were bored or something and wanted to be away from civilization I would hike the Appalachian Trail. Check out the huge hills and beauty of the trail, the waterfalls and the beautiful trees. Hope you enjoy this beautiful trail as much as I did.
Check out these websites for more on the Appalachian Trail: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.715465/k.9731/Hike_The_Trail.htm
http://www.fred.net/kathy/at.html
Emily
*************************************
While on expedition, I had to write journals for every day we hiked. For four of the days, I decided to write poems to express what I saw and felt at the time and I would like to share these with anyone who is reading. The poems are titled Sight, Attention, Hidden, and Burning in that order.
Sight
There are some things in this world
That I would like to see.
I want to see some trees of green
And every kind of bee.
I want to watch some flowers bud
And see a llama spitting cud.
But after all of this is done,
Will you come sit with me?
Attention
The thing I hate the most
Is when someone tries
To get attention in
Someone else’s eyes
They try and try and try
Until they finally find
That they will end up getting
A piece of someone’s mind
They think they are the most
important people in the world
but something they shall learn
is about to be unfurled.
They shall soon know
what it means to be friends
and what it really means to be like that
until the very end
Hidden
A trail hidden
By the many leaves fallen.
I see things like this
While I am walking.
A distant path lined
by a fallen log.
I wonder where it leads.
Maybe to a bog?
A mound of dirt
Hidden by some thorns.
I wonder if it hides
Some fossilized horns.
There are many things
That we can’t plainly see.
So you have to look between the lines
In order to see me.
Burning
A fire in the distance
Burning high and bright.
Shining little sparks
Popping in the night.
As smoke blows around me,
Moving towards the sky,
I think to myself,
“I’m a lucky guy!”
I hope you all enjoyed these poems. I know I enjoyed writing them.
While on the trail I did something very funny. I was hiking and I was very far behind the rest of the group. It was raining and was about 5 o’clock. I was very hungry and very homesick. As I was walking, I fell into a trance, something that happens a lot to me. I became detached from myself. The only thing I recognized about the real world was the path. I started a daydream. Instead of hiking the Appalachian Trail, I was walking up my driveway with my suitcases and my backpack. All of the sudden my sister, Molly, came out of the front door with a giant bucket full of trash. She put the bucket down, reached in and started throwing trash at me. She was screaming, “Travis, the Semester is not over. You have to go back to SOAR and continue hiking the A.T.!” As she finished saying that a lettuce head hit me in the head and I snapped back to reality. I stopped to gather my thoughts. I turned around and realized I had a headache. It took me five minutes to realize what had happened. I saw that I had run into a tree! I started hiking and the ten minutes later a stumbled into the shelter with tears in my eyes. The rest of my team congratulated me and I learned a valuable lesson. These group of kids that are here with me are not just random kids. They are my second family.
Travis
****************************************
It is now October the 7th, four days since we got back from the AT. I know that Trinity, David, Travis, and myself have all improved physically and mentally in strength and discipline.
On the expedition, we experienced steep inclines and cold for 50 miles. Rarely did we get a view of the surroundings as it was misty.
I can say that the 50 miles were exciting and very long. I for one enjoyed my time. Some of us in the group were challenged with the trip and… one of us slept on the trail! We got some breath-taking photos.
Today is October 8th and we’re nearing the next expedition. I’m excited for the river trips like the Nanathala. I hope I find some good shots during it. I will also be caving and rock-climbing which should be amazing.
Dylan
*******************************************
This newsletter is about our back packing trip we just had.
I had a great time on expedition because we wanted to have the best time we could have. We had to share a shelter one night because we had tarps and the other hiker did not.
The various bugs we encountered on the trail impressed me. One blue bug was the most interesting. At first I thought it was a new queen ant going to start a new ant colony but later I figured out it had no wings and therefore, it could not have been a queen. We also saw lots of millipedes. I saw a millipede on a tree and took a picture of it.
I already look forward to our next expedition.
By James
**********************************************
On our last expedition I had a great time. We did many things on our expedition. In my opinion the best thing we did was hike. Throughout the expedition we hiked about 51 miles. We started in Damascus, Virginia, and ended in Dennis Cove, Tennessee. Our group hiked approximately six miles a day. Although the hiking was tough for some, we all managed to get through it.
Another good part of our expedition was sight seeing. The things that we saw were beautiful. My favorite place was Watuga Lake. Watuga Lake had sand beaches surrounding the water. The views of Watuga Lake were unbelievable. We also went to Laurel Falls. Laurel Falls were approximately 45 feet tall. They were very pretty. On our expedition I had a fun time.
David
************************************************
Nature is a gem. Nature is exceptional because it’s always changing. Nature is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth and stays beautiful all year round. Its four seasons make it unique. In fall leaves on trees turn various different colors, fall to the ground, and everything turns bare. They’re getting ready for a cold harsh winter. When wintertime comes everyone bundles up! Snow from the sky covers everything in site, while icicles drip from railings and gutters. Frosted in snow, everything looks the same.
As spring comes, everything starts getting their colors back. The snow melts and icicles disappear. The weather begins to cool down and people start loosing layers. It’s like everything is coming back to life. Summer is here! There’s nothing to play in but sand and grass. Trees get all their colors back and the birds start chirping again.
While hiking on the Appalachian Trail we got to experience fall in it’s fullest. It was beautiful! Fall in the South is one of a kind. Everywhere you looked were a gamut of colorful mountains. It was like you were surrounded on every side. The Appalachian Trail has spectacular sites and views. My favorite was from Vandeventer Shelter. It overlooked a drop of 3600 feet and Watuga Lake. It was especially gorgeous at sunrise. It felt like we were walking on clouds and the sun was just peeking over the hills at us. Without a doubt, nature is one of a kind - just like a gem.
Trinity
****************************************************
This last expedition was fun and we even got to spend two days at the Watuga Lake Shelter. On the seventh day, after my friend Cecelia got sick and had to leave the group, we hiked seven miles everyday. After I finished hiking to a different shelter everyday, I felt really tired but I also felt proud of myself because I accomplished something.
Everyday, after I finished hiking, my shoulders and waist felt much more relieved because when I was hiking my backpack was 60-65 pounds, or at least it felt that heavy. This was my first time hiking on the Appalachian Trail. When our group hiked to the top of the mountain, it made me feel good but also it made me feel homesick.
The mountains were HUGE! When we were on the trail, I didn’t see any bugs but I really didn’t want to. When I was on the trail, I really wanted to see wild ponies, a black bear and some deer. I had a lot of fun and I really want to go back by myself someday when I’m older. I had a really amazing time. I felt like this last expedition changed my life forever.
Andrew
************************************************
Hiking on our last expedition was very hard at some points but it was worthwhile. I will remember and cherish the many adventures at SOAR for the rest of my life.
On the Appalachian Trail, we each had roles. We worked very hard everyday to complete our roles to the best of our ability. Each person’s specific role has a responsibility. We worked very hard to fulfill our responsibilities.
We saw lots of bugs, took amazing photos, hiked between ½ and 8 ½ miles everyday. We carried really heavy backpacks with all of our stuff in it along with our group’s gear and four bags of food per person.
We saw beautiful mountain views. Those views made me feel like I was on the top of the world. I could see the sunrise and sunset and clouds. I felt so high like I was an eagle trying to touch the sky.
We learned to take responsibility of ourselves and to be mature enough to be responsible for our actions. During this expedition and even after, we have learned to work better as a team. Even now we argue with each other a lot less than we used to.
Cecelia
****************************************
The last expedition started in Damascus, Virginia, and lasted two weeks until we got to Tennessee. It was the most gorgeous place you can ever imagine. I have always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail and I am so grateful to have had the privilege to do so. The Appalachian Trail has the most beautiful waterfall, trees and leaves you could ever imagine.
The main purpose of this expedition was the hiking. I am not a big fan of hiking but when it comes to beautiful trails like this I don’t mind it as much. I think that it’s a tough sport because if you don’t look where you are going you can get hurt or you can fall. That’s what exactly happened to me. It was a cold morning and I couldn’t think straight so I unexpectedly fell down a hill… not all the way down but half way. It was the most embarrassing moment ever!
The second purpose of this expedition was the waterfall. I think that the main waterfall on the Appalachian Trail is called Dennis Cove. It gave me a lot of solace to be there. Being in nature relieves stress.
The third purpose of this expedition was the backpacking. Wearing those big, heavy backpacks is the most tedious thing to carry on your body. Carrying your food, clothes and cooking equipment is hard work. Not only is backpacking tedious it mostly makes you feel like a barbarian. At least that’s how I felt.
The fourth purpose of this expedition was learning responsibility. Each of us was responsible for having a role. Some of us cooked, some of us cleaned and some of us filtered the water.
The last purpose of this expedition was to learn to appreciate nature. There were multitudes of trees on the hill including poison ivy. Poison ivy is a pretty plant but it isn’t something you would want to grow in the yard of your house. That wouldn’t be a smart thing to do if you don’t want to get rashes all over your body. I discovered that using a walking pole while hiking helps you walk more easily while going uphill.
If I were you and you were bored or something and wanted to be away from civilization I would hike the Appalachian Trail. Check out the huge hills and beauty of the trail, the waterfalls and the beautiful trees. Hope you enjoy this beautiful trail as much as I did.
Check out these websites for more on the Appalachian Trail: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.715465/k.9731/Hike_The_Trail.htm
http://www.fred.net/kathy/at.html
Emily
*************************************
While on expedition, I had to write journals for every day we hiked. For four of the days, I decided to write poems to express what I saw and felt at the time and I would like to share these with anyone who is reading. The poems are titled Sight, Attention, Hidden, and Burning in that order.
Sight
There are some things in this world
That I would like to see.
I want to see some trees of green
And every kind of bee.
I want to watch some flowers bud
And see a llama spitting cud.
But after all of this is done,
Will you come sit with me?
Attention
The thing I hate the most
Is when someone tries
To get attention in
Someone else’s eyes
They try and try and try
Until they finally find
That they will end up getting
A piece of someone’s mind
They think they are the most
important people in the world
but something they shall learn
is about to be unfurled.
They shall soon know
what it means to be friends
and what it really means to be like that
until the very end
Hidden
A trail hidden
By the many leaves fallen.
I see things like this
While I am walking.
A distant path lined
by a fallen log.
I wonder where it leads.
Maybe to a bog?
A mound of dirt
Hidden by some thorns.
I wonder if it hides
Some fossilized horns.
There are many things
That we can’t plainly see.
So you have to look between the lines
In order to see me.
Burning
A fire in the distance
Burning high and bright.
Shining little sparks
Popping in the night.
As smoke blows around me,
Moving towards the sky,
I think to myself,
“I’m a lucky guy!”
I hope you all enjoyed these poems. I know I enjoyed writing them.
While on the trail I did something very funny. I was hiking and I was very far behind the rest of the group. It was raining and was about 5 o’clock. I was very hungry and very homesick. As I was walking, I fell into a trance, something that happens a lot to me. I became detached from myself. The only thing I recognized about the real world was the path. I started a daydream. Instead of hiking the Appalachian Trail, I was walking up my driveway with my suitcases and my backpack. All of the sudden my sister, Molly, came out of the front door with a giant bucket full of trash. She put the bucket down, reached in and started throwing trash at me. She was screaming, “Travis, the Semester is not over. You have to go back to SOAR and continue hiking the A.T.!” As she finished saying that a lettuce head hit me in the head and I snapped back to reality. I stopped to gather my thoughts. I turned around and realized I had a headache. It took me five minutes to realize what had happened. I saw that I had run into a tree! I started hiking and the ten minutes later a stumbled into the shelter with tears in my eyes. The rest of my team congratulated me and I learned a valuable lesson. These group of kids that are here with me are not just random kids. They are my second family.
Travis
****************************************
It is now October the 7th, four days since we got back from the AT. I know that Trinity, David, Travis, and myself have all improved physically and mentally in strength and discipline.
On the expedition, we experienced steep inclines and cold for 50 miles. Rarely did we get a view of the surroundings as it was misty.
I can say that the 50 miles were exciting and very long. I for one enjoyed my time. Some of us in the group were challenged with the trip and… one of us slept on the trail! We got some breath-taking photos.
Today is October 8th and we’re nearing the next expedition. I’m excited for the river trips like the Nanathala. I hope I find some good shots during it. I will also be caving and rock-climbing which should be amazing.
Dylan
*******************************************
This newsletter is about our back packing trip we just had.
I had a great time on expedition because we wanted to have the best time we could have. We had to share a shelter one night because we had tarps and the other hiker did not.
The various bugs we encountered on the trail impressed me. One blue bug was the most interesting. At first I thought it was a new queen ant going to start a new ant colony but later I figured out it had no wings and therefore, it could not have been a queen. We also saw lots of millipedes. I saw a millipede on a tree and took a picture of it.
I already look forward to our next expedition.
By James
**********************************************
On our last expedition I had a great time. We did many things on our expedition. In my opinion the best thing we did was hike. Throughout the expedition we hiked about 51 miles. We started in Damascus, Virginia, and ended in Dennis Cove, Tennessee. Our group hiked approximately six miles a day. Although the hiking was tough for some, we all managed to get through it.
Another good part of our expedition was sight seeing. The things that we saw were beautiful. My favorite place was Watuga Lake. Watuga Lake had sand beaches surrounding the water. The views of Watuga Lake were unbelievable. We also went to Laurel Falls. Laurel Falls were approximately 45 feet tall. They were very pretty. On our expedition I had a fun time.
David
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Nature is a gem. Nature is exceptional because it’s always changing. Nature is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth and stays beautiful all year round. Its four seasons make it unique. In fall leaves on trees turn various different colors, fall to the ground, and everything turns bare. They’re getting ready for a cold harsh winter. When wintertime comes everyone bundles up! Snow from the sky covers everything in site, while icicles drip from railings and gutters. Frosted in snow, everything looks the same.
As spring comes, everything starts getting their colors back. The snow melts and icicles disappear. The weather begins to cool down and people start loosing layers. It’s like everything is coming back to life. Summer is here! There’s nothing to play in but sand and grass. Trees get all their colors back and the birds start chirping again.
While hiking on the Appalachian Trail we got to experience fall in it’s fullest. It was beautiful! Fall in the South is one of a kind. Everywhere you looked were a gamut of colorful mountains. It was like you were surrounded on every side. The Appalachian Trail has spectacular sites and views. My favorite was from Vandeventer Shelter. It overlooked a drop of 3600 feet and Watuga Lake. It was especially gorgeous at sunrise. It felt like we were walking on clouds and the sun was just peeking over the hills at us. Without a doubt, nature is one of a kind - just like a gem.
Trinity
Thursday, October 9, 2008
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